Still Valid Today

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Thousands of years have come and gone since the time when men put the quill to the parchment and captured the thoughts of God for mankind.  Written mainly in Hebrew (with some Aramaic and Greek), the scriptures have led men and women toward righteousness for generations and generations.  The words of God Almighty were captured by scribes, prophets, and priests over centuries.  The likes of Moses, David, Ezra, the Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others; Peter, Paul, John, Mark, and Luke have captured the inspirations, teachings, and words from God to us.  In a place called Qumran, in the Southeast corner of Israel, there is an ongoing archeological project to uncover the city, homes, and history of the scribes who lived here and spent their days writing.  In the hills just outside of Qumran are the caves, where in the 1950’s, over 900 scrolls were found with references to nearly every book of the Old Testament. Keep in mind that scriptures were numbered and outlined as our modern-day texts are, with books, chapters, and verses.  It was a steady stream of written text copied by a scribe from the mouth of those inspired by God to speak His word.

More copies of the Holy Bible have been printed than any other book in the history of the world.  Certainly, translations from Hebrew and Greek to English and to nearly every other language may have watered down the original; the word of God remains rich and pure to all mankind.  We often question what God wants from us, what our purpose is, why certain things happen, and what His plan is for the future.  The reality is that if we spent time in His word every day, and truly studied it for the richness that comes alive on the pages, we would have a better understanding. 

Most of us live in a “Cliff Notes” world, though, and want the answers without putting in the work of reading, studying, and learning.  Many get lost in the heaviness of the scriptures, and others can’t seem to put it into perspective in their own life.  I have found that spending an hour in the morning reading His word and then taking mental notes of what it means in my life has continually strengthened my outlook on life.  Every time I open the scriptures, I am learning something I didn’t know before.  There is no shortcut.  It takes time, effort, and commitment to grow closer to God, His word, and His purpose.  You have to put in the hard work, and you have to seek Him, for He is not going anywhere.  He is, has always been, and will always be exactly the same. 

The words inscribed on the pages of our Holy Bible are translated from God Almighty and are unchanging.  What He inspired in the heroes of our faith is still just as important today as it was 4000 years ago.  Many will say that the “Old writings” don’t pertain to today’s world.  I say they are very wrong.  The law passed down from God to Moses for mankind has not changed and will not.

1.      Thou shalt have no other gods before me
2.      Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
3.      Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
4.      Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
5.      Honor thy father and thy mother
6.      Thou shalt not kill
7.      Thou shalt not commit adultery
8.      Thou shalt not steal
9.      Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor
10.  Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's belongings

Why then do we have such a hard time following His word as the truth?  Why are we so inclined to attempt to conform His truth to our way of life, rather than conforming our life to abide by His truth?  If we all took a stand to live by the truth revealed to us through the scriptures, we could solve 90% of the problems in the world today.  In Paul's letter to Timothy he continues in Ch 4 to say, "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and turn away from listening to the truth..."  This is happening across the church today.  The Holy Word of God is being morphed from The Truth, to man's version of the truth, based on our own desire and intent.  The real problem we face is that people want the scriptures to support their lifestyle and choices, rather than God's intent.  As long as there is pride, ego, and selfishness in this world, I fear the scriptures will remain a distant record of history rather than a tool for our daily life. 

Do Not be Decieved

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

What are you afraid of?  Is there anything that fills you with complete fear and thereby reverses your action?  Lisa and I were once on a bike ride.  As we peddled down the bike path alongside a small retention pond near a golf course, we came upon a large black coiled up water moccasin in the middle of the bike path. Its body was as round as my forearm; it was hard to determine how long it was based on it’s position. It raised its head, hissed, and that was that.  We turned our bikes away, went to the other side of the road, peddled down the road, and then came back onto the bike path 20 or 30 yards away from the slithery fellow.  There are certain things that strike fear in all of us.

There was a point in time when people feared God.  The scriptures were personal to the children of God in the times leading up to and around Jesus birth and life.  The engagement between the divine presence of God Almighty and mankind was evidenced to those familiar with Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and the other heroes from the Bible.  There is a story in 2 Samuel 6 where Uzzah was struck dead by God Almighty for touching the Ark of the Covenant when it became unsteady as they were transporting it.  This seems radical by our standards, but not by God’s.  There were many laws regarding the Ark of the Covenant throughout the Old Testament.  You see, the Ark of the Covenant represented God’s Holy presence with the Israelites and was to be kept in the temple, sacred and hidden from view behind the curtain in the Most Holy Place.  Approaching the Ark meant to be in God’s presence, His holiness and perfection; intolerable to man’s sinful nature.  Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place and look upon the Ark of the Covenant after considerable cleansing and purification.  God’s actions against Uzzah were clearly defined and known by the scriptures regarding the Ark, yet he chose to defy God’s directions and take action (reaching out to steady the Ark) anyway, rather than grabbing the pole it was being carried on.

The new covenant with God holds just as much authority over mankind.  This new covenant, based on the blood of Jesus Christ, has clearly defined how we are to live our lives.  Yet, many of us take it lightly, interpret it to fit into our lifestyle, and thereby defy the actual word of the Lord.  God has demonstrated that He has little tolerance for mankind to take His word and adjust it to fit our means.  It was written down by those He appointed, with the specific purpose of becoming a living document for all of mankind.  We are held accountable to living by the guidelines established by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, just as Paul, John, and the others were held accountable.  Time has not minimized the relevance or intentions of the Word.  It is still God’s commands to you and me, and we ought not take them lightly. 

The bible tells us clearly there is but one path to righteousness and eternity with God Almighty, and that is through His Son – Jesus Christ.  Others may choose to believe that there are many paths and that all God’s are equal, but they will one day discover that they were deceived.  God tells us in Matthew 7:21-22 that many will come calling “Lord, Lord” but will not enter the kingdom of heaven; and many will claim that they have prophesied or cast out demons in His name, but will hear the Son state, “Away from me you evil doers.”  Trust in His word and the truth that is contained therein.  He has given you the path to righteousness, act on it and live by it, so that one day in the presence of the Lord you will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  Enter into my presence.”

Think about it, Pray about it, Act upon it

Cannot be Shaken

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my (God) unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” 
– Isaiah 54:10

Do you remember the story “The Little Engine That Could”?  A trainload of toys was being taken over the mountain to all the children in Sunshine Valley, but unfortunately, the engine broke down. One by one, different engines came by, but none were willing to take the trainload of toys over the mountain. At last, a small blue switching engine happened by, and all the toys asked if it would please take them to all the boys and girls on the other side of the mountain. The Little Engine had never been out of the switching yard before—let alone to travel over the mountain. You know the story; the little blue engine hooked itself up to the trainload of toys and began the journey over the mountain. As the Little Engine began to pull the toys up the mountain, you could hear it saying “I think I can, I think I can. . . ”  At long last, the Little Engine crested the top of the mountain, and as it started its descent into Sunshine Valley, it could be heard singing, ‘I thought I could, I thought I could, I thought I could”

Each of us faces a variety of different mountains to cross every day.  Mountains take on the shape of bills due, disrespectful children, loss of a job, relationship issues, tragedies in life, and addictions, amongst other things.  These mountains seem impassible and unconquerable as we stand at the foot of the mountain and look up.  Many times, like the large, powerful train engines, we head off to take on these challenges, only resulting in spinning our wheels and stalling out.  We read, we study, and we try again, and again, and again, without changing the outcome.  Something is missing from your repertoire, though, and that is the strength of the Lord. 

God is a solid foundation that can be trusted upon in all circumstances.  When your life is shaken and you are challenged beyond measure, the Lord provides wisdom, peace, and comfort.  He comes forth with the confidence that you are loved and you can overcome anything the world puts in front of you.  The problem is that we often push Him away rather than embracing Him and allowing Him to guide our footsteps.  The Holy Spirit dwells within each of us and provides the loving confidence of the Father in all things.  The bible calls the Holy Spirit by a few different names: “the Counselor”, “the Helper”, “the Spirit of Truth”, or “the Teacher”.  He lives in you, giving you the wisdom and encouragement to be an overcomer in a world filled with pain and suffering.  When you call upon the Spirit, He will provide for you what is needed in the situation.

God has given you this helper to be a constant reminder of His love for you.  God knows you are easily shaken and will lose faith when struggles arise.  It is at these times that He wants you to come to Him for help.  He can easily overcome the mountains in front of you if you give Him the ability to.  Nothing can stand in the way of your ability to fulfill God’s plan in your life except you.  By not calling upon the love of the Lord, you have chosen to stay in your current state of struggling.  Simply lay it before the Lord in your prayers today and let Him walk you through the answer, by His love.

Here Comes the Bride

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”  – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

As those gathered quiet themselves and find their seats, the Minister looks down over the congregation and then directs his eyes to the front row.  Tears are ever-present on the delicate cheeks of the woman seated right near the center of the aisle as her husband sits next to her and takes her hand in his.  He provides strength and compassion as all eyes focus on the couple at the front of the church.  The Minister opens his bible to 1 Corinthians 13 and begins to recite the all too familiar verse describing the love of the Father.  The soon-to-be married couple hears some of the words, but the butterflies in their stomach and the nervousness that they feel take their attention away from his words.  They are focused more on getting through this service and onto the rest of their life together. 

Many of us have been there, standing in front of the church, all eyes upon us as we recited our vows of love for one another.  The words of Paul the Apostle have become a standard part of most weddings in an attempt to describe the act of loving one another as God has loved us.  This is not a new verse to most of you, but it is a verse that is often overlooked as we build a marriage relationship centered on the heart of God the Father.  These verses capture the keys to a successful marriage: “Love each other as much as God loves the other person, and your marriage will be long and fruitful.”

Love is patient, which is absolutely necessary in a marriage.  The other person will have a different and unique personality from you, and you will have to be patient to accept them for who God made them to be.

Love is kind – it all starts with kindness.  In every situation, the first thing we should focus on is kindness, and in doing so, realize that God is kind to us in all things.  Kindness is highly underrated when it comes to relationships, yet such a strong power for building trust between two people.

Love does not envy, even when you feel cheated out of something.  God has blessed you, and your focus needs to be on being grateful for what you have been given, not what your neighbor may have.

Love is not boastful or proud.  We all struggle with pride from time to time.  It is a tool of the evil one to separate individuals from one another and from God.  It requires that one focus their attention on themselves, lifting their qualities up and, in doing so, pressing down upon others.  We are all created equal and in God’s eyes, there is no hierarchy of importance; therefore, there is no room for boasting or being prideful.

Love does not dishonor another individual.  In a marriage, we should be looking for ways to lift up our spouse and bring honor to them through our words and actions.  So often I see spouses pointing out the shortcomings and problems with each other rather than focusing on the positives.  When God looks at any of us, He sees who He made us to be, not who we have become.  When you look upon your spouse, focus on the fact that they are a child of God, and when you speak about them, you are reflecting an image of the Father to those who are listening.

Love is not self-seeking.  Studies have shown that the number one reason for divorce is selfishness.  People in general want happiness and joy for themselves first.  Putting another’s needs ahead of our own is difficult and counter-cultural.  Society has taught us to look out for number one because nobody else is going to.  God teaches us to serve one another and humble ourselves before His throne.  The contradiction is evident and requires a conscious choice in every situation.  When we place our own needs above the needs of the marriage, we are destined to slide down this slippery slope.  This is an area that requires strict attention and work from both members of a marriage.

Love is not angered easily, regardless of the situation.  Controlling one’s temper is an example of maturity in the Lord.  During the courtship and dating phase of a relationship, it seems so easy to bite your tongue when the other person says or does something wrong.  Something changes, though, when we put the wedding band on the finger, as if all of a sudden the individuals are no longer working together, but are against each other.  My wife has a subtle way of reminding me of this when we have a difference of opinion.  “We are on the same team.”  This little phrase is a quick reminder that the situation is not bigger than the commitment we made to God and to each other.  The “team” consists of the three of us: God, Lisa, and me; and there is no room for fighting amongst the team.

Love keeps no record of wrongdoing.  God forgives and forgets; why then can’t we?  Human nature is generally forgiving, but it is something completely different to forget.  Our memories hold onto those things that cause hurt or pain in our lives as a defense mechanism for the future.  Unfortunately, this hanging on causes the pain to resurface again in the future, long after the actual event has been washed away.  We must learn to let go of the past, for if God has forgotten it, who are we to hold onto it?

These words take all of about 15 seconds to read during the wedding ceremony, but when put to use throughout the marriage, they can help sustain, for a lifetime, what God has brought together.  Focus your attention on how God loves you in these ways, and how you should be loving your spouse likewise.

Mighty to Save

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”  – Zephaniah 3:17

One of my favorite Christian songs was Mighty to Save, written by Reuben Morgan in 2006.  It has been sung in churches and choirs all over the world for the last twenty years and continues to be one of the most widely known contemporary Christian songs because it speaks of the deep need of mankind to find compassion.  We are all in need of someone to love us without condemnation, without opinion, and without judgment.  We need to feel that there is someone out there who will accept us as we are and loves us enough to die for us.  People want to believe that God is there and will save them from themselves.  We want to trust that He will love us, despite our choices and mistakes in life. 

God’s justice will one day fall upon the world.  On that day, we will be lifted up and held close to His chest.  Those of us who have fallen upon our knees and proclaimed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God Almighty will be sifted from the rest and brought before the Lord clean, spotless, and redeemed.  On that day, the Lord will judge the nations, and every knee will bow before His great throne.  Those who have denied Him and those who have blasphemed Him will be judged accordingly.  The strongholds of the opposition will be broken, and they will be left helpless against God’s wrath and fierce anger.

God is filled with compassion for those who call upon His name.  We will be forgiven of our wrongdoing and shown mercy and grace.  Eternity is open for the children of God, despite our transgressions, because He has made a way.  He has unlocked the doors to heaven for His children to enter.  Through Jesus Christ, He has provided the redeeming grace. 

The reason this song speaks so strongly to millions of people around the world is that it provides hope in the truth of the Lord.  What we have learned through the scriptures is exemplified through the lyrics of this song and makes a connection with God’s children.  The first time I heard the song at Fellowship of the Woodlands (now known as Woodlands Church), I was brought to tears.  It spoke so deeply to my heart that God loves me enough to move mountains and every other obstacle in my path, until I am left alone with Him.  Jesus Christ conquered the grave and death.  He defeated Satan on that day and will one day return to defeat him in the final battle.  In God, you have hope and a love that’s never ending.

Break Through the Surface

Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm,
for love is strong as death,
jealousy is fierce as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
the very flame of the LORD. – Song of Solomon 8:6

 

What is it that draws two individuals together in love?  Is it the sexual attraction, is it the intelligence, is it the wealth of one of them, is it the similarity of interests, or is it simply a chance meeting?  Every relationship is unique in that there is always an initial meeting.

Lisa and I met at a Christmas dance.  I was a Junior and she was a Freshman.  She came to the dance with my best friend; needless to say, I had a different girl on my arm that night.  The night progressed, and we all went out for fries and shakes after the dance.  Somewhere in the middle of the evening at the Big Boy restaurant, Lisa bumped a Coke glass on the table, and the entire contents flowed onto my brand new powder blue leisure suit.  Amidst embarrassing apologies and laughter, a spark was lit when our eyes locked in a warm, laughing moment.  I accepted her apology and gave her a candy cane from the Christmas tree in the lobby.  Then our paths went separate directions for the next 3 ½ years, until that same best friend reintroduced me to Lisa one sunny afternoon in the summer of 1986.  That was the beginning of what God brought together, as only He could.

Recall a relationship in your life and what drew you together.  Now, what sustained that relationship?  Time together.  The more time you spend with a significant other, the closer you become.  The more you know them, the more they become written upon your heart, and your love is strengthened.  A relationship can be formed on sexual desire and attraction, but it will not be sustained by that.  Sustaining a relationship requires intimacy and depth of understanding.  You cannot remain at a surface-level relationship for a relationship to become strong; it takes time and effort.

So it is with loving God.  You may have become attracted to God through a worship song, a prayer, a scripture at just the right moment, and emotional breakdown.  But, I posit, to strengthen that relationship requires you to invest significant time and effort.  Who is this Jesus?  How well do you know Him?  How are you getting to know Him better?  You want a deeper word from God, then be in His Word more frequently.  Study it, get to know Him deeper.  Write His name upon your heart, just as He has written yours upon His.  God wants more than a surface-level relationship and is not holding back, unless you aren’t seeking more.  Break the surface today, and dive into the deep end with God. He’s ready when you are.

Don't Follow the Lie

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But, I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” 

– Matthew 5:43-45

 

Protesters on both sides of the street.  Shouting obscenities at each other, carrying signs about death, hatred, and anger.  Each side believes they are righteous in their beliefs, but their beliefs are polar opposites, or at least they have been taught that they are.  A stranger walks down the middle of the street as both sides watch closely to see which way he is leaning, to know if he will be or will not be accepted into their group.  His characteristics are generic, no color discrimination, no obvious political affiliation, no environmental or gender cause support or protest is evident, and there is no way to know if he is a citizen or not.  They observe with curiosity as to whether to welcome him or not.

He sits in the middle of the road and pulls out a Bible.  He starts reading quietly to himself.  This alone can’t break their curiosity, because both sides of the street claim the scriptures support their cause based on their interpretation.  Both sides assume he’s a Christian, but that doesn’t help them understand if he’s for or against them.  They want to accept him, but they have to be careful.  If he disagrees with one of their positions, or if he likes a certain political candidate, or if he is pro-gun, or pro-choice, or pro-life, or pro-oil, he must immediately be eliminated from their group and added to the hated list.  

He rises from his seated position in the middle of the street and pulls a rolled-up sign from inside his jean jacket.  Both sides look on and believe this is it, we’ll know if he’s with us or against us.  Finally, we’ll know if we can accept him or if we are to hate him.  As he unrolls the sign, they all look on in quiet anticipation.  He lays the sign facedown on the ground and securely attaches it to a long pole.  He straightens up and instinctively looks around before he grabs the pole and begins to lift it high above any of the signs on either side of the road.

The sign is simple.  A cross in the sunset is depicted on the sign, with a dove sitting upon the top of the cross.  Blood is dripping from each of the two sides of the cross beam, and from the bottom of the vertical post.  Across the beam is one simple word in large letters:

I     L  O  V  E    A  L  L

We have gone too far, my friends.  God’s love is for everyone.  You and I must choose to accept and live in it, or choose to follow the world and live in hate.  Hatred doesn’t come from God; it comes from the evil powers within the world.  This Prince of this world is intent on destroying mankind, and therefore must sow thoughts of division, deceit, anger, self-centeredness, pride, and hatred into our everyday walk.  In doing so, he breaks the Christian body into fragments that all of a sudden are battling each other, rather than their one purpose to lift up God Almighty through loving each other.  

The enemy is winning, and many of us are helping him succeed without even knowing it.  Trust in the Lord, with all of your heart, and follow His commandments, His Word, and His purpose.  Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.