Jesus Jones was the first to record the song Right Here Right Now in 1990. Fatboy Slim, Zac Efron, Giorgio Moroder and Jordin Sparks have since followed this British alternative dance artist with their own version. The original lyrics talk about a revolution, waiting for and taking advantage of the moment, right here, right now. Unfortunately, many people have lost hope, doubtful and faithless that their life will make a difference.
For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught, Proverbs 3:26.
While success breeds confidence, any type of extended losing stretch can crush fragile souls. When individuals lose their momentum, assurance quickly fades away. Subsequently, body language, certainty and positivity tends to waver. Instead of seizing the moment like the song right here right now, its not uncommon for people to become a shell of themselves. This is where you have a choice to bear down or throw in the towel.
Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 2 Corinthians 3:5.
Following his conversion, the apostle Paul discovered an important lesson about life. Although its natural to want to be in control of your life, faith has a way of altering your focus. Instead of worrying about worldly aspects, Paul found sufficiency by trusting in God. If you’re tired of dealing with the stress of life, its time to make a permanent change. Therefore, right here right now place your trust in Jesus so that God will make your life whole, John 10:10.
Inside of every human being, subtle imperfections exist. While its easy to focus on the negative, highlighting the good within people seems like a lost art. Driven by a political climate where enemies are destroyed, discredited or smeared, malevolent thoughts are taking over. Instead of listening to the guiding light of your conscience, a glimmer of darkness is infiltrating minds to promote hostility.
And He said, “Whatever comes from [the heart of] a man, that is what defiles and dishonors him.21 For from within, [that is] out the heart of men, come base and malevolent thoughts and schemes, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, adulteries,22 acts of greed and covetousness, wickedness, deceit, unrestrained conduct, envy and jealousy, slander and profanity, arrogance and self-righteousness and foolishness (poor judgment).23 All these evil things [schemes and desires] come from within and defile and dishonor the man,” Mark 7:20-23.
During a parable known as the heart of man, Jesus’ harsh words made his disciples feel uncomfortable. After the crowds went home, the disciples requested a private meeting, wanting to understand what Jesus meant by malevolent thoughts. If the eyes are the lamp of the body, Matthew 6:19-24, the heart is the voice within. Cursing, inappropriate language and swearing doesn’t happen over night. Rather, words naturally flow out of what’s stored up inside your heart.
But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. 17 For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do, Galatians 5:16-17.
The apostle Paul blames this conflict on a spiritual battle between 2 opposing powers. If Lucifer infected Eve with lust in the Garden of Eden, the presence of sin has become a deadly venom poisoning once innocent hearts. While cable news, social media and talk radio focus on outward actions, deeds and words, no one is addressing the heart of this matter. Unless individuals begin to take this condition serious, malevolent thoughts will continue to create havoc. May this blog awaken your soul so that you will become responsive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to overcome malevolent thoughts.
The 2013 film the Anonymous People is a documentary about 23.5 million Americans living in long term recovery from drugs and alcohol. According to Many Faces One Voice, the Anonymous People is a movement to change the perception of addiction is this country. The content of this project spans nearly five decades, illustrating how the war on drugs actually hindered and stunted this groups progress. Actress Kristen Johnston opens up about her battle with addiction, sharing her pain from personal encounters with Hollywood’s denial of this epidemic.
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken, Psalm 34:17-20.
The Bible reveals God’s compassion on broken hearted people. While there are many factors that result in bruised, crushed and wounded hearts, the Lord has a history of reaching out to desperate souls. In biblical times, the diseased, ill and sick were cast outside of city limits, fearful healthy citizens would contract their ailment. Similar to the fear of AIDS in the 1980’s, those stigmatized by society are fighting a losing battle. Thus, its essential to turn the tide by beginning to change the hearts and minds of Americans with a convincing argument.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working, James 5:16.
The Bible and the road to recovery share a similar concept, confession. Whether you are attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting or come to your spiritual senses, opening up is the first step toward healing. The second Great Awakening in Great Britain arose out of young people standing up in front of a church to publically confess their sins. This brave act compelled others to open up about their dark past. The more individuals begin to share their own struggles, others will be inspired to do the same. May this blog motivate you to step out in faith so that others can avoid the same mistakes others have made in their lives.
In 1985 Michael J. Fox plays Marty McFly, a high school student who becomes friends with a mad scientist played by Christopher Lloyd. When Doc Brown creates a time machine out of a Delorean, Michael J. Fox races into the past to save his friends life in Back to the Future. When his interactions alter the course of his families history, Marty has to convince his father George who is a teenager at the time to ask his mother Lorraine to the dance where they first kissed. After a band member gets hurt, Marty steps in to set the mood so that this moment occurs. Before leaving to return to the future, Marty shares a song that hadn’t been introduced to this generation, referring to this as an oldie, but goodie.
I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone [just one grain, never more]. But if it dies, it produces much grain and yields a harvest, John 12:24.
One of Jesus’ disciples recalls a special message within his gospel. During Passion Week, Jesus’ final week on earth before suffering, dying on a cross and rising again, the passage above was first spoken. Jesus is providing a foreshadowing of his future fate. While the disciples were oblivious to this comment at the time, Jesus knew this was his destiny, John 3:16-17. Just as a grain of wheat must die to yield a harvest, the son of God paid the price for all of mankind’s sin, Colossians 2:13-15. This is a promise for all generations.
The one who loves his life [eventually] loses it [through death], but the one who hates his life in this world [and is concerned with pleasing God] will keep it for life eternal.26 If anyone serves Me, he must [continue to faithfully] follow Me [without hesitation, holding steadfastly to Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]; and wherever I am [in heaven’s glory], there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him, John 12:25-26.
In the passage above, Jesus explains the way to eternal life. However, this theory goes against what people are taught, from early education to pursuing a career. Like the line in the movie Cars “turn right to go left,” Jesus proclaims those who hate life on earth will keep it in heaven. Initially, this concept is hard to grasp. Yet, as you meditate, pondering these words, its clear you have to give before you receive. Until you develop a servant’s heart, putting others before yourself, human nature will pull you toward pleasing your selfish desires. Thus, as Easter Sunday approaches, may you long for a faith without hesitation, holding steadfast to God’s promises in the Bible no matter what happens in this life.
Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play two terminally ill men seeking to fulfill a list of wishes before each pass away in the 2007 film Bucket List. This movie has spawned a worldwide movement, awakening souls to make the most of their time on earth. Books, social media and you tube videos have helped spread this grassroots movement to live out your childhood dreams.
Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover Feast. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the Feast; 43 and as they were returning [to [j]Nazareth], after spending the required number of days [at the Feast], the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. Now His parents did not know this, 44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and traveled a day’s journey; and [then] they began searching [anxiously] for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they did not find Him, they went back to Jerusalem looking for Him [everywhere]. 46 Three days later they found Him in the [court of the] temple, sitting among the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions, Luke 2:41-46.
As I read through the New Testament, it appears Jesus had his own bucket list consisting of three goals. The first occurs immediately following his bar mitzvah, the Jewish ceremony where a twelve year old boy becomes a man. Similar to Confirmation for Christians, this tradition allowed Jesus to officially join the temple and begin to teach. Jesus was so excited by this opportunity that he spent three days inside the Nazareth temple listening to and debating adults. According to Luke, Jesus spoke with authority without having any former education.
When the wine was all gone, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no more wine.” 4 Jesus said to her, “[Dear] woman, what is that to you and to Me? My time [to act and to be revealed] has not yet come.”5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it,” John 2:3-5.
While waiting 12 years to finally teach, Jesus spent the next 18 living in obscurity as a carpenter. After John the Baptist was imprisoned, this set the stage for next phase of Jesus’ life, to become a fisher of men. However, Jesus needed to call twelve men to become his disciples, only half way there at the time of the wedding above. Jesus’ second item on his bucket list was performing miracles, waiting for his ministry team to be complete. Yet, Jesus promised to obey his parents at the end of Luke 2, choosing to honor his mother’s request anyway.
There are also many other signs (attesting miracles) that Jesus performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of God; and that by believing [and trusting in and relying on Him] you may have life in His name, John 20:30-31.
This initial miracle pails in comparison to the last item on Jesus’ bucket list. Jesus refers to preparing a place for his disciples in heaven, John 14:1-4. However, completing his mission on earth involved suffering and dying. This final goal took 3 years of planning, a selfless heart and the will to finish what God began. Thus, while hanging on a cross, Jesus signals the accomplishment of this final item in John 19:30. When Jesus says, “it is finished,” this means that Jesus completed the will of God on earth. While checking off items from a bucket list is an honorable pursuit, the greatest thing you can do in life is identifying, obeying and completing God’s will for your life on earth.
If you maintain a burdensome schedule each week, finding time to take an honest assessment of your life isn’t easy to do. Most busy people press on. ignoring any signs, symptoms or traces of trouble. When a state of emergency was issued for Delaware during the fourth snow storm in March, I was forced to slow down, unable to go to work. After reading the passage below, an overwhelming sense of guilt struck my soul, exposing a defiled heart.
After He called the people to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen [carefully] to Me, all of you, [hear] and understand [what I am saying]: there is nothing outside a man [such as food] which by going into him can defile him [morally or spiritually]; but the things which come out of [the heart of] a man are what defile and dishonor him.16 [If anyone has ears to hear, let him he}” Mark 7:15-16.
As a former high school teacher, I gave my students some sort of assessment every 3 weeks. Homework, papers, quizzes and exams were given during each unit to reveal the degree of comprehension. Unfortunately, after graduating from high school or college, adults rarely think about assessing their faith like educators. This lack of reflection often hides glaring issues. As for me, a lack of candor has brought to light a defiled heart.
For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit.44 For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit. For figs are not picked from thorn bushes, nor is a cluster of grapes picked from a briar bush.45 The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart, Luke 6:43-45.
According to Jesus, your choice of language provides immediate feedback to what’s in your heart. If you find yourself using coarse joking, put downs or sarcasm, this serves as a warning of a heart in grave condition. In order to take a positive step forward, confession is the best place to start, James 5:16. If your language does not improve, finding an accountability partner can help turn your life around. While transformation takes time, meditating on Bible verses, prayer and fasting are all honorable steps toward healing a defiled heart.
There are moments in life where you will be in high demand. Depending upon the emergency, project or situation, people will turn to you for advice. To avoid any impure motives, pride or selfish ambitions, Jesus developed a morning routine. This spiritual discipline involved getting up early, withdrawing to a quiet place and praying to God. As a way to clear his mind, Jesus meditated, listened in silence and poured out his heart to God. This daily exercise prevented Jesus from losing touch with reality.
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there, Mark 1:35.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about Jesus’ disciples. Caught up in the instant rock star status of their leader, it appears the disciples were afraid to tell fans no. After Jesus healed his mother in law, Peter sought to please people, hoping everyone could experience the joy his own family felt. Subsequently, Peter became like Jesus’ agent, booking appointments for future healings and miracles. When Jesus was located the next day, Peter had to scrap his plan as God gave Jesus a clear vision for the future.
Simon [Peter] and his companions searched [everywhere, looking anxiously] for Him, 37 and they found Him and said, “Everybody is looking for You!” 38 He replied, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so I may preach there also; that is why I came [from the Father].” Mark 1:36-38.
Recently, I have been so consumed with my own dreams, goals and objectives that I have lost touch with reality. I guess I became so focused, fixated on what I wanted that I haven’t taken the time to be still and meet with God. Sure, I’ve had my morning devotions and prayer, but as soon as I was finished its back to what I want to do. This is a dangerous place to find yourself, blinded by selfish ambition. If you want to avoid making the same mistake that Peter and I have made, take a step back, find and quiet place and listen to the Lord. If you make this a weekly practice, you will be less likely to lose touch with reality.
One of William Shakespeare’s well known comedies is the Taming of the Shrew. Written in the early 1590’s, this play has been adapted numerous times for stage, screen, opera, ballet, and musical theatre. While this production highlights a bad-tempered and aggressively assertive woman, the Bible speaks of an another beast with a similar reputation. According to John, this inner demon feeds off of worldly desires. Fueled by longings, lust and sensual desires, few people have had success in taming these cravings.
Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world, 1 John 2:15-16.
According to Jesus, the eyes serve as the lamp of the human body, Matthew 6:22-24. If your eyes are good, fixated on Jesus, Hebrews 12:2, spiritual light will guide your steps. However, if you allow your eyes to wander, take a second glance and begin to stare at unwholesome sights, darkness will enter your body. This seemingly innocent act starts a chain reaction that awakens fleshly desires. Those who indulge in masturbation, pornography and or sex outside of marriage corrupts hearts, souls and minds.
The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever, 1 John 2:17.
The only cure known to the cravings of the sinful nature is pursuing God’s will. In his Sermon of the Mount, Jesus tells his audience where your heart is, your treasure will be also. Thus, those who appease earthly cravings will be distracted, focused on satisfying temporary pleasures in life. The only way to tame this spiritual shrew is by setting your heart and mind on things above, Colossians 3:1-4. Those who learn to clothe themselves with Christ can overcome the demons of your past. While this is not an easy process, may the Holy Spirit fill you with discipline, insight and wisdom to tame any unholy craving within you.
Whose Line is it Anyway began as a radio program in Great Britain before moving to television in 1988. This improvisational comedy show uses 4 celebrities who participate in a series of skit like activities. The only catch is that these individuals must make up things as they go, without any planning, off to the top of their heads. From 1998 to 2007, Drew Carey served as the host with Wayne Brady, Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles as the regular contestants, alternating a few others as the fourth. One of the games played is Questions Only, where interactions between 2 people must begin with a question. If not, contestants get buzzed by the host, switching with the person on their side of the stage. The concept of questions only is nothing new as Jesus used this conversational style to reveal the mystery of the kingdom of God during the first century.
As soon as He was alone, those who were around Him, together with the twelve [disciples], began asking Him about [the interpretation of] the parables, Mark 4:10.
The first 4 books of the New Testament include 46 parables used by Jesus. These simple stories were used to illustrate a moral or spiritual truth. Similar to modern analogies, stories tend to hold the attention of an audience. Jesus used common occupations such as farming or fishing to speak to the massive crowds which followed him. In a sense, Jesus was a motivational speaker, using faith as the vehicle to overcome the obstacles confronting people. The context of the passage above follows the Parable of the Sower. This story involves seeds planted in four different types of soils. Each environment upon which these seeds fell greatly influenced the overall growth. Perhaps confused by these details, the disciples requested a private meeting with Jesus, hoping to clarify the correct interpretation of this parable. This is where Jesus began to unveil the mysteries of the kingdom of God.
He said to them, “The mystery of the kingdom of Godhas been given to you [who have teachable hearts], but those who are outside [the unbelievers, the spiritually blind] get everything in parables, Mark 4:11.
The apostle Paul in Romans 1:18-20 claims that all human beings come into contact with the invisible qualities of God. Signs of creation like rainbows, sunsets and the birth of a newborn child are clearly seen so that no one is without excuse. This sets the stage for the Parable of the Sower. The kingdom of God is presented to everyone at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, the timing is not always good. Thus, some people receive this news when their heart is hardened, landing on compacted ground. This seed is stolen by the evil one. Others are introduced to Jesus during rocky times, when people are unstable, not on firm footing. Thus, without any room for roots to develop, storms, turbulent times and unforeseen events uproot any type of faith that had been planted. Meanwhile, many people seek God when stress, trials or worries become too much of burden. However, if these conditions persist, joy for life is lost, choked by spiritual briar patches and sticker bushes that continue to wound your soul. The only way to recover from bad environments is by plowing the soil around you to allow living water to nurture the seed sown into your heart. If necessary, add bags of dirt, remove any rocks that stunt growth and don’t forget to weed wack. May you reach the point of Matthew 9:12, mature enough to feed yourself spiritually with a combination of Bible Study, prayer and worship. Come to your senses quickly and emulate the persistent widow so that the kingdom of heaven will be your home, John 14:2.
My son Daniel recently took the whole family out to dinner. Proud of his new job, working at the local Brazilian Steakhouse, he wanted everyone to taste the food he takes home each night. During the evening, several co-workers complimented my son of his strong work ethic and dependability. Surprised by all this flattery, I thought to myself, “what have I done?” Drawing a blank, I couldn’t point to anything in particular. The only thing that came to mind was my daily prayers for each member of my family. Perhaps, this simple discipline is paying off, transforming individuals through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” Matthew 5:4.
One of the hardest parts of praying is the uncertainty of answers to prayer. God answers with one of three responses, yes, no and not now. While some things are obvious like praying for a job or getting into the school of your choice, most topics for prayer take weeks, months or years to get a clear reply. Although, I have gone through periods of doubt, wondering if I was merely wasting my time, a verse from the book of Acts has given me hope. According to Luke, a well known first century physician, God has the ability to commemorate acts of faith.
Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God, Acts 10:4.
Cornelius was a God fearing centurion who led the Italian Regiment. Cornelius wasn’t a do what I say, not what I do kind of guy. Rather, Cornelius practiced his faith, emulating a godly leader at home and on the battle field. Based upon the angelic encounter above, God has the ability to bless, honor and memorialize prayer warriors. Therefore, if you feel like your current prayer life is void of results, don’t lose heart. Rather, press on with another reason to pray so that God will respond soon to your heart felt plea for action.
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