Speak Truth And Yet Not Believe It…

Is it possible to speak truth and yet not believe it? Yes, hypocrisy has that effect. There are many examples of this throughout scripture. Here’s one of them. The religious leaders call Jesus an honest, impartial person Who doesn’t play favorites. They even go as far as saying He teaches God’s ways truthfully. All of these are 100% accurate, yet they refused to embrace Him. Why? Because that would mean they would have to change. Isn’t this the reason why every single human being on this planet rejects God? Submitting our will to His will goes against our sinful nature. “I want to do it my way”, is the humanistic mantra. When it’s all said and done, and people are permanently cast out of God’s presence, the reason will be the song they chose to live out instead of embracing the truth they spoke but did not believe. It’s a popular song sung by Frank Sinatra, “I did it my way”. One reason it’s so important to stay connected to Jesus (the vine), is for its life giving abilities to recognize and believe (embrace) the truth.

13 Later the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap Jesus into saying something for which He could be arrested. 14 “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest You are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us–is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?”Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you trying to trap Me? Show Me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you.” 16 When they handed it to Him, He asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”“Caesar’s,” they replied.17 “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”His reply completely amazed them. Mark 12:13-17

God Can Be Trusted….

God can be trusted in everything He does; to meet our needs, to protect us, to honor us, to comfort us, to teach us, to be our advocate, to heal us, to discipline us, to infuse hope in us, in any and every situation. Do you trust Him?

4 For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything He does. Psalms 33:4

Prone To Follow Our Own Desires….

Without God, man is prone to defiling himself. Look around; sexual sins run rampant. Violence in the name of justice. Abuse. Hypocrisy in the name of political correctness. And on and on. Without the Holy Spirit, man will try to fill the void; he will worship whatever he thinks is worthy. Man is fickle. We are fickle. Without God we are prone to follow our own desires. That’s one of the benefits of having the Holy Spirit in our lives, He helps us manage our selfishness.

37 Then the Lord said to Moses, 38 “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: Throughout the generations to come you must make tassels for the hems of your clothing and attach them with a blue cord. 39 When you see the tassels, you will remember and obey all the commands of the Lord instead of following your own desires and defiling yourselves, as you are prone to do. 40 The tassels will help you remember that you must obey all my commands and be holy to your God. 41 I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt that I might be your God. I am the Lord your God!” Numbers 15:37-41

Wealth Usually Keeps Us Away From God…

No matter what the world tries to tell us, money can’t and won’t save us on Judgement Day. Money has a tendency to make us believe we can say “No” to God. It falsely gives us a sense of security. We believe if we have enough, or a little more, we will be all right. This isn’t true. Having wealth usually keeps us away from God. Rich people believe in their comforts here on this earth so much that Heaven becomes a threat to them. They think “Heaven may not be as comfortable as it is here”, so they don’t want to go. However, poor people think “anything is better than here”, so they long for Heaven. Jesus did say that it’s easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven. Don’t put your trust in the mighty dollar, it won’t save you. Use money to meet your needs, but do not buy into the notion that it can save your soul. Only Jesus can do that. Get right with Him today, and start living real life.

4 Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. Proverbs 11:4

21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 24 I’ll say it again–it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Matthew 19:21-24

Where Love Can’t Reside….

Here’s a simple lesson. Pride is selfishness on display. Selfishness says, “me me me me”. When there’s too many MEs in the situation, there’s no room for anything else. If the opposite of love is selfishness, when we are prideful, it keeps us in a place where love can’t reside, for it has to room. Pride keeps love out of the picture. Over time, it destroys anything that love has built. 2 Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Infidelity….

Could you imagine how much infidelity would be reduced if the process was initiated in American culture? The reason why we have so much unfaithfulness in marriages is twofold. First, few honor their commitments any more. Marriage is seen as a piece of paper, not a vow taken seriously, even though people won’t admit the pain and suffering divorce causes. Second, and more importantly, there’s no one to be accountable to, God isn’t real, so “I can do as I please”. If people were honest with themselves, and took their marriage vows seriously, being accountable to God first and foremost, divorce wouldn’t be a concept in people’s minds. It wouldn’t be considered an option when you “feel” like you’ve fallen out of love. Marriage takes work. It takes commitment. And regardless of what modern day people think, you are responsible to God for your vow, regardless if you believe in Him or not. Just think, if there was a method of testing infidelity, or lying, or slandering, or greed, or covetousness, do you think people would be so flippant in rushing into practicing those kinds of sinful behavior? Holding people account has it purpose, as does forgiveness. What matters most when it comes to freedom, isn’t exercising our rights, it’s being responsible with it. Just because we can, doesn’t always mean we should. Just because we have the right to do, doesn’t mean it trumps another’s right to do the same. Our responsibility to treat our neighbor as ourselves, applies this concept. God’s ways are always better than our ways. There’s proof in that.

And the Lord said to Moses, 12 “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.“Suppose a man’s wife goes astray, and she is unfaithful to her husband 13 and has sex with another man, but neither her husband nor anyone else knows about it. She has defiled herself, even though there was no witness and she was not caught in the act. 14 If her husband becomes jealous and is suspicious of his wife and needs to know whether or not she has defiled herself, 15 the husband must bring his wife to the priest. He must also bring an offering of two quarts of barley flour to be presented on her behalf. Do not mix it with olive oil or frankincense, for it is a jealousy offering–an offering to prove whether or not she is guilty.16 “The priest will then present her to stand trial before the Lord. 17 He must take some holy water in a clay jar and pour into it dust he has taken from the Tabernacle floor. 18 When the priest has presented the woman before the Lord, he must unbind her hair and place in her hands the offering of proof–the jealousy offering to determine whether her husband’s suspicions are justified. The priest will stand before her, holding the jar of bitter water that brings a curse to those who are guilty. 19 The priest will then put the woman under oath and say to her, ‘If no other man has had sex with you, and you have not gone astray and defiled yourself while under your husband’s authority, may you be immune from the effects of this bitter water that brings on the curse. 20 But if you have gone astray by being unfaithful to your husband, and have defiled yourself by having sex with another man–’21 “At this point the priest must put the woman under oath by saying, ‘May the people know that the Lord’s curse is upon you when he makes you infertile, causing your womb to shrivel and your abdomen to swell. 22 Now may this water that brings the curse enter your body and cause your abdomen to swell and your womb to shrivel.’ And the woman will be required to say, ‘Yes, let it be so.’ 23 And the priest will write these curses on a piece of leather and wash them off into the bitter water. 24 He will make the woman drink the bitter water that brings on the curse. When the water enters her body, it will cause bitter suffering if she is guilty.25 “The priest will take the jealousy offering from the woman’s hand, lift it up before the Lord, and carry it to the altar. 26 He will take a handful of the flour as a token portion and burn it on the altar, and he will require the woman to drink the water. 27 If she has defiled herself by being unfaithful to her husband, the water that brings on the curse will cause bitter suffering. Her abdomen will swell and her womb will shrink, and her name will become a curse among her people. 28 But if she has not defiled herself and is pure, then she will be unharmed and will still be able to have children.29 “This is the ritual law for dealing with suspicion. If a woman goes astray and defiles herself while under her husband’s authority, 30 or if a man becomes jealous and is suspicious that his wife has been unfaithful, the husband must present his wife before the Lord, and the priest will apply this entire ritual law to her. 31 The husband will be innocent of any guilt in this matter, but his wife will be held accountable for her sin.” Numbers 5:11-31

God’s Way Is Far Superior….

Imagine if everyone on earth behaved in such a way it resembled this passage. Imagine if people apologized to those they’ve done wrong. Imagine if they paid full restitution to them as well. Wouldn’t the world be a better place? Accountability is paramount in the life of a believer. We live life knowing we are responsible to God. Not a perfect life, just a forgiven, grace-filled one. God’s way is far superior to man’s way. When we are lead by His Spirit, the world takes notice, because we give them a small glimpse of what God is like.

5 Then the Lord said to Moses, 6 “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the people–men or women–betray the Lord by doing wrong to another person, they are guilty. 7 They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20  percent and returning it to the person who was wronged. Numbers 5:5-7

Drying Off With A Wet Towel….

For the skeptical heart that just wants to stir the pot, no answers that will satisfy will be given. Unless a man resolves in his heart to seek out God honestly, he will never find satisfaction. He will never find peace. He will never find wholeness. God doesn’t work that way. Jesus spoke in parables for a reason. If people didn’t take the time to want to know the meaning of each parable, they would never be able to know. Unless a man decides that he will accept God on God’s terms, he will never know Him. Jesus knew the Pharisee’s hearts. He knew their demand for a sign wasn’t because they truly wanted to believe in Him. Jesus responded by not giving them a sign. If you truly want to test yourself when it comes to the genuineness of your heart, ask yourself these questions, “when God speaks, will I listen?”, “When God speaks am I willing to accept whatever He asks of me?”, “When God speaks, am I willing to suffer in order to accomplish His will?” Unless you answer “yes” to these questions, you may have more in common with the Pharisees than the Disciples. Does this mean you will suffer if you subject yourself to God? Not necessarily. The point is are you willing to listen, to serve, and to suffer for God? You may never have to experience great suffering, but are you willing? That is a very good indicator that you’re heart is aligned with the Spirit of God, and your faith is still in fertile soil. When your skeptical about God, your heart needs attention. When you’re focused on yourself, you’re distracted from the path. Your heart needs to be fed. A slice of humble pie may just satisfy the nourishment it needs. Your eyes need spiritual glasses, in order to see the obstacles in your path that need avoiding. God’s ways are not our ways. Until we learn this and subject ourselves to His Authority, understanding, accepting, and embracing His ways are impossible. Understanding God with a hardened heart is like drying off with a wet towel. It just ain’t gonna happen.

11 When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had arrived, they came and started to argue with Him. Testing Him, they demanded that He show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove His authority.12 When He heard this, He sighed deeply in His spirit and said, “Why do these people keep demanding a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, I will not give this generation any such sign.” 13 So He got back into the boat and left them, and He crossed to the other side of the lake. 14 But the disciples had forgotten to bring any food. They had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat. 15 As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.”16 At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. 17 Jesus knew what they were saying, so He said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? 18 ‘You have eyes–can’t you see? You have ears–can’t you hear?’ Don’t you remember anything at all?19 When I fed the 5 ,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?”“Twelve,” they said.20 “And when I fed the 4 ,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”“Seven,” they said.21 “Don’t you understand yet?” He asked them. Mark 8:11-21

Garbage In, Garbage Out….

I’ve always believed that protecting our heart is the most important thing. What you allow in it, will eventually come out of it. All evil comes from within the heart. Hatred, violence, and slandering, all come from the heart. Its where selfishness originates. In today’s society we see a lot of hostility and anger being played out. It comes from the heart. When you see it don’t believe the message being portrayed unless you know the objective is godly. If the objective is biblical, if it matches God’s character, then it‘s good. If it doesn’t resemble God, then it’s from Satan. It takes a discerning heart to see the difference. And the only way we obtain the spiritual sight to discern truth from falsehood is by protecting what we allow in our hearts. Fill it with Jesus, and you will become more like Him. Fill it with anything else, and you’ll defile yourself over time. What we “pay” attention too, we take it in and become like it. If you really think about it, we “pay” for our attention, and that payment has rewards and consequences. The word defile means to spoil, or corrupt/damage. As the “techie” talk goes, “garbage in, garbage out “. Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. It’s the most important thing you’ll ever do as a believer.

14 Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” He said, “and try to understand. 15 It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”1617 Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and His disciples asked Him what He meant by the parable He had just used. 18 “Don’t you understand either?” He asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you?19 Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, He declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)20 And then He added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. 21 For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder,22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”  Mark 7:14-23

Why Integrity Matters….

Do you ever wonder why integrity matters? It matters because it’s the fuel that helps us endure. It’s motivation to continue when our “feelings” tell us to quit. It’s the resolve that keeps us focused knowing its Author is watching and is pleased that we are portraying His character. It’s consistency that backs us up when we are tired and worn down mentally. It’s routine that breeds familiarity when confusion wants to disorient us. It’s strength in times we may feel weak. Integrity is walking alongside the Lord. It’s our stronghold that keeps us moving forward when the world wants us to stop. Integrity matters as a believer. Without it, it’s impossible to serve God. Why does integrity matter? It’s God’s prescribed way that we, who are called by Him, should live. It’s our way of showing our gratitude and love towards God. It’s our way of showing ourselves Who’s #1 in our own lives. It’s our way of imitating Jesus, giving the world a glimpse of what He is like. Integrity matters, and it has no holiday. Choose to walk in it today.

29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked. Proverbs 10:29

True Strength….

The older I get the more I realize that true strength, the kind that helps us endure, the kind that helps us cope, the kind that helps us stand, and the kind that helps us fight against evil, only comes from God. And it’s disguised as human weakness. The best place to build strength is not in a gym or in a high intensity workout, it’s on our knees in prayer asking God to empower us with His Spirit. What the world perceives as weakness (admitting our faults and inability to cope) is really the conduit in which God infuses us with His strength.

11 The Lord gives His people strength.The Lord blesses them with peace. Psalms 29:11

Being More Concerned With Your PR….

Hypocrisy has always been an issue. It’s just changed it’s name. Today hypocrisy is better known as “political correctness”. Jesus calls out the Pharisees’ hypocrisy here. Doing something to “save face” isn’t really a good reason to do it. How often do we see today man-made ideas pushed into the mainstream that are purposely presented to be a substitute for God’s standards? Or how many times do we see evil rewarded in the name of “progression”? Or love being converted into tolerance? Disagreeing with someone doesn’t mean you hate them. And loving someone doesn’t mean you accept every aspect to their behavior. Jesus confronted these religious leaders because they were more concerned with man-made traditions than they were with God’s law. They were pretenders, whose hearts didn’t really know God. If they did, they would’ve recognized Who Jesus really was. Being PC may earn us brownie points with the world, but will only drive us further away from what matters most, God Himself. Stop pretending. Get right with God. Instead of pursuing political correctness, how about being more concerned with your PR, personal responsibility (to God).

1 One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. 2 They noticed that some of His disciples failed to follow the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. 3 (The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands, as required by their ancient traditions. 4 Similarly, they don’t eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to–such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.)5 So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked Him, “Why don’t Your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony.”6 Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor Me with their lips,but their hearts are far from Me.7 Their worship is a farce,for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’ 8 For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”9 Then He said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition. 10 For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’ 11 But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ 12 In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents.13 And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.” Mark 7:1-13

The American Gospel….

The American Gospel has twisted the Biblical Gospel enormously. One particular area is sharing the truth in love with others. When people refuse to listen, slandering Christ followers for their belief, the Americanized Gospel tells us to feel bad, try to compensate the offender by convincing them that Jesus will make their life better. The Biblical Gospel tells us to handle rejection by shaking the dust off of our shoes as a sign to show the offender they have been abandoned to their fate. They have rejected God, so God has rejected them. Our disassociation with them is evidence that we stand on opposite sides. That’s huge. Should we feel bad? No, just sad that these people will miss out on eternity’s blessings (what they could have). Then we should focus our attention on those we haven’t met yet, that will receive our message with joy. We need to stick with the Biblical Gospel. It’s worked for centuries, and doesn’t need to be altered.

7 And He called His twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. 8 He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick–no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. 9 He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.10 “Wherever you go,” He said, “stay in the same house until you leave town.11 But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”12 So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. 13 And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil. Mark 6:7-13

A Way That Actually Accomplishes The Goal….

These proverbs speak volumes. Discipline is huge. I look around and see very little discipline anywhere. Education is one of the biggest offenders of this principle. People have gone astray, and our government rewards them for evil behavior. If the divide in America could be summarized in a few short words, it would be good vs evil. It’s that simple. People are fighting for their right to do evil, while others who oppose them are fighting for what’s right. The core problem goes much deeper. All of the BLM movement is just a disguise for hiding hatred. What’s the difference between the hatred they use (display), to fight the hatred they say they are against? What’s the difference between the violence they use, from the violence they are fighting against? Honestly, like it says right here, slandering others makes you a liar and a fool. When hatred is hidden, division follows. Be one that accepts discipline. Better yet, as I’ve always said, “discipline yourself, so others won’t have to”. Do it God’s way and it will lead to life, not death. Stop fighting, and start disciplining yourself to live a way that actually accomplishes the goal.

17 People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. 18 Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool. Proverbs 10:17-18

Why Would They Want Jesus To Leave Them?

I have always wondered why the crowd, that was witnessing the after-effects of the demon-possessed man, pleaded with Jesus to leave their area. Jesus cast out the demon(s) in the man into a herd of pigs, that ended up drowned in a lake. They witnessed with their own eyes the once possessed, now sane and calm, man acting as normal as they were. Why would they want Jesus to leave them? Why would they want Someone Who could work miracles to not stay and work more miracles for them? Probably for the same reason Peter did when he experienced the power and holiness of Jesus. Peter words speak volumes for how sinners respond to Holiness, “ oh Lord, please leave me – I’m too much of a sinner to be around You”. God’s Holiness, by comparison, reveals our unholiness. When we are not in right standing with God, it makes us feel the weight of our guilt and shame. We tend to run away from God so we don’t have to experience these feelings of inadequacy. It’s probably the reason why the people wanted Jesus to leave. How often do we do the same? The problem is when you’re not in a right standing with God, running away only compounds the problem. We need to run to God, for He is the only One able to forgive us of our sin. When we do run toward God, we find Him waiting with open arms ready to forgive. That’s why Jesus is so important. He is the reason God waits with open arms. It represents what Jesus did on the cross, which reveals His enormous love for us. Oh, how so many never understand, and thus keep themselves from ever experiencing forgiveness. Do not be like the people wanting Jesus to leave. Invite Him in, no, run to Him. He’s waiting with outstretched arms.

14 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened. 15 A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 16 Then those who had seen what happened told the others about the demon-possessed man and the pigs. 17 And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with Him. 19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful He has been.” 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.  Mark 5:14

The Remedy For Selfishness…

In our current times, hatred is everywhere. We have people telling us we need to unite, but the hatred they promote won’t allow unity to take place. Hatred is a symptom of a bigger problem. And hatred cannot drive out hatred. It’s simple math, 1+1=2. Hatred + more hatred= a lot of hatred. The only remedy for hatred is it’s opposite. Hatred is just outward evidence of its root problem, selfishness. The remedy for selfishness is love. I’m not talking about the shallow, inaccurate, and incomplete persona of love mentioned everywhere today, like the “love is love” propaganda. I’m talking about the LOVE Jesus displayed and preached about. For perfect love drives our fear (1 John 4:18). And love makes up for all offenses (1 Peter 4:8). Love is selfless. And that love cares enough to do the hard things, like rebuke a wrong, and call out sinful behavior. That’s the side of love that few ever hear about, or come to know. Love means being willing to get our hands dirty for the sake of another. That’s why it’s the only solution to hatred. Love someone today, and watch unity arise, and hatred lose its drive.

12 Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. Proverbs 10:12

Come And Talk With Me…..

When you seek God wholeheartedly, you hear Him say, “Come and talk with me”. How often have you experienced this?

8 My heart has heard You say, “Come and talk with Me. ”And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalms 27:8

On The Altar Of Self….

Is it possible that abortion could be seen as child sacrifice? Like the Israelites in the days of Moses, God specifically instructed them not to sacrifice their sons and daughters to this false god. But people did. Their punishment was death. The people were instructed to not allow this grievous sin. If they did, God would punish them too. You say, “how is abortion the equivalent of sacrificing children to another god?’ Simply put, babies are aborted every day for selfish reasons. You could state it like this: “abortions are the sacrificing of babies to the god of SELF”. Do you think God is happy when a baby is aborted? When human beings step into the role of God, and sacrifice their own “flesh and blood” on the altar of SELF, God says “you will be accountable for the shedding of innocent blood.” I don’t think there’s any difference, Satan just does a better job of deceiving people in how they see it.

The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Give the people of Israel these instructions, which apply both to native Israelites and to the foreigners living in Israel.“If any of them offer their children as a sacrifice to Molech, they must be put to death. The people of the community must stone them to death. 3 I Myself will turn against them and cut them off from the community, because they have defiled My sanctuary and brought shame on My holy name by offering their children to Molech. 4 And if the people of the community ignore those who offer their children to Molech and refuse to execute them, 5 I Myself will turn against them and their families and will cut them off from the community. This will happen to all who commit spiritual prostitution by worshiping Molech. Leviticus 20:1-5

Judge People Fairly….

Judge people fairly. Do not twist justice. Do not favor one over another or be partial. Do not slander or gossip. Do not stand by and do nothing when your neighbor needs help. Do not nurse hatred in your heart. Confront people directly about their sin. Do not seek revenge. Do not bear a grudge. Love your neighbor as yourself. If I asked you where these come from, you’d be correct in answering the Bible. But if I asked you where, you might be surprised. Most would say, Jesus said these. Yes, He did, but these commands come from Leviticus. God doesn’t change. His standard is the standard. His character remains the same. His values and commands serve His character. Do you see these qualities in your life? Even though we don’t see these practiced much today in America, it doesn’t mean we can’t put them on display for all to see. When people see these being displayed in us, it will give them a glimpse of their Creator. God is Holy, set apart. When we act on His character it shows the world there is another way to live.

1 The Lord also said to Moses, 2 “Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.3 “Each of you must show great respect for your mother and father, and you must always observe My Sabbath days of rest. I am the Lord your God.4 “Do not put your trust in idols or make metal images of gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.5 “When you sacrifice a peace offering to the Lord, offer it properly so you will be accepted by God. 6 The sacrifice must be eaten on the same day you offer it or on the next day. Whatever is left over until the third day must be completely burned up. 7 If any of the sacrifice is eaten on the third day, it will be contaminated, and I will not accept it. 8 Anyone who eats it on the third day will be punished for defiling what is holy to the Lord and will be cut off from the community.9 “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. 10 It is the same with your grape crop–do not strip every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.11 “Do not steal.“Do not deceive or cheat one another.12 “Do not bring shame on the name of your God by using it to swear falsely. I am the Lord.13 “Do not defraud or rob your neighbor.“Do not make your hired workers wait until the next day to receive their pay.14 “Do not insult the deaf or cause the blind to stumble. You must fear your God; I am the Lord.15 “Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly.16 “Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people.“Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord.17 “Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin.18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:1-18

Hands That Shed Innocent Blood…

In the OT it states that blood is the life-force inside of all living creatures. When an animal is killed it served a purpose, to be consumed as food, or as a sacrifice offering to God as an atonement for sin (which was only temporary). If an animal was killed for any other reason the life-blood was wasted. Blood represents the essence of life. Therefore shedding innocent blood was a sin that angered God. It served no purpose. Any time someone wants to justify Abortion, it’s a sin. It serves no purpose, even though people will try to argue that it does. It’s not for nutritional consumption. It’s not for a sacrificial atonement. Therefore, it’s like sacrificing to other gods, specifically the god of SELF (exactly what Satan wants). GOD HATES HANDS THAT SHED INNOCENT BLOOD.

10 “And if any native Israelite or foreigner living among you eats or drinks blood in any form, I will turn against that person and cut him off from the community of your people, 11 for the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible. 12 That is why I have said to the people of Israel, ‘You must never eat or drink blood–neither you nor the foreigners living among you.’13 “And if any native Israelite or foreigner living among you goes hunting and kills an animal or bird that is approved for eating, he must drain its blood and cover it with earth. 14 The life of every creature is in its blood. That is why I have said to the people of Israel, ‘You must never eat or drink blood, for the life of any creature is in its blood.’ So whoever consumes blood will be cut off from the community. Leviticus 17:10-14

What I Should Know About Myself…

When it comes to Who I choose to listen to, I choose the One that the wind and waves obey. What Jesus says, He means. It wouldn’t be recorded if it wasn’t of the utmost importance. Every single time I come across words of Christ, I listen intently. Why? Because He is the Author of life. He knows my story from beginning to end. He knows how my story turns out. And He reveals to me what I should know about myself. If you want to truly know yourself, know your Maker. Jesus is Lord.

35 As evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t You care that we’re going to drown?”39 When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey Him!” Mark 4:35-41

Having A Receptive Heart….

Having a receptive heart is key in maintaining healthy relationships. This is especially true with our walk with the Lord. How many times have you been so busy that you missed a cry (a need) coming from another person? They mention some sort of disappointment or distress, and you missed it? What about when you were fully locked into the conversation, and you connected with that person? You heard the cry, recognized it, and responded appropriately? That’s what it means to have a receptive heart. Not allowing tiredness, time, busyness, or distractions to tune out others. God designed us to be receptive, and to listen to our conscience. When we take this for granted, we miss out. We fall short of experiencing what God designed for us to live out. A receptive heart is gold. It isn’t controlled by time or circumstances. The only thing that taints a receptive heart is selfishness. Do you struggle with this? Take heed. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us. He is our companion. He walks along side of us, and help us “manage our selfishness”. And the key is to be under His control. This is so foreign to us because control is seen as a bad thing. Think about it this way. If you are on vacation and you’re exploring an unknown place, or doing some activity you’ve never done before, why do you pay experts or guides to help you? The Holy Spirit’s purpose is to lead us into all Truth. He does exactly what Jesus did. His intent is for our best. If people pay guides and experts to help educate and enjoy the environment they are in, why don’t we have the same receptivity to the Holy Spirit? Having a receptive heart is key to living life to the fullest. It helps relationships thrive. It helps us escape the trap selfishness brings with it. And it’s the only way to fully experience our Creator.

21 Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. 22 For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”24 Then He added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given–and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” Mark 4:21-25

No matter How Much You Feed It….

When you speak truth, you never have to worry about what you said. When you speak lies, you’re always subjected to keeping them fed. Falsehood has an insatiable appetite, it can’t be satisfied no matter how much you feed it. Eventually, the stakes are raised to a level that the human spirit cannot bear, and it all comes tumbling down, crushing you to pieces. A lie will only keep your attention until the cost surpasses your ability to pay it. In God’s economy, integrity has no holiday. Walking in integrity paves a safe and protected path.

9 People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall. Proverbs 10:9

When God Calls Something A Detestable Sin….

No matter what anyone tries to tell you about homosexuality, and all it’s forms, God says it’s a detestable sin. Practicing such acts are perverse and defiling. When it comes to God’s word versus man’s rationalization of his sin, there isn’t really a choice, is there? When you allow detestable sins to be openly practiced, and even promoted to the youngest of children, God is angered. He will not stand for it. Maybe America’s consequences is our current (2021) leadership. The most evil set of people ever assembled. Their policies will continue to erode what’s left of the moral threads that fashioned our republic. God’s word doesn’t need a translator. When He calls something a sin, it’s wrong. When God calls something a detestable sin, there’s no room for rationalization.

22 “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.23 “A man must not defile himself by having sex with an animal. And a woman must not offer herself to a male animal to have intercourse with it. This is a perverse act.24 “Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, for the people I am driving out before you have defiled themselves in all these ways. 25 Because the entire land has become defiled, I am punishing the people who live there. I will cause the land to vomit them out. 26 You must obey all My decrees and regulations. You must not commit any of these detestable sins. This applies both to native-born Israelites and to the foreigners living among you.27 “All these detestable activities are practiced by the people of the land where I am taking you, and this is how the land has become defiled. 28 So do not defile the land and give it a reason to vomit you out, as it will vomit out the people who live there now. 29 Whoever commits any of these detestable sins will be cut off from the community of Israel. 30 So obey My instructions, and do not defile yourselves by committing any of these detestable practices that were committed by the people who lived in the land before you. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 18:22-30

Forgiveness Granted, Not Gained….

Christianity is different from all other religions. Authenticity is measured by what comes out of the heart. Christianity is only real to those who’s hearts are receptive to God’s calling. It’s not an intellectual faith, even though there are religious sects that exist based on that premise. It’s a relational faith. One that substitutes forgiveness granted, not gained. It’s a faith and understanding that only grows from being “born again”. If you are not worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth, you will not see, you will not learn, you will not understand, and thus you will not be forgiven. Spiritual sight comes from God alone. If your heart isn’t right with God, you’ll never be able to grow spiritually. If Jesus isn’t part of your daily life, you’re only pretending to be “Christian”. There is no room in Heaven for pretenders. You either give God the right to rule in your heart, or you don’t. It’s an all or nothing transaction. It doesn’t cost money, just your life. Which soil are you planting your seeds in?

1 Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around Him, so He got into a boat. Then He sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. 2 He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:3 “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed.4 As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it.5 Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow.6 But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died.7 Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain.8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”9 Then He said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”10 Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked Him what the parables meant.11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, 12 so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: ‘When they see what I do,they will learn nothing.When they hear what I say,they will not understand.Otherwise, they will turn to Meand be forgiven.’” 13 Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables? 14 The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.15 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away.16 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy.17 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.18 The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word,19 but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.20 And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Mark 4:1-20

On His Behalf….

When you read this Psalm it’s easy to get confused about what it says. It’s very easy to adopt a legalistic attitude. Jesus was put on trial. He was cross-examined. There was no evidence of Him being guilty. However, He was still crucified. That means an innocent man suffered and died. It’s His sacrificial death that gives us the ability to be forgiven. Once forgiven, we can declare our innocence for it is substituted upon us by Jesus. It’s like Jesus stands before God innocent. We stand before God guilty. Jesus steps in front of us, and God declares us innocent because He paid the fine for our trespass. God sees Jesus in front of us, and thus declares us righteous on His behalf. Some how David knew this, and wrote about it in this very Psalm. His attitude was that of Jesus’ attitude. He didn’t think lying was right. He hated hypocrisy. He didn’t join in with evil behavior. And he didn’t hang out with wicked people. And most importantly, he did all of this with the mindset of Jesus, humility with gratitude. It’s the only way it can work. Without Jesus, legalism results. We don’t live by rules, we live by faith. And faith in Jesus sets us above the law. David knew this and wrote about it often. Do you have this kind of faith? Ask God to infuse you with the confidence David had in God. David trusted God with his own life. Do you?

1 Declare me innocent, O Lord,for I have acted with integrity;I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.2 Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.Test my motives and my heart.3 For I am always aware of Your unfailing love,and I have lived according to Your truth.4 I do not spend time with liarsor go along with hypocrites.5 I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,and I refuse to join in with the wicked. Psalms 26:1-5

When We Practice Honesty…

When we trust God, and walk in His ways, He protects us from disgrace in ways we may never fully grasp. When we practice honesty, and walk with integrity, our reputation may be attacked, but it will be preserved while the opposition retreats in shame.

20 Protect me! Rescue my life from them!Do not let me be disgraced, for in You I take refuge.21 May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in You. Psalms 25:20-21

Grace To The Humble, Law To The Proud…

Being a Christian can be confusing at times. It can also be disheartening as well. Take for instance witnessing, speaking truth. When we speak truth there will be several reactions to it. First, people will oppose it, laugh at you, and try to make you feel stupid for believing it. Second, people will question it, either wanting to know more, or combating it with worldly logic. Lastly, there will be those who think they know it all, every answer, and think you don’t know what you’re talking about. These reactions can take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. What we have to remember is this: people who realize they are sick need to be pointed towards the path that leads to a physician, where healing is possible. Those that think they are healthy (spiritually speaking) don’t need directions. The way you tell the difference, and helps determine your approach, is how they react when you present the truth. If they respond with pride and legalism, you present the law to them (to show them their sinful dilemma). If they react with humility, you extend grace to them, explaining the purpose of the gospel. Grace to the humble, law to the proud. It’s how Jesus did it. And it’s very effective. When people aren’t receptive, quote John 3:16, thank them for their time, and walk away. If they are receptive, preach the gospel, and extend God’s grace to them with an opportunity to pray and receive Jesus. Keep this practice in your mind and heart, and you’ll be less confused, irritated, and frustrated the next time you encounter an opportunity to be God’s hands and feet to a lost and dying world.

17 When Jesus heard this, He told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor–sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:17

Being Deceived Is Not An Excuse…

Washington DC and all politicians everywhere, listen up. Everyone else examine your own motives. Tainted wealth will not last. No matter how many under-the-table deals you make, it won’t be worth it. God will not satisfy your craving for wickedness, lack of discretion, or sins of omission. Think before you vote. Examine your motives before you pass a bill. Think of your constituents before you open your mouth to speak. Examine your own heart before you support a cause. Your actions are accountable, not just to people, but to God Himself. You swore an oath, and God takes oaths very seriously. Your only hope is Jesus. You have a choice to make, choose wisely. Being deceived is not an excuse.

2 Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. 3 The Lord will not let the godly go hungry, but He refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked. Proverbs 10:2-3

Are You Trying To Keep The Unkeepable?

The irony in life. Those that care about “saving face”, but deceive others, receive disgrace. And those that choose humility, trusting God in all things, might still receive disgrace from the world, but God removes the “dis” (in disgrace), leaving you with grace. Popularity is a strange creature; you must keep feeding it in order for it to grow. Yet one false move, one deceptive selfish ploy, one slack in good judgement, and it all disappears in the blink of an eye. I guess Jim Elliot summarized it best when He said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” The problem (and irony of it) is when someone tries to keep what he can’t keep and loses what he could’ve kept forever. Where are your priorities? Are you trying to keep the unkeepable, and missing out on the eternal?

3 No one who trusts in You will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Psalms 25:3