A headline from my local paper, the Wilmington News Journal, got my attention earlier in the week. A woman jumped off the St. George’s Bridge into the C & D Canal, closing the north bound lanes of US 13 for more than an hour. Before reading the entire article, I just assumed that this woman died, plunging to her death. Yet, just like George Bailey, played by James Stewart in It’s a Wonderful Life, who survived his leap off a bridge into a river, first responders found this woman alive.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5.
George Bailey tried to end his life since he was worth more dead than alive due to his $10K life insurance policy. When uncle Billy lost an eight thousand dollar cash deposit from George’s Savings and Loans business, the stress of life got too great for George to handle on his own. Perhaps, this woman has a similar story. Whether she was recently divorced, a single parent or overwhelmed by the stress of Christmas, this woman lost the will to live. Yet, for one reason or another, God has given this woman another chance at life.
Casting all your anxieties on him, because Jesus cares for you, 1 Peter 5:7.
If you are honest with yourself, most Americans can’t afford to buy the Christmas gifts that they really want for themselves and their family. Despite this reality, many will go into debt, paying for January credit card bills well into 2020. This cycle often repeats itself, leaving a trail of concern, stress and worry. However, the words of the Bible places life into its proper perspective. May the story of this woman and the passages above help you realize that each day on earth can be a wonderful life. You just have to overcome the George Bailey syndrome, thinking your life is worse than it really is and begin to recognize just how blessed you are to live in America.
The word theology simply means the science of God. Understanding theology isn’t always easy, but to grasp the true meaning of Christmas you have to make one presupposition. Since Old Testament prophets write about the coming of a Messiah, human beings need to acknowledge their need for a Savior. The presupposition individuals must make is that you can’t save yourself. Without this realization, Christmas is just another holiday as a Savior is not sought out.
As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one. 11 No one understands [no one intelligently discerns or comprehends]; no one seeks out God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong and have become unprofitable and worthless; no one does right, not even one! – Romans 3:10-12
In the passage above, the apostle Paul drives this point home to members of the church at Rome. Referencing an Old Testament prophet, Paul explains that no one is perfect. No matter how highly you may regard yourself, every day, week, month and year people stray from God’s law. Regardless of what disciplines, focus and safeguards are put into place, sooner or later you will break, cut corners or deviate from commands in the Bible.
For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 6:23.
The best way I know to unwrap the theology of Christmas is through an illustration I learned from Evangelism Explosion. The passage above is part of a diagram using the Grand Canyon. Human beings are on one side of the canyon and God is on the other side. However, Jesus is offered as a free gift, dying on a cross to save mankind from sin. Those who accept the gift of eternal life through a personal relationship with God have access to cross this canyon by faith. This invisible bridge is in the shape of a cross. The moment Jesus was born, salvation and eternal life was made possible, 1 John 5:13. May these words sink in as Christmas Day approaches.
Discouragement comes from a lack of confidence or enthusiasm. When events, your job or life doesn’t end up how you expected and wanted, this often results in disappointment. If no encouraging news follows, souls become deflated. If this dis-spiritedness continues without any glimpses of hope, discouragement can settle in upon a community, town or nation.
And they journeyed from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom, and the people became impatient (depressed, much discouraged), because [of the trials] of the way.And the people spoke against God and against Moses, Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, neither is there any water, and we loathe this light (contemptible, unsubstantial) manna. Then the Lord sent fiery (burning) serpents among the people; and they bit the people, and many Israelites died, Numbers 21:4-6.
Israel was promised a land flowing with milk and honey, but were stuck going around in circles, lost in the middle of a desert. This is the context of the passage above as Israel became depressed and discouraged. Like an unhappy employee complaining about their company, Israel began to voice their frustration with God. Moses details how impatience fueled grumbling spirits, verbalizing their displeasure with God. God responds with an infestation of snakes, making their situation worse.
For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.10 So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [[i]morally] to all people [not only [j]being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers], Galatians 6:8-10.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul uses the analogy of a farmer to address discouragement. When the weather is bad, farmers at are the mercy of mother nature, God. Yet, you reap what you sow. Those who plan ahead, taking the time to secure their fields will be rewarded in the end. Unfortunately, many people give up before the harvest arrives, never seeing the fruit of their labor. Thus, the biblical way to overcome the dangers of discouragement is to fight through these tough emotional times by never giving up.
Alex Proyas directed the 2004 science fiction thriller I-Robot. This film was inspired by Isaac Asimov’s nine-story anthology I-Robot. Will Smith plays Detective Spooner, a bionic man assigned the apparent suicide of Dr. Alfred Lanning. James Conwell’s cameo’s of this character appears in the form of pre-recorded holograms. Set in the city of Chicago circa 2035, Spooner relies on these holograms during his investigation. The better his questions, the closer Will Smith gets to solving this case, a hidden revolution.
But the [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), 1 Timothy 4:1-2.
In the first century, the apostle Paul writes two letters to a teenager pastor. Based upon the passage above and below, Timothy began seeing things that were unreal. This young man was struggling to comprehend what was going on culturally. In response, Paul refers to a time in the future where Christians will turn away from their faith. A second letter eludes to how gossip, lies and rumors influence what people end up believing. Once preconceived notions are set, ears will ignore facts as minds will only accept and embrace what their own worldview believes.
For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions, 2 Timothy 4:3-4.
What you see here today in America is the fulfillment of the apostle Paul’s words. Whether you are a democrat, independent, libertarian or republican, the last three years have become a tug of war for political power. Instead of having the mainstream media and cable news networks cover these events in a bi-partisan way, most of the print and television media has taking one side. During the initial impeachment inquiry, news conferences took place after the democrats finished asking witnesses questions to announce victory and set the news cycle for the rest of the day. The only problem is the republicans had not yet asked a single question. This past week CNN only showed the democrats in Congress, switching to regular programming as soon as republicans offered their rebuttal. This happened all day long.
So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him. But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God], Romans 8:8-9.
Timothy wasn’t the only first century Christian to notice self-absorbed individuals. The apostle Paul blames this condition on a sinful mind, fueled by a carnal nature. This internal desire caters to earthly appetites and impulses which entice minds to taste what was once considered forbidden fruits. Whenever business people, CEO’s, directors or entrepreneurs act upon these inclinations, a specific worldview is promoted. When political talking points replace truth, the atmosphere is set for itching ears to hear and believe what you want. Unless this spiritual condition is addressed, a new revolution will commence as society drifts further and further away from a biblical worldview. What you see here in the form of current events should convict souls to come to your senses by drawing near to God.
Some of the Psalms in the Bible are like pages out of David’s personal diary. David went from a lonely shepherd boy to a war hero, killing a giant called Goliath. This unlikely rise to greatness incited a spirit of jealousy in those whom David surpassed. Chants by fans of his victorious battles even caused King Saul to become envious of David’s accomplishments. Thus, David quickly gained several enemies who spewed malicious accusations, some warranted and others unwarranted.
Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child]. Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain and even path because of my enemies [those who lie in wait for me], Psalm 27:10-11.
When these words began to eat away at David’s soul, he cried out to the Lord for help. Based upon the passage above, David’s own parents turned against him for undisclosed reasons. When you examine Samuel’s visit to Jesse in 1 Samuel 16, it appears that David’s oldest brother Eliab was the apple of his parents’ eyes. David was an after thought, not even invited to this special meeting. Yet, at some point, David’s fame and popularity created a rift or David’s parents were embarrassed by some of his ill-advised decisions.
Give me not up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me; they breathe out cruelty and violence. [What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living! – Psalm 27:12-13
One of the translations of verse 12 uses malicious accusations in place of cruelty and violence. Perhaps, David became cocky, conceited by his success as a soldier. This unhealthy pattern is played out in 2 Samuel 11 as David has an affair with a soldier’s wife. Instead of confessing his sin publicly, David gave orders for Israel’s army to withdraw, allowing Uriah to die behind enemy lines. While David didn’t like the malicious accusations made against him, his actions made the bed he was forced to lie in. While you can’t control what others say about you, a life devoted to character and integrity can persuade former enemies to change their minds about you.
Compression coil springs are designed to push back on a surface when it comes into contact with another source. Perhaps, this is the imagery the apostle Paul is referring to in the passage below. Except push back comes in three forms: internal, spiritual and worldly influences. The purpose of faith is to bounce back from adversary, hardship or trials by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit which serves as a spiritual spring.
For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith, Romans 1:17.
The more individuals read, study and meditate on the Gospel of Righteousness, the Bible, the more bounce; spring you will have in your faith. Despite being an ancient book, comprised by a collection of writers, an Old Testament prophet writes about a special quality hidden within, Isaiah 40:8. A first century author claims that the Bible’s words are living and active, Hebrews 4:12. Meanwhile, Jesus suggests that this spiritual book will endure forever, Matthew 5:18.
For God’s [holy] wrath and indignation are revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative, Romans 1:18.
According to the apostle Paul, there are individuals devoted to suppressing the truth about the Bible. When truth is hidden, the spring in a Christian’s step diminishes. When spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study and worship are not exercised, faith decays. Thus, if you want to regain your spiritual momentum, make sure you don’t stray far from God’s Word. Instead, pick up the sword of the Spirit, the Bible, on a daily basis to sharpener your faith and spring back to life.
I am one of those individuals who is always in a hurry, eager to find the most efficient and quickest route to where I need to go. I don’t do slow well, especially when I’m stuck in rush hour traffic. Rather, I follow the motto from Top Gun, “I feel the need; the need for speed!” While I don’t promote reckless driving, I hate wasting time, especially when it comes to making the most of each day.
And you shall eat it thus: [as fully prepared for a journey] your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment [proving their helplessness]. I am the Lord., Exodus 12:11-12.
When God revealed his plan for Israel’s exodus out of Egypt to Moses, the Lord uses the term haste. Haste refers to excessive speed, urgency of movement or action. Basically, God is telling Israel to hurry up, “it’s time to go into the land that I promised you.” Although Israel did flee Egypt, this sense of urgency didn’t last long. A trip that should have taken 35 days, just over one month, ended up lasting for forty years.
Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1.
Immediately following the chapter known as the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11, the author warns individuals about getting tripped up. While God desires to pour out blessings upon your life each month, backsliding, detours and getting lost often results in years without producing spiritual fruit. Before you can reach your full speed and potential in life, you have to get untangled from any web of sin currently slowing you down. As you break free, may you begin to see that God is not slow, you’re just holding Him up.
A glitch is defined as an irregularity or malfunction that suddenly appears. Synonyms include breakdown, defect and flaws that are often noticeable. When any type of glitch is revealed within a human being, embarrassment, humility and a loss in self-esteem follow. If this glitch becomes a major weakness in your life, how can this glitch become a strength?
And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn (a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted, 2 Corinthians 12:7.
Within a letter written to members of the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul unveils a secret scar. It’s unclear whether this is an addiction, chronic illness or some form of demonic oppression. Whatever the reason, this condition hampered Paul’s ability to function daily. While you may not consider this imperfection a glitch, Paul is forced to rely on God to get through each day.
8 Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; 9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and[b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! – 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
In the first century, there was only one spiritual leader who matched Paul’s charisma. Acts 18:24 mentions Apollos, described as cultured, eloquent and well versed. Other passages in the New Testament suggest that Apollos became a great preacher, far superior than Paul. This inferiority complex led Paul to turn his attention toward writing. While Apollos’ sermons have been forgotten, Paul’s words in his letters live on in the pages of the Bible.
So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful [e]in divine strength), 2 Corinthians 12:10.
Growing up in New Jersey, stuttering became my glitch. While the apostle Paul endured a thorn in his flesh, I battled a silent tongue. Although my heart and mind had plenty of things that I wanted to express, nothing coherent came out of my mouth. This 21 year struggle turned my attention to writing, developing a love and passion for this new hobby. If it wasn’t for my own glitch, stuttering, this blog wouldn’t exist. Thus, this is how the Lord transformed my glitch from a weakness into a strength. May the power of the Holy Spirit speak so your heart to help you see the glitch that makes you great in God’s eyes.
It’s only fitting for a first century doctor to write about a foreign concept, the virgin birth. From a biological stand point, this doesn’t make any sense. Yet, Luke devotes an entire chapter, one of the longest in the New Testament, to lay out how this unique event took place. Luke sets the stage for a miracle to occur within a teenage girl named Mary.
Now in the sixth month [after that], the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 To a girl never having been married and a [v]virgin engaged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, Hail, O favored one [endued with grace]! The Lord is with you! Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women! – Luke 1:26-28
Modern scientists refers to a virgin birth in terms of parthenogenesis. This process is defined as reproduction from an ovum without fertilization, especially as a normal process in some invertebrates and lower plants. Human beings first attempted to duplicate this process in the form of test tube babies in 1948. Nearly 2000 years after Jesus was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit, fertilization of an embryo was successful using genetics.
And Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I have no [intimacy with any man as a] husband? 35 Then the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God, Luke 1:34-35.
When Mary receives word of her pregnancy, she is confused just like anyone else with a basic understanding of biology. Yet, an angel of the Lord unwraps the miracle of Christmas in the passage above. These events all needed to take place in order for Emmanuel to be born, God with us. If human beings can duplicate a virgin birth using modern science, why is it so far fetched to believe the creator of the universe did this first? As I unwrap Christmas in the weeks to come, may these blogs bring joy to your heart.
When a writer transitions from the third to first person, one of two things is about to happen. The person reading this letter or note is about to receive a compliment or be rebuked. After a series of generalizations in chapter 1, the apostle Paul changes the topic of conversation in Romans 2. Paul stops beating around the bush and gets straight to the point. A modern interpretation/translation would sound something like “who do you think you are?”
Therefore you have no excuse or defense or justification, O man, whoever you are who judges and condemns another. For in posing as judge and passing sentence on another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge are habitually practicing the very same things [that you censure and denounce]. 2 [But] we know that the judgment (adverse verdict, sentence) of God falls justly and in accordance with truth upon those who practice such things, Romans 2:1-2.
Paul even uses the expression “O man,” to point out his disappointment with Christian leaders in the church of Rome. Paul eludes to those in power elevating themselves above other citizens to sit as judge and jury. It’s obvious that many of these Romans either forgot or never heard of the account of Jesus and a woman caught in adultery, John 8:1-11. Apparently, Jesus began writing in the sand with his finger as members of a community were in the process of stoning this woman to death. Some scholars have suggested that Jesus writes down the secret sins of the people holding stones, about to condemn this woman for her actions.
3 And do you think or imagine, O man, when you judge and condemn those who practice such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape God’s judgment and elude His sentence and adverse verdict? 4 Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God’s will)? – Romans 2:3-4
Unlike Jesus who addressed a crowd of condemning men with a simple question, “let he who is without sin be the first to throw their stone,” Paul is blunt. Without thinking about feelings, Paul calls his audience hypocrites, doing that which they accuse others of doing. Whether amoral or immoral, the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 7:1-5 was not being implemented. Instead of removing the plank from their own eyes, these teetotalers were blinded from their own hypocrisy. Romans 2 provides a teachable moment for anyone lives by the motto do as I say, not as I do. May this passage convict those who need to be humbled and brought back down to earth, reality.
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