Confused?

"In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Judges 17:6

If I were asked to describe the last ten years in one word, it would be confusion. Our government leaders are confused about how to solve a myriad of problems. Adolescents are confused about their gender identity. Teachers are confused about their roles. 

My personal opinion lies in how we view life. Our country was founded on a Biblical worldview, 99.9% of our founding fathers believed that Biblical principles should be the basis of government, and society.   When there is no moral standard to guide us, people will naturally follow their own values. This week a third-grade teacher was arrested for being intoxicated while teaching. She couldn't believe she was being arrested. She didn't do anything wrong. Right?

In the Old Testament, Israel went through a period when they did not have a king, so they did what was right in their own eyes. Today's philosophy is "If it feels right do it." We sing songs that boast, "I did it my way," as though this is a good thing. 

Proverbs 14:34 says, "Godliness makes a great nation but sin is a disgrace to any people." The real reason people do not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior is they refuse to surrender control of their lives to Him. Matthew 16:24 They want to continue doing it their way. 

God doesn't want to ruin our fun. He wants only our best. "...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

Enjoy Your Life

 

You may be under a lot of stress right now, but God wants you to enjoy life. Unfortunately, there are many people who do not want to let God into their lives because they fear He will make them give up anything that is fun. They think that to become a Christian is the same as saying the party's over, that to be spiritual is to be miserable.

People are frantically looking for fun "fixes." They spend more time, more energy, and more money to get less and less of a thrill. They go around asking, "Are we having fun yet?" The truth is, God "richly provides us everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17b NIV

I've Been Pranked!

 

Though pranks have been with us for thousands of years, it's taken a new turn with access to social media. A prank is defined as a practical joke or mischievous act.

As a true follower of Jesus Christ, I don't believe pranks are consistent with the Christian life. I realize that this is my personal opinion and pulling a prank is not a sin but I do not think it adds credibility to our testimony.

I look at life through the lens of a Biblical worldview. That is, I think the principles found in Scripture should guide how we live. For example, the “Golden Rule.” The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one wants to be treated. Matthew 7:12

Watch the videos and it looks like the only ones enjoying the prank are those committing them. I John 2:6 says as a Christ-followers - “The one who claims to remain in him [Jesus] ought to live in the same way as he lived.”

Can you imagine Jesus Christ pulling a prank on someone? The point of a prank is to laugh at someone's response to the prank. Would Jesus laugh at someone's embarrassment? Would Jesus prank someone for enjoyment? I don't think so. If someone has pranked you, how did you feel? I doubt you enjoyed it. No one likes being laughed at or being embarrassed.

Think before you prank!

Where Has Time Gone?

 

We all have 10,080 minutes in a week. The problem with time is it passes by so quickly. We all hear, "Where did the day go?" or "This week flew by." James 4:14 says “Life is like a vapor, it's here one day, gone the next.”

Too many people are busy making a living and forget to make a life.” Jesus said, “ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 The 'things' Jesus referred to are usually the 'things' that rob us from or crowd out the most important things in life; our relationship with Christ, our family and serving others. Jesus said, when we put first things first He will will take care of all the other “things” in life.

In today's fast-passed culture, we have become masters at multi-tasking in order to get everything done and squeeze everything done. However, the biggest temptation is to confuse activity with accomplishment. Time is life's most precious commodity; not gold or silver.

The executive who has worked 60-80 hours a week and is dying from a terminal illness doesn't wish for more time at the office. No, he wants to spend time with his the family he has neglected. The most important thing we can do is make the best use of our time. This may mean giving up good things for better things. Ephesians 5:16

People R Us

 

Years ago I pastored a small church and to supplement my salary, I took a second job with Publix Supermarket. ( Great company to work for.)

During orientation, we were taught that Publix was in the people business, not the food business. Great attention was given to customer service. When a customer entered the store, they were to be greeted within 45 seconds.

I think the local church sometimes forgets they are in the people business as well. The church must not look at people as a means to build a large church but rather as an opportunity to serve. Philippians 2.4

I have often heard people say they are looking for a church that would meet "their" needs. That's the wrong focus. Jesus came not to be served but to serve Mark 10.45 and we should have the same attitude.

Need A New Heart?

 

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26

Science has produced many amazing medical advances. The most spectacular is the ability to transplant human body parts. A few decades ago, transplants were rare but these days everyone seems to know someone with a new hip, knee, kidney, liver, or heart.

When the prophet Ezekiel wrote the above verse he had no knowledge of organ replacements but he carefully recorded the message of a heart transplant. The "heart" in this passage doesn't refer to the physical, blood-pumping muscle in your chest. He was referring to the core of a person's being: Your mind, will, and emotions.

Ezekiel was addressing the nation of Israel who wanted nothing to do with worshipping the true God. They had rejected God for so long their hearts had become 'hardened.' (Sounds like America.) Hearts become hardened through repeated sin and living only for self.

The fact is we all need a new heart but we all have sinned against God. Romans 3:23 The Good News is no matter how hard your heart is; God can successfully give you a new heart. Ask God to perform spiritual heart surgery.

Proverb or Promise (Part One)

 

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 NKJ

Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost. Proverbs 22:6 MGS

As a Christian parent, my biggest concern was that my two children would grow up to be mature disciples of Jesus Christ. My heart has been broken many times to see children that have been raised in Christian homes and have attended Bible-teaching churches only to forsake the faith and desert the church.

Many have interpreted the above verse as a promise to parents that if they do their job right their children will never abandon the faith. However, this has resulted in many parents feeling as if God has broken His promise to them when their child turns from the faith.

This verse is a proverb and not a promise. Proverbs are sayings about how life normally works. But, there are plenty of exceptions to proverbs, because life is complicated by many factors. Proverbs are principles, not promises.

Bible teacher, Peter Goeman has an interesting insight into this verse. "In addition to the fact that a proverb is a principle, not a promise, Proverbs 22:6 is likely a negative warning rather than a positive promise. If we break down the verse we see some interesting details which support the view this is not a promise...The context in Proverbs speaks very negatively about the way of the youth. Thus, “his way” likely refers to the sinful disposition of the youth. If true, this particular proverb functions as a warning, not a promise. If parents affirm a child in his or her own way, that child will embrace that lifestyle throughout life..."

"By way of application, the main point of the proverb is clear. Whether it is positive or negative, Proverbs 22:6 cannot be viewed as a promise. Rather, it is a principle that highlights the importance of parenting. Further, it also highlights the tendency of the child to hold to the patterns of his youth. However, we should avoid using such a proverb as a promise that has no exceptions.

Your Compartmentalized Life

 Years ago, TV Dinners were very popular. (And I understand they are still available.) For those too young to be familiar with these here is a picture.

As per their name they were designed to be eaten in front of the television so you wouldn't miss your favorite program. I am sure they were not nourishes and their taste well..... And they were designed so that none of the items would touch one another.

It reminds me of many people's lives. They try to compartmentalize the different segments of their lives. Their work life doesn't touch their family life. Their family life doesn't touch their hobbies. And their spiritual life is private and therefore doesn't touch any other segment.

But the Bible makes no distinction that our lives are to be separated. Acts 17:28 says, "Certainly, we live, move, and exist because of him." If live in us (and He does) , then every area of our lives are interconnected. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (Emphasis added) "Whatever", doesn't sound like we separate the different areas of our lives does it?

God's plan is for Christ-followers to impact the world for Him. But how can we make an impact without contact.

What's First?

 

It’s always interesting to me how different people do things in different orders. Some people dry off before getting out of the shower, while others get out of the shower first and dry off while dripping on the floor. Everyone has an order to their morning routine. Some put deodorant on before putting on their shirt/blouse, while others put their clothing on first and then struggle to apply their deodorant.

When it comes to your daily routine, order matters. What do you do first each day? Do you check social media? Read your news apps or your Bible? Listen to music while drinking coffee? Jesus told us to “seek first his kingdom.” Matthew 6:33 Not only did he teach us to seek God first, but he modeled it. Jesus would often rise early in the morning and leave the crowd in order to spend intimate time with His Father. Spending time with God and His Word will help set the tone for the day. But don't do it from an obligation.

Whatever you do, seek God first. Open your heart to him. Lift your praises toward heaven. Absorb the truth of his Word. Let him purify your heart, cleanse your motives, and direct your actions. When you seek him first, he will add everything that matters into your life.



Lust

 

I am sure many of you were attracted to this blog due to its title. No question that we live in a sex-saturated society. But what many fail to realize is the word “lust” is basically not wrong. Technically, “lust” just means a strong desire. You might be mowing the lawn on a hot day and you might 'lust' for a glass of cold iced tea! Your neighbor is grilling steaks and the odor drifts into your yard and you 'lust' for a rib eye.

Most people connect lust with sex and that is part of our makeup. Remember 'lust' is a strong desire and without lust, we wouldn't have children! God has created man with a desire for sexual relationships. The Biblical book Song of Solomon speaks about the love and sexual longing between a man and woman. But God designed sex (and lust) to be shared only in the boundary of marriage.

God created sexual attraction but He has clearly stated that it be brought under control. Matthew 5:28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” I once had a “discussion” with a man who said it was impossible for a man to keep from “looking twice” at a scantly clad woman. I disagreed. He challenged me that I personally could not keep from looking twice. I told him that it was a struggle for me at the beginning of my walk with Christ but I found a way to overcome it.

Job 31:1 I made an agreement with my eyes. I promised not to look at a young woman with impure thoughts. I have disciplined my mind that when I see an attractive woman, I change my thoughts.... take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5. After a while it became almost second nature. Sometimes I have to physically look the other way.

Can we live above the desires of the “flesh?” Most certainly. Philippians 4:13 Romans 6:12-14

You Don't Have to Be So Busy

If you are like most people, you feel rushed, overwhelmed with all you have to do, wishing you had more time in your day. You look for the shortest line in the supermarket. Try to decide which lane of traffic is going to move the fastest. The generation has created a new word called burnout. During our hectic pace, we may ask ourselves "Is this the way life is supposed to be?" Craig Groeschel once said, "The greatest enemy to the life you want may be the life your living."

It is not enough to know the truth about Jesus but we should live like Jesus lived. " ...should walk just as He (Jesus) walked. You think YOUR life is busy; Jesus lived the busiest life ever. Listen to John 21:25 "Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the book that would be written." Yet Jesus never ran. Jesus was busy but He was never rushed. Repeatedly we read in the gospels, " As Jesus walked along..."  Mark 2:14 He never ran! Many times as He was walking to minister to someone in need, He crossed paths with people who also needed His touch. Luke 8:43-48 Luke 19

If we follow an unrushed Jesus, we should be living an unrushed life. Listen to The Message paraphrase of Matthew 11:28-30 Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” 

How many times have you said, "I just don't have enough time to get it all done."? The solution is not more time. The solution is more of what matters most. The reason we don't 'have enough time' is we are spending our time on what doesn't really matter. i.e. Social media, television, video games. You have time for what matters most. 

Challenge you to pray this prayer for seven days and see what God does in your life.

God, help me walk slowly enough to experience Jesus fully and love people deeply. 

I Can Handle This

 

Samson was the strongest man who ever lived and I'm sure he was famous for his amazing feats of strength. The problem is he began to get proud and believe there wasn't anything he could not handle. At birth, his parents dedicated him to the Lord and gave him three simple rules he was to follow.

Samson wanted to marry a Philistine woman which as an Israelite he was forbidden to marry. He forced his parents to consent and what does every guy needs to get married. That's right - a bachelor party! Samson wanted to get together with his buddies to get hammered. But Samson ignored the first rule given by God for his life.

1. Don't drink alcohol.

Samson was not supposed to drink alcohol at all. But because he figured since he was strong, he could handle it. A guy might believe he's really tough, so he convinces himself that he won't suffer the same consequences as other guys.

Just one drink/puff/hit isn't going to kill me. I can handle it.

Man, I really love this car/house/boat. I can make these payments.

I know I'm not 'suppose to' look at this website/image/video. But it's just this one time.

Because he was the strongest man who had ever lived, he genuinely thought he could handle it. But the fact is: he couldn't handle it! So what makes you think you can?

"So be careful. When you think you are standing firm, you might fall" I Corinthians 10:12

"Above everything else, guard your heart. Everything you do comes from it." Proverbs 4:23

No Earls In Heaven

 

Are you as confused as I am concerning the levels of English nobility? Dukes, Duchesses, Earls, Lords, barons. Who outranks the other? The English are famous for their idea of nobility as a birthright. That might work in the kingdom of Britain bit it doesn't work in the Kingdom of God. Spiritual standing is a personal decision, not a birthright. No one is saved because his parents or grandparents were saved.

Jesus told a parable of five foolish virgins who failed to provide oil for their lamps. Matthew 25. When they sought to borrow oil from others, they were refused. Oil in the Bible represents the Holy Spirit, which is given to individuals only by God. Are you resting on your spiritual ancestry or own your own relationship with Jesus?

Regardless of who your parents are or were, you are not a Christ-follower until you personally accept Jesus Christ as your Savior.

“The tragedy of my life is that though I've led thousands of people to Jesus Christ, my own sons are not saved.” Billy Sunday – 20th-century American evangelist