Supplying Needs

Based on James 2:1-17 (New King James Version) 

“My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or, ‘Sit here at my footstool,’ have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Sholem Aleichem said: “Life is a dream for the wise, a game for the fool, a comedy for the rich, a tragedy for the poor.” In today’s passage, we are taught a very basic Christian foundation, that we should treat everyone the same, and that we should be more attentive to the needy then to those that have much. It doesn’t mean that we completely forget about rich people (because they have much spiritual need), but that we need to concentrate on the very obvious. The obvious is that life is much harder for those that lack basic needs than those that have those areas covered. If someone thinks that it is only about spiritual help, then they need to study the Bible a bit more, and understand what God wants us to do. If they still don’t get it, then it’s necessary for them to experience a week without food, clothes and shelter (for starters).

The Word of God is very clear; that we need to help. As Christians, it is a part of our spiritual walk. Without giving being a part of our lives, our spirituality really does not mean anything to God. John the Baptist said: “Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, ‘Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’ So the people asked him, saying, ‘What shall we do then?’ He answered and said to them, ‘He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.’” Luke 3:7-11.

Some may say, “Well, I’m not rich.” And I would have to say that that’s what rich people usually say, when they are oblivious to the world that surrounds them. Obvious wealth is when you have two of something when you only need one. For instance, if you have two houses when you only need one, you are rich. If you have two cars when you only need one (and actually people still use public transportation, and they are not poor either), then you would be rich. When you have a closet full of clothes and more shoes than days in a week; then yes, you are pretty rich. When you are worried about gaining weight (or are overweight) because of over eating, that means you have way too much access to food, and yes, that makes you pretty rich. And wealth comes in different forms; not just money and possessions. So, when you compare that to someone who has nothing, then you start to realize the big difference. You get the picture, right? 

God taught us valuable principles through parables. He taught us the following regarding responsibility and having too much. “And the Lord said, ‘Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:42-48. So, it is God’s expectation that if we are given much, we need to share much. Eating, and drinking, and treating your neighbor unjustly is not tolerated by God, especially when God has entrusted you with much. It doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy what you work for, but you can’t live life just thinking about the next good time without any regard for the needs of your neighbor. It’s sin! And rightfully so! It’s cruel to fatten yourself up (if you will) without any regard for others who have nothing.  

And finally, we need to be wise on how to help, and how to administer what we have. God is willing to give us all the wisdom we need so we can know how to help, and also be able to enjoy it at the same time. For it says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5. If your heart is in the right place, and you are seeking God’s wisdom, He will guide you on who to help and how to help. But at the end of the day, it may not matter who you are helping, because we should ultimately do everything for Him. After all, is it not God the one that allows for you to have everything you have? So, are you wisely supplying needs, managing the wealth God has given you? Or, do you need for God to take it away so you learn how to appreciate what He gives you? Lord bless! John

Compromising Your Relationship with God

Based on Revelation 2:12-17 (New King James Version)

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: ‘I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.’’”

Someone once said, “It doesn’t matter how you start, it’s how you finish that counts.” There is a general misunderstanding in many believers, that all that matters is just coming to Christ, and everything else is done and taken care of. That’s not entirely accurate. If that were the case, then we would have to ignore many passages throughout the Bible, particularly the New Testament. Why would God insist then that we have to pray for wisdom? Why would we be encouraged to study the Bible? Why be careful with anything? After all, if everything is set after accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior, why do anything else?

There is something that is crucial to understand. The Word of God is infallible, and it can never contradict itself. If it did, then we could not trust it. The answer is that it does not contradict itself. So if a teaching or doctrine goes against other passages in Scripture, then it should be discarded, or understood as incomplete. When a spiritual concept agrees with various parts of Scripture, then you have a solid and sound teaching. The answer is, though a person has come to Christ, and has been born again through Him, that is only the beginning. Now there is a path set before them where they have to make the decision of either following it or not. As a matter of fact, that is why there is even greater punishment for those that have been exposed to the Truth of God and turn away; because they have more than what is necessary to walk the Way, triumph over the weaknesses of their flesh, and do awesome things for the glory of God. A person, through Christ, gains a new beginning, and full access and understanding to the Word of God through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, as a person studies and applies the Word of God to their life, begins to equip them for every single experience they can encounter in their walk with the Lord. And of course, the Word of God says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31b. So what is happening with so many people that say that they believe in God?

One problem is that there is compromise in their relationship with God (because everything is still dependent on choice, even after coming to Christ). Some people may have called Jesus the Lord of their life, but that may not be a reality. Something else is running things in their life. In today’s passage, God warns through His angel a church (not unbelievers), and about how they have compromised their faith. They have allowed for themselves to be influenced, and they are warned that they must change their ways and overcome (it’s not all determined yet in each of our lives). People have to let God take full control of their lives, by letting go of the sin that still influences them. Each day that goes by, there must be a surrender and a letting go of that very thing that produces death.

In today’s passage, one of the compromises is related to loving more money and the things that come along with it, then remaining faithful to God, despite the environment that might surround them. We see that through the doctrine of Balaam, a prophet who allowed himself to be seduced by Balak (King of the Moabites) to curse the people of God for own personal gain and benefit, and by being weak before a person in a position of power. God was not in charge of this prophet’s life. Fear and greed was, and it nearly cost him his life. It is not very different today. Many believers unfortunately think more about the material world and not having any issues with the people that surround them then about God. Many people would rather “keep the peace” with their family, friends, co-workers, etc. and compromise their relationship with God, then stand their ground. People give into the various lifestyles and allow to be influenced by Satan in their own lives. So, they not only live in close proximity to evil, but begin absorbing and adopting what everyone else is doing because they want to fit in. They don’t want to stand out.

The other issue is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, those people who consider themselves religious leaders and impose their will upon the weak, lording over them, while intermingling the Word of God with carnal and human concepts. As opposed to teaching the “pure” Word of God, or a “sound doctrine”, they impose a muddled up gospel that is intertwined with things that don’t belong to God. They are usually people that exercise some sort of perceived power over those that are weaker, similar to the Pharisees. The Pharisees were the religious authorities of Jesus’ time where they would cast people out of the synagogues because they didn’t follow what they said, teaching human rules like if they were teaching God’s commandments. The Lord was very clear with keeping things straight as we read this: “And He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’” Matthew 22:21.

So, we should fear more God than man. We should be more zealous for the things of God than giving into sin that can still destroy us, if we allow it to. For It is also written: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-31.

So, are you compromising your relationship with God? Lord bless! John

Understanding Who the Lord Is

Based on Matthew 20:1-16 (New King James Version)

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’ ‘So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

Life is full of labor. The majority of us began doing some sort of work when we were very small; like crawling; and then walking; and then going to school, doing homework; doing chores around the house, etc. All of these things required a level of effort. And either before or after graduating from school, people get jobs or get into careers. That of course takes some effort as well. Even if you want to take on a hobby, although it may be fun, it still requires work. A relationship requires work. Raising children requires work. Even retirement requires work because you have to plan for it and work towards that stage of life. We are born into a world of work and we will leave this world doing something; anything; but it will require some sort of effort. It never stops. We were ultimately created for work; at least so it seems.

The spiritual walk is not much different. As a matter of fact, the very term “walk” implies action, moving forward. It’s not much of journey if you don’t walk. Herein lays one of the greatest misconceptions of grace. Many theologians and ministers teach that everything is based on grace; that you cannot work for your salvation. That is true, biblically speaking. You can never earn salvation. It can only be achieved through the grace we find in Christ, by converting from all of our sins, and accepting Jesus as the Lord of our lives. However, that doesn’t mean that work should not happen after you surrender your life to Christ. You can’t be saved by works, but your faith in Christ doesn’t mean a thing unless there is a visible product before the eyes of God and men. Praise God the Apostles understood this, or else we would have never heard about Christ. For it is written: “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14, 17. The Lord further elaborated that there has to be a product in a believer’s life; something “must” come out of our life or else we will not be allowed to remain. For it is written: “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2.

God created each one of us with a purpose. It is the reason of why each of us exist: we are here to do what we need to do. And not doing it is problem, especially when the Word of God has been shared with us. Jesus explained the following parable: “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” Luke 8:11-15. So the sower casts the seed with the purpose and goal to receive a product. Otherwise, why cast the seed? I don’t think any of us like to work for nothing, right? For those of us with jobs, we wait for that special day when we are given some form of payment for our labor. That’s how we pay our bills, buy food, etc. We hope for something to result from whatever we do.

So what is the fruit that God anticipates we would have as a result of our salvation? He teaches us this: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23. And this fruit of the spirit yields a visible action, something that both God and man can see tangibly. There has to be a product. We all work. We all do something. The question is: “What is it that we are doing?” Are we working for something meaningful that will transcend this world? For the Bible also teaches us: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.

The last point is this. Don’t worry about what others are doing or not doing. Just worry about what you are responsible for. When we start looking at what other people are doing, and what other people are getting (no matter what it is), coveting starts taking place. And we were taught this: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” Exodus 20:17.

So, the Lord is the Lord, and as such, He does what He wants and He expects something from us. And we don’t have a say in it. Ultimately, He is the Lord. The good news is that He is a Good and Loving Lord, desiring to shed His grace on those that search for Him, and do what He says to do; for our own good, and for the good of others. Is He your Lord? Lord bless! John

Don't Give Up

Based on 1 Peter 3:13-18 (New King James Version)

“And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.”

Nick Vujicic (one of my heroes in the faith) said: “Often people ask how I manage to be happy despite having no arms and no legs. The quick answer is that I have a choice. I can be angry about not having limbs, or I can be thankful that I have a purpose. I chose gratitude.” Many times, people struggle in their faith in God because something went wrong, or because certain prayers were not answered, or because they get tired of doing the right thing without seeing some sort of reward for their actions.

I have heard of many folks that cannot bring themselves to believe in God because something tragic happened in their lives. It could involve the unexpected or untimely death of a loved one; and they felt that God should have intervened somehow. I have heard stories like, “I lost a parent to a sickness at an early age, and God didn’t hear my prayer for healing.” Others may judge God on global occurrences such as hunger, disease, wars, etc. And they ask, “If God exists, and He is a good God, why does He allow for such tragedies to happen?” I remember speaking to a coworker that was of Hebrew descent who told me once, “Where was God in the Holocaust”, and “how could He allow for millions, including women and children, to be tortured and killed by the Nazis?” Believers struggle with their faith in God as well because not everything goes well. Sometimes, prayers are left unanswered. Prayers are not heard, and much suffering occurs because of those unanswered prayers. And of course, they feel that those prayers should have been answered because they were praying for necessary things. Believers many times judge God because “He let” someone die, or “He did not provide” for a particular need, or “He did not help” in a time of extreme need. They charge God with the failure. Others give up on having a fervent faith because they don’t see a reward for it. Some people just throw their hands up in the air after a while and say, “I give up!”. They think, “What have I gained by leading a different life, and trying to please God, if I am worse off than others, and I don’t get what I need?” So, they give in to certain things thinking that compromise will allow for them to get what they need. As an example, some believers get into marriages with unbelievers or get into the practice of sin thinking that they will get what they want. They justify themselves on the basis that God did not provide for them, and they needed to take matters into their own hands.     

I think that if a survey was taken that involved God’s performance, I don’t think He would do so well. I think many folks would say that His performance is at minimum, substandard; that He is clearly not everything He should be. One of the issues that causes that thinking is what we think success is. Success is judged on having everything people think they should have in this life, the here and now. Success is judged upon everything going well: family, health, wealth, possessions, power, careers, fame, being able to do what you want, getting what you want or need, etc. If you don’t achieve or have a “good amount” of any of those things, then you are not considered to be successful. And of course, any god is judged on the merits of how they help achieve a certain level of success. So, people hold this unmentioned, yet very real standard to God: If You (God) cannot help me achieve what I think is success, then I will not be as devoted; or not devoted at all to you. There are a lot of things that remain unsaid, but actions articulate very well the intentions of the heart.

And now, where our passage today is referred to more clearly (but ties into the previous), what if we suffer for doing what is right? This goes beyond struggling with believing in God, having trouble following God because He doesn’t do what you need Him to do, or not being as devoted because doing good does not seem to have an expected result. This passage has to do with actually being a devoted follower of God, and being punished and persecuted for doing what is right. Basically, being punished for doing good. What then? Isn’t it even more traumatizing to be treated as criminal because of trying to help others come to Christ, or suffer wrong doing because of doing that which pleases God?

The answer for everyone should revolve around one thing: love. Aside from all the things that could go wrong, things that could shake your faith, questions left unanswered, or suffering for doing good; the love of God through Jesus Christ should be the one act that helps us understand what is really important. God exists. Let’s at least establish that. And history tells us that there was a Jesus of Nazareth that did incredible miracles, but more importantly, that He died for all mankind, so that we could be saved. He didn’t die on the cross so we can necessarily be successful in our own human terms here on earth, but rather, so we can live eternally, saved from our sins. And He did it while having the choice to walk away. The Lord could have turned back and not gone through the awful sacrifice of the cross. And without that, the only thing we would have left is this very temporary and truly imperfect world, full of the things that make life unpleasant. And after it’s all done, go to hell; a place that is eternally separated from God. But praise God that Christ did not walk away from the cross. So we are encouraged as follows: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” Hebrews 12:1-3.

So, when things get tough, remember what Christ did for you. Don’t give up because He did not give up on you. Through His sacrifice, He gave you more than you would ever even know that you needed. Isn’t God’s love more than enough to keep pushing on; a love that opened the door to eternity for you and me? Lord bless! John

Meeting God

Based on Amos 4 (New King James Version)

“Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to your husbands, ‘Bring wine, let us drink!’ The Lord God has sworn by His holiness: ‘Behold, the days shall come upon you when He will take you away with fishhooks, and your posterity with fishhooks. You will go out through broken walls, each one straight ahead of her, and you will be cast into Harmon,’ says the Lord. ‘Come to Bethel and transgress, at Gilgal multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days. Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, proclaim and announce the freewill offerings; for this you love, you children of Israel!’ Says the Lord God. ‘Also I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places; yet you have not returned to Me,’ says the Lord. ‘I also withheld rain from you, when there were still three months to the harvest. I made it rain on one city, I withheld rain from another city. One part was rained upon, and where it did not rain the part withered. So two or three cities wandered to another city to drink water, but they were not satisfied; yet you have not returned to Me,’ says the Lord. ‘I blasted you with blight and mildew. When your gardens increased, your vineyards, your fig trees, and your olive trees, the locust devoured them; yet you have not returned to Me,’ says the Lord. ‘I sent among you a plague after the manner of Egypt; your young men I killed with a sword, along with your captive horses; I made the stench of your camps come up into your nostrils; yet you have not returned to Me,’ says the Lord. ‘I overthrew some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a firebrand plucked from the burning; yet you have not returned to Me,’ says the Lord. ‘Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!’ For behold, He who forms mountains, and creates the wind, who declares to man what his thought is, and makes the morning darkness, who treads the high places of the earth—the Lord God of hosts is His name.’”

Today’s passage provides ample warning to those who consider themselves believers, but do not follow or look for God as they should. So today’s message is for those who profess to know God and have been exposed to the Truth of the God for the salvation of their souls. It appears that many folks don’t realize that there is an accountability for the Truth. According to the Bible, once a person has been exposed to the Truth, there is a responsibility for it. In other words, if you know what is right, and you choose not to do it or follow it, then you are bringing upon yourself the consequences that those actions entail. I make an emphasis on the word “Truth” because people are fixated on the idea that their opinion is truth. And as I have shared in the past, opinion has no bearing on reality, unless it is based on Truth. So folks can brainwash themselves, and listen to lying preachers all they want; the Truth is unchangeable. The Word of God is ultimate Truth, and it will never contradict itself. Many preachers selectively choose and use passages to teach what they want to teach, and to ultimately tell people what they want to hear; not necessarily sharing the Truth of God.

One major doctrinal problem that has infiltrated the universal church today is the concept of “eternal security”, in the sense that God is not concerned about what you do after you are saved; and that you can carry on with life without worrying about your actions because God loves you and will forgive everything. The problem with that concept is that God does care about what you do after coming to Christ. We are eternally secure in Christ, if we follow God faithfully, and do those things that please Him. But if people choose to practice sin (not just commit sin: something done unintentionally, or something that does not turn into a lifestyle or habit), then God has a deep problem with that. For it is written (in the NEW TESTAMENT): “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said; Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-31. He also teaches (in the NEW TESTAMENT): “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21.

Some folks may say, “Well, John, then I’m ok because I really don’t do those things.” And that’s great if that’s the case. Praise God! But here is one other thing that ensnares many folks, and in a very subtle way: the love of money (idolatry). Money within itself is not bad. But here is the problem: “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:9-10. Here is the test: How many of you might say that they just need a little bit more to be OK? I think if folks are honest, most people might say that this is the case. The problem with that is that there is a lack of contentment. Wanting always “a little more” is the sign. There are some that may say, “I have debt and that’s why I need the money”. Well, think about how you got there. What was the ultimate reason for getting there? Some young people get into debt because of higher learning expenses, which is perfectly fine. But what was the goal for having the career? Was the goal ultimately to get something that would allow them to make a lot of money? If the idealism or the passion was not the driving force, then the love of money drove the sacrifice. How do you know? Are you truly happy with what you are doing; not just happy because of the money you are making to buy things and do things you always wanted to do? Want to test it out? Think about doing the work for free. Could you still be happy doing it without getting paid? Idolatry wears many different faces.  

The truth is that we will all give an account for what we do, especially believers. So the question is, “Are you willing to meet God now and turn from whatever it is you are doing or living like so that He can bring eternal healing to your life, or are you going to keep doing what you are doing and meet God in the near future before a throne of judgment, finding out “the hard way” that God will judge His people?” Lord bless! John

Pride Pushes Away Wisdom

Based on Proverbs 16 (New King James Version)

“The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished. In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice. A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Divination is on the lips of the king; his mouth must not transgress in judgment. Honest weights and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are His work. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks what is right. As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, but a wise man will appease it. In the light of the king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning. Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. The person who labors, labors for himself, for his hungry mouth drives him on.  An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends. A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. He winks his eye to devise perverse things; he purses his lips and brings about evil. The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness. He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

A little fear is healthy, especially if it is well-placed. Often times, people think they are invincible or that their will and abilities can bring about their desires or their interests into reality. Some people, those who profess to have faith in God, believe that we should not fear God at all. There are those that also believe that they are afraid of nothing. And of course, there are those that don’t worry about anything and just float by life on everyone else’s coattails, following their own thoughts as well. What do all of these examples have in common? They are all signs of pride. Pride is the number one fall of every being. That’s what brought about Satan’s fall. He thought he could be like God (and still thinks). A third of the angels (currently demons due to their fallen state) also thought they could defy God together with Satan; because they thought that if they united in their pride, that they could take on the Almighty Himself. As I have mentioned many times before, opinion is no match for reality. Satan and his followers had a higher opinion on their abilities than they should have had and fell destroyed down to the pit itself. And reality will continue to have its effect when God will send Satan, and all of those who follow his way, to eternal damnation, to the Lake of Fire. It is only a matter of time. Pride is what clouds sound judgment and does not allow for that healthy measure of fear to exist in every human being. It is pride that makes people think that they are invincible. It is pride that tells those that profess to believe in God not to fear Him. It is pride that makes certain people feel like they don’t fear anything. It is pride that brings some people to trust more on others, or to even take advantage of others, so they can achieve what they want and need. It is ultimately pride the very thing that makes people think that their opinion is stronger than reality.

Opinion is something that we can all have, and should have. But at the end of the day, that opinion “should” be based on some sort of immovable fact, something that is well-grounded and substantiated; especially if we want for our opinion to really mean something. The problem is that most people’s opinions are not well-founded. They think that because they believe something, that their belief makes it real. It’s like the person that says that they believe in God, and that God is the most important thing to them, but yet, does only those things that they want to do, and discards everything else because “in their opinion”, that is what is important. The Pharisees had that same problem. They were more worried about “respecting the Sabbath” than respecting the very Son of God that was right before them, performing incredible miracles and sharing the Truth about God. They were so blinded by their pride that they were telling God Himself (to His face) that He was not God and that He was wrong. Some may say, “Well, if I would have existed back then, I would have not done what the Pharisees did.” Well, if God tells you to do something that is important to Him because it is written in His Word, then why don’t you do it? Why don’t you obey Him? To many, it is not about God’s will be done; it’s about “my will” be done. That is pride!

Do you think my view may not be clear? How many people profess to be believe, and even say that they follow God, but do not do what He really wants? Why is there so much pain left unattended in the world? Why are people that have so much are more interested in enjoying what they have than looking to help those that don’t have anything? Why aren’t we easing people’s suffering without any expectation of getting anything in return? Where does all the crime come from? The evil that exists in the world is not carried out by just a handful of people. The pain that exists is not being remedied by the masses either. So, why are things the way they are? Because there is no fear of God. For it is written: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7. When you do not fear God (much more than a deep respect), you can never receive wisdom. When we fear God, wisdom begins to grow in our lives and we can begin to understand what is really important and that our opinion should be set on God and His principles. Why? Because there is no one mightier than God; and yes; we will “all” give an account for our actions. Here is a certain “reality”; for it is written:“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. So, is pride keeping you away from the wisdom of God?

Listen to What You Say and Watch What You Do

Based on James 3 (New King James Version)

“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

The most basic things in life ultimately help define us as people, such as what we say and what we do. No matter how much things continue evolving, everything can be brought down to the simplest of things. There are folks that have much (more than they know what to do with) and there are those that have some. And of course, there are those that have nothing. Yet, if you strip all of the material stuff away, all that is left is a person. In a similar fashion, there are those that are very well educated, somewhat educated, and barely know how to read. Yet, if you take that all away as well, all you have left is a person. What helps bring things to perspective is when a person reaches their end. I have seen very wealthy and well-known individuals reach the end of their days, and very few people remember them or even think about them. Their degrees or wealth cannot take away the reality that they will return to the same place they came from, sooner or later: from the dust we came, and to the dust we shall return. In the grand scheme of things, we are just people; flesh and blood; nothing more and nothing less. So, what are we supposed to do? What matters is what we say and do, regardless of what our situation or status may be.

In today’s passage, we read both concepts. The first one is regarding what we say. Some people may say that words do not really matter, or that they said something during an argument that they really didn’t mean. If something comes out of your mouth at any given moment, it is revealing what is in your heart. For it is written: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45. Words mean something. In reality, they mean a lot. Not everything comes out just because. Some people even say what they want to say jokingly so it is not taken too harshly. Others don’t care and just say whatever comes to them. The inner message is conveyed in different ways. But the important thing to keep in mind is that we should pay attention to what we say; not just because of what it may do to someone; but just as important, we have to understand for our own good what is contained within our own heart. The root of the problem is not necessarily the small organ called the tongue. What the passage is trying to help us think about is that this tiny little element in our mouth is transmitting something that is contained deep within us. For it is also written: “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” Matthew 15:18-20. Many people don’t pay attention to what they say and there may be many reasons for that. Some just don’t care, so that reveals arrogance and pride. Some do it deliberately. Others do it “accidentally”, but it causes harm, so that would illustrate irresponsibility; or, they just could not put the brakes on their evil thoughts because there is too much of an overflow. Regardless of the situation, if there is an overflow of wrong that is coming out of your mouth, you shouldn’t take it lightly. There is a deep problem that you have grown oblivious to.

On the other hand, some people are fantastic with their words. They know how to say just the right thing to convince and control situations to their benefit. They can ad lib with the best of them. There are people that try to be so good with their words that they will try to make you feel guilty for something wrong they did. Know anyone like that? The world is full of “victims” and “schemers” unfortunately. And with that, we have to pay attention to their actions. For it is also written: “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14,17. So even if someone talks a good game, the only way to identify them is by their actions. We should all consider what we are “doing” as well. And not only what we are doing, but why we do what we do. The intent is just as important as the action itself.

Where great things can happen is when we can change the wrong things that we say and do; by allowing God to transform us inside out. That happens by surrendering to Him completely; without any reservations; and allowing for the Holy Spirit and His Word to work in us. When that happens, our words and our actions will bring glory to God, and help those that are truly seeking after life and hope. The Truth in our lives will not be appealing to everyone, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that God knows everything and those that truly want to live (those that look beyond this physical and fallen world) will find life through those that choose to listen, obey, and follow Christ. So, is the intent of your heart focused on bringing glory to God through what you are “saying” and “doing”? Lord bless! John

Always Move Forward

Based on Hebrews 12:1-3 (New King James Version)

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”

Vince Lombardi (considered by many to be one of the most successful American football coaches of all time) said: “I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.” In addition to Vince being a successful football coach, he was also a very religious man with a strong faith in God. So his quote did not just involve football, but much more than that.

That is also what the writer of Hebrews is reminding us about; that there is something set before those of us that have made a choice to follow Christ. He reminds us that we do have a great cloud of witnesses; some are human witnesses, and of course, the larger and more important crowd are the witnesses of the spiritual world. God sees everything we do. And not only God, but angels, and unfortunately, Satan and his demons see things as well. There is a world that we cannot see that is much larger than we can ever imagine. So, for better or for worse, you are never alone. There is always someone watching. But the writer of Hebrews tries to instill in us that there are things that we need to do in order to continue moving forward, and this is what many people forget along the way. When we come to Christ, and are born again in Him (if the miracle has truly happened), there should always be a progression in a person’s life; a “spiritual” progression. Here he explains that there is a race. And of course, to every race, there is a beginning and there is an end.

Our prime example is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, although being the only begotten Son of God, was born into this world with the purpose to take our shape and form, and become the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. For the Bible explains that remission of sins can only be possible through the shedding of innocent blood. So the only way that our sins could be eternally washed away was by the shedding of innocent and divine blood. This is what makes eternal salvation possible. Otherwise, if the sacrifice would have been made by a regular person (even if it were possible that they would have been sinless), that would have lasted only so long. God (the Eternal and Holy One) had to shed His blood so we can be forgiven and our sin washed away for all eternity.

Coming back to the example of Christ, He was born. He grew up and learned. He became a man. He obeyed by even being baptized as an adult, before starting His public ministry. After that, He even endured temptation. He walked preaching the Gospel and doing different miracles, going from place to place, never staying too long. Always moving forward. His time came, and He was betrayed. He was beaten, bruised, and of course, crucified. Even though He had the power to free Himself, He did not do it. He kept moving forward with the plan. He was hung on the cross; nailed, and in agonizing pain, until his human body couldn’t take anymore. Right before His last breath, He said, “It is finished”. He never stopped. He always kept going forward, until the bidder carnal end. He shed the very last drop of blood and water left in His body for you and for me. What if Christ would have stopped moving forward, becoming complacent and just continued preaching and doing miracles?

So, what this teaches us is that we always have to continue moving forward; no matter what the cost; no matter what obstacles or challenges we may encounter along the way; no matter if we are with people that support us, or if we are completely alone. If He didn’t stop because He loved us, is it fair for us to be complacent, and to stay within our comfort zone? The Bible teaches us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7. So, fear is not an option. It is also written: “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:37-39. Like a river flows, so should God flow through us; never stopping; always moving; never stagnating.

The Apostle Paul had this to say as well: “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:7-20.

So, are you moving forward in Him, with everything you got; or are you stuck somewhere, following something else? Lord bless! John

What Do You Depend On?

Based on Psalm 28 (New King James Version)

“To You I will cry, O Lord my Rock: do not be silent to me, lest, if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit. Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. Do not take me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts. Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors; give them according to the work of their hands; render to them what they deserve. Because they do not regard the works of the Lord, nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them and not build them up. Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. The Lord is their strength, and He is the saving refuge of His anointed. Save Your people, and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them also, and bear them up forever.”

Today’s message is very simple, but, I hope it becomes an introspective one. What do you depend on? Where is your trust placed? According to an article in Judith Sills wrote in Psychology Today (posted 2/25/2010), she wrote: “We trust, basically, because of who we are and how we learned to greet the world, an orientation established long before we ever met that forked tongued boss or dodgy teammate. Experiences with betrayal certainly reshape specific expectations, but we are always bent towards trust. Or away from it. Trust, as Eric Erickson believed, is established in a developmental phase occurring before our second birthday.  According to that line of thinking, my own Mom was just so reliable with a bottle and a loving touch that I cannot bring myself to be suspicious, no matter how badly a relationship or an icon suddenly lets me down.” So from a human interaction level, it seems that the professionals point to our experiences in our early years.

After those early stages, when we start seeing how the world works, and an education starts taking place, many may have begun to establish more trust on things and concepts; either by own personal disposition, experiences with people, or probably both. This is the old controversy of nature vs. nurture. Nature; because some people believe that we are who we are because we are born that way. And nurture; because some people believe that we are who we are because we are a product of our environment. I personally subscribe to the idea that the answer lies somewhere in the middle. If you have lived long enough, you may have realized that the truth lies somewhere in the middle, when it comes to this sort of thing. But of course, never taking away the concept of personal responsibility. It’s all about choice at the end of the day, despite many outside factors.

During those learning stages, when people stop becoming children and turn into adults, many start putting their trust on money, on power, on an education or career, on other people, etc. People may start turning to those things with the impression that in the “real world”, those things are the only things that offer security. Honestly speaking, it’s not wrong to have those things. As a matter of fact, it can be a part of God’s blessing to a person’s life when they develop healthy relationships with different people, or become successful in a career or in business, or even become someone that exercises a lot of power. Abraham was a person of wealth. Joseph was sold by his brothers as a slave, but became the supreme authority in a global power. David started off being a shepherd boy and later became king over Israel. Daniel started as a slave and became second in authority in one of the most powerful kingdoms that have ever existed. So money, and power, and a career or an education, or relationships, etc. are not bad things within themselves. Where do they become the problem?

The problem begins when those things start taking the place of God; when God becomes second place. Now, let’s look at the practical reason of why it is not a good idea to put other things before God. After all, logic is a great ally when it is founded a certain reality. How can we depend more on things that have vast limitations than on God that created all things? Money did not exist before the creation. People did not exist before the creation of this planet. As such, human power and authority had no previous existence either. In a similar manner, human knowledge did not exist either. God is the Creator of Heaven and Earth. He is eternal. He was there at the beginning. He is here in the present (no matter how much people try to pretend like He doesn’t exist). And He will be there in eternity. Our realities don’t affect His existence. He is the I AM. So sound logic should lead us to depend more on God than what could be in the world.

And here is the beautiful reality that we have in God; His love to us. He is this Immovable and Almighty Being that wants to be our personal everything. Here are some passages that assures us of God’s love and care for us: “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39. And here He teaches us of a certain reality: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited. ’Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.”Jeremiah 17:5-8.

So, who do you truly depend on? Lord bless! John

Good Advice

Based on Hebrews 13 (New King James Version)

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also. Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly. Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. Grace be with you all. Amen.”

Francis Bacon said, “He that gives good advice, builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example, builds with both; but he that gives good admonition and bad example, builds with one hand and pulls down with the other.” I guess most people look for advice because they feel the need for some sort of guidance. There may be those that think that they don’t need anyone’s advice because they can figure it out on their own. That sort of thought process displays a bit of arrogance and pride; but nonetheless, it’s valid because the rationale behind that concept is that they look for advice within themselves. The reality is that no one was born knowing everything, so even if they look to themselves for advice, they learned what they learned from somewhere else (Pride is illogical).  So whether folks look for advice outside of themselves, or within themselves, in the end, everyone needs advice. Having said that, I will try to give some unsolicited advice that hopefully be helpful. After all, that is the whole purpose of why I write these short messages. I try to be a conduit of God’s unsolicited good counsel, so my source is His Word.  

The first thing that everyone should do is establish “what” is the source of the advice. I think it is important to understand where something comes from. I remember having a friend conversation with a high ranking State official one day about the internet. He was saying that people are not careful and that they believe everything that is on the internet; that if something in the internet says to do something, then they go ahead and do it or believe it as truth. And he was 100% correct. Most people take what’s on the internet as undeniable truth. The truth of the matter is that all kinds of people put all kinds of stuff on the internet, and they may or may not be responsible individuals. The internet, as an example, is a broadcasting platform for anyone that has a few dollars to buy a domain name and have the capacity to play with some software. That’s it. The point that I’m making is not to destroy the internet (because it has its value), but rather, as an example of how careful we should be on where we get our advice from.

In a similar manner, we should consider where we get our advice from when dealing with people. Who are we listening to? What drives them? Are they folks that give good advice, but don’t believe in it themselves? What kind of advice are they giving? What is the source of where they generated their advice from? What is the motivation for their advice to you? I know this all sounds very probing and investigative, but it’s important. Why? Because what you do with the advice you receive will ultimately shape your existence; for good or in a different way. And I think your life and what happens with it is important, right?

God through the writer of Hebrews is giving us a lot of advice through this passage; on what to do, what not to do, and what to be careful with. Why should we listen? Well, consider the source. The Bible in its entirety is not just a book with historical facts, poetry, biographies, and prophetic proclamations. The Bible is the Word of God, and all of it; from Genesis to Revelation is God’s counsel to mankind. And who better to give us advice than the One that created everything, including us. And going even further; He is the one that loved us so much that He sacrificed His Son on the cross so that all mankind could be saved. He not only says that He loves us; but He showed it through the awesome example of the cross. God is the eternal being that was, that is, and that is to come; the One that reigns for all eternity. He is the Ancient of Days, as He is mentioned in the book of Daniel. As such, no one can know more than God.

If God has those kinds of qualifications, it would be wise to seek His counsel. So, where are you getting your advice from? Is that source God, or something far less qualified? Lord bless! John

How Do You Handle Your Challenges?

Based on 2 Kings 19:1-20, 32-37 (New King James Version)

“And so it was, when King Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord. Then he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. And they said to him, ‘Thus says Hezekiah: ‘This day is a day of trouble, and rebuke, and blasphemy; for the children have come to birth, but there is no strength to bring them forth. It may be that the Lord your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the Lord your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.’’ So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. And Isaiah said to them, ‘Thus you shall say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: ‘Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.’’’ Then the Rabshakeh returned and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah, for he heard that he had departed from Lachish. And the king heard concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, ‘Look, he has come out to make war with you.’ So he again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, ‘Thus you shall speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, ‘Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. Look! You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by utterly destroying them; and shall you be delivered? Have the gods of the nations delivered those whom my fathers have destroyed, Gozan and Haran and Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Telassar? Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?’’ And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said: ‘O Lord God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands—wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone.’ Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Because you have prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard.’”

“Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor build a siege mound against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return; and he shall not come into this city,’ says the Lord. ‘For I will defend this city, to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.’ And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh. Now it came to pass, as he was worshiping in the temple of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Then Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.”

Life is full of challenges. And even if we trust and follow the Lord with all of our hearts, challenges will still come. Sometimes, the challenges may even get more difficult, especially when trying to do those things that please God. When we choose for Christ, we are going against the prince of this world (Satan) and the influence he has over the different people that do not belong to God (when people are not born again in Christ, by surrendering their lives completely to Him. They are still under Satan’s influence and completely susceptible to the lusts of their own sinful flesh. And sometimes, if we are not carefully following the Lord as believers, Satan may even be able to influence and temp those that do try to follow Christ. That’s why we have to stay close to Him. For even Jesus had to rebuke Peter at some point because he was listening more to Satan’s desire than to what God’s plan was).

The world teaches you that you need to develop ways on how to handle stress and challenges. Society has different ways of approaching day-to-day difficulty. And in all actuality, those that view themselves as “intellectuals” will tell you that you are strong enough to face anything on your own, and that believing in God is a sign of weakness and of lack of education. It’s like putting your faith in God makes you less of a person or superstitious. People can find ways on how to deal with difficult circumstances, but up to a certain point. At the end of the day, there are different solutions to different problems, but that doesn’t mean that they are the best solution. But how do you deal with a challenge that is out of your control? Very wealthy and affluent people die every day because money can only do so much for them. People with a great deal of human and military power find themselves helpless in different circumstances. Science, though it has advanced a great deal, still has its limitations. And where can technology find the answer for eternal life? I actually like computers and smartphones, but circuits and wireless connectivity can only take you so far. If we are realistic, we need to understand that we are truly limited. Human life is very fragile. We only know very insignificant details of the universe. There can be a mathematical equation that attempts to explain how the planets maintain their position, or an algorithm that gives an inanimate object the semblance of life and intelligence; but we are truly powerless.

King Hezekiah gives us a pattern to follow on how to deal with great challenges. He was faced with the threat of being completely annihilated by a military power that had conquered much of the known world. But instead of trusting on his own knowledge, his army, his riches as king, other gods or kings, or just surrendering; he made the decision to humble himself and seek the Lord God Almighty; the Creator of Heaven and Earth. And through the decision of seeking the Lord, and honoring Him above all things, King Hezekiah witnessed a miracle. And he didn’t even need to move a finger. God will never let you down when you submit to Him; follow Him; obey Him; and trust in Him.

So, are you living in a way that you are letting God handle your challenges? Lord bless! John

Living a Real Faith

Based on 3 John (New King James Version)

“The Elder, to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth. I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true. I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.”

What is right and what is wrong? I remember back to my earlier college days when I took some philosophy. I remember our professor starting to challenge us (not in an attacking way, to be very fair to him) by making us question where is it that humans get their morality from. He brought up hard questions, trying to get folks to contemplate on where do their own ideas come from and why. He posed a very hard question one day. He asked, “If there are five different people that are in an isolated situation where you could only save one of them, how would you choose who to save and why?” Needless to say, many did not know what to say. What is right and wrong? That’s a tough question in today’s society. In essence, it’s very subjective. Folks have all kinds of different opinions, and I believe that is where the challenge starts: Opinion. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion. That’s the beauty of freedom. Having an opinion is a precious right, but not at the expense of reality; and that is where a multitude of different issues come to the surface. Everyone has a different opinion on reality. Among those that are more scientific, their opinion rests on that which you can prove physically, and that is how right and wrong is somehow determined. Other folks may structure their opinion on surroundings, circumstances, or feelings. For instance, a person’s opinion may be affected by the way wrong and right affects a loved one; so they assume as right what a loved one is doing, despite the fact that it may truly be wrong. The wrong is justified through “love”. So what is wrong or right? To level the field, let’s establish that God is real; that He is a reality.

The first point is to understand that a person should be able to see what they believe themselves by how they live their life. One of the greatest problems that we face as a people is that we don’t contemplate our own actions, and why we do what we do as individuals. It seems ridiculous, but it’s true. That was the great value that I got out of my brief encounter with philosophy. It didn’t make me waiver in my faith; it actually made me think on the “why”. I heard this once, “Understanding the why is power”. Without having a valid answer to “why”, a person is just living, but there is no life in their living. So the Word of God says: “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7:16-20. No matter how much a person says they believe something; what matters is what they are doing, their actions.

God challenges man to understand the why for his own good. And as God, He tries to bring “why” to the light; whether it’s good or bad. So right and wrong is truly an ever deeper question than what many believe it could be. The Lord posed this truth to people: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:21-23. So right and wrong actions are not everything to God. What God is after is the “intent of the heart”; the why. Because even doing the “right thing” may be done for the wrong reason, and that within itself invalidates the good action that is done in the eyes of God. God explains that right and wrong is more centered on living a reality with Him; living a genuine and personal relationship with Him by not just believing in Him (because demons believe and actually tremble before Him – something many people don’t do, even though they profess to believe in God), but by desiring to please Him by following His Word. And as the loving Father He is, what He teaches us through His Word is for our own good, so that we can become the masterpiece that He wants us to be; and are able to withstand anything that comes our way. For it is written; “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27.

So right and wrong is centered on loving God and doing what He teaches us to do. And the way to determine that is by observing yourself; face to face; and observing others; face to face. For it is written: “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2:3-6. So, are you living a true faith in Christ, actually doing what He taught? Lord bless! John

Before, During, and AfteR

Based on 2 Samuel 24 (New King James Version)

“Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, ‘Go, number Israel and Judah.’ So the king said to Joab the commander of the army who was with him, ‘Now go throughout all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and count the people, that I may know the number of the people.’ And Joab said to the king, ‘Now may the Lord your God add to the people a hundred times more than there are, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king desire this thing?’ Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab and against the captains of the army. Therefore Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the king to count the people of Israel. And they crossed over the Jordan and camped in Aroer, on the right side of the town which is in the midst of the ravine of Gad, and toward Jazer. Then they came to Gilead and to the land of Tahtim Hodshi; they came to Dan Jaan and around to Sidon; and they came to the stronghold of Tyre and to all the cities of the Hivites and the Canaanites. Then they went out to South Judah as far as Beersheba. So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. Then Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to the king. And there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword, and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men. And David’s heart condemned him after he had numbered the people. So David said to the Lord, ‘I have sinned greatly in what I have done; but now, I pray, O Lord, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.’ Now when David arose in the morning, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, ‘Go and tell David, ‘Thus says the Lord: ‘I offer you three things; choose one of them for yourself, that I may do it to you.’’’ So Gad came to David and told him; and he said to him, ‘Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or shall you flee three months before your enemies, while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ plague in your land? Now consider and see what answer I should take back to Him who sent me.’ And David said to Gad, ‘I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.’ So the Lord sent a plague upon Israel from the morning till the appointed time. From Dan to Beersheba seventy thousand men of the people died. And when the angel stretched out His hand over Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the destruction, and said to the angel who was destroying the people, ‘It is enough; now restrain your hand.’ And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Then David spoke to the Lord when he saw the angel who was striking the people, and said, ‘Surely I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, be against me and against my father’s house.’ And Gad came that day to David and said to him, ‘Go up, erect an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.’ So David, according to the word of Gad, went up as the Lord commanded. Now Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming toward him. So Araunah went out and bowed before the king with his face to the ground. Then Araunah said, ‘Why has my lord the king come to his servant?’ And David said, ‘To buy the threshing floor from you, to build an altar to the Lord, that the plague may be withdrawn from the people.’ Now Araunah said to David, ‘Let my lord the king take and offer up whatever seems good to him. Look, here are oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing implements and the yokes of the oxen for wood. All these, O king, Araunah has given to the king.’ And Araunah said to the king, ‘May the Lord your God accept you.’ Then the king said to Araunah, ‘No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. And David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.”

Today’s passage is kind of long, but it covers a complete view on how we should ultimately live our life; if we want to avoid the issues that can come with wrong decisions; or, learn how to deal with things when we have done wrong before the sight of God. The first part is that a great tragedy occurs not just because of one man’s decision, but because God had issues with a large group of people as well. We can complain about our leaders all we want, but God allows for questionable leaders to rise when a large group of people stray away from Him, especially a large group of people that should know the difference between right and wrong. Some may say, “Well, the world is a bad place, and the end is at hand, so these things must happen.” That’s true, but you never want to be a part of the masses or their influence because then you become part of the problem. When you follow the crowd, you become as guilty as the crowd. For it is written: “Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! Matthew 18:7.

With regards to the “before”, a problem can be avoided personally if you stay close to God, by allowing Him to work in your life and obeying what He tells you to do. After all, if you believe that you are a believer and follower of Christ, I think it would be a good idea to also “do” what He teaches us to do, right? Being only hearers of the Word does nothing for us. We experience the reality of God in our lives when we “do” His will. When you live out your faith in Christ by following Him closely, being led by His Word and the Holy Spirit, in obedience, God will pave a way before you that will keep you safe from those things that can destroy you and/or leave you with lasting consequences. We have to bear in mind, God forgives when we ask for forgiveness, but sin will always have some sort of consequence. So just avoid the situation!

Now, if you are past the point of no return where you are living through the consequences of sin (the during and after); repentance is a wonderful thing. It should weigh on you what you have done wrong. Learn from it. See it for what it is; a wrong decision. Swallow your pride. Pride only hurts; it never helps. And of course, turn away from it. David had a heart like God’s not because he was perfect, but because he knew when he had done wrong; and he turned away from it with all of his heart. David would come to his senses when He had done something terribly wrong and “only” relied on God’s mercy and grace. That is the significance of his decision when he was faced with the three options for punishment; when he said that he would rather fall into the hand of the Lord. When we completely turn away from our wrongs, God can bring restoration.

So, here are a few questions. Are you forming part of the wave of the world, absorbed by the evil influence? And, are you leaning on God’s mercy, by turning completely away from a troubled past, living a life of repentance so God can restore the damage? Lord bless! John

The Life that Only Jesus Can Give

Based on John 14:1-24 (New King James Version)

“‘Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.’ Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.’ Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, ‘Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.’”

One very popular concept out there is that many of us follow the same god. As part of that concept, there are those that believe that Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and other monotheistic religions ultimately lead to the same person, the same god. With all due respect to those folks that believe that, there is a flaw in that reasoning. But as opposed to just saying that the idea doesn’t work, I will try to explain briefly why it may not be logical.

For starters and as an example, why would the same god give a different message to different people? Why would He tell the Muslims one thing and the Christians something else? Let’s dig a little deeper. Why would He tell different groups of people that they should make each other disappear off the face of the planet if they are supposedly on the same side, following the same god? Some may say, “Those that kill people (like ISIS) are radicalized”. But radicalized means that they are following their belief to the utmost degree, not that their belief has changed from the original. A “radicalized” Christian, for example, following God to the utmost degree would not go kill people for a different faith. It’s not what Jesus taught. Actually, quite the contrary. A radicalized Christian would do “crazy things” like helping as many people come to God as possible, helping people in their moments of need, and dare I say, love their enemies (even ISIS). But, if it were the same god sending all of these conflicting messages, it would be at the very minimum, very confusing. And, who would want to believe in a god that puts its followers against each other? The only conclusion is that the sources are different; not the same god.

A clearer example that could help us understand even better is our own human nature with regards to parenting. If you have children, would you teach one set of values to one and a different set of values to the other? Would you tell one of them, “Do well in school”, and the other, “Don’t worry about school”? Would you tell one, “Be honest and don’t steal from anyone” and the other, “Rob from as many people as you can”? Wouldn’t you teach them the same values, and also to help each other as much as possible? If you instilled conflicting values between them, wouldn’t that be confusing to them? Would they be able to help each other if one thought one thing was correct and other thought something else?

How does this then relate to today’s passage? Jesus was very clear and concise on the way to get to God. There aren’t “many ways” to God. There is only one, and it’s through Christ. No one can get to the Father (to God), except only through Him. I know that some folks will say that this is very narrow minded, but there can only be one perfection; not many perfections. But, it’s either you are willing to believe it and accept it, or not. It’s your choice.

But here in lays the difference and why Jesus is worth following, and why I personally believe in Him. Out of all the different religions, there is only one that not only spoke about God’s love towards us, but demonstrated it in the most sublime manner. No other deity died for love. God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross so the “entire world” could be saved through Him; not just a select group of people. It is God’s desire that every single person come to the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins, so they can live forever. And He loves us to the point that He wants it to be our choice; not an edict or something by force. He wants for us to be with Him because we want to be with Him; because we have come to understand His love. And when we come to Him, and we follow Him, by doing those things that He lovingly teaches us, our lives can be changed here and forever. That is how we start experiencing God in an intimate and personal manner; where He becomes real to us; by obeying and following Him.

So, are you living the type of life that only Jesus can give, right here and right now? Lord bless! John

Worth Waiting For

Based on 2 Corinthians 4 (New King James Version)
 
“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
 
A new year is upon us, yet again. And with every new year, there are millions of folks all over the world that will want to change their life somehow. I think we all know what they are called: “new year’s resolutions”. Among the many resolutions, at the top of many lists will be: “get in shape”. Every year, we are reminded that we are getting a little older; not quite as svelte as we used to be. Some people will look at pictures of themselves from years past and wish that they could look like that again.
 
Any health and fitness expert will tell you that the key to getting in shape and just being healthy (not getting into vanity) is through diet and exercise. That is still by far the best way to get healthy in a lasting manner; by adopting a healthy lifestyle. There are folks that try to starve themselves for some weeks, but will gain it all back quickly. There are those that will slave in a gym for some time as well, but the effort is not sustainable, and that too ends quickly. And there are folks that will try crazy stuff like expensive operations or dangerous pills to get there quickly. But the nonetheless, even doing it right, will take some effort and patience. It does not happen overnight. No pain, no gain!
 
What does this have to do with today’s passage? A lot! Although the saving grace that God bestows upon us through Jesus Christ is free per say (although it was the costliest sacrifice any being could ever pay), there is some work and effort involved in following Him. Actually, if you dig into the Word of God, it is quite challenging to follow Christ. There are those that preach about the Christian walk involving wealth and prosperity, perfect health, and positive motivation. There are those that have made a lot of money on writing books and teaching in stadium-like churches by treating the Bible as a motivational tool; saying that there is no need to change and let go of sin. They sound appealing and attractive, almost hypnotizing (to the simple minded). And it’s not that God can’t provide what we need (because He can); it’s not that God can’t heal and even perform miracles (because He can); and it’s not that God doesn’t want to inspire us, but not at the expense of creating illusions. Following Christ is awesome and fantastic, with many blessings, but it can be very difficult and challenging because truly fine and valuable things in life take time and sacrifice, especially the spiritual.
 
But the good news (and here is where true inspiration comes in) is that there is an incredible reward for those that do endure the different hardships for the cross of Christ. For it is written: “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.’” Revelation 21:1-8.
 
So, there will be hard things to deal with when we follow Christ, from going against the spirit of evil that governs this world, to denying those things that our carnal and fallen nature desire to do; but through Christ, all things are possible. And along the way, we will find some that also are hungry for the grace that only God can give through Jesus Christ. Not everyone in the world wants to be governed and blinded by the god of this age. So, do you believe that Jesus is worth fighting for? Lord bless! John

True Love and Justice

Based on Esther 6 - 7

“That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. Then the king said, ‘What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?’ And the king’s servants who attended him said, ‘Nothing has been done for him.’ So the king said, ‘Who is in the court?’ Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace to suggest that the king hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. The king’s servants said to him, ‘Haman is there, standing in the court.’ And the king said, ‘Let him come in.’ So Haman came in, and the king asked him, ‘What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?’ Now Haman thought in his heart, ‘Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?’ And Haman answered the king, ‘For the man whom the king delights to honor, let a royal robe be brought which the king has worn, and a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a royal crest placed on its head. Then let this robe and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that he may array the man whom the king delights to honor. Then parade him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!’’ Then the king said to Haman, ‘Hurry, take the robe and the horse, as you have suggested, and do so for Mordecai the Jew who sits within the king’s gate! Leave nothing undone of all that you have spoken.’ So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai and led him on horseback through the city square, and proclaimed before him, ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!’ Afterward Mordecai went back to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. When Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him, his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, ‘If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him.’ While they were still talking with him, the king’s eunuchs came, and hastened to bring Haman to the banquet which Esther had prepared. So the king and Haman went to dine with Queen Esther. And on the second day, at the banquet of wine, the king again said to Esther, ‘What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!’ Then Queen Esther answered and said, ‘If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue, although the enemy could never compensate for the king’s loss.’ So King Ahasuerus answered and said to Queen Esther, ‘Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do such a thing?’ And Esther said, ‘The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!’ So Haman was terrified before the king and queen. Then the king arose in his wrath from the banquet of wine and went into the palace garden; but Haman stood before Queen Esther, pleading for his life, for he saw that evil was determined against him by the king. When the king returned from the palace garden to the place of the banquet of wine, Haman had fallen across the couch where Esther was. Then the king said, ‘Will he also assault the queen while I am in the house?’ As the word left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. Now Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, ‘Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king’s behalf, is standing at the house of Haman.’ Then the king said, ‘Hang him on it!’ So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided.’”

I know that today’s passage is a long one, but it is hard to separate things in this particular book. The book of Esther, by the way, is a great book. You should read the whole thing when you get a chance. With relation to today’s passage, we see that there is an incredible wrong that is corrected. The problem with Haman started with something as simple as when Mordecai did not bow and pay him homage. Mordecai was not able to do that because even though it was the king’s command, it was in violation of his faith; it interfered with his love for God. Bowing down and paying homage implied worship, and according to the Bible, that belongs only to one person: God. As a result, Haman wanted to not only kill Mordecai, but also every Jew. Is it right to extinguish a whole nation because they would not worship a person as a god? There are just too many things that are wrong with this train of thought.
 
The lesson learned here is that true love was operating in the king’s heart. The king really loved Esther. Love is one of the things where we have the image and likeness with God as His creation. Every human being has the capacity to love. The problem lays in that people confuse many things for love, and they turn something so pure and beautiful into something completely different.
 
When true love is at work, justice begins to occur as a natural product. One cannot exist without the other. If there is true love, justice will be done, sooner or later. When there is no love, injustice will be the product; many wrongs will be done. When God’s love is “in us” through faith in Jesus Christ, it should automatically start making things right throughout everything we do. Even when we are not thinking about (like King Ahasuerus), we start making right the wrongs we have done, and making things right for people around us. That is true love, the gift God! And everyone that is led by that virtue will “always” wind up looking to be on the side of God; guaranteed. There cannot be any injustice in love. It’s just not possible. If there is sin and injustice in your life, then there is no true love present. Love will “never” agree with sin.
 
So, is true love operating in your heart or something else? Lord bless! John

Love Will Get You Through

Based on 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 (New King James Version)

“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Ralph Lauren said, “I have had a lot of good things happen, but I’ve also had a lot of terrible things happen.” People usually think that the wealthy don’t have problems. Many think that achieving goals and becoming famous, rich, or powerful solves all things in life. But the truth is that none of those things can guarantee happiness or mean that there won’t be any problems. We all have issues. And we all will have trials and tribulations; guaranteed.

From a Biblical perspective, sin is behind every single bad moment in life, and of course, is responsible for death; both physical and spiritual death. Sin touches everything so there are a multitude of reasons for why difficulty happens. There are times that our hardships are caused by outside forces such as natural catastrophes and diseases. There are times that our difficulty comes from the effects of other people’s decisions and actions such as world leaders, politicians, and people in power. Along those lines, we are affected by our family and their decisions as well. Many people are just born into a very difficult life. Much of that is outside of our control.

And sometimes people say, “why me?” And the answer is, “Because you chose to do that.” There are things that occur as a result of our own bad decisions. We have made life complicated for ourselves. That is called “consequence” (these can be avoided, by the way). And as surely as the world exists, both the external causes and the self-inflicted causes come together to form the interesting blend you have today. Life is hard.

With all of these challenges, thoughts of confusion and frustration set in. I heard someone explain that life is like a puzzle. With a regular puzzle, there are people that attempt to sort things out by trying to find pieces that are either the same color or shaped to form the edge of the image. And what is vital as part of putting together a puzzle is the picture on the box. Life is like a puzzle, but we get handed a bunch of pieces at the beginning and over time, and there is no picture of what it should look like in the end. The pieces sometimes don’t fit together. There is no concept of whether a piece is part of the edge of the image, or if it belongs somewhere in the middle. There are pieces that we try to force together or at least try to group together, but can’t make work. There are pieces that we just don’t understand where they go. And there are pieces that can stand for a very hard and painful time. And what makes those pieces even harder to deal with is the fact that there is no human solution; there is no way to resolve them; not now and not ever; whether self-inflicted, or caused by the outside, or both.

Today’s passage explains that there are even some good things that will fade away or vanish. It also explains that “now” we see things dimly; undefined. We believe in an Almighty God that can change circumstances, bring healing, provide necessary things, and perform miracles. There is nothing impossible for God. But, there are things that God allows to happen and it appears like those things don’t change or nothing miraculous happens. We don’t know “now” what the picture of the puzzle of our life will look like in the end. We may not know “now” why certain things happen or why certain things don’t change, especially those very painful pieces. But “then”, we will see face-to-face; we will know as we are known; as God knows now and will know then also.

How do we deal with those unresolved pieces in life? The answer is God’s love. That will never fail. Everything else will go away, but love will “always” remain. Paul explains that he had a problem that he was not able to resolve, even though he prayed real hard for it. And he relates God’s response here: “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. We can be made strong through God’s presence in our lives, which can only happen through the grace of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Only the Grace of God can help.

And herein lies God’s promise of love to those that love Him and follow Him, no matter what the circumstances: “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’” Revelation 21:1-5. Depend on God’s grace and love, and you will get through the impossible. Lord bless! John

More Than Just Thoughts and Words

Based on Philippians 4:1-20 (New King James Version)

“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 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, 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 on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

In today’s passage, and for the most part, throughout the Bible, there is the constant theme, that our faith in God should be lived, as opposed to just preached and shared. The Gospel has absolutely no strength or bearing on personal level unless it is lived, and lived daily. The daily part is even more critical because a lot can happen in a day; a lot of decisions can take place. Although there may be some thought involved with some decisions, the election happens simultaneously. And of course, one decision leads to another decision, to another decision, and so on. But, everyone can remain in or change their mind until right before the decision is made.

Decision is critical because it is ultimately the initiation of action. It is where something changes state. Scientifically speaking, this is the big difference between potential energy and kinetic energy; potential energy being the energy possessed by a body by virtue of its position or state (not in action), and kinetic energy is energy possessed by a body by virtue of its movement (in action). So the point of decision would be exactly when something changes from potential to kinetic, or from a thought to an action. Our lives go through this process quite often. From what we have for breakfast, to what we wear, to what route we take to work, to where we choose to live, to choosing to give or not to give, to choosing to believe in Christ and living a life that brings glory to God, or choosing to believe in Christ and not making Biblically-based decisions. I think you understand the point.

If you look at it from a philosophical point of view, the power of decision puts each person in a god-like position (within their own life, of course) where it can impact others for better or for worse. So let’s take a look at our “kingdom”. If we compare ourselves to each other, many might think that they have quite the kingdom because of their status, wealth, influence, etc. They think they impact many lives with their decisions, and quite frankly, they can. For instance, the president of the United States affects millions of people and most countries in the world, in one way or another. That’s significant. But when you think about it, that is also quite a lot of responsibility. A stroke of his pen can help or hurt an entire nation, and send off ripples throughout the world. So here lays the thought of responsibility and consequences. Some people should be fearful of the decisions they make, for the sake of personal liability and affecting the people that surround them. 

But one of the greatest factors in all things, and in particular, in making Godly decisions, is fear. The irony is that people are less fearful of making decisions that are driven by sin and carnality than doing something else. For some reason, Godly decisions inspire more fear. Why is that? The answer lies in ultimately what drives a person; what the intention of their heart is. But reality should teach us, especially those of us that say that believe in God and Jesus Christ, that we should be more fearful of what God’s opinion is (the One that is greater than anything, and eternal) than what people or the current and temporal existence is. For it says: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28. Sometimes, many believers misinterpret God’s love, mercy and patience. God is good, but there is a problem with not valuing and respecting that.

So, if you believe that God is who He really is, then you should have no problem doing those things that really please Him. For it is also written: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7. When it comes to good things, are you a person of action, or a person of words and good thoughts only? Lord bless! John

Learning from the Past

Based on Ezra 3 (New King James Version)

“And when the seventh month had come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem. Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brethren, arose and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. Though fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries, they set the altar on its bases; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening burnt offerings. They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings in the number required by ordinance for each day. Afterwards they offered the regular burnt offering, and those for New Moons and for all the appointed feasts of the Lord that were consecrated, and those of everyone who willingly offered a freewill offering to the Lord. From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, although the foundation of the temple of the Lord had not been laid. They also gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the permission which they had from Cyrus king of Persia. Now in the second month of the second year of their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all those who had come out of the captivity to Jerusalem, began work and appointed the Levites from twenty years old and above to oversee the work of the house of the Lord. Then Jeshua with his sons and brothers, Kadmiel with his sons, and the sons of Judah, arose as one to oversee those working on the house of God: the sons of Henadad with their sons and their brethren the Levites. When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord, according to the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord: ‘For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel.’ Then all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.  But many of the priests and Levites and heads of the fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off.”

Lord Acton said, “History is not a burden on the memory, but an illumination of the soul.” History is a fantastic teacher. And this is one of the greatest values of the Bible; that it is loaded with historical facts. Within its pages are contained the great triumphs and accomplishments of those that sought after God and obeyed the Almighty. Also contained within the Bible are many stories of those who failed miserably due to their pride and disobedience, casting away God’s counsel; thinking that they were more than the Creator of heaven and earth. The Bible even explains the catastrophic fall of Lucifer (better known now as the Devil or Satan), where his pride and covet for the Throne of God destroyed him forever.
 
The Devil, in his quest to continue challenging God and trying to destroy as many people as possible, tries to temp us in a subtle yet effective manner. You might ask, “What is Satan’s incentive to temp and destroy people?” Well, when you are able to understand the nature of something, then you are able to understand what it is capable of. Since Satan is the complete opposite of God (Satan being 100% evil), then his sole intention is to do that which is evil. Something may all look good at first, and absolutely appealing (which is the lure to the trap), but the end is destruction and condemnation. 
 
So having said that, one of Satan’s main weapons is doubt. Here is where we start getting into today’s passage and how it applies. The enemy will usually try to plant the seed of doubt in a person’s mind. For instance, “Is the Bible true; and should I trust it?” He will then try to plant another seed of doubt which is, “It’s not really that bad what I’m doing”. And yet another seed could be, and now in the context of using Biblical history as a learning tool, “That happened to them, but you are smarter than them; it won’t happen to you.” This is probably one of the greatest tactics he has and people fall into it all too easily because it is appealing, alluring, and almost adventurous; that you are smarter than those others that failed before you. It appeals to a person’s pride and arrogance. And when a person accepts that seed within them, that is the “coup de grace” or the “death blow”. Destruction is just around the corner. It’s just a matter of time.
 
So what is one way we can look at today’s passage? There were people that were celebrating something great. But there were those that were mourning while the celebration was happening, because they remembered that the former things were better. What had happened to the previous, grander temple that Solomon built? God allowed for the enemies of Israel to come upon them because of Israel’s constant rebellion and sinfulness against Him, because they forget about the One that made them great and granted them great things. Their desire was to do whatever they wanted, and that they were untouchable. Sound familiar?  
 
So here is some Godly counsel: If are doing well now (by God’s grace), honor Him and continue looking for the Lord, or else it will all come down. If you are in a position of starting over or rebuilding, honor and look for the Lord as well, so He can help you through it. Learn from the past so you don’t suffer the same or worse consequences. Stay close to those who look for the Lord also. And finally, forget your pride (because it never helps) and “always” look for God!

Lord bless! John

Knowing Jesus

Based on John 1:1-34 (New King James Version)
 
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, ‘This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.  Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?’ He said: ‘I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’’ as the prophet Isaiah said.’ Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. And they asked him, saying, ‘Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’ John answered them, saying, ‘I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.’ These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.’ And John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.’’”

I think we all talk about special things that happen to us or special people we meet. For instance, some people talk about a diet and/or exercise that worked very well for them, and share the news with others. Others talk about certain special experiences they went through where they felt some sort of life change. Now that we live in a cybernetic kind of society, there are people that will post things on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram when they want to share something special. As a matter of fact, if a person is famous or has had a particular life experience, the natural thing is usually to write a book. People feel the need to share with the world when something special happens. Nothing wrong with that. But, what happens with Jesus?
 
As our society becomes more and more preoccupied with itself, in fulfilling their own carnal desires, talking about Jesus becomes more controversial, or less desirable. He conflicts with their lifestyle. To many, He is a thing of the past. Many people even doubt His divine nature, and question whether He is the Son of God or not. That sentiment is understandable for those that have never heard much about or had some sort of experience of knowing Christ. What is alarming is that so-called “believers” are the ones that struggle more and more about sharing their faith, and talking about Jesus with others. Many believers will say that faith in Christ is something very personal, and that it should not be shared openly. So, is losing weight, landing that great job, buying the house or car, talking about that special someone you dated the other night, or taking a selfie with Justin Bieber more important than Christ, the God that came to die for you? So, the question is, “What is really happening?” Is there a deeper issue than just shyness?
 
The issue probably lays somewhere with lack of faith and understanding who Jesus really is; personally. The Jesus of the Bible is much more than the intellectual knowledge of a historical figure. He is everything, and nothing can exist unless He is involved. There is no dawn, no sunset, no world, no universe, and no life unless He wills it. No one else can save you. There is nothing or no one that can compare to God, no matter how good and wonderful those other things may be. It’s just not possible. What the Bible explains is that there needs to be a personal encounter with God, what it refers to as being “born again”. Without that beginning, then true faith is not possible. And of course, without true faith, then Jesus does takes an unimportant role, from a personal perspective. And even with that new beginning with Jesus being the Lord of your life; it is only the beginning. There is a continuation in knowing Him more; His true being becomes more evident as that happens. For it is written: “Come, and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight. Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth.” Hosea 6:1-3.
 
So, do you really know Jesus; personally? Lord bless, John