Category: Bible thoughts

Promises, Promises

Our lives are full of broken promises. When I turned 5, I was supposed to get a pony for my birthday…. in my mind, at least! Instead, my Dad accepted the pastorate in a small town miles away and we had to move away from our little farm. How dare he! I’m very proud of my Dad for doing this, because he had to stand up to hisparent’s very strong objections. I didn’t get my pony; I got a father who had courage and conviction and a strong faith. People continued to disappoint me as I grew up. My first boyfriend went away to college and ended our relationship. At my college, my first roommates lied and snubbed me – I was naive enough to believe that they were going to welcome me and we would be friends. Not a promise, per se, but definitely an expectation. I broke, have broken, more than my share of promises. A marriage vow is a promise, and I went into my first marriage having received the promise of a faithful husband who would care for me, protect me, and stand by me.

With those promises all broken, it broke me, for many, many years.

Look at Cain and Abel, Noah, Enoch, Abraham and Sarah. (Read Hebrews 11 for the background). Issac, Jacob, Esau…. Job. The list continues, through the entire Bible.

“All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. ….. It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command. How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.” – Hebrews 11:13‭, ‬23‭-‬23‭, ‬32
(http://bible.com/116/heb.11.13-32.NLT)

God has promised that anyone who believes on the LORD Jesus Christ will be saved from eternal damnation and the fires of hell. Why should we believe that God will honor His Promises? The next time it rains, look for the rainbow. God created the rainbow as a sign to signify His promise to Noah that the world would never again be completely flooded, and it hasn’t been. God promised the prophets of old that He would send the Messiah to bear our sins, doing away with the need for a blood sacrifice. He sent Jesus, His Son – His SON – as the Messiah to die for the sins of the world, and to conquer death forever.

When I finally got sick and tired of being sick and tired, I accepted that I couldn’t fix me. I had to let Jesus and the Holy Spirit into my heart to begin the healing process. I’m not “fixed” by any measure, but I am getting better. In this world, I accept that life will continue to be a struggle, BUT I know, through faith, that whatever happens here, I will spend eternity with Jesus and many loved ones.

It’s HARD to keep our faith during struggles with broken promises. Broken marriages, lies and cheating, test our faith. Bosses and friends who lie and backstab, betrayal from all sides… these things are so difficult to see past when they are happening. All I can tell you to keep faith is to look UP, not down and certainly not around, and place your trust in God. We will be hurt in the life. We will be lied to and cheated on and betrayed by other people. We will lie and cheat and betray people at some point; it’s inevitable as humans. (Thanks, Adam and Eve!) The LORD will never let you down. He doesn’t lie or cheat or betray us – those honors go to the enemy, Satan.

Be thankful for the little things. Do you have food to eat? Toilet paper? Plenty of things to be thankful for if you just look. Pray. Pray often, praising God for our blessings (remember, LITTLE things count!) Pray, Praise, Thanksgiving.

EVERY Person

This might be the absolute best, most exciting verse in the entire Bible!

“But EVERYONE who calls on the Name of the LORD will be saved.” Acts of the Apostles 2:21 (http://bible.com/116/act.2.21.NLT)

Not just the elite of the world. Not only kings or queens or politicians. Not just the most wealthy or the smartest or the most educated. EVERYONE; ANY one. You. Me. The poor, the helpless, the hapless. The worst of the worst criminals can do it. It doesn’t cost us anything, so economic status is irrelevant. It doesn’t require any physical strength or ability, making Jesus available to the weak and the ill and the impaired. Skin color, age… non of these things matter. I’m human, and wildly imperfect, and it really bothers me that vile, wicked, inhumane people can be forgiven and saved. Pedophiles, adulterers, cruel people. They should be glad that GOD is their judge, instead of me. I know we all be judged according to our lives, and frankly, it’s a scary thought. I don’t pretend to understand how it will all come down; I rely on scripture to explain the Judgement of the LORD. We will all pay for our sins. Every person and every sin, from the the smallest sins of omission to the most egregious sins of commission.

“And I saw a Great White Throne and the ONE sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from His presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before GOD’S Throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. ….And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11‭-‬12‭, ‬15 (http://bible.com/116/rev.20.11-15.NLT)

How can we get our names into that book? Call on the Name of Jesus. Accept Him as your Savior and acknowledge Him as the One True God.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (http://bible.com/116/jhn.3.16.NLT)

“Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to Life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at GOD’S right hand, pleading for us.” Romans 8:34 (http://bible.com/116/rom.8.34.NLT)

Stealing My Joy

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’ ”
Matthew 4:10 (http://bible.com/116/mat.4.10.NLT)

I’ve heard it said as “Get behind me, Satan!” Either way, the sentiment is the same. Jesus shows us through His own actions that we have the authority to command the enemy! Think about it for a minute. When things are beyond our control; when we are faced with a big temptation (after fasting for 40 days, do you really think Jesus wasn’t sorely tempted by the steaming hot bread Satan is offering Him?), we have the power to throw out the enemy. Pronouncing out loud “In Jesus Name, get out!” shows the enemy that we know where the true Power lies. It’s incredibly difficult to resist the lies and temptations. I know, because I have experienced them, and have often succumbed. (I’m not perfect, but saved through God’s Mercy and Grace; Hallelujah!)

We all face temptation, every day. It may be the foul word because of something done or that someone did that impacts us in a negative way, or the rude gestures we sometimes use; even the thoughts we have. Remember these scriptures? Jesus said:

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell….. You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:21‭-‬22‭, ‬27‭-‬28 (http://bible.com/116/mat.5.21-28.NLT)

We tend to forget that our thoughts are just as damaging as our actions, I think. Temptations are constantly around us in what we watch, what we listen to, where we go. I don’t think it’s wrong to appreciate the beauty of a person, but it’s so easy to slide from appreciation to lust. It’s no different with things. I have a habit of saying “Oh, I want that!” Most of the time, I’m semi-serious. Sure, I’d like to have it, but not to the point of pursuing it. Is that lust? Throwing a tantrum because I don’t get something, being jealous, or stooping to stealing; definitely succumbing to temptation!

My point? Temptation can steal our joy when we listen to the enemy. Any temptation. Letting our anger surge, jealousy of someone, out of control desire are all joy steelers. The enemy provides many chances for us to fall. He is a thief; a liar and the Destroyer of everything good. Don’t let the jerk steal your joy! Jesus said: “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 (http://bible.com/116/jhn.10.10.NLT)

Got that? By the way, Jesus wins!

Victory

“O Victory in Jesus, my Savior, FOREVER….”

“But you belong to GOD, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” 1 John 4:4
(http://bible.com/116/1jn.4.4.NLT)

Yes, VICTORY. Floods and famines, drought and earthquake, fire, mudslides, none of these disasters can separate us from our LORD.

“And I am convinced that NOTHING can ever separate us from God’s Love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the Love of GOD that is revealed in Christ Jesus our LORD.” Romans 8:38‭-‬39 (http://bible.com/116/rom.8.38-39.NLT)

We need this reminder, sometimes.

Speechless

“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.” Ephesians 6:19
(http://bible.com/116/eph.6.19.NLT)

It’s been a few days since my last post. Watching the unimaginable (until now) flooding and devastation in Texas just withered my voice away. The outpouring of generosity from the American people is breathtaking; a beautiful sight amongst the chaos. Then last night, I watched as a camera crew panned a small apartment complex that was barely standing, and the impoverished families who were trying to salvage anything from their destroyed homes. As one man was being interviewed, a family man who supported his wife and children, he broke down as he told the interviewer that someone had stolen his tools while they were evacuated. That thief has to be among the lowest of the low. That type of behaviour leaves me speechless. Taking advantage of people at their lowest point through outright theft of goods and scams to steal the money and relief supplies flowing in….. there just aren’t going to be any appropriate words.

Speechless.

God tells us to put on His armor to protect ourselves from the schemes and conniving of the devil; to keep us from being sacked in to his evil. Paul tells the Ephesians: “A final word: Be strong in the LORD and in HIS Mighty Power. Put on ALL of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10‭-‬12
(http://bible.com/116/eph.6.10-12.NLT)

I think this passage is extremely important right now for Christians around the world. Texas is reeling from possibly the worst storm in America’s history. India is inundated with rain, Mumbai has experienced collapsed buildings from the floods, and people are drowning and dying by the dozens from it all. North Korea is busy posturing threats to the U.S. and the world, the fighting is never ending in the middle east and in Afghanistan. Russia is also posturing and flexing their muscles at us, China is as antagonist as ever…. the list goes on.

“When the Lamb broke the second seal, I heard the second living being say, “Come!” Then another horse appeared, a red one. Its rider was given a mighty sword and the authority to take peace from the earth. And there was war and slaughter everywhere. When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living being say, “Come!” I looked up and saw a black horse, and its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice from among the four living beings say, “A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day’s pay. And don’t waste the olive oil and wine.” When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living being say, “Come!” I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green. Its rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. These two were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals.” Revelation 6:3‭-‬8 (http://bible.com/116/rev.6.3-8.NLT)

Does any of this sound familiar? If not, perhaps you should watch the world news, because all three are happening, all around the world. There’s more to come, and I can promise that it won’t be pleasant. Folks, believe what you want; believe WHO you want, we are in the midst of the Tribulation that John foresaw and wrote in his Revelations of John. If you don’t believe me, of course that’s your choice and your privilege. I would only suggest you do some reading before telling me how wrong I am. In fact, I encourage your arguments and comments. I’m not a Bible scholar, but I love reading God’s Word to us.

Maybe I wasn’t so speechless, after all. As Paul so eloquently wrote: “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 6:18‭, ‬23‭-‬24 (http://bible.com/116/eph.6.18-24.NLT)

Irony

I am enjoying what may be the most pleasant morning we’ve seen in central Oklahoma for this entire summer…. while the state to our south is enduring the remainder of the worst hurricane to hit the U.S. in at least 12 years. In fact, I don’t remember an August quite like this one for its weather. So far, it’s the 3rd wettest August on record – and we have a chance for more rain before it is over. It has been the coolest in 20 years, and last year, 2016, was the hottest August on record, EVER, for the entire earth. Climate change! Oh no! Call Al Gore and the climate police! Call PETA and the ACLU and all the “Save the world” campaigns. (Sorry, couldn’t resist a little poke.)

Seriously. Look at the history of the earth. It began from a formless void, and was fashioned by the Creator into a living entity (NOT sentient; LIVING) to support life as He created it. Over the millenia, the earth has changed in a myriad of ways. First, God created the creatures of the sea, then the land, and finally man to watch over and protect it all. From the tiniest organism and the most minute cell structure, to the largest creatures, He created it all, and called it good. Read Genesis 1-2 for a full account. It’s quite beautiful. God created the creatures we call dinosaurs, and He created dragons. You have to realize that all myths are based on fact.

The problem with the earth, and all of the climate changes across the eons, are ultimately our responsibility. Starting with being thrown out of the Garden, we have been on a destructive bent ever since. Because of bad choices made by humans, the enemy of everything good, Satan, has been released to create havoc on and in the earth. Through his fury and desire to take everything good and turn it into evil, not only have humans suffered, but all of the plants and all the creatures suffered; even the earth itself is being brutalized by the enemy. Is it our fault the earth has gone through ice ages and worldwide drought? Is it our fault that the entire earth was covered in water, drowning anyone and anything that was not on Noah’s ark? Are hurricanes and tornados and floods and drought our fault?

Ultimately, yes. It does all rest on our shoulders, and the world is a heavy burden to carry. (Theme song of “The Twilight Zone” plays….)

“And to the man [Adam] He said, “Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.” ” Genesis 3:17‭-‬19 (http://bible.com/116/gen.3.17-19.NLT)

Sounds all gloom and doom, doesn’t it? Fortunately for us, and for ALL of creation, this is all temporary. The phrophet Isaiah foretold it: “Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore.” Isaiah 65:17 (http://bible.com/116/isa.65.17.NLT)

John, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, also foretells us: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone.” Revelation 21:1 (http://bible.com/116/rev.21.1.NLT)

We have a responsibility to take care of, and manage well, this pile of dirt and rock and water that we live on. We carry that responsibility for every part of this world, plant, animal, and human. I’m not an advocate for the extremists who scream that we shouldn’t eat animals or use ridiculous schemes to prevent us from using the earth’s resources. We are here to manage and maintain. As any true conservationist will tell you, animal flocks and herds have to be managed, and that entails culling to maintain and do balance. God gave us the earth and did and drill that is within it to oversee. Since we gave the job of overseer to the enemy, we, and all of creation, are suffering. That’s irony. We gave the job that God gave us to the worst thing possible, the one being whose existence is the opposite of God.

The first step to save the world is to submit ourselves to our Lord Jesus Christ. Only then can we began to see how to truly care for the beautiful people and creatures, and the earth itself. Ready for real climate change? Look to the Savior. Start with prayer and thankfulness for the incredibly diverse world He has given us. Love God, love His creation.

Let My People Go

“The godly people have all disappeared; not one honest person is left on the earth. They are all murderers, setting traps even for their own brothers. Both their hands are equally skilled at doing evil! Officials and judges alike demand bribes. The people with influence get what they want, and together they scheme to twist justice. Even the best of them is like a brier; the most honest is as dangerous as a hedge of thorns. But … Judgment Day is coming swiftly now. Your time of punishment is here, a time of confusion. ….. As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for GOD to save me, and my GOD will certainly hear me.” Micah 7:2‭-‬4‭, ‬7 (http://bible.com/116/mic.7.2-7.NLT)

Wow. Even though this was written thousands of years ago, it sounds like Micah is addressing the world as we know it today, politics as usual. A bit scary? I pray that you find this passage mind-numbing scary! The rich and famous rule, whether we like it or not. With enough money, we can get away with just about anything, from lies to murder. And no, this is not directed at President Trump. It is directed to everyone who uses and abuses their wealth and positions to put themselves above the law of the land. Not just politicians, but anyone who thinks they are somehow exempt from the rules. Even those people who may not be wealthy but think they can do as they please, regardless of what it does to anyone else. Selfishness, narcissism, superiority; they are just as much a sin as murder.

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the Truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to The Truth [i.e. Jesus Christ], so we will be confident when we stand before GOD. Even if we feel guilty, GOD is greater than our feelings, and He knows EVERYTHING.” 1 John 3:18‭-‬20 (http://bible.com/116/1jn.3.18-20.NLT)

I believe there are some godly people left on earth, unlike in Micah’s time. I believe, because I have experienced mercy from some of these people. They embody God’s command to LOVE. “And this is His Commandment: We must believe in the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.” 1 John 3:23 (http://bible.com/116/1jn.3.23.NLT)

As Christians, it is our responsibility to to act as Christians. That means loving others as Christ loves us; showing the world what it means to be forgiven of all the garbage. It means telling them about Jesus, and above all, living in Jesus. Anyone can be forgiven if they will just ask, because Jesus doesn’t turn away anyone who seeks Him and Truth. He gives us Forgiveness.

WHY Does She Harp On Love??

Why, indeed. Maybe it’s because I struggle to understand the kind of love Jesus preached. Could be because I see so little of it in the world. Mostly, it’s because of Jesus.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. ….. Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4‭-‬7‭, ‬13 (http://bible.com/116/1co.13.4-13.NLT)

Man. If we could just absorb those 5 verses into our heads and our hearts! Imagine what life would be like if everyone on earth embraced this….. Imagine if just those professing to be Christian were to live it! This world would be a completely different place. Think about it. In practical terms: no cursing or gesturing when a driver swerves or cuts us off or stops without warning. No rudeness to people who don’t dress as nice as we do, or maybe they smell bad, or are offensive in other ways to us. Waiting in line without grumbling or being impatient. No more lawsuits (sorry, lawyers, but we wouldn’t need you!).

Smiles, nods of acknowledgment from everyone we come in contact with. Hearing “Thank you” and “You’re welcome.” Finding a positive comments for each person we speak to. Wow. Can you imagine how much more productive we would be?

It does take a whole lot of effort, people. In fact, just a smile can make a huge positive impact on someone who is having a bad day, and a “hello” or “good morning” can literally change your day, both yours AND the person it is directed to. In my last position, we had a VP who took the time to walk the floor when she was in the office, and take time to speak to every person there. She had tremendous demands on her time, and yet made sure to give us her attention, even for the seconds it too to say good morning to each individual. It always improved my day, and I am convinced it enhanced my productivity. On the other hand, my immediate supervisor began skipping me when she would say hello to her team. She would stop and speak to the people all around me, but when I would speak to her, she made it very clear in her expressions that I was an imposition and a nuisance. My performance suffered greatly when that happened.

The bottom line? Pay attention to yourself. Make an effort to smile and be pleasant, even if you aren’t having a great day. Smiling can do wonders for your outlook, and it makes you look better, too! Love because Jesus taught us to. We don’t have to like a person or their behavior to love them. Make the effort to learn these verses and apply them. You may never realize it, but your smile could be just the thing to turn a life that is upside down, right side up. Love, even when we don’t like.

Contentment

Something we search for our entire lives, and many never find, is so simple: contentment. Not happiness, although many mistake the two for being the same. I know that I searched without success for that elusive “happiness” for years. Oh, there are moments of pure joy, and events that give us a momentarily taste of happiness, but it always fades. As it does, we are faced with a choice. Can we hold on to the contentment and be satisfied with it, or do we immediately go on the search for another jolt of “happiness,” akin to those adrenaline junkies we see going to extremes for that momentary, transient feeling? Addicts, especially, are at risk. Searching for the next high…. and it can come from alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription drugs, sex or food… even something as innocuous as shopping. It takes more and more to reach that fleeting feeling, until it spirals out of control for so many. Yet we continue.

My conclusion, at least for me, is to simplify. Simplify my desires. Sure, it would be fun to have a huge house were all of my family and friends could gather together, but the truth is that I would be content in a little cottage with a vegetable garden for a backyard (with a tiny pool, of course!) and flowers filling the front; close to people I care about. All that’s a pipe dream, because it would be entirely too small for my partner, and I care too much to abandon him. My other dream is be to have a bigger place, where my mother could come to live with me. Just dreams at this point in my life. The point is that I can spend my time searching and dreaming of these things, and make myself miserable because they aren’t possible, or I can open my eyes to what I have and choose to be content.

Honestly, at times I validate from contentment to disillusionment. By now in my life, according to some standards, my house should be paid off or close to being paid off, and I should be retired with a decent retirement. Neither are even close to being true, except that I am unemployed, though not by choice. Because of circumstances, I could choose to be bitter and discontented, but what would that do, other than make me and those around me miserable? Contentment is definitely a choice, one that I don’t always choose. Sometimes I want that fleeting happiness so badly that I succeed in making myself feel wretched, and where is the benefit in that? It can be a tremendous effort, at times, to choose contentment over the disgruntled, angry, depressed feelings the enemy wants us to be.

We can be as Joshua and Timothy say: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (http://bible.com/116/jos.1.9.NLT)

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” And we can also make this choice: “But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.” 1 Timothy 6:6‭-‬9 (http://bible.com/116/1ti.6.6-9.NLT)

It is through the Grace of our LORD Jesus Christ that we are able to choose, and find, contentment. Working to support yourself and your family is not wrong, in fact, it is what we are supposed to do. It’s that search, that longing, for more and more, bigger and better, that can destroy our contentment, and even our lives. Think about it. Where do you find yourself? My prayer is that you find contentment with Christ.