What If…

Apr6

Numbers 23:19 NKJV
“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Men lie, God does not;

Men have need of repentance, God does not;

Men don’t always do what they say they are going to do; God always does what He says He will do;

Men don’t always keep their promises; God always keeps His promises.

While sometimes we loose this perspective about God, verses like the above brings us back to the reality of who God is. But what if we don’t believe this truth? What if we are so distant from God’s word that we are unfamiliar with this truth?

If that is the case, what do we do when we someone lies to us? What do we do when someone fails to keep a promise or fails to follow through on something they said they would do? And what do we do when we need to apologize but fail to do so?

What’s our frame of reference in determining our response? What’s the authority we turn to that guides us as to how we should deal with such?

What then is our substitute for God’s truth? What we feel about such, without reference to God, will define our actions and/or reactions. But where does the reasoning come from as to how we should deal with man’s weaknesses?

If we reject God and His truths, we’ve traded lies and half truths for the wisdom, security, and comfort of God’s word. Have we thought about where those lies and half truths originated? But what if we also don’t believe Satan exists!

How to prepare for the unexpected?

Mar30

How on earth do we prepare for something we didn’t even know was going to happen??????

There is a way!

But first we must identify who is in charge of the unexpected: Who do we turn to when our plans are completely upended? When our health turns against us? When suddenly we loose something or someone dear to us? When an accident completely changes the course of our lives? When for some unknown reason others turn against us? When an opportunity we were counting on doesn’t pan out? When the unexpected happens?

When the unexpected occurs, we walk about in a stunned state of bewilderment, reeling from the shock of the unexpected event. Life is no longer the same. We weren’t prepared for this. We don’t know what to do. We do not have the capacity within ourselves to move forward. Those close to us look on, seemingly unable to reach us at our point of need.

As the days pass, we become highly vulnerable to Satan’s attack team of the fiery darts of fear, doubt, confusion, and despair. If we have no prior knowledge as to how to extinguish these fiery darts or debilitating thoughts, they will be fired at us with unrelenting vigor by our enemy. Designed to entrap us in a net of manipulation and deceit.

Now is the time to acknowledge who is in charge of the unexpected!

Hopefully,we have learned that preparing for the unexpected requires the wisdom of someone who sees the bigger picture. Someone who is not surprised by the unexpected. Someone whose understanding far surpasses our own.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6, HCSB

Prayers like the following will remind us of God’s plan and purpose for us during an unexpected ordeal. And with this perspective, Satan’s plans to destroy and weaken us will be thwarted.

Lord, Thank You that what is happening in my life right now did not take You by surprise. You understand the bigger picture of what is going on and I trust You with Your plan and purposes for my life. Thank You that You are in absolute control and You are fully able to conform me to the image of Christ through this ordeal as I surrender it to You. Show me what You want me to learn through this and help me to remain teachable and sensitive to Your Holy Spirit. I thank You that You are with me, that You will never leave me, and that You are drawing me closer to You through this situation so I can experience a more intimate relationship with You. May You receive glory for how I respond to all that Your loving hand has allowed in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/4-ways-to-keep-it-together-when-your-life-is-falling-apart.html

Fake Faith ?

Mar16

When I read the following excerpt from Mr. Little’s book, a possible answer to a troubling thought began to take form.

“Doubt is a word that strikes terror to the soul and often it is suppressed in a way that is very unhealthy. This is a particularly acute problem for those who have been reared in Christian homes and in the Christian Church. From their earliest years they have accepted the facts of Christianity solely on the basis of confidence and trust in parents, friends, and minister. As the educational process develops, a re-examination of their position takes place. This is a healthy and necessary experience to bring virile faith into being.”  

Know Why You Believe, Little, Paul E. Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, @1968; Downers Grove, Illinois, p. 5

While I totally agree with Mr. Little’s words, the closing sentence begs the question, “What if this re-examination doesn’t take place?”

I am deeply troubled by the choices of young adults today who have been raised in a Christian home or at least regular attenders of a Christian church. During their youth, while under the Christian influence of their home or church. their choices generally reflected an acceptance of those Christian beliefs. Yet, after finishing high school, influences from a different source were encountered. And after a time, the eroding of their beliefs has left them unrecognizable as a Christian.

So, what happened? 

Let’s take a look at what may NOT have happened when these young adults were youth by considering these questions. Were they ever challenged to ask questions about their beliefs? Or did they just go along with what they were being taught? Perhaps no one encouraged them to study their Bibles and find out for themselves what it had to say. And perhaps, they never claimed their parent’s faith or what they had been taught in their church as their own. 

Without a personal conviction of the truths of Scripture, there is no anchor securing them to the abundant life God promised them. This leaves them at Satan’s mercy to deceive and destroy their lives.

Living life without a solid realization of who God is and who they are in Him, according to Satan’s plan, they will rationalize every contrary choice as acceptable. For it is evident that without a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and confirmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, their faith is fake. A fake faith will not have the capacity to discern when they are being tempted to compromise. Their aim will be to please their sinful nature not God.

The Season of Caretaking…

Mar8

Advancing to the season of caring for elderly parents has the potential to create a major shift in how we live and even view life. Suddenly, long anticipated plans must be reconsidered. Adjustments in the ebb and flow of daily routines must be rearranged. Physical accommodations of living space need to be appraised. Financial aspects of this arrangement require careful planning. It’s a load that at times can be overwhelming. Our enemy is ever present wielding his weapon of choice in taking advantage of the negatives of this shift to darken our outlook.

But though our focus might be tempted to see only what seems to be an ever lingering uphill climb, we can take measures that will foster a new balance. There are many helpful resources that we can draw upon to provide what is needed to care for our elderly parents. Yet, the main resource, the one true extinguisher of such darkness, is located in the Bible. It’s the map that will guide us in the choices we need to make and how to deal with the problems that arise. For instance:

When we reach the point where we don’t know where to turn, it’s the lamp that will light our way.

When the sacrifices arise that we willingly or unwillingly have to make, we need ‘how to’ advice on what that looks like.

When the logistics and the daily in’s and out’s of caretaking, begin to weigh us down we need a place to cast those burdens.

When we feel we just don’t have what it takes to handle this upheaval in our lives successfully, we need a place to turn to to regain our strength and footing.

And sometimes we just need to be reminded of who we are truly serving.

Yes, sometimes God calls us to a season of caretaking that requires a great deal of self-denial, And even in that there is a source of joy to be discovered.

Imagination & Reason

Mar2

Reason Inspired by Good imagination

C S Lewis (author of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, remember) stressed the connection between imagination and reason. Yet, our world has a hard time understanding this. And after studying on Lewis concept, I can better understand why.

Okay, here’s one person’s definition of Lewis’s concept:

Reason and imagination are woven together, using a rich concept of truth which emphasizes how we come to see things properly, and grasp their inner coherence. (in other words, how they stick together)

Reason and imagination are easily understood as separate concepts. But, it took awhile for me to understand how they were connected. Dr. Harry Poe, a professor at Union University, and an authority on C S Lewis’s writings offers this perspective;

“Evangelicals have a wary suspicion of imagination and the artistic expression that comes from it, probably because of St Paul’s warning about vain imagination to the Romans and the idolatry and false religion that proceeds from it.”

So, there is good imagination and bad imagination! It was good imagination coupled with the rich concepts of truth influenced by God’s word, reason, that inspired the writing of Narnia. On the other hand, it is bad imagination influenced by false reasoning that produces lies from which the enemy manipulates and deceives.

Allow me to illustrate.

Consider the impact that secular media has on how we view life. If we are not familiar enough with God’s truths or have rejected anything having to do with God, then we don’t have a proper filter to discern the difference between good and bad imagination. We won’t be able to recognize the lies hidden within the movie scripts and/or other sources of media we may be exposed to. We will slowly but surely be desensitized as to what is truth. As a result, our choices and decisions will be impacted by the vain imaginations and false reasoning temptingly portrayed in what we view, read, or listen to.

So while I am sure there is much more clarity to be had on this subject, here’s what I have gleaned so far. When we combine good imagination and reason (truths from God), then we will have the right source to influence how we come to view life. When we combine bad imagination and false reasoning, then we will be influenced to view life with a distorted view and our lives will be doomed.

When doubt threatens our peace…

Feb22

And have mercy on those who doubt; Jude 1:22 ESV

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 ESV

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands Psalm 138:8 ESV

And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15 ESV

For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 ESV

Doubt can wear away our resolve and threaten our peace. Especially, when the problem we have prayed over for years, remains seemingly unaffected by our prayers. It may take us awhile to allow the truths of the above verses to sink in and route out the thoughts of doubt. Nevertheless, it is what we must do, if we desire to send those doubtful thoughts packing. Thoughts of doubt resist thoughts of peace but then thoughts of peace resist thoughts of doubt!

Waiting on Hope?

Feb16

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;” Psalm 130:5

Do you see the connection between this verse and this photo?

The dead leaves represent the concealment of hope.

After waiting through the winter, the daffodils thrust through all the dead leaves and shouts,

“Hope is alive!”

THEN

The psalmist advices us to wait on hope,

For hope will spring forth from God’s word.

God illustrates His truths, time and time again, through nature. A daffodil’s appearance following a cold winter fairly shouts the truth of hope. This visual of hope serves to remind us to wait and just like the daffodils, in God’s timing, hope will spring forth.

Let’s ponder our present troubles (winter). Like the dead leaves do they conceal the signs of hope? The psalmist counsels us to wait. And as we wait, or gaze upon a simple daffodil, we will be reminded of the hope we have in God’s word.

May my heart never grow tired. . .

Feb9

As I grow older, I’m 73 at present, there are three particular verses of Scripture that have more of an impact on me now than ever before.

Isaiah 46:4

Isaiah 46:4, Even when you are old I will be the same. And even when your hair turns white, I will help you. I will take care of what I have made. I will carry you, and will save you.NLV

As the changes assault my body it sure lifts my spirits to know that my God changes not. The older I grow the more I will need help. And who greater to supply that than the One who made me. The help and care He showers on me never ceases.

Ruth 4:15a

Ruth 4:15a, He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.HCSB

What do I have to look forward to as I age? According to the verse in the book of Ruth, God’s plan is to renew my life. I have already discovered how God manages this for me through my children and my grandchildren. The blessings He has given me in additional ways sustain me continually. There are multiple evidence on a daily basis of God’s efforts to sustain me. IF I have the eyes to see them.

2 Corinthians 4:16

2 Corinthians 4:16, So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ES

And this verse is my anchor. Yes, I can’t do what I use to do. And no matter how much I dislike it or complain about it, it will continue to wear out. Additionally, a negative complaining attitude will draw my focus away from the renewal process of God’s intent.

* * *

I read recently about a 101 year old Laotian man who for 80 years has been a follower of Christ. For many of those years he has served as pastor of a large congregation. But as his body weakens, he is no longer able to pastor. Instead, he occasionally opens services with prayer, and continues to visit and pray for those who are sick. Here is his perspective on growing old.

“My heart has just wanted to serve the Lord since I was 20 years old. Now I am tired physically, but my heart is not tired for the Lord’s work. Though my outward body is declining, I pray my inner self is renewed daily.”

May my heart never grow tired of serving my LORD!

Setting my mind on:

Feb3
Pulling against each other.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:5-8

In church circles the word flesh is tossed about nonchalantly due to our familiarity with its definition. But I bet it sounds pretty weird to those without a church background! Therefore, I will attempt to decode its meaning.

We all understand that we possess what is called a human nature. That is what separates us from the animals. It’s how we think, feel, and act.

When a person believes in Christ, the Holy Spirit of God takes up residence within that person which in essence make God her Boss. An unbeliever, on the other hand, is her own boss . Still, both the believer and unbeliever possess a human nature. We now call this our flesh. Simply put:

The flesh is the part of a believer that disagrees with the Spirit. The makeup of a believer is different from that of an unbeliever, in that an unbeliever does not have the Spirit of God indwelling them. In the case of an unbeliever, the flesh is in agreement with the spirit of that unbeliever.

This state of being reveals why fiery darts wield so much power. An unbeliever has no resource to determine truth other that their own experience, coupled with the world’s mind set of truth. Without the absolute truth of God’s word, for them truth is ever changing.

Yet, a believer has the Holy Spirit of God dwelling within. If a believer maintains a daily communication with God through prayer and the study of Scripture, then what they think, feel, and act is based on the never changing truths therein. A believer gets in trouble when they drift away from that two-fold communication. The less we know of God’s truths, the more vulnerable we become to fiery darts.

For you see, the flesh (in others word the human spirit) is always opposed to the Holy Spirit. But one leads to death (an eternity without God) , the other leads to life (on earth and in eternity with God)

Stop now and ask yourself this question,

“Have I set my mind on what my flesh desires?”

or

“Have I set my mind on what the Holy Spirit desires?”

Lies vs truth

Jan27

God is Truth

I am the way, the truth, and the life… (John 14:6)

Satan is a liar

He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.John 8:44

How do you suppose that Satan can convince so many that he is not as the Bible has described him?

How do you suppose that the lines dividing truth from a lie have faded to the point of being indistinguishable?

How do you suppose doubts about the existence of God has resulted in attempts to remove any reference of Him in our nation?

How do you suppose that we can believe that Jesus is not the Messiah, the Son of God?

How do you suppose that we can live our lives in direct opposition to God’s word and be cheered on by society for those choices?

This is how:

The answer to every question is the same. Remove the influence of God and the truth of His Word, and Satan can deceive and manipulate without restraint. He has the power of the world’s falsehood reinforcing the lies with which he has deceived us. Believing that Satan doesn’t exist or that God doesn’t either for that matter, can be easily concluded if you reject God’s word, the Bible.

Think about it. What are we embracing as truth that formerly was considered a lie? What are we identifying as a lie that formerly was considered truth?

Society changes, but not God. In the not so distant past, certain lifestyles or choices were considered immoral. But not today! Has society or an individual who has thrown off what they labeled as religious restrictions been the better for it? Without the unchangeable truths of God, we will think we are seeking freedom when we are actually seeking license. Doing what we want without anyone telling us we are wrong.

If we don’t know what the Bible says about the choices we make, how are we going to be able to make choices that will gift us with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control?

How will be able to recognize what is truth and what is a lie?