Wisdom for a Lifetime

Based on Proverbs 1:1-7 (New King James Version)

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion—a wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Helen Keller once said: “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” Today’s society has reached unimaginable developments in science and technology. We can operate a variety of very sophisticated machines with an app from our smartphones. We can operate with robots. We have cars, trucks, and even heavy construction machinery that can operate by themselves. The capacity for artificial intelligence (AI) is already here and developing rapidly. But, with all the fancy stuff we have today, our collective vision has become more and more limited, focusing only on the now, without any thought for the eternal. There is no thought even for old age or life-impacting decisions. We try to act futuristically, and create futuristic stuff, but it appears that every personal decision made by people is only based on very temporal and futile things. Relationships and family are disposable and sin runs rampant. What are we doing?

It appears that many people devote themselves more to things that are very temporary. But, money comes and goes. Careers have a beginning and an end. Technology only works in the here and now (and when there is power). We can’t take our houses, cars, bank accounts, or earthly success with us. Our degrees will stay on the wall we hung them (I can’t remember exactly what I did with my architecture degree, but it’s somewhere). Our smartphones cannot contact those that have passed away. Worldly pleasures and entertainment are momentary. And human knowledge and success has limits. Just ask Steve Jobs, if you can.

So, should we quit everything and let it all go? Yes and no at the same time. Yes, we should understand that life is uncertain and that anything can change in a blink of an eye, especially when it comes to living a life of sin and misplaced priorities. But no, it does not mean that we just get rid of everything. Here is where wisdom comes in. And the only thing that can teach you wisdom is fearing God; which means that we do have to acknowledge that He exists, and that we will give an account for our actions. He is Love, but He is also Holy. For it is written: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. The Lord also said (for those of you who might think that we should not pay that much attention to the Old Testament because we now live under the dispensation of God’s grace): “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:21-23. We need to think about what we are doing here, while we are here, and that what we do or not do here affects what happens after. We don’t know when our own personal end is coming. It is foolishness to believe that we are untouchable. There are people that may grow to be old. There are people that may not get the opportunity. There are people that may only get one chance to make things right with the Lord. You never know and you should live that way, if you are wise. Most things in this world are an illusion.   

Here is the other thing that may complicate things a little more. Just because we do things right does not mean that things will necessarily go well. Actually, life may be even more complicated for those that try to do those things that please God. So why do them? Aside from the fact that we should do things because of the love that God showed us through His Son Jesus Christ, everything that we do counts after this world has ended. Paul wrote this: “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” 1 Corinthians 15:16-19. Our success is not necessarily here on earth. See, for the Truth to be Truth (the Gospel), it must work in every part of the world. It should work in the United States, in Chile, in New Zealand, in Russia, in Yemen, in Syria, etc. Paul also said this: “Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:18-28. Following Christ and His wisdom does not ensure “human success”, but it definitely ensures “eternal success”. That’s the vision we should have for now! For it is also written: “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.” Revelations 21:4-7.

So, are you searching for and applying in your life the wisdom that transcends this very temporary life? Lord bless! John

When the Oven Gets Hot

Based on Daniel 3 (New King James Version)

“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. So the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Then a herald cried aloud: ‘To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.’ So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, ‘O king, live forever! You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.’ Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, ‘Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?’ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.’ Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, ‘Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?’ They answered and said to the king, ‘True, O king.’ ‘Look!’ he answered, ‘I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.’ Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, ‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.’ Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them. Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, ‘Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.’ Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.”

Oswald Chambers said: “Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” Many things can happen during our lifetime that can challenge our faith. Many times, doing that which is right brings challenges as well. Nothing in the Bible assures us about living a life of peace and tranquility here on earth, where everything goes well. Life is hard!

But when we find ourselves in those moments of hardship, even when we may have done nothing wrong (at least as far as we know), we should think on how we will react to those times. And of course, many of those difficult times catch us off guard. There is usually no warning. And just because you are dealing with one challenge does not mean that others will show up at the same time. It’s like a hurricane sometimes, that when you think you have gotten through the tough part, and the rain suddenly stops and there is calm, you may just be going through the eye of the hurricane. Why talk about hardship during Christmas? Well, hardship does not take a vacation or recognize federal holidays. And many times, meaningful holidays make tough moments seem even harder. So, where am I going with this?

Well, like the three men in our story today, we should face our moments of hardship head on, with our trust only on God. The worst thing anyone can do is decide something based on fear. Fear should never be the deciding factor in anything. For it is written: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7. We need to get rid of fear in our lives!

So, when the oven of life gets hot (and we all have our ovens), we shouldn’t worry about what the odds are or who we must face. Our confidence and direction should only come from God, the Eternal and Almighty One. Merry Christmas and Lord bless! John

Beware of Serving Other Gods

Based on Deuteronomy 12:29–13:18 (New King James Version)

“When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. ‘Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it. ‘If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken in order to turn you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of bondage, to entice you from the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put away the evil from your midst. ‘If your brother, the son of your mother, your son or your daughter, the wife of your bosom, or your friend who is as your own soul, secretly entices you, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ which you have not known, neither you nor your fathers, of the gods of the people which are all around you, near to you or far off from you, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth, you shall not consent to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him or conceal him; but you shall surely kill him; your hand shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. And you shall stone him with stones until he dies, because he sought to entice you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. So all Israel shall hear and fear, and not again do such wickedness as this among you. ‘If you hear someone in one of your cities, which the Lord your God gives you to dwell in, saying, ‘Corrupt men have gone out from among you and enticed the inhabitants of their city, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods’’—which you have not known—then you shall inquire, search out, and ask diligently. And if it is indeed true and certain that such an abomination was committed among you, you shall surely strike the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying it, all that is in it and its livestock—with the edge of the sword. And you shall gather all its plunder into the middle of the street, and completely burn with fire the city and all its plunder, for the Lord your God. It shall be a heap forever; it shall not be built again. So none of the accursed things shall remain in your hand, that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of His anger and show you mercy, have compassion on you and multiply you, just as He swore to your fathers, because you have listened to the voice of the Lord your God, to keep all His commandments which I command you today, to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord your God.’”

Dr. Charles Stanley said: “God’s voice is still and quiet and easily buried under an avalanche of clamor.” The world is a noisy and very active place. It is full of distractions, activity, energy, entertainment, war, plaque, etc. There is so much to look at and so much to observe! We have so many things competing for our attention. Everything around us emits some sort of noise, light, movement, etc.; with the intent to attract one, if not, all of our five senses. It is quite difficult to just concentrate on one single thing in a given moment.

Most of that activity is Satan, especially when it has to do with pulling our attention away from God. In today’s passage, we read of very stern warnings from God relating to the worship of other gods. God’s warnings were so harsh that if anything or anyone tried to take you to something else, that either the person or object had to be destroyed. And during the time that God was giving these directives to His people, there were many gods. People worshipped different gods, animals, and even demon or malevolent creatures, with the intent to gain favor, or to obtain some sort of benefit or power. They worshipped these variations of deities for some sort of reason that made sense to them.

There were horrible practices such as the worship to Moloch. He was a Canaanite god, precisely the one that God warned against in this passage. To find favor with this god, people made child sacrifices. The statue was made of bronze, shaped with extended arms. The ritual was to heat up the statue with fire until it was burning hot. Once it was hot enough, people would lay their children (alive) on its extended arms, burning them to death. Why would anyone do such a horrible thing, offering their own infant sons and daughters as burnt offerings? I don’t know and I don’t know how they could watch and listen to that happen! Horrible, right?

Some may say, “Well, I certainly don’t worship any other gods.” And here is where we must be careful. Many people may not worship animal-like idols, or observe cruel practices, but Satan has managed to give brilliant disguises to the gods of today. What we must understand is that people were created for worship. Whether we understand it or not, because we were created for worship, our function is worship; no matter what we do. And what determines our worship is our devotion. If your most meaningful and significant attention is not towards God, then you are worshipping something else. That thing or person you pay more attention to has become a god. Even if the atheist says, “I don’t believe in anything;” because we are creators of worship, then they have become their own god. There is the god of money, the god of pleasure, and god of ego. Many people kill their unborn children today through abortion, so that personal plans and goals are not interfered with (that’s their god). They may not necessarily put their infants on a burning statue, but they kill the innocent nonetheless (the worship to Moloch continues – there were 664,435 legally induced abortions in the US). There is the god of family, of careers, etc. Even your problems can become an idol, when that is all your thinking about; consumed by circumstances. Everything you give priority over the Lord turns into a god, an idol. And when that happens, everything after that turns into a mistake, a problem, a wrong turn; and it will lead to certain destruction in the end. We can even turn the blessings that God gives us into idols if we pay more attention to them than to Him. There is a place for everything, but nothing should take God’s place in your life; for your own good.    

So, are you serving other gods and idols? Lord bless! John

The Need for Self-Examination

Based on Romans 2 (New King James Version)

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds’: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,’ as it is written. For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.”

Pele, one of the greatest and most well-known soccer players in the world, said: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” He also shared this before: “I always had a philosophy which I got from my father. He used to say, ‘Listen. God gave to you the gift to play football. This is your gift from God. If you take care of your health, if you are in good shape all the time, with your gift from God no one will stop you, but you must be prepared’”.

I like sports, but among my favorites is football (soccer). While growing up, I would always hear about Pele. Thanks to the science of video, I have been able to see the great Pele in his splendor. It was a true delight to see the wonderful things that Pele used to do, the way he would move through different defenders, and score goals from so many different directions and distances. He made it seem effortless, magical, and poetic (at least to those of us who enjoy the sport). He looked like he was dancing with the ball sometimes. He would always wind up with the ball somehow. It is wonderful to see great athletes in action!

As I cited some of his words above, he was great not just because he had a “God-given” talent for the sport, but also, he loved and worked hard at it. He was self-critical. He sacrificed himself to become the best. That is not the story with many other athletes, despite their incredible talents. Some lack discipline and never become great or well-known. Others do make it to the big time, but become absorbed by the crazy life that surrounds the celebrity life and wealth. They give in to bad influences. Many lose their great abilities because they don’t take care of themselves, taking for granted the very thing that gave them success and great wealth.

What does this have to do with today’s passage? If you truly want to be good at anything, you must subject yourself to self-examination. Things don’t just happen all by themselves. Great opportunities cease to be great opportunities if they are not cared for. Talent is useless if all the other factors are not there. You will not be able to accomplish good things, especially before the eyes of God, if you don’t truly apply yourself to what He really teaches. There is no such thing as a “pedigree” before God. Everything is based on you as a person. Nothing is gained if nothing is cared for.

And the worst thing that can happen to anyone is when they start justifying the wrong they do by leaning on their own subjective judgment. The Bible teaches this: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:7. We learn to do what is right by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives through the Word of God. We need to learn to be sensitive to God, and to seek to understand what is it that He needs to work in our lives. We shouldn’t worry too much about what other people are doing. We should worry about what God thinks about our actions. Everything that we do here on earth matters in eternity. Don’t believe the lie that God does not pay attention to the things we do wrong here! And everything we do, whether wrong or right, has consequences here, and after.

We should meditate on what we are doing, and why we are doing what we do. We should pray to see things clearly, and for God’s direction on how to deal with those things that need to be fixed. Without self-examination, people can become hypocritical, self-destructive, and destructive to others. So, are you willing to take the challenge (because it is not easy) to look at yourself sincerely, and do something about things that are wrong? Lord bless! John

Be Careful with Pride

Based on Daniel 4 (New King James Version)

“Nebuchadnezzar the king, to all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me. How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation. I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. Therefore I issued a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. Then the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, and I told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation. But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), and I told the dream before him, saying: ‘Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation. ‘These were the visions of my head while on my bed: I was looking, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. The tree grew and became strong; its height reached to the heavens, and it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. Its leaves were lovely, its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, the birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it. ‘I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. He cried aloud and said thus: ‘Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get out from under it, and the birds from its branches. Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts on the grass of the earth. Let his heart be changed from that of a man, let him be given the heart of a beast, and let seven times pass over him. ‘This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.’ ‘This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you.’ Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, ‘Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.’ Belteshazzar answered and said, ‘My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies! ‘The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth, whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home—it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth. ‘And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him’; this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses. ‘And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules. Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity.’ All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, ‘Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?’ While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.’ That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.  And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’ At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.”

Today’s message is very simple; yet, it involves a very common problem: Pride. In one way or another; whether it be a lot or a little; most people have an issue with pride. Pride comes in many forms. But most folks have some sort of measure of pride. And the problem with that is that pride brings about quite a lot of issues into a person’s life, including to those that surround them. Pride can be catastrophic.

Want to take a pride test? One of the ways that pride is most detectable is by the way a person obeys (or does not obey) the Word of God; by their disposition. Just think. If the Word of God says we should do something, but we refuse to do that thing that the Word instructs us to do, who are we really resisting? The Bible is more than just words on pages in a book. It is the counsel and will of the Almighty Creator of the universe.

So, are you being careful with pride, by honoring and obeying the Word of God, or are you resisting God Himself? Lord bless! John

Staying Close and Focused on the Lord

Based on Jeremiah 17:1-13 (New King James Version)

“‘The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron; with the point of a diamond it is engraved on the tablet of their heart, and on the horns of your altars, while their children remember their altars and their wooden images by the green trees on the high hills. O My mountain in the field, I will give as plunder your wealth, all your treasures, and your high places of sin within all your borders. And you, even yourself, shall let go of your heritage which I gave you; and I will cause you to serve your enemies in the land which you do not know; for you have kindled a fire in My anger which shall burn forever.’ Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited. ‘Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. ‘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. ‘As a partridge that broods but does not hatch, so is he who gets riches, but not by right; it will leave him in the midst of his days, and at his end he will be a fool.’ A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary. O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake You shall be ashamed. ‘Those who depart from Me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters.’”

The Apostle Paul said: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. The Apostle Paul is considered one of the most important apostles based on his unrelenting commitment to spreading the Gospel, traveling hundreds of miles, establishing many churches, and the many letters and books he wrote in the New Testament. Despite his great achievements and dedicated life to the Kingdom of God, he kept in mind that he was still in a position where anything could go wrong with his faith (as we see in the passage above). Why is that?

Many theologians, preachers, and teachers of the Word today teach that we should not concern ourselves very much with our future, if we have given our lives to the Lord; that we are secure, and that all things are already figured out because God is in control of everything. They furthermore reassure people using Scripture like, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13). Many people embrace the ideology that God is love and merciful, and that He is content with the few crumbs you can throw His way (that’s what it looks like). And after all, no one is perfect. So, if you try a little bit, it’s fine. God loves you. So, did the Apostle Paul not understand something? Did he have it all wrong, and maybe he worried too much? Are today’s many theologians, preachers, and teachers of the Word fuller of the Holy Spirit, or wiser, or more knowledgeable than the Apostle Paul; a man that lived, breathed, and died for his faith? I doubt it!

God, through the Apostle Paul, teaches us that we must be very careful with losing focus. Focus is something that clearly belongs to us, which is a part of free will. We live in a world full of distractions. And furthermore, although we may have been forgiven from our sins, sin still lives within our flesh. This is the reason why we all need to die some day; so, we can shed this corruptible body and take on the incorruptible one. While we live in this body, we must continue fighting the good fight, disciplining our body, running the race, overcoming, etc. It’s not over yet for us! Christ overcame death on the cross for us, but it is up to us to let Christ overcome in our lives; and coming to Christ for salvation is only the beginning. After that, you must allow the process God wants for your life to happen. Here is where a very important word comes in: Obedience. For even Christ, the only begotten Son of God “obeyed” His Father. So, we are to obey God also, if we want to get to what God has for us. And here is where today’s passage comes into focus.

The people of Judah started quite well. As we read in the Scriptures, Judah was far more loyal to God than the people of Israel. But, they eventually gave into the evil that surrounded them. They worshipped false gods and idols, committing atrocious sins against the God that had guided them, protected them, and even did miracles for them. They forgot God. And as such, God’s love for them could no longer bare their unfaithfulness and evil. They had drifted too far away from Him, so He took away His divine protection and allowed for their enemies to conquer them. Hundreds of thousands died in the Babylonian conquest. And hundreds were taken as slaves, to serve their enemies (just as Jeremiah had prophesied).

What was the thing that made them fall? They trusted in themselves. They lost their focus on God and began trusting in their own abilities and on human and earthly capabilities. When that happened, they were not able to even see when God’s blessing was right at their fingertips. They started missing opportunities and destroying every good thing God had for them. Their choices were clouded and they began to embrace only those things that brought destruction to your them. It is the natural consequence when you forget about God.  

How can someone avoid such a thing to happen to them? By staying focused on God and on “all” of His Word (not just parts of it). For it is written: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3. If you have drifted away, come back! Stay close and focused on the Lord! It’s for your own good! Lord bless! John

The Need for Good Works

Based on Titus 3:1-14 (New King James Version)

“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing. And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.”

Bono, the lead singer of the band U2 and philanthropist said this: When you align yourself with God's purpose as described in the Scriptures, something special happens to your life. Many believers have forgotten that God saved us was with the purpose for doing good works. Some people concentrate more on theology and teaching than on practice. Others take the salvation that God has given us very lightly and irresponsibly. Others are just selfish and disinterested in the needs of others. In the end, we cannot forget the very basic thing that should show what has happened in our hearts (if something really happened). We cannot forget about the importance of good works.

It is true that good works cannot save you; and the Bible is very explicit about this. We can never be good enough or do enough good things to earn an entrance into heaven. For it is written: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. The Bible also explains: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. The Bible explains that salvation through Jesus Christ is a gift. For it says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23.   

So, according to the Bible, the only way a person can be saved from their sins and be able to have eternal life is through the complete repentance of sins; by confessing and asking for forgiveness for all sins committed, with the desire to turn away from them (conversion); and, by accepting Jesus as the Lord of their life (making Him the owner of their life). For it is written: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. And it also says: “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:8-10.

Coming to salvation through Jesus Christ is very easy, if it is done with a completely surrendered heart. But, salvation has a purpose. There is a reason for salvation, and here is where a lot of people need to be reminded of this “fact”. For it is also written: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10. We were created for good works!

What are these good works? They are throughout the Bible. Here are some examples: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27. “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’” Matthew 25:31-36.

What many don’t realize is that with God’s grace comes responsibility. God gives us things for a reason: so we can share with those in need. For it is also written: “And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:47-48. Some might say, “Well, I’m not a servant; just a son or daughter of God.” If that is your disposition, then what is your purpose in life, especially considering that God made us for good works which implies “service”? Many complain about the world we live in, and all the evil that is in it. Well, what are you doing to change that, or to make the world a little better for at least someone else who really needs it? God is waiting for us to do something about the state of this world. He already sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross. Keep this in mind: Jesus is Lord and we should follow Him, and not the other way around. You want to be saved? Follow the path! You want the world to be different and better? Then do the things God teaches! Be the difference! Everyone has something to give, especially if they are in Christ! So, are you following Christ in the good works He has set for you? Lord bless! John

The Importance of Resolve

Based on 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (New King James Version)

"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.”

Abraham Lincoln said: “We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” President Lincoln spoke these words during his Gettysburg Address on the afternoon of Thursday, November 19, 1863, while one of the bloodiest wars in US history was still carrying on. The American Civil War lasted from 1861 to 1865. It claimed over 785,000 lives. The United States was torn between each other where family members killed each other: father against son, and brother against brother. Hundreds of thousands of lives were sacrificed for different ideals and principles. What kind of resolve was necessary for a country to heal from such horror?

One of the key words President Lincoln used in his very meaningful speech was the word, “resolve.” We do not use this word very much today. The word resolve as defined by dictionary.com means: “to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something).” It is an idea of the past when it comes to meaningful ideals. Most peoples’ resolve or determination have turned to achieve more mundane or temporal things like material possessions, superficial relationships, adventures, hobbies, etc. Some people put their lives at risk for a hobby, for instance. It’s not to say that some of these things are necessarily evil (although some can be). The problem is that there isn’t any resolve or determination for those things that are truly meaningful and unselfish. There is no real sacrifice for those things that truly matter in life. It appears that most people are determined to sacrifice those things that truly matter for things that don’t mean much. How come?

If we examine general Christian faith in many people today, there is little to no resolve for the things of God. Most people quit at the very first sign of hardship. They are not very fond anymore about following Christ when the Bible goes against something they want to do or practice. Many people are even ashamed of declaring publicly their faith. They would rather keep their relationship with Christ as a secret with the excuse that it is something “very personal”. If a group of people resolved within themselves to help bring together and heal a country after such a horrible thing (like the American Civil War), why is it so hard for many of us to live and follow Christ?

One of the answers is that many folks have been brainwashed with a very easy and meaningless gospel. It is a lazy and carefree type of doctrine where it almost encourages people to be weak and undetermined for God. Carefully selected Bible passages are used to substantiate an irresponsible way of life. Many indoctrinate people to believe in an “all forgiving and all merciful God”, trying to eliminate the Holiness of God and discipleship. It’s a gospel that neglects the other principles God teaches throughout His Word. I guess those other thousands of chapters are just fill material, right? Absolutely not! The Holy Bible is the complete counsel of God to man, and it needs to be taken in its entirety; not just the parts that you like to hang on to or that favor your own agenda.

Let’s pretend for a moment that you are getting married to someone, and the person you are about to marry only wants to accept certain parts of you. Let’s say they like your eyes, your hair, and why not; your legs. But they don’t feel anything for the rest. So, they somehow “physically” separate those parts they like about you and throw away the rest. I know the visual is horrible and exaggerated, but you get the picture, right? If people want to be accepted completely, with all their parts, then why do many people try to only pick out the things they like about God, or those things that only favor what they want? And, if we all want someone to stay with us, whether things go well or not, why do so many abandon God so easily?

I think everyone wants to go to heaven, but not many want to do anything for it. And herein lies the other false teaching. Are we saved by grace and not works? Of course we are saved by grace alone! But does that mean that it is not important to follow Christ? No way! The intent of God is not for us to just be believers of Christ. We must be followers or disciples of Christ; which means we must follow Him and live out the things He teaches us to do. Once we surrender our lives to Christ, it is only the beginning. We must allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, allowing Him to transform us into what God wants us to be. God is in the business of transforming and changing lives; not in leaving them broken and fallen.

And here is where our passage today comes in. We should resolve or determine within ourselves if we are truly willing to follow Christ, or not. We must keep in mind, if we truly resolve to follow Christ, that what we do here and now counts towards eternity. For it is written: “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.” The good and bad that we do here counts for us, or against us. There is a final judgment! God will judge His people also! If we understand this, then we must understand that there is a responsibility with faith. We should not live our lives carelessly, assuming that God does not care about what we do with ourselves. He cares, and each human being (especially believers) will give an account for their actions. So, the question is, “Have you resolved in your heart to do the best you can with the eternal opportunity God has given you through Jesus Christ?” Lord bless! John

Enduring Perilous Times

Based on 2 Timothy 3 (New King James Version)

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was. But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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.”

Tacitus said: “It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.” One of the greatest dangers in our society today is pleasure. Like Rome, and prior to its decline, people are more invested today in trying to indulge in pleasure. It’s not that having a good time every now and then is a bad thing. The problem is that it has become people’s focus in life. It has become the hope that most people aspire to. Many feel that if they achieve some form of pleasure, then their problems will go away. It involves trying to satisfy the insatiable urge of selfishness. It’s this kind of mentality: “I’m going to make myself happy, and I don’t care what I have to do to get there!”

Does this sound horrible? To the folks that still have some sort of conscience, maybe it sounds bad. To the common person, they might think, “So what’s wrong with that?” And I’ll reiterate once more. It’s not a problem to enjoy the things that God gives you, but not at the expense of others, and of course, certainly not at the expense of forgetting who (God) allowed for you to have them (if they are attained honestly).

There are those folks that have attained the means to fund their pleasures through dishonest avenues such as stealing; and there are different forms of stealing. Taking from people in any form is wrong. And there are obvious ways of stealing. There are other means of stealing such as those that cheat the government, by taking advantage of programs that are not meant for them to use. Cheating on your taxes (not playing within the established rules). Some people just don’t want to work, so they take advantage of whatever or whoever they can. And of course, there are folks that capitalize on the misery of other people such as getting involved with the sale of drugs and alcohol. No matter how you look at it, or how much a person thinks they are in control, the use of substances to get through life will cause you misery in one way or another. These people are more than fine with that, as long as they can make a quick dollar off of your misery. Do you think the folks that sell these products are worried about your well-being? There is no such thing as enjoying something that is not good for you “responsibly.”

There are less obvious ways where pleasure is just as damaging. In relationships, for instance. Most people get into a relationship with the goal to get something out of the other person. Love is not part of the formula; or at least there is no real love for the other person. People look to resolve their issues by using other people. They think about how much better they can be off if they are a two-income family. Children are born into this world not as a product of two people in love, but rather; to just experience something different, or cross off an item from an invisible list somewhere. How can I tell? There are people that look miserable with their kids. The few times that I have gone into a super market during regular working hours, I have noticed dissatisfaction, anger, frustration, etc. on people’s faces when they are carting around their kids. They treat their kids like the puppy dog they bought last Christmas. It was exciting at first, but they can’t wait to get rid of them. They don’t spend time with them; counseling them, teaching them, giving them love (love doesn’t mean spoiling them and turning them into little parasites).

The problem is that most people are only concerned for themselves. They may seem like they care about others, but they don’t. They only seem to care for someone as long as they are useful to them somehow. It’s like what most people do nowadays when they dump their parents off at an elderly care facility, right after they take the last cent possible. Marriages are broken when one of the two don’t feel like they are happy anymore, or they are not getting what they anticipated they should be getting. The moment some sort of hardship occurs, people are looking for the way out. Children are abandoned by pushing them off to school activities, to hang out with friends, etc. It’s easier to buy stuff for the kids or keep them busy, than to give them “proper” attention. And along the way, with this parade of selfishness, people are getting hurt left and right. Bad things are happening everywhere! This is what makes this planet very difficult to live in! As people forget about God and their fellow man, they sink deeper and deeper into the lie, that pleasure will make them happy. What people don’t understand is that living for themselves will only destroy them and everything around them. It makes a person incapable of living a good life.

The only way of enduring these perilous times is by standing in the Word of God. Since God made us, then He is the only one that knows how to make things work the best they can; the way they were designed to work. Living for Him will not only put proper perspective in your life, but will also teach you how to live a full life where God through you can bring hope and joy to the world that surrounds you, especially within your own life. Are you allowing for God to guide you through these perilous times, or are you still willing to live the lie? Lord bless! John

Understanding Our Reality

Based on Psalm 8 (New King James Version)

“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens! Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger. When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen—even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!”

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.” I completely agree with Maxwell’s view on pride. If we objectively take a look around, we will be able to see that there is an incredible lack of balance between ‘good pride’ and ‘bad pride’.

People in general are missing that ‘good pride’ that Maxwell spoke about. People have lost the concept of shame in wrong doing. There should be a sense of guilt when a person does something wrong. But instead, and to avoid the sense of guilt, society has turned wrong doing into the acceptable, and dare I say, has glorified that which should be shameful. Many people stand proud and defend that which is indefensible. They declare sin as a public right and that all people should hail such things as praiseworthy and honorable. Our school systems not only adopt, but indoctrinate our younger generations to accept and embrace those things that go against God. The morality that involved ‘good pride’ has nearly become extinct in our society.

And what has replaced ‘good pride’ is an inordinate amount of ‘bad pride’. Things are no longer decided based on ideals, but rather, on personal pride and gain. Our leaders manipulate and dismember the justice system to carry out their plans and fulfill their own hidden agendas with the sense of pride and arrogance, feeling that they are untouchable. As opposed to controlling their pride, they continue to feed and nurture their arrogance to further exalt themselves.

And yet, how can people allow themselves to be fooled by their pride, thinking that they are invincible? How can people become so blind to the reality that we as human beings are nothing? Every single person will die at some point, in one way or another. No human being can escape the reality that they are fragile and powerless; that they have no control. Good health can be lost in a moment. Wealth is an illusion, where it exists one day, and can easily go somewhere else in an instant. And power? What is real power? So what if a person has the power at their fingertips to destroy the world in minutes? What about their life? Can’t someone else just as easily take their life with something far less menacing than a nuclear device? What is man in the grand scheme of things?  

If we consider our surroundings; creation and the universe, we should be able to see that we are not very significant at all; and that we are not in control. We can explain many things in the universe through science and math, but can we replicate those things? Can we control the magnetic force of the earth? Can we control or change the rotation of our planet? Do we have any control over the planets in our solar system? Can we impact the sun? What if a meteor the size of Texas was to hit the earth?

And despite our many accomplishments as a race, we are incredibly limited even in our daily life. There are many diseases that have no cure. Depending on the amount, air and water (very simple elements) are still a challenge to deal with such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and typhoons. With enough energy, earthquakes can be quite destructive, causing large losses in lives and property. Accidents happen daily to different kinds of people. Wealth does not insulate anyone from even the most trivial of occurrences.

Here is what God said to Job, to help him understand what was man in front of the Creator: Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: ‘Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. ‘Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? ‘Or who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst forth and issued from the womb; when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band; when I fixed My limit for it, and set bars and doors; when I said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther, and here your proud waves must stop!’ ‘Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? It takes on form like clay under a seal, and stands out like a garment. From the wicked their light is withheld, and the upraised arm is broken. ‘Have you entered the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in search of the depths? Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death? Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this. ‘Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is its place, that you may take it to its territory, that you may know the paths to its home? Do you know it, because you were born then, or because the number of your days is great? Job 38:1-21.

What reason do people have for their pride? Can anyone be more than God? Bear in mind, “Reality is not based on a person’s opinion.” So, do you understand your reality, and that ‘bad pride’ should be done away with before the Almighty God? Lord bless! John

Standing on a Solid Foundation

Based on Daniel 8 (New King James Version)

“In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me—to me, Daniel—after the one that appeared to me the first time. I saw in the vision, and it so happened while I was looking, that I was in Shushan, the citadel, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision that I was by the River Ulai. Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and there, standing beside the river, was a ram which had two horns, and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. I saw the ram pushing westward, northward, and southward, so that no animal could withstand him; nor was there any that could deliver from his hand, but he did according to his will and became great. And as I was considering, suddenly a male goat came from the west, across the surface of the whole earth, without touching the ground; and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. Then he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing beside the river, and ran at him with furious power. And I saw him confronting the ram; he was moved with rage against him, attacked the ram, and broke his two horns. There was no power in the ram to withstand him, but he cast him down to the ground and trampled him; and there was no one that could deliver the ram from his hand. Therefore the male goat grew very great; but when he became strong, the large horn was broken, and in place of it four notable ones came up toward the four winds of heaven. And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, ‘How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?’ And he said to me, ‘For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.’ Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the vision and was seeking the meaning, that suddenly there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, ‘Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.’ So he came near where I stood, and when he came I was afraid and fell on my face; but he said to me, ‘Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end.’ Now, as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep with my face to the ground; but he touched me, and stood me upright. And he said, ‘Look, I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be. The ram which you saw, having the two horns—they are the kings of Media and Persia. And the male goat is the kingdom of Greece. The large horn that is between its eyes is the first king. As for the broken horn and the four that stood up in its place, four kingdoms shall arise out of that nation, but not with its power. ‘And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; he shall destroy fearfully, and shall prosper and thrive; he shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. ‘Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means. ‘And the vision of the evenings and mornings which was told is true; therefore seal up the vision, for it refers to many days in the future.’ And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king’s business. I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it.”

Ronald Reagan said: “Inside the Bible’s pages lie the answers to all the problems that mankind has ever known. I hope Americans will read and study the Bible. The Bible can touch our hearts, order our minds, and refresh our souls.” Many scholars and theologians agree that the book of Daniel was written somewhere in the sixth century before Christ. The prophecy that Daniel foretold in today’s passage is believed to have been fulfilled in about 165 BC, where the Persian and Greek empires collided. The “transgression of desolation” is believed to have occurred around 164 BC, when Antiochus oppressed the Jews. As part of his oppression, he outlawed Jewish practices, including the daily sacrifices, outlawed the Torah and built an altar to Zeus in the Temple. However, many of us also believe that the book of Daniel speaks of things that are ahead of us as well; such as the Antichrist and the end.

I believe that many people are convinced that there is an eminent end coming to this world. We live in an unstable place where prophecy after prophecy continues being fulfilled during our lifetime. Diseases continue to spread at an alarming rate. Hunger affects millions upon millions of people on the face of the planet. There are wars and rumors of wars. For many, one day could be fine, and the next day, chaos breaks out. Families’ lives are changed instantly. Those that are foolish think that they will not be affected, but everyone has been, is being, and will be affected by what is coming upon this planet. Some of the richer, more developed countries are looking for ways to further space travel, but nothing can escape what is already here.

In our passage today, we read of two animals that represent two kingdoms. But this simple representation in Daniel’s vision exhibits a major collision that will affect the lives of millions upon millions of people. And this cannot be taken lightly. Just like if you choose to ignore something, that doesn’t mean that it will make you impervious to the consequences.

The Word of God is a firm foundation for anyone who puts their faith in Him. It teaches us about things that happened, about things that are happening currently, and about things that will happen. But the most important aspect the Bible holds is that it is trustworthy, teaching us what we need to do now, and in every circumstance we might face. Nothing can compare to the wonderful knowledge God imparts through His divine counsel; His Word. In His Word there is life for now, and life for all eternity. So, no matter what happens around us now, and what may happen in the future; if we put God’s Word as the foundation for everything in our lives, we will be ready now, and forever. Everything else fades away.

So, have you made God’s Word the foundation of your life? Lord bless! John

Promises Worth Living For

Based on Isaiah 11 (New King James Version)

“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears; but with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist. ‘The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. ‘And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.’ It shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people who are left, from Assyria and Egypt, from Pathros and Cush, from Elam and Shinar, from Hamath and the islands of the sea. He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. Also the envy of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not harass Ephraim. But they shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines toward the west; together they shall plunder the people of the East; they shall lay their hand on Edom and Moab; and the people of Ammon shall obey them. The Lord will utterly destroy the tongue of the Sea of Egypt; with His mighty wind He will shake His fist over the River, and strike it in the seven streams, and make men cross over dry-shod. There will be a highway for the remnant of His people who will be left from Assyria, as it was for Israel in the day that he came up from the land of Egypt.”

Promises can be incredible things; if they are kept. This is one of the things that makes this world a very difficult place to live in; too many broken promises. A lot of people do not keep their promises. This, of course, destroys trust in many people. And the difficult part is that each person on this planet needs to depend on promises (directly and indirectly), whether we want to or not. No matter how much people think they can be completely independent, you are still quite dependent on many people. I think the only way you could “try” to keep yourself from needing anyone is by living in some sort of cave (all by yourself) and growing/making your own food and clothing. And I think even then, there is still some sort of dependence on someone’s promise or promises.

Let’s assume you do decide to live your life as a hermit somewhere on the planet. You still depend on the promises made by other people so that you can live in that desolate place. For starters, there was a government that was established where they promised to keep a group of people safe, and have funded some sort of military power and body of law enforcement to help keep that promise of keeping its citizens safe (including you, if you choose to live there). That’s why taxes are not a bad thing (no matter how much people complain). Taxes pay for government functions; for military strength and protection; for citizen protection and services like police, fire department, etc. All of these were established and are there, full of people that have promised to do their job as best as possible to allow you the opportunity to live within their protection (assuming you are following their laws, of course). So, you would be benefitting and depending on all of those people that promised (or swore) to do their job which directly affects your daily life.

Having said that, we all need to make promises to many people around us. These promises revolve around employment, volunteer work, personal relationships, etc. One example where a promise is the supreme basis for the relationship to exist is marriage. It is the most intimate relationship any human being could have with another. And without one person promising the other person (and vice-versa) their love, care, respect, and loyalty, the relationship of marriage could not be possible. And when the promise is broken, a marriage falls apart.

Here is where it all should start coming together, and by continuing to use the example of marriage. The promise that is made as a part of marriage is unmerited. There is nothing that should force two people to get into or stay in such a deep relationship. It is a relationship founded on a promise made with free will. Nonetheless, a marriage can be broken when the promise is unfulfilled by one or both individuals. For example, neither person should take advantage of the promise of love made by the other. A marriage needs to be maintained daily, not as a chore, but as the love relationship that it is. That includes sharing the good times, and the bad times; when things are great, and when things are not great. It includes setting aside selfish desires, and putting the interests of the other person first. It can never be about what the other person “should” give me, or about expectations. Expectations is one of the things that kills most marriages today. Because love is about giving; not receiving. And a marriage should be about both people giving to each other; not about what I can or should get out of the other person. That’s wrong! We should not use people!

God makes many wonderful promises to us throughout His Word. However, and like marriage, a relationship with God should not be founded upon God fulfilling all of His promises, and we doing nothing. And what’s worse, taking advantage of His grace. Yes, it is all about God’s grace. But nonetheless, we are to learn to love God as a natural response to the great and unmerited goodness He has shown all mankind through His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah): the opportunity for eternal life. There are also many passages in the Scriptures that show conditional relationships to receiving the great things that God has for us. There is such a thing as abusing the grace of God; and God will judge evil. God is love, but He is also Holy. He is both! God does not break His promises to us; but we can cancel out His promises to us. Don’t try to use God!

So, are you living your life in a way that God will bestow on you all the wonderful promises He has in store for those that love and obey Him? Lord bless! John

Preparing for Something Greater

The Sistine Chapel Ceiling

Based on James 1 (New King James Version)

"James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

Jonathan Swift said: “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” We live in a world where we are constantly prodded to pay attention to our surroundings and our circumstances through our senses and intellect. We are continually provoked to focus on the here and now, to think about the present and maybe, the next five minutes; but rarely into the distant future. This goes hand-in-hand with the microwave generation that our society has evolved into; where waiting for 10 seconds is 9 seconds too long. We need to see results now! We need to fix our problem now! We need to have what we want now! There is no future vision. It’s not that the “now” is not important, or that your present situation(s) doesn’t matter at all. But the problem that stems with wanting things our way, and wanting them now, deters from the greater scheme. It is like telling Michelangelo that he has 30 minutes to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and if he doesn’t do it the way you want it to be within the time dictated, then you are going to cut his hands off (It took him 4 years to do it). What does this have to do with our passage today?

One of the first things that James mentioned is: that we have to count it all joy when we fall into various trials, knowing that testing of our faith produces patience. Who can be happy within trials (or hardship)? And what about this “patience” thing? I mean, who has time for patience, right? So, there are two fundamental problems here (at least with the frame of mind folks have at the moment): hardship and patience. No one wants hardship and almost everyone wants everything right away.

Even though trials and patience are difficult to deal with, it is important to understand that there is a greater purpose and end that we need to keep in mind. And here is the most important element that needs to be asked for in order understand how everything works; and this is godly wisdom. The main reason why we are encouraged to pray for wisdom is so that we can understand the “why” we may be going through trials, and the purpose for patience. Coming back to the Sistine Chapel, if Michelangelo would have rushed through it, or given up along the way because it was too hard or because it was taking too long, one of the world’s greatest pieces of art would have never been created.

Here is something that we need to keep in mind, and where wisdom gets us to (if we truly fear God—which is the beginning of wisdom, and if we truly believe in God and in what He has ready for those that follow Him faithfully). We are here on this earth for a short time. One day, we are here; and the next, we may not be. Here is the vision that wisdom helps us to focus on: there is something greater and better that is coming after this short time (as compared to eternity) of difficulty, trials, etc. And the “temptation” that James is talking about here is not necessarily related to “temptations” in general. It is related to the “temptation” of giving in, surrendering to sin, giving up on follow Christ, denying the faith, etc. And that is what Satan wants us to do by trying to force us to focus more on the “now” than on the “then”. If we give more priority to the now, than the “then” will suffer. The piece of fine art that God is trying to create out of us will never be what it needs to be here, nor in the future if we give in. After all, who wants a half painted canvas?

What wisdom dictates is for us to see this world more as a time where we are being molded and shaped into something of great importance for the future, as opposed to focusing so much on things now, and trying to hang on to the things of this world like if there was nothing else better after this all passes. Wisdom helps us to be mindful of what we do “now” and how that will affect the “future” (pure and undefiled religion). It will teach us what we need to understand about the circumstances we encounter; how to use them as opportunities for growth and transformation.

So, are you allowing for God to prepare you for something greater in the future? Lord bless! John

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