Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Fair vs Just

Sometimes the most effective evangelizing takes place by confronting the mind's reasoning. So, when you are confronted with questions, usually the questions are mere excuses created by reasoning.
One excuse heard often is that someone won't believe in a God who would condemn someone when the person never had a chance to hear the gospel. This is faulty reasoning.
When confronted with this, you must realize that the person is reasoning within his mind of fair vs unfair rather than just and unjust. Also, his focus is misdirected. His focus should be directed to his own predicament.
Try to explain this analogy to him:
Suppose you were to stand trial for a crime you are fully aware that you committed. As the day approaches for you to stand before the judge you suddenly realize that you are not the only one guilty of this crime. In other parts of the world people, unaware of the law, commit the same crime… as a matter of fact there are even numerous people here in the United States who are guilty of this crime. You feel you are justified by this fact as you present your case to the judge.
After your argument the judge asks you the question, “Did you, with foreknowledge of the law and consequences, commit the crime?”
To which, under oath, you must reply, “Yes.”
“Then why concern yourself with the fate of others. Instead of justifying your actions hoping to defend yourself, you should have been seeking the best legal counsel. Your crime is punishable by death. Justice demands your life. You are guilty and shall be sentenced to life without parole.”
Behind you is a line of others who face the same fate. But the next person in line has a different countenance than the others. It is clear that he has something that you and the others do not have. As he approaches the bench he has confidence when the judge speaks to him.
“What do you plea?” says the judge.
Before even an answer, another approaches the judge from the side of the bench. It is the judge’s son. He tells the judge that the defendant has previously come to him and acknowledged his guilt and asked for forgiveness.
“I know him personally now and he is a changed person. He seeks a relationship with you. I recommend his case be dismissed so he can witness to others of your great grace and mercy to those who will repent.”
The judge announces, “Case dismissed!”
The man, with pure joy in his heart, begins to tell the others of the forgiveness available for those who repent and seek a relationship with the judge through his son.
“If only I had sought out the son before the court case,” you think to yourself. However, you are amazed at some of the reactions of the others as you watch. Some respond in disbelief, believing that their crime is too bad to be forgiven (although it is the same crime as everyone who has stood and will stand before the judge). Others respond joyfully and accept the advice, while others were saying they would find their own way out of the mess they were in. Still, the most surprising responses are those who deny the existence of the judge or his son. It is clear you are not going to be the only one who is sentenced to death.
“But what about those who never hear the gospel..?” you think once again.
“What about them? What difference does it make for you?”
Jesus had something to say to Peter about Peter’s concern of another’s fate. Jesus’ reply to Peter is an admonition to us all,
“If I will that he should live… what is that to you? You follow me.” –John 21:22

godisnowhere

Rom 8:18- For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Punctuation can be enlightening. A period can drive home a point. An exclamation mark indicates extreme emotion. A question mark can indicate confusion and/or mystery. Specifically, though, I was thinking about capitalization.
What we capitalize can change an entire statement. Take the following combination of words I once saw used in a sermon: GodIsNoWhere. The capitalization here represents the thoughts of many when facing difficult trials; but I want to encourage you and strengthen your faith. It’s all about what you capitalize.
You see, "capital" according to Webster's Dictionary can mean "Large; of great size; as capital letters, which are of different form, and larger than common letters." Yet another definition according to Webster is as follows, "Figuratively, as the head is the highest part of a man, chief; principal; first in importance; as a capital city or town; the capital articles of religion." Did you catch that…"First in importance?" So capitalization, in one sense, is the act of making something bigger as well as greatest in importance.
When we capitalize our troubles; making our problems bigger than God; we make God of
lesser importance than He demands for Himself as God. Our focus, therefore, is taken off of God as "all-powerful" and we are tempted to feel as though God Is No Where.
However, when we use appropriate capitalization by exalting God to His proper position as
our All-Powerful, All-Knowing, Ever-Present Creator who is above our problems, we will see the truth found in Romans 8:18 for ourselves. We will then discover that GodIsNowHere.
God’s promise to us is that He is an ever-present help in times of trouble- Psalm 46:1.
God Is Now Here!
In closing, let us encourage ourselves with the admonitions to Sarah and Mary, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"- Genesis 18:14;Luke 1:37

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Little things mean a lot

Just a quick thought... if anyone has run out of things to praise or thank God for then stop taking little things for granted. Like the white blood cell. This little cell rushes to defend the body from infections and helps speed the healing process. Isn't it amazing that God created the body to self heal. No wonder the psalmist was so amazed as he wrote Psalm 139:14.
Give thanks and praise Him for the little things too. You cannot run out of things to praise God for, but you can choose to not take notice. God says that you must look wholeheartily if you want to find Him -Jeremiah 29:13. Just call to him in sincerety and He will show you marvelous things which you never knew -Jeremiah 33:3
And remember... Little things do mean a lot!

Upward and Outward: Evidences Of Growth

Where The Parable stops...
Life Lessons From A Seed Part 2 of 3

Upward and Outward: Evidences Of Growth

In my previous blog titled "Perseverance: Barreling Through The Opposition" I discussed the various resistances and potential setbacks that a seed must overcome to become a fruitful plant. As Christians, we too face trials that we must persevere through and overcome if we are to fulfill God's design; which is to bring Him glory by bearing fruit {John 15:8}. To mature and bear fruit there must be growth.
As a seedling sprouts forth from its hidden beginning, its growth reaches the visible realm. Now its life and growth are apparent to all who behold it. Similarly, once the Word of God has been birthed within one's heart, the new life that a Christian experiences cannot be hidden; for like the newly emerged seedling, the Christian's changed life will be visible evidence to all that the Word of God has taken root within his/her heart.
Not only does the freshly sprouted seedling reach upward in its growth, but its roots also venture deeper- grasping the soil around and giving a firm footing for the seedling as it matures into a plant and stretches toward its source of strength- the sun. Likewise, the Christian must dig deeper into God's Word grasping its meaning and discerning God's Will for himself/herself in order to sustain his/her continued growth as he/she looks to the source of his/her strength and guidance- the Son.
The plant's growth will be evidenced not only by its upward growth, but also by its outward growth. As the plant sprouts upward, it will also branch outward. This branching outward is necessary for the plant to eventually bear fruit. The Christian also will branch out as he/she grows in the grace and knowledge of Christ {2 Peter 3:18} and reaches out to as many as are within reach spreading the Good News of salvation through Jesus.
In conclusion, a healthy plant will be evidenced by its upward, deeper, and outward growth. Likewise, the change that has taken place within a Christian's life will become more and more visible as he/she seeks guidance from above, endeavors to dig deeper into God's Word for stability and strength, and reaches out to others spreading the message that is able to create new life as seeds are planted in the hearts of others.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Standing In The Gate

Amos 5:10
They hate him who rebukes in the gate, and they despise him who speaks uprightly.

It is commonly heard that God needs those who are willing to stand in the gap. While this is true to an extent; as long as compromising God's holy standard is not at stake (Jude 1:23); in the days that are now upon us, God is calling those who name the name of Christ to "stand in the gate."
The gate of a city was one of the most important locations. A high volume of traffic passed through the gates on a daily basis; so if someone wanted to get a message out, the gate of the city would be the best place to go as those coming in would spread the word within the walls and those going out would spread the word abroad.
Today, God's Word is not popular, especially among those of a "progressive" mentality. People do not want to hear that there is a God who has set the standard for living above their own opinions of what that standard should be. God says that standard is holiness. "You shall be holy for I am holy..." says the Lord (Lev 11:45).
Knowing that we, as fallen creatures, cannot keep that standard perfectly, God became man and lived out that standard, suffered, was crucified, dead and buried, and resurrected; not so that we wouldn't have to live up to the standard, but so we could be forgiven when we fail.
1 John 2:1 says that we are not to sin, but if we do sin we have an advocate with the Father... Jesus Christ the righteous. The context indicates that a Christian will not sin willfully. Hebrews continues this thought in Hebrews 10:26 which says that for him who sins willfully, after learning the truth, the sacrifice of Jesus is of no effect. Jesus did not die so we could continue to sin.
While this is unpopular, it is nonetheless truth. This is the message God wants us to give especially to the church, for Scripture indicates that judgment will first begin with the House of God (1 Peter 4:16).
There is far too much compromise and wholesale sin within the church. It is time to examine ourselves to see if we are living an example of faith (2 Cor 13:5). 1 John 2:3-6 is our blueprint for that examination. We are to imitate Jesus. Our life should be like a piece of trace paper over the original... transparent so that the Savior can be seen through us.
If this does not describe your life walk, then confess your failure in genuine repentance before God and show your repentfulness through your behavior (Acts 26:20). Then stand in the gate and tell others what a genuine walk with God looks like. Reprove, rebuke and exhort with longsuffering and all the authority of Scripture (2 Tim 4:2).
Ezekial 3:18-21
18 When I say to the wicked, You shall surely die; and you do not give him warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked one shall die in his iniquity; but I will require his blood at your hand.
19 Yet if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.
20 And when the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and when I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die. Because you have not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand.
21 But if you warn the righteous so that the righteous does not sin, and if he does not sin, he shall surely live because he is warned; also you have delivered your soul.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Wasted Talent... Excess Leaven

Just thinking about wasted "talent"(Matthew 25:14-30). Time can be considered a "talent" that should be wisely invested. Some are given more time than others but what matters is whether your time is used profitably or in vain. Are we using our time like our friend Daniel Johnson to advance the Gospel of Christ(do a youtube search- C2C4C), or are we burying our "talent" in ego and self-indulgence by playing video games, for instance. I'm not condemning playing video games entirely, but like Jesus said, "A little leaven will leaven the whole loaf," -so a little too much "leisure" time could spoil the loaf. Be careful how much you use (or waste)!
I am reminded of this poem:

Only one life;
'twill soon be past.
Only what's done for Christ
will last.

Nineveh Within

To the uttermost…
As I was turning the pages of my study Bible my attention was brought to a map diagramming Jonah’s “adventures.” My first impression was “Wow, I had no idea Nineveh was so far away from where Jonah lived.” It must have not only been a shock to Jonah to be told to go to his enemies, but to have to travel so far to reach them. Nineveh was 300 miles away, give or take a little, and Jonah was being told to not only take an approximately two week journey, but to warn people he hated and feared that God was about to punish them. These people weren’t even his in-laws; they were cut-throat ENEMIES... Jonah wanted God to judge them (Jonah 3:10 - 4:2).
Jonah was facing a diametric challenge within. One, he has to travel 300 miles into Assyria across the desert, which carries a degree of danger itself. Second, he totally despises these people and welcomes God judgment upon them. Third, he is terribly afraid of these people because the Assyrians were notorious for their heinous acts. Bluntly, Jonah did not want to go.
Today there are many modern day Jonahs. Today Jesus commands us to go! For some that “go” means going unto the uttermost parts of the world. Yet, for others, the majority of us, the “uttermost” is the inward depths of one’s own soul. Sometimes the deepest, darkest, most dangerous mission is to travel within to own our fears, hatreds, unforgivingness, etc.
Going to the “uttermost” may mean finding it within yourself to be the first one to go and reconcile a misunderstanding with a neighbor. The” uttermost” to others may be discovering deep within that you’ve been harboring bitterness and resentment against a friend or family member that has hurt you and now you need to go forgive the ones that have hurt you and make amends. We must examine ourselves honestly (2 Cor 13:5) and regardless of the extremes, we must take every measure to insure that we are walking in the faith.
God is telling us that we need to go to “Nineveh”, that far and distance scary place within the depths of our soul, and tell ourselves that we need to forgive someone. We must remind ourselves of Jesus’ very own words in Matthew 6:15 that unless we forgive others neither will God forgive us.
I want to comfort you with this final word. At the end of all his experiences, Jonah discovered the meaning of God’s grace and mercy for himself; so regardless of the outcome you experience after approaching someone, whether positive or negative, your obedience to Jesus’ command to forgive from your heart (Matt 18:35) will move you into a place of blessing and you will personally experience God’s grace and mercy for you.

When Is A Tail A Leg?

Call It What It Is!

In answer to a critic, Abraham Lincoln asked, "How many legs does a cow have?" "Four," was the reply. "If you call her tail a leg, how many does she have?" "Five," was the answer. "No," Lincoln said, "just calling a tail a leg does not make it a leg."
Have we made a similar mistake? For instance, do we avoid calling it sin just because some call it a sexual preference. Do we legitimize sin because some psychiatrists call it "chronic" compulsive behavior? Now, I do believe there are psychological issues in the medical field but I also believe that the Good Physician has a cure for a majority of the so-called illnesses, such as "chronic compulsive lying disorder."
Jesus said in John 8:32 that the truth is what frees us. Unless one realizes their sin, they will not acknowledge their need for a Saviour. Call it what it is and set the captives free.

How To Become (in)Famous

Offending someone is the last thing I would want to do... Offending God is something I never want to do:
---2 Timothy 4:1-2 When Christ Jesus comes as king, he will be the judge of everyone, whether they are living or dead. So with God and Christ as witnesses, I command you to preach God's message. Do it willingly, EVEN IF IT ISN'T THE POPULAR THING TO DO. You must correct people and point out their sins. But also cheer them up, and when you instruct them, always be patient. CEV

Does His Opinion Matter To You?

What is God's opinion of talking vegetables, etc? First off, this is not a pounce on certain animated vegetables or their creators but a general observance of the practice of giving ANY non-human thing the attributes that God uniquely gave to only mankind.
2 Cor 10:5 says- "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
Now, God did not make veggies, sponges, etc., in His image{a few examples: with the ability to discern, talk and reason etc.} so to create such "imaginations" and to give them anthropomorphic(human) characteristics is exalting the imaginations above the knowledge of God by imposing that man's creation is somehow equal to God's special creation- mankind.
Our thoughts are to be brought under the restraint of obedience to Christ Jesus. Jesus did not use such means to teach truth nor should we. Christians are not to try to compete with the world's influence by copying the world(Rom 12:2).
We recommend cartoons like "Friends and Heroes" and "The Storykeepers" for biblical alternatives to these compromising shows.
The problem with compromising is that the disaster created by compromising is usually not realized until IT IS NOT REALIZED. Ephesians 4:18 says- "Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:" The word "blindness" here can also be translated as callousness.
A callous is made by repeated friction against the skin. In like manner a calloused heart is made when the heart is at constant friction with the conscience. So, repeated compromising against your conscience will eventually cause your undestanding to be darkened.
Decide for yourselves whether His opinion matters to you.

Practice Makes Perfect

2 Corinthians 13:5 admonishes us to "examine(KJV) ourselves." Using 1 John 2:3-6; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 3:17; and 1 Corinthians 10:31 as the answer key... how do you fare on the test? We all need to put our faith to a little more practice, don't you think... before the "final exam!"
---2Co 13:5 Test yourselves and find out if you really are true to your faith. If you pass the test, you will discover that Christ is living in you. But if Christ isn't living in you, you have failed.CEV
---1Jn 2:3-6 When we obey God, we are sure that we know him. (2:4) But if we claim to know him and don't obey him, we are lying and the truth isn't in our hearts. (2:5) We truly love God only when we obey him as we should, and then we know that we belong to him. (2:6) If we say we are his, we must follow the example of Christ.CEV
--- Php 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (2:6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (2:7) But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (2:8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.KJV
---Col 3:17 And whatever you do or say, do as a representative of the Lord Jesus...NLT
---1Cor 10:31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.NLT

Thursday, March 18, 2010

1-2-3 Red Light!

When I was a babe in Christ, I committed to memory several dozen Bible verses. However, being just a “babe”, I put all my effort into memorizing and not applying. I cherished Scripture and read my Bible every day; just as I do today, but at that time I thought that memorizing was the most important thing and that after I memorized Scripture somehow the action would naturally follow. Thinking upon it now, I suppose that my past mentality could compare with an Engineer or Computer Programmer who, after committing to memory years of teaching, just sits at their job looking at their project and expecting the problem to resolve by itself because they “know” what the textbooks say. I realize now how ridiculous that frame of thought was. I know now that doing “good” does not come natural; regardless of the amount of Scripture committed to memory; because there is a war going on within us (Rom 7:23). Also according to Romans 7:21, anytime we would attempt doing good- evil will be present to resist.
Being a babe in Christ I decided it would be good to clean up my vocabulary; not only of foul words- but all words that are graceless (i.e. complaining, criticizing, etc). So many verses abound within Scripture of the importance of our words; most significant I think is where Jesus tells us that our words would condemn or justify us (Matt 12:37).
One verse I committed to memory early on was Colossians 3:8-
"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth."
I concentrated on the last part of the verse dealing with words but the more I focused on “words” the more frustrated I would become. After fervent prayer the Holy Spirit revealed that I was pursuing a symptom rather than the cause. All graceless words can be traced to a root of anger or bitterness. The first thing admonished in Colossians 3:8 is to “put off… ANGER…” So I began to focus on controlling anger through the Spirit’s help. As I made anger my focus the words that plagued me with every slip no longer found a place upon my lips.
Years later now, my family and I were holding Bible discussions recently and I revisited this verse and the Holy Spirit revealed an excellent analogy for applying this verse. First off, let me say that anger of itself is not sin. Ephesians 4:26 says that when you are angry- do not sin. So I make this suggestion that when you become angry envision a stop light. The first light being red alerts you to STOP. Some may say count to ten here. The yellow light indicates to slow down and proceed with caution. I know that when driving some tend to speed up here trying make the intersection, but I urge you not to do this in handling your anger. This step is perhaps the most essential for it is in this step that you THINK. It has been well said that before you set your mouth in motion be sure that your brain is engaged. Use this “slow down” period to collect your thoughts and piece them together in a way that you can effectually and graciously communicate what made you angry, why it made angry, and how your anger can be appeased (this last step is essential for us men when we make you ladies angry... sometimes we are completely clueless). While still in this “proceed with caution” stage I recommend saying a prayer for help and guidance before going to the green light and actually communicating your thoughts.
Finally, I’d just like to share a revelation I experienced as I meditated on this topic. Proverbs 15:1 works miracles for me in dealing with conflicts. I had always viewed the application of this verse as being external in nature. Speak softly to someone and THEY will begin to calm or speak roughly and THEY will explode! But I discovered that this verse also has an internal application. If you graciously communicate your feelings YOUR own anger will ease but if you unrestrainedly, as a geyser, spew your words you will feel an increase in your anger and foster a heap of bitterness and self regret.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. -Ephesians 4:29
May all our words fall softly as down upon the ears of those who hear them.

When the going gets tough... use a measuring stick!

Isaiah 26:3-4
(3)You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (4)Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

Isaiah 26:7-8
(7)But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them. (8)Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart's desire is to glorify your name.

God's promise to us is that if we keep our thoughts focused on Him and trust Him, then not only will we have perfect peace; but He will smooth out the path ahead of us.
Nay, you say, I often trip over obstacles and fall along the path though I trust in Him.
Well, shall we take a test then? 2 Corinthians 13:5 encourages us to examine whether our claim of faith in Him is genuine.
According to Isaiah 26:8 we show our trust in God by obeying His laws; when our heart's desire is to glorify His name then our trust is validated.
Furthermore, our faith is evidenced by our example. 1 John 2:3-6 teaches that if we claim to be a Christian then our life will imitate Christ's.
No one will perfectly imitate Christ consistently. But God has provided a "measuring stick" to judge for ourselves just how much we are trusting Him. This measuring stick is His Word.
If you are having a rough walk or facing a road block in your life, perhaps it may benefit you to take out God's "measuring stick" and test yourself.
Do you need to have more trust in Him. Are there areas in your life that God is telling you that you need to be more obedient in?
Maybe you need an obstacle moved... or a bridge provided over a gulf of doubt... Whatever your need; if you trust in Him, then you must believe what He has said in His Word. He has promised that whatever you are facing, He will make a way for you to be able to bear it -1 Corinthians 10:13.
Take a moment and listen to "God Will Make A Way" on tangle or youtube and be blessed.

Nice Doggie!

God just gave me a vivid picture of His impression of us when we complain. I pictured a two year old wrestling with a baby gate to get through a walk way.
God's message to us all is that He can remove the obstacles in our paths but they are there for a reason. Sometimes the reason is to keep us from venturing to far from Him. Other times the obstacle is there to protect us from danger. Still, and quite possibly the most often reason for the obstacle is to encourage dialogue with Him.
Is there an obstacle in your path that you need moved. Have you talked with Him about it. God says in His Word that we have not because we ask not -James 4:2.
If there is an obstacle that persists despite our petitions for God to remove it; we must trust in the nature of God as our Heavenly Father to have a higher reason for allowing the obstacle to persist. No matter how much a little child wants to pet the "nice doggie" on the porch that looks like he just brushed his teeth, a parent would never remove the only obstacle between their child and certain suffering by opening the door.
In closing, let us continuously remind ourselves of the advice found in Philippians 2:14 -Do everything without complaining. Also, we must comfort ourselves with the knowledge that God is our Heavenly Father and always has our best interest in mind.

God In The Hot Seat: What Good Can Come From Suffering?


A testimony often is a powerful tool for comforting and witnessing to others...
-2 Corinthians 1:4
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Our trials teach us that we need to always turn to God and avoid our own reasoning(Pro 3:5-6) and schemes. Trials have a way of strengthening our faith in God and building our confidence in Him...
-2 Corinthians 1:9-10
(9)In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.
(10)And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.

Trials ignite prayer. Answered prayers fuel a spirit of thanksgiving...
-2 Corinthians 1:11
And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.

Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!!!

Who's Casting Stones?

In my experience, it seems that one of the most heated exchanges between believers takes place over accusations of being judgmental. I often hear, "he that is without sin cast the first stone..." or "Judge not that you not be judged..." as a quick response from someone who feels that they are being judged by someone. Somehow the person quoting either of these verses seems to feel that they themselves are exempt from their own admonition because in retrospect they must use "judgment" to determine that the other is wrong for judging.
In the transaction found in John 8:1-11 between Jewish leaders, an adulterous woman, and Jesus we can see three things at work. The leaders were JUDGING, in accordance with the law, that the woman was guilty of adultery(nothing wrong so far), but they set forth to CONDEMN the woman to death(also nothing wrong within the law- on the surface!); but it was the self-righteousness and un-loving attitudes of the Jewish leaders(neither love for God nor the woman) that prompted Jesus' response, "he that is without sin cast the first stone..." There is, therefore, a line that defines a difference between judging and condemning. Jesus was cautioning the men against condemning the woman without first considering sin within their own life for which they themselves could be judged and condemned for; mirroring Jesus' teaching found in Matthew 7:1-5. Finally, Jesus REBUKED the woman when He told her to "go and sin no more."
So the question arises, is Jesus, in fact, telling us that we are not to judge others. To arrive at a biblical answer to this question lets look at two of the words from above: Judge vs Rebuke.
First let's take a look at the word "judge." Nowhere in Scripture can it be found, as a single command, to NOT to use judgment. If you follow the context in each Scripture that mentions using judgment in a negative sense you will discover that the judgment being admonished against is judgment that stems from personal opinion, un-loving attitudes or self-rightousness. For instance, Romans 2:1; Romans 14:4; and James 4:12 speak against using self-rightousness and personal opinion as the basis for one's judgment. Instead, we are told in James 4:12 that God is the lawgiver and therefore His word is to be the basis for our judgment. When we are confronted by another and told that the Bible speaks against some action that we have committed; and we are told or shown in Scripture the specific verse(s) of admonition; then it is God's judgment of our actions and the "indignation" that prompts us to JUDGE the other as judging ourself is the flesh rebelling against the Holy Spirit's conviction. If you disagree with the application of the Scripture being used then remember to be humble and suggest to the other that you will pray about it. You're not going to convince anyone of error if you lose your peace, whether you are on the giving or receiving end of the admonition.
Secondly, take a look at the word "rebuke" within Scripture. Without getting too steeped in listing scripture references, I would just encourage anyone to do a word search on "rebuke" within Scripture. One particular verse I will mention is 2 Timothy 4:2 which says that we ARE to rebuke and exhort others- WITH SCRIPTURE(doctrine). But let's remember that our motive should always be love- 1 Corinthians 16:14. So, clearly, we are expected to speak up when someone is sinning. As a matter of fact, Ezekiel 33:8 says that we will actually be held accountable to God for not speaking up.

One final admonition... we are told in Scripture to not be quick in our assessments and to be informed enough to make righteous judgment:
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

God's Treasure

Value... it is never about "actual" worth, but what someone is willing to give up to possess an object of desire. Let God's word encourage you,.. a little sparrow is not sold for much in the market; but a sparrow does not fall to the ground but that God takes notice and cares; you are much more valuable to God than many sparrows -Matthew 10:29-31. Although the world places little value on the seemingly insignificant sparrow; it is one of God's creations and he values it enough to take notice when one falls to the ground.
That's like a millionair stopping to pick up two pennies that he dropped. A man nearby asked the millionair why he even bothered about two pennies when he was so rich. The millionair simply smiled and said, "Because they have the name of my God and creator upon them."
So value changes by perspective. Unlike art, for example, our value is not measured by man's opinion, including our own; but based on the perspective that we are created by God and uniquely bear His image. We are so valuable to God... He loves us sooo much, that He sacrificed His Only Begotten Son to purchase us back to Himself... even when we didn't want His love -Romans 5:8.
You are priceless!

PERSEVERENCE: Barreling Through The Opposition

Where the parable stops...
Life Lessons From A Seed

PERSEVERENCE: Barreling Through The Opposition

Luke 8:15 Those seeds that fell on good ground are the people who listen to the message and keep it in good and honest hearts. They last and produce a harvest. CEV

The parable of the soils (Luke 8:5-15) tells us that a true Christian will persevere, grow and ultimately bear fruit. While the parable speaks of the Word of God (the seed) and the effects of His Word in the hearts of people (the soil), there are lessons that can be learned from a seed itself.

There are three distinct characteristics of a seed. Those characteristics are perseverance, growth, and fruit bearing. These three characteristics are also evidences of a true Christian and will be the topic of this three part devotional.

One characteristic of a seed is its perseverance. After the seed is planted, it must persevere to overcome overwhelming odds to survive.
For instance, the seedling must overcome gravity. Gravity is constantly pulling against the upward growth of the seed. For the Christian, this represents the pulling back effect that Christians face as the Tempter brings opportunities to backslide within the Christian’s path; simply put… temptation. Just like the seedling has to overcome the effects of gravity to achieve its purpose of bearing fruit, a Christian must resist the pulling power of temptation to draw the Christian back into sinful habits. Ironically, the pulling effects of gravity helps to strengthen the seedling as it resists gravity and pushes on further and further from its place of beginning. The Christian’s faith also is exercised and strengthened as the Christian continues forward resisting the temptation to turn back. The strength gained will be needed as both the seedling and the Christian will face resistance all around them.

All around the seedling the soil offers a constant resistance. The seedling must persevere through this resistance of the all encompassing soil if it is to survive. The Christian's life is also surrounded by such resistance. It seems every day that a Christian will face rejection of some sort. There are some who will ridicule, criticize, and/or persecute the Christian because of his/her convictions. Sometimes it will be one’s own family or closest friend that will pose as the “soil”. While this sort of resistance can be difficult for anyone: just like the seedling continues to press upward despite the attempts of the soil to stop it or slow it down; the Christian will be able to overcome any insults, criticism, or persecution as he/she fixes his/her gaze upon the One above.

The seedling also encounters and must persevere through obstacles in its path. The seedling will either find a way around the obstacle or barrel straight through. For the Christian, these obstacles represent the various trials that a Christian faces. Trials can seem to work against the Christian as he/she resists the temptation to turn back and battles with rejection. Sometimes a Christian needs to find a way around an “obstacle”; at other times they must "set their face as a flint"[Is 50:7] and meet their trials head-on with a determination to not turn back. God’s promise to the Christian is that He will always create a way for the Christian to be able to bear his/her trials- 1 Corinthians 10:13. Whether God gives us a way around our trials or gives us the strength to barrel through… He has promised to always be by our side- Isaiah 41:10.

In reality the “obstacles”, “soil”, and “gravity” are working together to strengthen the seedling to prepare it for the great challenge of breaking through the Earth's crust. Once the seedling emerges from the barrier of the earth’s crust it is exposed to and can feel the force that has been driving it… the sun. I think this analogy describes beautifully the Christian being freed from the power of temptation, rejection, and trials that try to hold the Christian back. As he/she breaks through the barrier of doubt the Christian is exposed to the ever-present force that is sustaining them… the Son.

But Officer, My Speedometer Said I Was Going 35MPH!

A man was pulled over for speeding. The officer told him that he clocked the driver traveling at 60MPH in a 45MPH zone. The driver contested saying that he was not speeding because his speedometer was reading 35MPH when he saw the officer turn around and turn his blue light on. Upon glancing in the driver’s car the officer brought it to the driver’s attention that his speedometer STILL said he was going 35MPH…

A funny story until one realizes that people, even Christians, are also guilt of using a “broken gauge.” I’m sure many have heard this line (or something similar) when attempting to witness, “I’m a good person; God would not send me to hell because my good outweighs the bad I’ve done.” The problem is the person is using a gauge that has been deemed faulty[Isa 55:9]. God’s gauge is set at Holiness[1 Peter 1:16]… unattainable in our fallen state[Rom 3:23]. To effectively witness to this person they need to realize their utter inability in being able to appease God with “good works.” To do this the person must be brought face to face with God’s Law and shown that they are incapable of meeting His standard of Holiness; therefore they are doomed to hell. Once the person realizes that they have offended a Holy God and will be judged as guilty on Judgment Day, they will cry out “What must we do to be saved?!” Thus opens the opportunity to sow the Good News upon broken soil that promises to bear much fruit[Matt 13:18-23]. Psalm 19:7 says “The LAW of the Lord is perfect, CONVERTING THE SOUL: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”

An example of this can be found in Acts 2:36-41 where Peter rebuked the Jews gathered for Pentecost of their responsibility in the crucifixion of God’s Son, Jesus. Scripture says that upon hearing what Peter said, the Jews were pricked in their hearts and asked, “What should we do?” So you see, once they were convicted of their guilt, they WANTED to know how to be saved.

Even When A Bunny Pees On You...


In everything give thanks... -1 Thess 5:18

Just wanted to give a little encouragement to anyone when things just seem to be all working against you. Just several nights I was spending time with a little cotton tail bunny that I rescued after nearly hitting it with our van. I missed the bunny but it was so scared that it didn't run far away from the road after I swerved around it. The bunny was probably around three weeks old when I found it and I very appropriately named the bunny Miracle. Little did I know that just about three weeks after that night Miracle would live up to its name. I was letting Miracle run around on the sofa bed as I lay relaxing beside it. Miracle came up to my pillow and gave me "bunny kisses" on my cheek and then sat down beside me. About a minute later I experienced a warm, wet sensation coming through my t-shirt. You guessed it! At the time I was not feeling thankful. I wasn't angry, either; when you have bunnies or guinea pigs, pee happens. I had asked my oldest boy(14) to please get me another shirt. Being an experienced parent I realized that this request would indicate at least two more reminders and a time lapse of around ten minutes. So I returned Miracle to its living quarters and went to get another shirt. As I looked through my clothes I noticed the head section of a "toy" snake under a pants leg of a pair of my pants in the corner just about 12 inches from me. As I reached to get it so I could give it to my kids to put with their toys, I was stunned at how realistic this toy looked and I could not remember ever buying such a real looking snake for the kids. As Providence would have it, my hand stopped just two inches from the head of a two-foot long Copperhead. The battle that ensued took nearly 10 minutes of adrenaline pumped attack and defense as I was nearly bitten five times. All I had on my mind was the safety of my family. With the aid of a reacher/grabber, a machete, a high power pellet gun, and ceaseless prayer, I emerged victorious and unharmed by God's grace . The thought of different scenarios flashed through my mind had my son or any of my kids or my wife discovered the poisonous snake the hard way. I hope this encourages you to not be so quick to complain when bad things happen. God knows what He is doing and for those of us whom love God, we are promised that the final outcome will work together for good.
Now, one final word of hope... Miracles can and do still happen. If you have never seen a miracle in your life perhaps you don't know what to look for. My "Miracle" this time was about 8 inches long and 4 inches high with two long ears. Perhaps in order for you to realize your miracle you need to first be sure to "in everything give thanks..." Even when a bunny pees on you! Certainly, you don't thank God for the "wet shirt," but for the good that God promises will come out of it. Perhaps God would have you to learn patience and/or restraint in your circumstance so that He may bring you to perfection "lacking nothing"- James 1:2-4.