Be Careful With Who You Listen To

Based on Ezekiel 13 (New King James Version)

“And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, ‘Hear the word of the Lord!’ Thus says the Lord God: ‘Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! O Israel, your prophets are like foxes in the deserts. You have not gone up into the gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel to stand in battle on the day of the Lord. They have envisioned futility and false divination, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord!’ But the Lord has not sent them; yet they hope that the word may be confirmed. Have you not seen a futile vision, and have you not spoken false divination? You say, ‘The Lord says,’ but I have not spoken.’ Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Because you have spoken nonsense and envisioned lies, therefore I am indeed against you,’ says the Lord God. ‘My hand will be against the prophets who envision futility and who divine lies; they shall not be in the assembly of My people, nor be written in the record of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord God. ‘Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace—and one builds a wall, and they plaster it with untempered mortar—say to those who plaster it with untempered mortar, that it will fall. There will be flooding rain, and you, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall tear it down. Surely, when the wall has fallen, will it not be said to you, ‘Where is the mortar with which you plastered it?’ Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘I will cause a stormy wind to break forth in My fury; and there shall be a flooding rain in My anger, and great hailstones in fury to consume it. So I will break down the wall you have plastered with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that its foundation will be uncovered; it will fall, and you shall be consumed in the midst of it. Then you shall know that I am the Lord. ‘Thus will I accomplish My wrath on the wall and on those who have plastered it with untempered mortar; and I will say to you, ‘The wall is no more, nor those who plastered it, that is, the prophets of Israel who prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and who see visions of peace for her when there is no peace,’ says the Lord God. ‘Likewise, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; prophesy against them, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: ‘Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their sleeves and make veils for the heads of people of every height to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of My people, and keep yourselves alive? And will you profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, killing people who should not die, and keeping people alive who should not live, by your lying to My people who listen to lies?’ ‘Therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against your magic charms by which you hunt souls there like birds. I will tear them from your arms, and let the souls go, the souls you hunt like birds. I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people out of your hand, and they shall no longer be as prey in your hand. Then you shall know that I am the Lord. ‘Because with lies you have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and you have strengthened the hands of the wicked, so that he does not turn from his wicked way to save his life. Therefore you shall no longer envision futility nor practice divination; for I will deliver My people out of your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’”

Joseph Goebbels (Hitler’s right hand man) said: “Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it.” The world is full of lies. Many people lie all the time, and for different reasons. Some lie to cover their wrongful actions. Some lie to get what they want. Others lie because they think that this is how you keep things at peace. We live in a society where lies are propagated every day. They could be headlines in our newspapers or main attractions in television shows. There are lies published throughout the internet now; through websites and social media. In the end, all these lies exist because they are being used by people who want to exercise some sort of control. But, what’s amazing is that many people are ok with being lied to as long as the message is delivered politely or lovingly.  

In the United States, we are seeing two people who are trying to gain approval from the masses to become the next president. There is finger pointing, accusations, etc., going back and forth. There is one that says that people should check facts. Well, what is truly a fact? Where does the information come from? Are the sources legitimate? Are the sources objective or subjective? How do I know that?

Where matters are getting even more problematic (and where today’s passage applies) is that there is a whole lot of lying happening in places where the truth should be spoken. There are many folks who are teaching things as truth for their own benefit, or just as agents of evil. The Bible warned that this would happen. For it is written: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1. We are living in these latter times and this prophecy started being fulfilled many years ago. There are many churches or preachers that are not teaching the Truth of God.

Having said all of this should bring up the question: What is the truth? Well, what makes something true is that it is absolutely true from any perspective, dimension, etc. There is such a thing as absolute truth; and it resides with the One that can never be changed, bought, altered, manipulated, etc.: God Himself. Now, if you don’t want to believe in God, then you will never know the Truth. But for those of us who want to know how to filter what is truth or not, especially when we are talking about Bible teaching, the test is simple. Listen to the folks that teach (directly from the Bible) that God wants for you to continue learning and being transformed; not to settle and accept the sin that is still in your life, or the ones that tell you to be content and stay where you are, justifying the sin in your life. For it is written: “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.” Hebrews 12:1-2. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2. The God of the Bible is in the business of changing lives; not in stagnation.

 If you follow lies, especially the ones that make you feel comfortable and encouraged, the Truth of God teaches that you will not make it to what God has in store for those that love Him; there is no blessing. So, are you being careful with what you listen to? Lord bless! John

Looking to the Future

Based on 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 (New King James Version)

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

Thomas Jefferson said: “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” We have the tendency to concentrate more on the here and now than on what lies in the future. Many people make many decisions in life based on the short term. Some people choose lifelong relationships based on the momentary need or desire. Almost everything is either based on what can be obtained in the moment, or how a certain need is satisfied in a moment. And here is where the transformation needs to occur in order to have the ability to make truly wise decisions in life (which is not easy due to our environment).

The first point to understand to get there is by letting your heart (if it has been turned over to God) convince your mind. God deals with the heart first; which is the center of every human being. Once the heart is submitted, then the mind must be transformed. Typically, what happens is that the mind conquers heart, and that’s counterproductive. This is where the application of this verse comes in: “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30. So, what this means is that we have to let God work in our minds (where our quote from Thomas Jefferson applies). The Bible teaches us about this, and how we need to submit our entire self to God. For it is written: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2. Our current world is constantly trying to make us concentrate only in the here and now. But, God is always trying to help us understand that the bigger picture is more important. Our mind needs to be renewed. Why is it important?

If we take so seriously or so deeply what happens now, then we are doomed to fail here and after. Here is where things become quite practical and logical; because God is an extremely logical being. This world is imperfect. Our lives here are unstable. One day could be good, and another day, not so good. This world can never complete us. Our lives will always be impacted by something: sickness, poverty, loneliness, sadness, etc. Money can only solve certain problems. Fame can only fill the heart partially. Even our human relationships can be discouraging, unfulfilling and/or interrupted and cut short. And this is what God sees: This world lasts only so long, but eternity never ends. So even if your life on this planet could be perfect (which is impossible), so what? It will only last for so long.

At the same time, and for those of us who are going through tough times, thank God this world is temporary! That means that our problems and difficult circumstances will only last but a while. The imperfections of this planet will vanish one day, and God will make things new for those that put their faith and trust only in Him. And the great thing is that when we completely submit to God, we don’t have to go through this imperfect world alone. He will be with us through everything, deep in our hearts, our souls; and if we allow it, in our minds. If we allow God to work in our lives, our mental view of this temporary reality will also change. That’s where true victory begins to be experienced and we can fight off temptation and Satan’s lies. Rather than giving in to the worries and circumstances of this life, our faith will grow stronger and stronger, able to withstand anything that comes our way.

And finally, here is what God promises us in the near future: “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.’” Revelation 21:1-7.

If you allow for Him to work in your whole being, keeping your eyes on future things as opposed to just in the here and now, you will win now (because your decisions will be better), and more importantly, in eternity (because the decisions you make here will count then also). So, are you just concentrating on the “now” or are you looking towards the future? Lord bless! John

Godly Love Produces Genuine Action

Based on John 21:15-25 (New King James Version)

 “So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Feed My lambs.’ He said to him again a second time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Tend My sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.’ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ 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.’ Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?’ This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.”

Thomas Jefferson once said: “Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.” There are countless other quotes that have to do with action. I believe that the reason for so many quotes is because we can all agree that action is the most crucially defining aspect for every human being. Nothing is more important than what a person winds up doing. That is probably what is very disappointing in life; that a lot of people don’t live up to what they say (when they promise good things of course). That is what makes trust so difficult because a lot of people promise and say a lot of things, but very few keep their word.

Action is necessary in every aspect of a person’s life. Without action nothing is really possible. Ever since our conception, deep in our mother’s womb, action was required in our lives and we depended on the actions of someone. For instance, if our mothers didn’t want to keep us or take care of themselves, we wouldn’t have been born. It’s an obvious statement, but not too many children are born or taken care of by parents nowadays (so maybe not so obvious or trivial). There were involuntary actions on our part with our development. Our spine developed and grew. Our brains developed and grew. So many things came into place as a result of our mother’s nurturing and our own development as a fetus. Finally came the day that we were born. It wasn’t something that involved a lot of talking; but rather some excruciating pain and force. And from then on, we kept on being dependent on our mother’s care, our families’ care with food, medicine when needed, etc.

Once we were old enough, we went to school and there was studying, and taking tests; all involving actions. After going to school, the act of working came into existence. And when having a job, getting a paycheck is very dependent on the actions we put forth. They don’t pay us for nothing. There is a lot of effort involved in just getting to work, sometimes going to work while being sick, putting up with difficult bosses, difficult clients, etc. And of course, there is a tremendous amount of action when you: have a job or a career, paying bills, having a family involving a spouse, children, other family members, friends, etc. And these are the common things that come with life. How about when something goes wrong with one or a few of those things? When you think about it, there is a whole lot of action in this life, isn’t there?

In our passage today, Christ is looking for some action from Peter based on his love for God, and not to worry or compare himself to others. Jesus is helping Peter realize that his love to Him must be shown through action, and even more clearly, in obedience. Jesus told Peter that if he truly loves Him, he must take care of others; so there is an implied obedience; where the origin of action is revealed. The Lord Himself in His flesh obeyed the Father. That was the purpose of His mission to this earth. And as a result, for those of us that “obey” God, by believing and accepting Him as the Lord of our lives, there is salvation. For it is written: “Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Hebrews 5:7-9. The Bible further explains: “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.” Matthew 7:21. So, it is clear that words or special phrases don’t really matter. What matters is “doing” the will of the Father. We have to follow and obey Christ if we really want to get somewhere. For Mary (His carnal mother) said: “Whatever He says to you, do it,” (John 2:5b), speaking of Jesus. Paul teaches us about obedience and how we ought to work out our salvation, for it says: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12.

So, if we want to make a difference here and in eternity, we must obey God; His Word, where all of His counsel to us is contained. Jesus again reiterated on one occasion: “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” John 17:4. This implies that God was glorified by His actions as the Son of God. It was also written: “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:8. In the end, God through Jesus Christ did not call us to be Christians necessarily (just a mere identifier that people came up with for those of us that believe in Christ). God called us to be disciples; which means being a faithful and devout follower of Jesus; living out our faith in Him throughout every aspect of our life. For in doing so, this will put us in the light that we are “doing” the will of the Father.

So, is your love for God producing visible and genuine actions that bring glory to God? Lord bless! John

God Can Protect Us From Hidden Things

Based on Acts 23:11-35 (New King James Version)

“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’ And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, ‘We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.’ So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, ‘Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.’ So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, ‘Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.’ Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, ‘What is it that you have to tell me?’ And he said, ‘The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.’ So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, ‘Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.’ And he called for two centurions, saying, ‘Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.’ He wrote a letter in the following manner: Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings. This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains. And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him. Farewell. Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. The next day they left the horsemen to go on with him, and returned to the barracks. When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said, ‘I will hear you when your accusers also have come.’ And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.’”

In today’s passage, we read that Paul was living rather difficult times for his faith. In this instance, we read that he was being transported as a prisoner because of the Jews trying to kill him. We further read that more than forty men had taken a great oath (meaning that they would be cursed if they broke it), that they would not eat or drink anything until they would have killed Paul. Where does all this hostility come from? Why so much hatred and anger over a person that is just sharing their faith?

Christ gave us fair warning through the Scriptures that it would be so. For it is written: “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”Matthew 10:32-39. So unfortunately, persecution is part of following Christ, possibly even within the family. Why does this happen?

The very thing that brings division and causes persecution is that many people do not want to do what God says is good to do. They want to do what they feel like doing, and that’s all that matters to them. They would rather obey the evil desires of their flesh than seek after a God that loves them and is only trying to teach them what is in their best “eternal” interest. And these desires lead ultimately to violence and separation, even if they are just words. Does God really want this to happen? Absolutely not! But it happens because people don’t want to follow. It does not get any simpler than that. In the end, you can take away the wealth, the education, and whatever else people wrap themselves with, and you ultimately end up with what generates all action in a person: their own personal desire with what they want or do not want to do. 

When we faithfully follow Christ, we learn through this passage that all things are revealed at some point to those that love Him and serve Him. Nothing stays hidden for long, especially the evil intentions people have. And He reveals the truth for a purpose: So you can always know the ground you are on. That within itself is an incredible benefit, because I don’t think anyone likes to ignore what may be lurking somewhere else. And this gives us the option on how to react to the situation. God can use many things to protect His people, even very unexpected things. The Romans were not the most god-fearing folks, yet some of these authorities were sensitive enough to God that they were used to conserve the life of Paul for quite some time, so he could continue doing what God wanted him to do. 

In the end, Paul did die for his faith in Christ, and he knew when his time was drawing near. Some might say, “So, why did God allow for Paul to be killed in the end?” And the answer is that Paul really had no issues with dying for his faith in Christ. He was actually pretty comfortable with the idea and even looked forward to it. For he himself said: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”Philippians 1:21. His faith was very strong in what he believed. No fear! This is ultimately the best protection we have through Jesus Christ; a beginning with no end; eternal life. So, are you truly protected by God for all eternity by believing and following Christ, no matter what circumstances you might experience? Lord bless! John

Dangerous Desires

Based on Genesis 3 (New King James Version)

“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’’ Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ So he said, ‘I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.’ And He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?’ Then the man said, ‘The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.’ And the Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’ So the Lord God said to the serpent: ‘Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.’ To the woman He said: ‘I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.’ Then to Adam He said, ‘Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: ‘Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. 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.’ And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. Then the Lord God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever’—therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.”

Adolf Hitler said: “By the skillful and sustained use of propaganda, one can make a people see even heaven as hell or an extremely wretched life as paradise.” Hitler also said: “All propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach.” It appears that this careful and subtle approach (through the media) is what Satan has been using for quite some time now to convince the masses; and it is working fantastically well. Most of the “civilized” world is being governed by discrete messages; portraying evil as good and good as evil. And due to the tactic that is being utilized, from the great intellectuals to the simplest of people, all are being governed by the media like puppets; manipulated by their own evil lusts.    

And like our passage today, that simple yet tantalizing message is being repeated over and over and over: “Has God indeed said…?” It may not be verbatim (literally), but the feeling is there. It is the idea of questioning those things that are Bible-based. When we used to be a more God-centered society (not too many decades ago), the idea of marriage and family was important and sacred; at least, in general. The idea of marriage and that it consisted of being between a man and a woman was never questioned. It is now common place for people to just live together with no real commitment. Children grow up in all kinds of environments. Our public education now dictates to people what is right or wrong, taking its lead from government and the media. People have become more and more materialistic, living more for things and evil desires than for those things that really matter; or what used to matter. And people are still fed the same lie: “You will surely not die.” I am considered an outcast of modern society for writing what I am writing, but there is a certain and unchangeable reality that I know: God is God, and sin still causes death. Just because you choose to close your eyes or make like something is not there does not change reality. God will continue to exist no matter what, and no one can change that; not even the president of the United States. 

What was Eve enticed with? The same thing that most people are tempted with today: the idea of attaining things that should not be sought after. She found it attractive to be like God. It seemed attractive to her, even though she really had no clue what was waiting for her on the other side. She doubted God (or what God commanded) and gave much more credit to some animal from the field. Adam did not doubt. He unfortunately and blatantly disobeyed; especially being the first one to receive the commandment. The most prevalent feeling that resides in the heart of man (fed by Satan himself) is that: “I am going to do whatever I feel like doing, and I don’t care what anyone thinks about it; least of all God (if He even exists).” The problem with that sort of mentality is that God is God, and the universe was created by Him, with an unbreakable structure: sin causes death. Desiring things that go against God will bring about death and destruction. For this is even written about the fall of Satan himself; thinking he could be like God: “How you are fallen from heaven, o Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.” Isaiah 12:12-15. 

There is nothing wrong with desiring and attaining things. What we have to be careful with is with what we desire. And our judgement of what is good or not should rest on the One (God) that made all things. Otherwise, certain destruction will occur, sooner or later. So, do you have dangerous desires or good desires; and what are they based on? Lord bless! John

An Intimately Transforming Relationship

Based on John 4:1-26, 39-42 (New King James Version)

“Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But He needed to go through Samaria. So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink.’ For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, ‘How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?’ For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’ The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?’ Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.’ The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Go, call your husband, and come here.’ The woman answered and said, ‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said to her, ‘You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.’ The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.’ The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’”

“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’ So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, ‘Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.’” 

Dean Ornish said, “The need for love and intimacy is a fundamental human need, as primal as the need for food, water, and air.” In order to form real, long-lasting relationships of any kind, intimacy is necessary. It has to go beyond the trivial communication that we all tend to have. It consists of more than just talking about the weather, about work, the news, etc. It goes even deeper; revealing those things that are not so trivial. In order for a husband and wife to have a genuine and real (doesn’t mean easy) relationship, they should share their inner most intimacy with each other; way deeper than just the physical contact. In order for parents to have meaningful relationships with their children, they need to build an environment or a confidence where there can be honest openness. In order for friends to have something deeper than just hanging out or having a good time (that’s what most friendships wind up being), there has to be some intimacy. Even in a school setting, teachers can reach folks at a completely different level if they are able to achieve some sort of intimacy with students. And employers can be that much more effective if they treat people like people, and not like someone that is only there to help them make money. Intimacy is necessary.

God seeks intimacy with us. In our passage today, we see that something very trivial as the need for water turns into quite an intimate conversation among two strangers (Jesus and the Samaritan woman). Humanly speaking, we see that both of them come from backgrounds where there is enmity, or at minimum, no communication. Yet, because God cared about her, He reached out to her and things got very intimate very quickly. It got so intimate that the woman’s whole sex life came up, the different men she lived with. Some people might say, “Why is it so necessary for such personal things to come out in the open?” And there is a good answer. 

It is widely known that even though intimacy is so necessary, many people shy away from it for a variety of different reasons. And oddly enough, their greatest struggle is being intimate with God. What do I mean? People have an intimacy problem with God because they treat God like they treat other people. They will keep God at a distance. Many folks that even profess to being believers and followers of Christ never truly surrender their intimacy to God because they never want to feel like they give up control or they want to hide from God (He knows everything though). But nonetheless, many people just don’t want to get involved with God intimately. But the problem with that is that they will never experience any kind of transformation in their life if they don’t let God come in; even into those deep, dark places they want to leave hidden away from Him. God needs to get into your inner most being in order to do which He does best: He transforms! Do you know what happens when you don’t surrender to God? Nothing. You keep on being the same person, day-after-day. Some people are fine with that and that’s why they run away. But if you truly want to experience a true change, you need to allow God into your intimacy; into the very things you try to hide from everyone else. And in order to let Him in, you need to surrender to Him; give up to His Lordship. In all reality, how can you ever belong to Christ if you never give yourself over to Him? Many people want salvation, but not many want Him to be Lord of their lives. 

Is it hard to let go? Yes, but that’s the only way you will experience the power of God in your life. And you will be able to see Him work and do things that you never thought possible. He wants to get intimate with you because He wants to make you as great as you can be through His Son, Jesus Christ. So, if you are ready to truly change and experience God as the reality He alone is, surrender to Him. Get intimate with Him. Let Him into your world so He can change it, transform it, and leave you in awe of who He is. Are you ready for an intimately transforming relationship? Lord bless! John

God Rewards Faithfulness

Based on Luke 2:25-35 (New King James Version)

“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: ‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.’ And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’” 

Faithfulness is something that everyone values and is necessary in every aspect of our lives. Without faithfulness, it is impossible to have a well-established marriage. Without faithfulness, parents cannot be good to their children. Children cannot reward the effort parents put in raising them if they are not faithful. It is impossible to be a good employee if you are not faithful with your job and those you work for. Friendships cannot be as meaningful without some measure of faithfulness. We as people and as a society; every single person depends on faithfulness.

What would happen if there was no faithfulness in a marriage? If a husband cannot trust his wife, or a wife cannot trust her husband, can such an intimate relationship survive? What if within that marriage there was always the fear of infidelity? What if they couldn’t count on each other, especially during times of need and sadness? What if there was no support from one spouse, and the other was carrying all the weight of the family all alone? Is that even fair? A marriage without faithfulness cannot survive long. Yet, in most marriages that exist today, there is no faithfulness; and sometimes the lack of faithfulness comes from both sides. This is why we have so many broken homes and families (a couple doesn’t have to be divorced to have a broken home). And as a result of these broken families, the cycle seems to continue in the children and so on. Because of this brokenness, many have lost hope in the institution of marriage. And in response, society has created their own forms of family, steering farther and farther away from what God intended for man to follow. And in certain respects, society has trained many individuals to resort to selfishness, disorder, and even revenge; up to a certain point. I have heard many women say, “I’m not going to go through what my mother went through.” And regarding a form of revenge, many operate with the mindset that they are going to turn the tables on the opposite sex, and do what they need to do so they can keep themselves from getting hurt. We do live in a time when sustaining a meaningful relationship is more difficult than ever. A lot of relationships are full of lies, deceit, mistrust, anger, selfishness, etc. It’s not very pretty out there!  

Along those same lines, lack of faithfulness to God has brought that much more destruction into the world. Less people are willing to believe in God because of the evil or hypocrisy, and lack of commitment seen in those that profess to believe. Because of that unfaithfulness, as opposed to the world being changed towards God’s ways, it seems like it is speeding towards the opposite direction; faster and faster. Wrong things are considered right now; and vice-versa, what used to be right is wrong now; or at least seen as antiquated or absurd. Most of the principles of God are scoffed at by most of the world. The idea of family is ridiculed. And the sacred institution of marriage has been turned into… …well, where do we even start? 

Nonetheless, and now more than ever, faithfulness to God is of vital importance. Whether the world understands or not, God is still the answer to all problems; especially those bearing on the soul of man. What’s even more important is that faithfulness to God will be rewarded. But in order to be faithful to God, it is necessary to believe. Without faith, how can we be faithful? Faithfulness is generated by a strong faith in Christ. And that’s where really great and incredible things can happen. For it is written: “Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, ‘Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?’ Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.’ Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Loose him, and let him go.’” John 11:39-44. 

If we are faithful to God, He will take care of every aspect of our life; especially the necessary ones. For it is also written: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33. We are further counseled by the Scriptures like this:“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7. And the way that we express our faithfulness to God is by obeying Him (obeying His Word); following Him closely. Simeon (in today’s passage) was faithful to God and he saw great things in his life because of it. This is the true expression of love towards God: Doing what He tell us to do because we want to please Him. And by doing so, we will also be able to help our fellow man. This world needs faithful people to God! Everything God teaches is good. Remember, there is a big difference between what is good and what we want (Want or desire is not an indicator of what is good).  

When we are faithful to God, we will be taken care of here; and receive great and eternal rewards after this life is gone as well. For God promises this (one of His many promises) to those that are faithful to Him: “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” Revelations 3:12. So, are you being faithful with God? Lord bless! John

Consider the Cost

Based on Matthew 5:27-30 (New King James Version)

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.  And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” 

The Lord said: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14. In today’s society, doing that which truly pleases God is not very popular. From the stand point of helping people, I think everyone likes that aspect; which is the core of Christianity. But also, as Christians, there are certain things that God does not want us to do because of the destructive consequences. And this is the part that is unpopular. The world says that it is ok to do whatever you feel like doing. 

The first part that we must understand is that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sin. He didn’t die on the cross so we could continue doing those things that are harmful or unprofitable; no matter how attractive they can be; and no matter how much we would like to fit in the world. Sin is wrong, and its destructive not because God just says it is and he is trying to keep us away from living “happy” of “fun” lives. He helps us understand what it is so we can stay away from it and avoid the natural consequences of sin. 

The Bible states the following: “For the wages of sin is death…” Romans 6:23a. What this means is that the natural consequence of sin is death. It’s not necessarily that God punishes you for them (although in His holiness, that will be decided in the future). The issue with sin is that it causes in us death. It can be destructive in the immediate future and in eternity (where it has its worse effect). The Bible teaches about this because it is just a stated fact; not an opinion. It is a natural law of the universe. Sin will kill you here and in the future. Many think that they are sinning and everything is just fine. And yes, it may seem that way… …for now; but in the future, it’s consequences will be very evident.  

Sin is like cancer. There are things in our environment or that we do or ingest that causes cancer (we just don’t know exactly what causes cancer in many respects). And before cancer strikes, everything seems fine and normal. It appears that whatever we are doing is not affecting us in any way. But after some time, something starts going wrong. We start to feel certain symptoms; although in some people, there are hardly any noticeable symptoms until it is too late. People mistake those symptoms for other issues. There may be weird headaches, or body aches, certain other abnormalities that are mistaken for other sicknesses and diseases, and the cancer itself is dismissed. But then, when that blood test comes in, or that scan is done, then the true sickness is revealed. 

Sin is exactly the same way. While we are doing it, it seems like everything is fine. That’s why many people don’t take it seriously; because they don’t see any immediate issues. Years go by and everything still seems pretty normal; but yet, they are oblivious to the disease of sin and how it is slowly eating away at them, and everything that surrounds them. And of course, if God’s forgiveness is not sought after through complete repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (the only way to be free from the consequences of sin), the full consequence is revealed at a time when there is no turning back. Once you stand before the throne of God without being forgiven and healed from the disease of sin, then eternal death is at hand. You can’t talk your way out of it. You can’t say you didn’t know. You can’t ask for the medicine because it is not available anymore. You didn’t deal with sin during the time it could have been treated. 

What is as important to understand as believers in Christ is that sin can continue to cause issues in your life; especially if you continue doing it on purpose. The consequence of sin doesn’t change. It still causes death. It’s like a surviving lung cancer patient continuing to smoke cigarettes. How ridiculous does that sound? Why would a lung cancer survivor go back to the very thing that could have taken his or her life? As odd as that sounds, spiritually, that happens on a daily basis. There are many Bible teachers, preachers, and scholars that teach that it’s ok to just continue through life without repentance because God forgives all. It’s ok to sin because God is love. It’s ok to sin because God has forgiven your past, present, and future sin. But this sort of teaching does not agree with true Biblical principles. God does forgive our sins, now and after. God is merciful. God is love. But the natural consequences of sin can still have their effect in your life if they are left unchecked. 

So, if you want to fit in the world and follow what everyone else is doing, you are inviting the consequences of sin into your life. If there are things that you cannot let go; or quite frankly; maybe you don’t want to let go, then you are bringing upon yourself sin’s consequences. Maybe you go along with family and/or friends because you don’t want for them to feel strange. Sometimes it’s because you don’t want to lose a relationship and that’s why you do what you do. Maybe you just enjoy it. There are many reasons, but all of them jeopardize your spiritual and physical well-being. 

The awesome thing in Christ is that you can escape the awesome price of sin, and you can defeat those things that only bring destruction to your life; but it is your choice. God did everything for you so you can be saved, healed, restored, etc., but it’s up to you if you want to take advantage of the wonderful opportunity we all have through Christ Jesus, and be able to start clean, and stay clean for all eternity. And if you do stumble and fall, come back to God so you can be healed and made new. We will not be perfect here on earth, but God wants to change our lives day-by-day, so we can leave behind those things that only bring suffering and pain here; but worse of all, in eternity. Compromising or being weak to sin will not do you any good here or later. 

So, are you considering the cost of allowing for sin to still have a part of your life? Lord bless! John

Fearing God

Based on Ecclesiastes 7:15-18, 8:10-13 (New King James Version)

“I have seen everything in my days of vanity: There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness. Do not be overly righteous, nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself? Do not be overly wicked, nor be foolish: Why should you die before your time? It is good that you grasp this, and also not remove your hand from the other; for he who fears God will escape them all.” 

“Then I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of holiness, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done. This also is vanity. Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God.”

I think there have been many people that have observed that those that do evil are not quickly judged. As a matter of fact, I think many have wondered if anything at all is going to happen to people who do evil. Sometimes, it seems like everything works out for those that do wrong. They seem happy, and are able to achieve their goals almost effortlessly. It seems like life is much better for those that do wrong than those that try to do what is right. The writer of Ecclesiastes (king Solomon) observed that in today’s passage. Why is that? 

God is merciful and gives all people, even those that seem to be very evil, an opportunity for repentance. God knows just how awful the price of sin is and He tries to give an opportunity for them to see the light and turn away from their evil ways. God is love.

However, because of this “apparent” injustice, many lose hope in doing that which is right. Many turn away from God thinking that they lose out on too much on life by trying to follow Him. Many Christians also live a life where they compromise God’s Biblical values, picking and choosing what they want to do. They believe that life is a balance of good and sin, and that they can have the best of both worlds. They believe they can get what they want here on earth by avoiding the inconvenient challenges that come from following God too closely; and at the same time, that God will be so loving, good, and forgiving, that they will make it into heaven just the same. This is a problem.

Despite the fact that God is love (He is amazingly and incredibly loving), God is also Holy. And as such, and even though the first thing we should learn to do is love God with everything we are, we are to fear the Lord as well. Love and fear go hand-in-hand when dealing with the Almighty and Eternal God of the universe. God can never forget who He is, especially when people think they can manipulate Him. The Bible teaches the following: “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. 

The Lord Himself taught us the following: “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him.” Luke 12:4-5. The only One that has the power and authority to kill and to cast into hell is God; not Satan. Satan can only temp you, and try to implant thoughts and ideas into your life so you can fall, but he has no power or authority over you. Here is where the power of decision comes in. We can choose to fall into the temptations of Satan and give into sin, or turn away. That is all you! The Lord also explained the following:“Then Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” John 5:19-29. So, it is the Son of Man (the Lord Jesus) who will judge. Paul also gave us clear warning as Christians (himself included) what would happen in the future (so don’t be deceived by bad teachings). For it is written: Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10. We will all give an account for what we did here on earth; both Christians and non-believers. 

So, if we fear God, we will be able to “know” how to please Him and escape judgment now and forever. For it is also written: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7. Do you fear God? Lord bless! John

The Road to Greatness

Based on Deuteronomy 6 (New King James Version)

“Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you—‘a land flowing with milk and honey.’ ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. ‘And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. ‘So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full—then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in His name. You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are all around you (for the Lord your God is a jealous God among you), lest the anger of the Lord your God be aroused against you and destroy you from the face of the earth. ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God as you tempted Him in Massah. You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, His testimonies, and His statutes which He has commanded you. And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land of which the Lord swore to your fathers, to cast out all your enemies from before you, as the Lord has spoken. ‘When your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which the Lord our God has commanded you?’ then you shall say to your son: ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand; and the Lord showed signs and wonders before our eyes, great and severe, against Egypt, Pharaoh, and all his household. Then He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in, to give us the land of which He swore to our fathers. And the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us.’”

Billy Graham once said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” I think every human being would like to be either known as a great person, or would like to leave a legacy of greatness. And of course, the concept of greatness is that blessings and good things are associated with that; that the result of greatness brings great things. Ultimately, the idea is that if you are great than great things will happen to you and around you. So, how do we achieve that? How can a person become a great person? Well, you are in luck!

The first step to greatness is being able to appreciate true greatness. What is true greatness? God! If you profess to believe in God, then you really need to understand what He has done for you, and what He is still doing for you. But what is critical is to truly make a decision to believe in Him. It does not work if you believe in God as something lessor than what He really is. At the same time, you can’t choose to believe in God at one moment, and believe more in something else at a different moment. You need (for your own sake) to make a decision to either really believe in God; or not believe in God; but mediocre faith needs to stop. So, if you truly believe in the God of the Bible, then you know (not just think so) that He created the heavens and the earth. He created every single thing in the universe. He created mankind in His likeness and image. He gave each of us life. We are now, at this very second; living, breathing, seeing, reading, and thinking because He has allowed it. We get up in the morning to go to work or to school, or to do whatever it is we do, because He allows it. I can see and experience a beautiful sunny day right now because He allows it. We have food, clothes, and shelter because He has somehow provided for it. Even as you read this, you have a computer or smartphone, internet access, electricity, etc. to be able to read this message. And because of God, you have the opportunity to live eternally through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to whom be all the glory and the praise forever and ever. Acknowledging and looking for your Creator is the first step to greatness. You will never be great unless you know how to appreciate and respect true greatness; the greatness of God.

The second step to greatness is making the greatest person who you owe everything to (God) the Owner (the Lord) of your life. Without loving and belonging to the greatest being known to mankind, you cannot even come close to achieving any real kind of greatness. After all, do you want true greatness, or something that “seems” great? Money, power, and fame on this planet only lasts for so long. And then you die, and it all goes away, or it goes into the hands of someone else (someone you probably didn’t want to give it to). True greatness lasts for all the ages and into eternity. It is immovable, unshakeable, and can never be taken away.

The third step is following God, not just believing. You need to learn and apply God’s principles (His Word) to your life. The natural consequences of applying God’s Word to your life is greatness. You learn how to love and respect God. You learn how to love and respect other people, starting with your loved ones. Everything that you do will turn out just fine. God honors those that honor Him. That’s how Moses was able to bring Israel out of Egypt. That’s how King David won his battles. That’s how the apostles reached the world, until now. That’s how the United States was born. That’s how a humble farm boy from North Carolina like Billy Graham was able to reach millions upon millions of people for decades all around the world, and sit with presidents and prime ministers. That’s how President Reagan was able to bring the US’ most feared enemy into friendship (USSR). That’s how a man born without arms and legs like Nick Vujicic is able to also do incredible things, and touch millions of people around the world. You want true greatness? Love and follow Christ always! Lord bless! John

Everlasting Wisdom

Based on 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (New King James Version)
 
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness’; and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’”
 
I read this quote by David Spade and thought that it was rather funny and relevant: “In grade school I was smart, but I didn't have any friends. In high school, I quit being smart and started having friends.” There are some parallels that can be drawn from today’s passage and quote. But before we do that, what is wisdom? What qualifies something as being wise or as wisdom? According todictionary.com, wisdom is defined as: “knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.” So, the definition may incite yet more questions like, “what is truth,” or, “what is right”? What is just judgment?  
 
What we are encountering is that wisdom can be quite subjective. It seems that wisdom is like art. For instance, and like art, a picture or a painting or a sculpture can be mesmerizingly beautiful to one person; but to someone else, it can awful. There are things that a certain person may say and do that can seem almost divine to some people; but to others, they could seem quite stupid. How can we then qualify something that is so subjective then?
 
One way of judging something as being wise is the test of time. After all, if something is truly wise, then it should be a concept or thought that worked before, it should work now, and of course, it should work in the future. How can something be wise or be considered wisdom if it only works sometimes? If you can’t count on it always as being right, then should it be considered wise?
 
The second way of judging something as being wise is by understanding if it yielded lasting good results. So, if something yielded a temporary benefit, as opposed to a lasting benefit, could it be considered as being wise? What was the benefit? For instance, saving some money is always a good idea, especially if you are trying to put some away to get you through a rough spot. If you do that, wouldn’t that help you be ready for that unpredictable moment when something could go wrong? And if you never use it, wouldn’t it be a good idea to just keep that somewhere safe for retirement? Saving a bit of money can help you in the immediate future, as well as in the distant future. It’s a “wise” practice if you are able to do it.
 
The third test could be to consider the source of where the information is coming from. For example, there are all kinds of people with all kinds of thoughts, suggestions, and opinions. I’ll give you two examples with very secular aspects. The first one could involve someone that gives you advice on fitness and being shape. Would you listen to someone’s advice who has a weight problem or does not look healthy? The second example is: would you take investment tips or financial advice from people who are bankrupt, poor, or have gone to jail for some of their “financial creativity”? (I hope that these things are making you think a bit. Questioning things can be healthy.)
 
Continuing the point on considering the source, it would be a good idea to consider its “limitations”. What I mean by “limitations” is: “How dependable is the source that the information is coming from?” I will start with this. I have no problems with pure science. However, there are some “sciences” that venture into the theoretical. At the same time, it is important to understand the limitations of people. Yes, as people, we are very limited. Science attempts to explain certain things, but it should not be perceived as ultimate truth for the simple reason that the people that have put it together are very limited, with limited abilities. Knowing our limitations is what should help us understand that we need to grasp to something, or to Someone that is greater than us.  
 
For example, if a scientist can explain the laws of gravity on earth, are they able to recreate “physically” gravity for the entire planet? They can try to explain it, but can they do it? Can they create anything? Remember, “creating” something involves making something out of “nothing”. No human being has the capability of bringing something that doesn’t exist into existence without having something to work with. And no matter how much they can explain certain things, they cannot recreate those very things they explain. Going even further, the more we “evolve”, the greater our problems seem to become. At the same time, we cannot even fix the old problems that still remain. It seems like we take one step forward, and two backwards. The science of medicine has this very limitation; which I have experienced firsthand.  
 
So, by the various tests explained, what is truly wisdom? If you have the ability to reason, I would hope that you will understand that earthly wisdom is very limited because of its human origin and limitations. It is not “wise” to see something as ultimate truth and base your life on it if it was generated by a source that is limited, fallible, and passing. Logic would dictate that we need to seek wisdom from something or Someone that has withstood the test of time, yielded lasting results, and has the ability or capacity of eternity. 
 
Here is the last point, and how it relates further to our passage and quote somewhat. Heavenly wisdom is not popular on this earth. Most people are attracted to vain, superficial, and very temporary things. But what should help you value Godly wisdom is what it’s offering you. God offers you a wisdom that will help you now (today), and in eternity. Godly wisdom has brought up very humble people to very high places, and has brought down the arrogance of great empires and armies. So, would you rather depend on human wisdom, though popular, could yield poor results now and in the future, or would you rather seek after God’s wisdom that can help you now, and benefit you for all eternity, after all of this gone? Bear this in mind: if God exists and He is eternal, no one can know more than Him. Lord bless! John

Whose Opinion Do You Care About?

Based on Acts 25:1-12 (New King James Version)

“Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him. But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. ‘Therefore,’ he said, ‘let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.’ And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, while he answered for himself, ‘Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.’ But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, ‘Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?’ So Paul said, ‘I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.’ Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!’”

Everyone looks for someone’s approval on the things they do. When we are very young, our tendency is to value our parents’ approval, or the approval of some close family members. As a person gets a little older, they start to care about the opinion of friends. When going through the academic years as students, it is a part of the system to have some sort of approval from those teaching. If you don’t do what they say, you won’t go far. If people get involved with sports or extra-curricular activities, then the opinions of those in leadership or teammates start to matter. Should a person go to college or start working somewhere, then they seek the approval of peers, professors, employers, etc. If a person decides to enter into a relationship, then the other person’s opinion matters. The more successful we want to be, the more people we may need to please because of the extensive amount of relationships that we intend to keep. There are family relationships, work relationships, career relationships, etc. Whether we want to admit it or not, or whether we realize it or not, we are all subject to someone’s approval; or rather, subject to a large group of people and their approval. It can be an endless network of opinions and approvals we may need to maintain just to subsist in life.

For instance, the United States is in the middle of the election process for its next president. I do not envy the position the potential candidates are in. No matter how you look at it, they have to win the hearts of millions of people with different interests, goals, objectives, and concerns. Along with those millions of people, they are under the scrutiny of endless amounts of reporters, television stations, radio stations, social media, etc. Every word that comes out of their mouth; every gesture they make; every single thing they do will make national news. And it will be judged by millions; including friends and enemies. What they do or say will either help them or destroy them. They will either be hated, loved, or inspire some sort of feeling in the middle. And together with all of that, they have to somehow try to maintain all of their existing close relationships as well, including their family relationships. It is truly unbelievable when you think about it.

Having said all of that, where does God fit in? For some people, God does not enter their minds. For others, God is something somewhat important. And realistically speaking, there are only a select few that really care about what God has to say. Within all things mentioned above, most people look to please or worry about the opinion of other people, or their own self-formulated opinion of themselves. You doubt that? Just look around.   

The Lord taught this to those that intend to truly follow Him: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:16-33.

Paul’s priority was to please God. Paul was more concerned about God’s opinion and approval than that of politicians, religious people, family, etc. Paul ultimately died for his faith; caring more about what God thought about him than what people thought about him. The price for God’s favor was a great one (cost him his life). But he believed that it was better to please God than others.

So, do you care more about the opinion people may have of you, those who are as limited as you are; or are you more concerned with what God thinks about you and His approval, even though that may make you unpopular and even undesirable to many? Whose reward do you want? Lord bless! John

Something Will Happen

Based on 2 Thessalonians 1 (New King James Version)

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Zig Ziglar said: “It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” Our passage today and this quote have a lot to do with each other. We live in a world that does not stop for anything. Time does not stand still. Sometimes, it seems like time is progressing faster and faster than ever before. Because of the reality that time does not stop, then it’s good to take a moment and think about what exactly you are doing here and now. What is happening in your life?

Since time does not stop, something is always happening. The universe and our world continually change. Things and people come and go. Because of this, one thing is certain, time will continue moving forward and your decisions and actions will take you somewhere; one way or another. Just because you don’t think that you are not making any life-changing decisions, or that life for you seems to be the same, it does not mean that things stop changing. And no matter how immovable you think you are, the reality is that you are floating in the middle of a very strong current, like a leaf in torrential rapids. Therefore, deciding and carrying out a decision will take you somewhere; no matter what that decision is. And, not making a decision will take you somewhere just the same.

In our quote today, we read of three elements: character, commitment, and discipline. Based on those three, something gets you out of bed, something pushes you into action, and something propels you forward; towards something. And even if you try to not do anything; like staying in bed, or taking any meaningful action, or not following through with something; the current will still take you somewhere. The question is where? Where are your decisions taking you? Where is your lack of action taking you?

So, our first questions could be: “What comprises your character, commitment, and discipline?” What have you shaped your character with? What are you committed to? Where does your discipline come from? In today’s passage, we read Paul expressing great joy and satisfaction with the conduct of the Thessalonians. He acknowledges the things that they have been through, and how they continue moving forward, no matter what. And with that, he mentions that God will do even more in their lives if they continue moving forward. Paul also expresses that the opposite will happen with those that do not want to follow God, and do not desire to obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The current of reality is propelling every single one of us towards the inevitable; towards the end of our human existence. And depending on what we do with our lives, the decisions that we make, is what will determine what happens now and in eternity. For every action, there is a reaction. For every cause, there is an effect. Most of the time, people think that sin has no effect on them. They think that because they don’t see anything happen right away, that everything is fine. That is not the case. The greatest mistakes ever committed are the ones that you don’t see immediate effects. Sometimes, it takes years for things to surface; but they will. People think things turned out just fine because nothing seemed to have gone wrong right away; but they will go wrong. And the worst part of that is that when the ramifications do present themselves, there will be no turning back. The ramifications will have affected you personally, your loved ones, and everything that you touch. But the worst of all circumstances is when you realize the wrong that you have done and you are standing before the Throne of God, and there is nothing that can save you. You can’t go back and ask for another opportunity. You have no more time left.

No matter how much people try to do away with God, with His Word; there is nothing that will change the inevitable. Many people will learn the hard way, unfortunately; that the universe and eternity is not based on their opinion. Money can’t change the inevitable. Any kind of physical power is useless. And fame will not win you any special favors. You can do whatever you want and be whatever you want to be, but you should know that everything has a consequence. God is God. Jesus Christ is the only path to eternal salvation. And following Him as the Lord and Savior of your life is the only thing that will change your circumstances here and in eternity, where it really matters. Other than that, you are on your own.

So, since something is going to happen to you, whether you have a say in it or not; wouldn’t it be better to entrust your life and lifestyle to a God that loves you, and cares for you? Shouldn’t you trust Someone that does have the power to give you eternal life and more; than to continue doing things your way, or away from God where you have absolutely no real power to do anything or change anything? Lord bless! John

The Reason Why Christ Died

Based on 1 Corinthians 2:9 (New King James Version)

“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

My father, Juan R. Mena, has gone to be with the Lord this past Saturday, June 18, 2016, at 12:50pm. It is very hard to deal with this pain, but at the same time, I have the comfort that my dad is now enjoying the very thing I have preached and shared with so many people for so many years. This is ultimately the reason why God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us, so that we can have the hope of eternal life; if we repent from all of our sins, accept Jesus as the Lord of our lives, and follow Him. Therefore, despite the temporal pain, I also have the joy that my dad is with the Lord because he did make that decision for Christ. And because of that, I have the firm and immovable hope that I will see him again someday in God’s presence.

The Lord died on the cross so that we could be saved from the penalty of our sins. He did not necessarily die to fix our temporal problems here on earth, or to give us better finances, or to fulfill the vanities of our flesh. God has reserved a wonderful future for those that love Him; not for those that try to use Him. So, whatever your situation is, look to love the Lord so you can also attain those things that God has reserved for those that love Him. Are you ready for when your time comes?

Lord bless!

John

Doing the Best You Can with What You Have

Based on Joshua 16 (New King James Version)

 “The lot fell to the children of Joseph from the Jordan, by Jericho, to the waters of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goes up from Jericho through the mountains to Bethel, then went out from Bethel to Luz, passed along to the border of the Archites at Ataroth, and went down westward to the boundary of the Japhletites, as far as the boundary of Lower Beth Horon to Gezer; and it ended at the sea. So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance. The border of the children of Ephraim, according to their families, was thus: The border of their inheritance on the east side was Ataroth Addar as far as Upper Beth Horon. And the border went out toward the sea on the north side of Michmethath; then the border went around eastward to Taanath Shiloh, and passed by it on the east of Janohah. Then it went down from Janohah to Ataroth and Naarah, reached to Jericho, and came out at the Jordan. The border went out from Tappuah westward to the Brook Kanah, and it ended at the sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families. The separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages. And they did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day and have become forced laborers.”

Nick Vujicic said: “Often times we feel like either we can't make a world of difference, or we feel that it's not going to change anything anyway. The truth is you can change someone's day, you can change someone's life, but you have to show up and do what you got to do to actually see any fruit coming from it.” Nick Vujicic is someone that God uses a lot in my life to remind me that nothing is impossible for Him; that God can do great and incredible things through a person that trusts God and is faithful to Him. God also uses him to remind me that my personal challenges are not that great in comparison. Why? Nick is a person that was born without arms or legs. Despite this tragic and obvious difficult challenge that Nick faces daily, he manages to do more things than many people (including those that have their arms and legs). He witnesses to thousands of people across the world about the love of God and that nothing is impossible for Him, if you believe and obey Him. This is for God’s glory of course, and also related to today’s passage. Just think, if a man like Nick was able to find hope in God, share the Gospel with hundreds of thousands of people, get a college education, have his life in order and being able to help others, etc., what is holding back so many other people that have more than him (humanly speaking)?

We read today that the children of Joseph and Ephraim received lands by lot (or by luck). These lands were part of the promise that God fulfilled after freeing the children of Israel from Egypt. These lands were not free. It took the Mighty Hand of God through the many battles the people of Israel fought to acquire these lands. The Bible teaches us that these lands had mighty inhabitants, even men that were giants in stature. The conquests were not easy, and as we read, not complete either (the people did not obey fully). But nonetheless, these lands were what God gave them so they can make something from them; to live off of and prosper from them. They were and are a possession that has incredible potential.

God gives us all something or somethings. We all have some sort of ability or things we can put to good use. What we need to understand is that we are given these things for a reason. There is a reason why we have what we have. Everything we have should ultimately be used for the purpose that God has ordained them for. God is in the business of producing incredible things through even the simplest of things; but they must be put in His disposition. We all have something to give.

The Lord shared the following: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” Matthew 25:14-30.

The way we can do the best we can with what we got is by being more than just religious. We need to obey Him; follow His Word. It’s about basing your life on God’s Truth and not your opinion or on society’s opinion. For it is written: “For I did not speak to your fathers, or command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices. But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’” Jeremiah 7:22-23. So, are you doing the best you can with what you have by allowing for Christ to be the Lord of your life, and obeying His Word, no matter what? Lord bless! John

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