The terms beautiful and incomplete are rarely associated with one another. Beautiful refers to high standards or something that is aesthetically pleasing. Meanwhile, incomplete is not having all of the appropriate or necessary parts. Thus, the expression beautiful incomplete does not mesh, an oxymoron that does not make any sense.
Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our Potter, And we all are the work of Your hand, Isaiah 64:8.
However, an Old Testament prophet eludes to an analogy that illustrates this concept. Human beings are symbolic of a ball of clay held in a master’s hands. This piece of clay is a work in progress, unfinished. Instead of passing by caution cones or construction signs, souls are being crafted, fashioned and molded into God’s own image. Hidden from view, the beautiful incomplete continues daily, waiting for grace to finish it’s work.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away,” Revelation 21:4.
One of the most frustrating aspects of life is how time stresses people out. The perfect day always ends, dread stays much longer than expected and beautiful relationships tend to fall apart. When individuals fail day after day, growing pains can weigh you down. Meanwhile, goals for perfection are regularly dash, a painful reminder that you are a work in progress. Despite this bad news, there will come a time when tears will pass as the beautiful will be completed when the doors of heaven open.
Just prior to one of the most memorable miracles in the Bible, Jesus makes an unusual request. Testing the faith of Philip, Jesus asks his disciple to take an inventory of what food was on hand. As the crowds approached 5,000 men, excluding women and children, the disciples began to panic, urging Jesus to send the people home. Instead, 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish are taken from a little boy, requesting this lunch to be shared with the others.
“There is a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are these for so many people?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down [to eat].” Now [the ground] there was [covered with] an abundance of grass, so the men sat down, about 5,000 in number, John 6:9-10.
Perhaps, Jesus is trying to teach this boy a valuable life lesson. Until you are willing to give, you won’t receive the blessing that God has in store for you. Jesus took that which was offered, 5 loaves and 2 fish and blessed it. Whether everyone closed their eyes during this prayer or not, some how this offering miraculously multiplied filling the stomachs of several thousand people.
Then Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated; the same also with the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they had eaten enough, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces so that nothing will be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up, and they filled twelve large baskets with pieces from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten, John 6:11-13.
An Old Testament prophet refers to robbing God in Malachi 3:8-12 by not offering a tithe in faith. This biblical terms eludes to the feeding of the 5000. Most boys aren’t going to share a big lunch with a crowd of strangers. Yet. as individuals learn to trust God to replace what they have freely given with the storehouses from heaven, miracles are unleashed. This blog is a prime example that the next time Jesus wants your lunch, be confident that the Lord will provide.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, known as the Day of Infamy, “Man on the Street Interviews” were conducted in rural and urbans areas to obtain the pulse of the American people. The Latin phrase Vox populi literally means voice of the people. This concept has been embraced by comedians, journalism and late night talk shows. Videos from these interactions are often edited to reveal the clueless, unusual and least informed individuals.
When they heard this, they were filled with rage, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Then the city was filled with confusion; and people rushed together [as a group] into the amphitheater, dragging along with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions, Acts 19:28-29.
When first century Greeks began to abandon idolatry in exchange for Christianity, local craftsmen began to lose business as customers purged their lives from reminders of their past. In the passage above, Luke describes what appears to be a labor union. The leader of this group starts a chant which begins to be repeated by nearby citizens. After a short period of time, Ephesus was stirred into a frenzy. A mob mentality took over as the curious joined in just to be part of the crowd.
Now some shouted one thing and some another, for the gathering was in confusion and most of the people did not know why they had come together, Acts 19:32.
Apparently, Luke conducted his own man on the street interview. Likely using a short two or three question survey, Luke discovered most of the people in attendance did not know what was going on. Not much has changed over the last 2000 years as a large portion of Americans accept the beliefs, ideas and worldviews expressed by their talk show host of choice. Daily programs like the View often elevate opinions to fact status. Instead of wanting to be educated and informed, a lack of time has increased the number of the uninformed, not testing what they hear with God’s Word, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21.
I spent the first two years of my youngest son’s life, James, trying to start my own business. Well before the reality show Shipping Wars aired on A&E, I was making bids to deliver freight and important documents up and down the East Coast. My shining moment occurred when I made $3000 in 24 hours, delivering a few pallets from Wilmington, Delaware to Chicago, Illinois. Since my parents lived in Cleveland, Ohio at the time, I drove 7 hours, slept for 7 hours and finished the remaining 7 hours with a couple to spare. However, I did spent $1000 on renting a truck, gas and tolls so I only profited 2K. Unfortunately, the cost of maintaining two vehicles, driving 1000 miles a week and breaking down a couple of times finally inspired me to walk away from this business by entering the classroom as a teacher.
About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way (Jesus, Christianity). 24 Now a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of [the goddess] Artemis (Diana), was bringing no small profit to the craftsmen, Acts 19:23-24.
According to Luke, the spread of Christianity had a negative impact on craftsmen during the first century. As followers of Artemis began to convert to Christ, idol worship gradually declined. Thus, requests for silver decorations, idols and shrines of Diana plummeted. This economic downturn inspired craftsmen throughout the province of Asia to gather together in Ephesus. Luke details the discussion in the passage below, trying to figure out how to restore the popularity of Artemis and idol worship throughout the world. Workmen in similar trades were panicking, fearful that if Christianity continued to spread, their occupation would no longer be in demand or needed.
These [craftsmen] he called together, along with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you are well aware that we make a good living from this business. 26 You see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but almost all over [the province of] Asia, this Paul has persuaded [people to believe his teaching] and has misled a large number of people, claiming that gods made by [human] hands are not really gods at all. 27 Not only is there danger that this trade of ours will be discredited, but also that the [magnificent] temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and that she whom all Asia and the world worship will even be dethroned and lose her glorious magnificence,” Acts 19:25-27.
During more recent great awakenings, there are more examples of how the spread of Christianity was bad for business but good for the community. This is best detailed in a book and sermons by Leonard Ravenhill who spent most of his life as a Christian evangelist. Born in Leeds, England in 1907, Ravenhill reveals how the revival of the early 1900’s transformed parts of England. At the height of this spiritual awakening, crime disappeared causing police to be laid off. As attendance at evening church services skyrocketed, policemen were hired by churches to direct traffic. Meanwhile, mules from local mines needed to be retrained as transformed miners stopped curses causing mules to not know to respond to calm, gentle voices. Although recent revivals haven’t completely transformed nearby communities, when true awakening breaks out, God’s business of saving souls prospers.
After the death of Joseph, who God used to save Egypt from a historic famine, future leaders forgot his impact on their country. When Pharaoh Rameses II rose to power, the once favored Jews became enslaved for 400 years. Four centuries leader, God chose a man named Moses to lead Israel to a promised land, free from slavery. Despite this hardship, the Lord was afraid that Israel might change their mind by returning to Egypt and accept a state of misery.
So it happened, when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was nearer; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war [that is, that there will be war], and return to Egypt,” Exodus 13:17.
Upon the banks of the Red Sea, the Egyptian army was on the verge of surrounding Israel when the hand of God intervened. Like a scene out of a tsunami movie, one million Jews walked to the other side before a wall of water returned to swallow up chariots and soldiers. For the eyewitnesses, this event should have transformed their faith forever. Yet, based upon the words of Moses in Exodus, some began to convince others to return to Egypt rather than trust in God to provide manna from heaven.
Further, he shall not acquire many [war] horses for himself, nor make the people return to Egypt in order to acquire horses [to expand his military power], since the Lord said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again, Deuteronomy 17:16.
As crazy as this may seem, modern believers continue to run away from the hand of God. Despite countless miracles, signs and wonders, the faith of some have become weak. The Lord doesn’t want his people to go back to being enslaved, yet weak minds can cause faith to crumble. Jonah ran away from God in the opposite direction rather than following his call to go to Nineveh. Unfortunately, my own actions reflect a similar pattern, doing what I want to do. If only I would let go and trust God, I will see the hand of God at work rather than running away due to fear.
Hypocrisy is the contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real character or inclinations, especially with respect to religious and moral beliefs. Whenever individuals begin to say one thing publically, but your every day actions tell a different story, a hypocrite is on the verge of being conceived. Unfortunately, at this moment in time, I find myself in the sad state of indulging in hypocrisy. This trend will continue until I begin to walk where I belong, exchanging darkness for the light.
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin, 1 John 1:6-7.
A fellowship is formed when a group of people who share a common interest come together to reinforce this activity, belief or conviction . During his 3 year earthly ministry, Jesus used the analogy of light and darkness to express those who embrace God from others who have strayed from Old Testament principles. The disciple who Jesus loved builds upon this concept in the passage above highlighting that hypocrites are walking in darkness, not in the light of Christ.
Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed, Romans 13:11.
One of the ways first century Christians inspired change was to develop a mindset that Jesus’ second coming is imminent. The apostle Paul eludes to this in a letter to the Church at Rome. When bad habits begin to become a life style, the fear of God is needed to awaken souls like mine from their spiritual slumber. Thus, until I start walking in the light, where I belong, examples of hypocrisy will continue to send a mixed message to others. Therefore, it’s time to leave my deeds of darkness by abiding in God’s light.
Back in 1993, there was an opening for a counselor and teacher at a boarding school in West Virginia. After the interview, I was hired for the Spring Semester, April and May. The High Scope Institute for Ideas was held at a camp in the Monongahela National Forest. Upon my arrival to Camp Horseshoe, I was surrounded by mountains in the middle of no where. One of the strict rules involved no cable, cell phones or internet. In other words, I was unplugged for two months, left in the dark about what was going on in the rest of the world.
This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and being spiritually impassioned, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John; 26 and he began to speak boldly and fearlessly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained more accurately to him the way of God [and the full story of the life of Christ], Acts 18:25-26.
During the first century, a native of Alexandria was sheltered from the earthly ministry of Jesus. This man named Apollos simply shared what He learned from the Hebrews Scriptures, daily studying the Torah. Apparently, Apollos was familiar with the teaching of John the Baptist, but his spiritual knowledge was limited. Upon his visit to Ephesus, Apollos became spiritually impassioned, excited to tell others everything that he was learning. While listening one day, two assistants of the apostle Paul, Priscilla and Aquila, took Apollos aside to bring him up to date on the full story of the life of Jesus.
But they did not all pay attention to the good news [of salvation]; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ, Romans 10:16-17.
While writing a letter to members of the Church at Rome, Paul reveals the source of faith. During the first century, illiteracy prevented many church goers from personally reading letters sent by the apostle Paul. Thus, apostles, disciples and pastors read what was written out loud so that everyone could believe, not just the literate. Thus, faith is derived by hearing and believing the message concerning Christ. Although some people may feel like they have been left in the dark spiritually, you can fill in the blanks to what you have missed by daily reading and studying the Bible.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is considered a lock for the National Football League’s Hall of Fame. Beside being a former MVP and Superbowl Champion, Brees became the all time leader in passing yards last season. While starting the 2019-20 season as the second oldest quarterback behind Tom Brady at the age of 40, most experts expect Brees to continue where he left off last season, leading the Saints to the NFC league championship game. Unfortunately, Brees has taken his first hit of the 2019 NFL season off the field.
The next day John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! – John 1:29
If you are an active follower on social media, you likely know about the back lash against Drew Brees this week. The LGBTQ community accused Drew of spewing hatred earlier in the week. A little known online publication from New Orleans wrote a hit piece unfairly smearing Brees’ reputation. This article was picked up and carried by most national publications, most notably the Washington Post. What horrible thing did Drew Brees do? Well, he appeared on Focus on the Family, a Christian organization that promotes biblical values. As a believer in the Lamb of God, Drew encouraged young people to bring their Bible to school on National Bring Your Bible to School Day.
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, Acts 4:29.
This is all that Drew Brees did. Well, not exactly, Drew also spoke about sharing the love of God to others by living out his faith for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is the hatred that the LGBTQ community is referring to, can’t you see this; it’s so obvious or is it? Laura Ingram’s opening monologue on Friday night via the Fox News Channel was devoted to the intolerance of leftist progressives who are attempting to silence the free speech of conservatives. The Ingram Angle invited a panel of four guests to address the silencing of believers in the Lamb of God. While I am a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, the Christian community should come together to support Drew Brees, to have his back. If believers don’t practice Acts 4:29, the silencing of religious free speech will continue until only what is politically correct remains.
Recent studies have shown how algorithms used by social media sights favor a secular worldview. After a whistle blower from Google was fired for expressing his concerns, cable news interviews of this former engineer have exposed how these algorithms block conservative content. When you add the recent videos released by Project Veritas, it’s clear that progressives are afraid of the truth, unwilling to participate in a fair or friendly debate.
Now after Paul and Silas had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul entered the synagogue, as was his custom, and for three Sabbaths he engaged in discussion and friendly debate with them from the Scriptures, Acts 17:1-2.
During the first century, debates regularly took place in the center of town at marketplaces. Philosophers took turns sharing their beliefs with those that followed either adding, defending or weighing the pros and cons. The apostle Paul used this open minded climate to his favor, visiting a synagogue in Thessalonica on the Sabbath, examining the Old Testament. Luke describes these discussions as friendly debates as each shared their biblical knowledge of the Torah.
But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that the word of God [concerning eternal salvation through faith in Christ] had also been preached by Paul at Berea, they came there too, agitating and disturbing the crowds, Acts 17:13.
After Paul and Silas were successful in convincing several Jews into converting to Christianity, civility departed. Afraid that others might leave their synagogue, leaders gathered up some lowlifes and thugs to threaten Paul. After fleeing Thessalonica, the bullying didn’t stop as news of a revival in Berea inspired synagogue leaders to round up another motley crew. Apparently, being afraid of the truth is nothing new as when individuals begin to embrace biblical teachings, peer pressure is applied to change hearts and minds to revert back to what is considered socially acceptable. Don’t be afraid of the truth; face it with an open heart.
Imitation is a response by an observer or observers who replicate another’s behavior. This can be viewed as a form a flattery when the originator sees others coping a dance move, expression or unique style. One of the nicknames Jesus received during the first century was the Great Magician. Jealous of Jesus’ great healing powers, religious leaders began to refer to Jesus as an illusionist, performing miracles in the name of Satan, Matthew 12:24. Despite these claims, Jesus’ ministry inspired others to become faith healers without having a personal relationship with God.
Then some of the traveling Jewish exorcists also attempted to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I implore you and solemnly command you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches!” – Acts 19:13
During a trip to Ephesus, Luke details a family of brothers who became Jewish exorcists. This isn’t a scene out of the Exorcism of Emily Rose, a 2005 film. Rather, the sons of Sceva traveled to homes filled with desperate individuals hoping to be set free from demonic oppression and possession. Apparently, this was a viable occupation, making enough money and successful enough to rid souls from imps. Yet, when this crew confronted a legion of demons, all 7 got their butts kicked, barely escaping, fleeing in fear.
This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified and exalted. 18 Many of those who had become believers were coming, confessing and disclosing their [former sinful] practices. 19 And many of those who had practiced magical arts collected their books and [throwing book after book on the pile] began burning them in front of everyone. They calculated their value and found it to be 50,000 pieces of silver, Acts 19:17-19.
Like the top grossing horror films of all time, fear gripped everyone who interviewed these brothers or witnessed this assault. According to Luke, the thought of imitating the Christian faith stopped, resulting in a spiritual awakening that spread to practicing witches. Contrite hearts began to purge their lives from anything that attempted to imitate God’s power. Subsequently, magical books worth 50,000 pieces of silver were burned. The fear of God from what happened to the 7 sons of Sceva served as a reason to reconsider previous practices by embracing Jesus as Lord and Savior.
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