Harbor Lights Ministries

Warfare: Being Equipped

I confess that I have a countless number of topics that God has laid on my heart to preach to myself about on a regular basis, but the timeliness to get them put together in a somewhat organized fashion and and publish them is something that I am very slow at and am trying to learn how to manage my time and the importance of things. That being said I do recognize that I need to discipline myself to be more prompt and consistent with my blog because these are important not only to myself, but hopefully to others who might read them. I am a natural, in the flesh, procrastinator and am an easy target to the enemy…the enemy being the demonic forces.

Which brings me to the topic for today which is warfare. I want to discuss that there is a war that’s going on and a lot of it has to do with things unseen and our lack of preparation to face the day-to-day battles. I falter often in recognizing this daily and often end up wounded or a casualty by underestimating the seriousness of the matter.

The ground zero of this war is within us and around us. It is a war that involves humans and God. God created humans, humans rebelled, God consistently worked with the humans who would cooperate for a time, but then turn away, and the war would continue. The human side started in the Garden of Eden, which many are familiar with already.

The difficulty of this war is that there is actually 3 sides. God, humanity, and the demons…led by Satan/Lucifer. The satanic war with God started long before humanity was created. So this isn’t a tug-a-war situation. It’s not like God is pulling one side of humanity and Satan the other. But, the cost/reward does land us on one side or the other, between God and Satan. On the humanity side, we do have a say and some control as to where we end up. Humanity is but a frail creation. Created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. (1 Cor 10:31, Ps 73:25-26)

Our undoing from the original design was/is selfish pride. Adam and Eve fell into the lust of the eyes, the desires of the flesh, and the pride of life itself. (1 John 2:16). And from that fall we’ve struggled continually to fall in line with the “right” side of the war. We’ve been given our marching orders to comply with God. We’ve been instructed how to resist the temptations of the enemy. (1 Cor 10:13). And even have a helper in our journey through the battlefields…the Holy Spirit. (John 14:26, Rom 8:26-27).

There does come a time when God lets go though and leaves us to our own devices. Humans consistently and naturally rebel and turn from God, exchange the truth of God for the lies of the enemy (Rom 1:24-25), and God gives them over to their selfish desires. We see this not only in our world today, but it has been going on for centuries. Look at the Israelites and let’s compare them to humanity today.

God spoke out after calling His chosen people (the folks God was going to reveal everything about Himself to and through), and told them here are the rules with me. God made it clear; we shall have NO other gods (Ex 20:3). But, a dozen chapters later and…TA DA!…golden calf (Ex 32:4)! This was just the tip of the iceberg. Throughout the Israelites journeys, the people displayed a continual rollercoaster of ups, downs, peaks and valleys. Even though there is so much between the lines of Scripture that happened (things not recorded), there is plenty of evidence recorded that God would instruct, reward, the people would resist, wrath would come, they would repent, reward would come, and the cycle would start over…again and again and again!

Even though we are living in the present, if we could zoom out and look at the last several hundred years, we would see essentially the same pattern of behavior going on with Christians. It’s clearly like Jesus said in Revelation that the believers are “lukewarm”, but that he would rather them be either hot or cold. Some people get on fire for God for a season and stay strong, some fizzle out. Some people are just cold and callous to everything related to Christianity or the Bible. And then there are the fair weather Christians, the “lukewarm” ones who like to ride on the crest of fluff and happy living, never truly zealous or consistently true to the word of God.

It’s clear people who completely reject it have a wall up and, barring a work of the Holy Spirit, will remain that way. Then there are the zealous people who are on fire for God and have a deep commitment to His Word. Many people, including self-proclaimed Christians, find them annoying because of their passion. But, I have to believe that God would rather have them that way and annoying rather than cold or lukewarm. The problem with the lukewarm people, of which I have been most times in my life, is that you get on fire for a season, or a reason, but then the spark fizzles when you encounter real life and easily falter in your faith, turning off God and just relying on yourself.

Where I have struggled with this is that I have found it difficult to find the means to trust that God will direct my steps versus me taking the reins and doing what I think best. But what I have discovered, even though I struggle with from time to time, is that a lot of God’s steps and directions that we seek are printed in the Word of God, which I have spent a lot of time neglecting over the years.

A very simple definition of faith is taking God at His Word. As it says in Hebrews chapter 11, that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Basically being assured that the Word of God is complete and true. We also have hope that God is in control and He is showing us that through His Word. Also in His Word are His promises to us. And as we have a conviction, a trust in His Word, we are strengthened to face every obstacle each and every day.

Many of heard that the Bible says that we are to put on the armor of God. Ephesians chapter 6 covers this. And part of that armor is having a weapon, the sword, which is the Word of God. Yet as we stand in the middle of the battlefield without a weapon, how can we expect to defeat the enemies all around us? This is where so many fall. People want the spiritual life and walk, but don’t want to take the time to equip themselves with what’s necessary.

We are already at a deficit because of our selfish pride and sinful nature. The enemy is a master manipulator at drawing out our sin nature to where we easily stumble in our day-to-day lives. That is why it becomes more and more imperative that we know the Word of God and trust the Word of God and use the Word of God as the sword of the Spirit, to stand firm against that enemy.

The enemies of God our very crafty and have devised an incredible battlefield strategy. It is so easy to deceive people because we have plenty of pagan temples, also known as modern day churches and denominations, that lead people into false understandings of God and His Word.

People lacking Biblical knowledge easily fall into temptations and sin and desire soft leanings and understandings, so as not to burden our souls with heavy things of God. Thus, many of these pagan temples stopped teaching the Bible or theology and never speak the Gospel. Welcome to Bible-free Christianity. Another name would be Social Christianity. Either way, it is false Christianity.

Most people would rather take the easy way. All ‘happy happy joy joy’. But, as CS Lewis put it: The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts,…

God’s way isn’t easy, but the final reward is greater than one can imagine! Do we enjoy our best life now? Or do we follow God and His Word for our best life eternal? You can’t have it both ways!

The battles in any war are vicious and are often filled with lots of casualties. But, we don’t have to be a casualty of Spiritual Warfare. Christ has already proclaimed victory in the war. Yes, each battle is difficult and we can easily get hurt. But we don’t need to succumb to wounds and lose hope. By equipping ourselves to His Truth, His Word, we can get to the promise. Each day is new, good and bad will fill it. There is fierce fighting, casualties strewn all around, wounds deep and infected. The land is littered with the souls of those fallen because they walk and want the cultural Christianity that these pagan temples with denominational names offer. But we don’t need to be seduced into the lies when we embrace the truth. We can stand firm in the truth that’s within His Word.

Time to put away my selfishness. As His Word says: Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

— James 4:7-8

Between The Lines: Life

The Bible is filled with so many stories of men and women, average everyday citizens, going through life like we do.

Some have dramatic moments in life that turn their world upside down, some are simply a walk-on to redirect an event. Some people cover many books of the Bible, some are not even identified by name. But the one common thread to their existence in Scripture is that their narrative is only a glimpse into their whole life.

You see, all of these characters are, in a way, sharing their moments that God wants us to know about. The times when God is moving, using, directing, teaching, leading, and showing us key elements about His character and ways. Yet, in between these key points, there is still an existence!

What we don’t see in Scripture is the day-to-day stuff. The mundane. Those moments when they are talking shop with co-workers. The times they chat with the neighbors about the latest news. Daily walks to the market for food and trades is often overlooked. Family gatherings are not written up. All of these things take place in between the lines. From verse to verse, or chapter to chapter, they all had the usual life happenings like we do.

So when we think about Peter’s preaching and such, we need to remember that in between those dramatic letters was a guy, like any other guy. Who got up in the morning to breakfast, washed up, helped with chores, patched holes, went to the store, talked with neighbors about the weather, and just about every things else we do daily.

When we find ourselves in those moments when we question if God is working in our lives, when we don’t see forward motion in growth and development, we need to remember that we are still dutiful and diligent members of the Body of Christ, we need to remember that even the greatest of men had “down times” in their Biblical stories!

I like to think about Paul in his day to day moments…in between the vast writings, teachings, preachings, missions, visits, and other recorded events, Paul was probably praying and studying, weeping and laughing, and singing and praising God. But we also know that he was working…real jobs.

Like many of the Bible heroes and villains, each had their regular jobs. Peter, James, and John were fishermen by trade. Paul was a tent-maker. Matthew, before being called to ministry, was a collector of taxes for the government. Even during their ministry time, many had to still had to continue to provide by tending to their trades.

In between the lines of the Word, the men and women of Biblical times were still active with dishes and laundry, cooking and cleaning, working and gathering. Just like us!

So, if there is any encouragement from this viewpoint that I can share is to remember that even in the quietness, between the notable events of our lives, God is still working within us, for us, and through us to accomplish His will!

Stay strong, stay in the Word, and stay with God.

Organize That Brain!

I’m finding that there is a very erratic gap of time between my writings on here. One minute I can’t seem to get enough keystrokes to convey my thoughts, feelings, and views. Then, there is a long silence. Not for lack of ideas to share, or things that I am learning as I travel through life. But, I think it may be from a lack of quiet time.

Not that my life is chaos and loud every day, but it is filled with so many different facets that seem to pull me away more often than not. Quiet time doesn’t necessarily mean alone or in silence. Nor is it contained in a controlled environment that isolates me from the world around. No, on the contrary, quiet time is sitting down at the keyboard, with thoughts collectively in some semblance of order, and typing.

I think that getting the story straight in my brain to convey has been difficult because I find myself thinking of too many things at once. Like juggling 10 things at once, only in my head. Which makes me wonder (make that 11 things in my head!), am I really this disorganized?

It really comes down to focus, time-management, and patience. The ability to take one task, set the time and place, implement the task, and finish.

Sounds simple enough!

Right?

I tend to attempt the artful skill of multi-tasking, but with usual failure. My mother was the type to have several books started, not completely finishing any, but always eager to add another to the “started, but never finished” list! That sounds a lot like my thoughts…start a lot of ideas, but never see them to completion!

So it’s just a matter of getting organized, staying on task, and keeping the motivation towards finishing things.

Like this blog. Started over a month ago, just got back around to writing some more. This is a prime example of ‘starting, but not finishing’. Putting off until the thought/task/agenda comes back into view or my memory is jogged. Then I think “why didn’t I finish that?” Could the whole delay be a procrastination problem? Perhaps a memory issue?

Whatever might be the culprit, I know that it is a problem and that there needs to be a remedy. And whenever I come across addressing this issue, I find that solution-seeking seems to get pushed to the back of my mind and I am right where I started: Starting, but not finishing!

Perhaps someday, some way, I’ll get this matter tackled and be a proactive, finish-the-job-now kind of guy! It would certainly be so much easier!

Take Courage!

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

My prayer is for you to stand firm in your faith, strong in your convictions, trusting in God’s mercies, and able to cry out to Him during trials.

When we stumble, even if we fall, we are able to stand back up in His grace, kneel before the throne of grace, and walk in newness of life by His grace.

Even though it feels like you are alone at times, we know that God is with us by His Spirit through Christ. Not only that, but God has provided true believers to come alongside you, hold you up during weakness, encourage you in darkness, and love you unconditionally in the journey.

Look to His Word, trust in His Spirit, lean on His mercies!

If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 paraphrased)

All of this encouragement comes to you from the God of the universe! We tend to get frustrated over our shortcomings and falter in our faith. We don’t daily take up our cross and march forthright into the battles of life. It’s easy to give up, go home, quit the game and take an easier path. I know this personally. I’ve done it many, many times before. Walking away from God when the storms erupt around me.

Why? With all the positive that Jesus has showed us in His ministry on earth and the teachings and examples from the Apostles and Bible heroes within the pages of Scripture, you would think that we can just stand firm in the faith, knowing that our old man (character, leanings, ways) has been crucified and is dead and buried!

Because there is a negative side to the walk of faith. Believing in God doesn’t make the storms vanish. Trusting Christ comes with a cost. When we deny ourselves the way of our former lives, we are going against the grain of the world around us. We have made a decision to cast aside the societal norms and pursue a holiness. We choose to walk in a manner to glorify God, through Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. We separate ourselves from the world, yet still live in the world.

This is a daily battle. Daily choices are made to either indulge the flesh or cling to the Spirit. It is not a simple task. Even though we have accepted the gift of Grace extended to us by God through the work of Christ’s atonement on the cross, we are still, by nature, sinful creatures. Our natural leaning is to break the laws of God, selfishly follow our own desires, and flow without ridicule and shame the ways of this world.

Yes, it is easy to lay aside the newness of salvation, walk away from the sanctification process, and return to our old ways. But we are told how this is a race, not a sprint. That the race is long and has, at times, hills…even mountains…to climb. The terrain we travel can be rough. So many snares, pitfalls, false directions, and easier paths to waylay our journey.

The race set before us takes endurance. And to endure to the end takes fuel, energy. With God’s Holy Spirit, His Word, and fellowship of true believers, we can endure and finish this race! The letter to the Hebrews tells us that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, who by example encourage us to continue on, by faith, trusting that “He who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it”!

Take courage today, everyday!

Truth Or Emotion

I live in a country that has long declared itself a “Godly nation”, founded on “Biblical principles”. Historically, these are somewhat correct statements. The United States was founded by people that wholly believed in the Bible as the inerrant Word of God, that the Bible is to be the guide from which all life should follow. 2nd Timothy, chapter 3, verses 16 and 17 state 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

A couple of things regarding these declarations:

First is that many people, groups, cultures, and countries have all started out under a basic and commonly held belief system. Many churches were started by a group of people who hold an identical theology. Governments have been formed based on a collective of ideologies and goals. And the United States began with people seeking out a place together where they can worship, govern, and commune together under the umbrella of Christianity.

Secondly, starting out with one philosophy doesn’t mean that the intended direction continues uninterrupted. When you look at institutions of learning such as Princeton, Harvard, Yale, and the likes, you might be surprised to know that they all started out as seminaries. Christian religion studies were so important in the early days of first settlers that many schools of Bible were created. Yet, if you look at the formats and leanings of these once great schools, you’ll find that they are almost diametrically opposite from their beginnings.

This type of falling away from initial beliefs has definitely happened within the USA. We have become a nation of godless trappings. Quick to cast aside any foundational roots that once made this a great nation on the earth. Isaiah 5:20 says “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” I think we can look at our history and see how the tides have gone in opposite directions. Perhaps the Glory has departed? Why?

I believe that the church as a whole is at fault for this. Before the apostasy levels that we see nowadays, even differing denominations all held core beliefs that were tantamount to biblical living. People believed, lived, worked, governed, and worshiped scripturally.

Since the church isn’t a building or even a denomination, the true core of fault lies with the individual believer. The church body by definition is a group of believers, dedicated, diligent, and determined to follow the Word of God, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

That was once the way. That used to be the church. Yes, there were many many conflicts and disagreements…since the beginning…but nothing to the magnitude you see now. In fact, the vast majority of mainstream denominations have completely fallen away from scripture being the complete governing mandate. In Romans chapter 1, Paul points out this type of godlessness, where people have cast aside God and followed after their own thinking and started worshiping themselves instead.

And so it has become that being a true, Bible-believing Christian today is an invite to derision. Since the “church” has fallen to the lures of false teachings, prosperity preachers, new age thinking, social gospel and the likes, scripture is looked at as outdated, archaic, and not keeping with the times…so much so that the leaders of this new “church” mock and scorn those who hold the Bible as the infallible Word of God. Fortunately, there are still a core, though small, group of Biblical adherents in the world today.

Why have so many fallen away? Three key things since the fall of man in the garden of Eden; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Satan easily tempts those who don’t know the Word of God. And though many false teachers and ‘believers’ spend a ridiculous amount of time, effort, and energy blaming the devil for every evil or ignoring evil altogether and focusing only on “feel-good” theology, there is a deeper reality that most Christians forget as the source of problems in the church.

The first and foremost enemy that we face in our spiritual battle is not the devil, but it is our self. The devil has already tripped humanity. Since we have this fallen state within ourselves, most of the shortcomings and failures of our walk are self-inflicted. We spend so much time blaming everything else: the devil, the church, the government, the neighbors, et al. But now is the time to stop and reflect on our own accountability. We are sinful by nature and are a wretched people, in and of, ourselves.

I can’t account to have the fix for this speeding train-wreck that is the current “church” situation. America, as a whole, isn’t about to change it’s course either. Instead of utilizing Common Sense and logic and knowledge of the past, people run everything based on emotions. Every single person has individual emotions regarding every little facet and unfortunately, that is currently what is running every decision and thought process. Emotions are unstable, and so is the driven plight of mankind.

The Bible clearly states that the god of this world has blinded the eyes of many. They won’t see the Scriptures anymore, lest the scales drop from their eyes by the grace of God. The remnant has become smaller over time. This is actually all prophesied in the Word. We must maintain though. Keep fighting the good fight, striving to finish the race that is set before us. Keeping our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He will finish what He started.

So, this is the truth: 1) that we are NOT a Godly nation anymore. The old church has fallen away like so many before us (including the chosen nation of God; Israel). 2) The devil is not the purveyor of all evil we befall. We are fallen in nature and have our own evil momentum going and we must take responsibility for our actions. And 3) that we who do continue to call the Word of God as infallible need to be directing our every step, staying focused and uncompromising in these last days, so that the God of the universe, who is sovereign and supreme and worthy to be glorified, can tell us when we reach the shores of Heaven “well done, good and faithful servant”. Amen

It’s All About Me Me Me

This is a minor departure from things I preach to myself about. Though this can be a preaching topic, it’s more of something that we all complain about from time to time. We observe this, yet can also find ourselves guilty of the very issue.

As we make our day-to-day travels, whether to the local store or to work, we are out and about sharing the highways and byways with our fellow humans. Because two solid objects cannot share the same place at the same time, we attempt to skillfully whisk by each other…sometimes at a “personal space” distance, sometimes too close for comfort. Either way, we try to respect the other person’s space.

But, as mankind has evolved over the centuries, we have become smarter, wiser, stronger, and more advanced exponentially. I believe this has created a greater egocentric mentality. Though not unique in human history, man seems to have grown even more ‘wise in his own eyes’ and became a chronic narcissistic in personality, even though since the beginning of time, self-exultation has been the norm.

Because of this self-adulation, people put themselves first over those around them. As a king would wave a hand to move commoners away, many have become so self-absorbed that putting others first is almost a chore, if done at all.From as early as the accounts in Genesis through the final period in Revelation, the Bible has recounted stories of man’s arrogance. Not just toward God, as in man’s sin nature, but also toward each other. Many triggers are explained as to what causes men to act the way he does. From self-righteousness, greed, desire, and pride, humankind has an innate desire to ‘pat himself on the back’ and raise himself up as ‘the best’.

All of this self-driven behavior though has caused more problems than anything else. Cain killed Able because he felt slighted by God. As in the days of Noah, everyone was wiped out except Noah’s family because of the wickedness of men…rambunctious for self-gratification. Many kings and leaders rose to power, grew egotistical, and created wars and atrocities…including their own demise…over people. Even in the end times recorded in the Bible, it’s the pinnacle of selfish pride that brings the final days of man.

Where has all this come from? If we are called to give, love, share, and ‘do unto others’, why, then, is there such a gross level of ‘me, me, me’ going on?

From the highest levels of world leaders and business greed to the simplest of people who think they have to park in three spots or cut off others in traffic because it’s all about ‘them’, humans have steadily become so selfish that even the daily commute or simple shopping trip creates such bitterness, anger, hostility, and anxiety. We all experience it, we all struggle with others and their self attitudes.

So what does all this say? It says that we need to buckle up, put on our patience-pants, learn to keep moving and stay focused! Why? Because this has been going on since time beginning and is going to continue till time ends. Absolutely nothing that you or I can say or do is going to stop the insanity of the inconsiderate egos who try to make life on this planet all about them.

You may vent until your heart’s content, but people are people, blinded by the god of this world, thinking that the more they glorify themselves, the better they will feel. They boast and puff themselves up in the hopes of gaining respect, admiration, and glory. This is exactly what the devil has been doing since the Garden of Eden. “If you…then you will be like God”. Mankind has striven for that since.

The quickest and clearest example is: Hollywood. If ever there was a cloister of people who try to exalt themselves over everyone, it’s the ego maniacal minions of that entertainment world. They poise themselves above everyone else. They have to be first, have the best, have the most, be the biggest, be the most glamoured, be be be…me me me!

And that very mentality and existence doesn’t end there. The infection is as close as your backyard. Your neighbor, your co-worker, your children, the people we meet each and every day on those highways and byways I mentioned before.

Nothing you can do. Just be patient, love, pray, set examples, be humble, and stay focused the best you can.

Believe it or not, we all have that disease of self. With some, it shows more abundantly. But, we all have it. And until our self is quenched, we battle it inside and out every day. To overcome that problem through God, we’re taught to “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (as stated in Ephesians 4:22-24).

But with so many who don’t seek God’s Word of redemption, the world continues to show the rampant display of selfishness, as is stated in 2 Timothy chapter 3;

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. ²For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,³heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, ⁴treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (underline of verse 2 mine for emphasis)

We see that in every direction we look these days. Through the help of God, we can put off our old self, and walk in newness with love, peace, joy, humility, and unselfishness. Though we might not be able to fix others, we can certainly start with ourselves! Amen

Big you, bigger God

When we look into the vastness of space, gaze at the billions of stars, and reflect on just how big the universe really is, we tend to feel very small…insignificant almost. This feeling can be quite overwhelming to some as we wonder how we can measure up when compared to the complexities of the grand universe. Because most of us will never achieve even world fame and fortune, we might think that we don’t matter…that we are just a cosmic speck in the grand scheme of things.

And then to look at our planet and all of creation around us, I think “how it is that God can see little me in all this?” He’s the God of the universe! He created all things! So how do I fit within the expanse of time and space in God’s creation? Does God even see me? You may not feel like you are special, but I have some news for you!

Let’s think about Zacchaeus from the Bible story in the Gospel of Luke. He was a Jewish man, very short in stature (Bible’s words, not mine), who worked for the Roman government collecting taxes from his fellow Jews. Not only was he good at his job, he was the chief collector in the city of Jericho. This is not a very popular man! Most of the collectors back then were cheats and often collected more than they should to pocket the overage for themselves. By society standards, they were frowned upon and even shunned.

And though Zacchaeus was a wealthy man, he was also reported to be a very honest and Godly man. (Yes, there can be honest, Godly people that do unfavorable jobs!) I imagine that outside of family though, he was a lonely individual. We know that he followed God’s rules, lead an honest life, and that God knew him, but he wasn’t looked up to or admired.

But God knew him so well, that long before Zacchaeus was even born, a sycamore-fig tree seed was planted in a particular spot. Then, God watered and took care of that seed until it grew to be a full-size tree. All because one day, in the future of that planting, that man named Zacchaeus would have an encounter with Jesus, the Son of God! God knew that Zacchaeus would be so eager to see Jesus coming that he would climb the tree God placed years ago to get a glimpse of the Messiah. That event lead to Jesus calling to Zacchaeus and having a blessed dinner with him and his family!

The same thing applies to us, individually! God knows us personally and intimately. Luke 12 states that God knows us so well that even our hairs are numbered. He knows even the smallest of creatures like sparrows.

One of my favorite songs is from singer Betty McDaniel, a treasured Gospel singer out of Canada. It is titled “He looked across the years”. The song reflects what I am trying to convey here: that God looked across the vastness of time and space in His creation and saw you! He not only knows us, but also made a way to remedy the sin in our lives that separates us from Him. Jesus looked across the years from the cross so that we can be restored to a right relationship with God through Jesus!

God is so big!

The question I have is this: if God is so awesome and powerful to create everything into existence, and yet personal enough to know each of us individually…then why are we so complacent in our relationship with Him? Why do we ignore His sovereignty? Why do we treat Him like a cosmic vending machine wanting only blessings and fortunes and such, yet don’t submit to His will and ways?

This is truly a much deeper topic than what can be covered here now, but as I explore this in my life, I look back at all the little things God has, in His infinite wisdom, done for me. He has directed my paths much differently than I would have walked on my own. God’s ways are not our ways. But I’m pretty sure that He knows what’s best for me better than I know myself!

As He looked across the years at Zacchaeus, as He looked across the years at me, as He looked across the years at you…He set up everything in advance because He loves us and knows us and wants us to acknowledge Him with fellowship and love! The old Puritan catechism question is this: What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31), and to enjoy Him forever (Psalm 73:25-26).

May we acknowledge the sovereignty of God in our daily lives. Amen

Things I preach to myself-Hypocrisy pt2

The knowledge that the world gains daily has grown exponentially over the last several decades. This has been clearly seen just by looking at the progressive growth of electronics and computers! Incredible intelligence continues to multiply as man builds better and smarter devices! Look at the evolution of the phone! Whew!

Yet, as I have tried to convey over the many years here, we may be getting smarter, but the one thing that hasn’t grown…Common Sense!

I recently re-read a piece of Scripture that puts our current plight into perspective: Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” (1 Corinthians 3:18-20)

We may think ourselves wise because we are smart, but it is pretty clear that we are not. It’s clear that God has ‘confounded the wise’ of this world because they don’t seek His wisdom. Having information locked into the brain doesn’t guarantee that we are capable of utilizing it in a productive manner! To say “yeah, I know” and not apply it wisely just makes us a fool. And to claim ourselves wise and not follow God’s wisdom just shows that we are chasing our own tail for no end purpose! We can sit on the mountain top doling out wise sayings, but does that really garner the inner peace that our souls seek and strive for?

Before you go and accuse me of being judgmental, remember what the title of this blog is! I have traipsed around this world, gathering knowledge and various insights of many things, and have garnered some wisdom in my experiences, and yet I find myself unwise when it comes to my day-to-day life. The Lord knows that I have tried to be “wise in my own eyes” most of my adult life. It’s truly a wonder that I’m alive at all! But, wisdom (and common sense) just doesn’t come overnight! And even when you have some wisdom and knowledge, if you don’t apply it, what value is there in it?

There are many wise ways, but are they of value to your life and eternal life? And with knowledge and wisdom, even if it is from God above, if its not applied in your day-to-day life, doesn’t mean a thing! I can spout off all sorts of facts and wise sayings all day long, but will be seen as nothing less than a hypocrite if I don’t “walk the talk”!

It comes down to two main points that the Bible teaches. First, let him who is without sin, cast the first stone. Arguably simple in its meaning. Who am I to judge when I am yet a sinner? Many live the “do as I say, not as I do” mentality that I wrote about in my previous blog.

Secondly is how can I talk about the speck in my brother’s eye when there is a plank in my own? We get so focused trying to correct others by showing that we know better, that we are wiser and smarter than they are. But, in reality, we are just being a hypocrite. We need to literally practice what we preach!

Thus, why I share these things I preach to myself about!!! I am in a constant state of learning to acknowledge that I have faults and failings and falter in life. But, with God’s leading and teaching, through His Word and the Holy Spirit, I strive to become a better man of God and a better man to those in my life!

I am a work in progress…we all are! But, if we are not able to identify, admit, correct, and grow through our shortcomings, what’s the point? God is clear that he wants us all to learn and grow! But, we must first admit that we need His guiding hand to get us through! For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. No one is smarter, wiser than anyone else!

We all come into this world the same way, we all leave this world the same way. It now comes down to what we do between those two points in our lives! As for me and my household, we will worship the Lord! Amen.

Things I preach to myself: Hypocrisy

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 23:1

A sad and pathetic desperation to socialize and be accepted by man created a huge hypocrisy in my life and caused delays in my walk with God. As horrible as that may sound, this is actually a normal human condition. We all have a hypocritical side within us. It just isn’t advertised as such to our family and friends!

I think that we can all mark times in our lives when we have, whether directly or indirectly, declared “do as I say, not as I do”. This is just a natural human issue that many battle on a regular basis. Whether it is a conscience act, or subconsciously done, it is part of our fallen nature. Since God (and most folks around) wants us to live right and honest, and we do try, we still have that old sin nature within and it’s often easy to live two lives (hypocrisy) without too many woes.

In fact, this thing called hypocrisy has been going on for centuries, and is addressed in the Bible a number of times. Perhaps the greatest acknowledgement of hypocrisy comes from Jesus’ rebuke of the scribes and pharisees in the Gospels (particularly Mathew chapter 23). Sometimes called the “Woes of the Pharisees”, Jesus calls out the religious leaders of their time for being ‘high and mighty’ on the outside, yet contradictory in their hearts and lives. Essentially inner and outer moral states.

The leaders are supposed to be living examples of righteousness (right living under Gods laws). And, even though no one can keep the 10 Commandments completely, their position was to be above reproach…to teach and lead others in the proper ways expected by God. But, once you intermingle human sinful nature with greed and lust and power, it doesn’t take much to compromise yourself and your beliefs.

Which leads me back to my self-preaching.

First of all, I am not a preacher/teacher/leader in any way. So, my matter isn’t about growing in stature in any way. But, as a self-professing Christian, I do have a responsibility and commission from Christ to share the truth to the world (which can be the very next person I meet)…whether through my words or through my actions. But, since my actions don’t always correlate with my words, therein lies the problem! (Do as I say, not as I do)

The Bible doesn’t directly state to “be in the world, but not of the world“, but there are numerous verses that support this general ideology (John 15:19, Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15, John 17:14, Colossians 3:2, Ephesians 6:12). And here I am trying to “fit in”, as it were, yet also trying to “walk in faith”. Thus, walking in two worlds. Hypocrisy.

My hypocrisies are not any less or different from the pharisees of ancient times. Though the Bible is clear that teachers and preachers are held to a higher accountability than the average Joe, that doesn’t dismiss my walking in two worlds. God’s Spirit has been quite good at pointing out to me that my private world and public world can, at times, be contradictory to one another. This is sin and this is to be confessed, repented of, and begin walking in a new light.

Not always the easiest to do, mind you, but acknowledging sin and looking to the Bible and praying for a changed heart and mind regarding these things is a first step. We often regret our sins more than repent of them, but we need to keep taking steps forward with the help of the Holy Spirit, delving into the Scriptures for guidance and truth, and looking to Christ as our example!

Which leads to another topic, for another time: The hypocrisy of (most) modern churches today. Those leaders and preachers and teachers will have a lot of accounting to do before the Lord on judgement day! Can we be the change needed to alter the downward spiral of the false teaching going on within the church?

Things I Preach To Myself About…

The old statement of ‘when you point your finger at someone, three are pointing back at you’ is such a good reminder! One of the great lessons taught in the Bible asks ‘how can you talk about the speck in your brother’s eye when there is a plank in your own’. As much as I understand that concept, I have to remind my brain and heart of this often when I am inwardly judging people based on their actions, attitudes, attributes, and asinine behaviors!

That being said, I thought it would be a good (and hopefully helpful) idea to share with you some of the (many) things that I learn and preach to myself along this path in life! I’d like to let you peak into my walk, see how my mind and heart are processing things, and share my insights (whether right or wrong) into how God is working in the life of this wretched and often-faltering man!

I say “preach to myself” because I find that all the wonderful gems and lessons I learn from the Bible, as well as the many great preachers and teachers, are things that I need to hear and apply…daily! I have often come across people who quickly become judgmental of others in regards to new things they’ve learned. This falls right along the lines of the pharisees in Biblical times. They were a group of educated teachers of the Scriptures (old Testament stuff) who were quick to tell others “do as I say, not as I do”! (Though Jesus was quick to point out their hypocrisy!)

I don’t want to be a hypocrite, at least no more that I’m sure I am!

So, after a quick introduction, I would like to start with something that is seemingly simple on the outside, but a deep well of study that is too much for this humble blog.

First and foremost: I am not a formally educated preacher/teacher/theologian/scholar! I do love researching and studying everything and anything, but the contents of my ramblings are simply my learning, understanding, and interpretation of what has most recently slapped me in the face! I don’t stand on any particular platform or denomination. For myself, I am basing things strictly on the Bible and what the Word has to say!

That being said, there is no doubt that people will disagree with my understanding of things. And, that is something that I am perfectly at peace with. I am not here to dissect the deeper, theological treatises and philosophical camps. I’m just here to say; “This happened, this is what I learned, this is how I see it, and this is where I’m at!”

The starting point in anything is always the root…the very beginning. My start has been hot, cold, and lukewarm for many decades. Thankfully, God’s beginning for everything is right on point every moment of every day! Genesis 1:1 says “In the beginning, God…”

If you stop right there and ponder that often gleaned-over piece of scripture, there is a volume of awe! Before anything and everything, there was God! Wow! When I think deeper about that, and then think about how lackadaisical I am in my attitude toward God regarding having reverence and respect…it’s a wonder I am still breathing on this planet!

But, thanks be to God for his amazing love! He loves us! He loves me! And, though I don’t understand all the why’s and how come’s and such, it is enough to know that as God looked across the years, he planned me, he knew me, loved me, and did amazing miracles to get me to this point! I’ll just leave that right there and relish the thought of the creator of the universe knowing me!

Getting a grasp on the sovereignty and grandness and holiness of God should be humbling and awe-inspiring to us. Unfortunately, though, we tend to treat God like a cosmic vending machine. We pray/ask for this blessing and that all the time, and then when we’re done, put him back into some out-of-sight/out-of-mind bottle and shelve him until the next time we need something. Sad, and wrong!

If you think about that, we treat everyday people a hundred-fold better than we treat the God who created and sustains everything in the universe! We worship the created instead of the Creator! I don’t know about you, but this revelation hit me like a ton of bricks and almost made me sick!

Don’t get me wrong, though. I didn’t grasp this truth and then suddenly walk around with a glow of reverential fortitude in my day to day life! The knowledge was humbling and caused me to stop and re-think many things, but, I still have that selfish, go-about-my-business mentality most days…something I am still working on daily!

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I am a work in progress. Clay that needs to be more submissive and flexible for the Creator to create! He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it! I just need to open my mind and heart more and receive! The process is slow in some, faster in others, but the sanctification process is just that…a process (meaning that it is moving and happening!) I just wish most days that the process worked faster in me!

But…God’s timing! After all…He is the Creator of the Universe and definitely knows better how things (and myself) should work! Amen and Amen!

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