When We Speak Truth…..

Why do we tell the truth? Because it honors God. When we speak honest accounts of what happened, we show God to be right. We imitate His character, for God cannot lie. We bring God Glory when we speak truth.

19 Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, by telling the truth. Make your confession and tell me what you have done. Don’t hide it from me.” Joshua 7:19

The Key To Serving God..

One of the greatest sections in all scripture. Learning to manage our selfishness is the key to serving God. Imagine all the people who pursue the things of this world: riches fame, power, or prestige. That will be their reward. The little satisfaction those pursuits can bring, will be all they get. Then at the end of their life, they will exchange their failed pursuit of joy, peace, and purpose for regret, guilt, and dissatisfaction. And worse yet, they will have to live with that forever. Jim Elliot re-paraphrased Jesus words when he said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose”. The great exchange, Jesus’ life for my life. There’s no better way of learning to manage our selfishness than The way Jesus taught. Trust me on this one.

23 Then He said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow Me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it.25 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?26 If anyone is ashamed of Me and My message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He returns in His glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.27 I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:23-27

Sin Causes A Lot Of Grief….

Sin causes a lot of grief. Anyone who thinks he can continue to sin and still be able to achieve righteousness is foolish. Unfortunately, our selfish, sinful nature makes us learn this truth the hard way, through trial and error.

19 It is pleasant to see dreams come true,but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them. 20 Walk with the wise and become wise;associate with fools and get in trouble. 21 Trouble chases sinners,while blessings reward the righteous. Proverbs 13:19-21

A Time Where Uncertainty Rules…

We live in a time where uncertainty rules. Worry, fear, and cases of depression are skyrocketing among us. With all this uncertainty, how do we deal with it as believers? First off, uncertainty is part of life. It’s always been here. Jesus said in His time, “we don’t know what tomorrow brings, today has enough trouble of its own.” James stated that “we are foolish to make plans without God.” God will provide. He will meet our needs. Look what He did for the Israelites during their 40 year wondering in the desert. He provided manna to eat. When they reached the Promised Land, the manna stopped, and was replaced with the crops from the land. God is trustworthy. He will provide for our needs. The solution to society’s worry and fear of uncertainty is to focus on the One Whom we should fear, and know we can trust to provide. In God we trust. Isn’t that the textbook definition of what Christian faith is?

10 While the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they celebrated Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month. 11 The very next day they began to eat unleavened bread and roasted grain harvested from the land. 12 No manna appeared on the day they first ate from the crops of the land, and it was never seen again. So from that time on the Israelites ate from the crops of Canaan. Joshua 5:10-12

In Order To Fulfill The Great Commission….

Evangelism 101. We don’t need to take anything with us in order to fulfill the great commission. We only need the Holy Spirit’s involvement in our lives to effectively reach the lost. Jesus tells His disciples this as He sent them out. They succeeded because of the work of the Holy Spirit, not because they possessed any great skill. In order to fulfill the Great Commission, Jesus gave to all believers, we only need one thing, a close and right relationship with God, which breeds into us a willingness to share the Good News. He does all the rest.

1 One day Jesus called together His twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then He sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 “Take nothing for your journey,” He instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes.4 Wherever you go, stay in the same house until you leave town.5 And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”6 So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick. Luke 9:1-6

Receptive To Our Input….

A big problem in today’s society is most people don’t listen. We are so caught up in ourselves that our minds aren’t receptive to others. Jesus was the Master when it came to listening to others. Why? Because people matter. Jesus is the answer to the world’s issues. In order to diagnose a problem you have to listen to what the issue is first. Sometimes that takes time to diagnose. Listening is the key ingredient in the solution recipe. Right alongside the inability to listen is the inability to accept criticism. Again, it all boils down to our self-centeredness. Why would anyone listen to another when they seem happy with their life (even though they are not)? The ability to listen and accept criticism is a selfless act, a sign of humility. When we know our place in this world, and we know Who it is we draw our significance from, it opens the door to being able to accept criticism. It also helps our listening skills knowing we have the answer to the world’s problems, it’s just a matter of allowing the person standing in front of us to know they are being heard, before they are receptive to our input.

18 If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. Proverbs 13:18

When We Are Discouraged…

When we are discouraged or sad or distraught, focus on God. Praise Him. Sing songs about what He has done. It gets the focus off of “me” and onto the Real Object of our affection.

As the deer longs for streams of water,so I long for You, O God.2 I thirst for God, the living God.When can I go and stand before Him?3 Day and night I have only tears for food,while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,“Where is this God of yours?” 4 My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be:I walked among the crowds of worshipers,leading a great procession to the house of God,singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! 5 Why am I discouraged?Why is my heart so sad?I will put my hope in God!I will praise Him again–my Savior and 6 my God! Now I am deeply discouraged,but I will remember You–even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,from the land of Mount Mizar.7 I hear the tumult of the raging seas as Your waves and surging tides sweep over me.8 But each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me,and through each night I sing His songs,praying to God who gives me life. 9 “O God my rock,” I cry,“Why have You forgotten me?Why must I wander around in grief,oppressed by my enemies?”10 Their taunts break my bones.They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?” 11 Why am I discouraged?Why is my heart so sad?I will put my hope in God!I will praise Him again–my Savior and my God! Psalms 42:1-11

To Help Remember God’s Works…

The problem the world has is that it does not know God or fear Him. Why? Because people fail at doing the things to pass on His remembrance. Joshua built a memorial out of stones taken from the dry Jordan River bed. He did this as a reminder of what God did that day for the Israelites. Just as He parted the Red Sea, God did the same to the Jordan River so that Israel could cross over into the Promised Land. What do you do to help remember God’s works in your life? A prayer journal might be a modern day equivalent of Joshua’s stone memorial. Start one today.

24 He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.” Joshua 4:24

God Has No Rival, No Comparison….

In one chapter Jesus tells two parables, calms a storm, restores a demon-possessed man back to sanity, heals a woman with a long-term medical issue, and raises a little girl from the dead. The Apostle John was right, if he had tried to write down all that Jesus did, there aren’t enough books to contain them. We serve a mighty God. One like no other. God has no rival, no comparison, for He is One of a kind. He is all powerful, so much so, Nature obeys Him. Demons obey Him. Sickness and disease obey Him. And death obeys Him. We serve an awesome God.

38 The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with Him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, 39 “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him. 40 On the other side of the lake the crowds welcomed Jesus, because they had been waiting for Him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with Him to come home with him. 42 His only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying.As Jesus went with him, He was surrounded by the crowds. 43 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. 44 Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of His robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.45 “Who touched Me?” Jesus asked.Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against You.”46 But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched Me, for I felt healing power go out from Me.” 47 When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of Him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched Him and that she had been immediately healed. 48 “Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”49 While He was still speaking to her, a messenger arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. He told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”50 But when Jesus heard what had happened, He said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.”51 When they arrived at the house, Jesus wouldn’t let anyone go in with Him except Peter, John, James, and the little girl’s father and mother. 52 The house was filled with people weeping and wailing, but He said, “Stop the weeping! She isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”53 But the crowd laughed at Him because they all knew she had died. 54 Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, “My child, get up!” 55 And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were overwhelmed, but Jesus insisted that they not tell anyone what had happened. Luke 8:38-56

Enough Evidence To Convict You….

Isn’t it amazing how God works? All the people living in the “promised land” before the Israelites even set foot in it, knew about their reputation. They knew how God rescued them from Egypt. They had heard of the miracles. They knew of the wars won and kings defeated. They knew God was the supreme God of the universe. And they were terrified. Just think about your reputation. Do you walk with God daily? Do you pursue righteousness? Do you cultivate the fruits of the Spirit? What do you think your reputation is like, how it’s perceived by others? Others you may not even know? When you live a life being loyal to God, He makes your reputation one that’s respectable. The way we carry ourselves matters, more than we think. The Israelites reputation traveled all the way to Jericho, and it helped rescue and save a prostitute named Rahab. What will your reputation do? Will it bless or curse? If your life was on trial in order to convince others of you being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

8 Before the spies went to sleep that night, Rahab went up on the roof to talk with them. 9 “I know the Lord has given you this land,” she told them. “We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror. 10 For we have heard how the Lord made a dry path for you through the Red Sea when you left Egypt. And we know what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River, whose people you completely destroyed. 11 No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.12 “Now swear to me by the Lord that you will be kind to me and my family since I have helped you. Give me some guarantee that 13 when Jericho is conquered, you will let me live, along with my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families.”14 “We offer our own lives as a guarantee for your safety,” the men agreed. “If you don’t betray us, we will keep our promise and be kind to you when the Lord gives us the land.” Joshua 2:8-14

Why Did God Need To Do This?

I’ve always wondered why the Catholic Church has determined Mary’s position/status, the mother of Jesus? Was Mary a perpetual virgin? Was Mary sinless? Was Jesus her only child? What happened to Joseph, Jesus’ assigned father (the man who raised Him)? As I read about Moses death, I find God buried his body. No one knew of his burial spot. Why did God need to do this? Well, it was probably due to man’s natural tendency to memorialize people. Just as the Israelites made the golden calf to worship in Moses’ absence on the mountain, they probably would’ve enshrined Moses and made him into something that would eventually be worshipped. God tells us that we are to not make graven images of anything, including Images of Himself. God doesn’t want us worshipping things. Especially finite things that try to represent or compete with Him. The Catholic Church has done this very thing with Mary. Does she deserve special attention? Yes. Does she deserve remembrance? Yes. Should she be held in high esteem? Yes. Should she be worshipped? No. Should she be prayed to or through? No. Why then do Catholics do this? Because they want to honor her. But they’ve committed the golden calf all over again. Believing that she remained a virgin after Jesus’ birth, doesn’t serve any purpose other than the Catholic Churches’ purpose. If you read the 4 gospels, it clearly states, “Joseph did not have sexual relations with her, until after Jesus’ birth” (Matthew 1:25). Why would God have Joseph marry a woman whom he could never have sexual relations with? That would mean he either used prostitutes, or had other wives? Certainly not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. Where did Jesus’ brothers and sisters come from? The books of James and Jude in the Bible are written by Jesus’ brothers. The Catholic Church out of reverence for Mary has made her into a small god. We learn throughout the Bible that we are not to worship anyone but God. When the angel comes to John in Revelation, John bows down, and the angel tells him not to worship him, only God. The Catholic Church has done to Mary what God tells us not to do. And yet out of their tradition or pride, they keep defending it. There is no purpose to not be honest about this concept of perpetual virginity (symbolizing her as sinless). What sin would be committed if Mary didn’t remain a virgin? She’s married, right? So having other children wouldn’t be a sin, would it? It serves no purpose. It doesn’t match up with scripture. And it divides people in arguments. You can believe what you want to about Mary, but scripture has given us evidence that support Mary’s humanity, her other children, and has given us no reason to support this claim. Mary is special, but she doesn’t need to be treated like a god, that’s exactly what God prohibits.

19 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him, but they couldn’t get to Him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and Your brothers are outside, and they want to see You.”21 Jesus replied, “My mother and My brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.” Luke 8:19-21

So Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, just as the Lord had said. 6 The Lord buried him in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place. Deuteronomy 34:5-6

A Life Trying To Hide Things….

Jesus answers thoughts? Yes, He did here. Think about it, if Jesus can answer thoughts, He knows what we are thinking. We can’t hide from Him. We can’t pretend He doesn’t know our thoughts. That means we have to be honest with ourselves, doesn’t it? A life trying to hide things or pretending isn’t much of a life.

39 When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know what kind of woman is touching Him. She’s a sinner!”40 Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” He said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.”“Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.41 Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people–500  pieces of silver to one and 50  pieces to the other. 42 But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”“That’s right,” Jesus said. 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer Me water to wash the dust from My feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet Me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing My feet.46 You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint My head, but she has anointed My feet with rare perfume.47 “I tell you, her sins–and they are many–have been forgiven, so she has shown Me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”49 The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that He goes around forgiving sins?”50 And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:39-50

When A Fickle Sinner Lives A Life…

A life lived pursuing God is the greatest testimony one can make. The reason why people fail in their witness, is because their walk doesn’t match their talk. I know this doesn’t seem right because we are fickle sinners living in an imperfect world, but for that very reason, when a fickle sinner lives a life pursuing wisdom, that wisdom will prove itself right to all those around that are watching.

33 For John the Baptist didn’t spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’34 The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” Luke 7:33-35

Trusting God….

God is omniscient. That means He knows everything. He’s just because He knows all the facts of each case. He’s merciful because He is Love. He knows all of the contents within our hearts, which means He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows how our lives are dictated and how we will die. Here, He tells Joshua that the Israelites will rebel by worshipping other gods when they enter the Promised Land. Of course it comes true. The point is if God knows everything, including us, why don’t we trust Him with our lives? The closer we are to God, the closer we are to knowing ourselves. The closer we are to God, the faster we are to learn from our mistakes. The closer we are to God, the more love, mercy, and grace will flow out from us. The closer we are to God, the more we will be like Him, and serving our purpose by assisting in accomplishing His will. Getting to see God’s will be accomplished is a great privilege. It’s empowering. It’s fulfilling. It’s everything. Trusting God is the greatest thing we can do. It starts and ends with a whole-hearted commitment, lived out on a daily, moment by moment basis. God knows us, do we really want to serve Him? If we do, He will empower us to do so. Isn’t that Good News?

19 “So write down the words of this song, and teach it to the people of Israel. Help them learn it, so it may serve as a witness for Me against them. 20 For I will bring them into the land I swore to give their ancestors–a land flowing with milk and honey. There they will become prosperous, eat all the food they want, and become fat. But they will begin to worship other gods; they will despise Me and break My covenant. 21 And when great disasters come down on them, this song will stand as evidence against them, for it will never be forgotten by their descendants. I know the intentions of these people, even now before they have entered the land I swore to give them.” Deuteronomy 31:19-21

Feelings Are Legitimate, But Often Overrated…

I’ve always wondered why John the Baptist, while in prison, sent two disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah? Here's one possible reason. Didn’t John leap in his mother’s womb when Mary (while pregnant with Jesus) visited Elizabeth? Didn’t John witness the Trinity all at the same time at Jesus’ baptism? Didn’t John acknowledge Jesus to be greater than him, so much so, he wasn’t worthy to carry Jesus’ sandals? Didn’t he witness some of His miracles? Wasn’t he a prophet of God? Shouldn’t he have known Who Jesus was? The answer is yes to all of these questions. Then why? Because John was human. He was in prison, isolated from all the followers of truth. He wasn’t sure if he was ever getting out of prison. He began to listen to himself, start to give in to his feelings and emotions. When we do this we allow doubt and fear to creep inside and begin to question our faith. Satan has a way of when we are isolated of preying on our vulnerabilities. Jesus knew this. Instead of just answering “yes”, He told the two disciples to go back to John and tell him what they witnessed. The blind receiving sight, the lame walking, the dead being resurrected, etc... this reminded John of what he already knew to be true. It brought him back to right-thinking. It restored his hope and faith. This tells us two things: we need to be in God’s word daily, and we need to meet with other believers regularly. Jesus tells us that being a Christian is a life-long, day by day, pursuit of knowing God. He tells us that God blesses those that don’t fall away. Do you see the importance of a committed walk with the Lord? The importance of knowing scripture? Attending church? I’m certain there are other answers as to why John asked if Jesus was the Messiah, but I suspect this had something to do with it (a conversation for another time). Feelings are legitimate, but often overrated. You have to go with what you know to be true. John is an example of this being played out.

18 The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, 19 and he sent them to the Lord to ask Him, “Are You the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”20 John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to Him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are You the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’ ”21 At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and He restored sight to many who were blind. 22 Then He told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard–the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 23 And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of Me.’ ” Luke 7:18-23

Imagine Attending A Funeral….

Can you imagine attending a funeral, and as the service concludes, you get into your car, put your lights and emergency flashers on and proceed to follow the long line of cars to the cemetery? Imagine a mile or two into the procession, the car in front of you comes to a stop. You begin to wonder what’s happening, if there’s car trouble ahead, or maybe an accident? You roll your window down, and to your amazement you see all the cars stopped. You get out of your car to witness something miraculous. You see the hearse in front with its back door open. You see the family in the car behind it outside, forming a huddle. As you approach you discover the person you just said goodbye to at the funeral is know standing being hugged by the family members. As you look around you see the casket opened and the hearse empty. What you’ve just witnessed happened over 2,000 years ago in a town called Nain. Jesus raised a widow’s only son from death. He did it as the processional was heading to the cemetery. What you’ve just witnessed was a miracle, done out of compassion by our loving Lord. What you’ve just witnessed is the Gospel, the Good News. What you’ve just witnessed is the undeniable, all-powerful, unmatched abilities of God. What a privilege!

11 Soon afterward Jesus went with His disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed Him. 12 A funeral procession was coming out as He approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, His heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” He said. 14 Then He walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” He said, “I tell you, get up.” 15 Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.16 Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, “A mighty prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited His people today.” 17 And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside. Luke 7:11-17

The Right Response To His Mercy And Grace….

Try listing all the blessings God has given you. Not just today, but throughout your entire life. Is it possible? Instead of trying to do the impossible, why not cultivate an an attitude that reflects the infinite amount of blessings God has, is now, and will bring to you? Wouldn’t that be the right response to His mercy and grace? This is what sets Christianity apart from all other forms of world views, religions, or social practices. The acceptance comes at the beginning of the journey, not the end.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,and He turned to me and heard my cry.2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,out of the mud and the mire.He set my feet on solid groundand steadied me as I walked along.3 He has given me a new song to sing,a hymn of praise to our God.Many will see what He has done and be amazed.They will put their trust in the Lord. 4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,who have no confidence in the proudor in those who worship idols.5 O Lord my God, You have performed many wonders for us.Your plans for us are too numerous to list.You have no equal.If I tried to recite all Your wonderful deeds,I would never come to the end of them. Psalms 40:1-5

Love Always Gives Us A Choice…

God told the Israelites the key to life is choosing life. When we make a decision to follow God whole-heartedly, we choose life. God breathed life into Adam’s body, and when we are reborn spiritually, the Holy Spirit gives us an eternal life. A life that no one can take away. It’s a life full of blessings. It’s a life full of meaning and purpose. It’s a new life initiated by acceptance. God gives us the choice, blessings or curses. Which have you chosen? How’s it working out for you? It’s never too late, as long as you’ve got breath in your lungs to choose to follow Him. You just have to choose whom you will serve. Yourself or God? God loves us, and love always gives us a choice, spoken in truth.

11 “This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. 12 It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ 13 It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’ 14 No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.15 “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. 16 For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep His commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in His ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.17 “But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, 18 then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:11-20

God Knows Our Future….

God knows our future. He knows the outcome of our lives. He knows our failures and mistakes, both present and future. Since His providence reigns, and we cannot alter it, why not embrace it? Why not enjoy it? Why not follow Him? Why not entrust your life to the One Who is in control? God can change hearts. He can change the hearts of all future generations. It starts with you. Are you willing to trust Him with all of your heart?

1 “In the future, when you experience all these blessings and curses I have listed for you, and when you are living among the nations to which the Lord your God has exiled you, take to heart all these instructions. 2 If at that time you and your children return to the Lord your God, and if you obey with all your heart and all your soul all the commands I have given you today, 3 then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where He has scattered you. 4 Even though you are banished to the ends of the earth, the Lord your God will gather you from there and bring you back again. 5 The Lord your God will return you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will possess that land again. Then He will make you even more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors!6 “The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love Him with all your heart and soul and so you may live! Deuteronomy 30:1-6

His Grace Isn’t Granted Because…

God provides for all people. For the ones who trust Him, He provides a mind that understands, eyes that can truly see, and ears that are attentive to His words. However, God doesn’t pardon stubborn and rebellious hearts, His grace isn’t granted because we are special, or do things that please Him, but by His own volition. The closer we come to God the more humble we will become because in comparison to the Almighty, we are a speck of dust on the planet Mars. The more we come to understand His love, His grace, and His mercy, the more gratitude we will begin to show Him and others. We are accountable to God because He has revealed to us the Truth. And knowing Truth, we are obligated to abide in Him. When we do, it sets us free.

4 But to this day the Lord has not given you minds that understand, nor eyes that see, nor ears that hear! 5 For forty years I led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out. 6 You ate no bread and drank no wine or other alcoholic drink, but He gave you food so you would know that He is the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 29:4-6

19 “Those who hear the warnings of this curse should not congratulate themselves, thinking, ‘I am safe, even though I am following the desires of my own stubborn heart.’ This would lead to utter ruin! 20 The Lord will never pardon such people. Instead His anger and jealousy will burn against them. All the curses written in this book will come down on them, and the Lord will erase their names from under heaven. Deuteronomy 29:19-20

29 “The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that He has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions. Deuteronomy 29:29

Go With What We Know To Be True…

Truth is solid ground, it’s a foundation built upon solid rock. “Feelings” are like building your house on sand. It may look good, and last during good weather, but when the storms come, it will collapse into a heap of ruins. Being angry or jealous, or hurt and disappointed, or silly, or even euphoric, doesn’t last. Without knowing how to properly handle these feelings will leave you guessing and exhausted. And much worse, it will most likely damage your relationships, especially the ones that are most meaningful to you. Truth gives us consistency. You see, truth doesn’t change. Truth gives us the blueprints to behaviors that stand throughout all situations. Truth allows us to stand firm in the fiercest of storms or floods. Sure, it’s still scary, but when the storm passes, and the flood waters recede, your house will still be standing. Feelings are part of life and are real, but they are only temporary. If you don’t live by truth, you’re dictating your life on the temporary. You’ll be riding a massive wave when you want a lazy river experience. It may be fun for the moment, but when the wave crashes, you go with it. As I always say, feelings are legitimate, but often overrated, we have to learn to set them aside and go with what we know to be true. Feelings are self-centered. Truth takes us outside of ourselves to much bigger things. What do you build your life upon, truth or feelings?

46 “So why do you keep calling Me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to Me, listens to My teaching, and then follows it.48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.” Luke 6:46-49

The Root Determines The Fruit….

When you repent of your sin and make your heart right with God, good things will flow out of it. The fruit does not determine the root. The root determines the fruit. If your heart is full of self, the only fruit that will be produced is self-righteousness. That kind of fruit will not sustain a life for very long. As the proverb states, “out of the heart, the mouth speaks”. Now you know why this biblical truth is so important, “above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life”. If you’re not producing good fruit, it may be time to have an honest conversation with yourself, by examining your heart. After that, it’s time to ask God for a heart transplant. Good fruit only comes from a “Good Source”, and that Source is God Himself. God will go to great lengths to make yourself heart right with Him. It starts with identifying the root.

43 “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.44 A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes.45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:43-45

Without Jesus…

Without Jesus all the riches and laughter, all the prosperity you possess, and all the satisfied appetites you’ve experienced will not bring the enjoyment you think it’s supposed to bring. Your wealth, laughter, and appetite are all focused on the temporary. When the temporary comes and goes you’ll discover the security wealth brings won’t satisfy, the joy your laughter causes will turn to sorrow, and your appetite will grow to be insatiable. Jesus brings meaning to life. His ways are the only ways that turn the temporal into the eternal. The prosperity, the joy, and the appetite He brings will be satisfied and last forever. Heaven is real, and it’s only entered by those who accept His rules on getting in. Salvation is by no other than Jesus. Without Him, life is a series of unmet expectations.

17 When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of His followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil spirits were healed. 19 Everyone tried to touch Him, because healing power went out from Him, and He healed everyone. The Beatitudes 20 Then Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “God blesses you who are poor,for the Kingdom of God is yours.21 God blesses you who are hungry now,for you will be satisfied.God blesses you who weep now,for in due time you will laugh. 22 What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man.23 When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way. Sorrows Foretold 24 “What sorrow awaits you who are rich,for you have your only happiness now.25 What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now,for a time of awful hunger awaits you.What sorrow awaits you who laugh now,for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow.26 What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds,for their ancestors also praised false prophets. Luke 6:17-26

Those Troubled By Evil Spirits….

I wonder who “those troubled by evil spirits” were? Could that have been those who were depressed? Transgender? Homosexual? Bi-Polar? Drug addicts? All other mental disorders? If that was the case, things haven’t changed much in 2,000 years, have they? People still need to be healed by Jesus, don’t they? Yet, today’s people reject Him because they think their problem is normal behavior. They think Jesus loves them just the way they are, but even if that were true, His love won’t let them remain the way they are. Maybe if society didn’t rush to affirm people troubled by evil spirits, they would be more willing to hear more about Jesus.

17 When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of His followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil spirits were healed. 19 Everyone tried to touch Him, because healing power went out from Him, and He healed everyone. Luke 6:17-19

Misled By Sin….

Why is there such division in America (as of this writing April 2021)? Because the godly hates lies, and the wicked cause shame and disgrace. People who side with God try to guard what is good and right, while evil people are misled by sin. A perfect example of this is the transgender movement. There is no documented scientific evidence to explain “how you identify your gender”. It’s all “feelings” based. Yet if you state this, you are labeled a hater. No substantial evidence of proving transgenderism, but you offend if you try to make this point. It’s all about control and acceptance. If you don’t agree and accept our unscientific diagnosis, we try to control you and try to punish you, all in the name of justice. This is exactly what sin does. It turns God’s order upside down, and inside out. It calls evil good and good evil. What science and biology called gender dysphoria a few years ago, is now an acceptable behavior. Changing the name and making laws to protect will never turn evil into good. Give this a thought, if physical genitalia doesn’t define gender, then why are trans people wanting to change their current body to look more like the opposite gender’s body? 🤔 If God made you a man biologically, you are a man biologically, no matter how hard you try to be a woman. It’s a mental disorder to try to be something you’re not. You will never win that battle, and thus bring on your own endless cycle of despair, because acceptance by man will never equivocate acceptance by God. Think about it, if you think you were born in the wrong body, you’re essentially calling God a liar. You’re saying God made a mistake. Why would God accept someone who thinks He’s a liar? It just doesn’t work that way. These proverbs state this truth, and they were written almost 3,000 years ago. Truth doesn’t change, even if man’s idea of it does.

5 The godly hate lies;the wicked cause shame and disgrace. 6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin. Proverbs 13:5-6

If It Feels Right, Do It….

When you base your life solely on how “you feel”, it’s a good indicator of your spiritual blindness. Just as a physically blind person feels his way around in life, a spiritually blind person uses their feelings to dictate their behavior. “If it feels right, do it”. “I don’t feel like doing that”. “I feel I should....”. “I’ve always felt this way”. Feelings are legitimate, but often overrated. Often, you have to set them aside and go with what you know to be true. Feelings with often lead you to believe you’re okay, when you’re not.

31 Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor–sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:31-32

$86,400 Every Day….

If God gave you $86,400 every day, deposited into your bank account, would you be happy? Now before you answer, there one stipulation, you cannot save it, you have to spend it all. Whatever you don’t spend goes away. Now would you be happy? Why? Would it eliminate all your anxiety and worry? Or would it increase those daily focus zappers? However you look at it, it would disrupt your life, wouldn’t it? Here’s the point behind this scenario: we are all given 86,400 seconds each day. We can do whatever ever we want to with it. But once it’s gone, you can never get it back. Some spend it worrying about what they cannot control. While others waste it on pursuing material things, in hope of finding happiness. But at the end of everyone’s life, people are confronted with the reality of regret. They always wish they had just a little more time left, to do or say things that matter most to themselves and others. You see, as the amount of time edges to its limit, people tend to see its immeasurable value. And once it’s gone, we can never get it back. Our time on this earth is finite, just a blink of an eye to God. Our priorities are not really important when God is left out. Time is the only true resource we really have, and in reality, how we use it determines the return on how we investment it. Spend it or invest it, it’s your choice to make. Every day we are given this gift. Why not see its irreplaceable value, and start with the simplest task of thanking God for granting you one more day of it?

4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.Remind me that my days are numbered–how fleeting my life is.5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.My entire lifetime is just a moment to You;at best, each of us is but a breath.” 6 We are merely moving shadows,and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.We heap up wealth,not knowing who will spend it. Psalms 39:4-6

Be An Encourager Today….

Be an encourager today. Speak truth in love to those who need a boost. Edify them in their time of need. That means not building using fluff. Solid truth is the foundation that will help people stand in the storms of life. Fluff is like chaff, a strong wind blows it away in its temporary life.

25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25

Swift Consequences….

The reason there are consequences for crimes is to deter evil behavior, and immediately eliminate it from the culture. When someone commits a crime and is found guilty, swiftly sentenced, and punished for it, others see the consequences and are made to evaluate if that crime is worth the consequences. This has always been an effective discipline process. The problem comes in when society fails to carry out this type of system. Having few or no consequences for bad behavior only spurs on bad behavior. Our sinful nature has acute short term memory only. If nothing happens after we behave badly, then we tend to repeat the behavior. Look around, there’s evidence of this truth everywhere. One effective method to deter crime is the death penalty. It doesn’t completely eliminate all crime, but it does have a great impact on reducing the violent actions of others. Wouldn’t it be great to make a law that imposed the consequences false accusers want on others they falsely accuse? We wouldn’t have these frivolous lawsuits, would we? The problem with our sin nature is without swift consequences, we get the impression that responsibility is no longer required. And that means we think bad behavior is not punishable, or we are the exception to the rule. The problem with that type of thinking is God is just. You won’t get away with it. We are all responsible to God. No one is exempt. Knowing this helps us stay away from self-inflicted wounds, and keeps our relationships with others intact.

14 “When you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you as your special possession, you must never steal anyone’s land by moving the boundary markers your ancestors set up to mark their property.15 “You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.16 “If a malicious witness comes forward and accuses someone of a crime, 17 then both the accuser and accused must appear before the Lord by coming to the priests and judges in office at that time. 18 The judges must investigate the case thoroughly. If the accuser has brought false charges against his fellow Israelite, 19 you must impose on the accuser the sentence he intended for the other person. In this way, you will purge such evil from among you. 20 Then the rest of the people will hear about it and be afraid to do such an evil thing. 21 You must show no pity for the guilty! Your rule should be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. Deuteronomy 19:14-21

Why Should Christians Read Their Bibles Daily?

Why should Christians read their Bibles daily? Why is it important to be in God’s word 7 days a week? To prevent oneself from becoming proud and acting as if you are above others. To teach one to fear God, or continuing to fear God. It’s a daily dose of spiritual food. If we starve ourselves spiritually, we can only pretend to play the religion game for so long. Spiritual malnutrition will deplete us to the point of death. Reading God’s word daily keeps us alive. It helps our focus. It continues to shape our worldview. It’s necessary to the human spirit. It’s like working out. If you only train your biceps, you’ll create a muscle imbalance and any injury will take place. Neglecting God’s word creates a spiritual void in our lives. That emptiness must be filled. In God’s absence we try to fill it with anything we can, only later to find nothing else fits. This passage is specifically talking about a king, but it applies to us all. Read your Bible. You won’t regret the time you spend in God’s word.

18 “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19 He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. 20 This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel. Deuteronomy 17:18-20

His Justice Will Always Prevail….

When a court case doesn’t turn out the way you might think it should have, remember God is in charge, for His justice supersedes man’s attempt at providing justice. We have corrupt judges, people who take bribes. We have people who show partiality. We have judges who make corrupt decisions because they have compromised their integrity. We have blind people sitting in positions of power. But God knows 100% of the case from every angle and aspect. His justice will always prevail, even if it doesn’t seem like justice was served. It will be served with God. That’s a guarantee.

18 “Appoint judges and officials for yourselves from each of your tribes in all the towns the Lord your God is giving you. They must judge the people fairly. 19 You must never twist justice or show partiality. Never accept a bribe, for bribes blind the eyes of the wise and corrupt the decisions of the godly. 20 Let true justice prevail, so you may live and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 16:18-20