God’s Wrath

Fake news is everywhere and social media keeps it alive. Recently there was a post about an incident in Walmart where the voice over the PA system said Walmart no longer supports the police. Many people commented on the post saying they would never shop at Walmart again; however, a quick fact-check proved the post to be false. No doubt the originator of the post thinks he/she will never be held accountable for instigating lies and misinformation. Paul said, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them” (Eph 5:6-7 NIV).

Taking a Knee in Heaven, on Earth and Under the Earth

Peer pressure has athletes, coaches and owners in every national sport taking a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. In my mind this comes very close to bowing before a BLM altar and I’m reminded of the remnant of Israel, 7,000 in all, who had not bowed the knee to Baal (Ro 11:4). People of faith should consider carefully the ramifications of taking a knee to anyone or anything other than Jesus. Speaking of Christ, Paul said “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:9-11 NIV).

Worthless Religion

 In witness and testimony, my outspoken friend puts her faith on display daily. At times she is aggressive, in-your-face and caustic in speaking her mind. I have to admit she has positioned herself as someone not to be challenged — either politically, spiritually, or socially. James said, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:26-27 NIV).

Lawlessness

One thing that makes America unique among other countries is that she is a nation of laws. It’s not only unsettling to see the lawlessness taking place in the US today, but startling to realize the masses taking part in such activity are not children of God. John said, “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother” (1 John 3:4-10 NIV).

Called to Persevere

The call for Americans to repent and to pray that our nation will be healed is becoming more intense. Many believers worry about the loss of culture, history and personal assets. The writer of Hebrews speaks to me, “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Heb 10:32-36 NIV).

Misjudged

This week we went shopping for a large screen all-in-one computer and the young, long-haired sales clerk tried to guide us to a basic computer, rather than the larger, fully loaded computer. He reasoned that the bigger computers were more powerful than what we would probably need. He said, “The bigger computers with larger screens have more graphics. They are used more by people like designers and gamers…and they cost quite a bit more.” Bill and I laughed as we left the store. Did we look like we couldn’t afford the more expensive computer? Or, did the young man think that a computer with graphic capabilities would be wasted on us because it would be beyond our skill level? Similar situations can occur among believers and many of us are guilty of having, at one time or another, misjudged another person. With sarcasm Paul defended himself to the Corinthians when some false apostles challenged Paul’s authority, “But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super–apostles.” I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way” (2 Cor 11:5-6 NIV).

Check Your Sources

A person of faith posted an article on Facebook that was purportedly written by radio host Dave Ramsey. Within less than an hour she posted again, “Yikes ... found out this isn't by Dave Ramsey ... but what this person has written is prophetic in my opinion.” No doubt Mr. Ramsey appreciates the correction. However, the poster then not only gives credence to an unknown author, but goes a step further by declaring it, in her opinion, prophetic. Today, as in biblical times, believers must verify their sources. Concluding his second letter to the Thessalonians Paul wrote, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all” (2 Thess 3:16 NIV).

Who’s Footing the Bill

The riots in Portland, Oregon have been going on for almost 55 days. Most hard-working Americans can’t afford to take a two-month vacation, but yet these vandals carry out a sustained two-month rampage of destruction. I can’t help but wonder who would give room and board for these folks while they destroy their community. Paul said, “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right” (2 Thess 3:10-13 NIV).

Put Into Practice

The Apostle Paul tells us not to be anxious about anything; however, everything we hear on the news or on social media keep our minds focused on turmoil and unrest. In today’s world it’s up to us to make a conscious effort to find things that are praiseworthy. Paul said, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 4:8-9 NIV).

House Church

COVID-19 has disrupted worship services and the way we minister to one another. I’m reminded of Paul who, while he waited for the Jews to press for a trial, was under guard in Rome. In a sense Paul’s ministry efforts were restricted because he could no longer go to the temple, to the churches, or to the river to find a place of prayer. However, his situation of being in a physical lock down did not keep the Gospel in lock down, “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:30 NIV).

Captive Thoughts

On so many fronts, America is at war with herself. Many of us want to join the battle, but unfortunately the weapons we reach for to combat riots, racism, socialism, and injustices are the weapons of the world. Paul said, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor 10:3-5 NIV).

 

What Did You Go Out to See?

Our new house is on a large lot and although we have a little grass to mow, the majority of the landscaping is xeriscape. We have a variety of ornamental grasses (pampas, hot rod, etc.) scattered around berms, an assortment of rocks/gravel, and boulders. Each plant looks like an oasis in the middle of the rocky landscape and I often step out the door to watch the foot-high grasses sway in the breeze. Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John the Baptist. He said, “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matt 11:7:11 NIV).

Called to Give an Account

A fellow believer wrote on Facebook, “I don’t want any confrontation on this post. Just getting my feelings out. If you don’t agree, just pass this by…I want to vent…” I have to laugh when I consider God’s view of his petulant children. We don’t want to be confronted by anyone, or anything…including Scripture. The writer of Hebrews said, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double–edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb 4:12-13 NIV).

Shame On You

Whether it is on Facebook, in the media, or in the local church, believers are trying to shame one another into a certain view or stance, particularly as it applies to COVID-19. What is especially disturbing to me is that these believers are proud and boastful about their ability to shame other believers. Paul reminds us, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way” (Ro 14:13 NIV).

Rapture of the Holy Spirit

Believers are looking forward to the Rapture when we will be taken up in the clouds to be with the Lord. It occurs to me that not only will we be united with the Lord at that time, but the Holy Spirit dwelling within each of us will be raptured with us. The earth without believers is one thing; however, the earth without the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is quite another. Paul said, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (Eph 2:19:22 NIV).

There is a Remnant

I’m sure if I lived in Chicago, New York, or Seattle I would feel like Elijah when he appealed to God against Israel. Speaking from Elijah’s perspective Paul said, “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”? And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. What then? What Israel sought so earnestly it did not obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened…” (Ro 11:3-8a NIV). It’s too bad the media doesn’t report on the actions of the remnant that exists in Chicago, New York and Seattle.

Look for the Riches of God’s Glory

I understand people wanting the rioting, killing and looting to stop; however, I’m convinced God has purposely hardened the hearts of those who are committing such evil. Similar to today’s Christians praying for the healing of America, the Hebrew children cried out to God for deliverance from Pharaoh. Paul said, “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?” But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory—even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles” (Ro 9:17-24 NIV)?

The Trap

 The news media, even purported conservative media, continue to ask President Trump questions that do not seek the truth or facts, but rather are designed to trap him. To Trump's credit he responds even though he, as well as all viewers, can see through the reporter’s duplicity. Using the words of Jesus, I would love to see Trump respond to such evil intent in a similar manner. “Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me” (Matt 22:15-18)? 

The Lord’s Leading

Many of us look for opportunities to witness and testify to others about Jesus, but with the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders those doors of opportunity are closed. It occurs to me that what I previously viewed as opportunities could be situations of my own making, rather than the Spirit leading me to someone. “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him” (Acts 8:26-29 NIV).

Before You Ask

In the process of building our house we wound up with an extra garage heating and air-conditioning unit. Our cousin just built a new double car garage/shop, so we offered it to him for less than half of the original cost. Even though David is a life-long believer he still had that lift of surprise in his voice when he said, “God answered a prayer and I hadn’t even prayed it yet!” Jesus said, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 7:31-34 NIV).

Independence Day

Unfortunately, many believers do not realize they are still in slavery. We are slaves to food, habits, beverages, emotional attachments, relationships, etc.  Paul said, “Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men” (1 Cor 7:21-23 NIV).

In Memorial

Many worthy causes, projects, scholarships, and organizations began in honor of a person. For instance, a program to help first responders was instituted to honor a brother who lost his life on 911. On the religious landscape there can be no greater memorial instituted than the remembrance of Jesus Christ. Paul said, “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Cor 11:23-26 NIV).

The Importance of Our Words

On Facebook one of my older friends likes to re-post and re-print quotes of others. I mentioned to her that I seldom read such posts unless there is something of a personal nature in the post from her. If there is a personal note, such as, “I’m burdened today, or I’m having a great day,” then I will respond with a comment. I had to laugh when she said, “Oh, I don’t want anyone to comment, I just want them to read my post and like what I have to say.” Certainly, we all want others to be attentive and respect our wisdom. However, Paul reminds us, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his£ faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully” (Ro 12:3-8 NIV).