The Truth About Angels

So, God created mankind in His own image,
    in the image of God He created them;
    male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27 NIV)

Many years ago, I had an encounter with an angel, which eventually led me to Scripture where I discovered the truth regarding angels and their functions. Unfortunately, there are many myths and much misinformation regarding angels. 

God’s Word strongly warns that there will be people who will not tolerate sound teaching but will have itching ears to hear what they want to hear. They will find teachers that suit their passions, and as they turn away from the truth; they will accept false beliefs, false ideas, and myths as being truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Hopefully, the following information will shed light on God’s truth regarding angels. 

The Bible describes the appearance and function of five commonly known types of angels:

·      Fallen angels are demons and agents of Satan under his command.

·      Seraphim, are the highest angelic class who continually praise God and are caretakers of His throne. 

·      Cherubim are guardians of what is holy. When Adam and Eve sinned, God stationed Cherubim at the entrance to the Garden of Eden to guard the way to the Tree of Life.

·      Archangels are the first in rank and considered to be very powerful spiritual beings. The Greek prefix, ‘arch,’ (arc) means ruling or chief. An archangel is at the highest level in the celestial hierarchy. Michael and Gabriel are arch angles as seen in (I Thessalonians 4:16 and Jude 1:9). 

Angels are the lowest order of all angels. God created angels to be His messengers and protectors of humans. Some angels come to earth in human form, but once their mission is completed, they leave. That was my experience. Therefore, Hebrews 13:2 tells us not to forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

A popular belief is that people can pray to and summon angels, specifically, they believe they have a personal guardian angel that they can summon at will. As I shared in today’s podcast, I had called out to God for help, and He sent an angel. I did not call upon an angel.

Jesus said He is our only mediator. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men and that is Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all (I Timothy 2:5) Hebrews 1:14 clearly states, "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" 

It is very important to give clarity to the word sent, which means to dispatch or send off to a destination. Only God can dispatch angels to aide us. He alone gives His angels orders to protect us in all our ways (Psalm 91:11). That is why we are to call out to God for help. 

All of God’s angels possess great strength to perform His Word and are obedient to His command. It is by God’s Word, (His command) that He dispatches angels to accomplish His will on earth. They respond, not of their own volition and not by our directive, but upon God’s directives (Psalm 103:20). 

Another fallacy is that we can worship angels. However, we are told in Matthew 4:10 to “worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.” We see in Revelation 22:9 that God used an angel to reveal future events to the Apostle John. His first reaction was to fall to his knees and worship the angel. The angel immediately rebuked John: “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets. … Worship God!'”

As stated in Hebrews 1:14, angels cannot send themselves nor can they be summoned by humans. They are always sent under God’s orders to accomplish the following:

Angels protect people. In Exodus 23:20, the Lord reassured His chosen people, “I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to a place I have prepared for you. We learn in Psalm 91:11 that God alone commands and directs His angels to guard us in all our ways. We have no authority to command an angel. We must always call upon God.

Angels rescue people. We read in Daniel 6:22 that angels shut the mouths of lions when Daniel was thrown into a den of lions. Acts 12: 6-8 records the night before Peter was to be executed. He was sleeping, double-chained between two soldiers with other soldiers standing guard at the prison gate. Suddenly, a light shown in the cell and an angel of the Lord slapped Peter on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” The chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him to get dressed, put on his shoes, and coat and follow him. So, Peter left the cell, following the angel.

Angels deliver messages under God’s direction. The angel, Gabriel, was sent to give a message to Mary who would become the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:30-31). 

Angels give direction under God’s authority:  An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Get up and go south to the road (A desert road) that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza” (Acts 8:26)

Angels deliver judgment: Because of the people’s perversions and sexual sins, God sent two angels to Sodom to rescue Lot and his sons and wives before they destroyed the city and all its inhabitants (Genesis 1:19-23 Throughout the Book of Revelation, God gives angels charge to execute His judgment. 

Another myth is that departed loved ones become angels and watch over their family members. However, nowhere in Scripture does it say we become angels nor is Jesus described in the likeness of an angel. Therefore, we can rejoice in knowing that we are not only changed in form, appearance, and character into God’s image, we will judge the angels in heaven. (I Corinthians 6:3). If we became angels, it would be impossible to judge the angels. Clearly, we shall be like Jesus, who is not an angel but is God incarnate (I John 3:3).

We read in 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 that upon death, our soul and spirit are immediately carried to the Lord in heaven if we have repented of our sins and accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. Our body then awaits the resurrection at which time, our body is glorified, never to grow old, sick, or die again and is joined with our immortal spirit. We do not become disembodied spirits floating about after death, nor do we become angels (I Thessalonians 4:13-17; I Cor 15:51-54).

After the judgment spoken of in Revelation 20:11-15, the glorified bodies of the redeemed (the saved) will dwell on the new earth, in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1-4). The final state of the unredeemed (the unsaved) will physically dwell in outer darkness in the lake of fire where there is endless torment (Matthew 22:13; Mark 9:47-48; Revelation 20:15; John 5:29).

That takes us to a question many people ask. Why did God create hell? We read in Matthew 25:41 that God prepared hell for Satan and the fallen angels. Hell was never intended for humans. However, like the angels and Satan who chose to rebel and reject God and His authority, people who reject God and His Son and live for themselves and worldly pleasures will join Satan and his demons in hell.

Shockingly, 42 percent of Americans either do not believe or they question the reality of hell. If you are one who doesn’t believe or who doubts the existence of hell, I invite you to read 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Wiese. You can also go to YouTube and search for 23 Minutes in Hell to hear Wiese’s compelling and terrifying experience that God allowed him to go through, so that he could tell of the horrors of hell to those who do question the existence of hell. It is not God’s will that any should perish, but that everyone would come to repentance; however, He has given us free will to choose (2 Peter 3:9).

Roughly seven-in-ten Americans believe heaven is a place “where people who have led “good” lives are eternally rewarded.” That fallacy is exposed in Ephesians 2:89, which states we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and not by our own efforts or works.

We read about the two thieves who hung to the left and to the right of Jesus. Only one acknowledged he was a sinner and asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. Jesus responded, “Today, you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:39-43).

Our goodness has nothing to do with salvation as shown in the following narration between Jesus and a man who ran to Him and kneeling before Jesus, asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  Jesus answered him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:17-18). Since this man clearly did not know that Jesus was God incarnate, Jesus wanted him to know that no man is good—only God is good.

If you are one who has believed or believes the mistruths about angels, heaven, and hell, then I hope that this information has given some clarity. Those who have worshipped angels or prayed to angels must repent and ask God for forgiveness, for God’s Word tells us there is only one God and one Mediator between God and humanity. That Mediator is Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all (I Timothy 2:5).

Jesus is not an angel; He is God incarnate. The Old and New Testaments refer to “angels of the Lord,” “an angelof the Lord,” and “The Angel of the Lord.” 

“Angels of the Lord” and “an angel of the Lord” are sent by God under His orders. The Angel of the Lord speaks as God, identifies Himself with God, and exercises the responsibilities of God (Genesis 16:7-12). 

One example of The Angel of the Lord was when He found Hagar in the wilderness when she was fleeing from her mistress Sarai. The Angel of the Lord told her to return to her mistress and submit to her. Then He said, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” Only God, who is creator of all things, has ability to create and multiply. Angels have no ability to create.   

In several of these appearances, those who saw The Angel of the Lord feared for their lives because they said they had “seen the Lord.” Clearly, The Angel of the Lord was the preincarnate God in the physical form of a man. Those appearances ended when God came to earth in the form of Jesus Christ.

If you have never verbally confessed Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, Romans 10:9 gives us assurance that if we confess with our mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved.  If you are not sure about your standing with Jesus, then I invite you to say this simple prayer. 

PRAYER: Father God, Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins; He rose from the grave and sits at Your right hand. I confess that I am a sinner in need of the Savior, Jesus Christ. I acknowledge Jesus as Lord over-all. Today, I surrender my heart, my life, and my will to You, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. 

NOTE: To hear my encounter with an angel, click on the following link: https://subsplash.com/preachingchristchurch/lb/mi/+7m32m3x

LOVE—SERVE—WORSHIP

Not too long ago, as I was praying, the Lord spoke three words to me: LOVE—SERVE—WORSHIP. When I inquired of the Lord His reason for giving me those three words, He responded, “I desire that My Church would love, serve, and worship Me instead of the world in which they live.”

LOVE:
There are seven distinct Greek Words which describe the different forms of Love. 

1. Eros: romantic, passionate love.

2. Philia: intimate, authentic friendship.

3. Ludus: playful, flirtatious love.

4. Storge: unconditional, familial love.

5. Philautia: self-love

6. Pragma: committed, companionate love.

7. Agápe: empathetic, highest form of love.

The biblical definition of God’s love is Agápe. "God is love; and He who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in Him" (I John 4:8). For "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever would believe in Him would have everlasting life" (John 3:16). 

The New Testament expresses God's love for humanity as Agape, which identifies His very nature and perfect love for us, because “God is love” (I John 4:8). Everything He does comes from His love. Agape is also used to describe human love for God. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27).

Eros, philia, ludus, storge, philautia and pragma are all forms of love most sought after in today’s world. Conversely, agape love is the fatherly love of God for humans, as well as humans’ reciprocal love for God and each other. That love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (I Corinthians 13:4-8).

SERVE:

Serving is to work for; to be in service of; to obey; to help, assist, aid; and to make a contribution to someone or something. What then does it mean to serve God?  Jesus said, “If anyone serves me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him (John 12:26). 

Serving God means to do His will and that includes obedience to what He calls us to do. It is not enough to acknowledge there is a God. We must do what God commands us to do. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” For “…we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” (John 10:27; Psalm 95:7).

Serving also means serving others in the name of the Lord. We do that in our faithful giving of tithes, which allows the church to function as well as giving offerings to missions for spreading the gospel. Using our time and talents through volunteer work, or helping a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a stranger and praying for others all honor God. If we see a need that God calls us to meet, then we should be obedient in following His direction. “For God is working in [us], giving [us] the desire and the power to do what pleases Him” (Philippians 2:13 NLT). 

WORSHIP:

What does God say about worship? The New Testament Greek word for “worship is proskuneo, which means “bow down.” Worship is an attitude of the heart. It is an internal action that is expressed at any time or place. It is an attitude of gratitude, no matter the circumstances. Without the Holy Spirit residing within us, we cannot respond to God in worship because we do not really know Him. “No one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God” (I Corinthians 2:11). It is the HolySpirit within us who energizes us to worship God.

True worship requires a pure heart that is open, repentant, and seeks God. Jesus said, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24 NIV).

King David’s heart was filled with guilt over his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). His sin and guilt made it impossible to worship, and feeling God’s hand heavy upon him, he “groaned all day long,” (Psalm 32:3-4). It was not until he confessed his sins with a broken spirit and a contrite heart, that God restored fellowship and ability to worship and praise Him (Psalm 51:17). True praise and worship of God cannot come from a heart that holds unconfessed sin. 

We worship through songs of praise, so what is praise? It is defined as expressing admiration for, applauding, paying tribute, and speaking highly of. That is what we are to do as worshippers of God. Praise recognizes His virtues and who He is. Singing to the Lord becomes our praise.

We, as God’s people are called to come and sing to the Lord, making a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation! We are invited to come into His presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (Psalm 95:1-6 ESV)

The apostle Paul wrote: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16). We are further encouraged to “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in [our] hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ making melody in [our hearts] to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).

We find in God’s Word, a constant chorus calling us to praise and worship our God. “Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens! Praise Him for His mighty deeds;praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe! Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:1-6).

“Sing to the Lord, bless His name; tell of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared (reverenced) above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens” (Psalm 96:2-9 ESV).

We also worship God in giving thanks. We thank Him for His hand upon us and for sending Jesus to be an appropriation for our sins. We profess our profound gratitude for His provision and all the things that has He has done and continues to do for us. That expression of gratitude is shown when we lift our voices in song to Him and our prayers and conversations with Him.

We live in very different and difficult times that daily present new challenges. Some people may ask, “What is there to praise and thank God for? The world is in a mess and things just seem to be getting worse.” Though it might seem counterintuitive to praise and thank God, I have found in my own life that when I turn to Him and praise and worship Him, that is when I find peace, comfort, and an internal joy. The world cannot offer us the peace and joy that we long for. However, we can find peace in our souls when we worship and praise God who knows us intimately and is the One who can calm our anxious hearts.

PRAYER: FATHER, Help me to place my worries and concerns into Your capable hands. Teach me how to praise and worship You in a way that honors You and brings joy and peace to my heart. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Picture courtesy of jeremy-perkins-7FOSJVtUtac-unsplash copy.jpg

WHAT IS SELF-WORTH?

Today’s youth struggle with self-worth, self-acceptance, and peer acceptance. In their quest for affirmation, suicides have emerged among young children and teens. According to the UC Davis Health report of April 8, 2021, “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-24 and has been increasing every year since 2007.” Therefore, it is not surprising that a link exists between bullying and suicide, which drives victims from depression and hopelessness to self-destructive behavior. Most alarming is the JAMA Pediatrics’ report stating that cyberbullying causes kids to consider suicide more than traditional bullying.

What is self-worth? Self-worth is confidence in one’s own worth and abilities. It is how many people measure their value as a person. Yet the Bible defines healthy self-worth or self-esteem as deep satisfaction, humility, and meekness. 

Self-worth comes from either a healthy sense of satisfaction in one’s achievements, or it is carnal in nature and takes all credit for personal accomplishments, while refusing to acknowledge that it is God who gives each person talents and opportunities to succeed. Thus, the same carnal pride that caused Satan’s fall, rejects God’s hand in their success. 

Self-worth can never be based on the approval of others, because if that approval is withheld or success doesn’t come, then deep feelings of worthlessness and doubt occupy that person’s thoughts. That often leads to depression and/or a never-ending and debilitative cycle of comparing oneself to others.

God’s Word says, "Have no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:3). The Apostle Paul wrote these words to counter the claims of those who thought they were acceptable to God based on their heredity, training, or religious devotion. That is not God’s criteria, because each person is equal in His eyes (Acts 10:34). God is not impressed with resumés, because He looks at the heart.

Humility is shown by those who are modest in their view of their own importance. They do not have a low evaluation of themselves because they see themselves from God’s point of view. They trust in His promise that those who humble themselves before Him, will be lifted up (James 4:10). But the unwise and reckless will plunge ahead with great confidence (Proverbs 14:16).

We are the objects of God’s love without regard to our works or performance. He resists the proud and rewards the humble person who is totally yielded to Him and seeks after and accepts His will for their life.

Part of Psalm 139 is quoted to reveal how special and unique each person is in God’s eyes. 

You have searched me, Lord,
    and You know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
    You perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
    You, Lord, know it completely. (vs. 1-4)

For you created my inmost being;
    You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    Your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from You
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in Your book
    before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are Your thoughts,  God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand—
    when I awake, I am still with You. (vs. 13-18)

Bullying loses its power over a child when they are taught to reaffirm to their heart and mind that they are God’s miraculous workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, that God prepared beforehand, that they should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). He knew them before He formed them in their mother’s womb. Before they were born, He set them apart and appointed them with a specific calling and purpose. His plans are for them to prosper and not to harm them, plans to give them a hope and a future (Jeremiah 1:4-5; Jeremiah 29:11). 

We have the freedom to believe God’s promises or believe Satan—the father of lies (John 8:44). He is a bully and the accuser who works through people to steal hope and joy, to kill, and to destroy. But Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Skillset, intellect, accomplishments, status, financial resources, or appearance cannot be determiners for self-esteem. This type of self-esteem leads to prideful self-worship, with little or no room to worship God, who opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Self-worth will never come by trusting in earthly resources or prideful accomplishments.

The person who attaches their value to their achievements will never find true happiness. There will always be a void that constantly needs to be filled with things or accomplishments that help that person feel complete and successful. Only when there is a realization that worth and joy come only from a relationship with the Lord, can there be contentment and peace within one’s own soul. No person or earthly treasure will ever fill that void. Each person must find their way to believing that God loves them and has a special plan for their life.  

People are most miserable when they take God out of the driver’s seat. If they would learn to sit with Him, especially when they are frustrated and questioning, and believe that He knows the way because He is the Way, they would be happier. With God at the wheel, there is assurance that those who ride with Him and trust Him will reach their God-appointed destination.

The bottom line to happiness is trusting and believing that God has an individualized plan, purpose, and a future mapped out for each person. Either we trust in our own plans, or we trust God and the course He has lovingly set before us. Those who gauge their happiness and success by looking at another’s life-journey will never discover true happiness.  

A truly happy person has surrendered their will to God's will just as Jesus did when He said, "Not my will, but Your will be done." Lest we forget, Adam and Eve had their every need met, yet they listened to Satan who convinced them that God was withholding good things from them.

God withholds no good thing from His children. It is unbelief and a lack of trust in His plan that creates a barrier to receiving what God longs to give to each person. 

PRAYER: FATHER, forgive me for comparing myself to others. Help me to place my faith and trust in You and Your plan for my life. Lead and guide my thoughts in the right direction so that I may hear the voice of Your Spirit speaking into my spirit. Direct my steps and help me see how wonderfully You created me under Your watchful eye and how precious Your thoughts are daily towards me. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

THE VALLEY OF DECISION

The Old Testament is often dismissed; however, it is crucial in understanding God and His plan for mankind. Many favor the New Testament, because they find the Old Testament (O.T.) difficult to understand while others believe the O.T. reflects an angry, judgmental God. Unfortunately, they fail to understand that sin and disobedience anger God. If the Bible is read in its proper context of God’s judgment and His mercy, then we learn that judgment falls on those who sin through disobedience and rebellion, but we also see a picture of God’s mercy for those who repent, turn to Him, and obey His Word. 

God desires our unwavering love and that we seek knowledge of Him (Hosea 6:6). He instructs us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). His Word is the vehicle by which we come to know and love Him. 

The Old Testament is the prophetic, infallible Word that was spoken through God’s Spirit to man in preparation for the New Testament. Its invaluable, accurate history and teachings enable us to understand God and learn lessons from past human failures and accomplishments, which are applicable today.

We see in Jeremiah 32 God’s warning of impending judgment upon the Israelites for their apostasy and rebellion. The following is a snippet of dialogue between God and the Prophet Jeremiah who was imprisoned in the palace of King Zedekiah of Judah for prophesying against the king:

God: “I am about to give this city into the hands of the Babylonians and to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (a pagan nation), who will capture it.” Through Jeremiah, God tells the king that the Babylonians will set fire to the city and burn it down, along with the houses where people burned incense on the roofs to Baal (god of fertility) and poured out drink offerings to other gods. 

God: “The people of Israel and Judah have provoked Me by all the evil they have done—they, their kings and officials, their priests and prophets, the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem.” (This can be applied to many of today’s leaders and officials, as well as many clergy who are wolves in sheep’s clothing.) “They turned their backs to me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline.” Like the Israelites, the United States has turned its back on God and refuses to acknowledge His warnings.

God continues, “They built places for Baal to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech (the god of human sacrifice), though I never commanded—nor did it enter My mind—that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin.”

America mirrors the rebellious Israelites, who for financial prosperity, sacrificed their children in burning flames to appease Molech, their heathen god. The 1973 legalization of abortion has allowed the sacrifice of more than 62 million babies to the “god of convenience.” Many aborted babies are trashed, incinerated, or used for experimentation. No wonder the Ten Commandments were pulled from public places; they were a convicting reminder of God’s law and the fifth commandment, “Thou shalt not kill,” which forbids the intentional taking of human life. However, God is merciful, and He forgives those who repent of having had an abortion or who facilitated or helped facilitate an abortion.

The apostasy of the Jews and murder of innocent children moved God to have Jeremiah warn King Zedekiah of his impending doom and the city’s coming destruction. God has been warning America, but America is ignoring the signs. 

Meanwhile, God told Jeremiah to purchase property in the land of his captivity and place the land deeds in earthenware for preservation. Before the Babylonians could take everything, the people were converting their land and valuables into cash. So, Jeremiah was confused as to why God would ask him to purchase land that He vowed to destroy. God answered, “Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land” (32:15). Although Jeremiah lived under an oppressive, evil ruler, his only thought was to trust God for his future and obey and serve Him. Like Jeremiah, we live in difficult and uncertain times, yet we are called to trust, obey, and serve God.

Jeremiah had Baruch, his scribe, record God’s decree of the coming destruction. Because of Baruch’s faithfulness to God, he was spared captivity and bondage in Babylon. Likewise, through the blood bought sacrifice of Jesus Christ and our faithfulness to God, we are spared captivity and bondage to Satan and promised an eternal home with God. 

The Apostle John recorded in Revelation God’s Word to the seven churches. Only two churches of the seven were doing what was right. Those same characteristics can be found in today’s churches. He issued a decree of the coming destruction to those who follow after their own ways and desires. But He also speaks of an escape for those who follow His precepts with their whole heart.

This world is doomed for destruction unless God’s Word is heeded. “If My people, (Christians), who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways (anything contrary to God’s Word), then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Although this is a much repeated verse, how many are heeding God’s appeal?

Are we so blind that we cannot see the world’s trajectory as it moves closer towards destruction? God is calling Christians to pray and to recognize that there is a valley of decision between the world’s standards and God’s biblical standards. He clearly stated His view to the Church: “Because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16).

As previously mentioned, God, in his mercy, promised Jeremiah that the exiled Jews would return to their land and have houses, fields, and vineyards. Two-thousand years later, that prophetic Word was fulfilled on May 14, 1948, when Israel became a nation. God’s people began to return and continue to return to their land and to their God. The result is God’s blessing over Israel as promised. Because of their obedience, God continues to bless His chosen people as world leaders in technology, defense, agriculture, science, and medicine. 

Jesus gives a final and shocking warning to the Church in Revelation 21:7-8, “The cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts (anything that promotes witchcraft or participation in tarot cards, Ouija Board, mediums, horoscopes, fantasy books and films (example: Harry Potter that embodies and teaches witchcraft and the supernatural) idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” 

God is merciful and rewards the repentant heart that seeks Him. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Now is the time to recheck our hearts and ask God to create a clean heart within us by revealing wrong thoughts, beliefs, and motives, careless words, and inaction or actions that God abhors, so that we may repent. Then, when the time comes, we will be prepared to meet God with a clean heart. 

PRAYER: FATHER, thank you for Your mercy and love towards me. Search me and know my heart. Test me and know my thoughts. Create in me a clean heart. Show me any offensive or dishonest way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

NOTE: This picture shows a valley between dark and light—illustrating the world or Christ.

CHOOSE TO BE THANKFUL

Thanksgiving Day is quickly approaching, so let us express our thankfulness each day during the month of November. Hopefully, this will establish a daily habit that connects with God and expresses to Him our love and gratitude as we pray for our needs and our nation.

Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a psychology professor at the University of California, discovered that there are psychological and physiological benefits from giving thanks. It improves health, reduces depression, lowers stress and blood pressure, and gives more energy and optimism. He also discovered that gratitude significantly lowers levels of cortisol and can slow the aging process. 

God tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:18). “Beloved, I wish above all things that [you] may prosper and be in health, even as [your] soul prospers” (3 john 2). But for the soul (mind, will, emotions) to prosper, we must be thankful. For thankfulness tells the Lord, “I trust You.”

The Bible mentions 73 admonitions to “give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Chronicles 16:34). Unfortunately, our carnal nature, if not submitted under the authority and blood of Jesus Christ, will dictate who, what, when, where, and how we show any form of gratitude—if any. 

What is gratitude? It is an appreciation and recognition for what we receive from God or from others. We express that gratitude by saying “thank you.” Unfortunately, many of the younger generation have not been taught to be grateful. This is due to parental over-indulgence, which has created an attitude of entitlement. Sadly, that attitude prevents many young people from understanding how or why they should be thankful. And if they cannot see the importance of being grateful for their blessings and appreciate what others do for them, then how can they possibly have an attitude of gratefulness towards God who is the Creator of all things good? 

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of God’s goodness and the dangers of ingratitude: God led the Israelites to safety from a place of bondage. When the Egyptian army pursued them, God parted the Red Sea, allowing them to pass through to safety. When the Egyptians tried to follow, God drowned them in the waters. He led His nation with a cloud during the day and pillar of fire by night to protect them in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). He provided food in the form of manna and quail and clean drinking water (Exodus 15:25; 16:12-15) He provided the tabernacle itself, which represented the cleansing of the Israelites for their sins through offerings to God (see Exodus chapters 25-40). 

God also gave the Israelites the Law, including the Ten Commandments (Exodus 5:6-21). He used the Law to keep the Israelites morally upright, strong in mind and body and free from disease. Finally, He protected them from their enemies and though He provided for them in all of these things, they continued to be ungrateful and to complain. 

The Lord heard their incessant murmuring and complaining and became so angry that He destroyed the outer edges of their camp with fire (Numbers 11:1). In fact, when God sent quail, they horded it instead of trusting Him for their daily provision. His anger was kindled by their ingratitude, complaining, and lack of trust, so He sent a disease into the camp, and after they had buried the people who had been greedy for meat, they called the place “Graves for the Greedy”(Numbers 11:34).

We are warned, “There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV).

The example of the ungrateful Israelites reveals God’s magnanimous generosity, His provision, care, mercy, patience, and tremendous love. Yet it also reveals the dangers of having an ungrateful and complaining heart. 

Human nature cannot change unless we have been born into the kingdom of God, for we need the power of the resurrected Christ to overcome what our human nature would dictate. That is why Jesus told us to “Keep watching and praying that [we] may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

In our flesh, we have no power to overcome the enemy, his temptations, and his lies, unless we are born again and have the Holy Spirit directing our thoughts and steps. It is the Holy Spirit that empowers us with the ability to believe God’s Word and to do the will of the Father and the works that Jesus did. For Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, [he/she] who believes in Me, the works that I do [he/she] will do also; and greater works than these [he/she] will do because I go to my Father” (John 14:12).

We live in troubling times, yet we can thank God, because He works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will (Ephesians 1:11). Therefore, we can have complete confidence that in everything, no matter how things may appear, God will work all things for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Humanly, it seems counterintuitive to give thanks in times of difficulty. However, God wants us to focus on Him and His ability to help us navigate through challenges. He knows the beginning, the middle and the end of all things. So, our confidence must be in His abilities and not our own. He is the one who enables us to move forward when we would rather quit. If we ask, He will provide what we need. If we ask and don’t receive, have we failed to bless Him with our gratitude?

There are times when we think that God is not hearing us. When that happens, we might ask if we are praising and thanking Him, even when we do not feel like it. If nothing else, we should praise Him for sending His Son, Jesus Christ who redeems those who accept Him as their Lord and Savior.

Thank God for each day because each day is a gift. Thank Him for family, even if some members are difficult. Thank Him for His love, mercy, and grace. Thank Him for the blessings of shelter, food, clothing, medical, and the freedoms that are still available. Thank Him that His hand rests upon those who have surrendered to Him.

We must remember that “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning…” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV). So, let us be faithful to give Him thanks each new day. In doing so, we will not only see a change in our attitudes and hearts, but we will discover God’s blessings and peace in the middle of life’s challenges.

PRAYER: FATHER, I thank you for Your steadfast love, forgiveness, and all that You so graciously provide for me. Most of all, I am grateful for the sacrifice that Your Son, Jesus Christ made, so that one day I will have a home in heaven with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DOUBLE MINDEDNESS

Have you ever felt conflicted and secluded on your own little island, surrounded by a sea of endless, puzzling opinions and questions regarding life and faith and what you should accept or reject? Possibly, you have tried to blend it all together into something that feels acceptable and comfortable. If so, you might be suffering from double mindedness.

God directed His accusation of double mindedness to the Church. So, what does it mean to be double-minded? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as wavering in mind: undecided, vacillating, insincerity, and hypocrisy.

What is hypocrisy? It is claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform; it is pretense, which is the attempt to make something that is not true appear as true. It is a false display of feelings, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, or intentions.

God has an immovable position regarding double minded Christians. “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word” (I Kings 18:21). Baal represents the influences of the world and all that it offers. 

Jesus re-iterates God’s position when He clearly states, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24 NIV). 

What does it mean to serve? It is performing duties or services for a person or an organization. Every day we serve something or someone. Unfortunately, much of that service is self-serving to benefit one’s own pleasure, security, ego, greed, control, success, and gain. Conversely, in serving God, all focus is on Him and His economy. Yes, we must function in the world, but we are not to follow the world’s amoral standards. Our standards are predicated on scripture that is to guide and direct our lives.

How does God see His Church today? “[You] speak falsehood to one another; with flattering lips and with a double heart [you] speak.” (Psalm 12:2) “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). 

What is an adulterer? The obvious answer is a person who has relations with someone other than their spouse. As noted, “…friendship with the world is hostility towards God. But God also views fornication and various forms of sexual depravity as egregious acts of adultery against Him. 

What other ways do Christians commit adultery against God? The answer: When love for the world has precedence over loving God, who says, “For your husband is your Maker, whose name is the Lord of hosts; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, who is called the God of all the earth” (Isaiah 54:5). Therefore, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (I John 2:15). We are also instructed “not to be conformed (fit in) to this world but be transformed by the renewal of [our] mind, that by testing [we] may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

God sees our heart and knows what we value and whether we are trying to “conform” to this world. He says, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor (in spirit) and (spiritually) blind and naked (exposed to God).” (Revelation 3:15-18). Simply stated, we are to decide between the world or God. Fence-riding (serving both God and the world) is indecision and double mindedness, which puts us in the position of being lukewarm—a very dangerous place to be.

You might be asking, “What are the signs of a double mind Christian?” Double mindedness is a spiritual disconnect with God. Double mindedness was a problem with the early Christians whom James addressed and chastised because they tried to worship both God and their idols. 

What are today’s idols? Those things that we do in excess, which allow no time for God: Social media, excessive use of phones, various forms of entertainment that consume endless hours of time; the pursuit of money and materialism.

God instructs us to do all things in moderation. Unfortunately, we live in a society that promotes excess. For if we live a life of moderation, we are grateful for what God provides, and we happily seek Him above all other things. 

Double mindedness is even more prevalent today among Christians. Those who are not Christian have already surrendered to the world with a single-minded purpose to follow the world and its godless standards. That is why God is calling Christians to repent and make a stand for their faith. Either those who claim to be Christ followers will choose the things of God and remain His faithful bride that brings His light and truth to the world, or they will be that adulterous bride who compromises and assimilates the world’s values and standards.

We plead with God to heal our land, yet if we want to see change and healing of our land, it starts with a change in the heart of each Christian. God is pleading with His Church (Christians) to surrender all to Him, to seek Him, and to pray. The world has already rejected God and unless the Church rises as Christ’s ambassador, then those who have chosen the world will never find a reason to choose Christ.

PRAYER: FATHER, I thank You for Your faithfulness in continually calling your Church to repentance. Help me to be Your faithful “bride,” who chooses You above all that this world may offer and teach me how to be sensitive to Your Spirit so that people can be drawn out of darkness into Your glorious light. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

WHY WAS I BORN?

“Why was I born?” Before I knew the Lord, I asked that question multiple times. Life seemed unpredictably unfair. I wanted to know my purpose for being on this earth. The thought of living a meaningless life that would end in a cold dark grave frightened me. Surely, there had to be more to life! I discovered the answer when I met Jesus Christ at age 26. That night, I was reborn into His kingdom and found forgiveness, salvation, love, meaning, direction, and joy. 

We were created for fellowship with God. After He created all things, He said, “Let us make mankind in Our image, in Our likeness…”  “Then he blessed them and told them to be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” Adam and Eve had intimacy, communion, perfect harmony, and fellowship with God and His creation.

There is true fellowship and there is misplaced fellowship with the world, governed by the flesh that refuses to submit to God and His law (Romans 8:7; James 4:4). God is light, and light cannot have fellowship with darkness: “…if we say we are His friend but go on living in spiritual darkness and sin, we are lying. But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ does, then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from every sin” (I John 1:6-7 TLB). 

Adam and Eve surrendered to Satan’s temptations. With lost innocence, they were aware of their nakedness and tried to hide from God. Interestingly, God extended mercy by making garments of skins to cover their nakedness (Genesis 3:21). That was the first sacrifice made to cover sin and hence forth, the sacrifice of animals would be required until Christ became the sacrificial lamb.

As Christians who love and serve God, we are redeemed from the curse and are clothed in righteousness because of Jesus’ sacrifice made for us. We no longer need to be afraid of God and hide sin, because it is impossible to hide sin, for He says, “Be sure, your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23 KJV). And “there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light” (Luke 8:17).

God sees all and knows the most inner thoughts and heart of man. He even knows the decisions that we will make before we make them. King Solomon, the wisest man on earth, said this of God, “…for Thou, even Thou only, knows the hearts of all the children of men” (1 Kings 8:39).

God cautions us not to conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Then we are be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

God’s instruction to Adam and Eve was for their protection. He knew that if they became aware of good and evil, it would destroy their innocence, security, joy, and trust in Him. They would be making decisions based on deceptive, carnal knowledge, just as they did when they decided to eat the forbidden fruit.

Until I met Jesus, I followed the world’s false narratives and believed ten lies:

Lie 1: “God doesn’t care about me!” Truth: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Lie 2: “If it feels good, do it.” Truth: …all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25 NLT). The result was inconsistency in following God, social disorder, sin, perversion, and rebellion. That mindset eventually results in disappointment, because what feels good for the moment may have negative, life-altering consequences. 

Lie 3:“Strive for perfection.” Truth: My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Only God is perfect. 

Lie 4: “Failure is not an option.” Truth: We learn from failures and mistakes. Retired Methodist minister, Clovis G. Chappell said, “It is better to make a thousand failures than to be too cowardly to undertake anything.” When Thomas Edison was asked about his 1,000 failures in creating the light bulb, he answered, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”  

Lie 5: “If I have_____ I will be happy.” Truth: Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).

Lie 6:  “I’m too young to do that.” “I’m too old to do that.” Truth: If we are in the service of God, we are never too young or too old to do what He calls us to do for Him. For He is the one who gives us all that we need to accomplish His will. 

Lie 7: “I will never overcome past mistakes.” Truth: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). With the right attitude, mistakes build character. 

Lie 8:  “Lying is okay if done for the right reason.” Truth: All liars will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death” Revelation 21:8).

Lie 9: “This is too difficult for me.” Truth: I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13 NIV). 

Lie 10: “I will always be like this.” Truth:  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:7)

God told the Prophet Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. – Jeremiah 1:5  Before we were born, we were known and loved by God, for He formed us with His own hands, knit us together in our mother’s womb and appointed us for a special purpose.  All the days ordained for us were written in His book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:13-16). 

Robert Frost wrote in The Road Not Taken, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” There are two roads to follow: Satan’s road leads to destruction; God’s road leads to life. Unfortunately, lovers of the world take the road most traveled because it is the most alluring. God’s road is less traveled because it does not appeal to the world.

Why was I born? Why were you born? We were born to love and serve God and follow the road less traveled, for that will make all the difference. 

PRAYER: FATHER, thank you for loving me. It is beyond comprehension that my days were ordained and written in Your book before they ever came to be. Help me to obey You and follow Your “road less traveled” so that I may embrace the plans that You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

THE UMBRELLA

Recently, I was reminded of an incident that occurred in 2014, that changed my thinking. 

We were low on pet supplies and the store was conveniently on the way to the evening church service. The heavy downpour had settled into a steady rain, so I grabbed my newly purchased umbrella and left early for the pet store. Standing outside of the store, I shook water from the umbrella, placed it in the seat of the shopping cart, and proceeded to make my purchases.

Upon leaving the store, the rain had slowed to an annoying drizzle, so I hurriedly unloaded the purchases into the car, slid the cart into the rack, and started for church. As I was driving, it occurred to me that I had not retrieved my umbrella from the cart. I then headed back to the store, praying that my umbrella would be there.

As I approached the parking lot, I saw a woman backing from the parking space next to the one I had occupied. I quickly checked the baskets for the umbrella and not finding it, entered the store with high hopes that an honest person had turned in the umbrella to “lost and found.” To my dismay and disappointment, the answer was, “No.” 

I became upset with God that He hadn’t answered such a simple prayer. God quickly interrupted my thoughts, and in my spirit, I heard His convicting command, “Pray for that person.” Humbled, I asked God to forgive me for my bad attitude as I prayed for the unknown thief. 

Arriving at the church early, I settled into a seat, when God spoke into my spirit, “I purposely hid the umbrella from your sight, because that person needed your prayers. I also wanted to teach you to be quick to forgive and to extend grace and mercy to others. If you want to be My disciple then you must always be prepared to extend the same forgiveness, grace, and mercy to others, as I extend to you.” 

God’s great love for mankind never ceases to amaze me, that He would interrupt my life and call me to pray for an unknown stranger. More importantly, through this experience, God showed me that my heart and values were not aligned with His heart and what He values as important. We may suffer injustice or the loss of material things, but those things should never hold greater importance than the life and soul of another person. 

Forgiveness never accepts or gives sin a free pass; it forgives the sinner. I forgave that person, known to God, and asked Him to bring them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. And if that person was a Christian, who had succumbed to a moment of temptation, that God would minister His love and truth to them and bring them under conviction for their sin of stealing.

We read Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Unforgiveness is a very dangerous road to traverse. 

Often, we struggle with forgiving others, because we feel justified in holding negative thoughts and feelings towards the person or persons who have wronged us or who currently wrong us. However, we must never forget that Jesus, who was wronged by false accusations, beatings, and torture, willingly paid the ultimate price for our sins. He had been so badly tortured that “His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any human being and His form marred beyond human likeness” (Isaiah 52:14).

Jesus came to earth and made Himself of no reputation. He came in the likeness of a man and taking the form of a bondservant, humbled Himself, and was obedient unto death. Therefore, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name, which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven, on the earth, and those under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:6-11).

The day of Jesus’ crucifixion, He set the example for forgiveness when He looked towards heaven and said, “Father, forgive them, for they (all people) do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34 NIV). How can we not forgive others when Jesus’ last act of love was to forgive those who had rejected Him, mocked Him, spit on Him, and brutally beat and disfigured Him. Not only did He forgive those before Him, but He petitioned His Father to extend forgiveness to all humanity. It would then be an individual’s choice to accept or reject God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Refusing to forgive is far more harmful to the one offended, because unforgiveness puts the offended person in a prison of despair, bitterness, and misery. Only through the act of forgiving can freedom come to love others as Christ loves us. 

We might consider the umbrella as a metaphor for God’s forgiveness and love that covers us when we do not deserve it. He patiently waits for us to recognize and acknowledge our sin and then repent and change our ways.

Jesus said and did all things with purpose and set the standard for those who would give their heart to Him. King David, who was a man after God’s heart, knew that he was an imperfect man, so he prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way (anything contrary to You) in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24 KJV). Are we totally surrendered to the Lordship of Christ? Like David, have we asked the Lord to search our hearts? Are we harboring unforgiveness?

Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, that we may be children of our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:44-45). That sets us apart from the world that responds with ungodly, unforgiving behavior.

If you have struggled with unforgiveness (and we all have), and that pain caused by another has not been resolved in your heart, then I encourage you to find healing by forgiving. The following prayer will help you; however, I caution that forgiveness demands more than a one-time prayer; it requires a conscientious effort to pray daily for that person. Depending on the severity of the offense, it may involve days, weeks, and even months of praying. And then one day the realization comes that you no longer harbor anger and unforgiveness. At last, you are free from the bondage of unforgiveness. 

PRAYER: FATHER, search me and try me. Forgive me for holding bitterness and unforgiveness in my heart towards ______________. I forgive _______________ and ask that you bless _____________ and deposit truth into (his/her) heart. Only You know the heart of a person. If they don’t know you as Lord and Savior, I ask that you draw them to You by Your Holy Spirit. If they do know You, yet they are living an unauthentic, disingenuous, fraudulent life, then bring them to task and open their eyes and heart to Your truths, Your will, and Your purposes for them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Photo: courtesy of noah-naf-qhfxY3X6JV0-unsplash.jpg

TWO THIEVES

As I was meditating on Luke 23: 32-43, I was captivated by some startling similarities found with the two criminals and today’s sin-laden culture. Let us start with the Scripture that describes the conversation between two thieves that hung on either side of Jesus, and ultimately, the conversation between the repentant thief and Jesus:

Two criminals were led out with Jesus to be executed. One of the criminals who hung next to Jesus, hurled insults, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

The unrepentant criminal mocked Jesus and refused to acknowledge his sin or Jesus as the true Messiah. This thief represents all who live unrepentant lives and reject God and His Word.

The repentant criminal acknowledged that he was a sinner who desperately needed Jesus. He represents those who accept and believe the truth of God’s Word, recognize their sin, repent, and ask Jesus to be Lord of their lives. As we see from the dialogue between the repentant criminal and Jesus, Jesus quickly promised the repentant sinner that he would be in paradise with Him that same day.

We live in a very flawed and volatile world, where two powers are at work. The first is Satan, who is the god of this world. He has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News (2 Corinthians 4:4). Many refuse to believe the authenticity of God’s Word and deem it archaic and not in keeping with the times of today. They don’t understand the eternal, infallible Word that tells us about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

The one true power is Jesus, who said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV). Simply put, Satan is still in the business of offering false promises that lead to evil, death, and destruction, just as he did in the Garden of Eden. But God, who is the author of life, offers hope, joy, peace, and eternal life. 

The hard reality is that too many people who self-identify as Christians only pray on occasion and attend church when convenient. They have little interest, if any, in the Bible and live unrepentant lives as they embrace and excuse sins that are condoned by the world’s ungodly standards.

One sin that has been readily accepted by both Christians and non-Christians is fornication, which is defined as any sexual misconduct or impure sexual activity that occurs outside of the bounds of a marriage covenant. Most dictionaries define the word, fornication, as consensual sexual intercourse between people who are not married to one another. This also encompasses adultery and all forms of pre-marital sex.

Jesus addressed the corrupting sin of fornication: “For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality (fornication), theft, lying, and slander” (Mathew 15:19 NLT; Mark 7:21).  Like the unrepentant thief on the cross, there are many unrepentant people who reject the truth of the gospel and live their lives according to corrupt and ungodly standards.

Jesus warned that “the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery (all forms of witchcraft), hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries (drinking and partying in excess), and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).

According to an August 21, 2020, Pew Research survey, half of self-proclaimed Christians in America say pre-marital and casual sex is acceptable. To their detriment, too many Christians have forgotten a fundamental biblical truth that we are to “flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18 ESV). 

Jesus instructs believers to run from every kind of sexual sin, including fornication: “Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people” (Ephesians 5:3 NLT; 1 Corinthians 7:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). Psalm 33:11 says, “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. His Word is timeless, and His Promises are Everlasting!’ Those who refuse to accept the full counsel of God’s Word, have boarded a sinking ship.

The repentant sinner is that person who recognizes that they are not living their life according to the Word of God, so they repent and surrender completely to the lordship and leadership of God. Even if that individual committed a sin years ago, it is never too late to repent.

It is important that I be completely transparent. When I was a young woman in the 1960s, I was not a Christian; therefore, I bought into the false narrative that having sex out of wedlock with someone you cared about or loved was “no big deal.” It wasn’t until I became a Christian in 1972, that God began to convict my heart of that sin and called me to repentance. 

God clearly defines sin throughout His Word. And He goes to great lengths to show us the end results for those who refuse to repent, as well as the great gains and blessings to those who do repent. We do not want to be like the unrepentant criminal who represents an unrepentant and lost world, that mocks Jesus and ignores His Word. We want to be like the repentant criminal, for we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Thankfully, when we recognize our sin and repent, God is faithful to forgive and welcome us with open arms.

If you have in the past or are currently involved in one or more of the following sins: adultery, fornication, idolatry, hatred, heated arguments, jealousy, crude behavior or talk, outburst of extreme anger, selfish ambition, dissension, heresy, envy, murder, drunkenness/excessive drinking, stealing, lying, unforgiveness, and what is most prevalent today—sorcery (horoscopes, Ouija Boards, tarot cards, palm readings, fantasy books, movies, and cartoons that promote witchcraft, etc.) then I encourage you to say this simple prayer:

PRAYER: FATHER, I repent of the sin(s) of_______and ask for Your forgiveness. I thank you that Your Word promises that when I repent, You forgive my iniquities and do not remember my sin(s) (Hebrews 8:12). Give me strength and resolve to remain free from those things that would separate me from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

GOD ABHORS THE PROFANE

Recently, I was asked, “Why is it wrong to use profanity and who or what determines that a particular word is profane?” Unfortunately, the proliferation of profanity has become a normal part of Generation Z (ages 6-24), Gen Y.1 (ages 25-29), Gen Y.2 (ages 30-39) and Gen X (ages 40-56). Though much of society accepts profanity as a natural way of expressing oneself, God abhors the profane. 

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines profanity as being a swearword, blasphemous, obscene language, and irreligious or irreverent behavior. As Christians, our greatest desire should be to please God by following His standards rather than accepting the world’s amoral standards.

The varying cultures of the world have different modes of communication and different curse words; however, God has standards that apply to all peoples of all nationalities: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).  

The Greek translation of unwholesome is “rotten” or “foul.” People, especially Christians, are to be imitators of Christ, so that no foul, dirty language is spoken, because at one time our hearts were full of darkness, but now they are full of light from the Lord, so our behavior and words should reflect the light of Christ (Ephesians 5:8). To accomplish this, we “let the Word of Christ dwell in us…” (Colossians 3:16).

Jesus said, “I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36). The KJV translates “every empty word” as “every idle word” (careless word). The Greek phrase is rema argos, meaning “careless or inactive or unprofitable words.” We are admonished to make the best use of our words, because “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Matthew 12:34).

Words are important because the words we speak will be used to gauge our spiritual condition in the judgment: “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). We are also admonished not to take the name of the Lord our God in vain, for the Lord will not hold us guiltless who takes His name in vain (Exodus 20:7). 

Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” (Matthew 15:10-11 NIV).

One of the vilest words used with total abandon is the F-word. We see it on Facebook. We hear it in public places. It is used as an adjective, a noun, and a verb. Its use permeates PG and R rated movies. 

The 1993 Oscar nominated film, In the Name of the Father used “that” word 151 times within 133 minutes. Even more shocking was the film, The World of Wall Street, in which “that” word was used 569 times within 180 minutes. That was approximately three uses of “that” word every minute of the movie, which did not include other profanity spoken. 

Obviously, the screen writers, actors, and the viewers were not troubled by “that” word nor the other profanity. Make no mistake, God will not hold us guiltless for watching movies that not only speak profanities but use His name in vain. Though a person may not personally use profanity, the act of watching movies filled with profanity validates their acceptance of it. 

A youth group leader, Janie Tinkenberg, in her effort to help teens make right decisions, created a phrase, “What Would Jesus Do?” (WWJD) and had the acronym imprinted on bracelets. The question posed to the youth was, “Would Jesus join you in this behavior or activity, or would He be grieved over your participation?” This grassroots movement spread worldwide throughout the 1990’s and for many, WWJD is still a part of many Christians’ internal thinking when making decisions.

Those who love the Lord must be sensitive to what the Lord would have us say and do, because He is daily with us. It is incumbent upon parents and grandparents to set godly examples for their children and grandchildren. Speaking profanity or watching it spoken on T.V. will set an ungodly example for them to emulate. Instead, we are to “nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, WEB). That means holding ourselves to God’s high standards by asking, “What would Jesus say and do in this situation?”

Interestingly, The New Oxford American Dictionary has this to say about the overly used F-word: “Despite the wideness and proliferation of its use in many sections of society, the word remains (and has been for centuries) one of the most taboo words in English. Until relatively recently, it rarely appeared in print, even today, there are a number of euphemistic ways of referring to it in speech and writing.”

If you are one who finds this all foolishness and cannot see the big deal about listening to or using a few profane words, let me share more of God’s perspective on vulgar speech. “But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips” (Colossians 3:8). Let your conversation always be full of grace, helpful, and valuable (Colossians 4:6). Clearly, profanity grieves and offends the Lord. 

And lest we think God isn't really that concerned with our words, He has this to say: "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:35-36). Yes, I intentionally repeated this scripture, because God’s warning should motivate change in those who struggle with or accept profanity as being a normal form of expression.

The Word of God tells us that “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver (Proverbs 25:11). The words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart should be acceptable to God (Psalm 19:14). Profanity is more akin to what is flushed down a commode. It is total waste and profits no one. Therefore, we must be careful of what we watch and what we speak, so that our actions and the words of our mouths are pleasing to our Lord and to those who listen (Psalm 19:14).

PRAYER: FATHER, forgive me if I used words or watched entertainment that offended You and others. Help me to be aware of my words and my choices, so that I may reveal Your Light to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

BE STILL

Recently, as I was spending time with the Lord in morning prayer and study, I asked Him to speak to me. Ever-so-gently, He spoke into my spirit, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Then He challenged me to learn why His directive, albeit very short, holds such great importance.

Let us break this sentence down, beginning with Be, which is defined as being present and occupying that position. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines still as not moving or making a sound; to be undisturbed by outside disturbances; to be calm and tranquil. However, the Hebrew translates “be still” as raphe, which means “to let go; to release; to surrender.” When the two words are joined together, it becomes an imperative clause, which is a command to surrender all to Him.

What does it mean to surrender to God? Surrendering is complete yielding of ourselves, our will, and plans to God and allowing Him to guide and direct our decisions. But how do we accomplish that challenging task? Simply stated, we discipline ourselves to make God a daily priority, because the more we learn of Him, the more we trust Him and are able to yield completely to Him. 

Trust is vital to faith, because in trusting God, we develop confidence, faith, certainty, assurance, and conviction that we can rely on Him to do the very best for us. The inability to trust God is rooted in our lack of knowledge of what His Word tells us about His uncompromising faithfulness and love for us. Without trust, spiritual growth and faith cannot develop.  

As in all relationships, trust develops over time, and eventually a strong and lasting connection and bond is formed. Think about your closest friend whom you totally trust. Trust did not happen immediately. You first learned about their attributes, their likes and dislikes, their idiosyncrasies, and whether they were a person of faith, integrity, and honesty. When that became settled in your heart and mind, you were able to trust their word and feel safe in confiding in them, knowing that what you shared would be kept in unviolated confidence. 

Just as we build relationships with people, we must take time to build a relationship with God, who not only is trustworthy, but we can safely reveal thoughts that we would not share with a friend. However, building trust with God requires intentional daily time spent with Him in prayer and conversation. YES! CONVERSATION!

We talk with God just as we would talk to a friend sitting before us. Billy Graham said, “Prayer is simply talking to God.” I continually talk to God throughout my day, with the assurance that He welcomes interaction and encourages all to share their hearts with Him. He calls us to “rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for [us] in Christ Jesus” (Thessalonians 5:16-18).

When we pray, we first present ourselves before the Lord with praise and gratitude for our blessings. However, we also must check ourselves before we make requests. Did we allow anger to control our behavior that day? If so, we must repent. Did we lie or stretch the truth? Repent. Did we hurt another with our words? Repent. Daily life and interactions with family and people can create a need to repent. 

Repentance involves daily changing and adjusting the way we think, speak, and act. The Word warns that if we conceal our sins, we will not prosper, but if we confess and renounce them, we find mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

We are imperfect humans; therefore, we fail to keep God’s standards. That is why Jesus invites us to daily come to Him and learn from Him. There, we receive instruction and needed rest from the cares of this world as we experience forgiveness and the refreshing of our souls. 

The world is growing darker as evil abounds. How can we have peace? The Lord is “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” (Psalm 46:1-2) 

God longs for us to express our frustrations, concerns, needs, worries, doubts, and fears. It is in that time with Him, that we learn to be quiet and listen. This may seem awkward and a waste of time, because we do not hear an audible voice. However, we eventually learn to recognize the “voice” of the Holy Spirit speaking into our spirit. 

Be still is followed with and know. This part of the scripture has the Hebrew meaning, “in order to know.” Therefore, God is instructing us to seek Him and surrender all to Him that we may know with certainty who He is and what He desires for us as His children. It is impossible to know God, if we are constantly preoccupied and overly distracted with things that divert our attention away from Him. 

People have said to me, “God is too busy to bother with my problems or my daily life.” That could not be further from the truth, because He cares about EVERYTHING we deem important. Their comments motivated me to write the book, Journey with God: A Compilation of Devotionals and Prayers, which is a collection of personal experiences and lessons that I have learned from God, who daily proves to be a personal, interactive, and loving Father as He continues to teach me.  

…and know…That I am God. God wants us to know Him intimately as that place of refuge where we find strength, peace, forgiveness, instruction, correction, hope, and love. He tells us that if we seek Him, we will find Him, when we search for Him with ALL our heart (Jeramiah 29:13). When we make time for quiet moments with Him, we are able see Him as our sustainer, deliverer, healer, helper, comforter, teacher, and the lover of our soul. 

I love the story of Mary and Martha. Jesus lovingly corrected Martha, who had become angry that her sister sat at His feet, instead of helping her prepare the meal. And Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41). 

God’s Word is the good portion. It is perpetual nourishment for the body, soul, mind, and spirit, whereas food only satisfies until the next meal. The Lord is looking for us to choose the “good portion” by sitting daily with Him, so that we may learn from Him. Since faithfully dedicating a portion of time to Him each day, I am experiencing an inexplicable peace and joy. May we each discover the joy in being still before our Lord so that we may receive the “good portion.” 

PRAYER: Father, I thank you that because of Your Son’s great sacrifice, the barrier that separated me from You was removed and all who believe in the risen Christ, have access to You. Help me to never ignore or take that gift and privilege for granted. In Jesus’ name, amen.

WE DO NOT LOSE HEART

I called out to God many times for understanding and for a word of encouragement as I watched my husband valiantly fight cancer. The answer came in the following scripture: 

"Therefore, we do not ‘lose heart.’ Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things, which are seen, but at the things, which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (II Corinthians 4:16-18).

The Apostle Paul was a man who never lost heart because his confidence was in God. Had he lost heart, he could have never survived dangers from rivers and robbers. Five times he received 39 lashes; three times he was beaten with rods and once was pelted with stones. He suffered sleep deprivation, hunger, thirst, cold, and nakedness. He experienced dangers from countrymen, Gentiles, and false believers. He suffered dangers in the city and in the wilderness. He encountered dangers on the sea and was shipwrecked three times. Any one of these would be enough to dishearten the most ardent believer. 

To “lose heart” means to become disheartened. Disheartened means to become discouraged, demoralized, cast down, depressed, disappointed, dismayed, deterred, intimidated, or crushed. The verse, “…we do not lose heart,” is a declarative statement. It does not say, "We should not lose heart." Nor does it say, "Do not lose heart." It makes a declaration that we, as Christ followers, DO NOT LOSE HEART, because that is part of our re-born DNA. So, why do trials and disappointments dishearten us? Could it be that we allow fissures of fear to form in our hearts, giving rise to doubt and unbelief?

God calls us to face trials with confidence, knowing that whatever the enemy intends for evil, God will work those things together for good. If our carnal eyes focus on the problem, then the enemy has an inroad to our heart where faith is stored. For the Word tells us that it is with the heart that we believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth that we profess our faith (Romans 10:10). If our spiritual eyes focus on God's Word and the leading of His Holy Spirit, then faith and trust emerge to conquer fear and achieve victory over the enemy of our soul. 

We all, at some point in life, struggle with “losing heart.” However, God wants us to know that He built inside of our re-born heart this truth that "we do not lose heart." He will bolster that truth with special moments that let us know that He not only knows everything that we are going through, but He will show His great love for us in the most extraordinary and personal ways.

My beloved Michael passed away on Wednesday, April 7 at 4:07 p.m. Previously, I had insisted that his hospice room overlook the water, not realizing that God had prepared an amazing gift for Michael and for the family. Unbeknownst to us, that same Wednesday, the Blue Angels were practicing for their weekend airshow. I happened to glance out the window, when in the far distance, I saw jets going through their maneuvers over the water. Suddenly the Blue Angels turned and passed not once but twice directly in front of our window—just as Michael drew his last breath. I later discovered that the Blue Angels preform Flyovers to honor fallen soldiers and dignitaries.

I am very sure that those pilots were not aware of God’s hand redirecting them to us, but I do believe that God orchestrated that flyover to honor Michael, His fallen soldier, who had been faithful in God’s service. I also believe that at that moment the Blue Angels flew by, God’s heavenly angels were escorting Michael to his forever home.

Michael had been given the gift of almost 12 years beyond his terminal diagnosis of two months. During those years, he never lost heart and continued to trust God for the right outcome. And we know that he is now rejoicing pain-free in the presence of the Lord—forever free of all sickness and disease. Thus, we have confidence and know that as long as we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). 

As Christians, we are called to be God's warriors, firm in our relationship with Christ and filled with His Holy Spirit, so that we can stand with unwavering faith in the midst of life’s challenges. For our struggles are not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. For that reason, we must be ever-ready with truth, righteousness, faith, our gift of salvation, and God’s Word that extinguishes all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:10-17).

Satan's goal is to protect his kingdom of darkness by intimidating God's people with discouragement and depression. The good news is this: God daily calls us to boldly move forward with faith and confidence, trusting in His strength, for "WE DO NOT LOSE HEART," because our "INWARD MAN IS BEING RENEWED DAY BY DAY." Therefore, we live that truth and trust Him as He renews our strength while waiting upon Him.

Like the Blue Angels who soar on high, we shall mount up with wings like eagles; we shall run and not be weary; we shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:3.). That day as the Blue Angels passed over, God’s angles escorted Michael to heaven.

PRAYER: FATHER, You placed within my heart the established truth that as a believer in Christ I do not lose heart, therefore, I choose to maintain my confidence in You and Your Word. I look to You, for You are my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in You and You help me (Psalm 28:7). In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"TRUST ME"

This year is the perfect opportunity to till the soil of our heart and plant seeds of trust that create an unwavering faith in the Lord. For God is calling us, His Church, to trust Him, believe His Word, and allow His Spirit to guide us in our daily lives. He warns us to take refuge in Him and not trust in a man (Psalm 118:8) For man is fallible and subject to error. 

The dictionary defines trust as "a firm belief in the reliability, truth, and strength of someone or something." Trust accepts the truth of a statement without evidence. Biblically, faith is built upon trust. It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It is a confidence, certainty, conviction, and reliance in God and His Word, while trusting and believing that He holds our lives securely in His hands. 

Trusting God can be difficult, especially if people have betrayed your trust. When I was a new Christian, I believed that if people betrayed my trust, then God would do the same? Over the years, He consistently proves to be faithful to His Word as He calls me to trust Him. 

Six years ago, I went through a lesson in trusting God as I battled a life-threatening allergic reaction to an antibiotic. Feeling weak and physically ill, my husband took me to the E.R., where I received a steroid shot and a script for medication.

Days passed as my condition worsened, so I saw my primary care doctor, who prescribed a different medication. With no improvement in sight, I prayed, “LORD, You said to trust You, so I trust You to either heal me or lead me to the right doctor who can offer a solution."

I quickly got an appointment with a Vanderbilt doctor, who specialized in allergic reactions to medications. Unlike the previous doctors, she took a biopsy of my skin. I was then prescribed the correct medications and therapy.

Each day as I soaked 30 minutes in a tub of diluted bleach water and then covered by body with medicated ointment, I said, “Lord, I trust You.” To this day, my body is covered in scars to remind me of God’s faithfulness to keep me alive, as He walked with me through the storm.

The Word encourages us to pray for healing. However, God heals and restores in His time and according to His purposes. Often that road to recovery involves the medical community who work, either knowingly or unknowingly, hand-in-hand with Him to bring about healing. Unfortunately, there are those who believe that if they fail to trust God for a miracle, that they are failing in their faith as a Christian. A few years ago, we lost a dear family member because she had held fast to that mindset and did not seek medical help until it was too late. 

God has provided doctors with wisdom, training, and knowledge to help us in the healing of our bodies. We should never feel guilty for seeking their help. Yes, there are times when God supernaturally steps in and miraculously heals, but more often than not, He allows us to take a path different from the one we imagined, so that we may know that He is with us, leading, guiding, and helping us to develop our faith and trust in Him.

Then there are those who suffer from a chronic medical condition in which they find no relief. The Apostle Paul had a “thorn” in his flesh— a chronic condition. He said, "There was given me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord three times, that it might depart from me, and He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore, I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 

God does not afflict us with sickness, for He is not the author of sickness and disease. Satan who, was cast down from heaven, was given authority over this world, so when Adam and Eve believed his lie and doubted God, their sin of disobedience and unbelief set all humanity on a collision course with illness, accidents, disease, and death. Though God is not the author of these things, there are times when He will use them to refine and remove those things within hearts and souls that hinder a relationship with Him.  

Sickness can also be the result of a demonic attack. The Bible describes several instances, one of which was a father, whose son was plagued with seizures. He brought him to Jesus, who rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly (Matthew 17:14-18). 

The many challenges that we face on earth can either draw us closer to God or we can become angry and turn away from Him. I discovered early in my walk with God that being angry with Him was counter-productive. Instead, I have chosen to depend on His complete goodness and faithfulness to do the very best for me. 

God is more concerned with the health of our soul and spirit, than He is with our flesh. For these earth suits, called bodies, are corruptible and will one day return to the dust from which they came. So, when this corruptible (the flesh) has put on incorruption (heavenly bodies), and this mortal has put on immortality, then "death is swallowed up in victory" (I Corinthians 15:54). 

Why do we pass through the fires of suffering? The answer is summed up in the following scripture: “We now have this light shining in our heart, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair” (II Corinthians 4:7-12).

God allows us to pass through difficulties and affliction to test our mettle. Will we break under the pressure and turn away from Him, or will we draw closer to Him and trust Him to work all things together for our good?

PRAYER: FATHER, I surrender all that I am into Your loving and capable hands. Help me trust You in all circumstances. For You are faithful and the Rock of my salvation; Your deeds are perfect. Everything You do is just and fair. You are a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright You are (Deuteronomy 32:4). I stand on Your promise that You guard the paths of the just and protect those who are faithful to You (Proverbs 2:8). “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for You are my praise” (Jeremiah 17:14). In Jesus’ name, amen.

NEVER GIVE UP

The 2020 pandemic brought an unprecedented challenge to the world. Many battle-wearied people have asked, “When will this be over? Will we ever return to a normal life?” However, Jesus said, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold” (I Peter 1:7).

Not one person can avoid trials and testing, for the testing of our faith produces endurance (James 1:3). That painful fact became our reality on New Year’s Eve. 

Many know that my husband, Michael, has been waging a battle with cancer for over 11 years. For the last few weeks, he had been complaining of pain in his ribs on his left side. I had been very concerned about his poor coloring, his loss of appetite, his weight loss, and his recent chronic cough. 

New Year’s eve, Michael could not stop coughing. Since it was a holiday, our doctor’s office was closed, so we went to a walk-in clinic associated with both hospitals that have his medical records. They x-rayed his lungs and diagnosed him with pneumonia. They then gave him an antibiotic shot and steroid shot and released us with a prescription for an oral antibiotic to be taken for 10 days.

New Year’s Day, he awoke with intolerable pain and did not want to eat. By early afternoon, I was not comfortable with the level of pain he was experiencing, so I insisted that we go to the E.R. Arriving around 2 p.m., the cold and dreary rainy day only punctuated my worry and fear. Although there are 365 admonitions in God’s Word not to fear, there are moments when fear hits you like a tsunami, and it is all you can do to keep from being pulled under its tidal wave. 

Michael was quickly triaged and placed in a room where we waited for the doctor, who after speaking with Michael, ordered blood work, a Rapid Covid-19 test, and a CAT Scan. Then she informed us that I would need to leave the hospital, even though it would take a minimum of three hours to learn of the Covid results. If the test was positive, I would not be allowed to return to the hospital and he would be admitted. We said our goodbyes, not knowing when we would see each other again.

I arrived home around 3:30 p.m. and quickly called Michael to see if they had given him anything for pain and he said they had just given him morphine in his I.V. The remainder of my day and evening was spent in prayer. 

Around 9 p.m. I received a call from the doctor who said that although the Covid test gave a negative result, when she looked at the CT scan, she was concerned about areas in his lungs that typically prove to be Covid. For that reason, she suggested to Michael that he have an hour-long infusion of a non-approved drug that, if it were Covid, would fight it. However, they would require that he wait an additional hour to make sure that he had no side-affects from the infusion. The doctor then dropped a bombshell. “It appears that the cancer has spread to his ribs.” 

Separated from my husband by seven miles and seven hours of waiting at our home, I was stunned to hear those words and wondered how Michael was managing the news. To be totally transparent, I was shaken to my core, so I reached out to our pastor and friends and asked for their prayerful intersession. My heart was aching, because I was not there to comfort, encourage, and pray with him. I felt overwhelmed. 

The doctor called around 11 p.m. stating that the infusion had been successful and I could take Michael home; however, we would need to quarantine ourselves for 10 days. Michael and I decided that he would sleep in our bedroom, where he would be more comfortable, and I would sleep in the guest bedroom. 

God often speaks to me through His beautiful creation. I have an orchid plant that has not bloomed in five years, so I had planned to dispose of it. That particular orchid is in the guest room. As I was preparing to turn in for the night, the orchid caught my eye. To my surprise and great joy, that very orchid, which I had given up all hope of blooming, had three large buds and two smaller buds ready to flower. As I marveled the miracle before me, God spoke three powerful words into my spirit, “NEVER give up.” 

The following day after Michael was home, we discussed the “diagnosis.” Two months prior, he had had a full body PET scan with contrast at Vanderbilt, which showed everything was good. The thyroid tumors in his lungs had minimal growth and the oncologist was happy with the scan that showed no other cancers. Because of the continuing stability and type of cancer, we reasoned that it could not have metastasized that quickly to his ribs.

Wednesday, the 6th, Michael said that he had not taken his pain medication Tuesday night and was feeling better. Happily, his fever is gone and he is not in pain, although he does feel very weak.

As much as we dislike going through God’s testing of our faith, I have found that He is interested in our perseverance to trust Him in the testing. That is why James wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2) That testing can come in small everyday annoyances and it can come in severe pain and suffering as it was with Job, whom God had lifted His hand of protection to get Job’s attention (Isaiah 48:10; Job 42:1-6) As unpleasant and difficult as testing can be, it is for the purpose of growing and maturing our faith and trust in God. 

Michael and I believe that God is with us and is answering prayers as we take one day at a time and trust Him. We are so grateful for the prayers of so many who faithfully take time to pray for us. We can never express enough, our love and gratitude for the greatest gift you could give to us and that is the gift of your prayers. 

Today, we received word from Vanderbilt that Michael is scheduled for a scan on Friday, the 15th. Although this journey is not over, we are determined to trust God and to “never give up.”

PRAYER: FATHER, you have instructed us to trust You and to “never give up.” I am reminded of Your words to Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). You caused Joshua to win the battle against the enemy. You did not fail Joshua and you never fail those who put their trust in you. I ask that You give us physical, emotional, and spiritual strength to walk this journey of faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A PRAYER FOR 2021

Dear FATHER, 2020 has been a tsunami of loss and destruction with many still struggling with the aftermath. Fear, anxiety, and apprehension permeate the air, as people hope and pray for a better 2021. Thankfully, we have this confidence that You are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). You are good—a refuge in times of trouble. You care for those who trust in You (Nahum 1:7). Therefore, we ask that You give hope to those who are without hope, faith to those who are struggling to believe in Your goodness, and strength to persevere for those who are wrestling with Your sovereign will and the truth of Your Word.

We desperately need Your providential hand leading and guiding us in a world that has been turned upside down. What was once called evil is now called good. And what was once called good is now called evil. Oh God, deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever (Matthew 6:13).

Awaken our hearts to Your truth. Restore our souls and lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake (Psalm 23:3). Protect our lives and the democracy of America—a nation birthed as “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Give us the gifts of faith, endurance, and strength to finish the course set before us. 

May we seek You even more in this approaching new year as we learn to trust in Your goodness and surrender to Your will. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven and may each who call upon Your name be saved according to Acts 2:21.

As we navigate 2021, help us to be Your vessels of light that reveal truth, honor, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is In the name of Your Son, Jesus, that we place this petition before you. Amen and amen.

BE SURE OF YOUR DESTINATION

My last blog was prefaced with a story about a horrendous accident within a block of our home in which a man lost his life due to a criminal, who was evading police. At that time, I reiterated the truth that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. 

That truth was reinforced, when on Wednesday the 16th, we buried my husband’s mother. Thursday, the 17th, Michael’s brother’s wife, Terry, lost her fight with Covid-19. It is difficult to process what my brother-in-law is going through after losing his mother and then his wife of 47 years within a week of each other. Your prayers would be appreciated for Tom and his family.

As I was writing this, an ambulance and fire rescue arrived in our subdivision to once again remind me of the fragility of life. Fortunately, we have this hope: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised [Jesus] from the dead, then you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Simply stated—when we confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Lord of our life, we are saved from hell’s fires, to spend eternity with God.

My father died at the young age of 45. I was 16, my younger brother was 15, and our older brother was a 23-year-old newlywed. My mother, a high school teacher, instilled within her children good values, and as a widow, she did her best to provide a comfortable home. However, not being raised with any understanding of the Christian faith, her best efforts never filled the void or brought comfort after our father’s death. 

I wore the label of Christian, yet I had no idea what that meant. My mother had told me that Christ had been a prophet and a good man whose example we were to follow. I was not taught He was the Son of God. And despite efforts to see God as loving, I could only view Him as a distant, uncaring ogre, who robbed us of our father. 

I am so grateful for those faithful Christians who prayed those many years for our family. Though my father and younger brother died years apart, each had accepted Christ as their Savior only weeks before their deaths. God again proved Himself faithful, when, five years before my Mother's death at age 83, she confessed Jesus as Lord of her life. Sadly, our lives could have been more joyful and complete had we followed Christ as a family.  

Without a godly compass, I struggled to find purpose and direction for my life. Poor choices were made based on stilted perceptions of God and the world’s values. In my naivety, I married a divorced father of three. After three years of extreme emotional and mental abuse, and the beginnings of physical abuse, I escaped with our ten-day-old son. As a divorced, broken, and struggling new mother, I was desperately looking for answers. Fortunately, one snowy night in 1972, those answers came when I asked Jesus Christ to be Lord of my life. 

Since surrendering my life to Jesus Christ, God has charted an exciting course that has given me direction and purpose. Though this journey has, at times, been difficult and puzzling, God has never left me, nor has He ever forsaken me. He has been a faithful Father and friend, who has loved, guided, protected, nurtured, and provided for our every need. 

The year 2020 has solidified my understanding that life can be difficult and unfair; the future is uncertain and tentative; and struggles are plentiful and overwhelming. The body, mind, and spirit yearn for an oasis of peace. Rich or poor, we all pass through good and bad experiences, problems, and eventually death.

This earth is not our home; therefore, where we spend eternity cannot be left to chance. We cannot hope that we go to heaven; we must be confident that heaven is our destination, for this is certain—there are only two destinations. One is an eternity of unspeakable joy with Jesus Christ and His Father in heaven. The other is eternal torment and suffering with Satan and his demonic realm. 

Jesus said, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one (Satan) who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28). If you question the reality of hell, read “23 Minutes in Hell” by Bill Wiese, or watch his video on YouTube.

Maybe you surrendered your life to Christ years ago and follow Him with your whole heart. Or perhaps you can relate to my story of striving to be “good” in hopes of avoiding hell and attaining heaven. If being a good person gave us a ticket to heaven, then why did Jesus say to the penitent thief on His right, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Yet Jesus did not say that to the unrepentant thief to his left. Repentance and accepting Christ was required.

We cannot earn our way to heaven with good works or by living a good life, though Christians are to live righteously and do good works for God’s kingdom. Eternal life is a gift made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Though some believe there are many paths and methods to reach God, His Word tells us there is only one road, and it was paved with the blood of Jesus Christ. For Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6). 

God, the Creator of the universe, will guide and direct our steps if we allow Him. He is peace, comfort, and joy in difficult times and in the darkest of storms. We may have every monetary comfort, but if we don’t have Him, our soul is disquieted, empty, and yearning for more things to satisfy that longing within.

Jesus came that we would have life and have it more abundantly. He wants to ease our pain, comfort us in times of trouble and sorrow, rejoice with us in times of joy, heal our brokenness, and guide us to our destiny. If you have never made a verbal commitment to Christ, I invite you to speak the following prayer:

Father, Your Word says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Therefore, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe Your Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross for me; He rose again from the dead, and now sits at Your right hand. I repent of my sins and ask Your forgiveness. I surrender my life and will to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Help me to turn from those things that have drawn me away from You. I ask that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit, according to John 3:3 and Acts 1:5, for those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God (Romans 8:14). My desire is to follow You with my whole heart. Thank You for all that You have done and all that You are about to do in my life and the lives of my family. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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SAMSON—A FLAWED MAN

Samson, who was the last of Israel’s judges and God’s anointed, was called before birth to be Israel’s deliverer from the Philistines. So, we question how this chosen man of God could have been so blind as to fall for the Philistine, Delilah? 

Scripture tells us that God delivered Israel to their enemy, the Philistines, because they, like the Philistines, worshipped Dagon, the god of grain and his “father,” Baal, the god of fertility, to whom the Israelites sacrificed their children. Why then, would Samson be drawn to Delilah, who worshipped other gods and not the One True God?

Ironically, we live in a Christian nation where, according to LifeWay Research, two-thirds of Americans believe there are many ways to reach Heaven. Despite their beliefs, Jesus clearly stated, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME” (John 14:6).

Samson’s nemesis was his sexual passions. He had a weakness for Philistine women, which drove him into the arms of the alluring Delilah. Under her spell, he fell for her seductive wiles, causing him to reveal that his hair was the secret to his strength. 

Why was his hair an issue? Samson had been consecrated to God’s service by the Nazarite vow. This vow required that the person not consume anything from the grapevine, yet he drank wine at his wedding feast. No razor was to be used on the head (Delilah would cut his hair). And a Nazarite could not go near a dead body or carcass. Samson had killed a lion and when he came by it again, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the lion’s carcass, so he reached in and took the honey, ate it, and took more with him. He flagrantly broke his Nazarite vow, which made him ceremonially unclean, and showed disobedience and a blatant disrespect for God (Numbers 6:5). 

Samson, a prideful and self-assured man, slept peacefully, not knowing that Delilah had betrayed him and cut his hair. The cutting of his hair had severed the true source of his strength—God. He was quickly captured, blinded, and forced to grind grain for his enemies.

One day, Samson was commanded to perform in front of the Philistines in the temple. Though his hair had grown, he called upon God for strength to slay his enemies. God honored Samson’s request, because he had acknowledged God as the source of his strength. Samson brought down the temple of the Philistine god, Dagon, and killed thousands of Philistines (Judges 16:1-31).

Samson had almost unlimited potential to deliver his people from the Philistines, but his sexual yearnings, and his great pride and trust in his own strength, became his undoing (1 John 2:16; Proverbs 16:18). He had been spiritually blind long before his eyes were gouged out (Judges 16:2). 

Sin is not a respecter of persons. Sin seeks out both the godly and the ungodly. The Word tells us that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). All sin is disobedience to God and His Word, especially sexual sin, which has dire and deadly consequences (Judges 16:21). Sin will take us farther than we intended to go. It will hold us longer than we wanted to stay. And it will cost more than we intended to pay. For that reason, we must heed the stern warning: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).  

Samson, a flawed man, had recognized his weaknesses before his death and had turned back to God (Judges 16:28-30). God in His sovereignty used Samson to fulfill His purpose and impede the oppressive actions of the Philistines. Samson’s destruction of the temple of Dagon would become a major factor some 100 years later when Samuel and the children of Israel would bring about the downfall of the Philistines at Mizpah (1 Samuel 7:7-14). 

What lesson can we glean from Samson? Like all of us, before Samson was born, God had a specific plan for his life (Jeremiah 1:5). Unfortunately, Samson’s pride made him believe he could live for God and enjoy life on his terms. In Samson’s case, his lust for women and prostitutes was his ultimate undoing (Judges 16:1).

Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (any object of worship other than God) (Matthew 6:24). In other words, who or what is the master of our soul? We are either totally committed to God or we are committed to this world. There is no in-between, for He said, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16).

How do we know if we are cold or hot? To answer, we ask, “Who or what holds first priority in my life?” “Do I pursue God first, or is He an afterthought?” Jesus said to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Only then are we able to use the gifts and talents He imparted to us that we may serve Him and others. 

Serving is a heart decision and is not for personal accolades or recognition; service to others brings praise to God (I Peter 4:10-11). Through our service and dedication to God, we have the joy of seeing His love working through us and reaching the hearts of people.

We can choose to obey God and use our gifts to serve Him, or we can follow our own dictates? Samson falsely believed he could live a life of compromise by following God while committing sin. But know that God condemns what the world condones.

Joshua said to the people, “If you are unwilling to obey the Lord, then decide today whom you will obey. Will it be the gods of your ancestors beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites here in this land? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 TLB).

We must decide with whom or what we are aligned?” God did not create us to merely exist on earth for the purpose of accumulating things, having fun, and trying to be happy in the daily process of living. We were put here for a purpose and that is to serve God and not our own agenda. 

The world is an unrequited lover wooing us with its seductive ruses, but God’s plan offers greater fulfillment and joy. Therefore, we might ask ourselves, “Am I truly seeking God’s will for my life, or do I have a Samson mindset? God’s plan requires sacrifice, but the rewards bring joy and a peace that far exceeds what the world can offer. 

PRAYER: FATHER, I am grateful that You have a unique plan for my life, so help me know and follow Your plan. If I am spiritually blind to Your truths, open my eyes that I may discern the difference between the world’s version of truth and Your truth. Show me how to serve You and others with my talents and gifts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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GIVE THANKS

Recently, the local news showed hundreds of vehicles waiting in long lines to pick up much needed food and supplies. Drivers that were interviewed, had their own story, but instead of complaining about their circumstances and the exceptionally long wait, they expressed their profound gratitude to the workers. 

A.W. Tozer, who was a pastor, gifted writer, and a great man of faith, gave his perspective on loss and gratitude: “Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.” 

The year 2020 has been a time of great losses for many Americans. Some lost family members and close friends to the Coronavirus. Others lost thriving businesses in which they had invested their lives and resources. Some lost jobs. Some cannot pay their rent or mortgage; some struggle to feed their children; and some are homeless and living on the streets or in their cars. Unfortunately, since the beginning of time, humans have struggled with failing economies, wars, rumors of wars, pandemics, poverty, an uncertain future, the annihilation of humans around the globe, and religious persecution.

Do you remember the Apostle Paul and Silas? They were thrown into a dark, damp prison for sharing the gospel. Around midnight, they prayed and sang hymns praising God while the prisoners listened. Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, and the prison doors sprung open and everyone’s chains broke loose. 

The jailer awoke and believing that the prisoners had escaped, drew his sword to kill himself. Paul shouted that they were all there, so the jailer called for lights. He then fell trembling before Paul and Silas and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household” (Acts 16:25-33). God inconvenienced Paul and Silas through a very uncomfortable and unpleasant situation, so that many would be saved. From that Greek prison in Philippi, we jump the centuries to World War II.

Corrie Ten Boom, a devout Christian, who lived in the Netherlands, had been hiding Jews in a secret compartment of her home, safe from the German Gestapo. But in September of 1944, her activities were discovered and she and her sister, Betsie, were taken to Ravensbruck, a Nazi Concentration Camp for women. 

The barracks where Corrie and her sister were housed were terribly overcrowded and flea-infested. A Bible was smuggled into their barracks, and in their reading, they discovered the life-changing truth that in giving thanks in all situations, God is able to use everything for good (Romans 8:28). So, Corrie and her sister thanked God for His goodness and faithfulness in the midst of suffering with fleas. Miraculously, the guards suddenly stopped coming into their barracks because of the fleas. Thus, all the women were safe from the guards daily assaults, and were free to hear Corrie teach the Word of God without fear of punishment or death. 

Many of Corrie’s beloved family members, including Betsie, died in various concentration camps, yet she had this to say, “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that, I still possess.” 

Corrie was afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying within her the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus would be manifested in her body to others (Corinthians 4:8-10). Despite her suffering, she remained grateful and placed her faith in the providential goodness of God and brought many to Christ. Then in December of 1944, God’s sovereign hand made it possible for Corrie to be released, due to a “mistake in the paperwork.” She went on to write books and share the love of Jesus Christ around the world.

Our youngest grandson is a husband and father of two young boys. He calls me almost every day to check on us and to share his day. At various times, he will discuss a situation or problem that he is having. Then he will say, “But on the bright side…” I am secretly delighted when he can see the “bright side” to each negative situation. God wants us to see Him as being the “bright side,” regardless of the circumstances, for “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). 

Our world has been turned upside down, and fear has captured the minds of many, causing the focus to be on the circumstances and not on God and His truth. After all, where is the “bright side” in 2020, when there has been so much loss and uncertainty? For many, their equilibrium, feelings of safety, and hope for the future have been diminished and challenged. However, our sovereign God is calling us to have faith and to trust Him. The Psalmist said: “I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:1-4). If we trust God, then fear has no power over us.

What is God saying to us during these difficult and uncertain times? The world cannot offer peace; however, God offered the Prince of Peace, so that those who accept Him, will have a lasting peace. God will do what is necessary to divert man’s eyes away from the world and onto Him. For what is physically seen is not God’s reality, because faith does not see with the eyes; it sees with the heart.

Thanksgiving is not just a day to gorge ourselves with great food. It is a reminder to daily give God thanks and to trust Him, regardless of the circumstances.

I am thankful for family, friends, His provision, and so much more. But I am most thankful for my salvation and for God’s Word that holds 7,487 promises made by Him to us—promises He is faithful to keep (Psalm 145:13). 

We can be thankful that we are God’s child, to whom He comforts with these words: “Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). That is a promise that we can count on.

PRAYER: FATHER, I lift up my eyes to You, for my help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth. Help me to always look to You and to give thanks in all things, so that You can bring good from what may appear as an insurmountable obstacle. Continue to strengthen me with faith as I read Your Word, and direct my steps to walk daily in Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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DELIGHT-COMMIT-TRUST

“Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and He will give you the desires of your heart.

 Commit your way to the Lord;
    Trust in Him, and He will act.” (Psalm 37:4-5)

I have read the above scripture many times but never looked at its deeper meaning until now? I love the word “delight.” It has a joyous ring to it. But what exactly does it mean to delight oneself in the Lord? The New Oxford American Dictionary defines delight as taking great pleasure in something or someone; to glory in; adore, love, relish, savor. The Greek meaning is to rejoice in; to have joy. The Hebrew word for delight is anag, which commands us to find enjoyment in God and His Word.

C.S. Lewis perceptively said this about the nature of man, “Human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” God tells us, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). True happiness is joy that comes from a heart that rejoices in knowing God, abiding in Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic struct the world, we have been denied many external pleasures and freedoms that offered a sense of security and happiness. Unfortunately, we quickly and painfully learned that this world offers no guarantees—only false promises.

God, who is THE promise keeper, is calling us to look to Him as the guarantor of security, hope, and faith. He is our only lasting joy, our true happiness, joyfulness, and triumph. That is why we are called to pray and to make His Word a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). Without His Word to comfort, encourage, correct, guide, and warn, we are like sheep, aimlessly wandering about without a shepherd’s protection. True joy and peace of mind can only be attained when we take pleasure in His Word that reveals His character, truth, and preeminence in all things. 

I especially love God’s invitation in Isaiah 1:18 to “Come now and let us reason together.” He is giving us the opportunity to talk with Him as two friends, sharing thoughts and forming judgments by a process of logic, so they can come to a mutual understanding. Then He says, “Though your sins are like scarlet they shall be white as snow.” This is an invitation to see the logic of surrendering our heart and will to God, so we can receive both the rewards of His forgiveness and His blessings. However, to receive, we must first commit our way and plans to the Lord.

How do we commit our way to the Lord? God does not want a divided heart that loves both the world and Him. He said to the church of Laodicea, who had grown lukewarm in their zeal for Jesus, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:15-16). We are either all in for God or all in for the world. There can be no compromising—no middle ground. “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).

God is omniscient, so He knows the road ahead of us. He also knows the obstacles to avoid and the correct road to take when reaching crossroads. At that moment, we can commit our way to the Lord and follow Him, or we can choose our own path, which leads to destruction. 

Adam and Eve lived in a perfect utopia of unmatched beauty in the Garden of Eden. What is most astonishing is that God daily walked in the Garden and communed with them as with a friend. They enjoyed an amazing life, but they exchanged their unparalleled relationship with God and all of His provision for Satan’s false promises. Their failure to trust and believe God forever separated them from their Creator. Unfortunately, their disobedience and lack of trust became part of our human DNA. So, their failure to choose wisely brings us to the word trust. 

Psalm 37:5 tells us to trust God and He will act. In other words, He will take action on our behalf. Personally, I would rather have God on my side, because everything else connected to this world is subject to failure. He even warns us not to be conformed to this world for it deceives. Instead, we are to be transformed by the renewal of our mind through His Word, so that by testing we may discern what is the will of God, and what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2). In other words, we are able to discern what is truth and what is a lie.

The last eight months have held great uncertainties about the future, deaths of loved ones, and quarantines of family members in nursing homes. Children are experiencing fear, sadness, anxiety, depression, and varying emotions. We have realized, to a greater degree, our vulnerability and how quickly we can lose our freedoms. The daily reminder of life’s brevity has caused many to turn their hearts and thoughts to God for comfort and hope. And many Christians, including myself, have been taking personal inventory of their life.

King David’s moral failure cause him to take inventory of his life. To his great sadness, he realized that the sin of pride, had opened the door to adultery, treachery, and murder. Not wanting to repeat that sin, he said to God, “… who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression" (Psalm 19:12-13, NIV). 

What was the great transgression that David was referencing? This sin is characterized by pride, which challenges God and His Word and rejects the Holy Spirit. Without repentance, it leads to apostasy. Unfortunately, our Adamic nature makes us prone to sin; therefore, like David, we must humbly ask God to “reveal any hidden faults and willful sins” that we carry within our heart (Psalm 19). 

My desire is to be in God’s will; therefore, I daily invite Him to search me and reveal anything that needs correction and change. And yes, there have been times when God painfully pointed out past and recent sins, that I had not recognized as sin, which required repentance. If we fail to submit to God, we become our own worst enemy. For nothing and no one can separate us from the love of Christ. Only we have that power. 

PRAYER:  FATHER, I pray as David prayed. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:24 NKJV). In Jesus’ name, amen.

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O' AMERICA

We all need to have hope that this nation will return to its godly roots. God tells us that “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, (anything that contradicts the Word of God),  then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV).  

King Solomon finished the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, and successfully carried out all the sacrifices to the Lord. He then sent the people to their homes with joy and gladness in their hearts because of the good things the Lord had done for Solomon and for Israel (2 Chronicles 7:10).

Unfortunately, the Israelites had a reputation of joyfully following God for a period of time but then backsliding and returning to their pagan ways…very much like America. So, the Lord appeared to Solomon one night to remind him of God’s agreement with Israel—if the people obeyed God and followed His precepts, they would be blessed. If they disobeyed, they would be judged, for judgment was meant to bring the people to repentance. God then assured Solomon that He would surely deliver them from judgment, if they humbled themselves, prayed, and repented (2 Chronicles 11-12).

This scripture is God’s reminder of His faithfulness to America and to those who will humble themselves, repent, pray, and seek His face. Then He will hear those prayers and fulfill His promise to heal our land, for the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective (James 5:16). 

What is God’s definition of righteous? “The righteous live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). “For only by faith in Christ are we made righteous” (Romans 5:19). To possess righteousness is to have right standing with God. God is looking for people of faith who look to Him, believe His Word, and live by His Word. We cannot place our faith in the government, leaders, the economy, wealth, health, ourselves, or anything else that we might depend upon. God wants us to wait upon Him.

What does it mean to “wait upon the Lord?” Waiting upon God requires a total dependence on Him and our willingness to accept His terms, including the timing of His plan. His timing is never our timing and His ways are far above our ways, “for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9) That is why He calls us to trust Him and not what we see.

Recently, I was listening to “O’ America,” written by Irish lyricist, Brendan Graham. He had written the song for the Irish singing group, Celtic Woman, who had requested a song that would show their appreciation for America’s opened arms to their ancestors who came through Ellis Island for a new beginning in “the land of opportunity.” 

As I was listening to the beautiful lyrics, I heard in my spirit a different interpretation. I was hearing this song as God’s response to all who have been praying and fasting for America to repent and turn back to her Christian roots. This song ministered to my heart, so I took the liberty to capitalize the pronouns and change “sun” to (Son). Hopefully, this will fill your hearts with hope and encourage you to keep praying for America and for her leaders.

O’ AMERICA

O, America you're calling,
I can hear you calling Me,
You are calling Me to be true to thee,
True to thee I will be.

O, America no weeping,
Let me heal your wounded heart.
I will keep you in my keeping,
Till there be, a new start.

And I will answer you, and I will take your hand,
And lead you to the [Son]
And I will stand by you, do all that I can do,
And we will be as one.

O, America I hear you,
From your prairies to the sea,
From your mountains grand, and all through this land,
You are beautiful to Me.

And, O, America you're calling,
I can hear you calling Me,
You are calling Me to be true to thee,
True to thee, I will be.

And I will answer you, and I will take your hand,
And lead you, to the [Son]
And I will stand by you, do all that I can do,
And we will be, as one.

O, America you're calling,
I will ever answer thee.

PRAYER: FATHER, I humbly come before You and ask for Your mercy, according to Your lovingkindness, for I acknowledge my transgressions and my failure to place You first in my life. Help me surrender my will to Your will each and every day. Create in me a clean heart and an unwavering spirit that boldly follows You without fear. In Jesus’ name, amen.

O’ America’s original music, sung by Celtic Women, can be viewed on YouTube.            

 Picture courtesy of aaron-burden-9C8r4QUwZRQ-unsplash.jpg