We Live in a Divided World

     It doesn't take long, if you are keeping up with any sort of news coverage, to see that we are living in a very divided world.  We have reached a point where people are no longer interested in having a discussion.  We are merely holding to our polarized ideas and not conceding one inch to an opposing viewpoint.  We will not even try to see the opposite side of an argument because we are too busy demonizing those who disagree.  I have to ask the question; Why?

     I find a portion of the answer in the Gospel of John. Jesus says, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)  Satan, the thief, likes to destroy.  When people are listening to his ungodly influence they will only consider themselves.  Emotions, which come from the "flesh", drive our actions to the point where we become unreasonable and closed off to each other.  Satan, the destroyer, likes to keep humanity bickering so we fail to see our real need: Jesus Christ!

     Another portion of the answer is found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus again speaking says, "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." (Matthew 5:13)  In this verse Jesus compares His people to salt.  Salt gives flavor and it is a natural preservative.  God's people can have this kind of influence in the world.  However, notice the warning that Jesus gives.  If the salt loses its savor, it is good for nothing.  What does it mean to lose savor?  It means to become tasteless and no longer has the preservative ability.  When God's people stop effecting the world and start acting like it (in action and deed) we become good for nothing.  Today, I see people claiming to be "Christian" acting like the world.  We shout at the top of our lungs to drown out opposition.  We begin to name call when we can't "win" an argument. We are putting our trust into man's ideas rather than God's!  We are losing our savor and the world is paying the price for it.

     I come from a different school of thought.  I believe in God, and I trust that Jesus Christ is the only Savior!  The Bible clearly tells us that all who reject Jesus and His payment for sin (the shedding of His blood at Calvary) will end up in Hell and eventually the Lake of Fire.  It comes from God's Word and I believe it.  HOWEVER, you don't have to.  God created us as beings with a free-will and you can choose to reject the message of the Bible.  That doesn't make you any less human than me.  If someone disagrees with my beliefs it doesn't make me love them any less, in fact, my concern for their eternal soul makes me that much more concerned.  What we have to understand is that everybody, no matter what their beliefs and practices are, is HUMAN.  I believe we are made in the image of God, and that makes each one of us important.

     To close (because this blog is getting long) it is my hope that people will desire to have clear, rational, and concise discussions about issues, not shouting matches.  Nobody hears when everybody is shouting.  You don't have to agree with me, but if you listen, you just might find out where I'm coming from.  I'd love to share with anybody and everybody why I believe what I believe.  And you can tell me why you believe what you believe.  Then we will live with the choices we make. (And the consequences too)

People: Listen to each other!
God's People:  Be Salt!  - The World needs us to be!

God should not be a last resort!

     As a pastor I have seen a lot of people treat God like He's some kind of fire extinguisher.  They want Him around for the emergencies, but other than that, He "gets in their way".  They come to God when there is a problem, but when the problem seems to get all cleared up, God is placed back on the shelf and told to stay out of our life until the next time we need Him to swoop in and pick up the pieces.  If it weren't such a sad commentary on the depth of our relationships with God, it would almost be comical.
     Hopefully, this little blog post will challenge someone, somewhere, to re-evaluate their relationship with the Almighty Creator.  Do we realize who the Being is that we are ignoring?  Folks, don't treat God like a fire extinguisher.  Hold Him dear!  Don't just cry out because you've gotten yourself into a pickle again.  Praise His Name daily!  If you are a child of God, you have your Eternal Life to be thankful for!  If you are not a child of God, He longs to have a relationship with you through the Blood of Jesus Christ!  He is God all the time!  Let's try to remember, and give Him the respect due unto His name.

"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." Psalm 29:2

And as the quaint saying goes, "God wants full custody, not just weekend visitation."

How are YOU treating God today?

Christians can Drink Alcohol?

This topic has come up quite frequently as of late.  There is a wide variety of opinion on the subject. It seems like Christians are not all on the same page either.  (Imagine that right! - sarcasm)  It seems as well that the younger generations are more likely to approve of the consumption of alcohol with the rallying cry, "It is ok, as long as you don't get drunk!"  Even the "older" generations don't seem to be as harsh on the subject as they used to be.  The idea there seems to be, if we are too harsh, we will be seen as legalistic.  To be sure, our actions should be based on our convictions, and our convictions need to be based in Scriptures.  With that being said, let me share my convictions.

1.) How many lives have been destroyed by the consumption and abuse of alcohol?  That simple question ought to at least raise a red flag for us when we are considering whether or not to partake.  Add to this thought Proverbs 20:1  "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."  How many of those afore mentioned lives started down the road of ruin by the self deception of "Hey, I can handle it"?  Why can't we save ourselves future heartache by not even dabbling with dangerous stuff?

2.) Let's look at Proverbs 31:4-6.  "(4) It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:  (5)  Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.  (6)  Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts."   From these verses we can ascertain that reasoning is impaired through the consumption of strong drink.  The king who was in a position of influence and authority was to avoid "strong drink" because it could lead to bad decision making.
      Note also that alcohol has a dulling effect. One of the admonition in verse 6 is to give strong drink to the dying.  This would be to dull their sensation of pain.  Dull senses lengthen reaction time and can lead to other problems. (Such is the case of drunk driving.)  A person who wants to maintain control of their faculties needs to avoid the impairment of "strong drink."

3.) In the New Testament we are admonished to "... be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;" (Ephesians 5:18) This verse really begs the question, What is influencing you?  Alcohol can reduce the inhibitions of someone to the point they will do anything. (Just ask people if they have regrets about things they did after consuming a few drinks.)  Someone claiming to be a child of God should be under the leadership of the Holy Spirit at all times.  If alcohol will hinder me from hearing the guiding voice of the Holy Spirit and doing things that will grieve Him, don't you think abstaining might be a good option?

4.) We have all probably heard the argument on this topic concerning 1 Corinthians 8:9  "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak."  We need to remember we are not the only child God has.  Anyone who has put their faith and trust in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is also a child of God.  Many are struggling with different temptations.  Do we want to put our Brother or Sister in a position where they might be tempted to return to a former lifestyle?  Do we want to be the cause of hindering their walk with God.  Let us balance and look at the whole picture.

In conclusion:  I have a print out (which I will make available to anyone who wants one) entitled 70 Biblical references against alcohol.  None of the references paint a pretty picture as to what can happen under the influence of "strong drink."  I know there are many who will use the arguments mentioned in the introduction to try to validate their own position (and many others, I've heard them all.)  But let me close by asking one last question; How many lives, families, and relationships have been hurt, ruined, or destroyed by abstaining from alcohol?  Which option will be safer for humanity?
Act on your own convictions, but make sure your convictions are based on the Bible, not personal preference.  :-)

Think before you speak

   

 I have not posted a blog in several months.  Oh, there have been a few written, but none ever made it to being published.  This blog is supposed to be about leaving something of value for the next generation; challenging people to think about what they believe and why.  In today's world it is easy for a person to sit down at a computer and spit out post after post of angry rhetoric.  It seems everybody has an opinion on everything.  It almost feels like some people have made it their occupation to comment on every Facebook post and news story in the world.  And, let's be honest, has anyone REALLY ever changed their mind because of a few angry sentences on social media?
     So today, let's be reminded of a good rule of thumb.  Before we speak, or even type, remember to T.H.I.N.K.

T - Is what I am going to say or type TRUE?  Have you verified the source of the story?  Is the thing true, or is it convenient?  The Bible reminds us: "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:" (Proverbs 3:3)

H - Is this information HELPFUL?  It may not be what people want to hear, but if it is needed, so be it. Proverbs 27:6 states," Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."  However, if what we are about to say does not add to the conversation anything of value, it is better that we remain silent.  "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." (Proverbs 17:28)

I - Is what I am about to communicate INSPIRING? There is too much negativity in the world.  Ephesians 4:29 admonishes us to, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may administer grace unto the hearers."  Are the words we are going to use going to help others be better, or tear them down?  Can we find a better way to say it?

N - Is this information NECESSARY?  How many times could the conversation ended without additional input?  This is especially true when we begin to get involved in "heated" debates.  If we stop feeding the fire, and giving additional validity to useless arguments, they will be seen for what they are.  Stop jumping on the wagon! "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth." (Proverbs 26:20)

K -  Is what I'm going to say KIND?  This may go back to the point about being inspiring.  It can also be a lesson in tact.  (The only Tact some people know is A-tact {attack})  What we say is sometimes over shadowed by how we say it.  Finding a kinder way to communicate truth may give it a more receptive audience.  We don't have to water down the message, but maybe pepper it with a little more grace.  Peter advises us concerning this by writing from divine inspiration, "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile." (1 Peter 3:10)

This acronym is not original with me and it is true that this author is a work in progress on all of these points. That being said, I can assure you, the only sure way to positively speak/ type in a way that follows these guidelines is to quote Scripture.  "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Please THINK before you speak!

Hurry Up Already!

  We are a busy people.  Humans have a way of filling every single moment of every single day with something.  We rush and rush, hoping to accomplish our goals.  Many people have read Isaiah 40:31.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

What a beautiful picture.  The eagle soars on the unseen wind currents.  A humming bird flaps it wings almost continually.  Which bird would you like to be?  When we trust in the LORD we have an unseen hand holding us up.  Most of the time however, we are like the humming bird acting in our own strength.  When we do, we will get tired quickly.  Ever think this is why most people are suffering from some sort of fatigue?

There are other verses in Isaiah that I would also like to share with you today.  They are found back in chapter 30.  Isaiah 30:15 states, 

"For thus saith the LORD God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not."

Israel was facing an invading army. Instead of turning to God, and taking their rest in Him, they chose to solve their problems their own way.  In the following verses, God tells them that their choice actions will fail.  The neat thing is found in verse 18.  God tells Israel,

"And therefore will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him."

God says, "OK, try your own thing.  When it fails I will be right here.  I won't say I told you so.  You will fail, but I will be successful.  I will be exalted. Learn to trust me and you will be happier."  God will never leave His children.  When we are facing a storm, even when we try to face it in our own strength, He will be there in the wings ready to catch us when we fall.  When we are His children, we are in His hand, and no man (not even ourselves) can get us out.  Don't we have a wonderful God!

I say all that to say this: Each day I have to learn to trust God more.  Working in my own power is a trap that it is easy to fall into.  Thankfully, I am never alone.  The LORD is there!  SO, I am learning to wait upon the LORD.  When I do, I will have the strength to soar.  When I don't, He's there to catch me when my wings get tired!  Won't you learn to slow down and wait on the LORD with me?

Live in the here and now

     The past is gone, the future is uncertain, the time we have now is a gift, that's why we call it the present.  I have heard this saying and repeated this saying many times.  It is true to a certain extent.  We need to make the best use of our time here.  In fact, Scripture commands such, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." (Colossians 4:5)  Yet, there is sound wisdom in thinking about the future.  This is what I would like to deal with in this blog.

     There is a law of science that states; every action has an equal and opposite reaction.  Because we know this, we can be prepared for what the future holds.  In our world today, however, it seems like people want to live in the moment and then be rescued from the consequences of their choices.  My mind races considering all the examples that could be listed here.

     I also find that people are not concerned with precedents that are set.  How we do something is just as important as what we do!  Our society is acting so much on emotion and instant gratification we are not thinking through.  What will be the reaction to our action?  What will be the consequence of how we do what we do?  We need to act on rational and sound wisdom.  We need to think about the road we are starting down.

     "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17)

     "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:5)

     "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7) 

     Please, to everyone that reads this, take a moment to think about why you are doing what you are.  Why are you making the choices that you are?  What goal do you hope to achieve and what lessons are you teaching in how you achieve it (especially to our children)?  Let sound wisdom prevail. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." (I Corinthians 10:31)

"The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength." (Proverbs 8:13-14)

I can learn the Bible better on my own

     Personal Bible study is important!  2 Timothy 2:15 declares, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  Personal Bible study, however, needs something else.  Human beings have a way of misinterpreting Scriptures according to their own personal beliefs.  How do we keep ourselves on track?  The answer: Corporate Bible Study! Getting together with others (through a local church) to discuss and learn the Scriptures!
     I write this blog because of an awesome experience I had last Saturday.  At Anchor Landmark Baptist of Interlochen, we had a Men's Bible Study.  Five men showed up to talk about the Bible.  We didn't agree on everything, but we challenged each other to go deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures.  Personally, I had a great time, and I hope the others did too.
     Those individuals that never want to come to a small group Bible study, Sunday School, or Worship Services because they think they understand the Scriptures well enough on their own are missing out.  They are also not following the principles of Scripture.  I am reminded of Acts 8:31.  Philip asked the Ethiopian Eunuch if he understood the Scripture that he was reading.  His reply "... How can I, except some man should guide me?"  I am also reminded of Nehemiah 8:8.  Ezra reads the book of the law.  There was a group of men with Ezra and Nehemiah 8:8 explains, "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."  It helps to have God's Word explained.
    Now let me close with this:  I do not claim to know everything about the Bible. (If someone says they do, they are arrogant and don't really understand!) I am also human and can be wrong.  When I am wrong, I want someone to take the Bible (not their opinion or tradition) and show it to me.  Truth is more important than anything!  Especially the Truth of God's Word!  Study it by yourself, but also study it with others.  We just all may learn something!