Function is the basis for an act, serving as the bridge to your ultimate purpose. Unfortunately, if you find yourself overwhelmed by a hectic schedule, many carry on with their daily routines without any meaningful reflection. Anyone who allows the busyness of life to consume their soul, you may end up as a prime example of form without function.
What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient—genuine faith produces good works, James 2:14.
At some point following his brother’s death, James began to re-evaluate his belief system. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus challenged his tradition view of Judaism. The concept of a Messiah was believed to be part of the end times. Yet, Jesus taught James that faith must be accompanied by good works inspired by love. Without any external change by displaying fruits of the Spirit, you are merely form without function.
If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and lacks [enough] food for each day, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace [with my blessing], [keep] warm and feed yourselves,” but he does not give them the necessities for the body, what good does that do? 17 So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective], James 2:15-17.
While observing religious practices for most of his life, it appears James was simply going through the motions, without a relationship with God, Romans 10:9-10. Jesus’ lifestyle slowly convicted James’ heart, making him realize that his faith was dead, inoperative. Following the commandments, praying and worshipping God is merely a to do list, a spiritual checklist. Seeing the error of his way, James writes to first century Christians to encourage believers to activate their faith. The love of Jesus is the form in which faith is meant to function. May this lesson revive and rejuvenate your soul.
My father was born in Lithuania. As immigrants from certain Europeans countries began to migrate to the United States, stereotypes began to develop. Whether it was the era, how my dad was raised or specific mannerisms, my father tended to be stoic unless he was angry. Meanwhile, my mom who grew up in Hershey, Pennsylvania wasn’t afraid to wear her emotions on her sleeve. Like any child, I exhibit a combination of qualities from each of my parents. Nonetheless, whenever my heart is moved or touched by something special, I can’t help myself, easily brought to tears.
As He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers who stood at a distance; 13 and they raised their voices and called out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were [miraculously] healed and made clean, Luke 17:12-14.
During the first century, Jews and Samaritans were enemies as hatred and resentment spilled over from the past. This tension began when Israel was divided into two kingdoms, Israel in the north and Judea in the south. The north whose second capital was relocated upon a hillside in Samaria often did what was right in their own eyes. The southern kingdom remained more true to God as some kings reminded citizens of their spiritual heritage. The main issues between Jews and Samaritans began during 722 B.C. when Assyria conquered Israel and took most of its people into captivity. The byproduct of this siege led to intermarriages between Gentiles and Israelites. Thus, Samaritans earned the reputation of being only half Jewish, labeled and ridiculed for centuries.
One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying and praising and honoring God with a loud voice; 16 and he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. He was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten [of you] cleansed? Where are the [other] nine?18 Was there no one found to return and to give thanks and praise to God, except this foreigner?” – Luke 17:15-18
Recognizing this portion in history, Jesus is shocked by how little appreciation is shown to God by 9 Jewish lepers. On the other hand, the Samaritan leper is overwhelmed after being healed. According to a first century doctor, this man couldn’t help himself, praising God over and over again. Sometimes in life, stereotypes influence how people act, behave and interact with others. Yet, when you slow down and look around to see the numerous minor miracles in your life, you too can model the thanksgiving demonstrated by this Samaritan leper. May the example of this first century man inspire you to develop a new outlook on life in 2019.
Guilt is like an invisible lie detector test. When human beings deny, exaggerate or lie, souls are awakened by pulses inside their body. This reaction is triggered by consciences, an inner feeling or voice of truth. The apostle Paul refers to this concept as the invisible qualities of God so that no one is without excuse, Romans 1:18-20. The dilemma is not if your next guilt trip will arrive, but how will your respond when conviction starts gnawing upon your heart.
If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness [of sin], we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations], 1 John 1:6-7.
One of the objectives of the modern progressive movement is to de-emphasize absolutes by elevating personal opinions. As lies are portrayed as truth by members of the media, gray areas expand resulting in a combination of confusion and rationalization. If the Bible becomes discredited from endless attacks by atheist groups, future generations will look to other sources for moral guidance. Perhaps, leaders want to return to the days of Old Testament Judges, where people began to do what was right in their own eyes.
If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] 9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose], 1 John 1:8-9.
The spiritual dynamic of guilt seeks to bring about humility. Depression is a natural emotion created by God to make it painfully obvious that individuals can not follow the ten commandments on their own. Thus, when guilt trips persuade hearts and minds to admit the error of their way, confession opens the door for hope, Romans 5:2-4. Responding correctly to guilt, unlike Cain who killed his brother, enables contrite spirits to receive forgiveness, grace and mercy. May the words of 1 John give you a blueprint for surviving your next guilt trip.
Depending upon the quality of your air conditioner and furnace unit, air filters need to be replaced as soon as thirty days or as long as six months. The U.S. Department of Energy claims that replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 10 percent. Meanwhile, furnace filters should be changed every two to three months depending upon the size of your filter. Whether you live in an apartment, condo or home, basic upkeep is essential to prolonging your appliances.
We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5.
The Bible refers to a different kind of filter. According to the apostle Paul, the human mind is a spiritual filter. Whenever a thought enters your head, God has given individuals the ability to stop evil from corrupting your body. Before I became a Christian, I was oblivious to the concept of angels, demons and the powers of darkness. Yet, the more that I read the Bible, the more I understand the importance of replacing your filter by making every thought obedient to Christ. This is accomplished by memorizing and meditating upon verses of the Bible to prevent evil from persuading souls to give into temptation.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places, Ephesians 6:12.
While the media attempts to convince the world that certain individuals are the enemy, the apostle Paul corrects the record in the passage above. Sure, there will always be people that rub you the wrong way by getting under your skin. Yet, the Devil uses physical opponents to suppress any joy that you may have in your heart. This is why replacing your spiritual filter daily with biblical principles, God’s promises and truth is essential. The next time strange thoughts catch you off guard, replace the filter in your mind with the Word of God. May this practice renew and transform your mind, Romans 12:1-2.
In the 1988 film Scrooged, Bill Murray plays a selfish, cynical television executive who is haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve. Bitter, disappointed and frustrated, Murray’s character came to the conclusion that Christmas was a fraud. Far worse than Ebenezer Scrooge, Murray is visited by the ghost of Christmas past, present and future. These shocking encounters convict Murray’s heart like the wealthy man in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The only difference is that Murray is still alive while the rich man in the story below died.
So the rich man said, ‘Then, father [Abraham], I beg you to send Lazarus to my father’s house—28 for I have five brothers—in order that he may solemnly warn them and witness to them, so that they too will not come to this place of torment.’29 But Abraham said, ‘They have [the Scriptures given by] Moses and the [writings of the] Prophets; let them listen to them,’ Luke 16:27-29.
Parables are meant to be analogies, hypothetical scenarios to illustrate spiritual truths. Within this particular story, Jesus details a conversation between Abraham who is in heaven with a desperate rich man pleading his case from hell. This man asks to be sent back to his family on earth in the form of a ghost, similar to the concept of the ghost of Christmas past. Despite this man’s concern to save his family from the same eternal fate he is enduring, Abraham vehemently denies this request. While Abraham references the importance of listening to and studying the words of Old Testament prophets, his reason for saying no is clear. You must walk by faith, not by sight.
He replied, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent [they will change their old way of thinking and seek God and His righteousness].’ 31 And he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to [the messages of] Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead,’” Luke 16:30-31.
Every Christmas, pastors, priests, reverends and teachers attempt to share a fresh approach to Christmas, coming up with an unique angle or spin. Of all of the sermons I have heard at Christmas Eve and or Christmas Day services, Abraham’s exchange with this rich man in hell is not one of them. Human nature makes individuals think, “if I only saw a ghost, speak to the dead or witness a miracle, then I would believe.” Yet, in reality, you shouldn’t have to experience the death and resurrection of Jesus to believe. The author of Hebrews references this in Hebrews 6:1-6, supporting Abraham’s excuse for denying a first century visit from the ghost of Christmas past.
While sharing the parable of the shrewd manager, Jesus makes an interesting observation. Even in the first century, followers of Jesus did not treat one another as well as non-believers. Perhaps, competition, immaturity and judgmental spirits began to cause infighting within the body of Christ. Instead of demonstrating the love of God as salt and light, Matthew 5:13-15, religious leaders afraid to let go of Judaism stunted the spiritual growth of many new converts.
And his master commended the unjust manager [not for his misdeeds, but] because he had acted shrewdly [by preparing for his future unemployment]; for the sons of this age [the non-believers] are shrewder in relation to their own kind [that is, to the ways of the secular world] than are the sons of light [the believers], Luke 16:8.
In the passage above, Jesus refers to non-believers as the sons of this age. To certain extent, many of these individuals would be categorized as amoral, not knowing right from wrong. Yet, the parable of the shrewd manager illustrates that it’s never too late to change. Despite whatever misdeeds you have committed in the past, God uses conviction to elicit repentance. When the man in this story was fearful his position would be lost, a sense of desperation produced a series of business transactions to save his job.
And I tell you [learn from this], make friends for yourselves [for eternity] by means of the wealth of unrighteousness [that is, use material resources as a way to further the work of God], so that when it runs out, they will welcome you into the eternal dwellings, Luke 16:9.
The passage above urges readers to avoid legalism which stifles faith. Instead of analyzing this or that, don’t be afraid to use earthly income to make friends for eternity. While this context contradicts other passages above money, Jesus wants people to realize that material resources purchased by wealth furthers the work of God. Essentially, what Jesus is saying is the sons of this age are like a harvest waiting to be picked. However, the workers with the right mentality are few. Thus, if you want to become fishers of men, set your heart and mind on things above.
For the past 25 years, Thanksgiving serves as a dual purpose for my family. The first is obvious, to reconnect, reflect and share how the past year has gone, either good, bad or indifferent. The second is a precursor to Christmas, exchanging gift wish lists. Thanks to Amazon, most of this is done online to avoiding writing down the same list several times on a piece of paper. Nonetheless, as Christmas Day approaches, there is an internal list with decorations, gift wrapping and preparations that need to completed before you can actually enjoy Jesus’ birthday.
For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will not be disappointed [in his expectations],” Romans 10:10-11.
A 2007 film starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman introduced another kind of list. The Bucket List involves two men who have been each diagnosed with terminal cancer. After meeting in the hospital for the first time, the billionaire hospital magnate Edward Cole played by Nicholson finances a series of trips before each man dies. In a race against the clock, these men invest their energy doing the things in life they always wanted to do, but never took the time. Since the initial release of the Bucket List, several # movements have transformed others on the verge of death to pursue their own check list of dreams and goals to accomplish.
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you], Romans 12:1-2.
My favorite list is one that gets little attention, but results in eternal rewards, the Jesus Check List. Instead of going through life focusing on the things you want to experience, the Jesus Check List is based upon fulfilling God’s will for your life. Before you can start this list, you need to join Jesus’ team as described by the apostle Paul in Romans 10:10-11. The moment you enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you gain access to the Holy Spirit. C.S. Lewis refers to this as theological virtues in Mere Christianity, enabling new converts to obtain charity, faith and hope as you progress down Jesus’ Check List.
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God [which represents all that Jesus Christ is and does], so that you will know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have eternal life. 14 This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us, 1 John 5:13-14.
As individuals begin to daily prayer, read the Bible and begin to worship God throughout the week, not just on Sunday’s, lives can be radically changed if you stick with the Jesus Check List. The apostle Paul refers to this as a process, offering up your life each day as a living sacrifice to God. This involves asking God a series of questions in the form of a prayer. What do you want me to do today? Where do you need me to go to help others? Who needs to be encouraged, give me eyes to see? How can I reach the lost; using the God given talents you have blessed me with? If you take this blog to heart, you will be well on your way, certain of the eternal rewards awaiting you in heaven with each day you commit to serving Jesus.
Back in 2016, I had emergency eye surgery in my right eye to prevent glaucoma from escalating. After this operation, my surgeon informed me of a cataract that would need to be addressed in the future. The initial goal was to wait a year then have cataract surgery. However, this got pushed back until yesterday or least that’s what I thought. When my blood pressure went from 130 over 80 Tuesday morning to 177 over 130 Thursday morning, God had a change of plans. This procedure that involved six months of planning was abruptly cancelled.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps, Proverbs 16:9.
The older I get, the more analytical I become, pondering the reason for this delay. Could I have died during this operation? Did God prevent an accident from occurring? Can God heal my eye supernaturally foregoing the need for this procedure? Or did God want me to become painfully aware of a more pressing health need in my life? As I ask these questions to God, I am still awaiting a clear response. Nonetheless, King Solomon prepared the nation of Israel by warning people of God’s ability to alter, change or redirect your path.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand, Proverbs 19:21.
Currently, I find myself perplexed, essentially placed on bed rest until my blood pressure returns to a more normal level. A few weeks before my senior year of college began, I broke my foot playing sand volleyball. Instead of enjoying the final weeks of summer, I laid in bed, elevating my foot to reduce the swelling. Five years ago a sledding accident resulted in 2 broken ribs and a collapsed lung, forced to take a medical leave of absence from work for five weeks. When God quickly changes your plans, it’s not fun. Yet, as I lie around in bed for a few days, I have time to reflect. As I do, this is God’s way of reintroducing me to his plans, not mine. Thus, I sit here quietly, listening intently and writing down for others in a blog what I am learning as I go through this tryin time in life.
Hollywood usually falls short when attempting to accurately illustrate a biblical principle. Yet, in the 1994 film Forrest Gump, the evolution of Gary Sinise’ character helps viewers understand what is means to make peace with God. Lieutentant Dan is born into a long lineage of military officers. In his mind, Lieutentant Dan believed he was destined to die on a battlefield in Vietnam along with his battalion. However, Forrest Gump’s act of bravery forced Lieutentant Dan to live the rest of his life on earth without legs. As Forrest ran off to pursue other aspirations in life, Lieutentant Dan was bound to a wheel chair. Bitterness grew within Lieutentant Dan’s heart until Gump became a shrimp boat captain. Volunteering as Gump’s second mate, Lieutentant Dan wrestles with his purpose on earth. During a major hurricane, Lieutentant Dan verbalizes his frustrations, welcoming the wrath of nature head on as if to seek a duel with God. After this storm passes, Lieutentant Dan makes peace with God.
One of the criminals who had been hanged [on a cross beside Him] kept hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us [from death]!” 40 But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?-Luke 23:39-40
A first century doctor, no stranger to death, shares a story about Jesus just before his death on a cross. For some reason, this encounter is glanced over by the other 3 gospel authors, skipped to cover other healings, miracles and stories. In the passage below, Luke reveals steps toward making peace with God. The first involves acknowledging your imperfections or as the apostle Paul once said, “falling short of God’s glory,” Romans 3:23. Once individuals confess their sins to God, step two is geared toward securing an eternal destiny. The disciple whom Jesus loved once proclaimed, “you don’t have to hope for an answer; you can know for certain,” 1 John 5:13. On their death bed, hanging from a cross, one criminal went to hell and other was promised to be with Jesus in paradise, heaven. This is one of the best biblical examples of making peace with God.
We are suffering justly, because we are getting what we deserve for what we have done; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he was saying, “Jesus, [please] remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” 43 Jesus said to him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise,” Luke 23:41-43.
Whenever I attend a funeral, enter an emergency room or take off in an airplane, making peace with God is brought to the forefront. Instead of reading a book or watching a movie, the fragility of life flashes through my mind. Sadly, most people don’t consider making peace with God until its too late. As my blood pressure sky rocketed yesterday while sitting in preop, I was powerless, unable to control my breathing. When my eye surgery was cancelled, too dangerous to perform due to my elevated blood pressure, my perspective on life changed like Lieutentant Dan in Forrest Gump. Maybe I won’t be the person I hoped for or be able to achieve the dreams that I aspire, but at some point I have to make peace with God. I guess it’s time to surrender my goals by yielding to God’s ultimate plan for my life on earth. Although I still don’t know exactly what that is, my recent health scare has provided me the opportunity to make peace with God where I am.
If anyone had a reason to doubt and question God, it was Job, a character in one of the oldest books of the Bible. After his children died in a storm similar to a tornado, Job contracted boils all over his body. Old Testament rationale associated the bad things that happened to individuals as a sign of punishment from God. Thus, as bystanders stood by watching the trials that besieged Job, even three of Job’s best friends began to doubt his innocence.
“Behold, God is exalted in His power; Who is a ruler or a teacher like Him?” – Job 36:22
Feeling abandoned, one thought came to Job’s mind, God is watching over you. While Job’s wife wanted him to curse God and die, his years of spending time with God enabled common sense to prevail. Just as Jacob physically wrestled with God, Job struggled to comprehend what was happening to him. This spiritual tussle inspired Job to record these events within an Old Testament book. The worse things get in life, God has a way of humbling people to the point desperately trusting the Lord with your heart, soul and mind.
He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel. Will neither slumber [briefly] nor sleep [soundly].The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand, Psalm 121:3-5.
The Psalmist describes how God specifically watches over human beings. Shepherds gave thanks for not twisting their ankle despite walking along rocky terrain. Meanwhile, others sang about God’s never ending protection, watching over us like the old Bette Midler song From a Distance. Finally, God is like a keeper, a shepherd guiding sheep around danger, a shade of protection in times of trouble. Therefore, the next time you find yourself in the midst of adversity, remember the invisible guardian in the heavens above who is watching over you and me.
ExpressYourself4Him 