"Jesus Loves Everybody"

Recently I have heard many politicians reminding people that 'Jesus loves everybody'.  Jesus does love everybody. He sacrificed his life for every human being that has ever lived on this planet. With this in mind, we also have to  understand of how biblical love is defined by truth. It is not  to be misconstrued for the purposes of manipulation and politics. Man is not the author and definer of love.

Jesus spoke the truth in love. Love is inseparable from truth. All one has to do is read the four gospels that record the comings and goings of Jesus, to know that he loved people with the truth. He loved people when he confronted the Pharisees and called them 'whited sepulchers' and told them they were of their father, the devil.  He spoke the truth in love to the woman caught in adultery (John 8) when he drove away her accusers and told her then to 'go and sin no more'.

 

One incident that I love in the gospels is when he walked through the temple throwing over the money-changer tables because they were merchandising God:

                                                         

12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.Matthew 21:12-13

He didn't mince words and his 'zeal' in this record is encouraging. It was a big deal.

Almost on every page of the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, there are admonitions and warnings about how to stay out of the proverbial soup. He spoke teaching and guidance not legalism. He knew God's word and he spoke it.

There is no love that is greater than God's love. It is only God's love that satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts.

Righteous Confidence

When a person has righteous confidence, the reaction to fear, criticism, gaslighting, mockery and disrespect all seem to become more and more insignificant. Yes, there are gray areas where we wobble at times. but there are tools like truth and believing that help us to push them away.

 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved (made complete, whole spiritually, mentally, and physically). For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Romans 10:1-3

It is important that we get our sense of what is right from the best source. There is no source better than God; the whole creation testifies to his goodness and love. Our minds can deceive us as to what we imagine to be right especially when we try to develop our own rules. The things we want to happen may not serve us well. Certainly we can learn from experience and watching others; but these practices can also engender pressure and deception. 

God's word is pure and helps us to focus on the fair, just and right way of doing anything. When we understand God's love and faithfulness, we get assurance that exceeds anything we could imagine. Confidence, when it is right or even if it is based on small details or on 'least commandments' have significant importance in our success in life:

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:18-20

In belonging to a kingdom, a person has the rights and privileges of that kingdom. Certainly, we want the privileges and rights that only God can give. God's grace through his son has given us the opportunity to be in a relationship with the Creator of the universe!

During the time that Jesus walked this earth, the law was fulfilled by his sacrifice and resurrection. His ascension brought forth a new contract with God through the action of the gift of holy spirit in each individual life that believes.   

The religious leaders at that time had other agendas. The scribes studied the law and the Pharisees taught the law and it was in their elite position of the authority of the law that they increased their power and literally 'stuck it to' those under their authority. That is not what God had in mind. God had grace in mind.

When Jesus said those words in Matthew 5:20, he wasn't setting up a competition between the believer and the Pharisees to see who was better able to do the law. He was calling the believer to the grace walk of completeness in righteous confidence. When a person has that type of confidence, God is his authority and he lives a life of peace, unfettered by what goes on around him. There's a common idiomatic expression we use today about being 'comfortable in your own skin'. The love of God goes way beyond its meaning. It's about being comfortable in your own mind, body and spirit and produces a truly beautiful peace.

Good reading on this: The 3rd Epistle of John

Politics and Religion and the Public Square

 The two subjects not to be talked about in polite conversation are politics and religion. Jesus Christ was not a political figure. He was sent by God  to redeem Israel, but he was viewed as a threat to the politics in his time as well as the religion of the day. He was a thorn in the side of the religious elite Pharisees and also to the political Herodians. The Romans were the rulers of the area, but the Herodians had their section of rule that they wanted to maintain. The Herodians and Pharisees were diametrically opposed to each other, but when Jesus developed a following among the people both groups united against him. It was a strange union but they had a common enemy due to their ambitions and desire for power.

One day Jesus entered into the synagogue and saw a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees watched Jesus to see if he would heal him on that sabbath day. Any work or action done on the sabbath was considered contrary to Judean law. They wanted to catch him and accuse him publicly. Jesus spoke to the man with the withered hand and told him to 'Stand Forth'. Let's just say his sense of loving righteous justice was elevated. Then he said to all those around him:

"Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill?" But they held their peace (remained silent).
5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. Mark 3:4-5

Yes, Jesus at times got angry and experienced inward grief. Their hard hearts bothered him. It was love to confront them and expose their conspiratorial thinking. Then he did the one thing that proved what God is all about, he told the man with the withered hand to stretch it out. The man was emboldened to do just that, and as he did, his hand was healed.

So the Pharisees jumped for joy and praised God and realized the truth about the sabbath. No! They didn't! They got angrier!  Their sabbath was really about law and not the grace that God had in mind:

 The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Mark 2:27

It was a day of rest.  In fact take the 'Chapter 3' heading out (chapter markings were added by man and weren't in the original texts) and this verse provides some context for Mark 3:1-4.

The pharisees then joined with the  Herodians to go after Jesus. It was an 'enemy of my enemy is my friend' sort of relationship. Two opposing parties united to go after a common enemy, Jesus. 

It happens all the time and is very common today. People like to pull people to their side against some  cause. It is all over social media and extremely prevalent on FaceBook and Twitter.  God does not work that way. There is a great record (Joshua 5:13-15) about when Joshua was about to enter the promised land with the Israelites and when he faced opposition, an angel of the Lord with a sword appeared to him. Joshua asked the angel: "Are you for us or our adversaries?" God is faithful to his word. That is where he is. He has one side and it is truth. We all need to keep that in mind. I know I have to constantly remind myself of that. Jesus talking to the Pharisees is a great example of using truth as a basis for conversation. The Pharisees wanted to be the righteous ones, but Jesus directed them to God's wonderful grace and truth. When they took council against him, he withdrew himself. Those that followed him received the benefits of truth.

The Plain Path

Recently I dropped my husband off in Chicago and then drove home in busy Chicago traffic. I realized I had not done that in a long time. He usually is the one that drives. It is nice to sit back in the passenger seat and let someone else do the driving. However, I do enjoy driving. There is a sense of freedom being behind the wheel weaving in and out of traffic and trying a different route.

When things are presented to us and we don't have to go look for them, we can get a little lazy. Sometimes it may happen in one of two areas of our lives or in maybe many areas. For several years I was involved in a biblical group that taught tools on how to mine the Bible for its precious gold. I learned those lessons well and then because of how much I really enjoyed what I was learning, I wanted more. When God sees your heart to know him, he does not hold back. The whole idea of providing the gift of holy spirit in each one of our lives connects us to God individually and truly learning is a magnificent wonderful adventure.

During Old Testament times holy spirit was upon certain men and women to lead God's people. God connected with people through a leader who was endowed with God's spirit. With the coming of the New Covenant, established by the life, death, ascension and resurrection of Jesus Christ, any one who believes could have a connection with God.

 'Christ' was not Jesus's last name, it was a title conferred to him regarding his mission from God as a savior. He was a rescuer to bring true freedom to mankind. It still is his position and function.  He inaugurated a new kind of leadership style that put each individual in the driver's seat to carry out God's own personal mission for his or her own life. God has enabled us to handle anything that comes our way and can provide the GPS to help us route our path.

Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Psalm 27:11

The 'plain path' refers level ground and a smooth path free of being dragged down by obstacles. This word has been used to describe plateaus and geographical plains. This world is full of obstacles but God can help anyone  weave through them smoothly. He can also keep us above the things that try to drag us down. 'Enemies' refers to those who lie in wait. God can prosper and provide safety and comfort even during the craziest times.  Each of us has to take the wheel and steer and trust God's way (his heart, his manner) that he has provided.

The Forgiving Father

There is a great parable recorded in Luke 15:11–32. The record itself has been titled in a number of ways: The Parable of The Two Brothers, The Prodigal Son, The Lost Son, The Loving Father and The Forgiving Father to name a few. I guess the title is in the eyes of the beholder added by man. For me, The Forgiving Father works as does The Loving Father.

According to Webster, a 'prodigal' foolishly spends money or time.  We are all prodigals; I know I am at times. I know there are also times I have looked at things with a mindset like the oldest of the two brothers in the parable. This record reflects God's heart as a father and that is what is important:

A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

At tis point the son realized that life was not easy when he tried to live it the way he thought he wanted to. Life back where he came from was better even as a servant in his father's house than what he had encountered living as his desires pushed him:

17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father.

His admission as to his wrong thinking helped him wake up and smell the roses! This is healthy guilt. Shame is a deeper feeling of unworthiness and self-deprecation. It leads to fear and condemnation both of which are unnecessary burdens to carry when one makes a correction in direction. Look at how the father reacted! 

But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Just like this parable, God's heart jumps for joy when we realize that God's heart and hand on our lives brings peace and strength! Worldly thinking will tempt us to question freedom, but true freedom is experienced in living without fear and its burdens.

The other son needed some help too:

25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

He had some issues in his thinking: 

31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. Luke 15:11-32

A parable is meant to teach a simple lesson. This parable is about God's love and not about the either son missing the mark. The center of the target is God's huge love that never stops. He does not withhold love but we often lose sight of it and that is when we miss out.

The other day I was at a shooting range and was having trouble lining the sights of the gun. Each eye gave me a different picture. God gave us two eyes that provide depth when used together.  It is when we focus with both of them that our brain actually does the seeing without conflict. Our spiritual eyes do the same thing. We see one thing with one eye and another image with the other. Opening both eyes brings focus.  Looking at both stories of the two sons at the same time shows us greater depth of the enormous love of the the father toward both sons.

Yes You Can!

Religion is man-made. It is how man approaches something he/she worships.  I'm not a fan of religion  because it is man deciding how to reach God. God is dynamically loving. He's bigger than the human mind. Man is puny in comparison, but God does not see 'puny' when he sees us. He sees us through the spiritual genetics of his son. His desire for each and every person is strength, wisdom and success and victory over our messes. He reaches down gives us all the tools to do just that. Our job is acceptance and belief.

Jesus called the pharisees 'whited sepulchers'. because they maintained a facade of whitewashed piety. There is no life inside a sepulcher. The pharisees were the ultimate experts in the fine art of 'virtual signaling'. 'Virtual signaling' is a buzzword in our digital culture referring to the practice of propounding or rather pounding moral correctness into the megabyte airways of our society. It is a sneaky way to get people to adhere to moral law pushing and obfuscating grace right out of out of view. 

 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23 

There is no human being that ever lived or is alive today that can dispute this. We all sin!

Being justified freely by his grace (downward action of God) through the redemption (lifting us up) that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance (patient endurance) of God; Romans 3:24-25 (Romans 3 is such a great chapter!)

It is the difference between God's righteousness (grace) and self-righteousness (works) that we need to understand. What a relief it is when we finally get it! Religion, when based on self-righteousness is tiring, boring, self-defeating and an ultimate path to burn-out. Grace encourages, loves, lifts the heart, soothes, calms, enlightens, patiently endures with expectation of victory. It is the basis for:

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

*A great record to read about works and grace is John 8:1-12

Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, "Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?"

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."

And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, "Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?" She said, "No man, Lord." And Jesus said unto her, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

 

Seeing the Word Take Hold of Any Situation

God protects us through his word.  It is more than just reading a few appropriate verses and going about our merry way. It is all about making it a reality in any situation we face. Psalm 91 can be lived to the fullest in facing adversity.  Even if we may have made a few mistakes or two and gotten into a bit of a mess, God is there when we call on him. Life is messy. God isn't. He loves us, forgives us and helps us set things in order when we go to that special place in our minds where he can abide.

91 1-2 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High (Elyon) shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty  Shaddai). 2 I will say of the Lord (Yahweh), He is my refuge and my fortress: my God (Elohim); in him will I trust. Psalm 91:1-2

I wrote out the Hebrew words in the parentheses because when we look at these 4 names of God and connect him to these promises in Psalm 91, it is breath-taking. The rest of Psalm 91 is filled with more wonderful promises that rest in God's signatures.

First of all we can dwell in the secret place of the most High.  'Elyon' is a name of God. Its root word has the meaning "to go up " or "be high". This name of God refers to God's supremacy, he is above that all that exists. 'Shaddai' refers to God as the Almighty. This refers to God's great power. His power doesn't control us; he leaves that up to our own choice but we can call on that power in a split second.

The third name of God listed in this Psalm is 'Yahweh'. 'Yahweh' emphasizes God's relationship to us and his creation. God is a refuge or shelter and a fortress to us. No one can help us like God can.  He is our  highest, almighty stronghold. 

The last name listed here is Elohim, the God of creation. It is in the God of creation that we confide or trust in. The physical creation shows us his faithfulness.  All around us are constant reminders of God's faithfulness through his creation. The sun rises and sets everyday without fail. Gravity is constant. We don't have to even think about whether gravity will fail us. It is faithful everyday and night. Birds fly, fish swim and flowers grow. All of these things are faithful blessings to us.  There are so many examples of God's faithfulness in the universe.  We have clear evidence of a God that we can confide in and trust.

The language in Psalm 91 is beautiful and reassuring. It is a good psalm to memorize and say out loud. As we do, the words exert a powerful force in our thinking because the God of the universe stands behind its words.

Male and Female Created He Them

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female

created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 1:27-28

This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. Genesis 5:1-2

If we honestly take a look at these verses, we don't need to dig too deeply to see how God sees men and women. First of all, it says that God created man in his own image. An image is a representation of something else. An icon on a computer screen represents a program. If you click on it you get to the program. God is spirit. He wanted to have a connection with man(both male and female) So man is a physical being and he has the capability through spirit to show forth God. Man can be seen, spirit is invisible.

The very next phrase involves both men and women. He told them both to be fruitful, multiply, replenish,  subdue and have dominion. In Genesis 5 he called their name Adam (similar to mankind). Adam is the one who named Eve.

It is significant that God repeated this twice in Genesis. God saw that Adam would be blessed by having someone else at his side. Eve was not someone to be the boss over, but someone who would help contribute to fruitfulness, populating, replenishing, subduing and having dominion over the wilds of the earth.  The spirit (the 'in God's image') was with them. God didn't have a lesser or greater role for either of them. Yes, Eve was structured differently from Adam and had different functions but they worked together. Men and women are designed differently.

When one of God's angels (spirit being)went rogue and decided to take over for himself, he talked Eve into checking in to the knowledge of good and evil. He showed Eve another side of life that ultimately would bring on stuff that God never intended. This foe would gain access into their lives and turn their focus to selfishness.  Enter fear, pressure, anxiety, hardship, issues with life and on and on. God briefly touches on this in Genesis 3:16-23. Life would involve more sweat, insecurity with its mental companion, dependency, and with power struggles. Raising kids became harder as a result. Sickness and death entered into the scene. None of this was caused by God. God gave Adam and Eve free will to love and believe him.

No father ever wants to have to make his children love and respect him. That's not love. Parents are responsible to love, teach and train their children when they are young. There comes a point that the child as an adult becomes responsible to make the choices for themselves. Human control over others is not a force of God.

Adam and Eve felt that they needed to see for themselves instead of listening to their creator. They decided that they might be better at doing life even with all that God had offered and given them. This thinking continued on and on  throughout history and is ever so prevalent today. This is the real reason why bad things happen.

God's purpose for Jesus Christ (prophesied in Genesis 3:15) was to destroy the works of evil by defeating death and offering a way to the awaiting heart of God and all of his spiritual blessings. Jesus Christ reflected the image of God by showing God's love to mankind.  

God' s Word

Too often we think of the Word of God as only a book of devotion or a handbook of religious doctrine.  The Word is not something we just passively receive from God. It is a living book and its wisdom can be applied to everything in life.  Proverbs 4:20-23 really lays this out:

20 My son, attend (action) to my words; incline (action) thine ear unto my sayings.21 Let them not depart (action) from thine eyes; keep (action -shamar) them in the midst of thine heart.22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.23 Keep (action-natsar) thy heart with all diligence (mismar - confinement); for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:20-23

The word 'attend' in this verse involves inclining one's ear toward something. We should not just look at the Word as something to assimilate; it just doesn't drift into our brain cells. We are actively involved.  The next word of action, 'incline', sounds the same as 'attend' by definition.  In Hebrew (luz) it means to bend. Again we are called upon to move by leaning toward and bending.  Next we are not to let God's word 'depart' (turn aside). We hear, move toward and do not turn away from the wisdom of God.

The other three words in red refer to protecting what we learn.  'Shamar' is a verb which means preserve or watch over. 'Natsar' is similar and refers to 'guarding' the heart in verse 23. 'Mismar' is a noun connected with the verb 'shamar'. We keep our hearts with confinement regarding what we learn from God.

There is so much in these verses that emphasize the importance of keeping the word around, over, among and safe within us. It is not too hard to figure out why God impresses  us with this if we look at all that is around us, bombarding us everyday. God's promises are real and they are to remembered actively so as not to be drawn into the drama and shadows that so pervade our world. Evil can only function where God is not allowed. Where God is there is love:

~faith which worketh by love. Galatians 5:6b         

It really is that simple. We don't have to quarantine from life or hide under a rock, because we can turn to God and seek his wisdom about anything and get real answers. So many times when I enter the pages of the Word and revel in its life-quickening atmosphere. Whatever has been bothering me just evaporates away and when I leave I feel energized and renewed. The negative world just melts down and drains off and that is a great thing!

Dumping the Dumps ~ Lifting Depression

How does fully understanding the purpose of Jesus Christ help lift us out of the doldrums of the world? Depression is widely talked among people from all walks of life.  It is a common household word; but do we understand it and do we really know how to escape its pressure pushing down on our hearts? Depression is much more than sadness.  It may involve anger, hurt, unhealthy feelings about ourselves or how we respond to those around us. Often it manifests itself in our thinking as a sense that the worst part of us may be what we are all about.

Frequently depression is a reaction to oppression of some sort. This world swirls around offering all of its lures and cures that do not help us at all and tend to make things worse.  I look at all God has created and it is easy to see that God really wants us free and blessed. When one looks at God's word from his point of view, it flings open the doors on a shuttered heart to the extent that one becomes aware of an incredible joy that just won't leave. The most important thing you can learn in your life is who God is, that he is full of mercy and grace and loves us beyond measure.

There is evil in this world. Evil gets a foothold where God is not allowed. The battleground is in our own minds. It is hard walking around this world to not be bombarded by things that God never intended us to deal with. So why do we? God gave us free will. We can either accept or reject him. He can be found when we look.  He is in the creation (Romans 1:20). He also had his Word put into print:

He sent his word, and healed  them, and delivered them from their destructions. Psalm 107:20

God also gave us his son who lived and walked this earth displaying the heart of God. He was a man who was a healer and forgiver. He spoke the truth in love and he showed us the way of a how we can connect with the Father and have the resurrected freedom God wants for us:

14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Hebrews 2:14-15

God also gave us the gift of holy spirit to provide comfort, guidance, strength, reassurance and the all truth that is so freeing. God has freely given us all the enablements we need. As far as God is concerned, the past is over, we can handle today and the future is bright!

For cloudy times the best practical and simple thing we can do is:

8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:8

The heart may take a little melting before it can be poured. That part is up to you to think through all the resources God has given you and do that work. It might involve talking to God, reading a great book like Ephesians or something else that lifts your mind

I have a little notebook that I write down all the wonderful things God has done for me. I even like to write down the great things God is doing for others. Often I just open it up and read it  and I am reminded of real things and I marvel all over again.  It drowns out the noise of this world completely.

Who is Jesus Christ and What Does He Mean To Us?

In the gospel of John, in chapter 17, we are given an in-depth view of the heart of Jesus just before he was arrested. He prayed for his disciples:

14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. John 17:14-18

There was definitely a reaction to the ministry of Jesus during that day and time. The 'world' did not greet him with open arms just as the 'world' still does not today. 

The next few verses of his prayer include you and me. Yes, Jesus Christ prayed for us:

20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:20-26

Jesus looked forward to the future. He is resurrected, ascended and is 'set down at the right hand of God'.  This is a figure of speech. God is spirit and is everywhere. 'The right hand of God' refers to the authority of God given to Jesus Christ as head of his church.  It is not a place. It is his function. For a long time I thought of it as a place. If that is true, we might ask "What does he do all day?". Having the authority of God to carry on God's business to his church, he is very busy!

Take a look at this verse:

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved; 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 2:4-6

What does that indicate about your own life? On the day of Pentecost, Jesus Christ by the authority of God, poured out the gift of holy spirit for all who believe. With this gift believers have all the enablements to carry out God's word and works on this earth.

In the Epistle of 1st John we see this come into fruition. This what the church is now:

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. I John 1:3-4

No one can stand between you and God, Jesus Christ and any believer who walks in God's light. We have a lot to be thankful for. This was God's ultimate goal from the beginning of time. So what if the world philosophies don't agree, we have the tools to handle it! The best thing you can do in any situation is go straight to God and expect help and guidance, not to mention comfort, peace and joy. It is all in the package! Read John 14:11-20!

 

 

 

 

 

Religion causes even greater divides and much of it centers on the who and why of Jesus Christ. 

 

Tempt God?

The world sometimes seems like it is spinning out of control. We have periods of prosperity and well-being and then along comes something we can't quite figure out. If we look back into Old Testament times there are plenty of examples of this happening to learn from. The Hebrews trekking across the wildness is a great one.  God supplied the Hebrew's needs time and time again, and yet when something went awry, they threw up their arms in desperation and complained and argued with God. Moses asked them why they were tempting God? If we think of how we use the word 'tempt', we might not understand and we might ask: "How do we tempt God?"

When Jesus was confronted by some formidable situations in the wilderness, the enemy challenged him several times to get him to doubt God. The devil wanted Jesus to worship him. Jesus answered with God's word. Slyly, the adversary responded by challenging him with scripture. 

4 But he  (Jesus) answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee (to keep thee in all thy ways): and in their hands they shall bear thee up, , lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Matthew 4:4-7

Satan quoted this scripture from Psalm 91:10-13.

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Psalm 91:10-13

He omitted the words 'to keep thee in all thy ways'  and he added the words 'at any time' to Psalm 91:6. Not only did the adversary misquote God's word, he changed the meaning slightly especially when he tried to cast doubt using the word 'IF' to start with and the last verse 91:13 he did not quote. 

He tried to provoke Jesus into testing God out. Jesus zeroed in on the enemy's basic problem of challenging God! Tempting, testing and proving God biblically is questioning "Is the Lord among us or not?" (Exodus 17:7) Jesus knew and believed His Father had his back. He did not have to prove it to the devil!

We can do the same in the current crazy times.  We can endure having fear pushed at us by keeping God and his faithfulness in the forefront of our minds.

Does God Side With Some Over Others?

13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
14 And he said, Nay (Neither); but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant? Joshua 5:13-14

God doesn't take sides, we take God's side.

38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is on our part. Mark 9:38-40

God is no respecter of persons. He is pleased when anyone trust and believes his word.

25 And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.
26 But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.
27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.
28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them! Numbers11:25-29

God desires that all walk, trust and rely on him.

Justice

The greatest joy on earth is when we see the light of God's love shine through in all that's right. It is so satisfying when truth wins out, is clearly visible and true justice becomes solidly recognized. The inner heart longs for it.

Things appear turbulent in our country right now. It seems that we are in a plainly visible conflict between good and evil. Good embraces all that is God and his wonderful love. Evil pushes fear and distorts how love is defined :

20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20

People are confused and as they go about trying to establish a sense of their own righteousness, the water gets muddier. Frantic people seek control over what is going on around them.  Speaking out about 'racism' and 'canceling culture'.and 'virtue signaling' are instruments stirring the pot. 

21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Isaiah 5:21

There is nothing new under the sun. These things that are happening now have gone on throughout the history of the world. People get trapped in a vise between saving the world and wanting our own way.  All through history race, culture, religion, political views and the desire for control and power have been the fuel for adverse human relationships and division.

Truth is beautiful and peaceful and helps us to become our best selves. Jesus Christ knew what satisfied his soul and that was carrying out God's plan for justification of every willing heart.

11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11

When I hear about some 'got caught' story in the news, it makes me think everything is going to turn around and I watch and wait looking for truth to triumph. We don't instantly get the clearing and setting things the way they should be. Chaos and confusion continue to push away at our minds. In a perfect Godly world this would not happen, but we are not living in a perfect world:

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. John 18:36        

Having things 'on earth as they are in heaven' is a prayer and occurs in an individual heart through peace and knowledge of the love of God.

God is our haven but that doesn't mean that we lock ourselves up and hide, or not speak the truth in love. The spirit of God that works in us helps us to see through the smoke and mirrors of evil and act accordingly. As we act, we then enjoy the satisfaction that lifts us up and out of the smog with genuine joy.

The Land of Snakes

In the Old Testament there is a short significant record in Numbers 21:

6 And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.8 And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Numbers 21:6-9

The children of Israel who wandering through the Exodus wilderness came into an area that had a snake infestation and it was a lethal problem! The Lord didn't send the snakes (Hebrew idiom), they were already in the land. The sojourners, as their manner was, had been known to complain often  about the trek through the wildness. The more they complained the less they believed and the snakes became a serious roadblock for them.  As they cried out, God told Moses what they needed to do.  God told him to make a brazen serpent and lift it up on a pole for all to see.  The Israelites were to look at that symbol and in doing so, averted the lethal effects of the snakes.

Fast forwarding to the New Testament, the gospel of John refers to this event in John 3:

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God's purpose for Jesus Christ's is to destroy the works of the devil:

8 He that committeth (practices ) sin (lack of belief in God) is of the devil; for the devil sinneth (was treasonous to) from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. I John 3:8

These snakes indigenous to the land were harmful to God's people.  God's solution was to focus their sights on the brazen serpent trusting God and they were healed by believing. Jesus Christ took on sin so that we might life.  Our focus on the purpose of Jesus Christ is the answer the difficulties that present to us in the world.  His sacrifice provided a way for us to spiritually be protected from the effects of sin. That is where our focus needs to be.

In the Old Testament record the snakes didn't suddenly disappear, but each individual could choose God's deliverance. They could either sit around and moan or focus on moving forward. Think of all the snaky things in our wilderness. On second thought don't think about these things. Our deliverance spiritually lies with the head of the spiritual church today as our savior. That is what we look at! Jesus shows us the love of God. We are drawn to God through love

From This Day Forward

Jesus Christ opened his ministry by reading from God's word about his own life:

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias (Isaiah 61:1-2). And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach (evangelize) the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach (herald) deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.    Luke 4:17-19

The Spirit of the lord was upon him. The wind in his sails was the spirit of God. He was 'anointed' by God to 'speak the good news'  to those who felt spiritual poverty and humbly desired to know how to fill their lives with the power of God. We have all felt 'spiritual poverty'.  The world around us often makes us feel that way. When we truly understand God's desire for our lives we should never feel  lack. Our hearts are healed.

In the Old Testament when individuals were anointed, oil was rubbed on their heads signifying God's authority. Oil represents the spirit of God.  The holy spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost following Christ's being raised to his authorized position as God's right-hand man. That day, all who believed could receive the anointing of God and receive power to carry out God's work on this earth. We need to see that these actions contained in this verse apply to us too.

We can herald forth the privileges of the kingdom to those who are caught in the web of the world's ideological prisons. We can help set captives free. Prisons are dark with no spiritual light. As people hear the good news, their eyes are opened just as the lids of our eyes opened reveal light, the dark prisons of people's minds are opened by the light of God's word. Everything changes. We don't have to sit back and wade through all the mud the world throws at us, we are to be the ones who permeate this world with the light of God's deliverance.  We don't have to look back at the chains. We are a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17) and we have the ministry of reconciliation. We are no more on defense, we take charge spiritually over the darkness and we do it by exercising our righteousness.

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

None of us are angry victims, we are victors. Forget victimhood! God's righteousness brings peace, joy and powerful results. In 'everything we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) and we can do 'exceedingly abundantly according to the power that works in us' (Ephesians 3:20). This thinking is not a bunch not pious platitudes, it is a real call to a winning mindset and subsequent actions that change the world.

Rise Up and Walk

The first miracle recorded after the the great outpouring of holy spirit after the Day of Pentecost is

Resurrection Power

recorded in Acts 3:1-8:

3 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up (wake, arouse or rise up) and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

It is one of my favorite records. The difference between how this crippled man received help through begging for alms and others carrying him around to what Peter and John woke him up to is huge. "Rise up and walk!' It is God's gracious gift  through the accomplished work of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God's power  awakens all who believe. This isn't about alms or giving in the physical sense. This is spiritual! God's gift of holy spirit is means of empowerment to all who believe.

I see a lot of memes and comments engaging in 'virtue signaling' these days stirring up sympathy and dependent enabling as a path to to help people, What really works to help people is godly empowerment. Yes, we offer our hand, but individuals have to wake and rise up by believing God. It is not something we do for them or force them to accept. It is what God can do in them that is the greatest boost of all!! That is what we can share with anyone who will listen!

It is as true today as it was back at the time of the resurrection.. It applies to Hebrews, Gentiles, blacks, white, males, females, children or aged ones.  It is the answer to racism, sexism, bigotry and discrimination. God has left no one behind. He is no respecter of persons. Wouldn't you just love to walk through all the so-called 'peaceful protests' and share this message?  Wouldn't you love to see people walking and leaping and praising God instead of this crazy stuff going on?  We just need to say what Peter an John said: 'Silver and gold have I none but what I know and have experienced, I can share with you' and leave it up to them to make the choice of believing it or not.

Righteousness and Anger

Many things happen to us to make us angry. We want life to be fair but it often isn't because we live in a world populated by humans. Each of us responds to the world logic and patterns in our own way. We often experience conflict because of a multitude of factors present around us.

When logic comes from God's word (logos), it brings peace and a sense of well-being, not agitation. A very big point to understand is that God's wrath is passionate, not hateful. God is a God of love. He designed the human mind to think and have certain emotions to help protect us from the evil that exists in the world. He obviously thinks that anger to certain things is good, and he teaches us how to deal with it.

Ephesians 4:26-27
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.

We are surrounded daily by actions and influences that seem not fair and arouse a sense of justice in our hearts. At the end of the day (I mean this literally not figuratively like it is so often used) we have the opportunity to lay our head on our pillow and give it all to God. It is at those moments we can  listen and genuinely forgive. We can really allow God to do his love thing to handle what is on our hearts. Forgiveness does not mean giving in to injustice.  It means asking God to resolve any problem the way it needs to be resolved. Our 'pillow talk' can  assure us a good night's rest only to wake up the next day expecting good things ahead. This is to be viewed as a dynamic of life not a rigid rule . It is from a very deep love that God guides us in this direction. God's kingdom abides in this realm.

20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20

Righteousness is not indignant. It is a description of our right to God's love and solutions. Righteousness is not about competition, jealousy or argument of who's right and wrong. I often make mistakes, but I have realized that we can be still righteous even when we make mistakes and that is what elevates us to God's kingdom here on earth (remember the prayer, 'thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven'?) The Pharisees (the 'separated ones') and scribes tried to teach people the law.  With the advent of Jesus Christ we could become righteous by giving us access to God through grace not law.

Most people who stay angry have conflict in their own hearts and allow the adversary to run in through and ransack their brains. Believe me when I say I know about that. God can help us get out of that rut when we understand what true righteousness involves.  And I know about that too. At night when I close my eyes, I love laying what is on my mind all out before God. When I wake up the first thought I have is usually one of great expectation for the day.

The Mystery Doctrine and Practice - Why is it so Important

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes(rulers) of this world, that come to nought:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:8 Which none of the princes(rulers) of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. I Corinthians 2:7-8

None of us are perfect, so we can get confused when we read a verse like this. The word 'perfect' in the above verse refers to those who have the complete, mature, and accurate understanding as to the purpose and reality of the Messiah.  God had an intent and purpose for Jesus Christ. If we want to see the power of God we need to understand what God intended in Jesus Christ. In order to find it we need to look at the 'hidden wisdom'. 

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery(hidden secret) among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect (mature) in Christ Jesus: Colossians 1:26-28

Knowledge alone does not mature us.  It is when we utilize knowledge with strong humility that spurs our growth.  Jesus Christ's purpose is to expose darkness and where it lurks. We are able to overcome the earthy and devilish wisdom of the world through Christ in us.

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Corinthians 12:27

We are all 'essential' workers in the congregation of Christ. There is no spiritual elite because we all have the gift of holy spirit with which to fan our great individual potential. In I Corinthians 12:27ff, God  through Paul, reveals the imagery of the human body as it relates to the body of Christ working together. It is a beautiful analogy and tells us uniquely how we relate to one another. We each have the confidence and assurance to do our part and not infringe on someone else's part. The hand cannot function without the shoulder and the elbow, but at the same time, the shoulder cannot perform the same function as the hand. All the parts of the body need each other, yet every part of the body of Christ has Christ as its head. So many parts operating in sync with the head is unbeatable. Jesus told his disciples that they would do greater works than he because he needed to go to the Father. God has granted him the authority to direct the church an he does that through the spirit.

We do not have an absent Christ. He is connected to us. Is that so outlandish? Thirty Years ago, did we think we could talk face to face with each other?  Today even though I might be 1000 miles away from my kids and grandkids, I can be present with them via Facetime. It is nothing for God to utilize the communication lines of holy spirit to keep us all tied together. When you login, the password is prayer.

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us (other people with the same communication lines): and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. I John 1:3

That is powerful! Think about what we have access to! On the internet we have access to some really great human references, human experts, resource books, data, interviews and videos on any topic. We have a stronger, more powerful connection with God and we don't have to deal with the junk and darkness that the internet is filled with. (Analogies can just go so far). God's wisdom is pure wisdom with not even a hint of darkness.

One of my favorite records is in the book of Numbers. Gold gave instructions to Moses:

16 And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.17 And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone. Numbers 11:16-17

This is from the Old Testament before Christ's time.  Spirit was upon certain men. Joshua noticed two people operating the spirit of God outside the camp and went and told Moses. Mose's response?:

29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!

Here is a beautiful hint of God's desire which came to pass starting on the day of Pentecost after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Pentecost was the birth of the church that is the led by Jesus Christ.  On the day of Pentecost God's heart's desire was fulfilled. We celebrate it this coming Sunday. Happy Birthday to the Church! Let the candles blaze! What a great time to focus on that gift of God's Spirit and exchange its presence with each other.

    

Sinner's Prayer?

During the current crisis which is worldwide,  people are experiencing amplified feelings of fear, isolation, vulnerability, and loss of control. People have varying ways of dealing with what is going on. Some turn to science, officials, news, drugs, alcohol, religion and chocolate.  Many people during times like these, want to ask questions of and about God.

There are many ministers on TV in ads calling people to confess their sins and come to God.  I think this really misrepresents the heart of God. Repentance involves a change of heart. It is the change of heart that God is interested in because the change in heart brings the best to an individual. We can see that as we read through chapter ten of the book of Romans. Sin does nothing but damage to our lives. I dare say God does not want to be reminded of our sins.  He wants our hearts restored and drawn to him. God wants us to live above the trauma and drama of the world. Somehow some designers of world religious practices sadly don't really understand it.

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.  For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. Roman 10:1-2

The  Hebrew religion, around the time leading up to the book of Romans, was immersed in the laws and guidelines of tradition. Their religious practices were going overboard to prove their own righteousness.

3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

We see a similar practice going on today with the current crisis situation.  For example, there are actually lawgivers who are regulating that only two people of the same household should be in a boat when fishing on a lake to prevent a virus spread. There have been sound guidelines given but some regulations are way over the top. The Bible itself has guidelines that are reasonable and right. There are admonitions actually in Deuteronomy 14:12-20 and Leviticus 11:13-19 not to touch or eat bats. The word of God includes epidemiological education but Mosaic religious law and practice got more rigorous and restricting as man extended God's word with Hebrew traditions as time went on. Man always seems to get carried away with the dits and dots of regulatory boundaries. It is probably about man's lust for control. Listening to God is not about control.

The Hebrews of Paul's time had incredible laws of minute regulation that burdened and dampened those who had a zeal for God. This kind of righteousness is what nobody needs! True freedom is founded in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ showed and continues to show us the heart of believing God:

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Righteousness is a heart thing. We don't have to confess anything except what God did for us through his son Jesus Christ:

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (wholeness). Romans 10:9-10

Why Division?

Recently I read an article regarding love and hate.  It was written by a blogger who is also a  journalist. The beginning of the article sounded great because it addressed the hate mongering and division that is going on all over social media. As I got deeper and deeper into the article, the goal of the article turned out hugely deceptive.  The article could not hide how the author really thinks and I was struck by his logic, deception and hate-mongering that he just quite couldn't hide.

There is a huge fight going on for the soul of America (actually it is nothing new). What has caused this dark divide in our culture? As I said, it has been going on for quite a while, and there are many manifestations now visible as people have made 'snark' the ultimate tool of what they call truth.

The question of what is at the bottom of all this divide actually is truth. There is truth and non-truth  and they are at odds with each other. There is only one body of truth and that lies at the feet of Almighty God, the creator of the universe.  God is love that is so simple and obvious when we just look around us and see the wonderful blessings that God has provided for us. I have mentioned this over and over in my blog maybe because it is an extension of my thankfulness for all God has done for us just in the creation alone.

My most recent excursion in this topic has been in to the realm of immunology. God has designed and given us such resources in how he designed the human body. Our immune system is just one of them. Even with the abuse that man puts the body through, there are layers and layers of built -in resources to help us out from external attack. It is amazing!!

The truth is God loves us.  He even gave his Son for the very purpose of lifting the guilt, shame and fear off our hearts so that we can live without being burdened down with oppressive mental weight. Guilt, shame and oppression are at the root of what divides us. How we feel about ourselves will determine how we love. Untruth believes in its own love. Therein lies the divide. God defines love, our works don't however wonderful they are.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Love has a long fuse , and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8 love never faileth: I Corinthians13:1-8a KJV modified

There is a reason why this thirteenth chapter in Corinthians is sandwiched between chapters twelve and fourteen Together they teach about the gift of holy spirit that we have and can utilize. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts throughout our spirit and it is something that cannot be hidden from view when we let it shine. Allowing God to work in us changes us from noisy gongs to rich melodies resounding throughout our world.

An Act of God?

Recently a state governor  reported on the corona virus progress in his state, and he made a statement that could cause a lot of confusion in people's minds. He said that it wasn't an 'Act of God' that we have flattened the curve; we have done that, not God. On the one hand, this could reflect thinking that we don't need God. On the other hand, it could mean God expects us to trust him to help us get through it and act without fear to handle situations that come up.

There are others who call the pandemic an "Act of God"; that God is displeased with us because of the moral degradation present in the world today.  Some say God is punishing us and some say he is waking us up. Others word it as "he is testing us". How many of us would take our children out to the curb, let go and see if they would run into the street?

In answer to all of these thoughts, I know that we are exposed to good and evil everyday (goes way back to Genesis 3). God is good always.There is no question in my mind that there isn't anything about him that is dark and sinister! Pandemic outcomes of isolation, not being able to hug and kiss our grandkids, keeping us from work, the wearing of masks and constant washing of the hands, just to mention a few things, is not what God envisioned for his creation. There is evil at the bottom of this, but God's sole desire is to help us rise up out of the clutches of fear, and, with his inspiration, stand boldly to defeat the attack on our lives.

God caused the sun to rise and set everyday in a 24 hour cycle and as someone near and dear to me said "I just take everyday, one at a time."  Yes! Our lives are meant to be lived in 24 hour units.

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:31-34

So are we to freeze up in the 24 hour period? Not at all.

There is so much to do and it may not be the same as we are accustomed to but there are great blessings to be had and different things to learn and see during this time. I have seen some amazing things going on in my community and among my friends and relatives. Maybe we have decided to change up  what we do, what we enjoy and how we think a bit . God designed our brain and he didn't design it so he could control our very thoughts and actions. He didn't design our ruts. He made our brains so we could think things through.  He has made it abundantly clear throughout creation that he will help any one who comes to him. He gave us his son who faced all the bloodhounds of hell straight on so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. The Apostle Paul wrote:

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:11-13

This is the Act of God! This is a great time to think bigger!

Condemnation ~ "NOT!"

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1

The 'no' in the verse above is a strong 'no' as compared to other Greek words for 'no'. It is a 'No' with a capital 'N'. (I love the old Greek language, it is so specific and logical!) This is like the English expression that has become popular that makes a statement and ends it with "NOT!" to show absolute negation.

Romans 8 is declaring a big 'No condemnation' headline for a chapter in Romans that is chocked full of goodies! Condemnation became totally defunct through the amazing life of Jesus Christ. Condemnation by definition refers to a sentence handed down after a being declared guilty. We are all guilty. In the previous chapter of Romans the great apostle Paul talked about how frustrated he was with his own life in this category. But! thank God he had learned in life how God had relieved him of the guilty irreversible sentence he thought he so deserved by making Jesus his Lord. We are all guilty of not doing things the way they should be done, and those who truly understand what Jesus Christ was and is all about know that God doesn't penalize those who love and commit themselves to him.

It took me a long time to understand the whole deal about what Jesus Christ is to our lives. I remember going into church as a child and seeing Jesus on the cross and then thinking I had done that to him. This was especially true when I was first learning about sin so that I could make my first confession. I also remember going to a church that also had a cross up front, but no Jesus. That was not as scary.

The cross represents what Jesus Christ did for us not what we did to him. What did he do for us? He freed us from the penalty of sin. He freed us from condemnation. Paul continues in Romas 8 to share what he learned;

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

Who wants to walk around with sin and death hanging over our heads? We have no sentence of condemnation when we walk in the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. (Whenever Christ comes first in his title, it refers to the the Messianic benefits of his life.) We have the spirit of life in all of its fullness when we focus on what God has done through his son.  He is our example. Jesus was a man with passions like our own. He proved to the world that walking with God is the absolute way to go! Paul knew the reality of that freedom and we have the privilege and choice today.

Paul manifested this same life in Christ Jesus to people as he lived in its freedom. We can do it today. As believers we have the spirit of God dwelling in us:

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11

Our life in the fleshy carnal world doesn't do anything for us.  It is like a lead weight dragging us down under the pull of pressure and restlessness. We can shed anger, resentment, un-forgiveness  and other negative passions like we do a coat because we have a the passion of God inside our hearts to love when we walk in with his spirit.