Tag Archives: Obedience

The Christian Response to the World

12 Sunday Jun 2016

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

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Emergency Responders (also known as EMTs or paramedics) serve the purpose of responding to life-threatening circumstances. Daily throughout the world there are thousands of EMTs who risk their lives in order to save the lives of those who are in dire need. It is the job of a paramedic to deliver swift assistance despite any obstacles that may interrupt their mission.

Every paramedic that takes their job seriously understands the stakes involved in each assignment. It is critical for them to make it to their destination in a timely manner to avoid the death of a patient. There is, of course, no guarantee that said patient will survive the trip to the hospital, but it is the response and the understanding of the paramedic that creates an increased chance for survival. It is the duty of each responder to utilize their skill sets in addition to making the proper judgment call concerning a patient.

Today in our world, the subject of Christianity or being a Christian has taken on a different meaning than it has in years past. For example, according to a recent article published by CBN News, many Christians within the United States now feel threatened by those who are non-Christians. Essentially, the tide has turned towards marginalization against Christians worldwide.

While persecution against Christians isn’t a new concept, the increase in the negative pressures against Christ-followers has grown tremendously. However, even with the various threats and staunch opposition against Christians, there is still a response that every Christian should have toward the world. What is the Christian response to the world? Here are a few considerations:

Showing forth the Love of Jesus Christ – Often times, Christians are painted as hypocritical and extremely judgmental. However, the Christian’s response should be one of love towards those who are not in Christ. This does not mean that the truth should not be given to those who reject God. Ephesians 4:15 says that Christians are to speak the truth in love. Many see speaking God’s truth as being judgmental or harsh. This isn’t the accurate way to view the Christian’s response. Speaking the truth in love means to give each person who does not know Jesus Christ, an opportunity to hear the Good News. This means, sharing forth both the penalty that comes with sin (spiritual death and eternal damnation in Hell) and also the redemptive work of Jesus Christ which involves coming into the saving grace of God. We must love those who are in their sin without compromising the truth of God’s Word.

1 John 4:8 says,

(NKJV) “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

Since God is love, then the Christian’s response to the world should be one of love because we who are in Christ are connected to God’s love because He is love. Loving those in the world means that we treat each person with kindness and showing forth a steady disposition of who God is through our conduct towards others. Galatians 6:10 says that we are to do good unto all men. We can only treat those in the world with love if we are abiding in Christ.

Standing for God’s Truth – In the current social climate, there are many examples of those who claim to be Christian and yet they have actively compromised what God’s Word says just to avoid ridicule from the world. The Bible makes it clear that we as Christians are to stand for God’s truth regardless of the cost.

1 Corinthians 16:13 says,

(NLT) “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.”

To stand for God’s truth is to be unwavering in what God’s Word says. If God has stated in His Word that something such as lying, homosexuality, murder, stealing, and fornication is a sin, then regardless of what the world says, it is still a sin. The truth of God cannot be changed and Christians should not compromise just to appease the masses. To do so is to give in to false doctrine or Satan’s deception. The Apostle Paul gives Christians a mandate in Ephesians 4:14:

(NKJV) “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,”

Paul is essentially saying that the Christian must be spiritually mature so that we are not subdued or deceived by every doctrine or belief that appears before us. Just because the world has approved of “same-sex marriage” or attempting to redefine gender norms doesn’t mean that Christians are to agree with such standards. Our standard is none other than God’s Word because He has established the order that humans are to follow through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The response of a Christian is to stand firm in the faith and remain in a solid position against Satan’s attempt to delude and confuse.

Surrendering our lives unto God – One of the key differences between the world and the Christian is that of a life of submission unto God. Those in the world submit to their fleshly desires which comes from the adherence to Satan’s influence. However, the Christian response to the world is to live in submission unto God because of our love for Him. Jesus said in John 14:15, (ESV) “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Obedience is the way that a Christian ought to live. This means that if God impresses upon your heart to share the Gospel with someone who is lost, then it is your duty to be obedient in that moment. Daily, our lives are to be under the authority of God by the words that we say, the things that we do, and the associations that we have in our lives. The world operates in recklessness because those without Christ are outside of the boundaries of restraint which comes from the Holy Spirit and His influence. A life that is yielded unto God is a life that will reap the benefit of a fruitful existence.

Separation from the world – The Bible makes it clear that the Christian is to be separated from the world. The Apostle Paul says it this way in 2 Corinthians 6 verses 14-18:

(ESV) “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said: I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

Essentially, Paul is saying that Christians are not to form partnerships with those in darkness. Light and darkness cannot exist in the same vicinity. One has to overpower the other, which means that the two are altogether different. The deception of the world offers a merger between Christians and those who are not. However, Paul says that there must be a separation between those in darkness and those in the light of Christ. So, we as Christians are to live separated from the ways of this world and not to adopt what the world has approved of.

At the end of it all, Christians are meant to show forth God’s Spirit here on Earth. It is our duty to respond to the world with love, God’s truth, submission unto God, and separation from a sinful lifestyle. Just as an EMT responds to emergency situations, our job is the same. The world needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must proclaim Gods truth and do so without changing the message of hope or failing to make a plea for those to come out of their sin.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your savior? God desires that you know Him in a relationship with Him through Christ. Accept this gift of life by believing that Jesus died on the cross and rose again. Turn from your sin and follow Jesus Christ to a destiny of life in abundance.

The Battle for Your Mind

20 Friday May 2016

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

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ID-10034140The mind is a major part of the human body. While other body parts such as the legs, arms, eyes, and even ears serve an important purpose to our well-being, it is the mind that controls the body as a whole. Our movements are tied to the signals that are sent directly from the brain. Essentially, the brain sends messages throughout the body through what are called “neurons.”

Neurons are nerve cells that transmit nerve pulses in response to the brain’s directions. This is done through the nervous system. The brain’s responsibility is to send signals through each neuron which carries out the instructions to a specific body part. The end result is that of a body part that moves based on the brain’s original signal. Without brain functionality, the body itself would cease to exist because the body cannot receive proper instruction unless signals from the brain are transmitted without interference.

Spiritually speaking, all of us are engaged in a battle over our mind. On one hand, the Almighty God desires to reign and have spiritual control over our mind. On the other hand, Satan desires to corrupt our mind so that we follow him in rebellion and in sin. There is no in between as it relates to God or Satan. However, it is better for every human being to have the mind of Christ just as the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians chapter 2 and verse 16.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 2, in verses 6-16, the Apostle Paul talks about spiritual wisdom and the revelation that comes from knowing God through the Holy Spirit. Paul says in verses 6-8:

(NKJV) “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

The Apostle Paul is speaking to the Corinthians at the church of Corinth in this chapter. In this part of chapter 2, Paul says that he and those who were working with him in the ministry (e.g. Apollos) were speaking wisdom to those who were mature. In this case, Paul was talking about those who were spiritually mature in Christ. The wisdom that Paul says he was speaking with was that of God’s wisdom and not of the world’s wisdom.

Verse 9:

(NKJV) “But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Paul continues in verse 10 by saying that God has revealed those things to us through His Spirit. “Those things” that Paul mentions are the deep things of God, which are only the spiritual aspects that can be found when you have a relationship with God. Basically, it is through the Holy Spirit and the presence of God that we as humans are able to discern and understand the things of the Spirit. Paul goes on in verse 12 to make a distinction between the Spirit of God and the spirit of the world:

(NKJV) “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”

Going back to the analogy of the brain, our body operates based on the instructions sent from the brain. It is what we know within our brain that enables our body to function. The same works in a spiritual sense. By knowing God through Jesus Christ, and operating in the Holy Spirit, our lives begin to be transformed into the image of God.

However, conversely, if we are operating in sin and following Satan then our lives take on the very attributes that come with evil intentions and wickedness. Paul said in verse 12 to those who were in Christ that they did not receive the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God. In doing so, Paul said that they would know the things freely given by God.

Verse 14:

(NKJV) “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

If you look at the world around you today, much of our world has shown signs of chaos, confusion, and wicked behavior. The reason is because there are many who are living their lives outside of the will of God, which means that they are unable to accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. If you are in sin, then your are not readily able to see your wicked ways because, in order to be convicted of sinfulness, you must be influenced by the Holy Spirit.

Upon receiving Jesus Christ as your savior, the Holy Spirit then comes into your life and begins to manifest Himself by changing old habits and old mindsets. This is why Paul asks the question in verse 16, “For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?”

In other words, when you are following Jesus, and you are living under the influence of the Holy Spirit you will receive instructions from the Lord. In doing so, you are then enabled to be obedient unto God because then you have as Paul says in the latter part of verse 16, “the mind of Christ.”

What does it mean to have the mind of Christ? If you look at the life of Jesus, His life was one of submission unto God. In John 6:38, Jesus said that He came down from Heaven not to do His own will but the will of His Father who is God. The reason why that is important is because Jesus was obedient to the will of God. He gave up His own will at the instruction of God the Father.

Paul encourages Christians in Philippians 2:5 to let the mind of Christ be in us. Basically, to have the mind of Christ is to walk in obedience to God by being influenced and led by the Holy Spirit. It is a constant battle over our mind because God wants control so that He can instruct us in His ways so that we can fulfill the purpose He has given to us. As mentioned before, Satan also wants control. However, his goal is to corrupt our mind so that we may sow to the flesh which then leads to eternal destruction.

Having a life that is postured in surrender unto God through Christ is what leads to a transformed and renewed mind according to Romans 12:2. The reason why having a renewed mind through Christ is so important is because daily you and I are bombarded by this world system. Since Satan is the ruler of this world, he wants to impose his deception upon us.

Many have become deceived into thinking that sin does not exist, but rather it is something to be embraced. The reason why this deception occurs is because many do not have the mind of Christ that comes through the Holy Spirit. The remedy for sin and a corrupted mind is Jesus Christ. When you have a relationship with Christ, you begin to shed the mindset that Satan gives to you, and you take on a renewed disposition.

Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? If not, then you are operating out of a spirit that comes from Satan himself. He wants to destroy your soul and make your life one that lacks abundance. However, Jesus came, died on the cross and rose again so that you and I could know God through Jesus Christ. Allow Jesus to come into your heart, make Him Lord, and let Him change your mind through daily renewal.

Start 2016 by Committing Your Ways to the Lord

01 Friday Jan 2016

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2015 has now passed and it is in the book of history. Today is the beginning of a brand new year for all of us who were given an opportunity to see the turn of another season in life. This is a time in which many will start the year by establishing New Year’s resolutions. For some it may mean losing weight, becoming fiscally responsible, or it may mean accomplishing other personal goals that were not achieved in 2015.

However, in the midst of the busyness of this new year, it is important for all of us to understand that the best way to start and to finish each year is to commit our ways unto the Lord. This is a message for both the Christian and the non-Christian. For those of us who are in Christ, the Bible makes it clear throughout many scriptures that our focus should be to seek the Lord in all that we do. This, in turn, means that our lifestyle will be pleasing unto Him as we live and walk by the Holy Spirit.

For those of you who are not in Christ, this is an open invitation for you to be redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ by simply believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord. It also means that you must repent of your sins which begins the process of transforming your life from condemnation to redemption. The key is understanding that without Christ, your life is destined for destruction. However, Jesus died so that you would have life and have it abundantly.

The scripture that we should all focus on for daily guidance is that of Proverbs 16:3 which says:

(NLT) “Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.”

There are many who will have their own plans and goals for the new year, but the writer who is King Solomon encourages the reader to commit their ways or actions to the Lord. Why does King Solomon admonish us to do this? As the second part of verse 3 says, your plans will succeed.

The world often defines success based on monetary gain or even having material wealth. While there is nothing inherently wrong with having wealth, that does not define success in the eyes of God. What God is concerned with is whether or not you and I have surrendered our lives unto Him. Solomon says to commit your works or actions to the Lord.

By committing your actions to the Lord, you are first acknowledging God as Lord. This means He has free reign in your life. Many in our world today have forsaken God and traded in obedience for an aversion to secular humanism which is rooted in pride. By nature, we are prideful because of being born into sin.

However, the opposite of pride is humility which means to place yourself in a position where you are no longer in control. In this case, to be humbled under the hand of God is to admit that you need Him to succeed in this life. It also means that you are willing to act in submission unto God by choosing His ways over your own ways.

To commit your actions unto the Lord is to also reject sin regardless of the form it comes in. When you and I are in sin, we are operating in rebellion against God which means we are unable to commit our ways unto the Lord. However, repenting and turning away from your sin, you are then able to experience the fullness of God and everything that He has planned for you.

Proverbs 3:6 says:

(ESV) “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

What God desires from each of us is submission and acknowledgement. However, to do so, a choice must be made. In this coming year and every single day, there will be challenges as well as personal victories. Throughout our lives, God wants to have dominion so that He can show us the path that we should take. Having goals that you desire to accomplish is admirable.

At the same time, our goals should be aligned with God’s will so that He can direct us as we journey through life. 2015 was a year in which our world witnessed many tragedies at the hands of terrorists and criminals. It was a year that showed the very evil that satan represents. However, the safest place that anyone can be is in God through Jesus Christ.

The fact is that 2016 may very well show forth more violence and evil because according to Matthew chapter 24, we are living, in the End Times. Such things that include Earthquakes, violence, wars and rumors of wars must take place. Prophetically, the issues we see in our world must occur for Jesus Christ to return for His church.

However, it is the person whose life is anchored in Christ and who has decided to commit their actions unto the Lord who will benefit. God desires to know you and me through Jesus Christ. It is up to you to decide whether or not you will surrender your life. Surrender is never easy because it involves the destruction of your pride.

Today is the 1st day of 2016 which means all of us have an opportunity to start at the beginning. However, will you choose to do so without the guidance of God? In such dangerous times, no one can afford to live without Jesus Christ. To do so is taking a chance and that chance will ultimately lead to destruction.

Let your new year start off with Jesus at the center of your life. New Year’s resolutions come and go, however, a life that starts each year and each day with God at the helm is a life that is destined for success. You don’t have to live each day without the presence and guidance of God. Jesus died on the cross to save the world, which means the invitation is open to whoever desires.

Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? Don’t  enter  this new year without accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Our world continues to erode both morally and spiritually, however, the answer to the woes of this world is Jesus Christ. Let your life be committed to God which will always result in success. May 2016 not only be a happy new year but also a new year that involves submission and commitment to God and His will for your life.

Knowing God’s Will for Your Life

02 Monday Nov 2015

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ID-100268904When traveling on a freeway or even a residential road, you will at some point see a sign that points you into the direction that you want to go. With each moment of travel there is always a destination, however, it involves making a turn that will put you closer or perhaps further away from where you intend to go. For example, it is easy to miscalculate by turning too soon, or by not turning soon enough.

As a result, you may end up lost or further behind in reaching your destination. There are also moments in which we think that we can get to our ending point in our own way, but it may turn out to be a path that creates a loss in productivity and time. Spiritually speaking, we can travel in a direction that is planned by God, or we can travel in our own direction.

If you and I travel in our own direction, it will always lead us astray and we are then no longer in God’s will. How do we know what God’s will is for our lives? A great example of this can be found in the book of Genesis. Chapter 15 is where the Lord gives Abraham a promise which is that Abraham would be the Father of many nations.

It was promised in verses 4-5 of chapter 15. Abraham (whose name was originally Abram) is one of the great Biblical Patriarchs who God would use in order to establish the line that Jesus Christ would later come through. However, in the first portion of chapter 15, God says the following to Abraham:

Verses 1-3:

(NLV) “After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a special dream, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your safe place. Your reward will be very great.” Then Abram said, “O Lord God, what will You give me? For I have no child. And the one who is to receive what belongs to me is Eliezer of Damascus.” Abram said, “Because You have not given me a child, one born in my house will be given all I have.””

It is clear in these verses, that Abraham’s concern or desire was to have a child at some point. Abraham also states that all of his belongings would be given to Eliezer who was already within Abraham’s house. Eliezer was a relative of Abraham.This meant that by default, Eliezer would be granted an inheritance despite the fact that he is not Abraham’s biological son.

God then makes a promise to Abraham in verses 4-6:

Verses 4-6:

(NLV) “Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This man will not be given what is yours. But he who will come from your own body will be given what is yours.” He took him outside and said, “Now look up into the heavens and add up the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then He said to him, “Your children and your children’s children will be as many as the stars.” Then Abram believed in the Lord, and that made him right with God.”

Essentially, it was God’s will that Abraham have offspring because God had promised it. In verse 6 it says that Abraham then believed what God had told him, and it put him in the correct standing with God. The principle to be gained from verse 6 is that when we hear what God has promised us, and we accept it as His will for our life, then we are in the right position to be blessed by God.

However, we will see later in the book of Genesis that there is a scheme to circumvent God’s original plan for a child. In chapter 16, Abraham laments the position that he is in as it relates to not having an heir. In this chapter, Sarah, Abraham’s wife (whose original name was Sarai) is introduced in verse 1.

It is because of Abraham’s lack of an heir and the fact that Sarah had not borne a child that Sarah decided to come up with her own plan. Chapter 16 indicates that Sarah decided that it would be best for her maid or servant Hagar to bear the child that Abraham and Sarah desired.

Abraham agrees with Sarah, and eventually Hagar gives birth to a child who is named ‘Ishmael.’ Once again, it wasn’t God’s will for Abraham to have an heir through anyone else but his wife Sarah. If you look at chapter 17 in verse 16, God specifically says that a child will be born from Sarah’s womb. However, Abraham hearing God’s promise that he and Sarah would bear a son laughs to himself. Notice the exchange between Abraham and God in verses 17-19:

(NLV) “Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed. He said to himself, “Will a child be born to a man who is 100 years old? Then Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live before You!” But God said, “No, but your wife Sarah will give birth to your son. And you will give him the name Isaac. I will make My agreement with him and for his children after him, an agreement that will last forever. “

The point to be made is that God’s will is not only perfect, but His will can be known if we are truly seeking to please Him. The problem with Abraham and Sarah is that they did not align themselves with God’s will. In their case, it was due to unbelief that God had the supernatural power to grant them a son even as they were both approaching the age of 100.

You and I can understand God’s will for our life by listening to God for His will and His direction. This is what Abraham and Sarah failed to do. While they both heard what God had promised, neither were willing to surrender or adhere to God’s proclamation. Thus, it caused a setback for Sarah and Abraham because they lost time in the process of attempting to solve the problem on their own.

When you desire to know God’s will for your life, you must be willing to obey His commands, which means that you are willing to follow. Regardless of how strange or erroneous God’s will may sound to you, it is imperative to take His word over your own desires. When you do so, you will find that the outcome of your obedience is fruitful and time will not be wasted.

Secondly, you can know God’s will by hearing the voice of others in your life who are operating out of godly wisdom. God will often use others to confirm what His will is for your life. Even in the Bible, there were instances in which an Angel sent from God would deliver a message to a specific individual. Usually, the message concerned the person’s destiny or proclamation that God had spoken over their life. So, there will be times in which God will give prophetic words through someone else, and they may be unlikely.

A final way that we can understand God’s will is through God’s peace. There is peace that surpasses all understanding when we are in His will. Whenever you are doing something outside of God’s will there is conflict. One example in the passage concerning Sarah and Abraham involves Hagar. In verse 4 of chapter 16, the Bible says that when Hagar saw that she was pregnant with Abraham’s child, she began to hate Sarah.

Hagar was Sarah’s servant, but as a result of Hagar’s hatred, Sarah began to defend herself by creating difficult interactions with Hagar. As a result, Hagar eventually left Sarah. The fact is that Sarah and Abraham’s decision created turmoil which meant there was a lack of peace. This was despite the belief that having a child outside of God’s will would solve the problem. So, it is important for those of us who are following Christ, to recognize the peace that comes from being in God’s will but to also recognize potential chaos that occurs when we do anything apart from God.

Overall, we who are in Christ must be willing to seek the Lord and obey His commands so that we are in His will. When we are insistent upon our own way, then the result is usually negative. The lesson that we can take from Sarah and Abraham is to take God at His word and to allow Him to lead us to the appropriate destination.

For those of you who are not in Christ, you are unable to discern what God’s will is for your life. Perhaps you have your own plan and design that you believe to be the best way to live. The unfortunate part is that any plan that you have outside of God’s will does not and will not lead to success. Success defined in Christ is a life that is lead by the Holy Spirit, which means that you are able to live freely under God and have a life filled with joy.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, today is the day to surrender to Christ. Believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross, and accept Jesus as your Lord, and repent of your sins. In doing so, you will gain the first step to knowing what God’s will is for your life.

When God Gives You a Warning (Part 2) – Consequences of Ignoring a Warning

28 Wednesday Oct 2015

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If you have ever taken the moment to conduct self-reflection, you may have pondered the many aspects of your life that involved a bad decision and its outcome. Perhaps someone warned you not to do or even say something that would ultimately be to your detriment. In haste and blatant defiance, you do the very opposite of what someone suggested that you don’t.

During your period of reflection, you may feel a sense of regret over your life’s choices. All of us can attest to a time in which we were warned not to do something and yet, in our own pride we bypassed a word of wisdom and reason. The consequences of doing so usually meant an unpleasant experience or even a negative impact relating to your life as a whole.

The fact is that when we are warned of a matter and we ignore a heed to avoid a calamity, there will always be a negative consequence. Some believe that by taking a risk and sticking to what is believed to be the best route, that nothing bad will happen. However, more often than not, the decision to ignore a warning results in the reception of a calamity.

In the book of Jeremiah chapter 25, we can see that the prophet Jeremiah is once again speaking to the people of Judah. As mentioned in the previous blog post, Jeremiah along with other prophets had been tasked with telling the nation of Judah to repent and turn from their sinful ways. As the scripture says in verse 4, the prophets who were assigned to relay God’s message, did so over and over again.

In verses 4-6, Jeremiah tells the people of Judah that they have essentially ignored the many messages that were given by the prophets. However, the consequences of such ignorance is displayed in the next few verses of chapter 25.

Verses 7-9:

(NLT) ““But you would not listen to me,” says the Lord. “You made me furious by worshiping idols you made with your own hands, bringing on yourselves all the disasters you now suffer. And now the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Because you have not listened to me, I will gather together all the armies of the north under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, whom I have appointed as my deputy. I will bring them all against this land and its people and against the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy you and make you an object of horror and contempt and a ruin forever.”

In the above verses, God’s message to the people of Judah is clear in that, because of their disobedience, their land would be utterly destroyed. The people of Judah had committed many forms of idolatry in addition to living in rebellion. Essentially, the fate that the nation of Judah suffered was that of destruction at the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar’s military which later resulted in the people of Judah being held captive by the Babylonians for 70 years according to verse 11.

The point is that, the people of Judah not only ignored the many warnings that God had given, but they eventually experienced negative repercussions as a result of it. Whenever God sends a person to warn or relay His message, those who do not obey will always suffer from negative consequences.

This is why our global society is constantly in a state of confusion and degradation. It is because of the rebelliousness and sinful ways of humanity that our world groans. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again so that we could be saved from condemnation. In addition to this, God has a standard of Holy living which is predicated upon our obedience unto Him.

When we are obedient and we choose to reject our sinful nature, we are then in the safety of God’s parameters. Satan does not want those who are in sin to understand that wickedness contributes to being in a place of vulnerability. When you are outside of the will of God, you are then open to anything that can and will happen. However, when your life is submitted unto God in obedience, you are no longer vulnerable but you are held in God’s safety.

To ignore a warning is not only unwise but it is allowing your human pride to lead the way to destruction. In our sinful nature, we are all prideful. Pride is what signifies self-sufficiency. It is the mentality that one knows best. Secular humanism does not give credence to God nor does it honor Him. Instead, the secular humanist believes that we as humans are our own god.

However, when a person adheres to this philosophy, the warnings that God gives to us daily are ignored and eventually it leads to a destructive end. Just like the people of Judah were held captive by the Babylonians and also destroyed, the world around us today is showing the same signs of destruction and captivity.

One example of captivity has to do with the growing issue of drug abuse. In America, and even around the world, there is a growing number of cases in which drugs are openly used and abused. Those who fall in that category are captive to the demonic force which satan has deployed. Despite all of the calls for strict drug laws and a reformation of our world system, the fact is that without God, we as humans are left in captivity.

As far as destruction is concerned, we can see the very element of our family structure being destroyed daily. It is because of the choice to embrace homosexuality and even ‘changing your gender’ that we are continuing to see a decline in God’s original order. Even heterosexual couples are seeing the negative effects of divorce for a myriad of reasons.

However, the key is that many warnings have been given over time for humanity to repent and turn back to God. Many prophets, evangelists, and pastors have given God’s Word to the masses for decades. Yet, many choose to ignore the Word of the Lord. With such ignorance, there are consequences. The violence and the eruption of chaos we see is directly tied to the rebellion and choice to ignore God’s warnings.

What is the solution to all of this? The solution is to adhere to God’s warnings by submitting yourself to Jesus Christ. If you don’t know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, God has made a way for you to escape His wrath. God wants to have fellowship with you through Christ, but it can only occur when you have accepted Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Then you must repent of your sins and turn from your wickedness.

For those of us who are in Christ, we must also be aware that we are not immune to God’s judgment. God desires that we too are obedient and heed His warnings. God loves humanity, because if He did not, then we would not be warned before a looming disaster. Those who are wise and those who are willing will accept God’s warning and turn to Him in repentance.

Day and Night – Recognizing the Difference Between the Two

24 Thursday Sep 2015

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DayNightAll of us have been blessed to have the gift of life. While not everyone will pass away at the same exact time period, the one thing we all have in common is that we each have 24 hours a day that God has given to us. In such a time period, there are at least two distinctions that we all use to determine how much time has passed. The first distinction is that of the ‘daytime.’ Daytime or daylight symbolizes light and even movement. To see the light of day is to experience illumination.

While the hour of morning generally begins at 12:00 am, daybreak is usually understood to take place when the sun begins to rise and darkness begins to recede. Thus, the end of the night is declared which means the beginning of the dawn. Then there is also of course the distinction of the ‘night time’ or ‘dusk.’ The night time period represents darkness and for many a time of rest or seclusion from the world. It is usually a time in which you are unable to see because of the darkness that surrounds you.

Spiritually speaking, there is also such a distinction between light and darkness. The Apostle Paul assists us in the illustration by using the phrases ‘children of the light’ and ‘children of the day.’ This reference can be found in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 in verse 5 in which he says the following:

(ESV) “For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness”

In chapter 5 of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica. He urges Christians in that church to be watchful for the Lord’s return. Paul does so in the manner of reminding those who are in Christ that they are not in darkness, but that we in Christ are children of the light or children of the day. Why does Paul use both of those phrases concerning Christians?

To be a child of the day or a child of the light, it means that there is a sense of illumination and even a distinction. Paul continues in that verse when he says that we are not of the night or the darkness. This is a declaration to those who are in Christ that there is a separation between those in Christ and those who are in sin. Children of the day are individuals who have allowed Jesus Christ to enlighten their spiritual eyes and their heart.

What are the characteristics of a person who is a child of the day? Here are a few considerations:

Godly Love – This is not meant to refer to love as the world casually uses this phrase, but it is meant to denote a love that only comes from God. The world suggests that love is based on a feeling or that it is conditional. However, love that comes from God is unconditional and it seeks to serve others.

Restraint and abstinence from sinful living – A person who is a child of the day will adhere to a lifestyle that is not one of living in sin. Contrary to much of the false doctrine, one who is truly in Christ will shun evil as Proverbs 14:16 says. We are living in a time in which one can claim Christianity or say that they know God, but yet their lifestyle does not line up with God’s demand for self-restraint and obedience unto His commands.

A person cannot be a child of the light or of the day and allow sin to be within their life. Our world today continues to impress the idea that you can believe in God and be ‘religious’ and yet accept sinful behavior and even the sinful behavior of others.

Allegiance to God instead of to what satan desires – Humanity has now embraced secular humanism and ‘global unity.’ However, we who are children of the day must reject satan’s ploy to unify those of us who are in Christ with the wickedness of the world. Our allegiance must be to God and God alone. Anything less than such a stance is to abide by the lawlessness and sinfulness that is presented to those in the faith.

Such characteristics or dispositions as noted above are just a few of the things that separate a person who is of the day and a person who is of the night. What are the characteristics of a person who is a child of the night or in darkness?

Unrepentant sin – If you look at the world around us, many have taken God’s truth and spiritual and even moral absolutes and made it into a complete lie. It is now acceptable to do ‘what you feel’ is the right thing and to accept a myriad of sins. Those who live in unrepentant sin are doing so because they are unable to accept the things of the Holy Spirit as 1 Corinthians 2:14 says. Their eyes have not been illuminated by Jesus Christ, which means sin is natural which means they are in darkness.

Confusion about what is true and what is a lie – Our world today has become entrenched in the delivery of various mixed messages that many are confused as to what is right and what is wrong. Even many who claim to be Christians have allowed the world to dictate what God has said and what God hasn’t said. It is the person who is a child of the night that cannot understand the truth of God because they adhere to false doctrine.

Rapid decay both spiritually and physically – If you are a child of the night or in darkness then your life will begin to exhibit a decline in many different ways. Outside of Jesus Christ a person’s life cannot be full of peace or safety because there is a staunch opposition to God who gives life in abundance. Various examples can be shown of what a life looks like when it is unattached from Jesus Christ. Many who commit suicide or even those who are caught in addiction are simply mirroring the symptoms of a broken life without Christ.

Just as there is an obvious delineation between day and night, spiritually there is a divide between light and darkness. What the world promotes is a merge between the two, however, if a person is truly in Christ then such a merger cannot take place because the world will not accept the things or the people of God as they are. To a sinner who chooses to reject God, anything that resembles His light cannot and will not be accepted.

The reason for this is because, where there is light the darkness begins to fade. That is how the life of every Christian should operate. Are you a child of the day or a child of the night? If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior then you are living in darkness. Jesus came and died so that you could be a child of the day. The world is rapidly changing for the worse, but there is hope in Jesus Christ. Accept His gift of life and allow God to show you His marvelous light.

The Cost of Being a True Disciple of Jesus Christ

03 Thursday Sep 2015

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Today, a woman by the name of Kim Davis has become a national news story for her open and unabashed defiance against same-sex marriage. In Rowan County Kentucky, Davis served as a court clerk in a Federal statehouse. As a part of her job, Davis was ordered to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, however, since the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in June, it is now legal for same-sex couples to be married. As a result of Davis’s defiance, she not only received public and private scrutiny but now she resides in prison.

Kim Davis was questioned by a same-sex couple who wanted to know the authority that Davis had to deny them a marriage license. Her response was that she was operating “Under God’s authority.” Davis made it clear from the very beginning that her stance was firmly rooted in her alignment with the commands and principles of God’s Word. However, as a result of her stance to comply with godly values, she was persecuted for the faith.

In the book of 1 Peter Chapter 3, the Apostle Peter touches on the subject of suffering for doing good. “Doing good” is meant to denote the active participation in seeking to exemplify a life of God’s righteousness. Verses 13-18 adequately explain what we as Christians should do and how we ought to approach persecution at the hands of unbelievers.

Verses 13-14:

(NLT) “Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.”

Peter makes it clear that when we who are in Christ suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ and His righteousness, we will be rewarded. There is a reward that God will give to every person who stands for His Holiness and His Word as they are persecuted by unbelievers.

Verses 15-17:

(NLT) “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!”

Verse 18:

(NLT) “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.”

In examining the above verses of 15-18, there are a few principles that we can extract for understanding what the cost is for being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

1. To be a disciple of Christ it will cost you your life – The Apostle Peter says “You must worship Christ as Lord of your life.” When you accept Christ as your Savior, you also accept Him as your Lord. This means that you are no longer operating under your own volition, but you have given your life unto God through Christ. To be a disciple is to give up your very life for the cause of Christ. Persecution against Christians isn’t a new phenomenon because it has occurred for centuries. However, even in our modern day, Christians are being persecuted for the faith.

There will be a day in America when those who are truly in Christ will experience persecution on the same scale that occurs overseas. While many are still under the false belief that America will always be a country of ‘religious freedom’ the fact is that we who are in Christ will be challenged. Just as Kim Davis was jailed for her stand against homosexuality, you and I who are in Christ may see the day that our belief in God and even the truth that we speak will be attacked. However, as disciples of Jesus Christ our lives will be given for the sake of Christ. This means literally and even in how we live daily.

2. Suffering comes with being a disciple of Christ – Peter says in this passage that suffering for doing what is right is better than suffering for doing what is wrong. The fact is that the element of suffering or persecution is a part of what it means to be a disciple. We live in an age in which many who claim Christianity are afraid to suffer nor do they want to. Instead, many have embraced various sins including homosexuality in order to appease the powers that be. However, doing so is to align yourself with wicked leadership which is akin to participating in sin itself.

Rather, God is calling each person who is truly serious about their relationship with Christ to follow Him and Him alone. Suffering is a consequence of standing against sinfulness because those who are in their sin are the very enemy of God because they are disobedient in what they say and do. Peter says that it is better to suffer for doing good than to suffer for doing what is wrong.

To suffer because of your sin is much worse because for one there isn’t a reward for suffering in sin. Only destruction and a life of a poor quality result from suffering in sin. To suffer in Christ is to reap a reward both here on Earth and in Heaven. God rewards those who suffer for Christ’s sake. Since we are in Christ, we too are to take on the same type of suffering that Jesus did which is to die to our flesh and to also experience persecution as He did.

3. The testimony of your life will show forth God’s glory – Peter says “Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.” The fact is that a person who is a disciple of Jesus Christ will exhibit a lifestyle that will bring glory to God. Peter says that those who persecute you will be ashamed when they see the good life that you live because you and I belong to Christ. How we live and what we say speaks volumes to the world around us. If you and I are willing to stand up for Christ and against the deception and attacks of the enemy then God’s glory will shine in our lives.

It isn’t enough to merely claim the title of “Christian.” Rather, our lives must show others who God is and what God’s love looks like. Some believe that Kim Davis’s defiance is an act of hate. Those who are blinded from God’s truth will believe the lies of the enemy. Her choice not to issue marriage licenses to gay couples was strictly based off of God’s Word and Her obedience to Him. In standing up for God’s truth, she is embodying what it means to truly be a disciple and to give everything for the sake of Christ. Kim’s boldness will hopefully spark a national and even international response from Christians everywhere not to give into satan’s agenda.

The truth of the matter is, persecution will come to the life of every believer who is truly committed to being a disciple of Christ. The cost of being a disciple involves losing one’s reputation and their very life. All of us who are in Christ are called not only to identify with Christ but to actively pursue the cause of being a disciple of Christ. If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have an opportunity to be a part of this great call. The cost of being a disciple is monumental, but the reward is greater than anything the world can offer.

Following the Direction of God

01 Tuesday Sep 2015

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ID-100326043Throughout our time of living, there has been a multitude of technology that has assisted us in our daily lifestyle. From email to text messaging to the ability to research information via the internet. Another form of technology is that of the institution of having access to GPS. The acronym ‘GPS’ stands for ‘Global Positioning System.’ GPS technology is U.S. owned and it is designed to allow users of the system to achieve navigation through real-time results. It also utilizes satellite capability which allows each user to connect to navigation via a device (e.g. hand-held GPS).

Essentially, this technology was created with the intention to track a user’s whereabouts so that said user can find their destination with the guidance of the available technology. Each individual is located within the system and given a destination based on a pinpoint of their location. The course is then charted in which the best possible route is given to the user for them to follow on their journey.

Spiritually speaking, our lives are designed to be led but to be led by God. When you look at the world around you, there are so many ways that one can take to a point where one’s pathway can become convoluted. So many voices are calling out to you and I on a daily basis, however, the pathway that is certain is the one that is surrendered unto to God. It is only by God’s leading that we are able to avoid the catastrophe of a life that is led astray toward destruction.

In the book of Isaiah chapter 30, the account of Judah and its rebellion is given in the scripture. Judah was a Kingdom (also known as the Southern Kingdom) which was divided from the Northern Kingdom.  Both the Northern and the Southern Kingdom were originally made up of 12 tribes which comprised the people of Israel. The 12 tribes experienced disunity and division which resulted in the split of two Kingdoms with Judah being one of the Kingdoms.

In the first part of this passage, Judah is recorded as being in a rebellious state against God. The people of Judah wanted to make a treaty with Egypt in order to receive protection against the Assyrians. Isaiah had given a prophecy in chapter 10 about the Assyrians capturing Israel (the Northern Kingdom). In scripture, it was also prophesied that Judah (the Southern Kingdom) would also be captured by the Assyrians. So, as a result, the nation of Judah began to look to Egypt as their way out.

Verses 1-3:

(NLT) “What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins. For without consulting me, you have gone down to Egypt for help. You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection. You have tried to hide in his shade. But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated, and by depending on him, you will be disgraced.” 

Verses 4-5:

(NLT) “For though his power extends to Zoan and his officials have arrived in Hanes, all who trust in him will be ashamed. He will not help you. Instead, he will disgrace you.”

The above verses point to the judgment and words of anger that God brought against Judah because they failed to trust in God. Instead, Judah sought Egypt that historically had been a pagan and godless society. For their disobedience against God, the people of Judah found themselves in a situation that was both destructive and uncertain.

In verses 8-17, the warning against rebellion is given to the people of Judah. The judgment that is given further stated what would occur if they chose not to follow and trust in God Almighty. However, in verses 18-30 there is a reverse to the judgment of what will occur if the people of Judah chose to trust in God and to follow Him.

Verses 18-20:

(NLT) “So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more, He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries. Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes.” 

Notice what it says in verses 21-22:

(NLT) “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. Then you will destroy all your silver idols and your precious gold images. You will throw them out like filthy rags, saying to them, “Good riddance!”

They key point of verses 21 and 22 is that the people will hear the Lord’s voice and God’s voice will utter the words, “This is the way you should go.” These words signify a directive and as the scripture says, that the people would destroy their idols because they would choose to be obedient unto the voice of the Lord.

As it relates to following the direction of God, there are blessings that come when we are obedient and when we follow God’s leading. In this particular passage of scripture, the people of Judah were self-reliant to the point that they trusted in another resource rather than trusting in God who is the source for all stability. There are many who are doing the same today.

Many are trusting in other resources whether it be their bank account, the economy, the media, or even themselves. As a result, the path that is taken is one that is unstable and it is no longer a path of certainty. If you look at the world around us, there are many problems that humanity faces. Part of it is because of the blatant sinfulness that humanity continues to engage in. However, despite the troubles that are apparent, trusting in God through Jesus Christ is what will institute safety and a pathway that remains uninhibited.

It is only when we choose to follow our own path or the paths of others that we fall short. Just like a GPS has a predetermined route, God has a predetermined path for you and I to follow.  However, if we deviate from that path then it is likely that we will experience a loss in time and a loss in our direction.  The world offers a system in which you can choose your own path.

The truth is, God also allows us the ability to choose what we will do with our lives. However, if we make all of our decisions without Him and His leading, then we will experience negative repercussions for our disobedience. The people of Judah rejected God’s direction and as a result they suffered at the hands of the Assyrians. However, those who chose God rather than their own path were spared.

We are living in a time in which we cannot afford to reject God’s Wisdom and the leading of the Holy Spirit. So many perils await us as we attempt to live in this life. However, with God’s help, you and I are able to navigate through the snares and pitfalls that the enemy presents to us.  If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Personal Lord & Savior, you are not able to be led because you are in your sin. Accept Christ and allow God to lead you as you live in a world that is constantly changing.  Only in Christ are you able to maintain stability in addition to receiving the blessings that God has for you to obtain.

More Than Mere Words – Hearing God’s Word and Doing What God’s Word Says

27 Thursday Aug 2015

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The phrases ‘Talk is cheap’ and ‘Actions speak louder than words’ are meant to denote the essence of conjoining action with words.  Basically, one can say something without actually doing something which in effect means that one’s words are meaningless. It is very easy to say that you will and yet your actions suggest that you won’t. For example, you might have the ambition to seek a particular career path which can be evident in your words but your actions might suggest that you are not as serious about the career path as you first mentioned.

The truth is that our words are meaningless if they do not show forth the actions that align with what we say. There are a couple of scriptures that we can examine which will point to the principle of not only hearing what God’s Word says but also putting it into practice.  The first scripture is James Chapter 1 and verse 22 which says:

(NLT) “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”

It is important to understand the context of this verse and this chapter. James who is the writer of this passage wrote a letter to Jewish believers who were scattered throughout different countries. In chapter 1, James is writing to give both encouragement and instructions in verses 2-16. However, in verses 19-21 James gives instructions to fellow believers in the faith when he says the following:

(NLT) “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.” 

The key verse that transitions into verse 22 is verse 21 when James urges Christians to expel the sinfulness within our lives and to accept God’s Word in our heart. This is a call to accept or to grasp the principles of God. However, the qualifier which is verse 22 states that those of us who are Christians should not only hear what God’s Word says but we must do what it says.

Basically, each person who claims to be a Christian or claims to follow Christ must not only make the statement of their faith but they must actively pursue God’s righteousness and obedience unto Him. There are many examples of those who are ‘church goers’ or those who are ‘religious’ but their lives are not a true testament to what they profess. James says that if we hear God’s Word but do not do what it says then we are deceiving ourselves.

The deception that is very common today involves both the unbeliever and those who are not seriously following Christ in both word and deed. To be a Christian is to be the difference maker or to be separated from sinful living and those who are unrepentant in their sin. It is the abstinence from living in a godless disposition or even pacifying behaviors that are against God’s decrees.

The truth is, there are many who say that they believe but yet do not do as God’s Word says. John 14:15 says,

(NASB) “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” 

Much of what we see today is a contradiction of what scripture truly says compared to the lifestyle of those who claim Christianity. Those who claim to be in Christ and yet live in sinfulness are deceived into thinking that they are in the right position with God. However, as John says in chapter 14, our love for God is shown when we keep His commandments. God has not changed His standard of righteousness, but it is humanity that has adopted humanist ideas and operated in pacifism as it relates to sin.

Obedience unto God is not negotiable which is contrary to the way that many are living today. Especially in the Christian faith, it is paramount that the teaching of obedience and the rejection of sin is emphasized more than not. Our submission unto a Holy God is a major part of the test of our love for God. It isn’t enough to go to church Sunday after Sunday or attend Bible Study weekly only to operate in sinfulness after God’s Word has been spoken to you.

One of the tests that every believer must pass to show their love for God is through their obedience which is a result of their actions. However, if we know what God has given us to do both through His Word and the words spoken to us through the Holy Spirit and we don’t follow instructions then there is a price to pay. James 4:17 says the following:

(NLT) “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” 

This verse of scripture is short, but it is powerful because it brings accountability to you and I. James says that if you know what you should do and do not do it, then it is sin. Of course this short scripture is meant to be for believers, however, the key is that God’s Word invokes accountability and a standard that we who are in Christ ought to follow. It is considered sin if you know what God requires and yet you don’t do it.

The reverse to this is also that if you don’t know what God requires then you as a believer have a responsibility to understand God’s Word and know what His commands are for yourself. If we are going to show the world what the love of God looks like we must first love God with our whole heart, mind, and soul. God demands that we not only hear His truth  but that we actively personify what His truth says through how we live.

The world sees many in Christianity as hypocritical because many are guilty of professing a lifestyle that is Holy and aligned with Jesus Christ. Yet the same individuals that profess to have a relationship with Christ are the individuals that portray the same image as those in the world. In the life of every believer, there must be a clear distinction between what the world does and what we who are in Christ do. Much of the problem is that many who claim Christianity have lost their fear of God.

God has not changed His standards for Holiness or righteousness. The reverence that God requires is what we must adhere to because God is Holy in every part of His being. Therefore, we should be Holy as God is Holy which means to live in obedience as God gives us instruction through His Holy Word. Are you simply hearing God’s Word and not putting it into practice in your own life? The best testimony you can have is to symbolize the love of God through not only His love and grace unto others but a life that is submitted unto the commands that God gives.

For those of you who are not in Christ, if you don’t know the God of Holiness and righteousness then you have an opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and that He died on the cross and be redeemed from yoru sin. By doing so you are then able to be free from the chains of sin and you will know who this Holy and righteous God is.

Are You Trying to Be ‘The Captain of Your Own Soul’?

22 Wednesday Jul 2015

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ID-10063484Every form of transportation encompasses a person who is responsible for leading and guiding the vehicle to its destination. One example of that is the captain of a ship. The captain of a ship is the individual who serves as the guide or director of the ship’s course.

In 1888, a Victorian poem was published by English poet William Ernest Henley. The poem was entitled, ‘Invictus’ which was a short poem that centered upon the idea that humanity can determine its own fate.  If you use your imagination, you might see the imagery of a captain and his ship. Here are the lines from the actual poem:

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Henley’s overarching point of this poem was to enforce the notion that he as a human being could not only decide his path in life but that he could also live as a god unto himself.  Phrases such as, “my unconquerable soul.” , “My head is bloody, but unbowed.” , and “I am the captain of my soul.” point to the very message that Henley believed in complete autonomy.  This poem symbolizes both pride and a refusal to bow to any authority other than himself.

It is this sort of mentality that has increased in rapidity as the decades have passed. Daily, we are seeing more examples of generations which have rejected the notion of submitting to God only to rise in the exaltation of themselves. This poem and those who reflect such a disposition are exemplifying ‘secular humanism.’ The secular humanist is an individual who has adamantly denied the very deity and authority of God.  Instead, they live within the confines of leading their own lives out of their own wisdom.

In 1 Samuel Chapter 8, the account of Israel demanding a King to rule over them is given to Samuel.  Samuel was a judge, a prophet, and a priest who was given the task of prophesying to the nation of Israel.  In verses 4-5 it says:

(ESV) “Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 

After this demand was given, Samuel was distraught and began to seek the Lord about what to do. God gives an answer as to what Samuel should do:

Verses 7-9:

(ESV) “And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”

If you read further in this chapter between verses 10-18, you will see that Samuel warns Israel against having a King and that the King who will rule over them will essentially cause their ruin.  However, the children of Israel continue with their demand, and Samuel obeys the Lord by establishing a King.  The King established was none other than King Saul.  King Saul was a corrupt, disobedient, and unrighteous leader who inflicted pain upon Israel throughout his reign.

The point that should be raised from this scripture is that Israel as a nation sought their own destiny.  In the early history of Israel, God had actually ruled as it was originally designed to be.  However, at a later point, idolatry and disobedience unto God began to be the culture of Israel.  This, of course, began to anger God to the point where God eventually gives those in Israel what they desire.  Israel desired a King to rule over them, as opposed to God being their King.

Basically, as verse 7 says, the people of Israel were rejecting God with their demand for a King.  How often do we reject God by seeking to live our lives in total autonomy?  Just as the William Ernest Henley’s poem suggested that he himself could chart his own course in life, there are many who attempt to do the same with how they live daily.

The great thing about God is that He provides free-will for all of us.  God is a God who allows us to choose the paths that we want to take in life.  However, God desires that we not only include Him in our lives but that we submit ourselves unto Him.  By relinquishing our pride and surrendering unto God, we are giving room for God to show us a better and more stable path of living.

Going back to the scripture, there are two fundamental mistakes that the children of Israel made:

1. Israel rejected God as their King – The biggest mistake that the children of Israel made was to reject God only to ask for another King.  In doing so, God hands them over to King Saul who brought chaos and bad leadership over the children of Israel.  There are many examples of those who have rejected God and instead have chosen to either elevate themselves as a god or have chosen others to be their god. Attempting to be your own god is a dangerous venture.  Every single time that you and I remove God from our lives, we are open to not only His judgment but the negative consequences that come with it.

2. Israel believed that their path of choice was the best option – Just like Henley suggested that the path of his choosing was what he felt best, the children of Israel believed that selecting a King to rule over them would yield prosperity.  However, history tells us that instead of prosperity, the children of Israel suffered greatly under King Saul. Even in our own time today, there are many who have bought into the lie that their own way of living is more suitable.  If you were to look at the condition of our world society, it has declined morally and in many other facets, because humanity has chosen its own way rather than God’s way of righteousness.

The overall message regarding our lives is that we are always in a better position when we are surrendered under the hand of God almighty.  You cannot take the lead of your own life without negative consequences.  It is the person who vehemently rejects God in their pride, who eventually experiences the trouble that comes with idolatry and a refusal to submit unto the leadership of God.

The very first step is to accept Jesus Christ in the pardon of your sins.  If you don’t know Christ as your Lord & Savior, then you have an opportunity to start the process of obedience. God desires that we know him through Jesus Christ, and He wants us to choose His ways.  Free-will is indeed a gift that God has given, but it is the man or woman who decides to allow God to lead them and guide them who is wise.