Sometimes it seems that texting while driving has stolen the spotlight from drunk driving.
However, it’s still the same problem it was back in 1976 when my grandfather was killed by a drunk driver on his way TO work.
But, many drunk or buzzed drivers aren’t just the stereotypical, stumbling alcoholics.
How many well-respected, hard working professionals, both ‘blue and white collar’ share ‘a couple of drinks’ after work before going home FROM work?
Not only is it a part of day-to-day life in some work places, but in many work cultures it’s an expectation to network and ‘climb the ladder’.
It’s only by the grace of God that more of these happy hours don’t end in tragedy.
I’m not saying don’t go to happy hour, but be responsible. Many people leave one drink, and one blink from suddenly changing (or ending) their life…or someone else’s.
Ephesians 5:17-19 (NKJV)
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
Presented with a dilemma with eternal implications unknown to him, and with Jesus before Him, Pilate asked a poignant question…
John 18:38 (NKJV)
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.
The TRUTH is absolute independent of how we view it… just like God.
We defile it…
We pervert it…
We skew it towards our own point of view or agenda.
We make the truthsubjective.
This is why the key to finding truth when two people are using THE SAME SCRIPTURE to justify their perspective is totally removing how we WANT to view the scripture and seeking to see it as God intended. WE’RE BOTH USING SCRIPTURE SO…HOW TO TELL WHO’S ‘RIGHT’?
For example, Yeshua the Messiah clearly says we should “turn the other cheek” if someone strikes us, and He gave us that example just before He was crucified…
Matthew 5:39 (NKJV)
39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
Luke 22:63-65 (NLT)
63 The guards in charge of Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and said, “Prophesy to us! Who hit you that time?” 65 And they hurled all sorts of terrible insults at him.
However, Christians read the truth in the above scripture, and then reason for themselves how it’s okay to strike someone back when it’s not in self defense. They see turning the other cheek as a sign of weakness. If your life isn’t truly in danger, striking someone back is pride.
In our heated social, historical and political climate, people ‘research’… ‘fact check’… read history and filter the absolute facts we find through our subjective perspectives.
In both the Old and New Testaments the bible makes it clear that homosexuality is a sin just the same as fornication and adultery. However, people who want to justify what they want to do, but also claim to be Christian will say, “That’s not what the scripture means.” WHY IT’S STILL A SIN EVEN IF YOU WERE, “BORN THAT WAY”…
Another example…Benedict Arnold led the British army in battle to the very men that he had previously commanded.
That’s a fact.
But, how history views him is subjective. America views him as a traitor, while people from Britain might not think so. Calling him either a traitor or a hero creates a narrative, so he truth is filtered through perspective.
One last example…a zebra is black and white, however subjectivity creates a narrative when say the zebra is ‘black with white stripes’ or ‘white with black stripes’. Science has determined that their skin is black and their stripes are white per the website LIVESCIENCE.COM…https://bit.ly/3xjAqeA.
We make the truth subjective through our perspective.
When people say they’re LIVING THEIR TRUTH, give them this gentle reminder… “The truth doesn’t belong to you.”
John 14:6 (NKJV)
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
per·vertverb/pərˈvərt/
alter (something) from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended.
Forgiveness isn’t easy. That’s because there’s a spiritual battle going on in our mind. The battle comes from the anger, shame, embarrassment, disappointment resulting from the betrayal or whatever was done, said, (or not done or said) to hurt us.
But, you can win that battle. You can chose what you think about.
Stop focusing on what they did to hurt you, and think about they ways they have shown love to you…
…every time those painful thoughts enter you mind. When you find yourself thinking about the ‘unforgivable’ things they said, think about how they comforted you in the past when you were down. Think about the good times you’ve had with them.
Remember, you control your thoughts…
Philippians 4:8-9 (CJB)
8 In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy. 9 Keep doing what you have learned and received from me, what you have heard and seen me doing; then the God who gives shalom will be with you.
Sex is a gift from God. Even though it’s the means He intended for us to be fruitful and multiply, it is also meant to be enjoyed within the bonds of holy matrimony between a man and a woman.
Our bodies with their various curves, shapes, textures, contrast of colors, smells etc., are meant to provoke sexual arousal. It’s up to us to control these urges so that they are only fulfilled within marriage.
One of those divine combinations of curves, shapes, textures, and contrast of colors is the female breast.
Yes, these were created for mothers to make sure their children are nourished, but that’s not all.
They were also created for the mutual pleasure of the husband and the wife. Breasts were created:
As a means of seducing her husband…
For her pleasure during times of intimacy…
To be aesthetically pleasing to entice her husband…
For his enjoyment during times of intimacy…
The fact is that even though God created female breasts to nurse their children, that boobs aren’t just for the babies. Check out these bible verses about female breasts and intimacy within marriage.
Proverbs 5:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth. 19 As a loving deer and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; And always be [a]enraptured with her love.
Song of Solomon 1:12-13 (NKJV)
12 While the king is at his table, My [a]spikenard sends forth its fragrance. 13 A bundle of myrrh is my beloved to me, That lies all night between my breasts.
Song of Solomon 4:4-5 (NKJV)
4 Your neck is like the tower of David, Built for an armory, On which hang a thousand [a]bucklers, All shields of mighty men. 5 Your two breasts are like two fawns, Twins of a gazelle, Which feed among the lilies
Song of Solomon 7:2-3, 8(NKJV)
2 Your navel is a rounded goblet; It lacks no [a]blended beverage. Your waist is a heap of wheat Set about with lilies. 3 Your two breasts are like two fawns, Twins of a gazelle.
Song of Solomon 7:8 (NKJV)
8 I said, “I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of its branches.” Let now your breasts be like clusters of the vine, The fragrance of your [a]breath like apples,
Song of Solomon 8:10 (NKJV)
10 I am a wall, And my breasts like towers; Then I became in his eyes As one who found peace.
Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV)
4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
1 Corinthians 7:2-5 (NLT)
2 But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.
3 The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. 4 The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.
5 Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
So, couples enjoy one another, and may your marriages…
BE BLESSTIFIED!
You may also enjoy these BE BLESSTIFIED articles on Godly marriage…
I’m a middle aged dude and comfortable in my role and season of life.
I frequently see ads targeting my demographic trying to sell the benefits of boosting testosterone. They claim enhanced energy, vitality, muscle growth and yes, libido.
They claim to restore testosterone to teenage levels.
There’s only one problem.
Teenage-level testosterone is not natural for a middle-aged man. Just like any medicine, there may be unwanted side-affects for a man to have an unnatural level of testosterone for his age.
People use the ‘God created it, so it must be good’ argument for many things, including marijuana. But, even if there are medicinal benefits to ‘weed’ that doesn’t mean it was meant for recreational use.
The natural sugar in fruit juice can still be harmful if it’s consumed in large amounts. Even an overactive immune system, meant to protect us, can be deadly.
The Bible teaches us to use moderation in what we place in our bodies, even wine…
1 Timothy 5:23 (NKJV)
23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent [a]infirmities.
Take care of yourself and your body which is the temple of the Living God. Be careful of everything you allow to enter your body.
So many times the bible is explicit, clear and ‘preaches & teaches itself’. We sometimes mess up by twisting and perverting it to fit our desired agendas, beliefs, denominations and personal theologies.
When it comes to sin, many Christians ‘cherry-pick’ through the bible selecting the sins that bother them the most while making excuses for, justifying or totally ignoring those which they have decided aren’t as bad.
There are several sins that anger God just as much as homosexuality that are quite frankly ‘practiced’ by many people who call themselves believers in God through Jesus Christ (Yeshua the Messiah).
The Apostle Paul does an excellent job of after calling out the sin of homosexuality, providing a list of sins that are equal abominations that qualify us all for the wrath of God. That’s why His grace and mercy are so valuable.
Read the verses below from Romans Chapters 1 & 2, and notice the sins that are listed after Paul addresses homosexuality. Think about which of those sins you are personally guilty of.
Notice it’s our attitude about these sins…
Whether or not we commit them…
Condone them…
And, judge those who struggle with sins different than those that we do…
Notice how those attitudes and behaviors are what qualify us as worthy of God’s wrath.
Romans 1:24-2:5 (NKJV)
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their [a]women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the [b]men, leaving the natural use of the [c]woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, [d]sexual immorality, wickedness, [e]covetousness, [f]maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 [g]undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, [h]unforgiving, unmerciful;32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
God’s Righteous Judgment
2 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your [i]impenitent heart you are [j]treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
Did you notice sins such as strife, deceit, backbiting, pride, boasting, disobedient to parents, unloving, unforgiving and unmerciful. Many of those sins are characteristic of many people who claim to be believers.
Pride and boasting have become accepted sins in today’s society, even in the church.
Now is a good time to repent of our ‘sins of choice’ and thank God for His goodness, forbearance, longsuffering, abundant grace, and mercy.
God is very clear in His expectation that we honor our parents.
Ephesians 6:2-3 (NKJV)
2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
He made this commandment with no exceptions, stipulations or exemptions. God already knows that many parents are far (very far) from perfect. The fact is that most of the parents in the bible had huge character flaws and poor parenting skills…THE HUSBANDS, WIVES, PARENTS & CHILDREN IN THE BIBLE WERE MESSED UP TOO…
He even mentioned how some people used to pervert God’s commandment by trying to avoid it, most likely because they weren’t the best parents…
Mark 7:8-12 (NKJV)
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—[a]the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”
9 He said to them, “All too well you [b]reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban”—’ (that is, a gift to God), 12 then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother,
I’m by no means diminishing the fact that many parents are or were abusive and some even abandon their children.
But, why didn’t God say “EXCEPT THE ‘BAD’ PARENTS”?
Why?
Well, I feel the one reason God wants us to honor all parents is because whether they were good or bad…
The parents He gave us is who He chose to bring us into the world.
God chose our parents for a reason, and gave us His expectation. If they were bad, He will judge them, but He will also judge us if we don’t obey Him.
We have wayyyyyyyyyyy too many ‘cussing’ Christians!
Our words are so powerful. Their ability to influence and shape our world is confirmed in the word of God.
Proverbs 11:9 (NKJV)
9 The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.
Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV)
15 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 16:24 (NKJV)
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Mark 11:23 NKJV For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
And, just as much as they have the power to influence, our words also reveal what’s inside of us…
Matthew 12:34 (NKJV)
34 Brood[a] of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
It’s even with our words that we acknowledge and accept God’s gift of salvation…
Romans 10:10 (NKJV)
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
So, God holds those who believe in Him through His Son and our Savior Yeshua (Jesus Christ) accountable for each and everyone of our words…
His expectations of us are very high…
Matthew 12:36 (NKJV)
But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
Ephesians 4:29 NIV Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
That’s why it’s catastrophic when Christians curse, cuss, insult, use vulgar, profane or unclean language!
Too many times, you can’t tell the difference in those in the Body of Christ and those who aren’t by how they talk.
Too many times, Christians choose to express their emotions through words that are displeasing to God.
Too many times, Christians use insults when they disagree.
Too many times, Disciples of Christ allow coaches and those in authority to ‘curse’ their children.
I’ve seen too many of our leaders curse in public and those who call themselves Christians cheer, celebrate and find reasons to justify it.
Too many times people who claim to represent God equate cursing to ‘strong words’ or assertiveness.
What does God consider unclean words?
James 3:10 (NKJV)
10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
What does God consider ‘cursing’?
KJV Dictionary Definition: damn
damn
DAMN, v.t.
1. To sentence to eternal torments in a future state; to punish in hell.
2. To condemn; to decide to be wrong or worthy of punishment; to censure; to reprobate.
He that doubteth is damned if he eat. Rom xiv
3. To condemn; to explode; to decide to be bad, mean, or displeasing, be hissing or any mark of disapprobation; as, to damn a play, or a mean author.
4. A word used in profaneness; a term of execration.
Our words can either bless or curse. Our words can either encourage or discourage. Our words can either breathe life into a room…or suck it out!
Words can totally destroy or testimony and credibility as a Christian.
When you curse someone, it isn’t ‘harmless’.
YOU ARE RELEASING SOMETHING…
YOU ARE GIVING SOMETHING…
When you say, “God bless you!”…You’re giving a BLESSING!
When you say, “Damn you!” or “I’ll be damned!”, or even “Go to hell!”…YOU’RE GIVING A CURSE!
This one is for educators and those who care about them. Expressing legitimate concerns isn’t whining, it’s responsibility. For believers, this is confirmed in the lamenting Psalms.
Routines…
Processes…
Consistency…
Proximity…
Eye contact…
There are dozens of ‘proven’ strategies for effectively managing a classroom of students from kindergarten to high school. The goal is for the classroom to operate like a well-oiled machine, keeping disruptions minor without interrupting instruction.
And, yes there are teachers who struggle with keeping order in their area of influence. When this happens, many times both co-workers and administrators will conclude that a particular teacher has poor classroom management skills.
Is this sometimes true…OF COURSE!
But, there will always be situations that will be beyond anyone’s control.
So before an administrator tells an educator, “Your children don’t meet your expectations because you have poor classroom management”… They must ask themselves…
“When teachers and staff don’t meet my expectations is it because I have poor building management skills…or do I deflect the blame?”
How healthy is the overall culture in the building? What’s the macro culture of the district that’s beyond the control of teachers?
I once worked at a school where the children arrived at 7:40 (received breakfast) and were dismissed at 4pm…
My class didn’t have lunch until 1:10 pm (with no morning snack)…
The class periods were 2-hours long…
There was no gymnasium (the cafeteria was used)…
There was no recess (this was before COVID-19)…
The children were barely allowed to talk…
By mid morning, these children were hungry, and it definitely affected their behavior. There was no recess to release pent-up energy…one could conclude these children were being set up by the culture for behavior problems…and the teachers were left to take the blame.
And of course, no matter how much we want to believe that ‘all children are good’, no set of rules, procedures or protocols are effective against this child…
Too many times it’s easy to deflect ALL accountability to the teacher or any ‘front-line’ worker, but leaders should always remember what Jesus Christ said in Matthew chapter 7…
Matthew 7:1-2 (NLT)
7 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others.[a] Thestandard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
Too many ‘experts’ outside the classroom (especially those outside the school building) feel their expertise trumps the expertise of the ‘experts’ who are still in the classroom every day.
Let me first say that by the grace of God, I’ve never been addicted to illegal or prescription drugs.
I’ve also been gulity of looking in disdain at those who are. I’ve self-righteously shaken my head at those who have overdosed or even died.
Some were trying to escape the realities of life…
Some became addicted after surgery, medical treatment, or due to a chronic (no pun intended) or medical treatment…
Others were addicted through recreational use or just to ‘unwind’…
But, the end result was the same…addiction.
So, before you judge anyone in any of these situations or scenarios, think about this…
What if either of these were illegal, or deadly (and some are depending on your state of health…
Coffee…
Cola…
Over-the-counter pain killers…
Red Bull…
5-Hour Energy…
Beer…
Wine…
Sugar.
I think you get the picture. What if coffee (which many admit they HAVE to HAVE) were as addictive and deadly as opioids?
When you see someone hit rock bottom of their addiction, stop and pray for them.
Then stop and examine your life and your…
ACCEPAPTABLE ADDICTIONS…
Then empathize with them.
But, please don’t judge them. Because the ‘addiction’ comes from the same weakess in all of our flesh, and but by the grace of God, whether you admit it or not…
Could be you. Matthew 7:1-2(NKJV)
Judgenot, that you be not judged.2 For with whatjudgment you judge, you will be judged;and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
What is it that you like least about yourself? When was the last time you got ‘fed up’ with some aspect of your own character?
When was the last time you felt like the Apostle Paul when he said…
Romans 7:20-25 (NKJV)
20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
When was the last time you examined …
Your heart?
Your motives?
Your moods?
Your behavior?
Your prejudices?
Your priorities?
How you manage your emotions?
What makes you angry?
What makes you happy?
What impresses you? And why?
Are you a good, Godly influence to the people in your circle?
When was the last time you really thought about what God thinks about your character?
I know I’m not the only one who sometimes struggles with this. I’m sincerely grateful and thankful for the level of blessing and favor on my life. I’m not talking about riches. I’m talking about being thankful that I have food, clothes, shelter, good health and a sound mind…for what many people call ‘the little things’. I’m thankful that my family is doing well, thankful for freedom, peace, safety and yes, I’m thankful for salvation.
But, sometimes I want more.
I would love for God to bless me to be able to support my family well through my writing and leave behind a financial heritage for my children. Ohhhh…that would be so awesome! I would love to be able to do some of the things for my family that I know would make them happy. Who doesn’t want financial stability, good health and peace in their life.
I can’t count the times I’ve been praying to God asking Him to bless my life and stopped and just had to stop and say, “Thank you!”
Because you see, so many times when I’m asking for more, I think about so many who have less.
So many times when I lain in my bed worrying about something, I think about the fact that it’s a blessing to have a bed in which to worry. Someone, somewhere at that very moment is trying to sleep under a bridge
God tells us to be content, and I truly am…
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, [a]and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
But, still I want more. Don’t you? I mean God also told us He would give us more, if we have our priorities straight…
Psalm 37:4-5 (NKJV)
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit[a] your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
Do you ever feel conflict over being thankful and wanting more?
How do we manage being content with our lives without being covetous?
If you have this conflict too, tell God thank you for the conflict. It’s a sign that you aren’t greedy or covetous.
Here’s a few simple tips on managing that conflict.
Please be careful when you…
Feel God owes you better.
Feel what you have isn’t good enough.
Ask God for more, more often than you thank Him for what you have.
Never pray for those who have less than you.
Lose that internal conflict between being thankful and asking God for more.
As I was growing up, I never did really grasp how young Dr. Martin Luther King was when he stepped onto the world stage.
Then he became involved with the Birmingham bus boycott at the age of 26 he wasn’t trying to make history, he was just trying to do his part to make a difference.
At the age of 35 he was the youngest man at the time to receive the Nobel Peace prize.
At the young age of 39 he made his historic “I’ve Been To The Mountaintop” speech that prophetically eluded to his death the very next day.
In 39 short years Dr. King changed the world. His wife and children had to share husband and father with history. And, his children grew into adulthood without their dad.
Many of you reading this who grew up hearing and reading about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have outlived his 39 years.
What have you accomplished in your time here so far?
Maybe you haven’t changed the world, but have you been a good father? mother? sibling? son? daughter?. Have you been dependable to the people in your life?
Can the people in your circle of influence count on you? Are you fulfilling your purpose of being God’s representative in every relationship and environment?
2 Corinthians 5:20 (NKJV)
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God
You may not be Dr. Martin Luther King, and really should thank God that the weight of your purpose isn’t as heavy as his…
You don’t have to change the world to make history, you just have to change the world around you.
John Chapter 17 records the real ‘Lord’s Prayer’, as Matthew 6 gives us the model prayer. In John, He prays for Himself, His disciples and finally those who believe in Him through the disciples words…us.
It’s interesting of all things He could pray about, in verses 20 through 24 He prayed for…
Unity… Agreement… ONENESS!
Why?
Because three of the most powerful forces on this earth are…
LOVE…
HATE…
and…
UNITY!
It would be impossible for the Gospel to spread, the church to grow and families to survive without unity.
Notice what the bible says about agreement…
Genesis 11:6 (NKJV)
6 And the Lord said, “Indeed the people ARE ONE and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.
Amos 3:3 (NKJV)
3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?
1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV)
10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all [a]speak the same thing, and that there be no [b]divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
It was through ‘agreement’ and ‘unity’ that the devil was able to provoke rebellion in heaven leading to him and those who united with him being kicked out…
Revelation 12:7-9 (NKJV)
7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they [a]did not prevail, nor was a place found for [b]them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
However, the ultimate agreement is in heaven…
1 John 5:7 (NKJV)
7For there are three that bear witness [a]in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
So, if our Savior was intentional enough to pray for agreement, I encourage you to be intentional to specifically pray for agreement EVER DAY in…
Your marriage…
Your family…
In your local church…
In the Body of Christ…
In your government…
On your job.
And especially pray for unity with God… That you are ONE with Him and He is ONE with you, just as He is ONE with our Lord and Savior Yeshua the Messiah. Pray for this every day, and if possible every time you pray.
Notice how many times the Lord says or infers ONE in His prayer for us…
John 17:20-26 (NKJV)
20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who [a]will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be ONE as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be ONE in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be ONE just as We are ONE: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in ONE, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
Remember, this isn’t just a prayer, it’s the Lord’s passion. And, it should be ours too.
Galatians Chapter 5 warns us against the battle against our flesh and our spirits…
Galatians 5:17 (NKJV)
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
God gave us our sexual desires and even perfectly regulated them to encourage long, satisfying marriages (check out this link)…
However, it’s not His fault if we allow our lusts to pervert our natural, God-given sexual attractions. We cannot trust our flesh. Lust can have us doing some crazy things if we aren’t careful.
It certainly got King David caught up…
2 Samuel 11:2 (NKJV)
2 Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold.
Think about this.
Why are so many people attracted to what is, at times, the nastiest part of the body?
One of the first things that many men and women are attracted to is the butt, booty, behind, derriere, bum, a**, so much so that even countless songs have been written about it…
They are splattered all over television, the internet, magazines, flaunted in public, ‘butt’ that’s because people are so attracted to it.
So, if your flesh is trying to get the best of you through intently checking out someone else’s, (especially other than your spouse’s) rump, think about the fact that even though it might look good, it’s a good chance it might not smell good.
God has a way or reminding us that our flesh is corrupt and, we will return to the dust of the earth. No matter how much you wash, as you go about your day, a butt will be a butt.
Be careful, don’t let your lusts make a donkey out of you:-)
One of the most difficult things to understand in the Bible is used by unbelievers as one of the first bullets they shoot to say there is no God.
Why would a loving God allow people to be stoned to death? They go on to say, ‘who would want to serve a God like that?’
I’m quick to say, ‘Me!’ And, this is why.
Relationships fail because of expectations not being met. The Bible is a narrative about two relationships, God and those who claim to be His, and those who don’t.
There are also two dispensations of these relationships… Old Testament and New Testament.
The powerful thing about the Old Testament is that it’s where God gave us His expectations through His relationship with Israel and Judah.
Through THE MOSAIC LAW, we learned what behavior God loves and what behavior God hates. When we look closely at how God reacted to Israel’s behavior. Yes, sin is sin, but to put it simply, some sins piss God of more.
For example, if a stranger were to hack your bank account and stole one dollar, you would be angry. You would be angry that they invaded your privacy and sacred space. You would be angry that they stole from you, but not as angry at the amount they stole. But, what if someone close to you hacked your retirement, stole your life savings and used YOUR money to hire someone to kill you to get insurance money as well? How much MORE angry would that make you?
In the Old Testament there were some sins that led to being exiled, while there were other sins that led to death.
During that time, Israel was our example to let us know God’s level of displeasure.
1 Corinthians 10:10-12 (NASB)
10 Nor grumble, as some of them [a]did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.
God allows different things happen in different times. Back then they had the benefit of great miracles and hearing directly from God. Today we have the benefit of their experiences and technology that would seem like magic to them.
It’s in the Old Testament that we learned God’s expectations…
Romans 7:7-25 (NKJV)
7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, (A)I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, (B)“You shall not covet.” 8 But (C)sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evildesire. For (D)apart from the law sin was dead. 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. 10 And the commandment, (E)which was to bring life, I found to bring death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me.12 Therefore (F)the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.
However, when Yeshua came and fulfilled the law, His death satisfied not only the penalty of eternal death, but also extended grace that the law didn’t. For example, look at His response in these two situations..,
John 8:1-11 (NKJV)
8 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 Now [a]early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and (A)taught them. 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, [b]this woman was caught in (B)adultery, in the very act. 5 (C)Now [c]Moses, in the law, commanded us [d]that such should be stoned. But what do You [e]say?” 6 This they said, testing Him, that they (D)might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with Hisfinger, [f]as though He did not hear.
7 So when they continued asking Him, He [g]raised Himself up and said to them, (E)“He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it,(F)being[h]convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up [i]and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers [j]of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
11 She said, “No one, Lord.”
And Jesus said to her, (G)“Neither do I condemn you; go [k]and (H)sin no more.”
Matthew 19:7-8 (KJV)
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
So was the level of consequences left for our example in the Old Testament fair to the people living then relative to us today? Maybe not, but God never claimed to be fair, only just. GOD ISN’T FAIR, BUT HE’S JUST…
Because of this today we know God gets just as angry now at forsaking His day of rest by working unnecessarily, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, idolatry, or witchcraft as He did then. Now we know that stealing or coveting makes Him angry, but not as angry as the fore mentioned sins…yet all are sin.
The law and its consequences is our teacher.
Galatians 3:24-25 (NKJV)
24 Therefore the law was our [a]tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
I encourage you to read through the Old Testament from the perspective of intentionally noticing how He reacts to Israel’s behavior. It gives great insight into how He feels when we do the same things today.
We all know that God expects us to love everyone, even our enemies. And, we also know that’s not always easy to do. Sometimes peoples’ actions can take us beyond not just liking them.
There are people who clearly don’t like us, people who don’t have the same beliefs, values and opinions. People who we feel don’t respect our traditions, heritages and cultures. Those who unapologetically work against us and try to hurt. People who hate us.
Well, the fact that God forbids us to hate people hasn’t changed, but He does allow us to hate THINGS about people. So, the next time you look at someone in such intense anger that hate begins to fill your heart, here are a few things that it’s okay to hate ABOUT people…
Their behavior…
Their attitude…
Their habits…
Their clothes…
Their taste…
Their traditions…
Their temper…
Even the organizations and institutions they create.
Everything mentioned above can be hated without hating the person. How do I know that? Because God, who loves all of us, also hates some things about us too…
Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)
16 These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to [a]Him: 17 A[b] proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
But, He never lets what He hates about us provoke Him to hate us, even when we’re His enemies…
James 4:4 (NKJV)
4 [a]Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
Romans 5:10 (NKJV)
10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
We were created in God’s image. He hates stuff too. He just doesn’t hate us…ever. So, the next time you feel your natural God-given emotion to hate fill your heart, do these five things…
Stop and focus on what it is you hate ABOUT them.
Focus on that or those things.
Ask God to help you love the person.
Then sincerely pray that God strengthens them in the areas you hate, and to open your eyes if you’re wrong.
Ask God to help you love them through the things you hate about them, just like He loves you through those things He hates about you.
You see. Learning to love people through the things we hate about them gives us the opportunity to be more like God.
When you’re sharing God’s love, it frustrates the devil.
But, he has absolutely no power over your life except that what God allows…
Job 1:12 (NKJV)
12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your [a]power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”
So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
God gets glory out of our lives when we overcome the devil, just as He did when He allowed the enemy to have temporary access to Job.
He bragged on Job, and sometimes God is bragging on you…
Job 1:8 (NKJV)
8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you [a]considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and [b]shuns evil?”
That’s why sometimes frustrations come from nowhere…
Frustrations to your health…
Frustrations to your finances…
Frustrations in your relationships…
Frustrations on your jobs…
Those aches and pains. That boil on your behind. That person who has been frustrating you in traffic for the past 20 miles. That co-worker who continues to conspire against you. Those people who are insensitive, inconsiderate and unapologetic.
The devil see’s when you’re not letting those frustrations get to you. So, he sends another frustration…and another…and another, until God tells Him, “That’s enough!”
The enemy knows He has no real power over your life, so those frustrations are just him ‘giving you the finger’…
He’s flipping you off because you’ve pissed him off.
So, don’t let him get the best of you! Keep your cool. Praise God. And, let God get glory out of your story.
21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”
23 But He answered her not a word.
And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” 24 But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 26 But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throwit to the little dogs.” 27 And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Why did Jesus remain silent in verse 23?
Why didn’t He answer the woman when she first asked?
If she had left, angry or discouraged because Jesus didn’t answer immediately, then her daughter would not have been delivered.
Our God is a God of order…Just because He’s silent, doesn’t mean that He doesn’t listen. God has His own timing…
Galations 4:4 (NKJV)
In the fullness of time, He gave His only Son…
Acts 17:30-31 (KJV)
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Yes, there are examples throughout the bible of God’s timing.
Jesus tells us why He initially remains silent to the Canaanite woman…He tells her he was sent FIRST to lost sheep of Israel. His answer could even be perceived as harsh.
It wasn’t time for the Gentiles yet…BUT, it’s possible that Jesus also remained silent so we could see the example of the woman’s persistent faith.
Jesus’ silence prompted the woman to worship Jesus even more, and be more persistent(vs 25).
Those around her were able to witness her great faith and persistence…She didn’t get offended, angry or discouraged.
Sometimes people will get, super spiritual and tell you to ask God and let it go…that continuing to ask is a lack of faith…but the bible teaches persistence in God’s silence(Luke 11:5-13, Luke 8:1-8) still having faith through the persistence.
It’s HOW you continue to ask, your attitude as you ask that matters (the woman remained humble and didn’t get angry or impatient with Jesus). After all, persistence is a sign of faith that your persistence will pay off, right?
This woman’s persistence and great faith prompted God to act beyond His timing on her behalf, PERSONALLY.
God can do the same thing for us today. If you’re asking God to move in your life…
DON’T GIVE UP…
DON’T BE DISCOURAGED…
DON’T GET ANGRY AT GOD…
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY DON’T LOOSE FAITH, even if you feel God is being harsh!
Be content to be patient and work within God’s timing, and sometimes He will do something for us ‘personally’ to confirm our faith…
Strengthen our faith…
And display our faith so others can see and believe.
When you love someone, you want to learn what pleases them…and what displeases them.
The same is true for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…Yeshua the Messiah.
Many of you already know that the Hebrew name for Jesus is Yehoshua, or Yeshua in its shortened form.
Many of you also know that Jesus is a transliteration of Yeshua in Hebrew to Iesous in Greek and later Jesus after the letter ‘J’ was added to the English language in the 1500’s.
We also know the importance God places on names in both Old and New Testaments.
So here’s my question for serious contemplation and conversation…
What if…Just what if…Jesus doesn’t like being called Jesus just as a man named Michael doesn’t like being called Michelle…and vice versa? Both Michael and Michelle have the same meaning, but they aren’t the same name.
Nor, do we call Joshua of the Old Testament Jesus, as both names have the same meaning, but they aren’t the same name.
If companies will sue over misuse of their name…is it possible that Yeshua wants to be called Yeshua. God introduced Himself to the world through the Hebrew people… not a race, but a faith He created as His own people.
Is it our place to tell our Savior what He wants to be called? When we refer to foreign leaders, do we translate or transliterate their name, or do we refer to them in their particular language?
How do people abroad refer to Barak Obama, Donald Trump, or Joe Biden? What is the city of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) called in other countries?
If we REALLY love God through His Son as we claim, shouldn’t we at least consider it.?
The truth is that it’s possible for millions of sincere people to believe the WRONG thing.
I’m not asking this question with my mind made up that using the name Jesus is wrong. I just feel if we really want to ‘get to know Him and please Him that we should continually refine our faith and relationships.
In how many different ways will He feel we haven’t tried to get to know Him…
Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)
21 (A)“Not everyone who (B)says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will (C)enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who (D)does the will of my Father who is in heaven.22 (E)On that day (F)many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not (G)prophesy in your name, and cast out demons (H)in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 (I)And then will I declare to them, ‘I (J)never knew you; (K)depart from me, (L)you workers of lawlessness.’
It’s the same as wondering how does He feel about people using the Roman symbol of His execution to represent Him…but that’s another discussion.
Who was there when God ‘SAID’ “Let there be…”? There was no audience. Moses wasn’t there…the revelation of creation was given to him much later.
The Hebrew word for “said”, AMAR, according to The NAS Old Hebrew Lexicon means, to say, to answer, to say in one’s heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend.
When God wills it…God says it.
God’s will is His words. He wills and it happens.
Jesus Christ, Yeshua, IS the living word. Jesus was there in the beginning as the Word and later became flesh. Just as your spirit, your essence of life, is invisible but your body is the image of your invisible spirit. God is a Spirit and Jesus Christ is not only the Word that was there in the beginning, He is the image of the invisible God.
Colossians 1:15 (NKJV)
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
John 1:1-3, 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
But what is ‘word’? The Greek words RHEMA and LOGOS are used as equivalents for the Hebrew word DABAR, as the Word of God or Divine Word.
God’s will is His words. He wills and it happens.
God can place His will, thoughts and desires inside of us, it is us that must use language to communicate. Language is for us, not God.
Language is what we use to communicate our thoughts, our intents…what’s in our hearts. We use language to communicate…God doesn’t have to. God is not limited to English, Igbo, Spanish, French, Portuguese or any other language.
His ways our not our ways and thoughts our not our thoughts. God can communicate with us through a thought. God knows your thoughts…does God hear them in a language? Or, does He just KNOW what’s in your heart.
Yes, we confess with our mouth, for the benefit of others, but we aren’t saved until we believe in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. How does God know you believe? Does He need a language to do that?
Many times people are critical when someone says, “The Lord told me”… And rightly so, because people tend to say that very loosely…too loosely. People will critically and sarcastically say, “What did God SAY to you?” Did you HEAR His voice?”
Yes God has spoken audibly at times for our benefit…Moses, The Mount of Transfiguration…but God doesn’t have to SPEAK audibly to SPEAK…
Nehemiah 2:12 (NKJV)
12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me; I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem; nor was there any animal with me, except the one on which I rode.
Jeremiah 31:33 (NKJV)
33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
Matthew 16:17 (NKJV)
17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
Hebrews 8:10 (NKJV)
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
Revelation 17:17 (NKJV)
17 For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.
Remember. Those who rejected Jesus (Pharisees, Scribes etc.) heard Him with their ears… They heard Him speak in their language…but they didn’t hear Him in their heart.
There are as many internal church and denominational church cultures as there are churches and denominations.
And, there are several denominations that feel dancing before God is an acceptable form of worship…
2 Samuel 6:14 (NKJV)
14 Then David (A)danced[a] before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing (B)a linen ephod. 15 (C)So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.
Psalm 149:3 (NJKV)
3 (A)Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.
This article is for those who feel dancing is an appropriate part of worship, not to debate whether it is or, not to judge those who do or don’t.
So, here’s the question…in many of the churches that DO incorporate dance into their worship, there are a few specific ‘dance steps’ that are often done during worship. These steps are typically called THE HOLY DANCE.
My question is when and where did these particular steps become the designated HOLY DANCE, and why are any other dance steps that ARE NOT sexually suggestive considered taboo and inappropriate for worship?
Have you ever heard a father brag about paying the bills? Putting food on the table? He may even say, “I deserve to run around with the fellas or hang our because he’s holding it down for his family. Have you ever heard a mother brag about taking care of her family? About being at home for her children? Have you heard a father or mother brag about not ‘running the streets’, about dealing with the difficulties of life without turning to drugs or alcohol?
How about this one? ” I’m faithful to my spouse!”
Have you ever heard a child brag about doing their homework and staying out of trouble?
Have you every heard a Christian brag about regularly attending church, being faithful in giving or studying their bible?
This is all good, but it is absolutely nothing to brag about.
Why?
Because they are all doing what they are supposed to do. They are all doing what’s expected of them.
What’s unfortunate that we live in a society where so many people are not doing what they supposed to do, that those who are may seem beyond the norm, or even special…feel they deserve a pat on the back.
One of my favorite movie scenes is in the movie, “Guess Whose Coming To Dinner” when Roy Glenn’s character who played Sidney Poitier’s character’s father was lecturing his adult son about how hard he worked to make sure he had everything he needed, as he objected to his son dating a white woman. He told him this as if his son owed him something for providing for him. Sidney Poitier’s character quickly rebuked his father for making him feel obligated for doing what he was supposed to do. He then lovingly acknowledged his love and respect for him.
In an age absent and distracted parents and rebellious children, those doing their duty can begin to feel special…when they actually aren’t.
Notice what Jesus had to say about simply doing our duty…
Luke 17:7-10 (NKJV)
7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.[a] 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”
Be thankful if God has blessed you with a mind and the discipline to hold down your role as father, mother, son, daughter, employee, citizen, disciple, Pastor as expected. Yes, we all make mistakes, but you haven’t gotten ‘caught up’ or distracted to the level of some others…but we should never think we deserve a pat on the back, are ‘special’,or ‘owed something’ for doing our duty as God expects.
14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
When God tells Moses who to say sent him when he goes into Egypt, He says tell them, “I AM”.
I AM is less about his name and what He’s called and more about His nature. Every time God says I AM, He let’s us know more about who He is…what He is…what He does.
Look what God says behind, “I am”…
“I am your shield…”
“I am the Lord…”
“I am God…”
“I am the Lord your God…”
“I am the Lord who sanctifies you…”
“I am giving…”
“I am holy…”
“I am with you…”
“I am He who blots out…”
“I am the First and the Last…”
“I am He who comforts you…”
“I am merciful…”
“I am Holy…”
“I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…”
“I am the Christ…”
“I am able…”
“I am the Son of God…”
“I am One…
“I am from above…
“I am the bread of life…”
“I am the living bread…”
“I am from Him , and He sent Me…”
“I am the Light of the World…”
“Before Abraham Was, I AM…”
“I am the door…”
“I am the good shepherd…”
“I am the resurrection and he life…”
“I am the way, the truth and the life…”
“I am in My Father and the Father in Me…”
“I am the vine…”
“I am not of this world…”
“I am the King…”
“I am the Alpha and he Omega, the First and the Last…”
“I am He who lives…”
“I am alive forevermore…”
“I am He who searches the hearts and minds…
“I am coming quickly!”
BEHIND every “I AM” from the Lord…there is meaning, purpose…action!
BEHIND every “I AM”…He defines himself.
AND SO DO WE…
Remember what Jesus said…
Luke 6:45(NKJV)
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. FOR OUT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART HIS MOUTH SPEAKS.
Would it reveal a dirty mind? Or, a mind meditating on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report and praiseworthy?
Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Would it reveal the works of the flesh or the Fruit of the Spirit?
Would it reveal malice or good intent?
How would you smell at work? At school? While sitting in your home? While looking at your smartphone?
How would you smell while sitting in church?
How often would you smell good? How often would you stink?
We need to learn to replace the words ‘blame’ and ‘fault’ with ‘responsible’.
Blame and fault are negative; Responsibility is positive.
Blame shifts responsibility or refuses to accept it.
Fault encourages one to pass the buck to protect themselves.
Have you ever blamed someone else when you were responsible?
Telling someone ‘I blame you’ or ‘it’s your fault will likely make them defensive.
But, telling them ‘It’s your responsibility’ or ‘we all make mistakes’ is more will likely make them be accountable.
The enemy is always looking for opportunities to provoke us to sin so he can blame and accuse us.
Revelation 12:10(NKJV)
10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.
Romans 14:11-12 (NKJV)
11 For it is written:
“AsI live, says theLord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.”
12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
Galatians 6:5(NKJV)
5 For each one shall bear his own load.
God expects us to hold one another responsible and accountable, sometimes with rebuke…
Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
And, sometimes in gentleness…
Galatians 6:1-2 (NKJV)
6 Brethren, if a man is [a]overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
But always in wisdom. Remember, responsibility brings accountability and blame brings shame.
When being onboarded to my first teaching position, the principal told me, “Teaching is a 24 hour job.”
She was unintentionally feeding a toxic macro-culture of unrealistic expectations that includes judging sincere professionals as undedicated if they aren’t devoting their time away from work to their obligations at work.
This infers that the expectation is to neglect yourself…your marriage… your family… your life for your career.
WRONG! NOPE! I CAN’T GO FOR THAT!
Yes, we sometimes have to arrive early and stay late, then work at home…but it should never be the daily expectation. Some people even consider this behavior noble and judge others on their expectations.
No, my first principal should have encouraged me to use my time wisely… work smart and not hard… and never forget that the number ONE (1) reason(s) for being in any profession begins with yourself and your family.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE ABSENT TO BE A DEADBEAT PARENT…
…All you have to do is put your career before your own children.
The Twilight Zone: The Bewitchin’ Pool
No matter what profession or job you GO TO every day…TAKE ALL OF YOU TO IT, then BRING ALL OF YOU BACK HOME! It should never come before you or the people most important to you…and it should never come before the people to whom you are most important….
THEY NEED ‘QUALITY YOU TIME’…
…Not some shell of you who is always preoccupied with work. Even God teaches us to…
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR ‘AS’ YOU LOVE YOURSELF! (Mark 12:31)
Anecdotally, one of the greatest causes of cognitive dissonance among educators is the feeling they’re doing more for the children of others rather than their own.
How many milestones and memories have you missed to fulfill someone else’s expectations of you above your own or your family?
God also demands that we rest one day out of seven… whether you believe it’s Saturday or Sunday, have you forsaken your gift of rest? Do you spend your weekends getting ready for Monday? God forbid!
Remember, it’s not how many hours you work, but how you work your ours.
It’s your responsibility to create healthy boundaries while honoring your commitment to your career.
The first few weeks in a new year is an ideal time for personal reflection. It’s a great time to stop and think back on the things we got right, but more importantly on the things we thought or did wrong…through either commission or omission.
Many times when we make genuine efforts to reflect over our own lives, we begin to think about those who have had an affect on our lives, sometimes to the point that we forget to reflect on how WE have affected THEIR lives… Or how we have affected our own.
IT’S NATURAL FOR US TO PLACE BLAME AND DEFLECT RATHER THAN SEEK SOLUTIONS AND HOLD OURSELVES ACCOUNTABLE.
So this is just a quick reminder to US (myself included) that as we reflect over the past year (or the past) that we remain FOCUSED ON OURSELVES in the mirror of our minds.
If no one else in the world changes but you, the world still changes!
2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)
5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you [a]are disqualified.
It happens every New Year. Many preachers giving promises of peace and prosperity from the pulpit. First of all let me say that sometimes God does send prophetic proclamations of good news to His people, but not every year.
There are many preachers out there who make the same promise
every year…
“This is your year!”
“This is your season!”
But, the prophets in the bible didn’t always deliver good
news. In fact, many times they were tasked with warning the people of what was
to come. God is loving enough to not let His people be caught off guard without
warning.
But, beware of preachers who deliver only good news.
Promising prosperity and good news every year plays on the
emotions and hopes of those who God has entrusted to watch over their souls.
Unfortunately, many preach through their flesh whether than God’s Spirit…
Some to feed their egos…
Some to keep members engaged…
Some to manipulate money out of the people…
How is EVERY YEAR GOING TO BE YOUR SEASON?
Remember what God told Ezekiel…
Ezekiel 33:1-9
(NKJV)
Again the word of
the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, speak to the children of your
people, and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, and the
people of the land take a man from their territory and make him
their watchman, 3 when
he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the
people, 4 then
whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the
sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the
trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But he who
takes warning will [a]save his life. 6 But if the watchman sees
the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned,
and the sword comes and takes any person from among
them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at
the watchman’s hand.’
7 “So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 9 Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have [b]delivered your soul.
Think of all the pride, arrogance, curses, blasphemies, abominations, insults that are released daily. Much of this behavior comes from those who call themselves believers.
How much it comes from you?
So many times we expect to give our worst and receive God’s best.
This type of preaching is like quenching your thirst with cola or alcohol. It may feel refreshing, but it’s actually dehydrating you.
I pray that God grants you a year of peace and prosperity…but I can’t promise it.
BE BLESSTIFIED! 