Walking in the Spirit

Based on Romans 8:1-18 (New King James Version)
 
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
 
Abraham Lincoln said: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” There is a deep misunderstanding in many Christians about the true grace God has given man through Jesus Christ. Many people have turned God’s grace from something beautiful into something distorted. The love of God is seen more as an opportunity to sin or to be used as an excuse for sin then for the divine opportunity it truly offers. I have heard some people say, “God is love and He will forgive everything.” I have heard some preachers say, “How can we keep ourselves saved when we were not able to attain it by ourselves?” Here is where folks need to be careful. The most dangerous of lies are the ones that sound like the truth, and they are delivered softly and convincingly.
 
One of the major lies that sound like the truth is that God is love and He will forgive everything. There is forgiveness in God. God is incredibly merciful; especially when you don’t know what is right. The problem is when you try to take advantage of God’s love and you turn it into a license to sin. This is nothing new. Paul had admonished the believers in Rome about this, when he wrote the following: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” Romans 6:1-2. With the awareness of the Truth comes responsibility. When a person knows what is right and decides not to do it, it is sin. Furthermore, when something blatantly wrong is pursued by a person that knows that it is blatantly wrong, it is defined in the Bible as the sin of rebellion. It’s the attitude that the person knows that it is wrong and they willfully pursue the action with the assumption that God will forgive. That is clearly not the intent of God’s forgiveness.
 
Regarding whether someone loses their salvation or not because of sin in their life has been an issue with much debate. There are folks that believe that no matter what a person does, that everything will be just fine. And there are those that believe that salvation is fragile. At the very minimum, the Bible is explicit about there being sin that does not lead to death (when a person sins after coming to the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ). For it is written: “If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.” 1 John 5:16-17. So, salvation is not that fragile. There is room for our imperfection. But on the other hand, God is love, but He is also a holy God. He cannot forget about His holiness because of His love. They are both characteristics of God that are interdependent. God has a problem with the practice of sin (when it is willfully committed, becoming a lifestyle). At the very least, a professing believer that willfully practices sin puts him or herself in a place of danger. For it is also written: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. God’s purpose was to remove death with the idea to keep death away forever.  
 
Here is the Truth that folks should consider. God is love, and there is incredible forgiveness in Him. But He is intensely interested in making things new and different for every person that gives Him the proper opportunity. God gave us earthly life, where He allows us to exist; to live, breathe, reason, etc. God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for all mankind so we could have the opportunity to be saved; to be born again with a brand new beginning. He has given us His Holy Spirit and His Word so we can always have His divine company, guidance, and instruction. Through His Holy Spirit and Word, we have access to all of the knowledge that we need to grow and do amazing things, for His honor and glory. So having said that, why do so many people want to still give room in their lives to the very thing that causes eternal death and earthly destruction? Why use the fresh and brand new start we have in Him to continue doing those things that bring no benefit? If we have access to the answer to life itself, why pursue death? Why?
 
My most excellent advice is: to take advantage of everything that God is giving through His Son Jesus Christ, and continue doing away with the sin that is still left. Use your true freedom in Christ for good! If you walk in the Spirit, following after Christ, as opposed to following the world, your life will truly change and you will see the glory of God. Make your moments here count towards eternity! Lord bless! John

Living Life Wisely

Based on Ecclesiastes 12 (New King James Version)

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’: while the sun and the light, the moon and the stars, are not darkened, and the clouds do not return after the rain; in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men bow down; when the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look through the windows grow dim; when the doors are shut in the streets, and the sound of grinding is low; when one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of music are brought low. Also they are afraid of height, and of terrors in the way; when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper is a burden, and desire fails. For man goes to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets. Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. ‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher, ‘All is vanity.’ And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. 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.”

John C. Maxwell said: “There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. 'Good pride' represents our dignity and self-respect. 'Bad pride' is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and arrogance.” One of the things that helps me the most to stay focused on reality, outside of the news, is going to hospitals. I go to hospitals either to visit other folks in need or as my family has needed it. All of the above helps me remember that anything can happen to anyone at any time. It is foolish for any person to think that they are not susceptible to the challenges of life. It is foolish for any person to think that nothing will ever happen to them. Here is where the ‘bad pride’ comes in.

There are some folks that think that if they have various things or do certain things, that nothing will happen to them. For instance, some people think that a good job or a good career will keep them safe; that financial stability is the magic bullet that will make all things good, or will help fix those things that need fixing. That kind of pride attempts to put a blindfold on people, making like they are beyond the reach of the awful realities that exist in this world. Some people watch the news and see the disasters that happen elsewhere and think, “Well, they are poor, and that’s why that happened to them.” I remember hearing a comedian once make fun of the people in Africa and of why don’t they move because nothing grows in the sand. I think if they could, they probably would move. The Syrian folks escaped from the disaster they were living and look how well it is going for those folks. The irony is that the Syrian folks that are fleeing Syria were not poor. In all actually, some were doing very well. But, some people think that those kinds of things only happen in that part of the world, and that it will never happen to them. They feel safe, away from harm.

There are folks that think that keeping themselves healthy, by becoming diet and exercise gurus, will keep their serious problems away. So, they pack themselves into gyms, or do whatever exercise program they adopt. They take all kinds of pills or consume ‘natural’ products. They are religious in checking themselves out often, to make sure that there are no problems. They make sure to buy ‘organic’ fruits and vegetables, and probably don’t consume any type of meat products to stay away from ‘toxins’. I remember hearing some news while driving a few weeks ago; a story about a man who had just ran a marathon. The runner, (a very strong athlete according to the report), felt some back discomfort the day after the race. He went to the doctor and they ran some tests. The doctor was shocked to find that his patient had a cancerous tumor the size of a golf ball in one of his lungs. The runner had told the doctor that he had felt no discomfort before.

Is it bad to have career, a good job, money, and/or to take care of yourself physically? Not at all. They are actually good things. The problem is when people put their faith and trust in those things, and they think that they are untouchable. They think that they are special. With all due respect, it is deeply foolish for a person to allow themselves to be deceived by their own ‘bad pride’. A good career or a lot of money in the bank does not give you a magic shield against issues that may occur suddenly and without warning. Trying to maintain perfect health will not assure you any kind of freedom from sickness or other problems. Bad things don’t necessarily happen to people because they weren’t rich enough, prepared enough, or healthy enough. Another way of saying it is, “Good things don’t happen to certain people because they were smarter, better, wiser, heathier, etc. than others.” God says this about ‘bad pride’: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit,’ whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:13-17. On a lone enough timeline, we all will face our end; one way or another. For it is written: “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19.

In our passage today, we read that we should remember our Creator before it’s too late. We should remember that God will bring “every work into judgment”. It is also written: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”Galatians 6:7-8. He also says: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9-10. So, are you allowing yourself to be deceived by your own foolish pride; or are you living life wisely, looking for your Creator, sowing to the Spirit while there is still time? Lord bless! John

Keep Going

Based on Hebrews 2 (New King James Version)

“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying: ‘What is man that You are mindful of him,
Or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.’ For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: ‘I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.’ And again: ‘I will put My trust in Him.’ And again: ‘Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.’ Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”

Ronald Reagan said, “We are never defeated unless we give up on God.” Giving up is one of the things that people are usually tempted to do when things get difficult. A lot of people quit on weight loss because it’s too much work, or because they can’t see results right away. A lot of people quit careers because things got rough or just felt like they could go no further. A lot of people quit their jobs because they don’t like their boss, things got too complicated, or just didn’t like it anymore. A lot of people give up on their marriages for many reasons. And many people quit on their faith in Christ because they feel that it’s too hard or because they feel that God has failed them somehow. There is a whole lot of giving up in this world! The problem is that a lot of good things are being given up on.

Not all quitting is bad. As a matter of fact, quitting can be a good thing if a person quits things that are bad for them. It’s good to quit smoking. It’s good to quit all drugs, even the legal ones. It’s good to quit drinking, at least cut down the volume. It’s good to end toxic relationships. It’s good to stop having sex before getting married. It’s good to stop cheating on your wife or husband. It’s good to stop stealing. It’s good to stop doing those things that only bring you temporary and eternal destruction. You get the idea, right?   

So, whether it involves good or bad things, the implication of quitting is that it all involves choice. You can choose to stop doing something, or continue to do something; whatever it is. Are all things determined? Is there such a thing as fate (or predestination; a more theological term)? The answer is no. The idea of choice is throughout Scripture; from Genesis to Revelation. Now, major and universal events are set. There is nothing we can do about those things. For instance, the world is heading towards its end, and there is nothing that can stop it. However, where things are not set is at an individual level. Each person has the option to choose. Even in a no-win situation, a person can choose on how they face that situation. And who is to say that a situation is a no-win situation? God raised Lazarus from the dead after being buried for some time. And if we were to die as Christians, that is only the beginning of our spiritual existence. Herein lies the importance of choice and what we do with it; whether we choose to persist in our faith, or give up on it.

Some may say: “So what about those people who have never heard the Truth of God?” And the answer is: “You don’t know what did or did not happen.” And, “Worry more about yourself!” After all, shouldn’t we be more worried about what exactly is going to happen with us personally? It’s only logical, right? The Lord Himself always brings things to a personal level. For He even told Peter to be more concerned about himself than John. For it is written: “Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, ‘Lord, who is the one who betrays You?’ Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.’”John 21:20-22.   

Throughout the Bible, including today’s passage, we are urged to continue following Christ, to always push forward. That is an act of choice. And with regards to this choice, it is personal. Don’t worry about what other people do or don’t do. The Bible repeatedly exhorts us to remain and keep going; so it’s imperative not to stop. Having said that, it’s not just about coming to Christ and that’s it. According to the Word of God, and in order to get to claim all of the eternal promises, you have to run, overcome, abide, etc. until the end. That’s our part. If you give up half way, then you will not succeed. Stay the course considering what Christ did for you individually! Don’t neglect your salvation! For it is written: “Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:5-6. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”Revelation 21:7. He loves you and wants to help you, but it’s your choice to continue. So, shouldn’t the love that God has shown you through Jesus Christ help you keep going until the end? Or, is it not enough for you? Lord bless! John

The Purpose for Why Things Happen

Based on Judges 6:1-16 (New King James Version)

“Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. So the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens, the caves, and the strongholds which are in the mountains. So it was, whenever Israel had sown, Midianites would come up; also Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. Then they would encamp against them and destroy the produce of the earth as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey. For they would come up with their livestock and their tents, coming in as numerous as locusts; both they and their camels were without number; and they would enter the land to destroy it. So Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord because of the Midianites, that the Lord sent a prophet to the children of Israel, who said to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘I brought you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage; and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their land. Also I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; do not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.’ But you have not obeyed My voice.’ Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, ‘The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!’ Gideon said to Him, ‘O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.’ Then the Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?’ So he said to Him, ‘O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.’”

Albert Einstein said: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Many times, when things go wrong for us, we have a tendency to blame others or victimize ourselves. We typically have the “poor me” attitude, or the “why would you let this happen God” type of reaction. Our pride always pushes us to think that we have done nothing wrong, and that whatever is going wrong is not our fault. Now, careful! There are folks that think that everything goes right for them because they are so good and perfect, and that’s not the case either. As a matter of fact, if everything is going fine and there are fundamental issues that exist in your life, be even more careful. That may mean that God is not very concerned with where you wind up. For it is written: “But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” Hebrews 12:8. Unfortunately, there are folks that have such hard hearts that God is really not very interested in them, and He does not allow for pressure to occur so they can change. God loves absolutely everyone, but He also knows “intimately” who is who and what they are capable of, for better or for worse. So, this message is for those of us that not everything goes well, and to understand why things do not go well, in general.

Usually (not 100% always), but usually, things do not go well because we either did something wrong, or make a bad decision along the way. What is critical to understand is that not all wrong decisions yield the proper consequences right away. A wrong decision or bad habit may yield consequences in time. So, don’t think that because something bad didn’t happen right away, that everything is fine.

I’ll give you an example. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (in the US), “Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. Cigarette smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans each year, with more than 41,000 of these deaths from exposure to secondhand smoke. In addition, smoking-related illness in the United States costs more than $300 billion a year, including nearly $170 billion in direct medical care for adults and $156 billion in lost productivity.” You may not see a health problem after one month of smoking, but if you persist and carry on for years, the numbers show that something will happen. The unfortunate thing with smoking is that its effects will stay with you (and others), even after you quit. Your body may not heal from extended use. Now, there are much worse things than smoking that seem harmless to the majority of people.

So, common sense (a very powerful ally to the Holy Spirit) would dictate that when something goes wrong, there should be some sort of personal investigation. What’s funny is that we do that with pretty much everything in life, but we don’t want to do that with our own personal lives. We do more investigation when a toaster goes bad then when we have a bad episode in our lives! We are quick to cover up mistakes; rationalize errors; and justify bad decisions. That’s pride. But, will anything get fixed if we don’t want to see what is wrong? Albert Einstein also said: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Pride makes a lot of people do really insane things, over and over and over!   

What is God’s main reason for allowing bad things to happen, especially if it is our own doing? For it is written: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:11-12. As difficult as it may seem, God truly cares about you when He allows for things not to go well. He is either treating you as a son or daughter where a lesson needs to be learned; or He is very interested in allowing pressures to come to your life so you can look for Him and become His son or daughter. Either way, problems are meant to bring you closer to Him; so you can learn and do that which is right. God is showing you love when things don’t go well. And when you truly look for Him with all of your heart, He will be there for you. 

So, have you been “feeling” some of God’s love lately, and are you coming closer to Him? Lord bless! John

There Will Come a Day

Based on Malachi 3 (New King James Version) 

“‘Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. ‘Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to the Lord, as in the days of old, as in former years. And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien—because they do not fear Me,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. Yet from the days of your fathers you have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘But you said, ‘In what way shall we return?’ ‘Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. ‘And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,’ says the Lord of hosts; ‘And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘Your words have been harsh against Me,’ says the Lord, ‘Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God; what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked as mourners before the Lord of hosts? So now we call the proud blessed, for those who do wickedness are raised up; they even tempt God and go free.’’ Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. ‘They shall be Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.’ Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.”

Thomas Edison said, “The chief function of the body is to carry the brain around.” The Bible explains that Christ is the head of the church, which means that we are the body. For it is written: “And He is the head of the body, the church…” Colossians 1:18a. Yet, what good is the body if it is not doing what it is supposed to, or it is full of sick parts? What kind of a problem would a person have if the brain is sending signals to move the arm a certain way, and it neither responds, or it does something completely different? Wouldn’t that be called an “abnormality” and that medical attention would be required immediately? What if a part of the body is decomposing, and it’s full of gangrene? Wouldn’t that part be amputated in order to save the rest of surrounding members? Where am I going with these questions?

One of the issues that exists today in some folk’s Christian doctrine is neglecting the fact that everyone has a purpose. Are we saved by grace? Absolutely, 100%! But grace has a distinct purpose. God loves us. He gave His Son so we could have eternal life. Everything He does is out of love. But love should not due away with the expectation of purpose. God saved us with a purpose; not so we can just float through life continuing to do whatever we want to do, or having no direction. God’s grace has the specific intention to bring about a regeneration in a person’s life through the Holy Spirit so a person can be transformed and made fit for greater things. That’s the purpose of the Scriptures as well. For it is written: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

So, is there such a thing as someone losing favor before the eyes of God if they are not doing what they are supposed to? In today’s passage, we read of God being a refiner, a cleaner, and of being a swift witness against things that are an abomination to Him. Does this apply today, even now that we are living during the era of the dispensation of God’s grace? Yes! For it is written: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:7-9. This follows the principle that whatever you do comes back to you. So, if a part of Christ’s body is sick, gangrenous, or just not doing what it’s supposed to, what do you think will happen? Well, let me put it to you this way. If you had the same thing happening to your body, what would you do?

We read that God has a problem with folks not doing what they are supposed to do and also when they are doing something that is drastically wrong. And grace may not be able to excuse intentional sin. God has an issue with His people not using their resources right, doing things that are just wrong, and complaining about doing things for Him. How would you like it if someone showed boredom or displeasure when spending time with you? How would you feel if they complained about doing things for you, considering it is a waste of time? You wouldn’t like it, right? So why does God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Almighty God who was, who is, and who will come, have to put up with it? Why does He have to tolerate something you won’t put up with?

The other side is this: For those who do fear and love the Lord; be assured, He is watching and listening to you as well. And in due time, if you remain faithful until the end, He will reward you with things you never thought possible. So a word to the wise: take advantage of the opportunity while you still have time to leave behind those things that displease God. Whatever needs to happen to get on the right track with God, do it right away; and keep doing it always! Every single person will stand before God someday. Do you know when your day is coming? Lord bless! John

We Are Supposed to Stand Out for the Right Reasons

Based on Luke 14 (New King James Version)

“Now it happened, as He went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they watched Him closely. And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy. And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, ‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?’ But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. Then He answered them, saying, ‘Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?’ And they could not answer Him regarding these things. So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: ‘When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’ Then He also said to him who invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.’ Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, ‘Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!’ Then He said to him, ‘A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’ And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’’ Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.’ ‘Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’”

Edwin Louis Cole said: “Illusions of grandeur are not the same as visions of greatness.” What is greatness? What is the standard? Who dictates what is great and what is not? I can tell you one thing, what the Lord taught us to do (what He thinks is great) is very different to what society thinks is great. And if you choose doing what God says you should do, you are going to have major problems here on earth. There are several views in today’s passage, and we can see what kind of problems we may have if we do what God says in each of them.

The first example is with those that call themselves “followers of God”, but have turned the things of God into a worthless, lifeless, and self-serving religion. You can see the irony in this because the Pharisees thought they were right in their thinking, but they were the ones that made life most difficult for the Son of God here on earth, even causing His death. If their hearts and teachings would have been right before God, they would have been Christ’s greatest supporters. So, God may ask you to do things that go beyond a set of religious rules.

The second example is humbleness. Most people want to be well-known, revered, and loved; even though they try to hide the desire of wanting to be. They want to be important, and they want to associate with people that seem important also. What makes a person great? Is it money, fame, power…? Social status is always associated with one of the three. Many believers use social status as their standard also.

The third example (combines different sections in today’s passage) has to do with the people you tend to. It doesn’t mean that it is bad to do nice things for the people you love. And well, business-wise, there is always the lunch here and the dinner there for business relationships. But however, we need to focus our attention on those that have no one; those people that are in true need; and that we should do things disinterestedly. This is contrary to what the social standard is. Society teaches us that our focus should be our family, friends, our social circle, and of course, business. And society also teaches that if you get a chance, throw a few crumbs to those in need, if you want to make yourself feel good. What is even more unfortunate is that some believers don’t even give away the crumbs to people in need. That’s sad.

After teaching these things, the Lord helps us understand that there is a cost to following Him. And the most expensive cost is a social one. It will jeopardize all of your social relationships, especially the religious ones. Just think, you are supposed to go against established religious practices, be humble, look to do more things for people you don’t know who are in dire need (social outcasts), and give more priority to God and to the things He teaches than to your family. If your family doesn’t understand God, they are not going to like you very much; guaranteed!

The last part is: that being truly different for God makes us “flavorful” to God and to the world that surrounds us (the world needs people that care). So, are you standing out for the right reasons, so that God considers you a great person? Lord bless! John

Keep Looking Forward

Based on Deuteronomy 4:23-40 (New King James Version)

“Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. When you beget children and grandchildren and have grown old in the land, and act corruptly and make a carved image in the form of anything, and do evil in the sight of the Lord your God to provoke Him to anger, I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that you will soon utterly perish from the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess; you will not prolong your days in it, but will be utterly destroyed. And the Lord will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations where the Lord will drive you. And there you will serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell. But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the Lord your God and obey His voice (for the Lord your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them. For ask now concerning the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether any great thing like this has happened, or anything like it has been heard. Did any people ever hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and live? Or did God ever try to go and take for Himself a nation from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, by wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him. Out of heaven He let you hear His voice, that He might instruct you; on earth He showed you His great fire, and you heard His words out of the midst of the fire. And because He loved your fathers, therefore He chose their descendants after them; and He brought you out of Egypt with His Presence, with His mighty power, driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land as an inheritance, as it is this day. Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. You shall therefore keep His statutes and His commandments which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which the Lord your God is giving you for all time.”

Pat Riley once said: “When a great team loses through complacency, it will constantly search for new and more intricate explanations to explain away defeat.” Another term for complacency (biblically speaking) is being lukewarm. There are no real reactions when things are warm; and in actuality, warm is what we look for as part of our human comfort. I don’t think anyone wants to take an ice cold shower, with freezing temperature water. At the same time, no one likes to be scolded with their soup. Most normal people like to feel warm and cozy. We can’t sleep at night if we are either too cold or too hot. We can’t think straight if our body is exposed to extreme temperatures. So, is it bad to want to be comfortable? For certain things, it’s perfectly fine. But for others, especially the way we live our life and our spiritual walk; not a good thing.

I have to admit that this week has been a “challenging week” for me, as I shared with a cashier who so politely asked me this morning how I was doing. I briefly mentioned to her my personal family health stuff and even a near death experience of a worker on our construction site. She said, “I would probably use a stronger word than ‘challenging’ for what you have been through. I told her with a smile on my face, “You are probably right, but the Lord is good.” As I said the words, I remembered today’s passage (which is what I meditated on earlier today).

Things happen for a reason, or for many different reasons. This life is complicated within itself, and it can be even more challenging due to God’s involvement in it. God allows (yes, God) for the pressures of life to come in to keep provoking a reaction in our lives. That is where hot and cold come in. When something is warm, there is a feeling of comfort and tranquility. We don’t move or react. On the contrary, we relax. When something is so cold that it almost feels like a burn, it produces a reaction in us. You move, adjust, run, whatever it is, but there is definitely a reaction. At the same time, when something is so hot that you feel like you are getting burned as well; similar reactions. You don’t stay still. You move, get agitated, etc. Extreme temperatures cause action and movement. Warmth keeps you cozy. You’re not really going anywhere. God wants us to keep moving!

In today’s passage, we read of a warning to God’s people of what would happen to them if they turned their eyes away from God. Unfortunately, this warning became a fulfillment of prophecy against the people of Israel. They were stricken by their enemies; many were killed and taken captive by their enemies, and spread throughout the known the world (just as it was written). When given the warning, God asked them to bear in mind the great things He had done for them, but they forgot. They got complacent. They began mixing their worship to God with other idols and gods. And finally, they completely forgot about God and did unthinkable things. So God allows for trials, tribulations, and “corrections” to happen to bring us back to action, to keep pursuing Him. Destruction happens because we either have made sinful mistakes, bad decisions; and challenges will happen to keep us focused on Him.

So, here is what we have now to help us continue looking forward to God (more than just signs and wonders), recalling what He has done for all of us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Anything that takes God’s rightful place (first) in our life is an idol. It can be money, power, fame, family, our own abilities, entertainment, etc. If we get side tracked by idols, destruction will happen. Challenges will happen to keep us on track as well. It is God’s purpose for us to have pressure so that we stay moving forward, to keep us feeling uncomfortable in this fallen and sinful world, by placing our eyes on Him who lasts forever; not on these temporal things that we have here. So, are you stuck somewhere feeling nice and warm, comfortably intermingling sin in your life, or are you moving forward towards Him? Lord bless! John

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