Depending upon where you live, different phrases express the trouble that you are in. Perhaps, you’re caught in a pickle, in the dog house, down the stream without a paddle or stuck in a precarious situation. However you want to say it, it won’t be long before fate places you into a predicament where only God can bail us out.
Some of you may be like Joseph from the Bible, the envy of your family. Thus, jealousy causes siblings to gang up on you, tease you or inflict emotional scars. You press on only to find yourself falsely accused of someone else’s wrong doing. As your reputation takes a hit, time and trust is the only thing you can do repair others opinions of you. Despite the trials you endure, the Lord’s favor is upon you, showering you with blessings from heaven.
Unfortunately, most people fall into a different category, leaning more toward the prodigal son. Curious, stubborn and unwilling to change, a series of poor choices results in a downward spiral. By now, temptation is long gone, replaced by addiction, bad habits or cravings for temporary pleasures. Call it human nature or self-realization, but until you come to your senses, Luke 15:17, you still think you can save yourself. If this slide continues to the bottom of the barrel in life, your cries for help become more genuine, “help me Lord?”
How many times does God have to bail us out? According to Matthew 18:21-22, forgiveness is suppose to be limitless. If you reach out for help, God will extend hands of grace. Therefore, whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, Romans 10:9-13.
How many times in life do you seek an emotional high? One that never ends; giving you a sensation like a drug, 24 hours a day. Many go through their entire lives searching, but never find the real thing.
Do you recall your first day of school? As formal education begins, innocence gives way to curiosity and terror. Fears over finding friends and earning acceptance by your peers takes precedence. However, the thought of being away from your parents provides a sense of freedom temporarily. This freedom entices you to try new things, experimenting with fruit, forbidden by parents and teachers.
By the time junior high arrives, eyes start to wander… BABES, STUDS, ALCOHOL and DRUGS! Perhaps you might not be as distracted as some, yet juicy stories spread fast through the grape vine peeking your interest. The closer you look, the mind takes on an alter ego, longing for items on the other side of the fence. Fleshly desires, peer pressure and the unknown leads you to the verge of sin thinking, “Oh baby this sure does feel good.”
A junior high experiment often leads to a senior high life style. Marijuana, pranks and sex are just a few of the choice behaviors one indulges in to obtain the real thing. Sure, there are risks, even consequences; but what will my friends think if I go straight? “Everybody is doing it, why can’t I,” says the follower. As high school drifts by, the next hurdle to jump is college. Hobbies you once did for a buzz no longer provide satisfaction. Call it what you may: a habit, obsession, way of life or obliterating time, something inside can’t let go. This quest for real life has turned into an addiction.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why you do what you do? Has it occurred to you that you’ve missed something along the way? Is there something else out there beside living for the weekend? I don’t believe you and I were placed on this earth by accident. Growing up, working for a living 9 to 5, have fun for a while then repeat this cycle over and over again til you die? This doesn’t make sense! There must be a greater purpose or meaning in life, but what is it?
Jesus Christ, the son of God the Father is your answer. God sent His one and only son, Jesus, down to earth, to die for blemishes on earth, John 3:16-17. Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father according to the Apostle’s Creed. Jesus didn’t just die on a cross and rise from the dead for His own glory, Romans 5:8. Rather, Jesus became sin for us: for you, me and everyone ever born on planet earth. Jesus did all of this so that all of us might be seen as righteousness before God, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
This may sound crazy, yet there is no other HIGH greater than entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10. Nothing else compares to dedicating your life to God in your living years, John 10:10. Thus, peace is found in no other place, Galatians 5:22-23. This isn’t about High’s and Low’s. This is about life and death, living and dying, Deuteronomy 30:11-16. The only way to Jesus is through denying yourself, Matthew 16:25. You may think I’m odd, strange or simply old-fashion, yet God has placed the words of this blog on my heart.
If you have tried most everything else, don’t waste your precious time any longer; embrace the Real Thing, Jesus Christ!
Self gratification has become like a cancer within the human soul, slowing eating away white blood cells of common sense. This obsession fed by commercialism, “you can have your cake and eat it to,” has left individuals blinded by empty promises. In a quest to fulfill this hunger, people have forgotten a simple truth of life: there’s no change without pain.
The apostle Paul speaks to this corruption while writing to the church in Ephesus, Ephesians 4:22. As standards continue to decline, its easy to compromise, “well, everyone else is doing it?” This futile thinking darkens understanding, leading individuals toward the cliff known as addiction. Once formed or established, a continued lust for more can steer the disciplined into unhealthy habits, craving the latest junk food the world throws your way.
Snapping your fingers and poof, your request is granted is a mirage, a lie that the weak want to believe. Real change requires developing a mindset of an Olympic runner, ignoring pain so you can reach your desired destination, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Regardless of what your body longs for, keep your goal in sight, Philippians 3:12-14 to avoid being sidetracked. Like the song from Rocky IV, there’s No Easy Way Out. Therefore, throw off any excess baggage, endure hardship and run with perseverance until change becomes reality, Hebrews 12:1-4.
If you have lived on earth long enough, then you’ve probably known or met someone who says one thing but does the complete opposite. Everyone has flaws, yet some stick out more than others, especially when an individual earns a reputation for embellishing, exaggerating or lying. Unfortunately, compulsive acts become like an addiction, like a second nature to someone who promises, “I really mean it this time.”
Pharaoh, king of Egypt appears to have developed this undesirable trait in Exodus 8:26-28. In the midst of each plague sent by God, Pharaoh cried uncle, urging Moses to pray for him to remove the trial facing his empire. However, as soon as each ceased, Pharaoh changed his mind as God continued to harden his heart, Exodus 9:33-35. This pattern of sin went on for several weeks until Pharaoh finally refused to meet face to face with Moses anymore, Exodus 10:27-29.
If I was Moses, I would have given up on Pharaoh, realizing that trying to agree with him was a lost cause. Some of you reading this may have a living co-worker, friend or relative who possess similar traits. Whenever you face this real life scenario, all you can do is try to apply Jesus’ advice from Matthew 5:43-48. Loving those who love you doesn’t require any effort. Instead, God wants you to love and pray for those people who let you down time after time by saying, “I really mean it this time!” Forgive others as Jesus has forgiven you, Colossians 3:13.
An acronym that I use for sin is Sudden Irrational Nonsense. Whether you are struggling with something like cursing, lying or sexual desires, all sins can be addictive. This is why so many individuals make the honest confession, “Opps, I did it again!”
Sudden
Irrational
Nonsense
Unfortunately, the Christian Community has created their own ranking system, giving a degree of severity for each transgression. The church in Rome was the first to develop this pious attitude, mentioned by the apostle Paul in Romans 1:18-32. This mindset filtered down into their hearts, leading toward thoughts like “Well at least I am not a murderer, God hater or fornicator.” Struck down by the words of Romans 2:1-5, God gives words of hope for those wresting with the Opps I did it again syndrome, Romans 2:6-10.
When these words become a weekly or daily occurrence, one call lean on the grace of God. The well known acronym God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense helps a sinner find comfort in the Bible’s promise, Ephesians 2:8-9. Beyond this, one must consider how contrite you are after sinning? If sorrow is absence from a guilty heart, Jesus is nothing more than a Get of a Jail Free Card, Hebrews 6:4-6. As an expert in sin, reaching this point requires intervention starting with an accountability partner, once a week at the minimum. If this step is ineffective, you must purge yourself from anything that triggers the thought of sin. Like detox, this one of the most painful, but a necessary element to achieve freedom. The goal is perfection, Matthew 5:48, yet the reality of life is giving your best each and every day, letting God do the rest. When the opps I did it again resurfaces, turn your prayers toward the sky, trusting in God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy, John 3:16-17.
Young people have become experts in the video game realm. Whether its XBox, Play Station, Wi or online gaming, their hours spent learning how to play, reading books on short cuts and mastering each level of their favorite game is impressive. Yet, if I asked these same people if they knew what the King James, Living, NAS or NIV was, most would struggle to comprehend why there are so many different versions of the Bible. However, if I combined the 2, maybe I could reach a common ground to speak on their level, with a video game mentality.
One of my favorite passages of the Bible is Colossians 3:17 and 3:23. The New International Version says “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, verse 17a.” Or with a similar concept, “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, verse 23.” If there was such a thing as the New Video Game Translation, this is my best interpretation of this passage. Put all your effort and focus into each game, hitting the reset button if necessary. Keep on trying until you reach the next level. Don’t stop there. Rather, keep going until you know every move, every aspect and every secret of each game. Pass on your knowledge and move on to the next adventure, challenge and further versions.
If young people dedicated their lives to Christ like they do with video games, the next great awakening would commence. Likewise, if prayer replaced countless hours in front of a computer, game system or television screens, endless lives could be transformed. However, living in the world and not being lead by it is another story. Achieving balance in life is crucial, maximizing your time with fun, pleasure and work. When these games become the Lord of young people’s lives, behaviors often change for the worse as an addictive nature engrosses their minds. The only way to crack this video game mentality is through the giver of life, James 1:18. Don’t ever stop believing that young men and women can change, Romans 12:1-2. Place your requests before the Lord so that this mindset can be broken, 2 Corinthians 4:4.
When I taught high school for 10 years, there were many days when I forgot to eat or simply didn’t have time to. Thus, when a friend from church convinced me to start fasting, the transition was easier than I thought. During my final semester of teaching, my body became use to just one meal a day per week, with 4 meals on the weekend. Although depression had something to do with this, I lost most of my cravings for food.
Eight-teen months later, I find the opposite to be true. While depression is still a factor, my body has become addicted to certain foods. During a 3 day fast I attempted earlier this week, my body went through severe withdrawal on day 1, leaving me miserable with a high fever. Based upon books I have read, toxins within my body were reacting to their lack of food supply. Instead of toughing it out, I broke my fast after 24 hours, disappointed by my weakness, Matthew 26:41.
Maybe this is why the apostle Paul goes to extreme measures in his letter to the church in Corinth. According to 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, fasting requires the mindset of an athletic who goes into strict training. Sometimes the only way to overcome bad habits, temptation and a weak flesh is through a teetotalism mentality. When there is a will, there is a way to overcome addiction. May your battle with the world’s obstacles lead you to lean on God’s compassion, forgiveness and mercy to press on, praying for victory over the giants in your life.
As a youngster, I recall wrestling with other kids from my neighborhood in Delaware. These matches continued until someone said uncle, often resulting in complaining, cursing or cries for help afterward. The losers remained on the ground for several minutes, needing a hand to get back on their feet.
Today, Christians across America are fighting a similar battle with sin. Unfortunately, instead of finding a helping hand, their friend has joined them, caught in the grasp of addictive habits. These spiritual headlocks are leaving believers choking, wheezing and nearly unconscious. Knocked to the mat, taken down and pinned by their sinful nature, Galatians 5:17, lost and weary souls are running out of time.
Jesus steps in as the chief official of this match in Matthew 11:28-30. Calling time up, Jesus lends his hands to the fallen. With a promise of rest, Jesus isn’t forcing anyone to get up. Yet, this offer is an open invitation, “if you are willing, take my hand?”
Over 2 million Americans were incarcerated in federal, state and county jails last year. In addition, more than 4 million were either on probation or parole during this same period. For these people and many like them, it is an uphill climb to regain a place of dignity. Stereotypes, their criminal record and a declining job market are further obstacles which stand in their way of success. However, with God’s help, anything is possible, Luke 1:37.
In the book of Genesis, we find an account of a man who went from the jailhouse to the penthouse, Genesis 39:20-Genesis 41:41. However, this did not happen over night and did not include a straight line to the top, taking several unexpected detours and u-turns. Joseph was falsely accused of a crime he did not commit, yet he stayed optimistic. Instead of dwelling on his circumstances, Joseph served all those he encountered while in prison. Two years passed, without any sign of hope until Pharaoh had an unusual dream. Only then did the chief cupbearer remember Joseph’s amazing gift. Like a scene from a movie, Joseph ascends to second in command of Egypt, preparing for the 7 years of famine.
Today, many people are imprisoned internally, addicted to alcohol, drugs, porn, sex and the like, Galatians 5:19-21. Although they may appear fine externally, inside they are confined by unhealthy cravings, James 1:14-15. These sinful desires cripple one’s ability to function spiritually and hinder any dreams for success. The apostle Paul spends half a chapter, Romans 7:7-25, dedicated to exposing this fleshly imprisonment. Jesus is our key to get out, but the goal is to stay out of jail once set free, Romans 7:24-25. Jesus has promised to prepare a place, a penthouse in the sky, John 14:3. The choice is up to you by the road you decide to choose, Matthew 7:13-14.
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