Category Archives: Life

The Distractions of Life – How Satan Diverts Your Attention

15 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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If you have traveled through any highway or any major roadway, you might have noticed roadside advertisements. Such advertisements are usually called, “billboards.” A billboard is a large sign that is designed to get the driver’s attention for the specific purpose of relaying a message. The message may be to promote a restaurant or a hotel, or perhaps to send a message that invokes thought or encouragement. Regardless of what the message may be, a billboard holds the key purpose of grabbing your attention. In many cases, a billboard may cause the driver to consider the attraction to the point that they end their travel at that very moment. This in turn means that the driver found something of worth or was compelled to put their journey on hold to see what is so attractive about the promotion.

In life, there are a multitude of distractions that you and I face every day. Satan who is the enemy of our soul has cunningly incorporated various mechanisms to distract us from coming into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. There are many who are living in sin because they have voluntarily given up the opportunity to be free from the power that sin holds over humanity. In the book of Proverbs 4:25-27, the following scripture is recorded:

(ESV) “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”

In this chapter of Proverbs, the topic is that of a Father’s instructions to his sons. Throughout this chapter, there are various words of encouragement and admonishment to be wise, and to get wisdom. In verse 14 of this chapter, there is a mention of deviating from the path of evil.

(ESV) “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.”

It is important to note that the instructions given by the writer focus on adhering to a life that is aligned within a path of righteousness instead of evil. However, the focal verses which are verses 25-27, point to maintaining a life that is not distracted. The writer says, “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” What does this writer mean when he says this?

To look directly forward is to look ahead without taking notice of your surroundings. In this context, it means that one is staunchly focused on what is in front of them rather than any distractions that could be within the vicinity. In today’s environment, it is extremely important to be alert but to also remain focused. This is especially true as it relates to our spiritual development. The writer is suggesting that it is better to keep your eyes focused ahead of you, rather than on what is around you.

The reason is because if your attention is diverted elsewhere and not on the things of the Lord, then you will fall prey to the deceptive attacks of satan. In Psalm 141 the psalmist David cries out to the Lord with the intent to seek Him for His help. In verse 8 David says, “But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!” The posture that we are all to have is one of an undivided attention unto God.

Going back to Proverbs 4, verse 26 says, “Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.” This means that we should be mindful of the path that we take so that we are walking in steps that are ordered and set by God. Often times, there are many distractions which are presented to us, which cause us to veer off of the path that God has designed for us.

Daily, the media continues to promote poison and deceptive words which infiltrate our minds and our hearts. This in turn creates a system of falsehoods which become accepted as the truth, despite satan delivering “the truth” disguised as a multitude of lies. John 8:44 calls satan the “Father of lies.” It is satan’s goal to distract and to deceive by using any means that he can. He understands that if he is successful in distracting those who are not built up in Christ, then he will have the masses walking in blindness towards destruction.

However, the writer in Proverbs 4 encourages us to be thoughtful about our path and where we are headed. Not being prudent about your destination is sure to bring you to an end that God never intended. The final verse in this chapter says, “Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” This goes back to the original point which is to stay focused in your attention and to abstain from the evil path.

So, how does Satan divert our attention and what can you do to stay focused? Here are a few considerations concerning this matter:

1. Satan uses what is attractive to us – The thing about sin is that it is attractive and it appeals to our flesh. It is because we are human beings, we are tempted daily to indulge in our sinful nature. So, satan challenges us daily with what our flesh desires because he knows that if we are operating in carnality, then we will give in.

2. Satan uses the majority to influence – Once you have a majority of individuals that have given into temptation, it is much easier to go in the direction of the masses. The path that is separate or contrary to the norm is one that is isolated. Thus, satan will often use others to ostracize and break you down into submission so that you conform to the ways of this world.

However, even in the midst of satan’s tactics, here is what you can do to avoid his distractions:

1. Live a life that is surrendered unto Christ – The very first step for anyone is to live in obedience unto Jesus Christ. This means, accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior. If you have not given your heart to Jesus, you have an opportunity to do so. By taking this first step, you are in a position of safety and your spirit is now open to the things of God.

2. Spend time in prayer and in God’s Word – Arming yourself against the distractions of this world requires that you have a life that is rooted and grounded in God’s word and that you are praying daily. Seeking God’s presence will increase your spiritual awareness so you can see what distractions exist through God’s eyes. Having God’s word hidden in your heart, gives you His truth which will always supersede the lies that satan produces.

3. Know your enemy – You must understand how satan operates. He desires to destroy humanity and to disrupt the very idea of anyone having a relationship with God through Christ. If you don’t know what the enemy uses as bait, then you must familiarize yourself with his strategy. This is so you can take measures to be built up in your relationship with God.

The overall message from Proverbs chapter 4 is to walk in the way that God has for us. You can only do that when you are in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Doing anything in your own will-power is certain to end in defeat. However, God wants to guide you on a path that is consistent with His design, and one that leads to victory and not destruction. Seek the Lord while He may be found, and avoid the evil path that satan desires for you to take.

Maximizing the Time That You Have Before Its Too Late – Choosing Jesus Christ

14 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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ID-1002578If you have ever had a job interview or an appointment that was of importance, you would have taken the extra steps to make it to your destination on time. To be on time or early, is to prepare ahead of time so that you do not miss an important opportunity. So, this means that you will ensure that before the time of your appointment, you would have planned ahead in the event of an un-forseen disaster.  For example, en route to your destination there might be a car accident impeding your progress. However, because you were well prepared, you were able to move beyond the accident and make it to your appointment on time.

However, what if you did not prepare before your appointment? What if you took it for granted that you would make it to your meeting on time and decided not to leave your home with a sense of urgency? The chances are, you would likely be tardy to your appointment, which would have a set of negative ramifications. Most know that if you were to show up to a job interview late, you would not be considered for the position. The reason is because your lateness disqualifies you in addition to it being a signifier to the employer that you may repeat the pattern if hired.

Spiritually speaking, there is an element of “waiting too late” to make a decision concerning your eternity.  In the scripture of Matthew 25: 1-13, Jesus is teaching by using a parable.  In this passage, He illustrates the “Parable of the Ten Virgins.” There is much that both Christians and non-Christians can learn from this parable. Starting with the first few verses, Jesus says the following:

Verses 1-5:

(ESV) “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.”

So, here you have 10 virgins in which 5 were wise, and 5 were unwise. Notice that verse 5 says, “As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.”  This is of importance because it suggests that we are all given time by God to prepare for eternity. So, verse 5 says that the bridegroom was delayed, which meant that there was time for preparation.  However, in the earlier verses, 5 virgins were unprepared and did not fill their lamps with oil. 

Verses 6-9:

(ESV) “But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’  But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'”

In verse 6, we see that the bridegroom finally appears at the appointed time. The wise virgins were the individuals who were prepared for the coming of the bridegroom. However, the foolish virgins were unprepared, and they attempted to get oil from the other 5 virgins.  However, they were unsuccessful in their request, and they are told to get oil elsewhere.

Verses 10-13:

(ESV) “And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

The unwise virgins made a final attempt to purchase oil, but as they were purchasing the oil, the bridegroom arrived, and it was too late to gain entry to the wedding feast. As the end of verse 11 says, the virgins cried, “Lord, Lord, open to us.” but verse 12 says, “But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’”

The lesson that we can all take from this parable is that we must be prepared for our eternity. Whether you are in Christ or not, there is an urgency that we all must have concerning where we end up after our physical life is done.  The passage of the 10 virgins is critical because it shows what can happen when you are prepared and unprepared.

For the virgins who were prepared, they were able to gain access to the wedding feast. However, for those who were not prepared, they were denied access and they were told the exact words that God gives in Matthew 7: 21-23.  This scripture is similar to Matthew 25, because the concept is that there will be those who will wait until it is too late to gain entry into Heaven, and will find that their tardiness will be met with denial.

Basically, in both Matthew 25 and Matthew 7, the reality for those who are unprepared is that they will not be received into the Kingdom of God.  Only those who have chosen Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior on Earth will be granted everlasting life and will abide in God’s presence forever. Undoubtedly, there will be those who leave this Earth, and will have left without choosing Jesus Christ.

They will be the same individuals that will stand before God’s seat of judgment, making a plea with Him to avoid the fiery depths of Hell.  However, as verse 23 says in Matthew 7, God will say, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” The point is that God does not recognize anyone who has not willfully given their lives over to Christ.  He only recognizes those who have accepted the gift of life which is Jesus Christ.

You and I, we have time because we are yet breathing.  However, there will come a day when our lives will end.  When your life is over, do you want to stand before God knowing that you have given your life to Jesus and that your eternity is secure?  Or will you stand before Him in judgment, hearing the words “I never knew you, depart from me.”? The great thing about God is that He gives everyone an opportunity.  Just like the 5 foolish virgins had the time to prepare, you have time to secure your eternity in Heaven with God.

This scripture and principle can also be applied to the coming of Jesus Christ. The truth is, that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent. No one knows exactly when He will return, but we can all be assured that He will.  Various signs are swirling around us daily, which points to the approaching return of Jesus Christ. So, just like the 5 wise virgins we must be ready for Christ’s return.

It would be unfortunate to live a life toiling away to reach status, self-satisfaction, and pleasure only to lose your soul at the end of it. All of us have something in common – we are each given 24 hours a day to live. The difference between all of our lives is that none of us knows when our time will end. Your time may come today, tomorrow, next week, or next year. However, regardless of when your time on Earth is over, you have a choice.

You can choose Jesus Christ in the pardon of your sins and be eternally secured. Or you can continue a path without God which is one that is destined for Hell and eternal separation from God. The choice is yours and yours alone. Even for those of us who are in Christ, we must ensure that we are living wisely, by discerning our own relationship with God. We must please God with everything we have so that we will be greeted with affirming words of how we lived from our Heavenly Father. All of us, must choose. Choose Jesus Christ before you lose the gift of time which is your God given opportunity.

Extreme Makeover – The Transforming Power of Jesus Christ

13 Monday Jul 2015

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ID-100210186Have you ever watched a television show that showcased an “Extreme Makeover”? In such television shows, there are individuals who participate in the quest to enhance their physical features. The individual in question usually desires to change from the ordinary to the extraordinary. So, they seek professional help from makeup artists or those who have the acumen to change a person’s physical appearance. Whether it be incorporating makeup, trimming or styling hair, or even upgrading a wardrobe – the goal is to achieve the ultimate transformation.  Once the person has experienced a dramatic change, their self-esteem increases and they become a new person based on a renewed sense of confidence.

Spiritually, we are all in need of an “Extreme Makeover.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, (ESV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This scripture means that if anyone is in Christ or has accepted His sacrifice in the remission of their sins, they are a new creation.  Why does the Apostle Paul use the phrase, “New Creation?” 

Since all of us are born into sin due to Adam & Eve’s disobedience, we automatically inherit the nature of sin.  So, in our sinful nature we are prone to follow after the ways of the flesh, rather than accepting the things of the Holy Spirit. When we live in sin, we are operating out of the “old nature” which is our sinful nature.  However, when we receive Christ, we are transformed into our “new nature”.  The new nature encompasses that of exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit can be found in Galatians chapter 5, verses 22-23.

In Ephesians 4: 17-19 the Apostle Paul says the following:

(NKJV) “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”

In the first part of this passage, the Apostle Paul is speaking to fellow Christians. Paul makes a reference to the Gentiles (who were not in Christ) as being individuals who did not know God due to their ignorance.  Thus, because of the darkness within their hearts, they were unable to live in holiness which meant they practiced sinful behavior regularly.

However, here is the alternative that Paul gives to every Christian:

Verses 18-24:

(NKJV) “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” 

Notice the words, “former conduct” which meant that those Paul was speaking to were once in their sin. Paul says that we are to put off the former conduct, which means to forsake the things of the flesh.  He also uses the words, “new man” which signifies the newness that comes with receiving Christ into our lives.  It is because of Jesus Christ that we are able to be made new and whole.

Those who reject God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice are unable to experience wholeness or complete peace.  That is because, apart from Christ, there isn’t any other way to have life and have it abundantly.  Addictions and various behaviors which are destructive are symptoms of a soul that is weakened without Jesus Christ. The fact is that all of us are worshipping someone or something.  That is because our hearts and souls were meant to be connected to God through Jesus Christ.  We were created to worship God and God alone.

There are scriptural accounts in which the very presence and encounter with Jesus healed the sick.  For example, the commonly recounted story of the woman with the issue of blood as recorded in Luke 8: 43-47.  In this passage, there is a woman who suffered from bleeding for 12 years. During her ordeal, she attempted various measures in order to be free from her condition, but nothing worked.  However, notice what the scripture says concerning this woman in verses 43-44:

(NKJV) “Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.” 

The scripture says that her condition was immediately cured because she touched the hem of Jesus’ robe. It was the fact that this woman came into contact with Jesus that completely altered her condition.  Other accounts of physical healing can be used to signify the transformative power of Jesus Christ.  However, the overall point is that whenever anyone who is in sin comes into contact with Jesus Christ, they are forever changed.

It is a sad statement for anyone to suggest that a Christian is completely the same as someone who is in their sin.  Those who are in sin, are unaware of the damage that their behaviors cause because their eyes have not been illuminated by the light of Christ. However, how many times have some Christians been linked to the same exact behavior of an unbeliever or unrepentant sinner?

Those who are truly in Christ would not exhibit the same behaviors of the world but rather there would be a stark contrast. That is because, the one who brings the change is Jesus Christ.  One cannot accept Jesus Christ’s sacrifice in the pardon of their sins and be the same as they were.  That is because, the Holy Spirit begins the process of convicting and drawing you closer to God. It is also a responsibility of each Christian to seek the Lord daily so that the old nature remains dead while the new nature is renewed constantly.

Just like an extreme makeover, our lives become new and transformed when we experience Jesus Christ in His majesty.  The world is constantly seeking ways to find peace, joy, and fulfillment, but it cannot occur aside from Jesus Christ.  God wishes that you know Him and that He knows who you are. However, sin is the dividing line between communion with God.  If you want to experience God’s presence and love, you have an opportunity.  Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior is the first step.  Let Him change you into a better person, and you will be amazed at how your life will never be the same.

Sticking to the Ingredients – Maintaining the Truth of God’s Word

13 Monday Jul 2015

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ID-100101370When it comes to baking or preparing any dish, it is necessary to adhere to the appropriate ingredients. This is especially true as it relates to baking any sort of cake. For example, the primary ingredients in an oven baked cake would be that of eggs, milk, butter, flour (or cake mix), vanilla extract and sugar. The reason for such ingredients is to create consistency within the cake mix, in addition to adding elements for the flavor of the cake. However, what would happen if you decided to exclude one the essential ingredients from the cake mix? The result would likely be that of a cake that would lack flavor, or the ability to rise due to a lack of continuity. Thus, it is always best to stick to the list of ingredients for the best results.

In the same way, the way that God’s word is interpreted and taught should be done in consistency. In the book of 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 it says:

(NKJV) “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

In chapter 3 of 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul is giving instruction to Christians regarding the signs of the end times, various sins which correlate to such times, doctrine, and truth. Specifically, towards the end of this chapter, Paul mentions the continuation in the learning of scripture and doctrine in verses 14-15. However, the main part of this chapter to focus on is verses 16-17.

When the Apostle Paul makes the declaration about God’s word, he uses a key phrase:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God”

This phrase is one that should be highlighted because it points to the fact that all scripture that was written in the Bible was given from God to those who wrote it by His inspiration. What this means is, all scripture comes directly from God and cannot nor should it be changed as something that was done by human intellect. The thing about the modern day is that many have taken it upon themselves to interpret scripture based on what they think it means, rather than seeking the Lord for divine revelation. Secondly, there are many Christians who have taken certain scriptures to live by while at other times excluding what is in God’s word.

It is something that occurs more so now than ever, especially given our world’s social climate. We live in a society in which, the truth has become relative. Basically, what one person believes in, can be their own truth while another can have their own version of the truth. This sort of ideology suggests that two or more individuals can maintain their version of the truth and they can both be correct. However, the problem arises when both versions of “the truth” do not agree or are incongruent when the facts are displayed. Relativism isn’t necessarily a new methodology, but it has grown in its influence over time.

The problem with this concept is that it doesn’t leave room for absolute truth. What is absolute truth? It is a truth that cannot be refuted or shown as incorrect even if there are various attempts to claim its falsity. Going back to the scripture of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the Apostle Paul says that all scripture is given by the inspiration of God. This means, that God’s truth cannot be changed, nor should it be altered in any way to fit our own lifestyles. That is because, all scripture came directly from God Himself which means His truth is absolute.

For example, ever since the ruling of the United States Supreme Court to allow “same-sex marriage” in all 50 states, there have been those who have touted the scripture, of Matthew 22:39. It simply says, (KJV) “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Many both Christian and non-Christian have used this scripture to apply it to various sins which include the issue of homosexuality. In essence, this scripture can and does apply to every believer because we are indeed to love others. However, here is what this scripture says in its full context:

Matthew 22: 36-39

(KJV) “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

This scripture which is one of the most quoted lines in the Bible actually qualifies what is found in John 14:15 which says, “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” Many who use verse 39 in Matthew 22, do so because it only shows one side of what God requires. It is much easier to simply say that you will “love your neighbor” because to love someone is to accept them for who they are. While it is true that every Christian is to love those around them, God does not want us to love, accept, or approve of a person’s sin.

The Apostle John makes it clear in John 14:15, that if you love God, you will keep His commandments. As Jesus said in Matthew 22, the first commandment is to love God with all of your heart. In doing so, you will do as He desires which is to not only love others but to abstain from sin. What many have done in our world today, is they have taken scripture and removed parts that they wish not to follow.

Even as it relates to the issue of “same-sex marriage”, many have excluded the declaration that it is a sin, but rather they have used Matthew 22:39, as a way to escape or lessen the criticism from others. Basically, not to call something a sin or to confront someone, is less risky as opposed to speaking out and calling a matter a sin. Whether it be homosexuality, drunkenness, greed, or any other sin, Jesus Christ died so that we could be saved from the destructive power of sin.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is one of not only love and redemption but also one of separation from sinfulness. Simply limiting the Gospel to one side, does not tell the full story. The Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The keywords in this context are, “rightly dividing the word of truth.”

To rightly divide the word of truth is to understand God’s word, what and who it applies to, and how to apply it to everyday life. Taking one scripture to live by, and excluding others is not rightly dividing the word of truth. If something is a sin, we as Christians are to call it out for what it is. However, even in doing so, we are not to forget that love is still a part of the equation. Both love and correction are necessary in order to relay the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a dying world.

One cannot be a Christian, and living in sin at the same time. There must be a demarcation which sets every believer apart from the world. Jesus died so that we could be made whole, and be reconciled back to God. Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? If not, you have an opportunity to know God’s love through Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Jesus is one of love, but it is also one of accountability. God desires that you know Him and experience Him in the fullness of His presence. Accept Christ today, and find out what His plan is for your life.

The Choice is Yours – Your God Given Opportunity

10 Friday Jul 2015

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Vending machines have been in existence for quite some time. They are machines that offer the opportunity to choose from an assortment of items.  Generally speaking, these are items to be consumed and enjoyed by the participating customer. The history and concept of the vending machine go as far back as ancient Greece in which a mathematician by the name of Hero, invented a machine to dispense holy water in Egyptian temples. You can read about the full history of the vending machine here. The great thing about the concept and existence of vending machines is that they offer to each user a choice. What you choose to purchase, is completely in your hands.

In addition to being able to choose from a variety of products, God has given each human the opportunity and ability to choose their path in life. This path involves the most important decision that anyone can make, and that is to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior. The other part of the choice we have been given is to remain in our sinful nature by serving the will of our flesh.

In the book of Joshua Chapter 24, there is an account of a man named Joshua, who was the chosen leader after the death of Moses.  He was given the responsibility of leading the people of Israel to the Promised Land. In chapter 24, Joshua asks the tribes of Israel and Shechem to assemble so that he can give them God’s message and instruction. In verse 2, Joshua says:

(NIV) “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your ancestors, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods.” 

Notice that God makes a statement of the Israelite’s ancestors who were worshiping other gods. Based on the lineage of the Israelites, there were those who were committing idolatry by turning away from the one and True God to serve other gods. In verses 3-4 Joshua continues by saying:

(NIV) “But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the Euphrates and led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants. I gave him Isaac, and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. I assigned the hill country of Seir to Esau, but Jacob and his family went down to Egypt.” 

If you read further through the verses of 5-13, you will see that there were many accounts of God’s faithfulness to the people of Israel.  It was because of the obedience and allegiance unto God by individuals such as Abraham, Moses and even those after, that God spared and rescued the Israelites out of peril. In verses 5-13, God spoke through Joshua making it clear that it was because of the Israelite’s obedience, that they had experienced favor with God.

However, notice what Joshua says in verses 14-15:

(NIV) “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Why does Joshua tell the Israelites to throw away the gods of their ancestors? In verse 23, Joshua says, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” Basically, this is pointing to the fact that at some point, the Israelites began to worship the same gods that their ancestors did, which was blatant idolatry. Joshua gives a warning of what will happen if the Israelites choose not to be in full allegiance unto God:

Verse 20:

(NIV) “If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.” 

The whole point of this scripture is to show that the Israelites were given two options. They could choose to worship God only and forsake their idols, or they could revert to the actions of their ancestors by engaging in idol worship. As Joshua said in this passage of scripture, there would be consequences for choosing other gods.  However, the alternative to following after the God of Israel was a continued hand of favor from God as they had experienced in their years of battle against their enemies. However, Joshua also uses a pivotal phrase in verse 15 which says, “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”

The thing about God is that He has and continues to give humanity a choice. This is akin to having free-will which is to say that we can choose what we will do and who we will serve. The reason why God allowed humanity to have free-will was so that we would freely choose Him as Lord, over any other god. A love that is demanded or forced is not true love and does not encompass the act of free-will.  God desires that we choose Him over the desires of our flesh.

For example, in the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam & Eve a choice. That choice was to obey His commands or to eat of the fruit on the tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil.  They were given a choice so that they themselves would freely choose to love God or to embrace sin. That is the same opportunity that you and I have today.  Like a vending machine, we all have choices in life.  We can choose to live in our sin and reject God’s love, or we can choose to embrace God and experience His love.

The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9, that God wishes that no man would perish.  It isn’t God’s will that you and I experience eternal damnation in Hell.  Instead, God offered an alternative in the person of Jesus Christ, to redeem humanity. Many have and will continue to reject this gift of life, but it will be a choice that is made. It does not negate the opportunity for redemption, but it only means that the path to living in disobedience and sin has been chosen.

Of course, because you are still alive, there is an opportunity to choose God through Jesus Christ. The Bible also says in Romans 1:20 the following:

(NIV) “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

This scripture means, that the evidence of God and His love is all around us. You can see His existence in the nature that was made by Him and not by man. You can see God, even in the very air that we breathe which is supplied by God Himself. There are many signs that God has made available to us, which means that in the end we will not have an excuse for choosing other gods to worship instead of the one and True God.

The fact is that God desires to know you and to be known. Just as Joshua gave the Israelites an option, God gives us an option.  The majority of the world will choose satan and the ways of the flesh. However, there will be those that will choose Christ and salvation. Will you be one those that choose Jesus Christ? If you haven’t accepted Christ as your Lord & Savior, you have an opportunity. Life becomes more joyous and orderly when you are in relationship with Jesus Christ.  The choice is yours. Choose who you will serve today.

Do Not Worry – Trusting in God Despite Your Surroundings

08 Wednesday Jul 2015

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If there is one thing that we as humans have in common, it is that of economic security. Regardless of what country you come from, or what your social status is – we all need a form of currency to sustain our day-to-day lifestyle. Essentially, currency is a way to barter or seek an exchange for products that we may need or want. It is such an important part of our lives, that whenever there are threats to our economic stability, panic begins to ensue.

For example, in recent news, the government of Greece has sought its 3rd bailout in 6 years. The current amount owed on the Greek National debt is at a staggering 242.8 billion in Euros.  As a result, Greece is in the process of negotiating with the European Union to avoid a default which would mean bankruptcy.  However, such negotiations have stalled, leaving Greek citizens in a debilitating state.

The crisis in Greece hasn’t exactly been isolated in terms of its effects.  China is now reporting a decline in its economy as a result of the crisis in Greece, which may even mean that other countries could feel the ripple effect.  Many are looking at this crisis and are worried about their own livelihood. Questions such as, “What will this mean for my retirement?” and “Will my country’s economy be affected?” are being asked by many worldwide.  The fact is, the world is intertwined economically, which means that if one major country falters, others will follow.  You might read this, and you too may be worried.

However, in Matthew Chapter 6, verses 25-34, Jesus is teaching His Disciples by admonishing them not to worry.  He starts off in verses 25-27 by saying:

(NIV) “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

One of the interesting things about what Jesus references in these verses is, the example of nature.  Basically, Jesus mentions the birds of the air and He points to the fact that God provides for the birds. Have you ever seen a bird providing for itself?  In your time, it is likely that you have not. That is because, birds are unable to provide for themselves. Which means, that God provides in various ways for the birds since they are incapable of doing so on their own.

What Jesus wants you and I to understand is that we should not worry about our lives. Instead, Jesus is teaching the concept of trusting in God and understanding that He will provide for us. Jesus says at the end of verse 26, “Are you not much more valuable than they?” This is to say, that if God can provide for the birds of the air, He can certainly provide for you, regardless of what your needs are.

He then goes on to say, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” The thing about worrying is, it is a useless condition to exist in. Worrying only leads to panic, which creates discomfort in your mind and body. While in our humanity, we react to various situations, we must realize that living in worry and fear detracts from our trust in God and what He is capable of doing.  So, rather than living in worry and fear, we should grasp the condition of absolute trust which is to lean on God’s ability and not our own. 

In verses 31-32, Jesus says:

(NIV) “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”

Jesus says that we should not worry for material things or even the things we are in need of. He even goes on to say that the “pagans run after these things,” which essentially means that the world operates in worry, fear, and panic. Those in the world seek after materialistic means to satisfy and build their hopes upon. If you were to turn on your local or national news, you would find that much of what is reported is negative. Buzz words such as “Breaking news” and other terms that are used,capture our attention. However, much of what is reported doesn’t inspire or produce hope. Most of what the media spews is hopelessness and fear.  As a result, we who watch begin to operate out of the fear that was disposed upon us.

Those who are not in Christ put their hope in the ever fallible and weakening world system.  Many who are not anchored in God, have sought the words of their politicians, or the value of their economic currency.  While at the same time we can see the very plight that is occurring in just about every nation concerning government and the global economy. Those who put their trust in a decaying world system will find themselves in despair and without hope.

However, Jesus says that “your heavenly Father knows that you need them,” meaning, God already knows what you and I are in need of.  If you are trusting in Him wholeheartedly, then you will experience what Philippians 4:19 says, which is that God shall supply all of our needs according His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. That is the hope that we have.

Jesus ends this chapter by saying:

(NIV) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 

The condition that Jesus gives here is that if we seek God’s Kingdom first, then everything that we need and desire will be given unto us. Seeking God’s Kingdom means to first, give your life to Christ. If you have not done so, then you have an opportunity to receive Christ in the pardon of your sins.  Then, once you are in Christ, you must begin by living in your God-given purpose which ties into elevating the Kingdom of God.

Finally, Jesus ends with the words, “do not worry about tomorrow.” Have you ever found yourself in fear or worried about your future? Jesus says that we should not worry about tomorrow, because for one, God already knows what we are in need of.  Secondly, every day has its own responsibilities.  Our future is in God’s hands, which means that He knows the beginning to the end.

Regardless of what the media says, or what your own life may look like, God knows where you are. Worrying only gives power to your enemy who is satan. He knows that if you concentrate on all of the negativity, then you will hinge your hopes on finding a human solution. Attempting to solve problems by human means results in confusion and an increase in chaos. The proof in that is, that we have various issues worldwide while global leaders are attempting to solve them in their own power. It doesn’t work without seeking God for the answers.

We should be aware of our reality and the world around us, but we are not to worry about what occurs.  Simply because, God can and will protect those who are hidden in Him.  Are you trusting in God with your life? Seek the Lord, and find out what it is like to live in His security.

Satan – The Thief Who Wants to Steal from You

07 Tuesday Jul 2015

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Recent statistics has shown that burglaries are fairly common throughout the world. In the United States, it has been reported by sources such as SafeWise.com that burglaries occur every 15 seconds.  Many reports also suggest that most burglary attempts occur via the front door compared to any other entry point.  The goal of every burglar is to gain access to another person’s belongings.  This is so they can obtain what is of value within a person’s residence or even on their person.  To burglarize is to violate a person’s property and personal possessions.  It can leave one devastated should they lose what is of value.

It is very much the same that can occur in our lives regarding our spiritual journey. In John 10:10, there is a scripture which points to the concept of thievery that can occur in all of our lives:

In the first part of verse 10 it says:

(NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;” 

It is important to note that in the first half of John Chapter 10, Jesus is speaking to a group of Pharisees.  In this passage, Jesus mentions that He is the “Good Shepherd” and that He watches over His flock of sheep.  For a full description of this passage, see the previous blog that was written on this topic.  Who are the sheep that Jesus refers to? The sheep represent you and I, which is to say that when we choose to follow Jesus Christ, we are no longer without protection but we have a Good Shepherd to watch over us. In verse 8, Jesus says, (NIV) “All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.”

Those who are characterized as “thieves and robbers” are those who would seek to deceive. Of course, Jesus completes the portion of thievery when He makes the declaration in verse 10.  Who is the thief that Jesus refers to? Why does the thief want to steal, kill, and destroy? First, we must understand who the “thief” is before we can understand his motives.

The thief that Jesus refers to is none other than satan, who is the enemy of our soul.  1 Peter 5:8 says, (NIV) “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Satan desires to steal from us, and he wants to ultimately destroy us.  However, the focus of this post is to highlight the concept of theft. What is it that satan desires to steal from us?

Satan wants to steal our time, our joy, and our very lives.  The reason why is because such possessions among many others are valuable to our existence. For example, the enemy is cunning and often succeeds at stealing the very time that we have.  There are various distractions and vices that he uses to waste our time, which later leads to a life that was not productive.  As a result, regret along with never accomplishing what God designed for us to do and to be, begins to be the testament of the one life that we were given.

Going back to the analogy, what a burglar seeks to accomplish, it is exactly the same as it relates to satan.  He desires to take from who you are, and what you have. There are so many within our world today, that have lost who they were supposed to be in Christ because they allowed satan to steal from them. Any person who lives in a residence will do what they must to protect their home from an intruder. That is because, what is of value is inside the residence.  It is also because the residence is within the occupiers care.

So, this often means that one must lock every door and window in addition to having an alarm.  These are preventive measures to either deter or ward off anyone who seeks to intrude and to steal.  However, as said before, the common burglar is after a person’s valuables.  The most important thing that satan desires to have is you.  Not only is your time and other parts of your life valuable to satan, but you are valuable because you have a purpose that God has given to you.  Your life is filled with many gifts that God has deposited in you to use for His glory.  However, satan wants to steal what God has given to you, and he ultimately wants to destroy you in the process.

In Luke 22:31, Jesus says to His disciple Peter, that satan wants to sift him as wheat. This means that satan’s goal is to ultimately destroy our lives.  This is done through the process of taking or stealing from us which eventually results in a destruction.  So, what can you do to prevent the enemy from stealing what you possess?  The answer lies in your relationship with Christ.

In John 10, Jesus mentions that He is the “Good Shepherd” and that He protects His sheep.  If you are in your sin, and you have not chosen Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are open to being ravaged by the enemy. You don’t have the adequate protection which is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our world is in chaos because many have chosen to openly rebel against God, leaving them in a state of vulnerability. However, a life that is found in Christ is one that is not only saved from Hell but saved from what the enemy seeks to do in our lives on Earth.

Secondly, once you have received Christ, you must maintain an active lifestyle that is surrendered unto God daily. Even those of us who are in Christ, we must do as 1 Peter 5:8 says, which is to “be sober.” This means that we shouldn’t be distracted with the lies of the world and our own devices. Rather, we are to be in prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word. Consecration means to be separated unto God through the process of sanctification. To be sanctified means to be set apart for God’s use, and to live in Holiness.  It is also important to have accountability partners who are in the faith. They provide encouragement and can pray for you during times of weakness.

The whole point is to understand that satan desires to steal from you and to destroy you. Satan does not care about you as the individual, but he cares about the impact that you can make for God’s Kingdom.  Ultimately, he wants to deface and destroy God’s creation as a way to tear down God’s Kingdom. Daily he is seeking whom he may devour, and he does so by stealing from us. However, when we choose to surrender our lives unto God, the theft is buffered by a God who protects us.

If you don’t know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, you cannot experience the protection that God offers.  Various addictions and self-destructive behavior are a result of a life that is in need of a savior. You cannot save yourself, but you need a savior.  Jesus Christ is the one who can save you from destruction.  Lay down your pride, your devices, and seek Jesus Christ for forgiveness.  In doing so, satan will no longer have the same ability to steal the valuable items that God has deposited into you.

Who Will Stand for God In the Last Days?

06 Monday Jul 2015

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Take a moment to use your imagination and ponder the following circumstance:

You have decided to enter into your country’s military to serve in active warfare against a formidable foe. The enemy who you are battling against has declared war on your country and everything that it stands for.  As a citizen, you recognize that you have a personal obligation to stand and fight this foe. So, you join the campaign to stand against the enemy.  Realizing that casualties are occurring and that you are in danger of losing everything, you are determined to battle against the enemy. Regardless of the threats or the actual deaths that you see, you fight because you know what the cause is for. Even when many around you fall and it seems that the enemy is winning the war, you fight. The call of duty is a call that you have answered despite the challenges or the climate of the war.

In reality, all of humanity is involved in a war.  The war that we all participate in is one that isn’t against human flesh but against the principalities and rulers of darkness according to Ephesians 6:12. Whether you are fighting on the side of God and His righteousness, or you have given into the shameful lusts and sins of the world, you are in a battle.  However, the side that will always win and defy the odds, is the side that is affiliated with Jesus Christ.

In a well-known passage of Matthew 24, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the signs of the end times.  Throughout this chapter, signs include much of what we are seeing today, (e.g. Earthquakes, wars, pestilences, an increase in sinfulness). However, Jesus makes an important statement that ties into the current structure of our society:

After Jesus mentions the beginning signs of the end of days He says in verses 9-13:

(NIV) “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” 

The first thing to examine in this scripture is the increase in persecution concerning Christians. While historically, Christians have been persecuted for centuries, it is the rapid escalation of persecution that will occur just before Jesus Christ returns. If you look at our society today, Christians are being persecuted around the world much more than in times past. There will come a day (even in America) in which Christians will experience persecution for not capitulating with the order of society. Notice what Jesus says in verse 10 when He says that “many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.” 

Various studies and trends are actually pointing to a growing majority that are no longer identifying with the Christian faith.  It isn’t just the fact that many are no longer attending church services.  The projection is that many are deciding not to affiliate with Jesus Christ and God.  Basically, many are now adopting the secular humanist mindset and forsaking the things of God altogether.  This is the very thing that Jesus said would happen in the last days, and it is happening now.  We are experiencing the “Great falling away” as 2 Thessalonians 2:3 mentions. The time of rampant wickedness is the time that we are living in.

If you look further in Matthew 9-13, you will see the words, “false prophets.” This is meant to denote those who speak against God’s truth and entice those who are willing to listen, to believe the lies that satan has put forth. Looking at the constant push for the acceptance of homosexuality and even the transgender lifestyle, many in our world are falling for the lies that satan is pushing. Now, there are many who are seeking to indoctrinate young children to believe that it is perfectly normal for two individuals of the same sex to get married. Even children are now being taught that you can change the gender you were born as.  Essentially, what satan is doing is actively pursuing young children, because he knows that they will perpetuate the next generations. If he is successful in distorting God’s order, then the next generations will reap chaos and confusion.

As Jesus said, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” which is what is happening in our world today.  Regardless of what sins are approved of, anything that goes against God’s decrees and His design will always bring with it negative consequences.  However, Jesus offers an encouraging statement in the latter part of verse 13 which says, “but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”  

This is meant to be for those who have decided to follow after God by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Even if our world continues to decay and the effects of sin worsen, those who are willing to take a stand for God will be saved. However, Jesus offers more hope in verse 22 when He says, (NLT) “In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.” 

What Jesus is alluding to is the entire theme of Matthew 24, which is that the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ is imminent.  Verse 22 only confirms that time continues to shorten, so that those who are chosen of God and will choose Him in the pardon of their sins, will be able to survive.  Think about it in this context – if violence and various types of tragedies continued without an end, then humanity would always suffer in anguish.  At some point, God promises to put an end to all of the chaos, by setting up His Kingdom on the Earth. Of course, those who choose to reject Him both now and in the future, will be addressed justly – however, the end of the world as we know it must happen, but only in God’s timing.

The main point that we should take away from this message is that only those who are willing to stand will be saved in the end.  Our world is constantly pushing sinfulness and conformity to every image that is against God’s design. Many have decided not to take a stand but to remain silent due to fearfulness, and not wanting to be marginalized by society.  Jesus Christ did not die so that you and I would perish, but He died and rose again so that you and I could experience eternal life.  That is something that is worth standing for.

Regardless of what the media and even those in your life may try to suggest is “acceptable” and the “right way to live”, God’s truth does not change.  His truths are immutable and they are concrete. The world sinks lower and lower into chaos, because of humanity’s insistence on rebellion against God. However, those who are willing to take a stand will be saved and will receive the reward of everlasting life.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?  If not, you have an opportunity to receive Him in the pardon of your sins.  Our world will not get better but worse. Instead of wondering how you can get through our social and even economic climate on your own, the one and True God is there and He is willing to help you. For those of us who are in Christ, stand firm in the faith and stand up for God’s righteousness.  Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice for all, and by rejecting the sinfulness of our world and speaking up, we are proving that Christ’s sacrifice was not in vain.  So, like a soldier who fights in a war, stand and fight the good fight of faith.

The Light of Jesus Christ in a Dark World

03 Friday Jul 2015

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ID-10028643Have you ever experienced a power outage in your home or place of employment? If you have, you would have realized that the darkness and the lack of electricity was the result of the power outage. So, it is natural that one’s first instinct is to find a source of light. Whether it be a flashlight or a candle, the goal is to eliminate the darkness so that you can see in the midst of the circumstances. Having a source of light allows you to maintain some sense of normalcy and the ability to move freely without stumbling.

In this world that we live in, there are plenty of examples that we can point to which show the darkness that surrounds us daily. Various forms of sin have now become acceptable and practiced openly. World leaders also exhibit levels of corruption and a lack of restraint which causes their citizenry to shrink back in fear over governmental oppression and poor leadership. Violence and tragedies seem to be an unfortunate part of our world culture.  If one were solely focused on the daily and nightly news reports, then it would seem that darkness reigns over humanity.

However, darkness has an enemy, and that is anything that emits or radiates light. In John 8:12, Jesus says the following:

(NIV) “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 

At the beginning of John Chapter 8, we see Jesus being challenged by Pharisees. In verses 1-11 of this chapter, a woman who committed adultery was brought to Jesus by the Pharisees.  The Pharisees attempted to use the Mosaic law (The law established during the time of Moses) to condemn the woman to death by stoning.  However, Jesus instead does not condemn this woman, but tells her to go on her way, and not to sin again.  This, of course, infuriated the Pharisees, but Jesus responded with what He said in verse 12, which is that He is the light of the world. What did Jesus mean by that statement?

If you look at Jesus Christ, He is the son of the living God.  He is also God in the flesh according to Colossians 2:9 which says, (NLT) “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.” So, this means that because Jesus is indeed God in the flesh, He also contains the very power and majesty that God does.  This can be translated to mean that God’s ability to enlighten all men unto His truth is in the very essence of Jesus Christ. So, when Jesus says that He is the light of the world, He is saying that He is the pathway out of darkness and that He gives direction.

In that same verse, Jesus says that whoever follows Him, will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.  The great thing about God is, that He always gives humanity an opportunity to be free from sin and the darkness that we are surrounded by. It is because of humanity’s sinfulness and disobedience, that darkness looms over the world.  However, when we are in Christ and we follow Him, we are no longer blind or in darkness.  Instead, we are able to see through the darkness so that we have an uninhibited pathway.

So this means, that because Jesus is the light of the world, then we ourselves are also to carry His light into a dark and dying world. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says, (NIV) “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” If we choose to accept Christ’s sacrifice and to follow Him, then we are automatically agents of light in any dark place. That is because, upon salvation and spiritual development through prayer, worship and the reading of God’s word, we begin to gain the attributes of Christ.

It is important to also examine the terms, “darkness” and “light”.  Why does Christ use these two terms?  What do they represent? Starting with the term, “light”, it symbolizes the very deity and holiness of God which also includes Jesus Christ.  John 1 says the following:

(NIV) John 1: 1-5:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Who is “the Word”?  The Word is actually Jesus Christ.  This scripture says that in Him or in God, was life and that life was the light of all mankind.  What the Apostle John is saying here, is that in Christ, there is life because the life that is in Jesus Christ, is also in God Himself since Jesus is God in the flesh.  So, the term light is meant to show forth life, and an illumination of God’s glory which one would not otherwise see in darkness or in sin. As this scripture also says, it is the light that shines in the darkness which means the glory of God that pierces anything that is considered to be “darkness”.

In addition to understanding the term, “light” we must understand what the term “darkness” means.  What is “darkness”? In Ephesians 5:8 it says, (NIV) “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” In this chapter, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church of Ephesus. He mentions in verses 3-5, various sins that Christians should not find themselves engaging in.  Paul’s mission is to give admonishment to those in Ephesus to walk in love but to also walk in the ways of God.

Essentially, darkness means two things:

1. Sinfulness – To walk in darkness is to walk in sin. The sins that Paul encourages us not to participate in are, obscene talking, sexual immorality, any kind of impurity, greed, or coarse joking.  Walking in darkness is to walk in an opposed view of what God expects of His people, which is that of holiness and separation.

2. Ignorance or blindness – Think of this as spiritual blindness.  When one is in their sin, they are not aware of the damage that it does, nor do they understand the eternal implications.  So, to be in darkness is the same as being in a position of unawareness.

The whole point of God sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins, was so that humanity could be enlightened and changed.  The reason why there are so many instances of darkness and examples of bad behavior in our world, is because those who are in their sin have not accepted Christ. Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?  If not, you have an opportunity to be shown the pathway unto life.  If you are in darkness, you are open to the consequences of your sin.  However, Jesus came to shed a light to your dark path.

The thing about light and darkness is, they cannot co-exist.  Jesus Christ shines the light for you and I, so that we can see the way that we ought to live. All of us who are Christians, we are to be the light of Christ to a dark and dying world. This is so others can see the beauty of God, and receive salvation. The light of the world is Jesus Christ. Take the time to accept His gift of salvation.

Restoration from Your Past – God Can Use You Despite What You’ve Done

01 Wednesday Jul 2015

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Technology has given humanity many opportunities to enhance life from the perspective of convenience and even scientific advancement.  Despite the negative qualities that technology use has caused, there are still benefits to using the technology that is available to us. For example, film preservation or film restoration allows for the process of old films to be restored to a visible and increased quality. Film preservation, in essence, is the ability to rescue decaying film stock or film strips, and to preserve the images that are within the film stock. In doing so, the film is able to be used despite any damage or decay that was caused by the amount of time that the film existed.  So, this process preserves and restores the film from its original image that perhaps lost quality due to time.

When you look at your life, have you ever felt as if you did something so horrible, that you could not be forgiven?  Have you ever thought to yourself that your past disqualifies you from achieving success or being seen for anything other than your past? The great news is that God sees you differently than you see yourself.  Just like the process of film preservation, God is able to preserve and even restore your life from your past sins and mistakes.

One Biblical example is that of the Apostle Paul.  He is one of the most known individuals within the Bible, because of his past in how he persecuted the church – in addition to being the writer of most of the books in the New Testament.  The Apostle Paul had a history of killing Christians before he experienced his conversion through Jesus Christ.

In Acts 7:58, the Apostle Paul whose original name was “Saul” is shown in the scripture for the first time.  In Acts Chapter 7, you will see that the first Christian martyr is stoned to death in front of the Sanhedrin Council. At that time, the Sanhedrin Council was the Supreme Court that ruled in ancient Israel.  Stephen who was the first Christian martyr was stoned for preaching about Jesus Christ, in which “Saul” was one of the main antagonists to the Christian church.

In Acts 8:1, it says that Saul approved of Stephen’s death. However, the reign of terror that Saul inflicted is further noted in this chapter:

Acts 8: 1-3:

(NIV) “And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.”

So, Saul who later is converted to the Apostle Paul as he became known as began to destroy the church and persecuted many Christians.  It was Saul’s belief that he was doing the work of the Lord, but he did not realize that he was actually a detriment to society and to the Christian faith at that time.  However, God had an alternate plan for Saul.

In Acts 9, the conversion of Saul into who he would later become is recorded:

Acts 9:1-6:

(NIV) “Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

The latter part of verse 19 into verse 21 shows the actual change that Paul exhibited:

(NIV) “Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”

To make a quick side note, Saul’s name being changed to Paul was strictly based on his Jewish and Roman heritage.  Saul was his original name because he was born to a Roman Father. This meant that he was able to hold Roman citizenship, however, he was also a Jew. This meant that he also had a Latin name, which was “Paul”. Later after he was converted into Christianity, Saul began to use the name “Paul”, because after his conversion it was more advantageous for him to use Paul rather than Saul in order to preach unto the Gentiles.

As you can see in the scripture above, Paul’s conversion from a Christian killer to an ambassador for Jesus Christ was quite striking in contrast.  God used Paul mightily throughout the rest of his life, which also resulted in him writing most of the New Testament.  Yet, just as Paul was converted from his old lifestyle, God can do the same for you and I.

Regardless of your past God can use you to do great things in His Kingdom. He can also take the broken places in your life, and mend them to become straight again.  It is God’s love for humanity that creates an opportunity for us to know Him in His majesty, but it is up to us to take that step.

You may feel that what you have done and who you were in your past, somehow disqualifies you from being loved by God.  However, God’s love surpasses the sins that you have committed.  As John 3:16 says, God so loved the world  that He gave His one and only Son Jesus, to die for the world’s sins.  That is a testament to His love for you and I. Even if you have done something so detestable, God sees you as someone that He not only wants to save through Christ’s sacrifice but to also use in His Kingdom.

There were many examples of individuals in the Bible who were used to do great things. Some like Paul had checkered pasts, however, they were given opportunities to receive salvation and to be used in God’s Kingdom.  How much of an honor would it be, to serve the creator of the universe while knowing that you were not perfect?  God doesn’t expect you and I to be perfect, but He wants us to come to the knowledge of who He is.

God can restore you through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. Regardless of what you did or what you are currently doing, God is able to redeem you from your past or present sin.  Just as Paul was given an opportunity to receive salvation and to be used, you too have an opportunity to be changed through Jesus Christ.  If you are carrying guilt because of what you did, then you are living in bondage to your past.  1 Peter 5:7 says, (NIV) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” God is the one who is able to bear the burden that we carry.

All of us have burdens that we carry in our day to day walk.  However, by allowing God to restore you from your past, and to carry your burden you are able to be free.  Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sin?  If not, then you have a grand opportunity to seek salvation through Christ’s sacrifice.  God can use you for His Kingdom despite the mistakes you have made.  It is up to you to seek the Lord for healing and restoration.