Keep God First

Based on Genesis 2:8-25 (New King James Version)

“The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one which skirts the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there. The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one which goes around the whole land of Cush. The name of the third river is Hiddekel; it is the one which goes toward the east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates. Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’ And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’ Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.”

Kirk Cameron once said: “The history of the world is the story of people getting off track.” Today, we read how things were in the beginning. God had made the world and everything in it. And the Word says that He had seen that it was good. And towards to the end of creation, God made man and woman. Up to that moment, there were no problems. Neither death, nor war, nor sicknesses existed then. Adam and Eve literally had paradise in their hands. What happened? By what we can see and observe, everything that was created, has the ability to choose. The Bible even explains to us the fall of Lucifer and a third of the angels (now known as Satan and his demons), and how they chose. God had also made man with the same capacity. Every being with the capacity to reason (what has a soul), has the ability to choose, because God wants the basis of everything to be love. And love is choice. Neither obligation, nor duty, or slavery exists in love. God desires for everyone to choose what they want to do and be, because He is a God of free will. If it were different, love could not work.

So, what happened with Adam and Eve? Before Satan would show up on the scene, we can deduce that something had been happening in the heart of man (by their fruits you shall know them), and sadly, it’s something that continues happening even today; and maybe, more than ever. Man lost the ability to be grateful and value what God had done for him. You cannot see any contact or communication with God, and that’s that God had created them, and that they didn’t know anything else. They engrossed themselves in their tasks and in themselves. Instead of drawing closer to God to learn who He was and how He had made things; they departed and focused more on other things.

The same happens today. Most people forget about God. They don’t appreciate what He has done, and what He continues to do day after day. Instead of looking for the Creator by observing creation, they focus on it and on themselves so they can somehow disprove that God exists. They would rather believe in an accident than on a God that loves them exists; the One who made everything. And not only that, He gave what was most precious to save them; Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. There are people that turn their reasoning to something lower than animals; because even soulless animals know how to appreciate those that feed them.

And the problem is that nothing cannot work without God. It is simply the mechanics of the universe. God is the key for everything in life. Without God, nothing can be good, nothing can last, and nothing can be gained in eternity. If we recall the story of man’s fall, we see that Adam and Eve were separated at the moment Satan tempted Eve. And when we read what happened, we see that God was not a priority in either of their lives. They preferred to believe an animal that had not given them anything instead of remembering the words of the Almighty who had given them everything, even the breath of life. It had never even crossed their minds that they could not disappoint God. There are no visible feelings related towards God. On the contrary, they were tempted with the idea of being like God. They envied him!

How can we avoid such a fall and coldness in our lives? Love for God is everything. It’s essential. For it is written: “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40. You cannot lose the focus that God must be first. By not putting God in first place, you turn the blessings and goodness of God into a curse for your own life, like Adam and Eve did; by focusing more on paradise and on themselves, instead of looking for the Creator. Having a family is a good thing. Having a career or a job is a good thing. Having possessions and money is good also. But you cannot love those things more than the One who gave them to you: God. You cannot forget that everything that you have and are is because of Him. The Lord also taught this: “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.” Matthew 10:37-38. Paul also said this: “The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!” 1 Corinthians 16:21-22.

If you do not keep God first, you will bring destruction and curse to your life, and to everything that God has given you. Are you keeping God in first place in your life; loving Him, and looking for Him daily? Lord bless! John

A Greater Purpose

Based on Genesis 47:1-12 (New King James Version)

“Then Joseph went and told Pharaoh, and said, ‘My father and my brothers, their flocks and their herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan; and indeed they are in the land of Goshen.’ And he took five men from among his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, ‘What is your occupation?’ And they said to Pharaoh, ‘Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers.’ And they said to Pharaoh, ‘We have come to dwell in the land, because your servants have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.’ Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, ‘Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock.’ Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Jacob, ‘How old are you?’ And Jacob said to Pharaoh, ‘The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.’ So Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh. And Joseph situated his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. Then Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with bread, according to the number in their families.”

John MacArthur once said: “You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read, and your life is under scrutiny every day. What do others learn from you? Do they see an accurate picture of your God?” I don’t know how many of you might remember the life of Joseph (Jacob’s son), but it was not always a life of greatness, of happiness, and prosperity as we read in today’s passage.  For those of you that do not know about Joseph’s life, he was sold by his brothers as a slave when he was very young (some believe he was a teenager), because they envied him.  And to be able to hide the evil they had done, they told his father Jacob that he had been killed by a wild animal.

And well, when a person was a slave, especially during those times, they had no rights. Human rights did not exist nor was there a government organization that would watch for the welfare of all people.  They didn’t have vacation, retirement plan, health insurance, possessions, etc.  In addition, and during those times, depending on a person’s nationality or background, they would have less value than an animal.  Slaves were beaten, incarcerated, abused, and even killed, without any kind of punishment because they were considered property.  A slave was not worth much. They just had a use.  That was Joseph’s reality for many years, before God would allow for him to be Pharoah’s right hand person; possibly the most powerful man in the world during that time.  I can believe that Joseph never imagined that he would get to where he got to.  I don’t think he could have imagined it when he was with his father and brothers, before being sold.  I don’t think he imagined it while being bought as a slave, nor while he was a slave.  I don’t think he imagined it when he was put in jail for a crime he did not commit.  I don’t even think he imagined it at the time when he interpreted Pharoah’s dream, which is what God used to give him the authority that he finally received.  He was only able to see things clearly while they were happening, but not because he knew exactly how they were going to happen.  The only thing he saw was a dream he had where he saw his brother’s bushels inclined towards his (Genesis 37).

In this life, it is very difficult to know what will happen in each person’s future. There are people that think that everything will be fine, and that they will have everything; but something happens along the way where their whole coarse is changed. There are people that think that they will never leave misery behind; that they will never see a better tomorrow. This life is full of surprises; good and bad ones. It’s unpredictable. A person that understands anything about reality knows that nothing is sure here, and that anything can happen to anyone at any moment.

But, if we go even deeper. What repercussions will my actions have? We know that the large-scale things are set, no matter what we do. God has established the universe under a supreme order or a predetermined structure, and that nothing can be done about that. No one can change that; not even Satan. But within those large and immovable pieces there exists a certain level or dimension that does leave a lot of things both movable and adjustable. And there is where we need to get to so we can understand certain very important things; like Joseph did. 

Joseph was able to get to where he did not just because God had showed him something before it happened, but also because he was able to keep his course towards and disposition for God, so that he could get to where he had to be. What Joseph achieved was not by accident, but it was the compliment between the work of God and his determination to remain faithful to the God he followed. Joseph did not give up on his faith when he was sold as a slave, nor when he was accused falsely, nor when he was in jail, and even less, when he became great. He remained steady and firm on his faith towards his God. He did what was right during the good and bad times. God’s grace never left him for the same reason. And because he remained faithful to God, he was able to bless his father who never stopped loving him, an entire nation, and even his brothers who brought nothing but pain on him. And with this, he was able to be a part of the puzzle God was putting together as time went on. Joseph’s actions continue making an impact even today, and will continue to do so as long as God’s Word remains; forever.  

What we should keep in mind is that our actions can have incredible repercussions. We might ask ourselves many times: “What am I doing here? What is my purpose?” And what is certain is that no matter where we are, if we remain faithful to the Lord, doing that which pleases Him, we can have an incredible impact, something we cannot imagine. It all depends on how we act, if we decide to be salt and light in the world, despite our circumstances. But if you become like the world that surrounds you, dark with no savor, you will be forgotten and no one will remember you, not even God. My question to you is this: “Do you form part of the greater purpose of God by remaining faithful to Him, even during the hard times?” Lord bless! John

Opposition to God

Based on Ezra 4 (New King James Version)

“Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the descendants of the captivity were building the temple of the Lord God of Israel, they came to Zerubbabel and the heads of the fathers’ houses, and said to them, ‘Let us build with you, for we seek your God as you do; and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.’ But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of the fathers’ houses of Israel said to them, ‘You may do nothing with us to build a house for our God; but we alone will build to the Lord God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.’ Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. In the days of Artaxerxes also, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabel, and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the letter was written in Aramaic script, and translated into the Aramaic language. Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes in this fashion: From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions—representatives of the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the people of Persia and Erech and Babylon and Shushan, the Dehavites, the Elamites, and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnapper took captive and settled in the cities of Samaria and the remainder beyond the River—and so forth. (This is a copy of the letter that they sent him) To King Artaxerxes from your servants, the men of the region beyond the River, and so forth: Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us at Jerusalem, and are building the rebellious and evil city, and are finishing its walls and repairing the foundations. Let it now be known to the king that, if this city is built and the walls completed, they will not pay tax, tribute, or custom, and the king’s treasury will be diminished. Now because we receive support from the palace, it was not proper for us to see the king’s dishonor; therefore we have sent and informed the king, that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. And you will find in the book of the records and know that this city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, and that they have incited sedition within the city in former times, for which cause this city was destroyed. We inform the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, the result will be that you will have no dominion beyond the River. The king sent an answer: To Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and to the remainder beyond the River: Peace, and so forth. The letter which you sent to us has been clearly read before me. And I gave the command, and a search has been made, and it was found that this city in former times has revolted against kings, and rebellion and sedition have been fostered in it. There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the region beyond the River; and tax, tribute, and custom were paid to them. Now give the command to make these men cease, that this city may not be built until the command is given by me. Take heed now that you do not fail to do this. Why should damage increase to the hurt of the kings? Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and by force of arms made them cease. Thus the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem ceased, and it was discontinued until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.”

Joyce Meyer one said: “Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” Doing what is right will always have obstacles in this temporal world.  There’s no way to avoid.  When you decide to do those things that please God, the world in general will not support it because it is against God.  That is why the Lord taught about the narrow path in the Gospels, because it is much easier to follow or give in to evil than to please God.  As an example, and as we read in today’s passage, even though King Cyrus had decreed that the temple of God would be rebuilt, not much time had passed by until the enemies of Judah and Benjamin would oppose the work of God.  These different people were able to disturb the work of God in such a way that the reconstruction of the temple would be suspended for many years.  Why does God allow for things like that to happen?  Why is it that it seems that evil always wins or that it has more power than good?

Before answering these questions, we need to understand other things so that we can get to a more complete answer.  There are two powers that produce obstacles so that good cannot prevail.  One is more known than the other.  The first power is the devil and his minions.  From a certain moment before the creation of man, when pride was born in the heart of Lucifer where he wanted to be like God, God’s number one enemy was born.  And when he fell, a third of the angels followed (these are known today as demons or as spiritual hosts of darkness). This is what constitutes the most important enemy an obstacle to God.  This second power is less known, or rather, lest recognized as such.  The Bible teaches about the sin that dwells within our members.  Each of us is born with this fault; because we were conceived and sin as the Scriptures teach.  Rarely is this recognized because of the pride that exists in man.  In reality, our lust is probably the greatest obstacle that there is for the work of God; even more than Satan himself.  Sometimes we give too much credit to Satan for the evil of this world.  He can only tempt us.  What makes sin run rampant in the world is when human beings put it into action.  For example, Satan did not kill millions and millions of Jews that Adolf Hitler killed, as example.  He only gave him the idea, the motivation; and from there, Hitler put his death machine to work with the help of other thousands that liked the idea as well (Hitler did not do it alone).  And like this exists uncountable other occasions where the Devil only speaks or whispers in the ear of man; just like he did with Eve, when he tempted her to eat of the forbidden fruit.

But, where does patience come in? Even though it seems like evil wins, if we desire eternity, we must fight with patience for good. Let us keep these principles in our hearts. “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21. “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” Revelation 21:7. If we remain and are patient with Christ, triumphing over what we still have inside, despite finding ourselves fighting against the whole world that surrounds us, we will achieve immortality; of which neither Satan, nor his spiritual hosts, nor anything on this planet can give us. We might lose some battles here, but we will have won the eternal war, conquering with the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. The question today is: “On which side are you on? On God’s behalf, or on the side that opposes God? Lord bless! John

Your Heart's Disposition

Based on Acts 14:1-23 (New King James Version)

“Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. And they were preaching the gospel there. And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, ‘Stand up straight on your feet!’ And he leaped and walked. Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’ And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out and saying, ‘Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.’ And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them. Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.’ So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.’

Marcus Tullius Cicero said: “The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil.” If we go by what Cicero said, there wasn’t a whole lot of wisdom found in the public that was present in our story today.  What was the problem?  How could there be so many different reactions, changes in feelings, and apparent misunderstandings?  At least it doesn’t seem like it was a language problem.  Then, what was it?  The big problem was, and still is today is the disposition of man. Man’s disposition is guided by something that only belongs to him.  Within the great spectrum of God’s power and dominion, in which everything God has established is subject to the great cosmic design, there exists a measure of freedom to which many refer to as free will.  Free will is under the reign of man’s thoughts and reasoning.  God made people with the capacity to think, to feel, to be able to interpret what they desire to interpret or how to interpret it.  Unfortunately, this reasoning is many times guided by the lust or affinity to sin that each person possesses inside.  Instead of listening to their soul’s desperate desire to be redeemed from the punishment of sin, they give into the evil of their thoughts and the sin within their members. In other words, they are guided by the desire to satisfy the evil intentions contained within them, those which can only be entertained temporarily through the five senses.

We can see the intentions of the different groups involved in the story in this manner.  There were Jews that just did not want to believe, no matter what the apostles would do.  There was a deep envy or anger which extended from those that were instrumental in the death of the Lord (even though we’re all responsible, but these in particular envied Christ), and their evil was transmitted in the same manner to others like themselves.  There were other people that were consumed with idolatry and other vain things involved with that.  Within the idolatry was the exploration of pleasure, including deviated sexual pleasures and with substances.  Many of the rituals consisted of orgies, drunkenness, exploring with stupefying substances, gluttony, excess, etc. And well, between the moral and spiritual deviance, the envy and evil of the Jews, everything ended up with: from worshipping them like gods, to killing Paul (it was a very mercurial multitude), who was resurrected in this occasion. And in the minority were a select few that were able to understand what Paul and Barnabas were preaching, and they were not only able to believe in Christ, but some were also healed (like the crippled man, where the problem started per se).  

The same problem exists today. There is a great spiritual block because there are many people who have the disposition of their heart focused on evil, in fulfilling their wrongful desires, and in rebelling against God. We see this clarification in the Scriptures: “And the disciples came and said to Him, ‘Why do You speak to them in parables?’ He answered and said to them, ‘Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.’” Matthew 13:10-15. In the end, there are many folks that don’t have a language problem, or an understanding problem, or lack the ability to change; but rather, their hearts are dulled in their sin, with very little disposition to listen to the reasoning of the Almighty. And with this, we understand that although God is love, He also has a limit with constant rebellion. But, God continues to call to repentance because He desires good for man, and not eternal punishment.

Today’s question is: Where is the disposition of your heart, on God or on something else? Lord bless! John

True Liberty in Christ

Based on Galatians 5 (New King James Version)

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is. And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased. I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off! For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Pope John Paul II said: “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” Many controversies have existed about salvation, and if you can lose your salvation or not.  As always, opinions vary and there are many.  And as mentioned many times in the past, the universe is not based on an opinion.  There is such a thing as absolute truth: the Truth of God.  There is no opinion that can change or cancel out the existence of Almighty God.  It is impossible that the opinions of one person or an entire society can impact in some way the Almighty.  And that is why, if the Truth of God is truly irrefutable, then there is nothing left but to depend on and search His Word so we can find the Truth.

An important principle to bear in mind is that we can depend on the Word of God because it has no controversies; from Genesis to the Revelation.  His Word works in perfect harmony. Each part agrees with the other.  If someone finds some sort of contradiction it’s because they are studying a Bible version that is not trustworthy (because there are incomplete versions or bad translations of the Bible, especially in these last decades), or they are missing intermediate pieces, those parts that tie different passages together when seen in conjunction.

The first point is salvation.  The bible is very clear in that you cannot earn salvation through works.  You can never justify yourself through human works, or penance, or religious practices, etc.  This is what the Bible declares: “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.  And this is the problem that the Apostle Paul is trying to fix through this letter to the Galatians, because many Jews had started to compel believers to live like Jews, by teaching them that they had to believe in Christ and also fulfill the law of Moses to obtain eternal life (like circumcision).  The Lord Jesus set the complete plan of salvation in this one passage: “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.’” Mark 1:14-15.  Repentance consists of: asking God to forgive all of your sins and leaving them behind.  And, believing in the Gospel consists of believing and making Jesus (the Gospel) the Lord of your life; because after all, how can you ever belong to God if you never give him your life, making him the Lord and owner of your life?  This is the way that we are saved in Christ.  You don’t need anything else.

The second thing, of whether we lose your salvation or not, can be explained like this.  The Apostle Paul explains very clearly that there are things that cannot become a practice in the life of a believer, that they cannot become a lifestyle for someone that says that they belong to Christ.  The Lord through Paul teaches that we must walk in the Spirit.  The Scriptures also say this: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10. So then, it is very clear that the salvation that God gave us through the Lord was not so we can continue doing those things that produce death, but rather, that we dedicate ourselves to doing good works.  It is also very logical in that, if God rescued us from eternal death, why continue looking for those things that produce death?  Let’s look at this example.  Let’s say someone smoked cigarettes for many years, and that’s how they got lung cancer.  But, they were cured from their cancer.  Would it be logical for that person to continue smoking the same cigarettes that could cause them cancer again?  That is what happens when a believer practices those things that produce spiritual death.  They might not think it’s sin because they think that they are hurting no one with what they’re doing, but they’re fooling themselves, because they are hurting someone: themselves.  The Word also says this: “Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’” Hebrews 10:29-30.  Is it worthwhile playing with God?

So then, if you are not saved in Christ, what are you waiting for?  And if you are saved in Christ, don’t turn back!  Don’t get involved with things that are not worthwhile!  Always remember: your salvation is free, but it cost the highest price possible.  Enjoy your freedom in Christ, but in good things! Lord bless! John

How To Gain God's Favor

Based on 2 Chronicles 7:12-22 (New King James Version)

“Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: ‘I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man as ruler in Israel.’ ‘But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, and worship them, then I will uproot them from My land which I have given them; and this house which I have sanctified for My name I will cast out of My sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. ‘And as for this house, which is exalted, everyone who passes by it will be astonished and say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and this house?’ Then they will answer, ‘Because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and embraced other gods, and worshiped them and served them; therefore He has brought all this calamity on them.’’”

John C. Maxwell said: “A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.” In today’s passage, we read of the incredible encounter a man had with God Himself. We read of the promise that God made to Solomon in response to his earnest prayer and sincere sacrifices. It was truly evident that Solomon had found the favor of God.

As we read about Solomon’s life in the Bible, we can see that God did allow for great things to happen to him and to his people. The kingdom of Israel had reached its peak during Solomon’s reign. He was known as the wisest man the world has ever known, and possibly, the world’s richest man also. As a testament to the incredible prosperity God had allowed for Israel to enjoy, Solomon had built buildings using vast amounts of gold, silver, bronze, and many different precious stones. But, despite all the things that God had allowed for him to accomplish, something went wrong. Even though Solomon had a glorious start, he did not have a good end. By involving himself with many women (700 wives and 300 concubines), many of them pagan, he forgot exactly what God had warned him about. Solomon gave into the sin of the different women he got involved with. The Bible says that he did finally worship other gods, thereby being unfaithful to God. He forgot the very thing God had warned him about; something He told him in person. And not only Solomon, but all of Israel and Judah after him. Why did that happen?

This is unfortunately a common problem, even today. Many people either get too close to the people they shouldn’t get close to, or they get lost within the iniquity that still dwells within their flesh. If we are to attain and remain in God’s favor, there are things that we must be very careful with. John Maxwell gives us a really good road map (based on Biblical teachings) in the quote above; to not only change our own lives, but also, to help change the environment that surrounds us.

The first step is: admitting our mistakes (or sin). And herein lies one of the major issues we have today. Many people are too quick to justify sin, or do not wish to see what is wrong as wrong. According to the Bible, there is wrong and there is right. And if we stray away from that standard, then what becomes the standard? Do we know more than God to be able to have the ability to know fully what is wrong and what is right? It appears that many people don’t have a problem in telling God that He is wrong, or at least, do not have a problem in distorting the standard that the Bible teaches. Without admitting our sin and seeing it exactly for what it is, it is impossible to be restored before the eyes of God. Without complete repentance, there is no salvation, no restoration, no healing, and ultimately, no life.

The second step (if you can get through the first step) is where learning occurs. God wants us to learn from our sins, to understand what is right and wrong. If we can learn from our sins, then we can profit from them. When we learn from our mistakes is that we can then avoid those same or similar pitfalls in the future. The cycle breaks, and a new trend begins. The cycle needs to break!

The third step is where we start affecting our environment, by correcting our mistakes. The Bible refers to this as “fruits worthy of repentance”. If we can right the wrong, restore that which is broken, and reward the injured party, that is where people can physically see the manifestation of God. God is in the business of changing lives, and impacting other people’s lives through those lives He has changed. Here is where God’s grace has been abused. Many flawed teachers and preachers teach that if God has forgiven you, then you don’t need to worry about anything else. That is very far from the Truth. Throughout the Scriptures, we are taught to right the wrong. Within our means, we are to restore that which we have damaged. This is what brings healing to our own lives, and to those that have been harmed. This is what truly brings God glory. God’s grace needs to be expressed in action, not just words. Could you imagine what this world would be like if every person that professes to be a believer in Christ tried to go back and restore the damage done to those people that have been harmed somehow? The healing that would occur would be incredible!

We are ultimately taught through the examples of the Bible so we learn through other people’s mistakes. We can find God’s favor by simply following Christ and at least, try to do those things that truly please God. Here is the main theme of the Bible: “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19. You can find God’s favor by coming to Christ and surrendering fully to Him, and by doing what He taught us to do. Do you have God’s favor today? Lord bless! John

What is Faith?

Based on Hebrews 11:30 – 12:2 (New King James Version)

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. 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.”

Billy Graham once said: “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” Many people find important the concept of faith and use it for many things. They believe that faith is essential to succeed in life. Many motivational speakers tell you that you need to have faith in yourself so you are able to reach your goals, or make yourself happy. Strong management people train people to set various milestones and goals, thereby exercising their faith in a system or practice to achieve them. There are those that teach you to have faith in people, in ideologies, etc.

What makes these concepts very attractive to many people is because everyone would like to achieve their own personal goals. And what probably causes even more attraction is that some people seem to have found the answer to get what they want. Many books are sold. Television shows and interviews occur all the time with people that seem successful. Some people seem to reach all their goals and objectives and lead an “enviable” life, and a lot of people want to know what they did to get there.   

There are those that consider themselves religious or spiritual that teach a lot about faith as well, and how properly grown or exercised faith allows you to accomplish many things. Those that are more charismatic will teach you that proper faith will allow you to cause miracles to happen, enjoy perfect health, and of course, financial prosperity. They paint a picture of heaven being possible here on earth. But, despite the many uses that people have found for faith, we should try to understand what real faith is (because there are so many opinions about it); at least, what is it that God says about it. And I guess the greater question is: does faith produce success?

Regarding the definition of faith, the Bible tells us this: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. The Bible tells us that faith is essential. For it says: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. One of the main examples that we have of faith in the Bible is Abraham, for he is known as the father of faith. The Bible mentions this about Abraham: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:8-10.

Is faith a vehicle to achieve what we want? Biblically speaking, no it is not. We read that many incredible things happened because of the strong faith that many had in the Bible. But we also read (as in today’s passage), that many did not receive the promise here on earth. They actually had a pretty hard life. So, we see that faith is something much different than what many think it is, even as compared to those that would consider themselves “spiritual” teachers. We understand through the various Bible passages that faith should be placed on God. And that our belief should be strong enough in God that we should obey God tells us to do. So, we can define Biblical faith as this: It is a personal relationship with God that allows for believing without any reservations, putting your whole self in God, and doing what He tells you to do; whether you understand or not, and whether things turn out great or not. Obedience is the fruit of true faith in God. Because if there is no obedience to the Word of God, then there is no faith, at least the way we can see it in the Bible. All the examples of faith that we see in the Bible obeyed God.  

Some people may get what they want here on earth, achieving their personal goals and desires, acquiring some measure of human success. But, that is all they will get. You also may need to be careful with what you want because it may not be God that is giving it to you. Satan loves to help people follow the way of error. But when we exercise true Biblical faith, we are allowing for God’s infinite wisdom to be realized in our lives. And in that, we must bear this in mind: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Isaiah 55:7-9.

So, are you exercising a very limited and carnal approach to faith, or are you living the faith that yields incredible things that transcends this very temporal world? Does your faith consist in obeying God, or trying to get God to obey you? Lord bless! John

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