"IF"

As I was studying God’s Word the other day, my eyes fastened on the word “if” which Satan used to tempt Jesus in the desert. Interestingly if is used 805 times in the Old Testament and 602 times in the New Testament for a total of 1,407.

Satan confronted Jesus as though He were a mere man that could be tempted by Satan’s lies, just as he did with Adam and Eve. “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread” (Matthew 4:4). Three times, Satan challenged Jesus to prove Himself. However, the Son of God does not need to prove Himself to any person, let alone to Satan. Therefore, with each challenge, Jesus simply spoke the Word of God and after the third time, the devil left, and angels came and ministered to Jesus.

The promises in the Bible are conditional. Jesus always put the word “if” on man's side of responsibility and never on God's side. If man is obedient then God will do what He promises. The responsibility is first with man to obey God’s Word. Our responses to God’s commands affect our relationship with Him and determine how and what we receive. The examples below are only a few of many listed ifs throughout the Old and New Testaments:

1. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). 

2. Jesus said, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me” (John 8:42)

3. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

4. “If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I” (John 14:28).

5. “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 4:23; Revelation 13:9)    

6. “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion” (Hebrews 3:15).

7. “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the disease on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer” (Exodus 15:26).

8.“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if [you hear] My voice and open the door, I will come in to [you] and will dine with [you], and [you] with Me” (Revelation 3:20).

Obedience is key in receiving from God because the opposite of obedience is rebellion. “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth” (Deuteronomy 28:1).

Obedience is so important to God that when King Saul of Israel disobeyed His order to destroy all the Amalekites and all that they had, God sent Samuel, a judge and prophet, to tell Saul, “Has the Lord great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion (blatant disobedience) is as the sin of divination (witchcraft) and presumption (behavior that is arrogant, disrespectful, and transgresses the limits of what is permitted and appropriate). Because you have rejected the Word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king” (I Samuel 15:22-23). In other words, if we disobey God and His Word, all the good that we believe we do is but fifty rags before Him (Isaiah 64:6).

You may be asking why a loving God would want to destroy the Amalekites. They were a brutal, desperately evil and Godless people who practiced child sacrifice and worshipped many gods. (Sound familiar?) The Amalekites were also descendants from the grandson of Esau, who had spurned his God-given birthright and traded it for a pot of stew. The Book of Ester tells about the murderous Amalekite, Haman, who tried to exterminate all the Jews but ended up on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai, the Jewish prime minister (Samuel 15:1-8; Exodus 17:8-14). God could no longer tolerate the Amalekites’ wicked ways nor their bent on annihilating the Jewish nation.

Obedience and disobedience are always at war with each other. Those at peace with their sin will always be at war with God and walking in disobedience. Sadly, King Saul became spiritually wayward and as a result of his disobedience to destroy all of the Amalekites, they were coming to attack. Saul then sought a medium to ask if he would be successful in the battle. Defeated, Saul took his own life (I Samuel 31).

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 tells us that God sets before us both a blessing and a curse. If we do not obey the commandments of the Lord but turn away from them, we will suffer a curse because of that disobedience. For that reason, we must always be listening for His direction and never forget that all God’s promises are conditional upon our obedience to Him.

Many ask how we hear God? If we make ourselves available to Him, He speaks to us through His Word and through the Holy Spirit who teaches all things and reminds us of His truth. However, if we have resentment, unconfessed sins, and unforgiveness, we distance ourselves from God. He also speaks through sermons, worship, wise counsel, the testimonies of others, godly teachers, our prayers, and during our quiet time if we listen for His Spirit to speak into our spirit.

PRAYER: FATHER, I never realized the importance of that powerful little word, “if.” Let me never forget that what may appear insignificant in Your Word, You have shown that “if” presents a choice that is conditional. “If” I am obedient then You will fulfill Your promises in my life. Help me to listen for Your voice and to desire obedience over my own will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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EXCELLENCE—NOT PERFECTION

I absolutely love when God speaks to us through those things that surround us. As I have said in my book, JOURNEY WITH GOD, He uses people, animals, nature, everyday activities and experiences, and His Word to reveal precious truths to us. We must be aware of those teachable moments that He longs to impart. Later, I will share how God conveyed a valuable truth about perfectionism and excellence.

I struggled many years with perfectionism. I had thought it was a virtue, yet it became an exhausting, nagging frustration. Then a friend, who had also struggled with perfectionism, shared a truth that God had given to her: I require excellence and not perfection.

So, what is excellence? Excellence means to be outstanding in what you do. In other words, you give your very best. What is outstanding? It is defined as exceptionally good. What it does not say is that excellence requires perfection, which means to be free from flaws or defects.

It is humanly impossible to be flawless, no matter how hard we may try. However, God says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV). We are to always give our best as representatives of Christ in all that we do, especially in our vocation, academics, the arts, hobbies, communication, health, friendships, faith, and family.

Absolute perfection is a quality that is God’s alone (Matthew 5:48). God is perfect in all knowledge (Job 37:16) “His Word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him” (Psalm 18:30). “He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. God is faithful and can do no wrong; He is upright and just” (Deuteronomy 32:4). “His way is perfect: God’s laws are also perfect” (Psalm 19:7; James 1:25).

We can never be perfect, but we can give God our very best. To do that, we must be indwelled with His Spirit so that we are able to live through the power of His Spirit and not our flesh and will (Ephesians 1:13). For the will and flesh make unrealistic demands.

Now I defer to the story of my Christmas tree. Unfortunately, the program that I use to post blogs, will not allow me to paste two personal pictures that visually tell this story without words. For those who had provided their email address, I was able to send a posting with pictures via email.

The tree had been stored in a hot garage over the Florida summer months, so when I removed the tree from its container, the white tree had yellowed in many areas and the tree limbs had dried and many were shedding. I was about to throw it in the trash, when I felt God nudge me to keep it.

God, in His infinite wisdom, was about to show me a very sweet lesson regarding the unattainability of perfectionism. And in His infinite wisdom, He showed me how to make something beautiful from what had become very imperfect.

I pulled out the gold/white garland and started wrapping the pre-lit tree and to my delight it began to take on a lovely fullness that had been lost. I then carefully and strategically added gold ornaments to further the appearance of fullness. When I finished, I stood back and marveled and thanked God for showing me through this Christmas tree, that there is beauty in what is not perfect.

There is beauty in each one of us. We do not need to strive for perfection because perfection is unattainable. Rather, we are to do all things with excellence as unto the Lord.

PRAYER: FATHER, thank you for revealing the difference between excellence and perfection. There is great liberty in knowing that perfectionism is a false world view that demands what is not attainable. Only You are perfect in all Your ways. Help me to do all things with a higher standard of quality as unto You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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ABILITY VERSES AVAILABILITY

Recently, I was challenged to ponder the difference between ability and availability as it applies to Christians. The dictionary’s definition for ability is talent, skill, artistry, expertise, aptitude, mastery, competence, proficiency, dexterity, smartness, qualifications, resources, and know-how. Availability means to be at someone’s disposal. Interestingly, we can have all the talent in the world, but if we are not available to God for Him to use our talents and giftings, then how can those talents and giftings benefit others and increase His kingdom?

Noah made himself available when God told him to build the ark. He never asked a question. He simply listened to God’s detailed instructions “…and Noah did all that the Lord commanded him” (Genesis 7:5).

Jonah had all ability, yet he refused to be available to God and obey His command to go and preach to the very wicked city of Nineveh. Instead, he decided to sail for Joppa, but on the way, a raging storm tossed the boat back and forth. Jonah knew the storm was the result of his disobedience and told the men to throw him overboard. They did and Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Inside of the whale’s belly, Jonah repented for his disobedience, and the whale spit him onto the shores of Nineveh where he then preached.

Abraham said yes when God asked him to sacrifice his only son. And because he said yes, God spared Isaac. God is always looking for our yes. He wants us to trust Him, even when He asks us to do very difficult things that defy logic.

The Lord asked the Prophet Isaiah, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah quickly responded to the Lord, “Here am I; send me!” (Isaiah 6:8, KJV)

When God appeared to Jacob in a dream, Jacob answered, “Here I am.” He followed God’s instructions and left Laban, who was a liar and trickster, and began what would become the nation of Israel (Genesis 31:11).

When Moses heard God call to him from the burning bush, he responded, “Here I am.” (Exodus 3:4). Because of Moses’ availability and obedience to God, he led the Jewish people out of Egypt to freedom.

The Lord called to the child, Samuel, while he was living with Eli, a Jewish priest in the day of Old Testament judges. Samuel answered, Here I am, believing that Eli was calling him. Eli then told Samuel it was God and to go back to bed and listen again. Samuel would respond to God and deliver a difficult message to Eli. Eventually, Samuel would anoint both Saul and David, the first kings of Israel (I Samuel 3:4).

The New Testament records Ananias responding to God with “Here I am.” He was then told to communicate the truth about Jesus to Saul (a man who tortured and killed Christians) (Acts 9:10). Although Ananias was very afraid of Saul (Paul), he made himself available to God and obeyed His command to go to Saul and lay hands on him, thus, making Saul a part of the body of Christ.

An angel came to Mary and said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:28). Mary did not fully understand all that the angel told her; however, she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 NIV). Mary’s yes made her available to the perfect will of God, even though she must have had many unanswered questions in her heart.

The apostles were an intriguing display of availability when Jesus called them to follow Him. All these men were busily engaged with their jobs, but they quickly left their life’s work and even their families to follow Him.

God confers spiritual gifts on each member of His Church who are led by the Holy Spirit, to be used for the good of the Church and humanity. If we are physically able then we should be available to the Lord and use the gift within. “…if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6 ESV).

There are also gifts of compassion, reconciliation, sacrificial service to others, charity, help, and encouragement. Maybe you have a natural propensity to encourage others. That is a wonderful gift that should be used when you know that someone is hurting and needs a word of encouragement or comfort.

There is a difference between gifts and talent. Regardless of a person’s beliefs, a natural talent is an inclination towards such things as music, art, writing, math, science, and education. However, the Bible makes it clear that all gifts and talents are to be used to bring blessing and help to others (I Corinthians 12:7). As an example, I have a friend who is a gifted seamstress. During the Covid Pandemic, she made hundreds of masks to be given to those in need. She also sews special pillows for people who are sick or who have lost a loved one. And I have benefited from her beautiful one-of-a-kind cards she makes to cheer and encourage others.

Maybe your gift is being a good listener. There are so many lonely people who have no one who will take the time to talk with them. The smallest act of love and concern goes a very long way to bring joy to their day. It certainly did for 82-year-old Daniel Peterson, a recent widower who was grieving the loss of his wife.

Mr. Peterson was shopping for groceries, when four-year-old Nora Wood, said aloud, "Hi, old person! It's my birthday today!" She wanted to be available to him and insisted on giving him a hug and having her picture taken with him. Thus began a weekly friendship that forever changed the life of Peterson. He said that since Nora came into his life, he was finally sleeping soundly for the first time in months. This sweet child’s empathy, love, and compassion for this dear man forever changed both of their lives.

God uses anyone, small or great, child or adult, who avails themselves to God’s plans. God knew the loneliness and sadness within this man’s grieving heart, so He provided the needed healing balm through the love of one small child.

We all have been given gifts and abilities, but are we making them available to God for His purposes? Are we willing to say, “Yes, here I am. Send me!”

PRAYER: FATHER, thank you for the gifts and talents that You have given me. Help me to be aware of those who would benefit from what You have placed within me. And help me to always be fearless and available to Your will, guidance, and direction. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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KNOW TRUTH. SHARE TRUTH. LIVE TRUTH.

We ask, “What is truth?” Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, ‘So You are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’ Pilate said to Him, ‘What is truth?’” (John 18:33). Pilate’s answer was standing before him, yet he did not recognize The Truth.

According to the New Oxford American dictionary, truth is veracity, honesty, genuineness, validity, factuality, authenticity, accuracy, and correctness. Truth is not a definition or philosophy that neatly fits the world’s version, interpretation, and carnal distortion of truth. For Christ is Truth.

Jesus said of Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6). He also said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Truth is everything. And Jesus is truth.

Quite simply, if we reject God’s truth, we not only reject Jesus, but we reject our very salvation. As much as many would like to believe that there are many paths to heaven. Jesus did not say, “I am a way, a truth, and a life. That would imply that there are many ways to heaven when it is clearly stated that there is only one way to God and that is through His Son, Jesus Christ.

When we surrendered our hearts to Jesus Christ, we received a new spirit and as we walk with Him and learn His ways, we are grandually transformed into His image. And because He is all truth, our level of understanding biblical truths is predicated on how much time we choose to invest in knowing Him as all truth, and then sharing His truth, and living His truth (Romans 8:29).

Over two-thousand years ago Jesus (Truth) was challenged and judged by the Pharisees who themselves did not know, share, or live the truth. For brevity’s sake, I will highlight just a few of the woes that Jesus pronounced over the Pharisees in Matthew 23. He admonished the Pharisees, who like Pilate, failed to know and recognize The Truth Who stood before them:

Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” He called them blind guides and children of hell, full of greed and self-indulgence. “For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter” (Matthew 23). Jesus spoke a total of seven woes to the Pharisees. Each woe was a declaration and pronouncement of divine judgment from God.

Obviously, we do not want to be in a place of judgment as we stand one day before God. However, there are many who call themselves “Christian,” yet they stand at the precipice of judgment because they do not really know Jesus Christ who is The Truth.

Today’s truth is decided by social and cultural constructs that allow people to determine their own personal truth. What was once considered evil is now called good. And what was considered truth is now called a lie. Those who embrace Christ and His Word will know the truth and be able to discern truth from lies that are heard and believed every day.  

Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). For the Word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth (Psalm 33:4). But those who say they have fellowship with Him, but walk in darkness, are liars and do not practice truth (I John 1:6).

Those who walk in darkness reject the Truth. Their eyes and hearts are set on themselves and this world. Therefore, we have been forewarned that “…in the last days, perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:1-5). We see this playing out before us as we watch an apostate world spinning out of control with a growing hatred for all things Christian.

The answer to the world’s problems is Jesus. There is not a person, scheme, talent, invention, or technology, that can save the world or make it a utopia as it originally was in the Garden of Eden. Why? Because just as in the days of Noah, this world, laden with unrepentant sin, has been on a countdown clock since Adam and Eve.

Mankind, as much as it tries, cannot save itself. So, Jesus came to earth and suffered rejection, mockery, hatred, beatings, and death to take back what the enemy had stolen… redemption, peace, and a home in heaven for those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. The requirements to receive these blessings are to repent of past and current sins and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord of lords and King of kings (John 15:18-19).

Many false narratives and untruths are being spoken throughout the world, but here is one truth, which we can hold onto: When others fail us and the world around us is collapsing, “God is faithful, by whom [we] were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (I Corinthians 1:9). It is in His power that we receive the ability to know Truth, to share His truth, and to live His truth in a world of spiritual darkness.

PRAYER: FATHER, I thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ to earth where He suffered ridicule, false accusations, shame, and an undeserved death. I repent of my sins, because I recognize that every day, I manage to sin whether it is with my words, my thoughts, or my deeds. I ask that You shine Your light of truth into my heart, so that I may know, share, and boldly live Your truth before a lost and dying world. In Jesus’ name, amen.

THE MIND IS A CONTROL TOWER

An airport, no matter the size, has a control tower that constantly monitors flight patterns, which sometimes will require the redirecting of a flight to ensure the safety of the flight and of others. And like an airport control tower, the mind is a control tower that is continually monitoring and redirecting thoughts.

Everything in life results from how we think and process thoughts and reactions to the world around us. “As a man thinks, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7). The decisions we make are determined by our thoughts. We cannot control others or our circumstances, but we can control our thinking and our responses to what is happening in our personal space and around the world.

Are we allowing God’s Word to shape our thoughts, behaviors, and decisions, or are we allowing secular information, news, TV programs, events, opinions, and comments to shape our thinking and beliefs? That certainly does not mean that we are to ignore what is happening locally and around the world. However, we must be able to discern between what is true and what is deception (Colossians 3:1-8).

God warns us that the god of this world will blind the minds of unbelievers and deceive the believers (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Notice that God warns believers in Christ that they can be deceived if they do not know the Word of God.

When it comes to our thoughts, we have three choices. We can accept a thought and act upon it; we can reject it with God’s Word; or we can worry and stress over it. All these scenarios require us to act. Fortunately, if we have surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ, we have the Holy Spirit to discern what is from God and what is from the enemy.

Jesus warned “…to take care how we listen” (Luke 8:18 NET). What are we listening to these days?  Does it fit God’s paradigm of truth? Are we listening to His Word, reading His Word, and sharing His Word? The disciples heard the truth, believed the truth, and shared the truth with others.

Focusing on God’s Word will shape our thoughts, so that our hearts will desire what God wants for us. If we are going to walk and live as a Christian, then self-centeredness (doing things my way) must be replaced with Christ-centeredness (being in the will of Christ and allowing Him to lead).

Each day we must guard our thoughts, so it is noteworthy to ask ourselves these questions:

1.     Are these thoughts taking me in the direction that God wants me to go?

2.     Do my thoughts align with God’s Word?

3.     Are my thoughts governed by a world or a biblical perspective?

4.     Am I meditating on and watching wrong things?

5.     Are my thoughts life-affirming or destructive?

6.     Do the words I speak honor God?

7.     Do my thoughts fit who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ?

What we become is decided in our mind. And that decision determines whether we are hot or cold in our relationship with the Lord, which then ultimately affects our place in eternity.

Jesus addressed the lukewarm Christian in Revelation 3:14-22. He said, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Either we are “hot” for Christ, if indeed we are Christ followers, or we cooperate with an apostate world that opposes what is godly.

God has no room for a middle-ground mindset. Either our hearts are aligned with Him, or they are aligned with the world. A serious believer will be completely yielded to God, so he or she will not be drawn into worldly beliefs and agendas.

Revelation speaks of the seven representations of churches that will be active in the last days. Of those seven, God was only pleased with two: the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia. He chastised the other five: the Ephesus church had lost its First Love (Christ); the compromising church at Pergamos tolerated sin; the church at Thyatira was corrupt and sexually immoral; the church of Sardis was spiritually dead; and the church of Laodicea was lukewarm.

Those five churches that God chastised provides a window into how misguided and deceived people can become when they do not guard their mind with the knowledge of God’s Word. So, we need to ask ourselves another question: “Do I appreciate and love God’s Word, or do I neglect His Word?” The time that we invest in His Word, will determine both the health of our mind and our worldview.

When we plant the seeds of God’s Word in our minds, we should have the expectation that they will grow and bring a harvest of peace, joy, and blessings? For God says that He gives the increase from that planting (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

God looks for each one of us to be dependent upon Him because the heart is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). We cannot place our confidence in ourselves, the world, or in a leader. Our confidence must be in the one true God, because Satan is the god of this world and the great deceiver. Just as in the garden of Eden, the enemy perverts truth and offers a smorgasbord of alluring snares to take our eyes and thoughts away from God.

As Christ followers, we must be careful to put our confidence in God and not men, for we know that He will not lead us astray. In fact, we are warned to not let anyone take our minds captive with false philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition and worldly principles and philosophies (Colossians 2:8) This is sound advice, since we live in very dangerous days and are warned, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (I John 4:1 ESV).

PRAYER: FATHER, you caution me to guard my mind with the lens of Your Word. Help me to plant the seed of your Word in my mind—the control tower of my thoughts, so that I may receive a harvest of faith, truth, love, peace, joy, and blessings. In Jesus’ name, amen.

MY JOURNEY THRU LOSS AND SORROW

All of us, at one time or another, will experience a loss of some kind. And in that loss, we will all mourn in different ways. As I sought comfort and peace, I needed to find my way to healing and acceptance. For me, healing would come little by little, day by day as I placed my faith and trust in God’s unique plan for my husband, for me, and for my loved ones.

December of 2020 my mother-in-law and sister-in-law died within two weeks of each other from COVID. My husband, Michael, passed in April of 2021. Most recently, September 3, 2022, my older brother went to be with the Lord. It has been a succession of losses. However, those losses were tolerable because each loved one had a relationship with Jesus Christ.

As time passes, the pain of losing loved ones lingers, but there is no longer that stinging pain that rips at the very soul. I lost my dad when I was sixteen. My younger brother died at age 48 in 1997. Seven months later, my mother went to be with the Lord.

Time does heal, but it never erases the memories of a loved one, because there will always be something in this world that reminds us of them, whether it be a place, a song, a picture, a memory of a special time with them, their voice, their laugh, and all the little things that made them unique and special to us. There will always remain that desire to have one more embrace. One more laugh with them. One more conversation. And one more chance to say, “I love you.”

When Michael passed, I did not allow myself to grieve because I was trying to be strong for my family. Suddenly, I had the daunting task of preparing my home for sale, and selling and donating furniture and household items, because a 2500 sq. foot house does not fit into a 1500 square foot space that has no storage…except for small closets.  

Pushing myself to exhaustion was almost my undoing because I was internalizing the grief. I became underweight, even though I was eating healthy foods six times a day. I was physically and emotionally worn down from the stress of caring for my husband and then losing him, going through a funeral, trying to sell our home (complicated by a homeowner’s lawsuit against the HOA), and then packing for a move to Florida.

My life was upside down. I could either fall apart or I could trust God and His Word that He would ALWAYS be the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

The Word tells us that “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). No matter what we are going through, He tells us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV).

It wasn’t until months later that I realized the need to embrace all the stages of grief and take that journey:

FIRST STAGE: DENIAL. Denying what is happening helps the person gradually absorb the news. In my situation, I knew that my husband was dying. But my mind was numb as I robotically went through the motions of making decisions, providing 24-hour care, and meeting his medical needs.

SECOND STAGE: ANGER. I was angry that my husband was suffering and physically deteriorating before my eyes. I often asked God why He was allowing Michael to suffer. And I was angry that I was struggling with my own health issues and the daily challenges I was handling alone.

THIRD STAGE: BARGAINING. Knowing that Michael was dying, I was so grateful that God had given us 12 more good years together since his terminal diagnosis. However, I asked God to either heal him or quickly take him home so his earthly suffering would end.

FOURTH STAGE: DEPRESSION. I was depressed in dealing with so many losses and so many new responsibilities. I was physically and mentally drained, and I felt alone. My family was a day’s drive away. So, you can imagine how very grateful I was when our son, Matthew, was able to take vacation time and come for a week after I told him his Dad’s health was rapidly declining. His support then and now has been a tremendous blessing.

Matthew returned in March to take us to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Jacksonville, Florida. After Michael passed, Matt found the perfect funeral home and perfect cemetery. Both he and his wife were instrumental in helping me put together a beautiful memorial service. And my Tennessee pastor came to Florida to do Michael’s service.

Matt brought me back to Tennessee so I could sell the home. And shortly before the closing in September, he returned to help me finish packing and tend to last minute details. The movers came and did their job. The next morning was very bittersweet as we pulled away from the home where Michael and I had made so many happy memories.

FIFTH STAGE: UPWARD TURN: I began to experience an upward turn after I moved our belongings to Florida and stored them. During that time, I lived with my son and his wife while my home was under construction. It was wonderful and comforting to be rejoined with family and having their loving support.

SIXTH STAGE: RECONSTRUCTION. In mid-January of 2022, I moved into my new home. I found my stride in the cathartic unpacking of those things that meant so much to both Michael and to me. I then had the joy of decorating and knowing he would approve, which brought about an emotional and physical stability that alleviated the anxiety and depression that had plagued me for nine months.

SEVENTH STAGE: ACCEPTANCE OF A NEW LIFE. This new role of widowhood has been a difficult adjustment, especially after being married for 42 1/2 years. And yes, there are days when I become both sad and happy in revisiting memories. There are times when I think that I will tell Michael something and then I catch myself.

When the loss of Michael was fresh, God spoke into my spirit, “This is not the end of the book. I am opening a new chapter.” Shortly after God gave me that encouraging word, my son, as well as a dear friend (without knowing what God had said) told me those words. God is so faithful!

During the last 15 months, I have experienced a deeper walk with God and a trust in His sovereignty, because He knows what is best for each person. I have also learned to be kind to myself and allow those moments of sadness and joy to wash over me; that is part of the human experience. Most importantly, God has been so gracious to daily comfort, love, instruct, and cover me with His healing grace.

PRAYER OF GRATITUDE: Father, thank you for the time that I had with my loved ones. I rejoice in knowing that we will be reunited in Your glorious kingdom where You wipe away all tears; and there is no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither is there any more pain: for the former things will have passed away (Revelation 21:4).

A FEW GOOD MEN...AND WOMEN

Christ followers are called to share their story of who they were before accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior and how that decision brought a positive change to their lives. The truth is that humanity was born with a sin nature, that must be transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

There are many examples of men and women in the Bible who were transformed when they encountered Christ. For “if anyone is in Christ, [he/she] is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Jesus used ordinary, flawed men and women to be His followers and leaders. And if we are truthful, we know that every day, in some way, we all sin and fall short of glorifying God through our words, thoughts, and actions. Each day, we need that same mercy, forgiveness, and direction that was extended to those early followers of Christ.

We have read about the woman who was caught in adultery. She was about to be stoned when Jesus addressed the scribes, Pharisees, and the mob holding stones, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” Convicted by His words, they dropped their stones and left. Then Jesus said, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She answered, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus responded, “Neither do I condemn you. Go. From now on, sin no more” (John 8:1-11). Her life was saved and forever changed, thereby, giving her a story of redemption to tell others.

Luke 8:1–3 lists three examples of women, who after encountering Jesus, followed and served Him and provided for His needs from their resources:

·      Mary Magdalene was a woman whom Jesus cast out seven demons. From that day forward she served and supported Him (Luke 8:2). When all the disciples, except John, fled during Jesus’ trial and execution, Mary stayed to comfort Him.  She witnessed Jesus’ death and was the first to see the resurrected Christ (John 20:11-18).

·      Joanna’s life was changed when Jesus healed her. She then supported Him and the disciples in their travels.

·      Susanna was a women cured of evil spirits and diseases. She committed her life to Jesus and supported His ministry.

Jesus recruited the apostles who were not men of exceptional education or any position of influence, except Luke, who was a doctor. In fact, the rulers and religious authorities regarded them to be uneducated and untrained (Acts 4:13). The disciples’ only special qualities were that of being faithful students and followers of Jesus Christ.

·      Matthew, who once was a hated, dishonest tax collector, and driven by greed, would follow Jesus and eventually preach and write Matthew, the first book of the New Testament.

·      Saul (Paul), a Pharisee and a Roman citizen, who had persecuted and killed followers of Jesus had an encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He would begin to proclaim Jesus to be the long-awaited Messiah and the Son of God. Eventually, he would write 14 of the 27 books in the New Testament.

·      Luke would respond to Jesus’ call to follow Him and then author the books of Luke and Acts.

Most stunning was the apostles’ lack of spiritual comprehension and ability to believe Jesus during their time of training because their thinking and behaviors were "carnal” (Romans 8:5-7). Jesus rebuked them for their lack of belief and hardness of heart (Mark 16:14).

Jesus gave the disciples numerous opportunities to trust Him. Instead, they doubted Him at every turn. They feared they would drown in the raging storm, even though Jesus was in the boat with them. They told Jesus it was impossible to feed 5,000 people from five loaves and two fish. Then in a different region, they expressed unbelief when Jesus told them to feed 4,000, though they had previously witnessed Jesus miraculously feed 5,000 (Matthew 8:25-27; John 6:1-4).

The disciples had witnessed the dead raised, blind eyes healed, people healed of various diseases, and freed from demons. Yet they still did not understand Jesus’ purpose nor comprehend who He was.

Jesus told the disciples on many occasions that He would be killed and then rise again. When Jesus died, the disciples were troubled and confused, so, when Mary Magdalene told them she had seen the risen Christ, they told her that she had seen a ghost. Though they had lived, eaten, slept, prayed, and sat under Jesus’ teaching, they were unable to believe, because their carnal thinking had prevented a genuine change in their hearts.

The disciples were in Jerusalem, gathered in a room, when the resurrected Christ stood before them. They were terrified and frightened and thought they had seen a spirit. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?” (Luke 24:36-43)

Later, there would be a transformation of the disciples’ hearts and minds at Pentecost when they would be filled with the Holy Spirit. These few good men would go out in power and boldness with the anointing of the Holy Spirit to pray, bring healing, deliverance, and new life to those who would listen and receive the Good News.

We all have a past but as Christ followers, we have been redeemed so that we can walk in His light. There are hurting people struggling to make sense of a world gone mad as it increasingly grows darker and more evil with each passing day. America is drowning in sin, debauchery, and unprecedented wickedness that can only be compared with the days of Noah.

The good news is that God can use anyone who has a relationship with Jesus Christ to help Him accomplish His will on earth. He is not looking for highly qualified people. He is looking for obedient followers of Christ—those who will pray and step out of their comfort zone and do whatever God asks of them. Why? Because He has already qualified and prepared every believer to pray and to serve Him according to the gifts that He has placed within them.

It took those early few good men and women, filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit, to carry the light of Christ to the world. Now God is calling, not just a few good men and women to share the Good News and pray for this nation, He is looking for an army of men, women, and even children to pray and share their story of faith and hope with the hurting and the lost. Are you ready to enlist?

PRAYER: FATHER, help me as I join Your army of men, women, and children to pray and share Your truth and love with those who are confused and questioning the times in which we live. May I always be willing to share my story of faith and be that beacon of light that brings truth, hope, encouragement, and love to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"MIKEY LIKES IT!"

Many know that I have an 18-year-old fur baby. When it comes to eating, Brandi has always been a very picky, toy poodle. I can serve her food that she has always liked or new food, but too often, she will smell it and walk away.

The other day, Brandi was in one of her finicky moods. I knew she was hungry because she ran to her bowl. But instead of chowing down, she sniffed the new food topper several times and walked away.

I retrieved my nine-pound diva and placed her in front of her food. She stood there for a while as if contemplating what to do next. Finally, she ate all the food and licked the bowl again and again as if to say, “I want more.” As I thought about her resistance to eating something new, it reminded me of myself when I was a child.

My mother was a wonderful cook and would periodically introduce a new recipe. If it wasn’t what I was accustomed to eating, I would curl my lip, politely fold my hands in my lap, and firmly announce, “I don’t want to eat this.” She would respond, “If you taste it, you might like it.” And then with a lilt in her voice, “No dessert tonight if you don’t taste it.” That was enough to convince me to take a bite, and most of the time, I did like it.

Why are people so hesitant in trying new things? It seems to be built into the DNA. Many of us do not like departing from what is safe, familiar, and comfortable. And like my resistance to trying a new food, the Bible, which is food for our soul, might present a challenge, because it is out of our sphere of comfort and what is familiar. Fortunately, God’s Spirit will help us navigate and understand His Word—if we ask Him.

When I became a Christian 51 years ago, I viewed the Bible as an overwhelmingly ancient and mysterious tome that gathered dust on a bookshelf. I had avoided reading it because there were so many things that I did not understand. Then I was gifted the Living Bible, which reads like a non-fiction book. I became so intrigued, mystified, and enraptured by it, that I would read it late into the night. Eventually, as I became more comfortable with the Bible, I transitioned to the New King James Version (NKJV) and the New International Version (NIV).

When we read God’s Word, we are reading the very heart of God. And yet, people have asked me, “In the Old Testament, why, if God is so loving, did He kill people?” In answering that question, I would tell them that there were those who refused to worship and acknowledge Him as the One True God. Thus, they fell under His judgment because they chose to worship idols of their own making. They were rebellious, disobedient, wicked, and immoral. Fortunately for us, it was because of God’s abundant love for mankind that He sent His only Son, Jesus, that whosoever believes in Him will not parish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

The following characteristics of God are but a very few of the many wonderful and loving attributes of our heavenly Father, who loves us unconditionally.

·      His Word lights the way and gives us direction (Psalm 119:105; John 8:12).

·      His Word is living and active and discerns the thoughts and intent of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

·      His Word does not return to Him void but accomplishes His purposes (Isaiah 55:11).

·      “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

·      His Word is truth (Psalm 33:4).

·      His Word brings comfort and peace (John 14:27).

·      His Word defeats the enemy (Luke 10:19).

·      His Word tells us of coming events (Joel 2:28-32; Matt 24:1-25: 46; Mark 13:1-37; Luke; Acts 2:17-21; Revelation).

The old saying, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink” does not always apply. This proverb means that you can provide an opportunity, but you cannot force someone to embrace that opportunity. However, you can encourage them to move in that direction.

A horse can be motivated to drink by adding a little apple cider vinegar or molasses to the water. A pet can be persuaded by sprinkling a small treat or “topper” onto their food. And a person can become encouraged to read God’s Word by starting their reading in Psalms and Proverbs.

Many items that we purchase come with directions. If we fail to read the instructions, very likely, we will not receive the full benefit and use of that item. However, the Bible is not just a book of instructions.

The Bible is God’s GPS that guides, teaches, helps, and encourages. And like a GPS that reroutes us if we make a wrong turn, God’s Word warns us of detours and dangers ahead and then reroutes us. But unlike a car’s GPS that is narrated by an automated voice, God’s GPS is narrated by His Holy Spirit, Who promises to lead us through life’s twists and turns and bring us safely to our final destination.

When I observed and waited for Brandi to eat, the thought occurred to me that God is constantly watching over us and patiently waiting for us to embrace His Word. For He knows it is the much needed spiritual food for our body, mind, spirit, and soul. Unfortunately, many who peek inside the Bible quickly feel intimidated and say, “This is just too difficult and complicated to understand.” But God promises that His Holy Spirit will give us understanding, if we ask, and then in faith, take that amazing journey with Him through His Word.

In 1972, Quaker Oats made a commercial for their Life cereal. Two brothers refused to try the new “healthy” cereal, so they passed it to their younger brother, Mikey, to see if he would eat it. When he ate it, they exclaimed, “He likes it!”

God encourages us to “taste [His Word] and see that the Lord is good…” (Psalm 34:8). After all, we might like it, and like my Brandi and Mikey, once we taste it, we just might want more.

PRAYER: FATHER, thank you for Your Word that tells me, “You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book” (Psalm 139:13-16 TLB). Place within my heart a desire to know and understand Your Word, which is a love letter to those who read it. Let Your Word be mana for my heart and soul. May Your Word be like a ship’s rudder that sets me on Your perfect course, charted uniquely for me before I was born. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MAKE YOUR MESS YOUR MESSAGE

There is not one person who has not regretted choices they made in life. No matter how hard we try, we will make mistakes and create messes. Some of those messes result from ill-conceived decisions. Other messes come from a person or situation that is not within our control. Unfortunately, messes are part of the human experience.

What is a mess? It is not just an untidy or cluttered room. Oh, if only life could be that easy to clean and organize. No, life’s messes involve a problem, trial, tribulation, grief, heartache, or suffering. A mess is a predicament, difficulty, dilemma, or problem. In the end, a mess can bring regret, which causes frustration, sadness, and disappointment.

How do we get ourselves into a mess? It is not the same for everyone; however, during my early twenties, I made choices that created messes based on what I wanted and could control. I did not seek God's counsel, His will, nor His purposes for my life. Most of us can recall messes we made, because of our own willful choices, especially in our youth when we thought we were the smartest and the brightest.

As a young child, I believed my parents were the smartest people I knew. Then I became a teenager and suddenly, I had a corner on intelligence and wisdom. From my perspective, my parents were old-fashioned and out of touch with the world.

My inflexible and narrow-minded view of life shifted in my late twenties, when it became painfully apparent that many of my decisions had created chaos in my life. With deep regret, I realized too late, that my parents had given wise counsel to help me navigate the world’s many snares that capture minds and hearts and send the inexperienced down a treacherous path, leading to failure and disappointment.

Realization that my parents’ guidance was with purpose, came after I had married a man I barely knew. Although my mother had tried to warn me, I had rejected her advice. I had made my choice and stubbornly refused to be dissuaded. Unfortunately, that choice led to three terrifying years of marriage to an abusive man. However, God has a way of redeeming our mistakes and failures when we admit we are wrong and ask for His help. Had that mess not happened, I would not have the amazing son I have today, nor would I have realized my great need for a changed life that would come only by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord of my life.

The greatest example of making a mess a message was Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee, who participated in the persecution and murder of Christians. After Saul had the apostle, Stephen, executed, he asked and was granted permission to travel to Damascus and bring Christians back to Jerusalem as prisoners.

While on the road to Damascus, a bright light blinded Saul, and he fell face down on the ground. He then heard the words, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Saul replied, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice answered, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9: 4–5). Three days later, Ananias, who was from Damascus and a disciple of Jesus, prayed for Saul’s eyes to be healed.

The story of Saul (who became Paul) is a story of redemption and a testimony that no one is beyond the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s mess became his message as he authored 14 of the 27 books in the New Testament and lived out his life advancing the kingdom of God.

That day on the road to Damascus, Jesus apprehended Paul —a murderer and zealot and demonstrated His great love for him as He does for all sinners. God captured my heart and was able to take what had been a mess in my life and make it my message of His goodness, hope, love, and redemption. It is a message that I continually strive to share with others.

Are you in the middle of a mess and you see no way out? Or maybe you cannot let go of a mess you made in past years. Know that before you were formed in your mother’s womb, God knew you intimately (Jeremiah 1:5). He knew the mistakes and choices you would make. He knows your every thought and every word that you will speak before a word is spoken (Psalm 139:4). He knows your heart, your pain and He knows your regrets. But He can help you make your mess your message.

Jesus pursued Paul so his life could be turned around and made new. Maybe God is pursuing you and is saying, “I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” [“So], come to Me, you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 11:28).

PRAYER: FATHER, I come to you with a repentant heart and surrender all to the lordship of Jesus Christ. I ask that You redeem the messes that I have made, so that they will no longer define me, but will be my message of Your goodness and love for me and for all who call upon Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

GOD'S CALL TO WATCH AND PRAY

The popular slogan, “Prayer Changes Things,” can be found on anything printable or engravable. Yes, prayer does change things, but most importantly, it changes our hearts and the hearts of those for whom we are praying. Prayer keeps the heart with all diligence, for out of the heart flows the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). As we read Jesus’ conversations with the disciples on the evening of His betrayal, we understand why prayer was critical that night.

Jesus warned the disciples, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night…” (Matthew 26:31 NKJV). Peter quickly said that even if all stumbled, he would not. Jesus responded, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” Peter vehemently declared, that even if he had to die, he would not deny Jesus. And all the disciples said the same (Matthew 26:35).

  Jesus knows the heart of every man, woman, and child. He is acquainted with all our ways. He knows when we sit down and when we get up; He discerns our every thought from afar. Even before we speak a word, the Lord knows it (Psalm 139:1-4). Jesus knew the sincerity of the disciples’ hearts, but He also knew their flaws and their inability to walk in faith. That faith would later arise within them upon receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Following the Passover meal, Jesus and the disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus told the disciples to sit and pray (Matthew vs. 36). He then took Peter, James, and John with Him. Deeply troubled and distressed, He told them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch” (Matthew 26:38 NKJV).

Later, Jesus returned to the three and found them sleeping and said to Peter, “Simon (which means to listen), are you sleeping?” In other words, “[Listen to what I am saying]. Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (vs 40-41). When Jesus returned a third time, the disciples were still sleeping.

Jesus addressed Peter because he had been the first and most vocal in stating he would never deny Christ. Interestingly, he could not stay awake three times which corresponds with denying Jesus three times. What might have happened had Peter stayed awake and prayed?

There is a correlation between warning the disciples and warning the Church to “be alert and of sober mind (serious, humble). For our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  For that reason, Jesus urges us to “watch and pray.”  “Resist [Satan] and stand firm in the faith (Peter 5:8-9).

  We are warned, “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ” (Colossians 2:8 NLT). Jesus is calling His Church out of its slumber, “Remain awake, alert, and pray! Be My voice where there is no voice! Pray without ceasing!”

  Jesus warns of things to come. “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that you are notalarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24).

  Again, we are warned in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, “But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, reckless, treacherous, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So, avoid people like these.”

  The Church has slept while the world has grown more sinful with each passing year. The Church was silent when prayer was removed from schools. The Church was silent when abortion was legalized.

  A 2022 Pew Research report states that 61% of U.S. adults say abortion should be legal all or most of the time, while 37% say it should be illegal all or most of the time. The few fight for what is biblically and morally correct, instead of following the world’s standards and beliefs.

  Jesus directed His comments to seven actual churches in Revelation that represent what is both wrong and right in today’s churches:

·  Church of Ephesus had lost their first love for Jesus.

·      Church of Smyrna was the persecuted church and pleased God. *

·      The Church of Pergamos was the compromising church that worshipped God and the world.

·      The Church of Thyatira was corrupt. They were sexually immoral, committed adultery, and murdered their own children. God said that He would give them according to their evil works.

·      The Church of Sardis was the dead church. Everything they did was for show and had no substance.

·      The Church of Philadelphia was the faithful church which God encouraged to continue in their works so they would be rewarded. *

·      The Church of Laodicea was the lukewarm church. God said, “Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16 NKJV).

Smyrna and Philadelphia were two churches out of seven who did what was right in the sight of God. The other five churches represent the many problems in today’s Church. So, roughly, 71 percent of churches are not doing what is right, and only 28 percent are doing what is right in God’s eyes. God called those five churches to repent and turn from their “wicked ways.”

Astonishingly, only 36 percent of current pastors hold a biblical worldview, which includes the much-ignored Book of Revelation. That leaves 64 percent of pastors who ignore Revelation. The key to understanding Revelation is studying the Old Testament, which forms a bridge with Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 and connects it all to Revelation.

Too many churches are winking at sin and are spiritually asleep, with many not seeing the urgent need for repentance and prayer. God is calling the Church (not the world) to awaken and turn from its sinful, immoral, and irreverent ways and seek Him and pray. For “those who seek the LORD understand all things” (Proverbs 28:5).

There is not a man or a political party that can save this world. Only by repenting and turning our hearts fully to God can He intervene and restore this nation.

PRAYER: FATHER, we live in treacherous and uncertain times. Forgive us for lukewarmness and failing to be a light and standard bearer for You and Your Word. Give church leaders, and their congregations strength, purpose, and a desire to become more like the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia. Help us to spiritually stay awake as we pray for the world and those around us. May we be Your shining light that draws others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

GOD LOOKS ON THE HEART

The Lord recently put this scripture on my heart: “The Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7).

We have been conditioned to focus on the external. Therefore, our perceptions and opinions are made from first impressions, which are most often formed from an outward appearance or behavior.

There is an adage that my mother used to say, “You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression.” According to a university study, people make eleven decisions about a person in the first seven seconds of meeting, thus “The 7/11 Rule.”

Jesse, the Bethlehemite, came to the prophet Samuel, and God revealed to Samuel that one son out of Jesse’s nine sons would be king. So, when eight of the nine sons lined up before Samuel, he looked at Eliab, who was the oldest and strongest, and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him!” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (I Samuel 16:6-7 NIV).

Samuel went through eight of Jesse’s sons and had not yet found God’s chosen. So, he asked if Jesse had anymore sons to which he replied that the youngest was tending sheep. Samuel told Jesse to call him and when David arrived, the LORD said to Samuel, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one." David may not have looked like king material, but God saw the heart of a lion who passionately loved Him.

There was a time when I was very shy, so people would interpret my shyness as stuck up and aloof. There had been so many instances in my young life where I was ridiculed and rejected, that I feared any interaction with people. One girl said, “When I first met you, I thought you were stuck up. But now that I know you, I realize that you are not that way at all.”

It is very easy to form an incorrect good or bad first impression, because first impressions have a high probability of being completely wrong. Although there are times when a first impression is correct, the Lord cautions us not to be quick to judge as did the Prophet Samuel, for God truly looks at the content of a person’s heart.

First impressions can be unreliable, because we do not know a person’s current circumstances, nor do we know past events that have made them the person we see. Did they come out of an abusive relationship? Possibly they received bad news. Maybe their home life was or is currently difficult and even abusive. Maybe their salary is not meeting their everyday needs. Perhaps they are exhausted working two or more jobs to make ends meet. They might be grieving over the loss of a loved one. Or maybe they discovered that their spouse is cheating. The list of reasons for their demeanor is endless.

Several years ago, I was checking out at a grocery store, and I quickly formed a first impression about the cashier because she was rude and acted annoyed that she had to be working. As I irritatedly waited for her to finish scanning the groceries, God chastised me and spoke into my judgmental heart, “You have no idea what she is dealing with at home. Don’t judge her; pray for her.”

Abby Lewis, founder of Be Love Give Love wants people to know that we must be a vessel of God’s love so that we can give love to others. She says, “I would encourage people to build each other up. Treat others the same way they would want to be treated. Be kind and compassionate to one another. And always…be love and give love.”

The elderly, the disabled, and those with special needs are the disenfranchised who are often scorned and ignored. They are among the many hurting people who yearn for an encouraging word and a kind look. Who else can show them compassion, grace, acceptance, patience, kindness, and love unless Christians make the effort? For Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you” (John 13:34-35). God values each one of us and loves us unconditionally. Therefore, as Christians, we are to value and love others without putting conditions on that love.

Life experiences are different for every person. Negative and upsetting events happen to all of us and even more so in this upside-down world. For that reason, it can be very easy to become jaded, rushed, and impatient with others. That is why it is necessary to pray for others and to focus less on what makes us uncomfortable, frustrated, and impatient and consider what life would be like without God’s patience, mercy, and great love for us.

Jesus commissioned all Christ followers to treat others with love and compassion. He told the disciples about the end of time and said, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep (followers of Christ) from the goats (those who have rejected Christ). He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King (Jesus) will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

Then [the disciples] asked, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me’” (Matthew 25:31-45 NKJV).

The bottom line is that God created us in His image and loves every human being. When we disregard and mistreat others with disrespect and indifference, we show the same disregard, disrespect, and indifference to our Savior. For that reason, God is calling His Church to be love and to give His love to a hurting world that is in desperate need of love and hope.

PRAYER: FATHER, help me to be a vessel of love who extends kindness, compassion, grace, patience, and love to others. Help me to have a tender heart towards people who struggle in life and remember to pray for others, especially those who are the rudest and the most intolerable, because they are the ones who are hurting the most. In Jesus’ name, amen.

STICKS AND STONES

My mother taught me the children’s rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words shall never hurt me.” The intended use of the rhyme was to deflect name-calling and verbal bullying and to teach children that name calling cannot hurt; thereby, making words harmless. Interestingly, being hit by a stick or stone can quickly heal, but a verbal assault is a poison that penetrates deep within the mind, heart, and soul, and can last a lifetime.

At age seven, I learned very quickly that words have the power to injure when classmates began bullying me with hurtful, demeaning words. The bullying eventually progressed to physical attacks. Hurt and confused, I became withdrawn and so fearful of going to school, that I developed severe eczema. Doubting my worth and intelligence, my grades dropped from “excellent” to “poor and “not passing.” I had mentally surrendered to the bullies’ verbal lies. 

At age 27, I was newly divorced and mentally and emotionally broken from a verbally abusive marriage. It was then, that I surrendered my heart to Jesus Christ and received a new identity in Him. In that surrendering of my life and will to Him, I learned that my true value and worthiness can only come through my Redeemer, for “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I came to understand that hurting people hurt people; therefore, we are called to forgive, love, and pray for those who have hurt us (Matthew 5:44). Jesus said that when we stand praying, if we are holding anything against anyone, we are to forgive them, so that our Father in heaven may forgive us our sins (Mark 11:25; Matthew 6:14).

The vitriol and hatred that we are witnessing throughout the world is beyond the pale. People are trusting in false narratives and identifying with various causes and not with Jesus Christ. Hostility has replaced civility. Even many Christians, who are called to be a voice of hope and love, have joined in the negative discourse.

Hateful words have a way of negatively shaping the mind of the speaker and of those who are on the receiving end. Positive, affirming words encourage and give hope to both the one speaking and to the one who receives, because “kind words are like honey…sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” (Proverbs 16:24). 

Our soul is nourished when we are kind, but we destroy ourselves when we are unkind and unfeeling. Equally, a kind word spoken to us nourishes our soul. Therefore, we must be careful to speak words that bring life and health, because a harsh tongue crushes the spirit (Proverbs 11:17; Proverbs 15:4).

We learn the power and importance of our words when we understand that God spoke the Word and the worlds came into exitance. “By the Word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth.” “For He spoke, and it came to be. He commanded and it stood firm” (Psalm 33:6;9).

When we speak God’s Word, we tap into His power, for His Word does not return to Him void (Isaiah 55:11). He tells us, “Let the one who has My Word speak it faithfully.” “Is not My Word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:28-29). God’s powerful Word defeats the enemy.

We should never underestimate the power of God’s Word and the words we speak. King David knew the power of his words and prayed that God would help him keep from speaking anything that the enemy could use against him. For “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). What a powerful revelation! The words that we speak have such great power, that they can be used for destruction or for good.

We may feel justified in our verbal assessments and assassinations, but the Word warns us that “the tongue is undisciplined, evil, and full of deadly poison. For out of the same mouth flows blessing and cursing. This should not be. Both saltwater and fresh water cannot come from the same spring” (James 3: 8-12). Destructive words curse the person to whom those words are directed. If we bless others, they are blessed, and if we curse them, they are cursed (Numbers 22:6). 

The enemy is very good at capturing spoken negative words and making them profitable for evil (Ecclesiastes 10:20 ESV). Conversely, Satan is defeated when God’s Word is coming from a place of unshakable faith. We see the exchange when Satan encountered Jesus in the desert and attempted to cause Him to fall. Jesus responded three times, “It is written,” and then He quoted Scripture that quelled Satan’s plans. 

 “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). How often do we speak negative words about ourselves? “I’ll never be able to do that.” “I’m stupid.” “I can’t…” “I’m afraid of…” The list of negative self-talk is endless. Then there are words that we speak about other people. Are our words uplifting, affirming, and encouraging, or do they accuse, condemn, criticize, and judge? Ephesians 4:19 tells us not to allow corrupt talk to come from our mouths, but only words that build up and give grace to the one who hears.

Words matter. That is why Jesus gave a strong warning to be careful about the words we speak. “But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37 NIV).

That is a sobering scripture that should cause us to think about the words we speak. Are our words uplifting or condemning? Do our words build others up or do our words tear down? For we are told that “gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). Like King David, we must ask God to set a guard over our mouth and keep watch over the door of our lips (Psalm 141:4). For it is by our words that we are either acquitted or condemned.

The enemy may not know what we think but he can certainly hear our words. Negative words give Satan ammunition to perform that which we speak. Positive words invite God “to create the [good] fruit of [our] lips” (Isaiah 57:19). That is why we cannot allow corrupt, negative talk to come forth from our mouths, but only those words that build up to give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).

What we think is what we speak, so we must carefully choose our words. For the words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18). Hence, when tempted to speak negatively about ourselves or others, we must remember that our words have power to build up or to tear down.

PRAYER: FATHER, I ask Your forgiveness for speaking unfruitful words that have judged and criticized others and myself. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Were Adam and Eve Real People?

Adam and Eve’s existence has been argued since the beginning of time. A Gallup poll determined that only 24 percent of Americans believe the Bible to be the literal Word of God. The other 76 percent believe the Bible is a book of myths, legends, teachings, and that Adam and Eve were nothing more than an allegorical representation of humanity. However, there is enough proof throughout the Bible to legitimize the reality of Adam and Eve being the first parents of mankind.

We learn in Genesis 1:1-28 that after God spoke all things into existence, God said, “Let Us (Son and Father) make mankind in Our image, in Our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So, God created mankind in His own image; He created them male and female and blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” “And God saw everything that He had made and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).

Adam’s name means “man from the red earth” and Eve’s name means “living one and source of life.” The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and he became a living soul (Genesis 2:7). The Lord God then caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and took one of his ribs, and made a woman, and brought her to the man. Then He gave them all authority over creation (Genesis 2:21-23). 

God had lavishly provided for their every need, yet Satan, the great deceiver, would come to tempt and cause doubt to form within their hearts and minds. So it happened that Satan appeared to Eve with his trickery and convinced her that God was a withholder of good things. When Eve saw that the fruit of the forbidden tree was good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it (Genesis 3:6).

Adam disobeyed God’s command to not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, so he followed his wife’s lead, and together they yielded to temptation. Sin filled their hearts, bringing death and destruction to all mankind. 

Satan continues to perpetuate that same deceptive lie, causing many people to believe that God withholds good things and that in serving Him, they are prevented from enjoying life. The truth is that those who fully surrender and commit their hearts and minds to the lordship of Jesus Christ, will experience peace, joy, and God’s provision that surpasses all understanding.

Job, a righteous man, referred to Adam when he made his case of innocence to his friends and said, “If I have covered my transgressions as Adam…” (Job 31:33). Adam tried and failed to cover his sin of disobedience when he said, “The woman You put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it” (Genesis 3:12-13). 

Adam blamed God for giving him Eve; therefore, he reasoned that she was the cause for his rebellion and disobedience. He took no responsibility for his sin and failure in preventing them both from making that fatal choice.

We find a reference to Adam in Deuteronomy 32:8: “When the Most High divided their inheritance to the nations, when He separated the sons of Adam, He [God] set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel.”

The entire genealogy of Adam to Abraham and eventually to David can be found in Chronicles 1 and 2, beginning with Adam and his sons. Again, we see a reference to the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham, whose lineage came from Adam (Matthew 1:1).

A significant account regarding Adam and Eve is found in Paul’s letters to the Roman and Corinthian churches. Paul, who walked with Jesus and sat under His teaching, was educated in the eternal truths regarding Jesus and Adam. He fully understood Adam to have been just as real as Jesus. Had Adam never existed, then Paul’s entire case for the Gospel would have been pointless.

Paul details how sin and death entered the world through Adam and spread by inheritance to the entire human race. He presents Adam and Jesus as the two representative heads of humanity. “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man (Adam), and death through sin, and in this way, death came to all people, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). “Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act (Jesus’ death and resurrection) resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one Man (Jesus Christ) the many will be made righteous” (Romans 18:21). 

Jesus Christ came in the form of a man, yet fully God, to redeem and bring salvation to those who confess with their mouth that "Jesus is Lord," and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).

The Apostle Paul strongly affirms, “Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man (Adam) came death, by Man (Jesus) also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming (I Corinthians 15:20-23).

It is written that “The first man, Adam, became a living being—the last Adam, (Christ), a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second Man (Christ) is of heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly Man” (I Corinthians 15:45-49).

Those who discount the authenticity of Adam and Eve, dismiss the whole counsel of God and might as well toss out the entire Bible. For everything rests on the foundation of God’s creation of man and woman, because it was their sin and fall that required Jesus Christ coming to earth to bring restoration and redemption to a fallen world.

PRAYER: LORD, all scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God and is valuable for doctrine, admonishment, correction, and instruction in righteousness, so that I may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Help me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to believe and accept in faith that Your God-breathed Word is true and accurate. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

THE ROCK OF AGES

The Lord is my Rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my Rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (Psalm 18:1-2 NIV).

Recently, I was reading Elmer L. Towns’ book, My Father’s Names, which I highly recommend. He relays an experience he had as a young college student, when he was asked to lead praise and worship for a revival. However, he was unprepared for that evening’s unexpected turn of events.

Thunder boomed and lightening flashed as the wind and rain blew with great force, battering the little, white framed church. To calm the nervous crowd, Towns began telling the amazing story of God’s provision for Augustus Toplady, who without any light to guide him, was caught outside in a dangerous storm.

It was in the late 1700s and Toplady was traveling along a gorge in England when he was suddenly overcome by a battering storm. Fearful that he could be stranded in the cold rain and possibly die from exposure, he looked for a place of safely. A brilliant flash of lightening revealed a massive rock ahead. Toplady knew he would find protection from the rain on the leeward side of the rock, but when he got there, he found that the huge boulder had been split by the lightning bolt. Crawling into the cleft of the rock, he was protected from both the wind and rain. It was as though the rock had been split just for him. 

Toplady equated this event with a spiritual application: “Jesus is the Rock—firm, strong, and protective. Yet Jesus was crucified for me, and a spear split open His side. He was the Rock cleft (split, gashed) for me.” As the storm passed, Toplady wrote four stanzas of which the following is the first stanza of the infamous hymnal, “Rock of Ages.” 

“Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

let me hide myself in Thee.”

Let the water and the blood,

From thy wounded side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure.”

Towns recounts that even though the church lights did not come back on until after the revival ended, many people had stayed and surrendered their hearts to Christ on that long and stormy night. They understood that only in Jesus, could they find refuge from the storm they were experiencing and from the storms of life that come to challenge us.

We can count on the Lord when life’s storms come, whether they be weather-related or simply those things that challenge us and our faith. For “God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Do we believe this? Do the things of life diminish our faith and cause us to doubt and question God? His Word encourages us to look to Him and His strength and seek His face always (I Chronicles 16:11).

We find in James 4:8 that if we come near to God, He will come near to us. And how do we come near to Him?  The answer is revealed through this scripture in which God calls us not to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we are to present our requests to Him. He then promises that His peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

It was in the storm that Toplady recognized the goodness and provision of God. I have walked through many of life’s storms and have asked God the “why” question. We all have been in that place of questioning. But over the years, I have learned that even in the darkest and most unsettling trial, God AWAYS provides and reveals His amazing grace and love.

Every trial has been a learning experience and has afforded me the opportunity to draw closer to God. When everything is going smoothly, it is easy to become more involved in the world and less involved with Him. That is why God strongly warns us not to love the world or anything in the world. If we love the world, the love for the Father is not in us (I John 2:15). For Jesus chose us out of the world. That is why the world hates those who profess Jesus Christ as Lord and choose to walk out their faith in Him (John 15:19).

What storms are you battling? Know that you are not alone. God is with you in every storm and every difficulty. He will provide, teach, and guide—if you trust Him.

The disciples got caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee. The boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. Fearful, they woke Jesus, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters. The storm subsided, and all was calm. Then He asked, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:23-25). 

I believe that God allows us to go through life’s difficulties to reveal our level of faith. Jesus revealed the weakness of the disciples’ faith. Even though they had seen Jesus perform amazing miracles, they still struggled with placing their faith completely in Him. Their focus was directed on the storm and not on Jesus and what He had daily taught them.

We see that same example with Peter. Jesus called him out of the boat and as he obeyed, he walked on the water towards Jesus. But as soon as the waves began to increase in height and intensity, he turned his eyes away from Jesus, and focusing on the wind and waves, he began to sink. He cried out to Jesus to save him, and Jesus lifted Peter out of the storm. 

Do world events distract and turn your attention away from God, or do they draw you closer to Him? Are you focusing on the storm, or are you keeping your eyes on the Lord? Like the disciples, do you trust more in what you see than what is true in God’s Word? Do you view God as your loving Father who desires only the very best for you? Do you trust that when you call out to Him, He will lift you out of the storm?

As you celebrate the resurrection of Christ this Easter Sunday, meditate on His love that is so great for you and for me, that He willingly sacrificed Himself so that we could have eternal life and be overcomers while on this earth. He said, “I am the first and the last and the living One. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:17-18). Like Augustus Toplady, may we never forget that our Lord, the risen King, is the Rock of Ages cleft for us.

PRAYER: FATHER, I thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue all who call upon His name so that they may be saved from eternal separation from You. Thank you for being with me in every storm and difficulty. As I celebrate Jesus’ glorious resurrection, help me to keep my eyes on Your goodness and not on those things that can so easily distract and challenge my faith. May I always trust and cherish the risen Lord, the Rock of Ages, cleft for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

THE BETRAYER

Have you ever thought it was odd that Jesus allowed Judas Iscariot to be His treasurer? Jesus knew that Judas was a thief because Jesus knows all things (John 16:30). Nothing is hidden from Him.

Judas’s heart and intentions surfaced when Mary took a pound of costly ointment made from pure nard and tenderly wiped Jesus' feet with her hair. Judas angerly asked, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he oversaw the moneybag from which he secretly helped himself of its contents (John 12:3-6). Jesus quickly rebuked Judas and said, "Leave her alone...it was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of My burial (John 12:7).

Weary from the crowds, Jesus had gone up on a mountain to teach His disciples. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21). Then he added, “No one can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). 

Not wanting that anyone should parish, Jesus gave the above teaching for Judas’s benefit. It addressed the root of his carnality and lust for wealth. Jesus knew that if Judas did not repent and change his ways, that his greed would bring about his destruction. 

God's mercy is so great that He goes to great lengths to bring truth to those who are deceived and to those who are lost. He does not want any person to parish, but that all would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, there are those who look to both the world and its offerings to satisfy their every need and to man to solve problems and calm their weary hearts. 

On Judgement day, Judas will not be able to say that he knew nothing about the consequences of his sin. “If [we] say, ‘But [I] knew nothing about this,” does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who guards your life know it? Will He not repay everyone according to what they have done?” (Proverbs 24:12 NIV) 

You may have wondered how Judas could have betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver after daily being with Him and listening to His teachings. However, his behavior should not surprise us. There are many Christians who are no different from Judas. Outwardly, they profess Jesus. They attend church and say all the right things, but inwardly, their hearts are far from Jesus. They are adulterers, fornicators, thieves at business, liars, greedy, rebellious, unbelieving, lustful, and prideful. They refuse to turn from their sins, because they are under the illusion that church attendance, an occasional prayer, and a few good deeds will guarantee their entrance to heaven. Unfortunately, that fallacy is far removed from the truth. 

Judas most likely assumed that because He was with the Teacher and “followed” Him every day, that he was safe from the fires of hell. However, the Bible strictly warns that, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV). That is why we are told to guard our heart for everything we do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23).

How do we guard our heart? We do not allow ourselves to be conformed to this world. Rather, we become transformed by renewing our minds with God’s Word, so that when testing comes (as it did with Judas), we can discern what is good, acceptable, and the perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).

You might be thinking that you would have never done what Judas did. Peter said the same thing. “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.” But Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown Me three times.” But Peter vehemently declared, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never disown You.” And all the other disciples said the same (Matthew 26:33-35).

God is calling us to take inventory of our hearts. Is He truly first in our lives? Are we daily praying and renewing our minds with His Word? Are we resisting temptation? Do we compromise our beliefs to appease others? Do we clutter our lives with so many busy activities that there is no remaining time for God? Do we have unwavering faith in God and His promises? Do we believe that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work?” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) If we were to find ourselves in the same position as Peter and the disciples, would we also deny knowing Jesus?

PRAYER: We live in difficult and very uncertain times where faith in You and Your Word is challenged every day by the world’s standards. Each day, help me to place You first by reading Your Word, praying, and allowing You to govern my thoughts, words, and deeds. If challenged as Peter and the disciples were that evening, give me strength and grace not to deny You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING"

Most of us will agree that our world has changed significantly since Covid. Life, as we once knew it, has been replaced with ever increasing apostasy, violence, immorality, expressions of hatred, divorce, suicide, inflation, and government mandates that infringe upon individual rights. The stress level among adults and children has reached epidemic proportions.

The divorce rate has accelerated since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. According to a survey conducted by the Institute of Family Studies, 34 percent of married people reported the pandemic stressed their relationship. The February 28, 2022, National Law Review reported that for some couples, the pandemic has caused friction, more fights, and exposed issues that run deeper, leaving them to consider options for pursuing separation. 

Prior to the pandemic, each workday, husbands left for work and wives either went to their respective jobs or remained home caring for the children. For the most part, there was an eight to twelve-hour separation from one another. Clearly, the Covid epidemic forced many working husbands and wives to readjust their lives to accommodate staying home and working in close proximity to each other. This has created an unwelcomed and uncomfortable atmosphere that gives credence to the old saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” 

We live in a culture of ingratitude, entitlement, self-absorption, pridefulness, and rebellion. When personal expectations are not met, negativity and unbelief strangle the heart and mind making it impossible to set one’s thoughts on things above, instead of on earthly things (Colossians 3:2-5). Focusing on earthly things weakens and eventually destroys faith and trust in God.

With all the various challenges before us, there is a greater need to focus on God and His Word. Whether married, single, or having lost a spouse… prayer and study of God’s Word is essential in understanding the days in which we live so that we may maintain faith and trust in God’s goodness. 

Very late in 2021, after a year laden with loss, overwhelming challenges, two months of illness, surgery, and unrelenting stress, I was experiencing the ramifications of focusing on those painful events. Instead of trusting and praising God, I had allowed my mind to get caught up in a vortex of doubt, fear, and worry. 

One day as I was seeking comfort and peace of mind, the following scripture touched my heart as never before. As I meditated on these precious words, a powerful revelation of its truth filled my soul, which led me to commit it to memory. Each time that worries, fear, or doubt come to invade my thoughts, I speak aloud Philippians 5:7-9 and carefully ponder each word:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble (moral), whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate (ponder, think) on these things.”

We can choose to focus on what is happening around us and to us, or we can focus on God, His Word, and His unwavering faithfulness to us. For He commands us not to be anxious (worry) about anything, but in every situation, we are to make our request known to Him in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.

When we thank Him for who He is and what we have, He promises to guard our heart and mind from fear, doubt, and worry through Christ Jesus. As we intentionally place our focus on God and not the circumstances, God will fill our mind and spirit with His peace and a joy that surpasses human understanding. 

How do we maintain peace and joy? God and His Word must become our focus because the right focus rejects negative or fearful thoughts. That is why we are urged to protect our mind by meditating on His Word, and contemplating what is moral, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. 

Years ago, I read a faith changing book called The Power of Praise by Merlin Carothers. When I saw the cited scriptures that call us to praise God in all circumstances, I stepped out in faith and began praising Him in (not for) every situation. Quickly, I experienced amazing and often miraculous results in placing faith and trust in Him.

My experience in praising God in every situation has shown me that praising and thanking God is an attitude of the heart. King David said he praised God with his whole heart. It was genuine and not half-hearted. He was able to praise God from the depths of his heart, even in his greatest despair.

When we praise God in a difficult situation, we are saying, “Lord, I may not understand why You are allowing this, but this I know: You love me with a perfect love, and Your Word assures me that all things work together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purposes. So, I choose to trust You and not the circumstances.”

Psalm 92:1 is a call to “Praise Him in the morning; praise Him in the evening.” During the pandemic, when I should have been the most invested in prayer, I am ashamed to admit that my prayers were perfunctory and my efforts to praise Him were mediocre.

Unfortunately, neglecting my spiritual health resulted in an unwelcomed harvest of fear, worry, and a shaking of faith. Now there is a deeper appreciation for offering Him praise and thanksgiving as an expression of my deep gratitude for the privilege of being His child and knowing that I have His unwavering love and care. There is peace and comfort in believing that God receives our praises with joy, hears and responds to our prayers in His time, and captures and preserves our every shed tear in a bottle (Psalm 56:8).

Hebrews 13:15-16 instructs us to continually offer God a sacrifice of praise. And why does it say, “a sacrifice of praise?” Because there are times when our circumstances seem so overwhelming that we do not feel like praising God. That is when it becomes a “sacrifice” to praise Him. We put aside our hurt and fears, and those tormenting worries and concerns, and in that intimate moment with God, we enter His presence with worship, thinking only of Him and thanking Him for what He has provided. Only then, are we prepared to approach Him with our requests. Through Christ Jesus we are confident that God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds against the enemies of fear, doubt, and unbelief.

PRAYER: FATHER, I thank You for Your promise of Philippians 5:7-9. Help me to keep my heart and mind fixed on You and to be ever mindful in praising You even in difficult circumstances, because You make a way where there is no way. I commit to trust in Your promise that all things work together for good to those who love You, to those who are called according to Your perfect purpose (Romans 8:28). In Jesus’ name, amen.

THE HEART IS A RESERVOIR

The last 17 months have been stressful and challenging unlike any other time. During this period of my life, God impressed upon my heart to pursue guarding my heart and mind from doubt, fear, unbelief, and waning faith. Because, what we hold in our mind, which is the battlefield where the enemy daily wages war, will feed the heart.  

The heart is mentioned 830 times in the King James Bible, so we can assume that God wants us to understand the spiritual components of the heart. For the heart is a reservoir that can either hold things that support life and faith, or it can hold things that impede and even destroy life and faith. 

The mouth is the heart's barometer. That which is in the heart overflows into our speech (Luke 6:45). Jesus said, “…I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment”— “for death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Matthew 12:36; Proverbs 18:21;).

King David said, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3-4). Our words have potential to encourage and uplift, or they can harm us and others. What word-containers are held in our hearts? “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of" (Luke 6:34 NIV).

The deceitful heart makes its plans. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). What concealed motives, hidden secrets, or personal agendas do we have tucked inside our hearts?

The foolish and careless heart knows God, but does not glorify Him as God, nor is it thankful, but is futile in its thoughts and becomes darkened (Romans 1:21). What things that God calls “sin unto death,” have been tolerated and accepted by society and many Christians, because their understanding has become darkened by world philosophies?

The willful heart walks in disobedience and rebellion. Satan was the “seal of perfection,” full of wisdom and perfect in beauty (Ezekiel 2:12-19). But he became prideful and said sin his heart, “I will ascend into heaven. I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will be like the Most Hgh” (Isaiah 14:11-15). Those two words, I will, reveal pride that precipitated Satan’s great fall. That old sin nature continually draws the human heart to willful disobedience and rebellion.

An obstinate heart is hardened to God’s truth, guidance, direction, and is ill-informed about divine things (Deuteronomy 2:30. The Oxford American Writer’s Thesaurus defines “obstinate” as stubborn, unyielding, inflexible, unbending, bull-headed, self-willed, uncooperative, uncompromising, rigid, and immovable. The obstinate heart is easily deceived, leading to wrong decisions.

The Apostle Paul said of the obstinate, that their foolish hearts are darkened because their spiritual eyes are closed (Romans 1:21). Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity (Proverbs 28:14 ESV). Do we yield daily to the things of God?

A heart of unbelief is a dangerous place. "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God, but exhort one another daily, while it is called "today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:12-13). Unbelief leads to backsliding and heresy.

The heart holds desires. We are forewarned against lust, covetousness, and envy, and told to set our hearts on those things above, for where our treasure is, there our heart will be found (Colossians 3:1; Matthew 6:21). Do we desire God above all earthly things?

An obedient and willing heart says "yes" to God. Jesus asked His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me—nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done (Luke 22:41-43). Even Jesus struggled with surrendering His will, but His love for mankind and His Father was greater than what He desired, and He surrendered all to God. What are we willing to surrender to God?

God requires a pure heart of integrity, which is principled, honorable, upright, truthful, ethical, and moral. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. “For it is the righteous man who walks in his integrity, that his children are blessed after him” (Proverbs 10:9; 20:7). Shading the truth, misleading, deceiving, lying and exaggerating all contribute to an impure heart.

The heart thinks. What we think in our heart, we become (Proverbs 23:7). Jesus asked, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?" (Matthew 9:4) We are to think on what is true, noble, right, lovely, admirable, excellent, pure, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). What consumes our thoughts?

The heart remembers, reflects, and meditates. “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). To “ponder” is to meditate, consider, reflect, review, and deliberate. “May the words of [our] mouth and the meditation of [our] heart be acceptable to You, Lord, [our] rock and [our] Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Do we daily reflect on God's Word?

The heart understands, discerns, and gives insight. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians said, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18). The Holy Spirit will illuminate our heart with understanding when we seek Him.

The heart is a reservoir of either good or bad. We choose what goes into that reservoir. Are we choosing wisely? Are we choosing God’s Word, for His Word is a safeguard against sin (Psalm 119:11).

The heart functions as our conscience. It is the inner forum where decisions are made. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Do we include God in our decision-making, or do we make our own plans?

The faith-filled heart possesses unwavering trust, integrity, purity, obedience, willingness, discernment, insight, understanding, wisdom, joy, and much more. It trusts God in all circumstances. Conversely, a hard and unyielding heart follows its own path with doubt, fear, unbelief, pride, sin, inflexibility, stubbornness, rebellion, sinful and negative thoughts, lust, envy, covetousness, and unforgiveness. 

The more we invest in God and His Word, the more we allow His extravagant love and peace to work in and through us. He wants us to trust Him and to pour our hearts out before Him (Psalm 62:8). When we speak God’s Word and believe what we speak, His powerful and creative Word become action.

God’s Word transforms hearts of unbelief into pure hearts of faith? He always responds to faith that is anchored to His sovereign Word. We can depend on His Word to bring truth to our souls, to heal, encourage, direct, lift burdens, and fill our hearts with joy and peace. His Word has power to daily transform our hearts and renew our minds. 

PRAYER: FATHER, like King David, I ask that You “Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Help me embrace and understand Your Word, as I read it each day, so that I may know how to guard my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

"WILL HE KNOW ME?"

Aaron, the brother of Moses, remained with the Israelites while his brother ascended the mountain to talk with God and receive the Ten Commandments. When Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people became impatient and said, Let us make gods, who shall go before us. 

Ironically, God had gone before them and provided for their every need, yet in their rebellion and ingratitude,  they convinced Aaron, a man of God, to give into their persuasions and join them in their sin of making an idol—a golden calf—and fornicating before their false god. 

Like the Israelites who grew impatient for Moses’ return, the world has grown impatient and cynical of the Lord’s soon return. They say, “His return has been predicted for over 2,000 years. It could be another 2,000 years.” Unfortunately, many charlatans have given dates and years of Jesus’ return when Jesus said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:26).  

Jesus did give us clues to what must happen before His return, and those things are now in place. So, just like the Israelites who gave up on Moses and turned to a false idol and debauchery, the current world refuses to wait on the Lord with patience and holiness. Instead, they embrace false idols (anything that takes hold of the heart and replaces God), sexual sins, perversions of every kind, and all the world’s offerings that provide a vast menu of gratifications and pleasures. 

Sin is the main reason for the world’s departure from God, which has been bolstered by the belief that the Bible is antiquated, irrelevant, and outdated; therefore, God is outdated. However, God has made it clear that “[He] is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? (Numbers 23:19). “The Lord is faithful to ALL His promises and loving toward all He has made” (Psalm 145:13). For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so, through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God (2 Corinthians 1:20).

The Israelites corrupted themselves because they did not believe God’s promises. We see the world free-falling deeper into depravity. So, we must ask ourselves, “Is my life being lived in a way that pleases God as I await the return of His Son, Jesus Christ?” Even if He doesn’t return in our lifetime, we are called to be ready and prepared as though He could come at any moment, at any day. The unsaved should heed Jesus’ warning: “Be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him” (Matthew 24:44).  

How can we be ready? God provided the way for escape from judgment. That way is Jesus Christ (John 14:6). By repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are granted forgiveness of sins, mercy, and salvation with the promise of everlasting life (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). The next step is to live for Him and not for the world. We are to be sober-minded and watchful, for our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (I Peter 5:8). “ Don’t put it off; this is “the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:19) .

It was the late seventies, and I had made an appointment with a hair solon where the owner had the reputation of being exceptionally talented with long hair. As most do when sitting in the stylist’s chair, we struck up a conversation. Somehow, we gravitated to the subject of Christianity. I asked the young man if he had ever given his life to Jesus. His response was, “I have all my life to do that. I just want to have fun right now.” Two weeks later, I learned that he had died in a motorcycle accident shortly after our conversation. I will never know, if at that last minute of his life, he had time to accept Christ. 

Recently, I heard the Reverend David Jeremiah speak about “procrastination,” which is the act of putting off or delaying or deferring an action to a later time. He was speaking about the fact that God gives every human being an opportunity to accept or reject Christ. And that the word, “tomorrow” is the “deadliest word because God clearly tells us that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). The alternative is to live for a world, controlled by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4).

My conversation with this young hairstylist who wanted to have fun first and then become a Christian had been convinced by the enemy that he had all the time in the world. He did not know that Satan’s agenda is to gather souls for hell. 

The enemy has managed to weave elaborate lies to convince the world that Christianity will put them in bondage and deprive them of fun. Nothing could be further from the truth. Before sin entered the world, Adam and Eve lived in a God-created utopia and lacked no good thing. Unfortunately, Satan injected doubt and unbelief into Eve’s mind and convinced her that God was a withholder of good things. Unfortunately, she took the bait, and that same bait is still held out to people to capture their hearts and put them in bondage to fear, doubt, worry, and to a world that offers false promises.

God gives every human being, at one point in their life, the opportunity to verbally confess to Him that they are a sinner, to repent, and accept Christ as Lord of their life. Remember, John the Baptist shouted, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2) Heaven and hell are literally one breath away. Those who reject Jesus and refuse to live a life that honors God, will suffer an eternity separated from Him.

Christ could come today, but would we be prepared and ready for Him. We need to ask the question, “Will He know me?” Jesus warned us that “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven (Matthew 7:21-22).

We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so God wants us to live full and rewarding lives today with truth, integrity, and purity in partnership with Him. Today, we must have full assurance within our soul that God will surely know us and welcome us into His Kingdom. 

PRAYER: FATHER, if there is anything within me that you see as wicked, please reveal it to me so that I may repent and turn from it. I want to be all that You created me to be while on this earth. Help me to follow you with my whole heart, so that I am not seduced by the attractions of the world. In Jesus name, amen.

The Truth About Angels

So, God created mankind in His own image,
    in the image of God He created them;
    male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27 NIV)

Many years ago, I had an encounter with an angel, which eventually led me to Scripture where I discovered the truth regarding angels and their functions. Unfortunately, there are many myths and much misinformation regarding angels. 

God’s Word strongly warns that there will be people who will not tolerate sound teaching but will have itching ears to hear what they want to hear. They will find teachers that suit their passions, and as they turn away from the truth; they will accept false beliefs, false ideas, and myths as being truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Hopefully, the following information will shed light on God’s truth regarding angels. 

The Bible describes the appearance and function of five commonly known types of angels:

·      Fallen angels are demons and agents of Satan under his command.

·      Seraphim, are the highest angelic class who continually praise God and are caretakers of His throne. 

·      Cherubim are guardians of what is holy. When Adam and Eve sinned, God stationed Cherubim at the entrance to the Garden of Eden to guard the way to the Tree of Life.

·      Archangels are the first in rank and considered to be very powerful spiritual beings. The Greek prefix, ‘arch,’ (arc) means ruling or chief. An archangel is at the highest level in the celestial hierarchy. Michael and Gabriel are arch angles as seen in (I Thessalonians 4:16 and Jude 1:9). 

Angels are the lowest order of all angels. God created angels to be His messengers and protectors of humans. Some angels come to earth in human form, but once their mission is completed, they leave. That was my experience. Therefore, Hebrews 13:2 tells us not to forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

A popular belief is that people can pray to and summon angels, specifically, they believe they have a personal guardian angel that they can summon at will. As I shared in today’s podcast, I had called out to God for help, and He sent an angel. I did not call upon an angel.

Jesus said He is our only mediator. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men and that is Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all (I Timothy 2:5) Hebrews 1:14 clearly states, "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" 

It is very important to give clarity to the word sent, which means to dispatch or send off to a destination. Only God can dispatch angels to aide us. He alone gives His angels orders to protect us in all our ways (Psalm 91:11). That is why we are to call out to God for help. 

All of God’s angels possess great strength to perform His Word and are obedient to His command. It is by God’s Word, (His command) that He dispatches angels to accomplish His will on earth. They respond, not of their own volition and not by our directive, but upon God’s directives (Psalm 103:20). 

Another fallacy is that we can worship angels. However, we are told in Matthew 4:10 to “worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.” We see in Revelation 22:9 that God used an angel to reveal future events to the Apostle John. His first reaction was to fall to his knees and worship the angel. The angel immediately rebuked John: “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets. … Worship God!'”

As stated in Hebrews 1:14, angels cannot send themselves nor can they be summoned by humans. They are always sent under God’s orders to accomplish the following:

Angels protect people. In Exodus 23:20, the Lord reassured His chosen people, “I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to a place I have prepared for you. We learn in Psalm 91:11 that God alone commands and directs His angels to guard us in all our ways. We have no authority to command an angel. We must always call upon God.

Angels rescue people. We read in Daniel 6:22 that angels shut the mouths of lions when Daniel was thrown into a den of lions. Acts 12: 6-8 records the night before Peter was to be executed. He was sleeping, double-chained between two soldiers with other soldiers standing guard at the prison gate. Suddenly, a light shown in the cell and an angel of the Lord slapped Peter on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” The chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him to get dressed, put on his shoes, and coat and follow him. So, Peter left the cell, following the angel.

Angels deliver messages under God’s direction. The angel, Gabriel, was sent to give a message to Mary who would become the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:30-31). 

Angels give direction under God’s authority:  An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Get up and go south to the road (A desert road) that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza” (Acts 8:26)

Angels deliver judgment: Because of the people’s perversions and sexual sins, God sent two angels to Sodom to rescue Lot and his sons and wives before they destroyed the city and all its inhabitants (Genesis 1:19-23 Throughout the Book of Revelation, God gives angels charge to execute His judgment. 

Another myth is that departed loved ones become angels and watch over their family members. However, nowhere in Scripture does it say we become angels nor is Jesus described in the likeness of an angel. Therefore, we can rejoice in knowing that we are not only changed in form, appearance, and character into God’s image, we will judge the angels in heaven. (I Corinthians 6:3). If we became angels, it would be impossible to judge the angels. Clearly, we shall be like Jesus, who is not an angel but is God incarnate (I John 3:3).

We read in 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 that upon death, our soul and spirit are immediately carried to the Lord in heaven if we have repented of our sins and accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. Our body then awaits the resurrection at which time, our body is glorified, never to grow old, sick, or die again and is joined with our immortal spirit. We do not become disembodied spirits floating about after death, nor do we become angels (I Thessalonians 4:13-17; I Cor 15:51-54).

After the judgment spoken of in Revelation 20:11-15, the glorified bodies of the redeemed (the saved) will dwell on the new earth, in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1-4). The final state of the unredeemed (the unsaved) will physically dwell in outer darkness in the lake of fire where there is endless torment (Matthew 22:13; Mark 9:47-48; Revelation 20:15; John 5:29).

That takes us to a question many people ask. Why did God create hell? We read in Matthew 25:41 that God prepared hell for Satan and the fallen angels. Hell was never intended for humans. However, like the angels and Satan who chose to rebel and reject God and His authority, people who reject God and His Son and live for themselves and worldly pleasures will join Satan and his demons in hell.

Shockingly, 42 percent of Americans either do not believe or they question the reality of hell. If you are one who doesn’t believe or who doubts the existence of hell, I invite you to read 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Wiese. You can also go to YouTube and search for 23 Minutes in Hell to hear Wiese’s compelling and terrifying experience that God allowed him to go through, so that he could tell of the horrors of hell to those who do question the existence of hell. It is not God’s will that any should perish, but that everyone would come to repentance; however, He has given us free will to choose (2 Peter 3:9).

Roughly seven-in-ten Americans believe heaven is a place “where people who have led “good” lives are eternally rewarded.” That fallacy is exposed in Ephesians 2:89, which states we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and not by our own efforts or works.

We read about the two thieves who hung to the left and to the right of Jesus. Only one acknowledged he was a sinner and asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. Jesus responded, “Today, you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:39-43).

Our goodness has nothing to do with salvation as shown in the following narration between Jesus and a man who ran to Him and kneeling before Jesus, asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  Jesus answered him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:17-18). Since this man clearly did not know that Jesus was God incarnate, Jesus wanted him to know that no man is good—only God is good.

If you are one who has believed or believes the mistruths about angels, heaven, and hell, then I hope that this information has given some clarity. Those who have worshipped angels or prayed to angels must repent and ask God for forgiveness, for God’s Word tells us there is only one God and one Mediator between God and humanity. That Mediator is Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all (I Timothy 2:5).

Jesus is not an angel; He is God incarnate. The Old and New Testaments refer to “angels of the Lord,” “an angelof the Lord,” and “The Angel of the Lord.” 

“Angels of the Lord” and “an angel of the Lord” are sent by God under His orders. The Angel of the Lord speaks as God, identifies Himself with God, and exercises the responsibilities of God (Genesis 16:7-12). 

One example of The Angel of the Lord was when He found Hagar in the wilderness when she was fleeing from her mistress Sarai. The Angel of the Lord told her to return to her mistress and submit to her. Then He said, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” Only God, who is creator of all things, has ability to create and multiply. Angels have no ability to create.   

In several of these appearances, those who saw The Angel of the Lord feared for their lives because they said they had “seen the Lord.” Clearly, The Angel of the Lord was the preincarnate God in the physical form of a man. Those appearances ended when God came to earth in the form of Jesus Christ.

If you have never verbally confessed Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, Romans 10:9 gives us assurance that if we confess with our mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved.  If you are not sure about your standing with Jesus, then I invite you to say this simple prayer. 

PRAYER: Father God, Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins; He rose from the grave and sits at Your right hand. I confess that I am a sinner in need of the Savior, Jesus Christ. I acknowledge Jesus as Lord over-all. Today, I surrender my heart, my life, and my will to You, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. 

NOTE: To hear my encounter with an angel, click on the following link: https://subsplash.com/preachingchristchurch/lb/mi/+7m32m3x

LOVE—SERVE—WORSHIP

Not too long ago, as I was praying, the Lord spoke three words to me: LOVE—SERVE—WORSHIP. When I inquired of the Lord His reason for giving me those three words, He responded, “I desire that My Church would love, serve, and worship Me instead of the world in which they live.”

LOVE:
There are seven distinct Greek Words which describe the different forms of Love. 

1. Eros: romantic, passionate love.

2. Philia: intimate, authentic friendship.

3. Ludus: playful, flirtatious love.

4. Storge: unconditional, familial love.

5. Philautia: self-love

6. Pragma: committed, companionate love.

7. Agápe: empathetic, highest form of love.

The biblical definition of God’s love is Agápe. "God is love; and He who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in Him" (I John 4:8). For "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever would believe in Him would have everlasting life" (John 3:16). 

The New Testament expresses God's love for humanity as Agape, which identifies His very nature and perfect love for us, because “God is love” (I John 4:8). Everything He does comes from His love. Agape is also used to describe human love for God. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27).

Eros, philia, ludus, storge, philautia and pragma are all forms of love most sought after in today’s world. Conversely, agape love is the fatherly love of God for humans, as well as humans’ reciprocal love for God and each other. That love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (I Corinthians 13:4-8).

SERVE:

Serving is to work for; to be in service of; to obey; to help, assist, aid; and to make a contribution to someone or something. What then does it mean to serve God?  Jesus said, “If anyone serves me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him (John 12:26). 

Serving God means to do His will and that includes obedience to what He calls us to do. It is not enough to acknowledge there is a God. We must do what God commands us to do. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” For “…we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” (John 10:27; Psalm 95:7).

Serving also means serving others in the name of the Lord. We do that in our faithful giving of tithes, which allows the church to function as well as giving offerings to missions for spreading the gospel. Using our time and talents through volunteer work, or helping a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a stranger and praying for others all honor God. If we see a need that God calls us to meet, then we should be obedient in following His direction. “For God is working in [us], giving [us] the desire and the power to do what pleases Him” (Philippians 2:13 NLT). 

WORSHIP:

What does God say about worship? The New Testament Greek word for “worship is proskuneo, which means “bow down.” Worship is an attitude of the heart. It is an internal action that is expressed at any time or place. It is an attitude of gratitude, no matter the circumstances. Without the Holy Spirit residing within us, we cannot respond to God in worship because we do not really know Him. “No one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God” (I Corinthians 2:11). It is the HolySpirit within us who energizes us to worship God.

True worship requires a pure heart that is open, repentant, and seeks God. Jesus said, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24 NIV).

King David’s heart was filled with guilt over his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). His sin and guilt made it impossible to worship, and feeling God’s hand heavy upon him, he “groaned all day long,” (Psalm 32:3-4). It was not until he confessed his sins with a broken spirit and a contrite heart, that God restored fellowship and ability to worship and praise Him (Psalm 51:17). True praise and worship of God cannot come from a heart that holds unconfessed sin. 

We worship through songs of praise, so what is praise? It is defined as expressing admiration for, applauding, paying tribute, and speaking highly of. That is what we are to do as worshippers of God. Praise recognizes His virtues and who He is. Singing to the Lord becomes our praise.

We, as God’s people are called to come and sing to the Lord, making a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation! We are invited to come into His presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (Psalm 95:1-6 ESV)

The apostle Paul wrote: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16). We are further encouraged to “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in [our] hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ making melody in [our hearts] to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).

We find in God’s Word, a constant chorus calling us to praise and worship our God. “Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens! Praise Him for His mighty deeds;praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe! Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:1-6).

“Sing to the Lord, bless His name; tell of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared (reverenced) above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens” (Psalm 96:2-9 ESV).

We also worship God in giving thanks. We thank Him for His hand upon us and for sending Jesus to be an appropriation for our sins. We profess our profound gratitude for His provision and all the things that has He has done and continues to do for us. That expression of gratitude is shown when we lift our voices in song to Him and our prayers and conversations with Him.

We live in very different and difficult times that daily present new challenges. Some people may ask, “What is there to praise and thank God for? The world is in a mess and things just seem to be getting worse.” Though it might seem counterintuitive to praise and thank God, I have found in my own life that when I turn to Him and praise and worship Him, that is when I find peace, comfort, and an internal joy. The world cannot offer us the peace and joy that we long for. However, we can find peace in our souls when we worship and praise God who knows us intimately and is the One who can calm our anxious hearts.

PRAYER: FATHER, Help me to place my worries and concerns into Your capable hands. Teach me how to praise and worship You in a way that honors You and brings joy and peace to my heart. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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