In the past year, a couple of comedians from Hollywood have referred to individuals who pray to God as being mentally ill. While children have a tendency to have make believe friends, adults who talk out loud to an invisible God seems strange. Although non-believers may refer to this sight as a sign of mental illness, this spiritual practice is an act of faith. One day Jesus’ disciples were floundering as novice prayers, asking the son of God for help, to teach them how to pray effectively.
“So I say to you, ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you,” Luke 11:9.
In the beginning of Luke chapter 11, Jesus gives his disciples an outline for praying known as the Lord’s Prayer or Our Father. This is similar to modern day acronyms like ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication or PRAY: petition God, repent, adoration for God and your own needs. After receiving this basic format, perhaps one of the disciples pondered, is it really that simple? In the passage above and below Jesus responds with the attitude, desire and will necessary to develop a powerful prayer life.
For everyone who keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened, Luke 11:10.
First, don’t be afraid to ask God. Since the Lord is all knowing, just verbalize any desire on your heart and thought on your mind. However, when you do pray, be diligent, eager to hear and see the power of prayer at work in your life. If any prayer is denied, in limbo or unclear, demonstrate persistence like the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. Jesus doesn’t want passive prayers. Rather, keep on knocking, wrestling with God in prayer as you seek answers to prayer in the context of God’s will. For those who seek a deeper relationship with God, may you come to a point when you can honestly say, prayer really is this simple.
Joel Kaplan has been a lifelong friend of Brett Kavanaugh. This relationship compelled Kaplan to attend Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court hearing as a sign of support. This is what friends do, to be there in times of need for those they care about. The only problem for Kaplan is that he is the Vice President of Facebook. As employees of Facebook saw Joel on television sitting behind Kavanaugh, staff became outraged, demanding an explanation. When Kaplan returned to work, he was pressured, bullied into apologizing for being a friend of Kavanaugh.
Then the Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord and worshiped and served the Baals, Judges 2:11.
Whenever there is an absence of spiritual leadership, individuals begin to follow human nature. After the death of Joshua, who was used to lead Israel into God’s promised land, there was a spiritual void. When no one volunteered to stand up to show others the way, Jews began to do what was right in their own eyes. Throughout the course of history, this cycle repeats itself until convicted hearts repent, confessing the error of their ways by turning back to follow God. Based upon recent current events, progressive leaders are stepping up to redefine right from wrong.
And they abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt. They followed other gods from the gods of the peoples who were around them, and they bowed down to them, and offended and provoked the Lord to anger. 13 So they abandoned the Lord and served Baal [the pagan god of the Canaanites] and the Ashtaroth, Judges 2:12-13.
Apparently, there is some new Bible, source of truth, that I am not aware of. This new standard evidently claims that president Trump is evil and anyone who follows or supports him is a bad person. These beliefs are being enforced by protestors, hoping to scare others from publicly supporting likeminded candidates, leaders and politicians. While president Trump has his flaws, allowing loose lips and undisciplined tweets to express unnecessary comments, no one should bow down to bullies. As worldly influences continues to challenge what you think and believe, may the power of the Holy Spirit give you the courage to stand up and reinforce the values you hold dear.
There aren’t that many positive news stories that come out of high schools today. Encouraging news is suppressed, replaced by the outlandish to grab the attention of busy people going through life. While young sports enthusiast often travel weekends to compete in athletic competitions, music lovers do the same if they are part of a marching band. The leader of each band is known as a drum major, usually held by a senior. These events are held on Friday and Saturday nights and occasionally on Saturday afternoon after football season. Judging has evolved over time as music and presentation is now open to a creative frenzy with props, running and unusual formations. This lowering the bar from merely sound quality has caused some choreographers to go off the deep end.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things, Philippians 4:8.
According to several news reports, a Mississippi High School Band Director took his band’s halftime show to a new low. Last Saturday in Forest Hill, Mississippi high school band members were given several props. These plastic rifles were used to promote social justice with students holding four boys dressed up as police officers hostage at gun point. This might have been funny if part of some sort of Saturday Night Live skit, but after two Mississippi police officers were recently shot and killed, this display was unacceptable. Forest Hill was playing Brookhaven, the hometown of these dead officers. Immediately following this halftime show, social media was set ablaze, reacting to this insensitive dramatization. As of earlier today, the band director was suspended without pay until the school investigates this matter leaving band members in limbo.
A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left, Ecclesiastes 10:2.
Does anyone think this punishment fits the crime? Were school officials too harsh or not strict enough? If you remember a couple months ago, a high school football coach was fired after kneeling and praying with his team after a game. This act was deemed unforgivable, something that required an immediate dismissal. Perhaps, if this man just waited until the National Anthem and then kneeled, that would have been okay, right? However, the moment you add prayer to kneeling, that’s it. According to public officials, this is the line that you can’t cross. The double standards and hypocrisy that exists today in public education is undeniable. If you take the right stance, liberal or progressive, you might have to go away for a while, but you can keep your job. Anyone who supports the Bible, prayer or Trump, you will be shamed like a band on the run. What do you think about this most recent event?
The National Inquirer was established in 1926. This supermarket tabloid is designed to be an impulse purchase as you wait in line at grocery stores across the country. This magazine will pay sources for tips, a practice generally disapproved of by the mainstream press. Subsequently, many of the stories inside are fantasies, gossip and rumors that are unsubstantiated. For this reason, the National Inquirer has developed a reputation as a joke, something to read for a good laugh and not taken as a serious source for journalism. Nonetheless, times are changing and what used to be considered crazy is now being verbalized daily by paid protestors.
He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went into a Samaritan village to make arrangements for Him; 53 but the people would not welcome Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem, Luke 9:52-53.
Due to human nature, anyone can make bizarre, outlandish and stupid comments. During the first century, the disciples made a statement that was front cover material, a story that might peak the interest of the National Inquirer if it existed at that time. The headlines reading something like “Sodom and Gomorrah 2,” as disciples try to convince Jesus to call down fire from heaven. However, this slip of the tongue is immediately addressed by Jesus. In the passage below, Jesus is unsettled by this thought, correcting this error by explaining the proper mindset to possess in the future.
When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and destroy them?” 55 But He turned and rebuked them [and He said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are;56 for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”] And they journeyed on to another village, Luke 9:54-56.
Due to the invention of social media, comments, tweets and words are getting individuals into trouble every day. Employers are now screening the internet, examining previous posts by prospective candidates. Many qualified people are being denied the job of their dreams due to careless statements from their past. While you may feel compelled to express your point of view from time to time, you might want to reconsider before you press send. If not you will find yourself in a similar situation to the disciples, embarrassed and rebuked publicly.
During the first century, thousands of people followed Jesus. Like a grass roots movement, many were eager to become a disciple. Unfortunately, Jesus already chose 12 men to become his disciples and another 72 to serve as a ministry team to prepare towns for upcoming visits. Thus, when a man healed by Jesus in the passages below wanted to get involved, Jesus sends him to the next logical place, his home town.
Jesus did not let him [come], but [instead] He said to him, “Go home to your family and tell them all the great things that the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you,” Mark 5:19.
In my first decade as a parent, I was too consumed by other interest outside of my home. During these initial years, I played in a competitive men’s softball league, coached high school golf and spent a majority of my free time grading papers. One night I was able to watch my son play baseball. In his first at bat, James hit a homerun. During his second at bat, he doubled, but was left on base. His team lost 2-1. When I saw he was batting 10th, I asked a neighbor who knew James’ coach. I found out that James was punished for using an expensive bat without asking. This event inspired me to finally get involved, spending the next 5 years coaching youth baseball.
So he [obeyed and] went away and began to publicly proclaim in Decapolis [the region of the ten Hellenistic cities] all the great things that Jesus had done for him; and all the people were astonished, Mark 5:20.
One of the things I have learned over the years is that you need to become great in your home before you can have an impact on your community. As I have heard several pastors proclaim, “happy wife, happy life,” getting involved starts in your home. When your family begins to notice a transformation within your own life, you can move outside into your community. This is easier for a demon possessed man who is now is his right mind. Yet, as the Holy Spirit begins to move within your heart, mind and soul, God can use you if you’re willing to get involved.
Depending upon the church you attend or attended, pastors focus on different aspects of Christianity. Some emphasize altar calls, asking convicted hearts to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus. Others challenge believers to live out their faith seven days a week, being a light to the world outside of church. Unfortunately, few discuss a painful reality, obedience to God brings opposition from the world.
“If the world hates you [and it does], know that it has hated Me before it hated you,” John 15:18.
In the past two months, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has been verbally crucified by the media daily. While sexual assault accusations have received most of the headlines, you have to read between the lines understand the motivation behind these attacks. First, Kavanaugh is a devout Catholic who isn’t afraid to express his faith. Second, Kavanaugh will likely defend and protect pro-life cases. Thus, an obedience to support life in the past has alarmed abortion activists to attack this man of God.
19 If you belonged to the world, the world would love [you as] its own and would treat you with affection. But you are not of the world [you no longer belong to it], but I have chosen you out of the world. And because of this the world hates you, John 15:19.
No one wants to be hated. Human nature creates a desire within to be embraced and loved. Yet, one day Jesus revealed a side of Christianity to his disciples that is hard to grasp. Obedience to God brings opposition? Really? Well, if your life is a living example of Christ, shining light into darkness, this will expose flaws within the lives of others. Thus, this will lead to resentment and in some cases hatred. Therefore, if you want a complete perspective of what to expect as a Christian living in 2018, obedience to God brings opposition from the world.
Anger Management is nothing to joke about, especially for those who struggle to maintain their composure when upset. Yet, Hollywood created a 2003 film and television sitcom bearing the same name in 2012. To the average person, there is a belief that getting angry is a sin. This perception will lead non-believers to criticize Christians, referring to assertive comments, raised voices or certain tones like that displayed by Brett Kavanaugh as inappropriate behavior. However, is there such a thing as righteous anger?
And Jesus entered the temple [grounds] and drove out [with force] all who were buying and selling [birds and animals for sacrifice] in the temple area, and He turned over the tables of the moneychangers [who made a profit exchanging foreign money for temple coinage] and the chairs of those who were selling doves [for sacrifice]. 13 Jesus said to them, “It is written [in Scripture], ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a robbers’ den,” Matthew 21:12-13.
The Bible provides two specific examples to address this issue. The first occurs as Jesus enters Jerusalem to prepare for the Passover Celebration. While visiting the temple grounds, Jesus is disturbed by what he sees, a holy site turned into a money making operation. This offended Jesus, inspiring righteous action, turning over these tables to shut down this shady business. Jesus explains his reaction in verse 13, God’s house should be a place of prayer not a den of robbers. Thus, in this case it appears righteous anger is acceptable in God’s sight.
Be angry [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down, Ephesians 4:26.
The second illustration comes from a letter written by the apostle Paul. Most Bible translations of the passage above say “in your anger do not sin.” However, the Amplified version takes this notion one step further by insisting to get angry when you see immorality, injustice or ungodly behavior. This is followed by a warning, in your anger do not sin as these emotions might cause you to do something that you regret. However, the Bible is clear about anger management. You can become angry at those acts that upset God, but in your anger do not sin.
Rod Tidwell is a fictional character played by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the 1996 film Jerry Maguire. Tidwell is a veteran wide receiver in the National Football League who is about to become a free agent, looking for one final contract to secure his families financial security. Tom Cruise plays a hot shot sports agent who is fired from the firm he helped built. Thus, Cruise is left with one client, Tidwell, whose main request is “show me the money.”
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for [the hands of] the righteous, Proverbs 13.22.
As part of a small group Bible Study, my wife and I have to create a detailed budget to track where our money is being spent. Upon completion, this spreadsheet will reveal what each of us value in life. While the majority of our paychecks are spent on a mortgage, food and utilities, other interests will be unveiled by previous expenses. I am not sure what the final results will uncover, but I am sure there are areas like fast food and golf that need to be reduced in the future.
Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it. The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender, Proverbs 22:6-7.
According to the Bible, King Solomon is one of the richest and wisest to walk the face of the earth. Thus, as this man shares some advice about financial matters in the passages above, its important to reflect upon this information. Solomon places an emphasis on leaving a financial legacy for your children and grandchildren. As this process is ongoing, Solomon urges individuals to educate your children about money. Whether this is through allowances, chores or saving money, these practices help shape what your offspring value in life. In other words, Solomon is asking what do you value? If you want to know, show your spouse where your money is being spent.
During my senior year of college, I became president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at the University of Delaware. With any type of leadership position, there are numerous responsibilities that you must face and fulfill. My first week on campus was spent sitting at a table in different venues, meeting and greeting incoming freshmen as well as transfers who wanted to know what our group had to offer. During an outdoor event later that week, I was positioned next to a Make Cannabis Legal table. A reporter for our college newspaper thought this was ironic, Christians and pot together, stopping by to ask me a few questions. When the article was posted, I realized that I was set up as what I said was taken out of context. This was my first encounter with a distortion of truth.
As it is written and forever remains written, “There is none righteous [none that meets God’s standard], not even one. “There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God, Romans 3:10-11.
Five years later I attended a Promise Keepers event at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Sixty five thousand men filled this stadium eager to hear Colorado University football coach Bill McCartney. One of my co-workers at Four Winds Golf Club, who wasn’t a believer, was amazed by this speech. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the headlines which led Chicago’s nightly news. Roughly six million people lived in Chicago at the time of this event who heard reporters interview women who opposed the Promise Keepers movement. These protestors labeled participants as anti-woman, bigots and sexists. The coverage suggested that several hundred women marched outside the stadium, standing in unison against Promise Keepers. However, the press failed to tell their six millions viewers that there were only ten protestors on Friday night and two on Saturday. Nonetheless, the media had a specific narrative that they wanted to communicate and the only way to execute this plan was through a distortion of truth.
“All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, no, not one,” Romans 3:12.
In the last few months, there hasn’t been a day without some sort of news story on the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation process. From week to week, there have been twists and turns creating a media feeding frenzy. The initial stage began by trying to collect and uncover all of Judge Kavanaugh’s opinions on previous court cases and decisions. After an extensive examination, Senate hearings followed with days of questioning. Despite allegations, criticism and doubt, Brett Kavanaugh passed the second phase with relative ease. On the verge of a senate confirmation vote for this Supreme Court nominee, Democrats have unleashed a desperate attempt to derail this process by smearing this man with a series a sexual assault allegations going back to Brett’s high school days. A letter leaked to the press resulted in another hearing with an accuser, Christine Blasey Ford. While compelling, this didn’t satisfy every senator, leading to a seventh FBI investigation of Brett Kavanaugh. If you watch cable news, ninety percent of the coverage on Kavanaugh has been negative with an odd talking point, “guilty until proven innocent.” Perhaps, a distortion of the truth?
This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:22-23.
This current Supreme Court nomination process reminds me of a previous election in the state of Washington. When the candidate who was suppose to win lost, there was a series of recounts done. Each time the individual who lost picked up a number of votes. By the third recount, the democrat was victorious with the republican departing quietly into the night. If this current standard, going back to your days in high school is applied to future judges or politicians, there will be no one left to run for these offices. No matter how hard you try to do the right thing daily, sooner or later you will fall, giving into the temptation on earth. Human beings are imperfect people, full of distortions that deviate from truth. According to the apostle Paul, the only way to overcome mankind’s flawed human nature is by coming to faith in Christ. As you reflect upon current events in the United States, may you pause to consider what’s reality important, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The word mind appears 95 times in the original King James Bible translation. Many of these references appear in the New Testament. The Greek word noús is the God-given capacity of each person to think. This is where the concept of reason is derived, the mental capacity to exercise reflective thinking. Thus, as an individual reads the Bible for the first time, the idea of an invisible supernatural force may be difficult to grasp.
But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters], 1 Corinthians 2:14.
The apostle Paul addresses this struggle in the passage above. Today, agnostics, atheists and scientists reject initial thoughts of the Spirit of God. To intellects, taught to expand their mind with natural and worldly ideology, biblical teachings seem absurd, foolish and illogical. While debating, discussing and sharing the good news about Jesus to educated men, Paul came to the conclusion that many were incapable of understanding spiritual truths. These stubborn souls are blinded by minds steeped in age old traditions.
But the spiritual man [the spiritually mature Christian] judges all things [questions, examines and applies what the Holy Spirit reveals], yet is himself judged by no one [the unbeliever cannot judge and understand the believer’s spiritual nature]. 16 For who has known the mindandpurposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes], 1 Corinthians 2:15-16.
In May of 2008, Hollywood released Indiana Jones and the Kingdom Crystal Skull. This film is based upon gnosis, the knowledge of spiritual mysteries. After a pursuit for an ancient crystal skull, the climax reveals that knowledge belongs to aliens, higher beings beyond earth. You don’t have to see this movie to be informed. Rather, the passage above unlocks the secret to this life. The Holy Ghost, an invisible counselor guides those who place their faith and trust in Jesus, Romans 10:9-10. When you let God in, the Holy Spirit opens your mind to spiritual truths once hidden by a sinful nature. May this blog inspire you to develop a Christ like mind.
ExpressYourself4Him 