Tag: Faith
Updated on September 28, 2023
Did Jesus Call The Syrophoenician Woman A Dog?
The Syrophoenician Woman
In Matthew 15 and Mark 7, the Gospel writers record the story of Jesus healing the possessed daughter of a Syrophoenician woman. This story has been taught and read so many times that some folks simply take it for granted. That should not be the case. Just the other day I found a blog that claimed in all seriousness that Jesus called a woman a dog. And then presented a case for the insensitivity of the remark. That is religious thinking. If you KNOW Jesus, you are far less likely to make bad assumptions like that. Scripture interprets Scripture, meaning that the entire Word helps you understand individual passages, events, and verses. And if you are a Believer, the Holy Spirit resides in you to lead you to the Truth. So when you read or hear something that seems out of character from Jesus for instance, you should sense there is a problem in your spirit. It is likely that someone has “missed” it. Jesus, our Savior and Lord, Love Himself, did not call the woman a dog. Strap in and prepare, as we take a closer look at this wonderful story.
Updated on March 3, 2023
Mark 11:21-23 – Speak To The Mountain And Do Not Doubt
God’s Word Is True – An Example From My Life
Today, I was doing some research for an article on Mark 11. This is where Jesus curses the fig tree, and then gives one of the most important lessons on how to release your faith. Both His actions and explanation are so simple a child can understand it. The entrance of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130) So it was quite surprising to stumble across a scholarly paper that harshly rebuked Believers for taking Jesus’ Words literally. After a whole thesaurus of 300 point words, the crux of the argument came down to Believers have it wrong. We are not supposed to have the God kind of faith, nor speak to the obstacles in our life. The religious among us are shocked by such boldness. “Who do you think you are?” They will ask. And quite calmly Believers respond, “New Creatures in Christ, made alive and complete in HIM, children of God and led by the spirt, with a command to imitate our Heavenly Father.”
Updated on September 28, 2022
Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? Truth Or Treat?
Much of Halloween glorifies evil and darkness, and is designed to instill fear. Believers should have nothing to do with any of these.
Updated on April 7, 2015
Freedom From Religion
To understand what religion is, you must travel back to the beginning. God created Adam from the dust of the ground and filled him with spiritual life. He placed His children in the Garden and gave them dominion over the Earth.
However, they weren’t alone for long. There was an enemy present, Satan. His rebellion before led to a catastrophic judgment of Earth, leaving it in darkness, and covered with water. This was the condition when God recreated the earth in Genesis 1. He was an outsider, an intruder, and had Adam or Eve exercised their authority, they could have sent him packing. Instead, he engaged in a conversation with Eve. And she listened to what he had to say.
The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”
“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied.
“It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”
“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman.
“God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” — Genesis 3:1-5 (<NLT>)
Updated on August 29, 2014
Its The End Of The World As We Know It
Where is the wise man (the philosopher)? Where is the scribe (the scholar)? Where is the investigator (the logician, the debater) of this present time and age? Has not God shown up the nonsense and the folly of this world’s wisdom?
(1 Corinthians 1:20 <AMP>)
Let no person deceive himself. If anyone among you supposes that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool [let him discard his worldly discernment and recognize himself as dull, stupid, and foolish, without true learning and scholarship], that he may become [really] wise. For this world’s wisdom is foolishness (absurdity and stupidity) with God, for it is written, He lays hold of the wise in their [own] craftiness; And again, The Lord knows the thoughts and reasonings of the [humanly] wise and recognizes how futile they are.
(1 Corinthians 3:18-20 <AMP>)
Updated on August 16, 2014
To Suffer Or Not To Suffer
In a passage often quoted from Job 1, Satan complained to God because He had placed a hedge around Job, and blessed all the works of his hands to the point that he was the richest man in the East. For Believers, this should be cause for hope. Instead, this passage is often misunderstood as either God, or Satan, removing the hedge and attacking Job. If this is what you have been taught, you need to dig deeper into God’s Word. The Bible tells you exactly what brought that hedge down, and hindered the Blessing. It definitely was not God, or Satan directly.
Updated on March 4, 2014
Did God Really Say…
Just the other day I was sitting in a church listening to a sermon on Hezekiah, the Assyrian invasion of Judah, and the siege of Jerusalem (2 King 18:13-37, 2 Kings 19:1-37). This is a wonderful story of how God supernaturally destroyed the Assyrian invasion force, 185,000 men in a single night. Hezekiah had heard Sennacherib’s threats, and instead of worrying about it, or focusing on the circumstances, he turned the problem over to someone who could handle it, God. But that’s where the sermon derailed a bit. The pastor started to undermine the story – maybe it wasn’t 185,000 killed, or perhaps there was a plague, or maybe the writer embellished the story. Though momentarily offtrack, he somewhat recovered by mentioning the decline of the Assyrian Empire from that point, and the fact that Judah would remain independent for another 100+ years until Babylon invaded. Unfortunately though, the damage had already been done. Because you don’t believe the story because historians, theologians, or even archaeologists think its true. You believe the story because God’s Word is Truth. Natural evidence may put your mind at ease, but faith rests in your spirit. You KNOW the Word is true in your heart first, and you renew your mind with the Word of God until it falls in line with your spirit. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God. But you must have spiritual “ears that hear.” (Matthew 11:15, Mark 4:9, John 16:12-15, Romans 10:17, 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:4-16, Galatians 3:1-6, Ephesians 4:15-23, 5:6-10)
This is where so many Christians miss it. Its the little foxes that ruin the vines (Ecclesiastes 10:1, Song of Solomon 2:15, 1 Corinthians 5:6-7). With just a couple of comments, sermon fodder if you will, seeds of doubt and unbelief were planted. Because this is an educated man, he must know the Bible so much more than you, right? Maybe the Bible is embellished elsewhere? You see how easily it is to undermine the Truth of God’s Word? This should not be the case. And imagine the compounding effect of 2,000 years of errors, doubt, and unbelief. Its not surprising that Christianity has been weak, disorganized, and ineffective at times in the past. But those days are over. There are more Believers, more Spirit-filled teachers, and more opportunities to study the Word than ever before. The Body of Christ is alive and well, growing and getting stronger every day!
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 <NLT>)
Take the bold confession that Jesus makes in John 14:6-7. How often have even good Christian folks suggested that Jesus was not the only way. Religion has presented a plethora of alternatives, and argued against God’s free gift of Salvation by faith in Jesus. There have been great theological divisions caused by those that disagreed on whether Jesus was the way or not. How can that be? Here it is in black and white, or even printed in red in some Bibles.
In verse 7 Jesus adds, “If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” Now, what are you as a Believer going to do with that? This is where the rubber meets the road. Jesus is telling you that if you have seen him, and also if you know him, you know the Father. You must set aside any religious or secular ideas that Jesus was just a prophet, or just a good man. Either he is the Son of God, as he claims, or he is crazy. And if you have read this far, I assume you fall into the former category, not the latter. If you know that Jesus is the Son of God, the Word made flesh, you can trust ALL that he says. (John 1:1-14, 4:21-26, 8:42-47, 10:7-16, 10:25-30, Revelation 1:8, 1:17-18)
The Word of God is Spirit and Truth. It is Alive and very capable of being understood and trusted. The Holy Spirit has been given to you to lead you into all Truth, to confirm God’s Word and guide you. But the whole house comes crumbling down once you start doubting God’s Word. (John 6:63, 14:16-17, 17:17, Hebrews 4:12-13)
Note the parable of the two men who built houses. One built his house on sand, and the wind and the flood swept it away. But the man that built his house on a rock, the same wind and flood came, but the house did not fall. What was the difference? The parable was about two men who heard the Word of God. One forgot the Word. This was the man that lost his house. The other heard the Word, and was a doer of the Word. He was the one that built his house on The Rock. His house was not built on a man, an opinion, a church, a denomination, or even a religion. Instead, he built his house on an Eternal Truth that will never fail. Jesus is that Rock. He is that Word. The Word, Jesus, is that solid Spiritual Foundation that will never crumble, and never fail. (Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:46-48, 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:2-9)
Did God really say…
Doubting, or questioning the Word, is not something new. You see it from the very beginning, with Satan challenging God’s Word in the Garden (Genesis 3:1). Every evil report, all doubt, fear, and unbelief is either directly, or indirectly from the devil, or his spiritual kids. You see it again in the wilderness, when Satan challenged Jesus saying, “If you are the Son of God…” Jesus did not even argue or debate this fact. He knew the Truth. He simply countered with “It is written…” By quoting God’s Word, he was speaking Truth (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13). The devil could not counter the Truth. He was so thoroughly whipped that he left Jesus “for a season.”
The reality of Satan’s attacks against the Word are vividly revealed in the Parable of the Sower. Jesus said that the seeds that fell along the path were scooped up by the birds. When pressed for the meaning of this, Jesus explained that when someone hears the Word of God, and does not understand it, Satan comes immediately to steal it away. (Matthew 13:16-23, Mark 4:13-20, Luke 8:9-15)
Let’s put this in simple Texas terms. You see in your Bible, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” (Psalm 118:17) You confess that verse, meditate on it, and praise God for His wonderful promise. And then you visit the doctor. He tells you there is nothing else medical science can do for you. Your friends pat you on the head and say that they will, “remember you in their prayers.” Your family starts making arrangements for your estate, and planning your funeral. Your preacher stops by and says, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.”
Whose report are you going to believe? You can stick to God’s Word, find all His promises of long life, health, joy, and feed on just that Truth. Or you can allow Satan to steal the Word from you. Well, the doctor is an expert, with years of training. Yes, but he is also just “practicing” in the arena of the body and the mind. Friends and family mean well, but they may be trapped in the emotional and mental domains. And if their spiritual foundation is not solid, they are easily swayed by the enemy. The preacher, well, its just time to find a new church, one that Believes (and understands) the Word. Even if everyone else is liar, God is true (Romans 3:3-4). No matter what happens in the physical, or temporal world, it is subject to change. (2 Corinthians 4:13-18)
I came that they may enjoy life in abundance.
Dig into the Word, and never stop fighting (and winning). Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus came to give you Abundant Life! You couldn’t keep people in the casket when Jesus visited. Nor could sickness or demons continue to oppress folks who approached Jesus in faith. He never changes! Nothing will EVER separate you from God’s Love. (John 10:10, Romans 5:17, 8:35-39)
Hezekiah was facing an early death. Isaiah visited him to tell him to get his house in order. Before the prophet could even get out of the building, Hezekiah got his SPIRITUAL HOUSE in order. Isaiah had to turn around and tell him the good news that he would live 15 more years. Did God change? No. Hezekiah did though, and it saved his life. (2 Kings 20:1-11, Isaiah 38:1-8)
“We wish we had died in Egypt,” they wailed, “or even here in the wilderness,” (Numbers 14:2 <TLB>)
Twelve spies entered the Promised Land. They all saw the massive walled cities, the giants, the fruit, and the goodness of the land. It truly was a “land flowing with milk and honey.” When they returned to the Children of Israel, they showed them the fruit, and told them how good the land was. Two spies suggested they go up and take it at once, since God had promised it to them – they had His Word on it. The other 10 said that they could not take the land. The walls were too thick, giants too big, and they were just too small. The entire congregation believed what God called an “evil report.” This same congregation had witnessed all the miracles in Egypt, the parting of the sea, the food and water in the wilderness, but they could not trust that God would be with them when they entered the Promised Land. A whole generation rebelled against God. For 40 years, they wandered in the wilderness until all that did not trust God had died. When it was finally time for the next generation to enter, only the two spies (Joshua and Caleb) that trusted God were still alive (and healthy) to enter the land with the people. (Numbers 13:25-33, 14:1-11, 14:23-37)
The story shows the importance of placing your trust on something solid, like God’s Word, and not experience. All the adults that were in Egypt had been eyewitnesses of tremendous miracles. God had led them out, judging Egypt, and obtaining extraordinary favor for His children. They left with all the wealth of the land, a complete recompense for their 400 years of slavery. There was not one feeble person among them, and every need was met throughout the journey to the edge of the Promised Land. Even after such an impressive display of divine power, provision, and love, they still doubted God’s ability. That unbelief prevented them from entering the Promised Land, and cut their life short. That was not God’s plan for their lives. (Genesis 15:13-14, Exodus 12:35-36, Numbers 14:26-35, Psalm 95:6-11, 105:23-45, Hebrews 3:12-19)
Unfortunately, you can’t build faith on experiences. You build faith by hearing the Word. Through fellowship, trust is established and confidence grows. With an established relationship in place, anchored by faith in God’s Word, what some might call the miraculous, or the supernatural, becomes the way things are. God doesn’t fill you with the Holy Spirit, declare you Blessed, dispatch an angel to encamp around you, request that you command His Hands, place a hedge about you, give you The Word, as well as the Name and Blood of Jesus, among so many other wonderful gifts and precious promises, just so you can be a miserable failure, and die way before you complete His plan for your life. If you are a Believer, you have overcome the world, even if you don’t know it yet. Jesus died so that you would reign in life through him. (Genesis 1:26-31, Deuteronomy 28:1-14, Joshua 1:7-9, Job 1:6-10, Psalm 23:1-6, 34:4-7, 91:1-16, Isaiah 45:11, John 14:9-21, 14:23-27, Romans 5:15-17, Hebrews 10:17-23, 1 John 1:7-10, 5:1-5, Revelation 12:11)
I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said. (Psalm 89:34 <NLT>)
Do you know any honest Presidents? What about politicians, reporters, or salespeople, do you know any honest ones? In this modern world, truth is a rare commodity. Its so very difficult to find people of integrity. That might explain the hesitancy for folks to trust their Creator. Heck, you may not even trust yourself. With God however, this should not be a problem. His Word is His Power. If He says, “Light Be!” LIGHT IS! That’s not the best English, but it makes the point. As I have said before, you can take God’s Word to Heaven’s bank, and it will never bounce, and the bank will never fail! You need to approach God’s Word with reverence, and respect. And when you see a promise of God for you, know for sure that all of Heaven stands behind that Word.
Updated on March 14, 2014
And God Blessed Them
“Why Did This Happen To me?”
Its a question that gets asked far too often. And unfortunately, it is often coupled with a belief that tragedy, sickness, or death was sent by God. It is like a no-fault religion. A belief system that takes absolutely no responsibility for what happens in life. But as in the natural world, you have cause and effect. In the spiritual world, its called sowing and reaping.
This topic sometimes makes people uncomfortable. The opposite should be the case, especially for Believers. If you are prone to ask these types of questions, or question God, remind yourself of God’s ultimate will for mankind. This can be found throughout the Bible. But let’s look at Genesis 1 to get started – underlining added for emphasis.
God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26 <AMP>)
Mankind was made in the image of God. He was made to fellowship with God. He was made to exercise creative ability like God. He was made to release faith with the spoken Word like God. As God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit exist as one, man is a three-part creation – spirit (heart), soul (mind, will & emotions), and body. God created the Earth and gave mankind dominion. Think about that for a second. This authority was not given to angels, but to mankind! Man is to reign as king over the Earth in partnership with God. (Romans 5:17, Revelation 5:9-10)
Instead of looking at your life, or your own personal limitations, look at God. Look at what He can do. He is your Heavenly Father. Jesus is your example, and you are called to imitate him. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE! (Matthew 19:26, Luke 1:37)
Christ is not Jesus’ last name. It means Anointed One, or the Anointing. You are a Christian, a follower of Christ. The Anointing, and the Anointed One, is on and in you! And don’t forget, its the Anointing that removes burdens and destroys yokes. (Isaiah 10:27, Luke 4:18-19, 1 John 2:27)
The day God created Adam, all of creation wondered about this copy of God that was to rule the Earth. Copy of God you ask? What does “in our image” or “after our likeness” truly mean to you? Meditate on that for a time. You are a copy of God! Do children look or act much different from their parents? Why would God’s children be any different from Him? But that wasn’t the end of Creation. (Psalm 8:3-9, John 20:17, Romans 8:14-16, Galatians 4:5-7)
So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.
And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth. (Genesis 1:27-28 <AMP>)
Updated on July 12, 2022
God Is Not The Unjust Judge And You Are Not The Widow
“But when I, the Son of Man, return, will I find people who have faith?”
Luke prefaces the story with an introductory line telling folks the parable is about praying, and not giving up. A common explanation for the parable is that Believers should keep praying until they get the answer. But what sometimes gets communicated, or understood, is the notion that you need to act like the widow, and pester God until He gives you what you want. It seems people are more focused on the actions of the widow and the godless judge, rather than God’s promise to grant justice speedily.
Why Do So Many Christians Identify With The Widow In This Parable?
The question is worth considering. Here is a woman without a husband or power, and desperate for someone to avenge her loss. She’s begging a godless judge for help, badgering him until he relents to the pressure. Does that in any way resemble the life of Jesus, who we are to imitate? Does the godless judge sound anything like your Heavenly Father? Does the Christian life, as defined by the New Testament writers, in any way present an image of a defeated, or helpless Believer begging for help? With so much evidence to the contrary, why would anyone want to identify with a poor widow who is groveling for justice? Admire her boldness. Appreciate her patience and persistence. But by the Glorious Grace of God, don’t see yourself in her position!
Updated on November 4, 2022
Do You Believe In Love?
There is nothing wrong with romance and attraction. But that type of love, and those types of feelings, will not be the firm foundation you need to build a committed relationship. You need a love that is spiritual, eternal, and cannot fail. This is not a feeling, but a supernatural force that can change you into a reflection of Love Himself, who is Truth.
Updated on January 29, 2013
Spiritual, But Not Religious
The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead. — Psalm 10:4 <NLT>
What is meant when someone says they are spiritual?
If you reject the God found in the Bible, you can find all sorts of spiritual movements. From ancient religions, to the occult, mysticism, new age, and even the worship of nature of all things. Charlatans are plenteous, duping the gullible with some new, higher way of thinking, and a brand new cult. They all share the same source – a rebellious and perverted angel determined to drag as many down with him as possible.
Entertainment is saturated with stories, movies, and shows that glorify the supernatural and the occult. People are drawn to stories of superheroes and those with higher powers. Life after death and eternal life are themes that are readily prevalent in every culture and religion.
People experience trauma – death, divorce, sickness or failure, and try to find meaning in philosophy, meditation, psychology or other carnal creations. Many of these while not necessarily evil, may miss the root of the problem which is often spiritual, not mental.
It would seem obvious that on some basic level, people know that there is a spiritual world. And only a fool would dare suggest that there are not forces, both good and evil in the world.
What some may call their conscience, or that “voice in my head” is sometimes the spirit world making contact. The source, if not discerned properly, might lead to deadly consequences if you blindly follow it. And sometimes, it just might be the Holy Spirit sent to keep you from harm.
For example, I was on a drunken fraternity trip in college when from deep inside, I had a very strong notion that it was time to leave, NOW! In an instant, even though I had been partying all day at the lake, I was completely sober and knew in my spirit that it was time to go. I am never one to ever be afraid – part of that is my Christian upbringing, the other part is my 6’5″ frame. So fear was not present. It was just a rather firm suggestion that it was time to go home. I found enough sober drivers to get everyone back on the road and home safely before dawn. The plan had been to stay overnight in a very remote area of a state park. This was in the fall when tourists and families were few and far between, and law enforcement was rarely seen.
I got home and jumped in bed, thinking nothing spectacular about the evening’s events. After church on Sunday, my Mother called. In the middle of the night the Holy Spirit had asked her to pray for my safety. She had no natural knowledge of my trip, or what might be happening to me, so she prayed, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, God’s perfect will. After several minutes, she had peace in her spirit that all was well and went back to sleep. Now that it was Sunday, she was curious as to what had transpired. Remember, this was before mobile phones and text messages. There was no way to contact me that night where we were.
As she shared her experience that night, again this was before I had told her anything about the trip, the events that evening took on a whole new dimension. There had been several rough looking men hanging around the area throughout the day, and more came after sunset. Some of them had even joined us around the fire. They may have viewed so many inebriated, and in some cases, very wealthy frat boys as easy targets. That might not even have been the real danger. Again, I did not sense a threat on any natural level. But God knew there was danger. And he knew my Mother would intercede on my behalf – there may have been others praying for all I know. Because of my Mother’s obedience, and faith in a loving God, 12 young men woke up safely in their beds on Sunday. God gets all the glory!
I have had experiences with darker forces as well. They usually come as sometimes dangerous, sinful, or self-destructive suggestions. For a mature Believer, these imaginations and temptations should be easily cast aside. But I have caught myself yielding to anger, strife, and stepping out of love on more than one occasion. But I repent, and God always forgives me because that is what Love does. And I praise Him for it. Each time this happens, I learn a little more how to master the love walk, growing closer to my Heavenly Father through His Son Jesus.
Evolution cannot explain love. I’m talking about Agape – or the God kind of love as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. The meaning of love has been twisted so much that it is hard to fully understand the term on God’s level. The God kind of love is sacrificial, forgiving, joy, peace, abundance and everything good. Human love is at its core, selfish and falls far short of the ideal.
Love is a spiritual force. Can you imagine a man or woman without God offering unconditional love? It simply is not possible.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. — John 3:16-17 <NLT>
What does it mean to be religious?
Within the various political “ism” movements out there, religion is often seen as an impediment to the overall goals of the group. To academia and the intellectuals among us, religion is dated, and is pushed into the same category as fairy tales, legends, and fantasy. They probably agree with Marx that it is an opiate of the masses. A view still held by most who have rejected God regardless of their political views.
You may find this shocking, but in some ways I agree with this concept. But don’t stop reading just yet until you hear me all the way. I have always defined religion as all the vain attempts man has made to reach God, or whatever they define as a higher power, and even if they see themselves as a deity.
Religion is man-made ceremonies, dogma, rules, traditions, and all the extra-biblical nonsense you find even sometimes in Christian denominations. During his time on Earth, Jesus made clear his disappointment in religion. He railed against the religious leaders of his time for their refusals to show mercy and enforcing all their man-made religious traditions and rules. The majority of these pushed people further away from their Creator, and made fellowship with their Heavenly Father much more difficult, if not impossible. (Matthew 12, 16:5-12, 20:1-16, 23; Mark 7:1-23, 12, 14:53-65; Luke 7:36-50, 11:37-53; 14:1-6, 18:9-14; John 5, 8:1-11, 9 and many other instances)
I went through a period of philosophical reflection in my life. I looked at all religions and my own faith to make sure I KNEW what I believed. I had ample evidence in my early years of the reality and truth of God’s love. Through the witness of my parents and the miraculous interventions in my life, it was hard to deny. But I had to know the Truth.
None of the religions made any sense whatsoever and relied far too much on works, or had too much uncertainty. I don’t believe the Creator of the universe would be so vague. It came down to either there is a God as portrayed by the Bible – remember, Jesus very clearly stated that if you have seen him, you have seen the Father (John 14), or this was one big giant cosmic accident. I find it hard for anyone with even a hint of intelligence, to believe all of creation just sort of happened one day, and then somehow evolved into even more complexity. There is too much evidence of a master designer, including LOVE itself. It would have required much more faith to believe in a big bang, than a loving Creator.
If you closely examine the life of Jesus, no other human has ever exhibited the life of love better and more thoroughly than he. If God IS love, as scripture maintains, He would act in love – healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding the hungry and giving himself for mankind. Which is exactly what Jesus did.
LOVE would do everything possible to reconnect with His lost children. LOVE would crave fellowship with His family. LOVE could not lie, or deceive you in anyway. LOVE would not force you to believe and would give you free will to choose light or darkness. LOVE would be Spirit, Life, Truth and The Way – the ONLY WAY to the Father. LOVE would be eternal. LOVE would forgive and forget. LOVE would make a way, where there is no way, for a fallen, sinful world, to be recreated as righteousness into the LOVE family. There is nothing in this fallen world that compares to the spiritual force of LOVE who IS GOD.
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” — John 13:34-35 <NLT>
Updated on March 2, 2013
Though He Slay Me, I Will Hope In Him
God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him. — Job 13:15 <NLT>
Now why would anyone want to make their religious stand on these words of Job? And why, as it is translated by the NLT, would you love God if you thought He was likely to strike you down at any given moment? What kind of fellowship could you have with someone who might kill you for any old reason? It boggles the mind the poison that the enemy sows and religious tradition perpetuates!
Let me back up, before I move forward. Paul tells us that the Word is inspired by God, and is useful to teach and correct you when you are wrong (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible shows us the good, bad and the ugly, so we can learn from it all. There are times, such as the words of Jesus, you need to listen and obey very carefully. And there are times when lies and sins are recorded so you can learn from the mistakes of others, and not suffer their fate. Consider David’s adultery with Bathsheba, and the murder of Uriah recorded in 2 Samuel. Should you take these verses as your guide and go out and do likewise? Absolutely not! You should learn from the consequences of David’s sin the dangers of adultery and murder.
The Bible can be a Blessing, or a curse. You can take the scriptures and twist them around to justify any type of sinful behavior. Or, you can rightly divide the Word, and it will be a tremendous Blessing. The Word is Spirit, Truth and Life! And Christians have been given the Holy Spirit to lead them into all Truth (John 14:17). The world is in darkness. And even Christians can live in darkness if they allow the world, experience, or tradition, to influence their beliefs. This should NOT be the case. Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12). Let that light shine in your heart, and renew your mind with the Word of God!
There is no doubt that God has the power to kill. BUT, God is LOVE. God’s Son Jesus, came to give LIFE, in abundance, to the full, until it overflows. It is Satan who kills, destroys and steals (John 10:10). So, is there a contradiction? No. God gave man authority over the earth. And He gives you a choice.
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! — Deuteronomy 30:19 <NLT>
Note that God gives you the choice as witnessed by both Heaven and the Earth, and then tells you to choose life! Now why would He encourage you to choose life, if it was not in your ability to receive it?
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. — Proverbs 18:21 <NLT>
Updated on May 31, 2011
Lord, even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table.
Lord, even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table.
I am presently working on a page about Jesus healing the daughter of a Syrophoenician (Matthew 15:21-28 Mark 7:24-30). Part of this requires research to find other sources that might be helpful to my readers. I was so saddened by some of the commentary out there about our Lord and savior Jesus.
One page said that Jesus was tired and annoyed, so as a human, insulted the woman. Really? God is love and Jesus is the Son of God who never sinned, therefore he acted out of love?
Another hinted that Jesus was a racist for seemingly not wanting to heal this Gentile woman. But that did not stop him with the Centurion.
A few others suggested it was the woman’s continual begging that did the trick. But begging does not move God, faith does. Begging comes from fear and that is the complete opposite of faith. How many times does the Bible say “fear not?”
And we wonder why people don’t trust such an uncertain and unpredictable God as portrayed by the above. Who wants to draw near God if they thought He would only insult and reject them?
Let’s do a quick review of the miracle.
There were several lessons to be learned in the exchange. The first lesson was the disciples needed to be taught a lesson on love. They were annoyed by this Gentile mother begging Jesus to heal her daughter. The 2nd was for the mother who needed to learn that begging was not going to connect her to God’s power.
Jesus said that he was sent to the children of Israel first and it was not right to give the bread for the children to the dogs. The disciples probably started nodding and high fiving each other at this response that seemed to comfirm their own biases. But think about the mother who only a few seconds ago was begging. Those words snapped that begging spirit right out. Her answer could only have come from her spirit, which is where faith dwells. She said the dogs get the crumbs. The mother had spoken in faith and received her miracle. We know she had faith because Jesus said, “Great is your faith.”
Faith comes from the heart/spirit hearing God’s Word and is released by speaking it. It is also interesting to note that God’s Word, Jesus, is also referred to as the Bread of Life (John 6:35), which makes their exchange all the more interesting.
I struggled with revelation on this until I more closely studied the water to the wine miracle. Jesus seemed to be rather harsh to his mother when she told him that they had run out wine. But in a similar fashion, she came to him complaining about the problem. Jesus needs faith! It was at this point that Mary said to the servants “Do whatever he says.” With her faith released, Jesus could provide the solution. (John 2:1-12)
Whenever in doubt about a difficult passage, remember some Bible basics:
God does not lie (Numbers 23:19).
God is love (1 John 4:8).
God shows no partiality (Romans 2:11).
Jesus does the work of the Father (John 10:37).
Jesus came to bring abundant life, not sickness and death (John 10:10).
Wherever Jesus found faith, miracles happened, but unbelief blocks miracles (Matthew 13:54-58 Matthew 17:19-20 Mark 6:4-6).
Jesus never sinned (Hebrews 4:15).
Anything that is not faith is a sin (Romans 14:23).
Updated on February 26, 2011
A Thunderstorm Lesson
A Thunderstorm Lesson
Today, I found myself reading in my bedroom when a late summer storm hit. Boris is usually terrified by storms, but this time he came and crouched on my lap. As the thunder and lightning intensified, he would start to move towards the utility room, his favorite “safe” place during storms. But I would talk to him and get his focus back on me and he would settle back down. Then there would be another clap of thunder, or more intensity in the rain, and he would take his eyes and attention off of me and back on the storm. This went on for almost the entire duration of the storm.
This was such an obvious lesson from God I had to immediately post it here. All Satan has is fear, lies and deception. As long as we have God’s Word in our heart (the Truth) we can overcome his lies. The thunder was scary, but as long as Boris was focused on me, he wasn’t afraid. Likewise, as we keep our focus on Jesus (the Word) we have no reason to be afraid.
How about some examples from the Word:
Numbers 21 – The Israelites were complaining yet again about their journey to the promised land. They claimed that Moses had brought them out into the desert to die. The Bible said that God sent poisonous snakes, but that is a mistranslation. Their own words opened the door for Satan and allowed him to bring destruction. Remember Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) And even God said that He put before them life or death, Blessing or the curse and then told them to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). How would they do that? With the words of their mouth.
When they repented and turned back to God, Moses placed a bronze serpent on a pole. All who looked on this type of Christ, were immediately healed. We are in an even better position after the resurrection because we have complete salvation through faith in Jesus.
Matthew 14 – The disciples were on a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. A big storm threatened to sink them and they were terribly afraid. Jesus came to them walking on the water. Peter said, “Lord if its really you, command me to come to you.” Based on what he said, the only answer Jesus could give was “Come.” Otherwise, he would have been lying.
Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water! But the Bible says that he became distracted by the waves and the storm and took his focus off of Jesus. His fear caused him to start to sink. He cried out for Jesus who lifted him up out of the water and into the boat. Jesus asked him, “Why did you doubt?” Its a question we need to sometimes ask ourselves.
I recently had another experience that will help you understand this note. As we study God’s Word and confess His promises, Satan comes immediately to steal the Word. Why? Because God’s Word brings joy, salvation, deliverance, light and truth. Satan wants you in darkness, stumbling about and falling for his lies.
I was out with a friend when I looked down and saw her IPhone, which has a very large viewing area with the current time. It was after midnight and a thought came to me – its September 5th now. This was my parent’s anniversary and it just happens to have been my anniversary as well. Normally, this date brought about all sorts of satanic attacks and depression. But I’ve gotten better at recognizing his evil ways. A little while later a complete stranger came over and sat near me. The very first words out of her mouth were, “Where’s your wife?” My response was totally from evil inspiration as the devil had used this woman to speak words that might have been an innocent misunderstanding, but were like fiery darts that penetrated my shield of faith.
I repented and moved on from the experience, but it was a lesson well learned. Control your thoughts. Keep Jesus (the Word) in focus and inside you at all times. This will bring joy and peace. Remember the joy of the Lord IS your strength!
Originally published September 2010.
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Updated on August 10, 2012
The Terribly Scary Storm
by harrison
The Story Behind The Terribly Scary Storm
“Boris learns a valuable lesson about fear when he faces a scary thunderstorm.” – Harrison Woodard
Background –
The Terribly Scary Storm
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Category: Author Commentary, Christianity Tags: Author Commentary, Bible, black cat, Boris Kitty, Christian children's story, Faith, fear, God, hail, harrison woodard, Jesus, rain, scary thunderstorm