My first stereo was a record player with an eight track built in below. I typed my high school research paper on a type writer. The most advanced computer classes available for me in college was CAD and Word Perfect 2.1. I didn’t join social media until 2012 and my children mock me each time I pull out my ancient cell phone. As times have changed, I’m afraid that I have been left behind, now struggling to catch up.
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom, Psalm 90:12.
In the Old Testament, the average life expectancy was much lower than today. While royalty and the wealthy possessed the resources to extend life, dying in your twenties and thirties wasn’t uncommon. Thus, the Psalmist urged individuals to seize the day, making the most of the years God provides. Subsequently, the Bible details genealogies that include teenage marriages and pregnancies. Young women gave birth to most of their children before the age of thirty. As times changed, ancient believers sought a heart of wisdom to prevent being left behind.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps, Proverbs 16:9.
As I approach my 49th birthday next week, I have spent the last week reflecting on what I have done, where I have been and what I would like to do in the future. Yet, as I hold on to the things I have treasured from my past, time has passed me by. Resistant to change, I haven’t made the effort to keep up with technological advances. This oversight on my part has caused me to be left behind. As I open my mind to this painful reality, I pray that God gives me the energy and perseverance to make up for lost time. May the Lord direct your steps so that you obtain a heart of wisdom in the future.
In the past, stubbornness was associated with a mule. This saying referred to the determination not to change one’s attitude or position. The mule is the offspring of a donkey and horse, often relegated as a beast of burden. Perhaps, as this animal grinds its way through life, forced to do grueling work, stubbornness is merely a byproduct of its trade. Mules aren’t the only things on earth that succumb to stubbornness.
“If any man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or of his mother, and when they reprimand and discipline him, he will not listen to them,” Deuteronomy 21:18.
During his political career, John Adams faced opponents who were unwilling to change their positions. These interactions led the second president of the United States of America to once say “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” Unfortunately, if you repeat a lie over and over again, those who don’t do their research are vulnerable to being deceived.
They shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey us, he is a glutton and a drunkard,’ Deuteronomy 21:20.
Moses compares stubbornness to alcoholism in the passage above. Anyone who drinks too much will come under the influence of foreign spirits. Meanwhile, those who are strong willed struggle to accept ideas, beliefs and notions unfamiliar to their life. Evidence, facts and truth are meant to set people free from stubbornness. Yet, human minds are just as obdurate as a mule. Therefore, if you want to break away from the stubborn things in life, set your heart and mind on things above, Colossians 3:1-4. This process won’t happen over night, but with time God can transform your life if you are willing.
The song Living in the Pages by Bruce Carroll changed my perspective of the Bible. This 1995 release from the album One Summer Evening challenges Christians to spend their time on earth living in the pages of the Bible. After finishing two different stints as a youth pastor, I realized that spiritual growth is directly linked to the quality time invested beyond the book. This includes meditating upon, reflecting on and putting into practice biblical practices. Without any sort of application, conviction and I nspiration, a willingness to change fades away.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart, Hebrews 4:12.
From my own personal experience, it doesn’t take long for me to resemble Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. First published in 1886 as the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this Robert Lewis Stevenson gothic novel uncovers the dual nature living inside of human beings. Whenever I go a day or two without reading and studying the Bible, my behavior suddenly changes. Impatience spreads, foul words come out of my mouth and my emphasis becomes self-centered. Meanwhile, when I do read the Bible, jot down notes and write blogs influenced by this spiritual discipline, God becomes more of a priority in my life. Thus, your faith depends upon what happens beyond the Bible.
So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ, Romans 10:17.
Since illiteracy was rampant among first century citizens, the Torah was regularly read out loud by priests and letters written by apostles and disciples shared by home church leaders. In the passage above, the apostle Paul details the relationship between faith and the Bible. The phrase out of sight, out of mind applies to Scripture. If the numerous words of the Bible contain supernatural power to transform souls, then the more time you spend putting this advice into practice the better off you will be. Therefore, beyond the book, put your faith into action so that your life may win the respect and trust of outsiders.
Drained, drowsy, exhausted, fatigued and spent are words associated with being tired and weary. Depending upon your hobbies, occupation and physical fitness routine, energy can be released emotionally, mentally and physically. Perhaps this is why the commandments reference loving God with all your heart, soul and mind. Exercising each of these three aspects of the human body prevents the enemy, Satan, from snatching the good news of Jesus Christ from human hearts, Matthew 13:18-19. The apostle Paul addresses this within 1 Thessalonians 5:23, urging his audience to prepare your spirit, soul and body for the second coming of Jesus.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up, Galatians 6:9.
Unfortunately, many good intentioned Christians use busyness as an excuse not to follow the advice of Jesus and Paul. Yet, the longer any believer goes without praying, studying the Bible and worshipping God, the closer you get to the weary traveler. This is a spiritual condition, not an actual person, where souls become vulnerable to demonic attacks. Instead of resisting evil, weary travelers often contemplate forbidden fruits, entertain thoughts of doubt and open their minds to alternative lifestyles. In the passage above, the apostle Paul urges his readers to hold on, press on and don’t give up on following the narrow path that leads to life, Matthew 7:13-14.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint, Isaiah 40:31.
In the days of the Old Testament, devout Jews grew weary of the ancient practices for seeking forgiveness. Animals needed to be collected, trips to the temples planned and sacrifices made by a high priest to atone for the mistakes, rebellious acts and transgressions made by you and your family. When you consider the blood, killing and smell left behind by this grueling tradition, its no wonder that Israelites in the days of the prophet Isaiah began to lose hope. Receiving a vision from God, Isaiah compares the Lord to eaglets nurtured and raised by caring parents. Thus, when you feel like you can’t go on any longer, let God carry you on wings like eagles.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:28-30.
Today, a week doesn’t go by without news of a Christian falling from grace, caught in a surprising act of sin. These tarnished believers often follow the pattern found in 2 Samuel 11:1-4. Just because you are a man or woman after God’s own heart doesn’t make you immune to sin. Rather, when the spirit of the weary traveler enters your soul, anything is possible. Just ask King David who didn’t feel like going to work one day. This decision led to idleness, boredom and a wandering spirit. One thing led to another and suddenly a righteous man commits adultery, get’s another man’s wife pregnant and gives order to have her husband left behind and killed. This Old Testament passage should serve as a wake up call to all Christians who are on the verge of entertaining the weary traveler.
From time to time, I make the mistake of trying to make changes to my life without asking or seeking God’s help. While determination, discipline and focus can be effective tools to alter bad habits, spiritual ruts and unhealthy patterns, human effort will only take you so far. I guess this is human nature’s way of learning the hard way. Whenever I reach a point of frustration, unsatisfied with the current state of my faith, responding to a convicted heart is the best place to start.
Even now the axe [of God’s judgment] is swinging toward the root of the trees; so every tree that does not produce good fruit is being cut down and thrown into the fire,” Luke 3:9.
In the first century, God sent a messenger to prepare the way for the coming of His son Jesus. Known as John the Baptist, this prophet used the Old Testament practice of purging to pierce the hearts of his audience. As individuals began to reflect upon their vast imperfections, many came forward to be baptized by John. Uncertain of what to do next, soldiers and tax collectors consulted John on the proper acts of penitence to pursue. This advice provided vision for these newly baptized souls, reaching a state of expectation, looking for opportunities to serve God each and every day..
The crowds asked him, “Then what are we to do?” 11 And John replied, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do the same.” 12 Even some tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked, “Teacher, what are we to do?” 13 And he told them, “Collect no more than the fixed amount you have been ordered to [collect].” 14 Some soldiers asked him, “And what about us, what are we to do?” And he replied to them, “Do not extort money from anyone or harass or blackmail anyone, and be satisfied with your wages,” Luke 3:10-14.
Belief without trust, faith without action and hypocritical words are some of the reasons Christian churches aren’t flourishing like the first century. One of the main culprits for this spiritual stagnancy are believers void of any fruit, Galatians 5:22-23. If Christians are suppose to be the light of the world but lack integrity no one will take them serious. Meanwhile, if the church is suppose to be the salt of the earth but lose their saltiness, there is no flavor left to incite any kind of spiritual hunger. Therefore, if you want to reverse this trend, let the words of John the Baptist inspire you to reach a state of expectation influenced by the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.
A recent study discovered that the porn industry made over 13 billion dollars worldwide last year. This is more profit than the National Football League, the premiere professional sports industry in the United States. Then again, this might explain why advertisers create promiscuous commercials year after year to target a younger audience. Based upon the statistics of pornographic viewership, at some point in the process of temptation X-rated thoughts are becoming a lifestyle.
Then it happened in the spring, at the time when the kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all [the fighting men of] Israel, and they destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem, 2 Samuel 11:1.
Like any bad habit or an addictive behavior, there is usually a pattern that leads up to engaging in the actual act of sin. Step one begins when individuals have idle time. In the passage above, David didn’t go to work. Each spring when the snow melted and roads were passable, kings went out to work to defend their borders or expand their territory using force. For some reason, David lost interest, searching for something else to do in life.
One evening David got up from his couch and was walking on the [flat] roof of the king’s palace, and from there he saw a woman bathing; and she was very beautiful in appearance, 2 Samuel 11:2.
Step 2 often goes hand in hand as boredom is a byproduct of idleness. Free time can cause human minds to wander. In the passage above, David was star gazing when an open window revealed a beautiful naked woman. Instead of going back to the stars, David was fixated on each physical feature of her body. After an initial subtle glance, lust conceived within David’s heart, opening the door for step 3, enticement.
David sent word and inquired about the woman. Someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” – 2 Samuel 11:3.
Enticement feeds on human nature using appeal, bewitchment and charm. As if minds are trying to use logic to justify the thought of any wrong doing, enticement weakens souls. While some may turn back after being enticed, day dreaming, fantasizing and ungodly passions take most people beyond the point of no return. The only thing left is engaging in the actual act of sin. Unfortunately, this is where common sense is abandoned as David disregarded the fact that this naked woman was married. Enticement drags curious souls into a web of darkness that few escape or recover from.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). 15 Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death, James 1:13-15.
The passage above details how and why an X-rated mind can become a lifestyle. The author of this book is credible, the earthly brother of Jesus who likely had a few minutes with him before his ascension into heaven. James warns believers against blaming God for the choices they have made in life. Those who give into temptation have placed themselves into environments that usually result in sin. Therefore. if your minds is leading you where you don’t want to go, take the advice of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 so that X-rated minds can be cleansed and made whole.
The first five books of the Old Testament are known as the Torah. This Hebrew word refers to the law of God as revealed to Moses. If Adam and Eve didn’t break God’s initial rule introduced in Genesis 2:16-17, this collection of rules and regulations for life on earth would not be necessary. Unfortunately, Adam’s lack of leadership is to blame, allowing and watching Satan deceive and encourage Eve to take and eat fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. This act of original sin led the apostle Paul to write in Romans 5:12-21 that death came through Adam. This spiritual destruction was redeemed after God sent a second Adam, Jesus who brought salvation to the world as well as overriding the rules of the past.
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (worldliness, manner of life), God made you alive together with Christ, having [freely] forgiven us all our sins, Colossians 2:13.
This concept is explained by the apostle Paul in a letter to the church at Colosse. This ancient city of Phrygia in Asia Minor provides a vital message for those individuals stuck in modern denominations that focus on legalism rather than grace. As a former zealot, Paul uses terminology familiar to God fearing Jews to get their attention. Without a priest sacrificing an animal on your behalf, first century believers in God were powerless to receive forgiveness. This co-dependency became a tedious practice that Jesus came to abolish. As a perfect lamb of God, Jesus embraced death on a cross to pay the penalty for mankind’s sin, once and for all.
Having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of legal demands [which were in force] against us and which were hostile to us. And this certificate He has set aside and completely removed by nailing it to the cross. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed over them through [he cross, Colossians 2:14-15.
However, this process would not be completed until Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. The moment Jesus broke free of his grave clothes, the resurrection was finalized. This symbolic act cancelled the written codes that stood against human beings. In one magical second in time, Jesus nailed these age old rules to the cross, conquering death and unlocking the spiritual chains of legalism. May the passages above speak to heart and give hope to your mind. While the world tends to believe a relationship with God means living by a strict set of rigid regulations, Jesus came to set you free by overriding the rules of the past with free will.
My first nightmare as a child was being chased by Bigfoot throughout my neighborhood, waking up as soon as I got caught. These vivid details were likely due to my obsession with the paranormal, reading books from Daniel Cohen and watching shows like Unsolved Mysteries. In 1984, Nightmare on Elm Street introduced the concept that nightmares can become more than a dream. When 4 teenagers from the same neighborhood began to have the same dream of the Springwood Slasher, the legend of Freddie Kruger was born. These graphic images ushered in a spirit of fear as individuals began to be afraid to go to sleep.
For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear, Ecclesiastes 5:7.
Fourteen years later, another Hollywood production added to this concept. Charmed ran on the WB for nine seasons, ending in 2006. This series featured three sisters who discover they are descendants of a witch with each possessing unique supernatural powers. During season 1, episode 5, entitled Dream Sorcerer uses dream therapy to introduce a character who is able to enter the dreams of other women. One of the sisters Prue finds her sleep disturbed by strange visions in which she’s taunted by this mysterious man. After an initial dream, Prue wakes up with marks on her back.
“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; Acts 2:17.
Over the last decade, Paranormal Witness, the movie and television series has interviewed and researched cases where nightmares became more than a dream. Depending upon the episode, individuals were haunted by demons, evil spirits and powers of darkness that defy logic. While critics, doubters and skeptics will continue to suggest this isn’t real, numerous victims continue to speak out today testifying to the fact that nightmares can become reality when you wake up from a cold sweat with emotional and physical scars.
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation,” Matthew 12:43-45.
Prior to ten years ago, I didn’t believe that nightmares could become more than a dream. However, this all changed when I watched a marathon of Cold Case Files on A&E with my sister Kathie over Christmas break. Initially, I was relaxing, vegging on the couch. Yet, when a serial rapist began to open about a demon who visited his dreams in the form of a succubus, this got my attention. Afterward, I began to do my own research. I discovered succubus are female demons that seek to have sexual intercourse with sleeping men. According to men who have come forward, these spirits often appear beautiful at first before transfiguring into devil like entities. I felt compelled to write this blog not to scare people, but to prepare souls for future attacks so that you will be proactive in prayer to create hedges of spiritual protection. Don’t let the sun go down before preparing your heart, soul and mind with a covering from the Holy Spirit.
An arrival or occurrence of something in overwhelming quantities of water or amounts of debris highlight the magnitude of a tsunami. This act of God can erase a beach, tropical destination or village in a matter of minutes. Like a scene out of a chapter from Revelation, the Christmas morning tsunami which struck Thailand in 2004 devastated this region. In the passage below, the earthly brother of Jesus compares doubt with a spiritual tsunami that can ravage souls.
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind, James 1:6.
From time to time, I will cross paths with an extremely negative individual. Fueled by doubt, this unhealthy presence can persuade hopeful hearts to become consumed by stress, worry and unrest. Unless this invisible force is extinguished, doubt will continue to spread, poisoning souls one group at a time. While the initial traces of doubt may appear vague, roots of bitterness will rise up from within troubled hearts, brewing until verbal assaults are unleashed in person or via social media.
And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen, Matthew 21:21.
Jesus addressed doubt on numerous occasions with his own disciples. These exchanges reveal his frustration as future leaders of the church became numb to the miracles performed by Jesus daily, John 21:25. Perhaps, the words in the passage above are a call to snap out of it; wake up to the power of faith. Using the surrounding mountains as a teachable aid, Jesus exclaims, “see that mountain over there, you can move that which stands in your way through faith.” Yet, if doubt lingers, any dreams that you have will die. Therefore, believe, have faith and put your trust in God before doubt kills another victim.
If you take the time to catch up on breaking news, you might notice a disturbing new trend. Instead of providing the full context of a conversation, sound bytes are used to promote a certain narrative. Instead of relying on truth, justice and the American way, political allegiances have been formed. This decision has replaced the Bible with political correctness. Anyone who does not adhere to this new standard is attacked, exposed and slammed for intolerance. The idea of a corrupt media was something I thought was impossible, left for nations of dictators from third world nations. Yet, as the media’s elite begin to play God, redefining right and wrong, I’m afraid of what the future holds.
For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment, James 2:13.
In 2009, Paramore released Playing God, a single from their third album Brand News Eyes. Lead singer Hayley Williams was one of the authors of this song, collaborating with band members Josh Farro and Taylor York. The music video begins with Hayley sitting in her car, staring at a cross and a button of Jesus on her dashboard. This time of reflection sets the stage for a new concept, what if God did not introduce freewill? Instead God used force, to tie people up so they didn’t go where God didn’t want them to be. While God refuses to participate in this mindset, adults, other siblings and parents from time to time like to play God.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps, Proverbs 16:9.
Known for his wisdom, King Solomon addressed this topic during his day. According to Solomon, everyone has an idea, a plan for their lives. While your heart may guide you throughout this life, God ultimately establishes the direction you will take. Along the way, barriers, obstacles and road blocks stand in your way, altering your course. Thus, the sooner you start keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, the better off you will be. Rather than condemning those around you for not following the path of integrity, make sure you show mercy to others so that when you do fall, forgiveness will be extended to you.
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