As I look around, listen and observe modern culture, I feel like a foreigner living in a strange land. Maybe I lived a sheltered life up to this point in time? Yet, the anger expressed, constant acts of disrespect displayed and vulgar vocabulary casually verbalized daily signal the end of innocence.
The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble, Proverbs 16:4.
I’m clearly not the first to suggest this. During the glory years of the nation of Israel, Solomon recognized similar signs. After reflecting upon why this may be occurring, King Solomon came to the conclusion that everything happens for a reason. Perhaps, these social cycles serve as a transitional period like the cleansing of the tides in the ocean.
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today, Genesis 50:20.
Despite how bleak the future looks on the surface, it’s important to remember the words from Joseph above. Although his brothers meant to harm him through an act of revenge, God allowed this to occur to lead Joseph to the land of Egypt. Once the timing was ideal, the Lord elevated Joseph to second in command, preparing the region for seven years of famine. As you experience turbulent times in life, may the Lord give you the foresight to remain optimistic whatever the situation. Use the end of innocence as an opportunity to shine the light of Christ into the darkness of this age.
There were a series of events which took placed before Jesus began his earthly ministry. Since the prophets of the Old Testament wrote about these specific details, Jesus waited patiently until this day arrived. Following his baptism, John’s imprisonment and move to the Land of Zebulun and Naphtali, everything was set for Jesus to put God’s plan into action.
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near,” Matthew 4:17.
According to the verse above, Jesus’ message was clear, repent for the kingdom of God is near. To avoid over kill, Matthew writes this statement once as a simple reminder, from that time on. Whether Jesus was addressing a large crowd, a small group or speaking one on one, repentance played a crucial role. This term refers to turning 180 degrees away from addiction, bad habits and unwholesome desires toward the grace and mercy of God.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost, Luke 19:10
During a public conversation heard by several eyewitnesses, Jesus makes a remarkable admission. Prior to meeting with a repentant tax collector, Jesus reveals his purpose for coming down to earth. The statement above refers to seeking and saving that which Adam lost in the Garden of Eden. This is two fold: the authority stolen by Satan and intimacy which Adam and Eve shared with God, walking and talking together day. If you ever lose your way, don’t forget Jesus’ simply message: repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.
There are moments in life that serve as life altering experiences. Whether this is a decision to begin a new career, relationship or adapt to an unexpected event, your life will never be the same. Like a fork in a road, you have to decide the path your life will take.
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me, John 15:4.
The Christian Group Red sing about this on their Innocence and Instinct album. The context of the song Never Be the Same refers to entering into a relationship with Jesus. Unlike any other earthly experience, God’s love is unconditional. For anyone who has been burned, disappointed or let down by unfulfilled promises, this concept is hard to grasp.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing, John 15:5.
Yet, any prodigal who has come to their senses, God’s timing serves as a saving grace. While modern church leaders attempt to manufacture this setting through long drawn out altar calls, the desperate will run to God. After the emotion of God’s forgiveness fades, the hard part is setting time aside daily to maintain this connection. You can’t force anyone into a relationship that they have no interest in. However, if freewill is allowed to run it’s course freely, new Christians will never be the same.
Frederick Douglass is a key figure featured every February during Black History month. After escaping slavery in Maryland, Douglass completed his autobiography in 1845. If you attended a public school, you probably never heard about this man’s great faith. While talking to a friend earlier in the week, I was amazed to hear about his concept of prayer. This made me wonder, what am I actually praying for?
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word, Psalm 119:9.
Instead of praying for the obvious, God’s blessings on your family, friends and work, Douglass narrowed in on a few simple things. First, as a slave, Frederick prayed that his master would not beat him. From here, Frederick fervently asked the Lord to have mercy on him so that his service would please his master. Within his autobiography, Douglass comments on how his master’s treated him. Oddly enough, those who claimed to be Christians treated him the worse.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well, Matthew 6:33.
Following this conversation, I was convicted, wondering how cruel I have treated others in this life. Beyond the bubble that I live in, my actions are far from the grace, love and mercy Jesus demonstrated on earth. Instead of treating prayer like some kind of Christmas wish list, perhaps it’s time to go back to the basics. Whether this means using the Lord’s Prayer as a guide or quoting parts of Psalm 119, something has to change. May this blog inspire you to put into practice Jesus’ words above, starting prayer by seeking God’s kingdom and righteous first.
The concept of the second glance was first introduced by Jesus during his first century teaching simply known as the Sermon on the Mount. Speaking to common citizens with many in attendance the poor and middle class, Jesus gave a brief history of the Ten Commandments. Instead putting his listeners to sleep, Jesus make a shocking revelation. Lusting at someone in your heart as a second glance is equivalent to committing adultery.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart,” Matthew 5:27-28.
Gasps, murmurs and whispers likely echoed throughout this crowd. Meanwhile, a spirit of conviction struck the pure in heart, exposing the guilt of unwholesome stares of their past. Hidden from view, hearts began to acknowledge the truth from Jesus’ statement. Instantaneously, minds connected the dots from appreciating one’s beauty to lustful stares which give birth to fascination and impure thoughts. Although everyone heard the message, it’s likely that only some believed the act of a second glance broke the seventh commandment.
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell,” Matthew 5:29-30.
Jesus provides the cure to the second glance in the verse above. Quoting from the Old Testament, Jesus urges his audience to purge that which influences you to sin. Indirectly, Jesus is referring to masturbation, pornography and voyeurism. While this advice seems rather harsh, Jesus wants individuals to remove the atmosphere, bad habits, conditions and images that promote sin. For me this spiritual house cleaning took years to completely scourge from my life. If you truly want to purge yourself from the second glance, I highly recommend reading Restoring the Foundations: An Integrated Approach to Healing. This book will help you connect the dots, setting in motion the path to healing. Remain steadfast on your journey toward freedom.
Leave it to adults to make the simple things in life complex. Some where along the way, age has a way of corrupting the innocence of youth. Time tends to change people for the worse. Subsequently, the joy of life often loses its luster, replaced by hardened hearts that result in misery. This is where the scattering begins.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, Ecclesiastes 3:5.
When individuals seek to expand their comfort zone, grow spiritually or engage in learning new things, this development does not go unnoticed by others. These areas of interest provide direction, guidance and vision for each new day. However, when these practices are postponed, stop and cease to exist, a subtle transition occurs. Even those with good intentions may be shocked one day when you wake up, wondering how far you have strayed from these habits.
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters,” Luke 11:23.
I think this is what Jesus means by the verse above. Human beings were created to gather, celebrating and sharing the good news of a Messiah who can save and forgive you from your sins. Discipline, hard work and worldly pursuits only go so far. Those who try to live life on their own can only fake happiness for so long until the void in your heart leaves you feeling empty again and again. Possessing a “what’s in it for me mindset” results in the scattering of mankind. Yet, the cure to this condition is found in the Holy Spirit, leading you to begin gathering for Jesus.
When professional athletes struggle to reach their full potential, videos are examined to see what bad habits or flawed fundamentals are present. Unfortunately, in life most people don’t have film to examine. Rather, individuals are forced to rely on friends, self reflection or therapists to turn floundering careers around.
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap, Galatians 6:7.
One of the forces at work which determines positive or negative results in the Sowing Principle. What comes around goes around is an earthly way to describe the biblical expression: you reap what you sow. Essentially, if you serve others, the Lord will honor this decision by sending unexpected blessings in times of need. Meanwhile, if the idea of being served by others entices you, the rewards for this choice will be temporary; resulting in a permanent void inside of your heart.
“Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you,” Luke 6:38.
Jesus explains this concept to his followers in the verse above. In the Parable of the Sower found in Matthew 13, Jesus uses the imagery of a harvest to illustrate this principle. Those who are planted within a fertile soil, environment, production increases. Thus, if you reach a point in life where you are disciplined, grounded and serving others with your God given gifts, it’s possible to experience bountiful blessings. Yet, if you feed your sinful nature, pursuing selfish desires, temporary pleasures will quickly vanish leaving a trail of heart break. The choice is yours.
As someone born with a severe speech impediment, I often wonder why God allows suffering on earth. From a logical perspective, I understand that enduring trials makes individuals stronger over time. Yet, I feel as if I spent the first portion of my life silenced by Satan.
Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw, Matthew 12:22.
Based upon the verse above, I wasn’t alone as demons and evil spirits have the power to cause someone to be mute. Although I am not a doctor, I’ve heard plenty tell me “we really don’t know what’s causing this or that.” Thus, there are medical conditions that can only be cured through spiritual activity.
And Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer,” Mark 9:29.
While Hollywood films usually portrays demons that take the form within demonic possession, this isn’t the whole story. Demonic oppression is the most common form, likely occurring within the lives of countless individuals daily. Without a hedge of protection from prayer, anyone is vulnerable to this attack. Whether it’s the inability to say what’s on your heart or distracted by powers of darkness, this threat is real. Therefore, if you want to be set free from Satan’s clutches, seek out prayers warriors in your church so that the good news about Jesus Christ will be professed.
There is one common term that I heard as a teacher which was foreign to me initially. When my school developed a program to help these students, I began to grasp some of the learning disabilities which exist. Yet, as I spent time with my cousin Mary the past 24 hours, I have a better understanding of what it means to have a special needs child.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:19.
Eight years ago, my cousin gave birth to twins, a girl and boy. A great job and two healthy children provided a promising future. Yet, an untimely divorce followed by a late diagnosis of her son has left Mary in a no win situation. Based upon my recent interaction, my heart goes out to any family who is given the task to raise a child with special needs.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart, Psalm 37:4.
I tend to be a confident person, but when it comes to special needs, I feel helpless. Depending upon the specific condition, I become paralyzed, not knowing what to say or do. While most programs the government attempts to run usually fails, special needs children is an area where family and parents need help to overcome these extreme situations. May God raise up leaders to address and solve this growing need in America.
When radio was in it’s prime, I spent summer days as a teenager hanging out on my back deck with friends listening to music. Except for all request lunch hours, you could guess which dozens songs were played on an hourly loop until the next set of singles were released. The only thing comparable from this era that remains today is Delilah Radio. One of the few DJ’s to survive advances in technology, Delilah’s nightly show plays songs to get it’s listeners through the storms of life.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you,” Deuteronomy 31:6.
Like the various genres that exist, my tastes in music has evolved over time. Early on, I turned to songs from Air Supply, Chicago and REO Speedwagon to get me through trying times. Unfortunately, some of these songs made me more depressed, especially ballads by Chicago. Thus, I began searching for something more meaningful. Lyrics with encouraging, positive and uplifting messages. My good friend Mindy introduced me to a new sound, inviting me to my first Christian concert. My swim coach Ken Horne who also served as the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s school huddle leader, furthered my knowledge of this brand of wholesome music.
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” – Matthew 8:23-27
These two individual inspired a life long quest to uncover hidden gems. This lead me to discover a huge Christian warehouse where I could listen to music before buying it. Meanwhile, Jackie, the former owner of the Sonshine House was my guide to find my favorite songs played a new local Christian station. When I didn’t have anyone to ask, I developed a successful system based upon album covers. Those artists who spent a little extra money on design and graphics usually produced solid tunes. Sure, I bought plenty of duds void of any decent songs, yet I pressed on to share my passion with others.
Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him., 1 Samuel 16:23.
On this journey, I came across Christians who practiced legalism, referring to any secular form of music as being inspired by the Devil. Years later I read a quote from Wes King in an article on the difference between Christian and secular music. King’s opinion struck a cord with me that I have adopted. “There are two types of music, that which glorifies God and those that glorify self.” Depending upon your preference, you need to make sure you don’t get caught up judging the opposing side. Rather, it’s best to seek and tell others about those songs which help you overcome the storms in life. Below is a list of artists and topics that have helped me endure various hardships in life.
ExpressYourself4Him 