Rich Get Richer...

"Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil." Proverbs 3:7

"Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s." 1 Corinthians 3:18-23

"And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ” Job 28:28

The other day I watched part of a documentary on Netflix called 'Capital'. Basically it's a historical look at economics and wealth consolidation, as it relates to capital and it's implication on the present. Two interesting points I saw:

1. Many studies have been done on the subject of the haves and have nots. The one depicted on the show involved Monopoly. One player was allowed to roll two dice and receive an extra $500 to start, while the other player was given one die and $200 (or something like this). The videos showed in every case the lucky one or the one with the privilege never acknowledged the random privilege's as the reason for their success and they treated the under privileged person as beneath them and increasing rudely. Disturbing and yet very fascinating!

2. Historically as the gap between the haves and have nots grows, so does the likelihood of revolution. 

The baby boomer generation was able to realize the opportunity for the average person to gain wealth and capital. Current generations, unfortunately, have missed this opportunity. It took WW1, the Great Depression and WW2 to put this country down a path of sharing the wealth. Today, as in years past, the super wealthy share nothing, pay little to no taxes and are just sitting on piles of money, which they have no need of. However, unlike in years past, they have learned the power of media to control and distract people. Think Roman Empire and the gladiator battles. The people were clueless regarding the drastic decline of their empire because they were distracted. Hitler successfully used media to get into and stay in power until it nearly destroyed Germany forever. 

The US is in dire straights. We were weak before COVID and are even weaker now. We have trusted in our wealth, our leaders and military might for too long without acknowledging God's grace. We have much innocent blood and shame on our heads. Today we are locked onto our cell phones and TVs, clueless to the decay of our society and subsequent vulnerability. We live in a culture of fear as we fear losing things which ultimately are of little to no consequence. We have become as play things to demons, which only desires to kill, steal and destroy everything created by God and especially those created in His image. 

Put aside this foolishness. Wealth is nothing more than a tool. It's here today and gone tomorrow, whether through losing it or death, so shouldn't we spend it on helping others. When we have it we should be mindful of the two greatest commandments. Live life free with an open hand. An open hand can easily let go of anything and likewise easily receive anything. An open hand can shake a hand or embrace another person. Likewise it can easily let people go. Instead of thinking how much can we acquire for ourselves in this life, let's instead think of how we can position ourselves to receive everything God has for us and live with open hands ready to give and receive. Lastly, be anxious for nothing.

Father, have mercy on me and forgive me. Hear my prayers for the sake of Your Son Jesus. As the veil was torn by His death, now Your church has direct access to Your throne and ears. I pray for forgiveness for my pride, arrogance, greed and fear. I pray forgiveness for living a life all too often with a closed fist rather than an open hand. Forgive me for the selfish and hurtful ways I've treated some as a threat or a nuisance. Help me to instead learn to live within firm, yet grace filled compassionate boundaries with others, out of respect for myself and others. Help me to establish desires and goals in my life which are more in accord with Your teachings Lord Jesus. I need Your counsel Holy Spirit. I need to receive Your love Father, as a son. I need healing in my heart and soul, so that I can have the strength to run from sin and crucify the old man. Help me to hold on loosely to my plans, while holding on tightly to Your word. As it seems the world is in turmoil now, help me to run from fear and cling to Your love. Help me to take the place of authority You have already provided for all Your children. In Jesus name.

The warrior

 

"The Portion of Jacob is not like them, For He is the Maker of all things; And Israel is the tribe of His inheritance. The Lord of hosts is His name. “You are My battle-ax and weapons of war: For with you I will break the nation in pieces; With you I will destroy kingdoms; With you I will break in pieces the horse and its rider; With you I will break in pieces the chariot and its rider; With you also I will break in pieces man and woman; With you I will break in pieces old and young; With you I will break in pieces the young man and the maiden; With you also I will break in pieces the shepherd and his flock; With you I will break in pieces the farmer and his yoke of oxen; And with you I will break in pieces governors and rulers."

Jeremiah 51:19-23

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword."

Matt. 10:34

The other day I was listening to a Wild at Heart podcast which was discussing how we must live life with an open hand. This means not clinging to the things of this earth and not having our identity hinged on the things or even relationships of this life. 

"Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." Luke 17:32-33

There is a call to maturity in Christ and it's increasingly becoming a necessity as a believer. As time moves forward there will be less grace towards this, less of an option to just sit in the pews and live like hell during the week. Less of an option to walk the fence. There is an increasing call to react to Jesus' life, sacrifice and claim to be God. Was He who He claimed to be or not and what does this mean for my life, for all our lives? The time to live with blinders on is quickly coming to an end, either with the end of our lives or the end of this age. A choice will need to be made. A choice to live in the bitterness, discontentment and unforgiveness of this dark world or the choice to see Jesus as the way, the only way, holder of absolute truth and fullness of life. 

The above verses in Jeremiah I believe have at least three meanings. One is against the actual ancient Babylonian empire, the second is against the Babylon referenced in the NT and the third is the kingdom of darkness, ruled by satan. Some of the same terminology from this chapter are also used in the NT regarding the end times Babylon. However, I'd like to highlight the spiritual kingdom of darkness. This is the kingdom Jesus is most at war with and which He will be most severe with. The portion of Jacob and Lord of hosts mentioned here, I believe, refers to Jesus. I believe Jesus is more concerned with breaking the kingdom of darkness than with earthly kingdoms. He wants to break the hold of demons and the agreements we make with them. He wants to break our unholy attachments to material possessions, jobs and relationships. God is a jealous god who will not tolerate us worshipping other gods, even relationships we have with other people, even spouses and children. 

Last night and this morning I listened and prayed along with both the bedtime and daily prayer using the Wild at Heart app. One of the things prayed for is that all spiritual attachments outside of the love and spirit of God be cut off between me and all other people. This is critical with regards to loving people the way God does. When we cut these unhealthy soul ties we can actually love others better, including spouses and children. We cease to see ourselves defined through these relationships, but through Jesus alone, so these relationships take their proper places in our lives and hearts. These above verses make it clear God will not abide anything less. The language is fierce and unwavering. We shouldn't take God's patience and grace as a sign of His slackness with regards to this or worse that He approves of our decisions. Yes He will be patient and show grace to us and even bless us, but we are mortal creatures and it's vital we get it right before we go to be with the Lord for eternity. 

So God brought a wonderful spouse and children into your life. This is a good blessing. However, we see over and over how people abuse the blessings of God. See 2 Kings 20 concerning Hezekiah. Your spouse is not God, neither are your children, neither is your job. Our identity is in Jesus alone. Interestingly, once we let go of these idols in our lives we actually are free to love our spouses and children better and we are free to do an even better job. Why? We are no longer tied to the death grip of the fear of losing these. We are free of the expectations these idols provide us with what only God can so our love for these becomes more pure and true. We can do a better job because we lose the fear of losing the job or failing somehow because it's on our shoulders. We give these burdens over the the Lord and trust in His goodness. We trust He loves our families and friends more and better than us. We trust in His goodness to provide. We trust if this job does eventually go away, He has another assignment for us. This life isn't about building our kingdoms, it's about building His and when we live life with an open hand we can let go and receive at the proper times. I'm not referring to avoiding pain and heartache, I'm referring to trusting in the innate goodness and high love of God in Jesus through times of suffering. 

Father, forgive me for continually looking to some future job or wife as a means to arrive in life and find meaning. Forgive me for the agreements I seem to continually make with the vile orphan spirit which tells me it's all up to me, you will only help me once I help myself and ultimately You really don't care about what matters most to me. Forgive me for me desire to do it on my own, for autonomy. Forgive, heal and help me to break these agreements once and for all in the mighty name of Jesus. Hear my prayers and have mercy on me and forgive me for the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ. Now I know You already do forgive me by the blood of Jesus, but I need to now forgive myself and all those who have offended or wounded me. I'm unable to do this on my own, so I call forth the power of the blood of Jesus Christ to do what I can't and release all forgiveness and break all soul ties of bitterness and unforgiveness between myself and all others. I break the lies of the enemy now in Jesus name. I bring the cross, blood and resurrection of Jesus into my life today. When I fail and am weak, may others see Your strength and glorify the name of Jesus, despite my own severe lacking. I do pray for Your war in my life against these wicked spirits and my wicked desire to be apart from You. Heal me and open my eyes, ears and heart to Your voice. May I welcome it and it's rebuke of the lies. I thank you that You continually forgive me, continually restore me, continually bless me and continually look out for my best interests and have since I was a child. Truly You are my Father and I am not an orphan. Look upon Your lowly servant today. Help me to put this new job opportunity in it's rightful place in my life and heart and let go of the lie that it's up to me to find a place to live for the entire time, find good community or a special lady. Those these are all good things and blessings, I let go of the lie that it's up to me to figure these out and make things happen. I say yes to Jesus and yes to everything You have for me Father and I receive Your yes to every answered prayer, blessing and provision in my life which You provide to me as Your son. Now, Father, I pray for Your peace and rest which surpasses my ability in the flesh to understand, but I will be made to understand as You work in my heart. Consume me with Your Holy fire of love and the water of life as these counter the evil powers of hate and death which are rampaging lies and destruction across this world. Thank you for providing me with a much needed long slumber last night. I'm sorry it took me two days of suffering as I tried to work it out on my own before I came to You. You are always good to me and immediately acted on my behalf, even though I made bad choices which were counter to Your wisdom in my life. I pray this season of suffering, fear and loss would be as beauty from ashes. Please take the ashes of my mistakes, sins, suffering, fears, tears and losses and make something beautiful from them. In Jesus name.

Holy in My Own Eyes

Jeremiah 43:10

‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Behold, I will send and bring Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will set his throne above these stones that I have hidden. And he will spread his royal pavilion over them."

Jeremiah 50:29

“Call together the archers against Babylon. All you who bend the bow, encamp against it all around; Let none of them [a]escape. Repay her according to her work; According to all she has done, do to her; For she has been proud against the Lord, Against the Holy One of Israel."

Matthew 7:22-23

"Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Above I have listed just a few verses which pertain to true versus false holiness. There are actually many more, but I felt these most succinctly make the point.

Several verse in the bible are dedicated to Nebuchadnezzar. In fact he gets more real estate in the bible than many "heroes of the faith" as it were. Several times in Jeremiah it's stated that Nebuchadnezzar was a servant of God and that Babylonia was enacting the judgement and punishment of God to the Israelites. There are very few gentiles listed as being called a servant of God by God Himself. However, it would be false to assume Nebuchadnezzar worshipped God, or at least God alone during the time of the campaign against Jerusalem. God has used satan many times to accomplish His will, but obviously satan isn't holy and doesn't follow the way. In Matthew we see that there are many people who do miracles and even preach about God, but don't know Him. The point is God will use the enemy and other people, even those opposed to Him to accomplish His will. 

Never assume you are right with God based solely on an accomplishment or a miracle being performed through you. This is not the same as God saying "well done good and faithful servant". In fact the humble, when they stand before the almighty, will not even understand the depth of how much they are loved and all the wonderful things they have done because they did these things in secret or didn't think much of it at the time. They were only obedient in things they considered small or even insignificant. 

Matthew 25: 37-40

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’"

Better to be the obedient humble loving servant focused on the works and teachings of Jesus, seeing the raising of the dead to life in Jesus than someone who performs miracles but whose heart is far from God.

Luke 10:19-20

"Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Now as it turns out I believe, based on Daniel 4, the redeemed will see Nebuchadnezzar again. It seems as though God was willing to take an extreme measure to humble Nebuchadnezzar. I also believe Daniel was a personal friend and likely prayed for his soul. (As a side note, never stop praying for the salvation of lost loved ones.) However, the point is Nebuchadnezzar was brought as low as a human being can be brought and for a long time until he was broken enough to humble himself before God. Are we being brought low, suffering, going through a trying time or trial? Are we humbling ourselves before the Lord? Are we seeking the counsel of His Holy Spirit and receiving the love of Jesus, His blood and resurrection? Are we seeking to be a friend of God?

Miracles and wonders are amazing things to behold, but better still is the glory of the Lord. Better to spend even one day in His courts seeing all our wretchedness before us than a thousand elsewhere. We need to get ourselves right with God and this is most easily done in serving and loving on others. We need to first seek out a real friendship with Jesus rather than seeking out a blessing or miracle. It's in this friendship we find that person we realize we should've spent more time with and listened to. The best friend any of us could ever hope to have. Closer than a family member, best friend or even spouse. It's the relationship we've always sought in our lives. 

Broken Humanity and Social Media

                                                     

So I'm not even halfway through 'The Social Dilemma' on Netflix and I decided to move my phone charger upstairs and remove toxic social media from my phone. There are a number of people (Christian and non-Christian) vehemently stating we all need to get off social media right now, that it's a drug and teams of social engineers do nothing else but work on ways to manipulate our emotions and thoughts to get us to do what they want. In this documentary they share a quote: "when you don't purchase a product you are the product" or something like that. For the longest time I've been defending FB and other social media as nothing more than a tool and it's up to us to determine how to use it. However, I was wrong.

Here's a test to determine whether or not social media is manipulating you or not: Take a moment to consider where you stand on the issues of the day. If you strongly take one side and believe it's the irrefutable, unquestionable, absolute truth and you're willing to disrespect, belittle and bully others who don't agree with you, you've been hacked or manipulated. There's absolutely no legitimate excuse to treat another person like this, no matter how vehemently you believe you're right and they're wrong. If this is you, you need to get off social media RIGHT NOW!! Right now! Stop reading this, delete your account or temporarily suspend it and remove the app from your phone. I realized I was quickly falling into various camps. It felt like someone was holding a gun to my head and making me choose between only one of two positions. Now I'm seeing many of my friends and family on FB falling hook, line and sinker into this same trap. All I can say is stop believing the lie you're still in control and take real control of your life and get off social media. Stop watching the news, get off all social media and abstain from discussing the issues of the day until you can do so with a clearer head, willingness to really listen to others and no longer have the desire to verbally beat others down simply because they don't agree with you.

The last time we saw this level of manipulation, propaganda and brainwashing was Nazi Germany, but what we're seeing today is far worse. An entire country followed an evil dictator out of fear and/or pride. Either believing they would be killed or believing the lie of nationalism. For now the goal of this manipulation is relatively benign as it's used to get us to buy certain products, vote for certain candidates and vehemently believe in something we otherwise wouldn't so vehemently believe in. This can easily turn into something much more sinister.

So in the age of disinformation, manipulation, brainwashing, fear, anger and hate where can we find truth, kindness, brotherhood, peace and love? Jesus! And how do we learn about Him or reconnect with this old and best friend? Prayer, fellowship and reading His word. This reminds me of the movie 'Ray' about Ray Charles. The actor playing Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx) has this vision of his mother saying "Jesus is the best friend you'll ever have". My mother used to say "The Holy Spirit is a gentleman". Both of these women are right. We have to take responsibility for making the first step of admitting we have a problem and then asking Him to help heal our thoughts and hearts. Jesus isn't going to break down our doors, but if we let Him in He'll take care of us. Our hearts are the most precious and valuable things we have. Jesus died so that our hearts can be truly free and be with the One they were actually made for. He's the closest family member we all eventually realize, whether in this life or the next, is the most loving, loyal and best friend we could ever have. Closer than we could ever be to any other human being in this life. This realization will either lead us to an eternity with Him or without Him. Hell isn't a place as much as it is this realization.

Father, hear my prayer and have mercy on me a sinner. Forgive me for being disrespectful and cruel to others. For trying to run over and bully others. Forgive me for treating Your children in an ill manner instead of treating them as beings created in the similitude of God. Help me to follow the examples and teaching of Your Son Jesus Christ, who You desire I follow, befriend, listen to and become more and more like. Help me to listen more to Your Holy Spirit as my counselor rather than social media and fake news. Heal my broken heart. Help me to desire Jesus more than life itself. Cloth me in Your word so that the name of Jesus might be glorified.

Intentions

But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” (Luke 13:14-16)

How often do we take our eyes off of Jesus and become filled with anxiety, pride and fear? Here I can only assume this leader was first and foremost disturbed that the people were looking to Jesus and not him. Secondly this incident likely frightened this leader. This miracle was outside of normal, expected conduct and so therefore uncontrolled. The Pharisees labeled Jesus' miracles as work which shouldn't be done on the Sabbath, but as Jesus points out there is work which is permissible on the Sabbath. Here feeding and caring for an animal was acceptable, but helping a person wasn't.  

Jesus was working seemingly outside of the rules of society and religion. His focus was on the Father through ministering and teaching others. The leaders were essentially saying, "stop  rocking the boat Jesus!!!". I believe Jesus scared the crap out of the religious leaders of His day. They tried to control Him and subsequently His disciples. When they realized this wasn't possible they began to persecute and kill Jesus and His disciples, which only caused Christianity to grow and prosper. 

So often religion is nothing more than a means to an end. That end is to rule over and control the hearts of man. However, where religion fails, a relationship with the living God doesn't. Christians need to be aware of  their own selfish motivations, agendas, fears and anxieties. God cannot exist in a box of human making. He won't be contained in human doctrines or interpretations of scripture. The point of Christianity isn't to learn how to control God or figure Him out, which is the point of religion. The point of Christianity is to look to a relationship with Jesus Christ. The steps we take, the process we go through and the things we do are all meaningless if this relationship isn't there. 1 Corinthians 13 states that if love isn't present in all we do then our actions are meaningless, even a miraculous event. It all comes down to the two greatest commandments.

Giving it All Away?

"Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:32-34.

Is it just me or are these extremely challenging verses? What's Jesus' point here? What's He trying to tell us? Surely He can't be serious?!

These verses, and others like them, are so quickly dismissed in many churches as not applicable for today or as foolishness if we take Jesus' teaching here literally. To take this lesson literally is often viewed as foolish as taking His lesson on cutting off a limb or cutting out an eye or His lesson on eating His flesh and drinking His blood (though many Christians do believe this. See transubstantiation). Are we really required to maim ourselves or become cannibals? 

Take a look at Jesus' lesson on eating His flesh and drinking His blood: "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63). The point I believe Jesus is trying to make in this particular lesson is the importance of faith and the intentions of our hearts. However, as we are now, our flesh and spirit are intertwined. As we discover in reading the book of James we quickly learn that our actions are linked to the state of our hearts.

Here's the real question: What are we chasing after and to what end?

Interesting that Jesus starts this lesson in Luke 12 with "Do not fear", inferring that it is fear, more than greed or lust which often holds us back in our faith and from receiving blessings. It is also interesting to consider self-justification and fear as the two biggest motivators behind nearly all decision making. These two motivators are addressed extensively throughout the bible as detrimental. This is why true Christianity and the lessons Jesus taught are so challenging and essentially "earth shattering". Interesting how these two human motivators are so diametrically opposed to faith, love and hope.

I believe one primary lesson Jesus is teaching is against fear and how fear imprisons us. Here Jesus is specifically addressing fear in the context of wealth and provisions. Jesus took the time in the previous verses to emphasize God's love and promise to provide, so long as we don't resist Him. Essentially, if we set our eyes on the kingdom of God, we will be provided for. Yet we still wane in our faith and look to our bank accounts more than Jesus... Am I the only person who struggles with this?

Does this mean we should all sell everything? I believe the point Jesus is making here isn't to look at our income and savings, but to consider what or who we are truly putting our trust in. However, perhaps most of us should take this lesson literally? I don't know for sure. The older I get the more I feel Jesus' words ought to be taken both figuratively and literally. Take a moment to consider what would happen to your life if you did sell everything you owned and gave it to the poor. However, in considering this we must also consider 1 Corinthians 13:3 which states: "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." 

At the end of the day, and perhaps our lives, we need to look to Jesus and ask Him. We need to develop a better dialogue with Him. The disciples asked Jesus many questions. God is not offended at our questions or mad with our doubt. He wants to dialogue with us.  Maybe some of us need to sell everything we have and give it to the poor? Maybe we all need to do this? Maybe not? Maybe we need to take sin so seriously that we would be willing to sacrifice a limb if it meant we could live without sin in our lives? Since this isn't possible, perhaps we should consider we need this level of dedication and sacrifice (see Genesis 22, particularly verses 12-14) to truly understand what Jesus did on the cross to free us from the bonds of sin.

"He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,

And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

Love You More

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”
Though I can speak all languages, even perhaps angelic tongues, if I do not have love what I do say is meaningless. No matter how eloquent my speech or that I can speak in all languages so that all can understand my speech, if I do not have love as my priority, it's meaningless. So then, even if all around me are struck with wonder at my speaking abilities and language skills, if I have not love what I say is just sounds without meaning.

“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

Even if I have the gift of prophecy and faith in God to provide for all knowledge, all things and miraculous ability and do not have love, then any understanding I have or any miracle performed through me is as nothing. Further anything I would do, no matter how fantastic and filled with knowledge would be worthless without love. 

“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”

If I give everything I own to help others needier than I and even give my life over in service to God, but do not love, all this sacrifice is for nothing. There is no formula. 

“Love suffers long and is kind; “

Love reveals itself in us when we are patient, long suffering and kind towards others, even when the other person reciprocates nothing. 

“love does not envy;”

When you love someone you aren't jealous of their things, status or relationships. 

“It does not boast, it is not proud.”

When you love you do not go around telling everyone in hopes they will see you in a better light or think more highly of you. 

“It does not dishonor others,”

When you love someone you don't treat them shamefully or badly or put them down, even if they treat you this way. 

“it is not self-seeking,”

To love doesn't involve selfish gain. Loving someone means you love them even if you get nothing from them. We love because God first loved us.

“it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

When you are filled with love you aren't easily angered when people hurt you. When others hurt you, and everyone will at some point, you may discuss it but you'll quickly forgive and forget their wrong against you. 

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

Love does not enjoy seeing others suffer, even if you feel they deserve it. Instead when you truly love someone you rejoice when they see truth in their lives even if it doesn't help or benefit you. 

“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

When you love someone you always seek to protect them, even from themselves, if possible. Further you trust them, even after they break a trust because you forgive and forget. You always hope for the best from them, even if it seems as though they'll never change and you abide with them and never cease in being there for them. 

“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part.”

There's no way anyone can know everything living as we are now: broken and sinful. Even if everything else ceases and fails, love remains and will never fail.

“But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.” 

However, we will know all when Jesus returns and what we thought we knew will depart and only faith, hope and love will remain. 

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”

We are all like children aspiring to be mature. How often do we seek out selfish and childish solutions to our problems? We need to put these childish things away from us. When we see Jesus face to face, not as we see Him now, dimly, then we will truly know all and capable of being fully mature in Him. 

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:1-13)

The Capable Woman

Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. (Luke 8:1-3)

Someone mentioned these verses to me a few years ago. I must admit I'd overlooked them for many years. I find it interesting in ancient culture that Jesus' ministry appears to have been financially and physically supported by women, while the men seemed to primarily be witnesses, some emotional support and occasionally ministers of God’s word to others in Jesus’ name. Though the bible is very clear on gender roles it's interesting to note that so many women loved, provided for and ministered to Him the way loving mothers or sisters might. 

We so often see in modern times how the roles of men are seen as somehow better than the roles of women and yet it has been women who have in many ways been closer to Jesus' heart and ministries. It was women who Jesus first revealed Himself after His resurrection. It was a woman who with an expectant heart listened and believed at His feet. It was women who seemed to not only listen but to act on what Jesus taught. It was women who supported Jesus financially. It was women who had the boldness to stay with Him when nearly all others left. It was the example and gifts of women in Timothy’s life which Paul reminds him (almost as a sort of spiritual inheritance) to follow, not the men. It was a woman (my mother) who certainly had the most impact in my life both in an emotional and spiritual sense. However, it often seems many times the real life examples and the verses which detail the impact of women are somehow overlooked or seen as unimportant in the church and so perhaps the roles of women are seen as unimportant. As a result young girls are taught to believe they can fulfill the roles of men as well or better than men. And why not? Women can be as smart, successful and strong as any man right? Then the question becomes: what is the purpose of having distinctive roles? Can’t men do what women are called to do and women what men are? Shouldn’t positions and roles in life be determined more by ability rather than God?! A woman deserves the same benefits men have when they fulfill their roles; the same fame, power, money and opportunities for success in life… Right?!

My mother has been one of the wisest, intelligent, gifted, loving and godly people I’ve ever known. If she really wanted to I’m sure she could’ve been anything she put her mind to. However, she made a choice early in her life that she wanted to be a housewife and spend her time and energy into pouring into her family, especially her children instead of a career. Some women may think to themselves “what a waste!”, but my mother never regretted her decision to pursue what she believed was right. I’ve learned that just because you have the ability and competency to do something doesn’t mean you should pursue it. We have the choice to take the gifts, or crowns, God gives us and either put them on our heads or lay them at the feet of Jesus. It’s really just that simple. It should be clear that any of us can justify any of our actions, no matter how wicked. I read Hitler’s book a few years ago and found that he had tons of justifications, which sounded so good for a moment, even though Hitler is widely known as one of the most evil men of the 20th century. Even Hitler found seemingly valid justifications for the horrors he let loose on this world, so imagine how easy it would be to justify using the gifts God has given us to pursue wealth, fame and power in the Christian community?

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (John 12:43)

Now I’m not suggesting that every woman should fill some sort of stereotypical role or to be a slave to her family or even a stay at home mom. Neither would I suggest that men seek out fame, money, power or success. The roles were never intended to promote personal agendas but rather to leave room for God to work through us, while truly trusting in Him to provide for us. Men who teach and/or lead certainly have the opportunity to garner favor, fame, power and money if they seek this. Just the same women can garner fame even from their roles. Look at mother Theresa, even though she herself never wanted the fame, she has it none the less simply because she fulfilled her role as a woman of God in loving and ministering to the physical needs of the least of these and it was noticed. Most godly men and women fulfill their roles and never receive any recognition for it. My mother made a choice to be a stay at home mom and never looked back. She saw this as her service to Jesus and the best way to glorify Him was to pour into her three boys and her husband, my dad. She made the decision to stick by her husband even though he wasn’t the easiest person to live with and even though he didn’t meet her every need. She had the opportunity to use her gifts and talents to prosper herself, but she didn’t. There have been plenty of women who have seeming done much more than my mother and women who have certainly been way more popular, rich and famous than my mother, but I’m convinced God saw what my mother did and her reward is based on how much she loved and her obedience to God rather than on how successful she was, at least in a worldly sense. Fame and money will ultimately burn. It is our ability to be obedient to God, to love others and trust in Jesus which builds up eternal treasures.

The Good Life

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)

My life hasn't gone at all according to my dreams and plans. My struggle comes in trusting in God's goodness and His ultimate designs and plans for my life. I feel every human being deeply desires two things in life: Relationship (to love and be loved) and Purpose (a reason why we were born). Thus the drive and strong desire to work, get more involved at our churches and start a family. While I believe all of these desires are good and placed there by God, they might not happen the way we had hoped and planned. Why?

The bible speaks often of rewards and how we will be rewarded based on our works. (Revelation 22:12) Well what is this reward? Ruling? There are indications of this. Crowns and glory? Also the bible speaks on this. However, I believe the reward answers our deepest longings for relationship and purpose. I believe we were created for relationship with God. Sin is born out of our desire to find satisfaction in anything other than God. Ultimately both our salvation and reward can both be found in Jesus. To know Him as we are now fully known. In Him we find the mending of the fall, the broken relationship with God. In Jesus we find both the relationship we were created for and the fulfillment/purpose we deeply long for. This life can be a frustration at times since the world and everyone in it is broken and the love we find will be conditional and imperfect. So “we love Him because He first loved us” becomes a more practical every day understanding (1 John 4:19). So as sinful people who love conditionally, we are able to better love and receive love from other sinners because we love and are loved by a perfect God who loves us unconditionally. Our purpose? To encourage the saints and fulfill the Great Commission. While this love and purpose can certainly be fulfilled in marriage and starting a family, we are not promised this.

Why did my dad pass away in 2008? Why did my mother pass away last year? Why am I out of work for the 5th or 6th time? Why haven’t any of these past relationships worked out? I believe all these questions will be answered when I am with the Lord. I believe the question "why didn't my life turn out the way I had hoped?" will be answered by Jesus displaying our lives before us as part of His redemptive workmanship. As He wipes away every tear He may say something like: "See I told you I had plans to prosper and not harm you. I told you I had plans for you you wouldn't believe." (Jeremiah 29:11 & Habakkuk 1:5).

Several years ago I told a buddy of mine that I wanted to go to seminary. While even to this day I strongly desire a ministry of teaching, encouraging and discipling I still think back to this friend's response. He said "Everyone wants to do something big and important for God, but all God calls us to do is to Trust and Obey". Now this doesn't mean we shouldn't seek out relationships and purpose in this life. For me it means this is what God is more interested in, in my life. In my relationships, in my work and ministries I am called to trust and obey God. So He is more interested, perhaps, in how He can help me to trust and obey Him more? I can plan my life, but I must acknowledge God's authority in it (Proverbs 19:21). At the end of the day I can either trust in His good character and intentions for my life or I can become embittered towards my circumstances. For me this is a daily struggle, but fortunately He is new every morning and I am called to pick up my cross and put on my armor daily.

Adam and Eve or Adam and Steve?

And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." (Genesis 2:18)

Men and women were created equal, but with important and divine differences. We shouldn't live in ignorance of this nor fight against it. The world does, but Christians ought not to. These differences are not only beautiful, but necessary. When we fight against it we fight against God and the order of His creation and thus will live profoundly discontented lives always seeking but never finding. Since the world accepts and even condones these evil practices many can be led astray and it’s made worse by the lie that for a season many can find “a sense” of the acceptance they’ve been seeking their entire lives, moments of pleasure or happiness. However, even though we may “doing well” in the eyes of the world, we will be miserable and/or dead inside and so the incessant seeking of the flesh continues.

When we ignore the differences between men and women we miss out on an aspect of creation and then wonder why our lives feel so empty. The relationship between a man and woman should reflect the wonder and beauty of God. This is why it's a sacrament of the faith. This is why gay marriage, adultery and fornication are so wrong. Each of these sinful practices are fleshly drives for perceived acceptance and momentary pleasure. They aren’t wrong simply because they are against “nature” or different than “the norm”, or even threatening to a particular way of life. The world makes the issue out to be discrimination and freedom of choice, the way of the world and acceptance, but it's not. Unfortunately, many on the other side of these issues do have prejudice in their hearts as they react out of fear, ignorance and hatred. All of these perspectives are wrong. It’s not about acceptance, freedom to choose, forcing views on others, abandonment, fear or hatred. You see at least the homosexual, the adulterer and the fornicator acknowledge outwardly their deep inward longings to be accepted, to find happiness, pleasure, love and acceptance in a crappy, hurtful and broken world. At least they see the hole in their hearts and are trying to fill it with some form of relationship. However, where they go wrong is in where they seek this. Other broken people, of which comprises all of humanity, are never the answer to these longings. Only a sincere and humble heart seeking after Jesus Christ is the answer. Everything else is at best a temporary distraction. Homosexual or heterosexual doesn’t matter. The sense of longing and deadness will still be there whether it’s sought in a same sex partner or opposite sex.  

Now to the response of the church.

The church seems to always have one of two reactions to these above sexual sins, especially homosexuality:

1.   1.    Excommunication. Get away from us we want nothing to do with you. You are wicked, foul, openly disobedient and outside of the faith. We want nothing to do with you.

or

2.   2.    We love you. We forgive you. We accept you. The above people are wrong. Come join us. No need to repent because you have nothing to repent of.

Both of these responses are wrong and not taught anywhere in scripture.

The crowd in camp 1 have missed the lesson of 2 Corinthians 2 about forgiving the offending brother. Also they ignore 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 with regards to the Christian response to the non-believer (i.e. the Christian worldview shouldn’t be expected or forced on anyone).

The crowd in camp 2 ignore Matthew 18 about confronting and responsibility to the sinful brother and 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 about the churches response to the sinful brother. They also completely miss the need for repentance (turning from sin to Jesus). While forgiveness and love are paramount in the Christian life, love is meaningless without a response and that response is often times repentance. 

If one person tells another they love them, but are unwilling to commit to an exclusive relationship, risk their own heart or tell them when they cross a boundary or hurt them, then is this really love? In the same way if we say we love God and others, but are cruel, unforgiving and intolerant how are we showing love? If we never set boundaries, enable destructive behaviors, never confront or admonish how are we showing love? It's far too easy to marginalize or dismiss people and it's too easy to accept others without boundaries.

We are all free to make choices which can ultimately destroy us, but does this mean others should stand around as bystanders using the excuse of "This is the choice they made, so we ought to accept it. Didn't Jesus say to love one another and not judge?" or “They are too broken to be concerned with” then criticize and do nothing to help. The response is to hold to Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Jesus always loved and yet He was always clear about what was wrong and why. He loved too much to allow us to keep on sinning in ignorance, but loved us enough to know we would. Yes His message was one of love, but also repentance.

Personal Jesus: Doing what is right in my own eyes

And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. (Mark 2:27)

So often men turn simple things, which were intended to be simple, into detrimentally complex matters. Why? Control. We are afraid of the unknown and the intangible. However, when we quantify something or someone, when we label it or them, it or them loses some of it's awe. It's original sin continually slapping us in the face. The desire to be like God and it takes on so many different aspects that it can hide behind even seemingly holy things. Look at Mark 6: Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 

See here how these people brought Jesus down to their level and stripped Him of His godhood. Now don't be too quick to dismiss their argument. Would you really have been so quick, if you were one of these people, to chastise them and stand for Jesus? Knowing what you know today perhaps, but if you were there, if Jesus had played with your kids as a child, if you had paid Him to work on your home or to build something; would you be so quick then to come against these people? It's far too easy to stand in judgement of these people. It's far too easy today, 2000 years removed, to make Jesus out to be this ethereal spirit man who is unreachable and these types of people as fools who should've known better. If you can try to understand the position of these folks, or the Pharisees, then you can start to understand the importance of faith and why Jesus continually pushed its importance in the Christian walk. Even here it was the lack of faith which held Jesus back from performing many miracles.

As something or someone becomes more known and understood, fear fades as does awe and mystery. So the question is this desire to quantify and understand stem from a holy desire to know and be known, to be holy as He is holy or to somehow gain the control and upper hand or to control our own destinies? The Jews created many laws around the Sabbath:  Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8) Now holy doesn't equal adding burdens, laws, duties and following old traditions (necessarily). These are all burdens and so work. Jesus was fighting against this false premise throughout His ministry. Why? Well look at the Pharisees. They worshiped their ancient traditions and laws while ignoring the greater things (love and mercy, or God Himself). 

It is very easy to see the Pharisees were closer to the truth than any of the other religious groups of Jesus' day. This is also why Jesus conflicted with them more than the others. It's far too easy for the modern day pot to call the old kettle black. What's the point? The point is everything we do must be only and always to worship Jesus! NOT traditions, duties, comfort, personal beliefs  and especially NOT ANY person (other than Jesus of course)! 

If your church traditions and leaders help you to worship Jesus more, draw closer to Him, fall more in love with Him, trust Him more, be more concerned with God's praise and opinion of you, rather than the opinions and praise of man, then you are where you need to be. However, if your church leaders simply tell you what you want to hear or encourage you to worship traditions, duties and them, get out now! You must throw out any personal beliefs which contradict the bible, your personal Jesus and any traditions and duties which take your eyes off of the real Jesus! If you don't take a Joseph type stance on this (running away from his masters wife) you are in danger of falling, just as Joseph would've if he hadn't taken immediate action. 

Try this: "church wasn't made for man and man wasn't made for church. Both were made for God. However, Jesus was sacrificed for the salvation of man." Everyone must ask themselves how they ought to respond to this. The answer is profound and should impact the way you view God, church and life. Essentially, if its not about Him then something's missing and you should consider a change. 

The Battle With Sin: What's a man or woman to do?

First, we must look at what the Bible has to say on this subject.

How does the Father view us?

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)

So then...

Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)

The work/our effort:

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Our calling...

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (I John 5:4, 5)


The problem with simply focusing in on behavioral management without pursuing a filling of the Holy Spirit:

“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” (Matthew 12:43-45)


We are not a defeated people! There's nothing in us which is too ugly or broken for Jesus. Yes we need to do whatever we can to move away from any sin especially footholds and strongholds (these are areas which are routine sin struggles in our lives).


Practical steps:

1. Be honest with yourself and others. What sets the stage for the triggers which lead to the sin which so easily entangles? Is it anxiety, depression, anger or something else? What are the triggers? A person, a TV show, a video game, a website, something else?

2. What can we do?

No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. (Genesis 39:9, 12)

Our response needs to be drastic. If we're feeling depressed or anxious or whatever sets the stage we need to flee. Take a walk, pray, get in the bible, get in your car and drive some where, call someone, get some exercise or do what you have to. Jesus uses an analogy of cutting off body parts to move away from sin. In other words do not accept sin in our lives. Fight it!

Then once this passes call someone again, ask them to pray for you and seek out more of God in those immature areas of our hearts.

There's a reason we are called to put on the full armor of God. It's not for looks. It's because we live in a world at war and we should expect and be prepared for battle. We shouldn't be caught off guard.

Are you a casualty of this war or are you more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus? Are you under the lie that you are defeated or the truth that you are a son, or daughter of God?

The Pilgrim's Toll

Today I was praying God would open the door of friendship to me as He did to Moses and give me a heart like His servant David's. Interesting that after I prayed this I read: Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:19-22)

By this point in Jesus' ministry He was very well known and it was clearly evident His popularity was still very much on the rise. Now consider the oppression of the Roman Empire, the cries of the people for their messiah and Jesus making His powerful entrance into this. It's very likely the scribe in verse 19, the disciple in verse 21 and even The 12 apostles (especially Judas) were all expecting Jesus to be a conquering king messiah. He would not only free them from the oppression of the Romans but take their empire from them. We know now that Jesus came to establish a spiritual kingdom, spiritual freedom and seat us beside Him as more than conquerors in a spiritual sense. It was this self centered perspective Jesus was continually cutting through and still is.

"Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."

The scribe said "I will go wherever you go". I believe Jesus' reply to him was both specific to the heart of this scribe and revealing a cost of following Him. I believe Jesus is using the foxes and birds as an analogy of creatures of this world (animals and those on the "wide road"), which follows the theme in His second reply. Basically I believe Jesus is revealing a nomadic existence for those who want to follow after Him. Though it's not a promise it does seem to be almost an assumed cost of following Jesus. I know I've seen this played out in my life, my family and many other Christians'.

However, don't take my word for it. Consider the following verses and decide for yourself the implications:

By faith Abraham dwelt in the land of promise as  in  a foreign country,  dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob,  the heirs with him of the same promise; (Hebrews 11:9).

 These all died in faith,  not having received the  promises, but  having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced  them  and  confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.  And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.  But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:9, 13-16)

The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify of it that its works are evil. (John 7:7) 

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.    If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:18, 19)

There are multiple tests for the believer in the Bible and it would seem there are various levels. The question is: what do you want? Do you desire a closer relationship with Jesus? Are you willing to count the cost? Are you seeking that better country or are you satisfied with what this world offers?

Know that no one is holding you back; not your parents, spouse, the enemy and especially not God. Jesus desires good and better things for all of us. You are the only person holding you back.