Although inconsistent at times, I’ve tried to be a positive person in my spheres of influence, set on changing the mindsets of defeated souls. In high school, one of my ministries was seeking out the depressed and down to bring a glimpse of happiness, laughter and joy to their sad faces. However, now I find the shoe on the other foot as sorrow has moved in, keeping me company during the entire month of February.
Like a prized heavy weight slug fest from the Rocky series, my body has become a punching bag for Apollo Creed, scrambling for the ropes to hang on. Repeated blows to the heart have erased any remnants of confidence, making room for sorrow to feel at home. Since I lost control of my health weeks ago, I am finding solace in this helpless condition. Stripping away my impurities, desolation has forced me to seek a higher power to be rescued from disappointment.
Sorrow has lead me into the furnace, testing my faith beyond what I expected, 1 Peter 1:6-7. Stretching me like Plastic Man, I have a new appreciation for misfortune, viewing it as an opportunity to display a heavenly perspective, James 1:2-4. After this hurricane, I will be a better man, able to see the sun on the other side of the storm. With no easy way out, I am content to find solace in sorrow until the Lord calls me home.
If you listen to the national media, forgiveness is dependent upon your political affiliation, with democrats, liberals and socialists often receiving a pass for their transgressions. As long as you align yourself with the right people, are willing to play the game and refrain from politically incorrect topics, your mistakes will be glanced over. However, if you speak your mind, hold to conservative principles and believe in biblical teachings, your worldview doesn’t fit the new America being established today.
Despite what history unveils, revisionists are erasing the footsteps of God in America. Somewhere underneath the rug, the truth is being held captive, replaced by a more accepting and tolerant culture. Colleges, institutions and schools once founded to introduce the Bible to inquiring minds have been highjacked by post-modernists and progressives blazing a new trail for education. If this trend continues, there’s a chance God will remove himself from this nation, abandoning it like citizens who have fled from the way, John 14:6.
In the midst of his greatest rebellion, Israel’s king says something profound following his affair with Bathsheba. “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; Psalm 32:6.” If David continued down the road of lust, sexual immorality and murder, his time to repent would have expired. Something in his soul warned him, instilling a sense of urgency to confess his sin. Perhaps, the time for Americans is nearing an end, with God close to removing his blessing from this land. With this in mind, seek God while He may be found to secure a seat in heaven, 1 John 5:13.
As the 2014 Winter Olympics begin Friday, February 7th in Sochi, Russia, I am reminded of the drama previous events have delivered. Whether it’s a human interest story, someone rising to the challenge of stiff competition or the 1980 United States Hockey Team who came out of no where to defeat the U.S.S.R. and earn a gold medal one game later. Thus, as viewers tune in from all over the world to watch next weekend, who will be the next star, who shocks their fellow competitors with one shining moment of gold.
Looking back on my not so allustrious athletic career, most of the sports I played in high school were held off sight in a relatively obscure locations like local golf courses and State Parks. The only sport I participated in with bleachers was swimming, my weakest talent by far. Yes, my 200 Individual Medal Relay did earn a bronze medal at the 1986 State Meet held at the University of Delaware’s pool, but my lack of speed cost us the gold. Yet, in one of my last high school races as a senior, God moved me to swim faster than I ever had before. Despite dabbling in butterfly, back and free style, the 100 yard breast was my strongest stroke and race.
Leading our arch rival Brandywine by a point heading into the final 2 events, I was facing a cross town swimmer who was 1 second faster on average throughout the season. Typically, the number 1 swimmer swam the inside lanes, a little faster than the 2 outside lanes due to the wake splashing back into swimmers. However, just before stepping on the starting block, their top breast stroker switched lanes to shadow me in lane 1. After 25 yards I was slightly behind, pulling even by the halfway mark. Since the bleachers were right on top of lane 1, I began to hear a roar from lane 2 as I approached the final turn. The noise of the crowd, filled me adrenaline, causing me to go faster and faster as I touched the final wall, finish line. As I looked up, the noise was deafening as members of the final relay applauded my victory by 4 seconds, shattering my PR by 3 seconds. In addition, our other swimmer passed both of Brandywine’s breast strokers in the final 5 yards to earn second and mathematically clinch the win.
As great as this experience felt, there is only one other shining moment that compares. While in college I was asked to help out at a lock-in by my high school swim coach who had become a youth pastor. During the festivities, I was drawn to a kid who was called Satan by his peers. Yeah, he had a mean streak inside of him that was pure evil, but the Holy Spirit moved me to minister to him. Layer by layer, like peeling an onion, God began to show me the defense mechanism that he had created to prevent his heart from being broken again. During an altar call late in the night, I led this young man to invite Jesus into his heart, Romans 10:9-10. Able to fulfill the words of James 5:19-20, I sensed another round of applause, this time from heaven. “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine righteous persons who do not repent,” Luke 15:7. May you experience multiple spiritual shining moments in not just during the Olympics, but throughout life.
I know what you’re thinking; God doesn’t have favorites. The earthly brother of Jesus testifies to this fact with his own eyes, James 2:1. The rest of you are probably like, “who cares; why does it matter anyway?” You may be right, but the symbolism behind this color provides insight to God’s character and nature.
While God’s favorite metal is gold, fashioned, molded and shaped into every aspect of the tabernacle, Exodus 25-31, acacia appears to be the perfect wood for constructing non metallic pieces. Beside the 12 jewels representing each of the 12 tribes of Israel, blue, purple and scarlet appear to be God’s favorite mix of colors. Each of these 3 colors are woven into coverings, curtains and special garments worn by priests.
I’ll be honest; there are certain sections of the Bible that are hard to hold a person’s attention, especially this portion of Exodus and Leviticus. However, the Holy Spirit is teaching me there is a purpose for the details enclosed within this book. For instance, blue is symbolic of heaven and holy service. Meanwhile, purple represents royalty, a sign a riches due to the scarcity of this dye. Finally, scarlet is commingled with crimson in different translations, referring to blood, cleansing of sin, life and purification. When you follow the laws handed down by God to Moses, you are essentially displaying blue, purple and scarlet through your actions. May the prayer of David in Psalm 51:10-12 become a reality for you in 2014, illuminating blue, purple and scarlet!
Whether you are old, young or somewhere in between, hopelessness can lead people to question what they are doing? When things don’t go your way, creating a snowball effect, minds might begin to wonder if God really cares about you and your situation? If these trials persist, doubt often enters the scene causing individuals to begin to believe, “what’s the point of praying?” “Why should I continue to pour my heart and soul into prayer, when nothing seems to change.”
This is where you will find David in Psalm 5. In the midst of his circumstances, this servant of God wanted to make sure he wasn’t praying in vain. Thus, he reminds God of his attributes, character and personality early in the morning. Using God as a crutch, David realizes the Lord is his last resort, the only force able to transform his predicament. Tired of seeing arrogant, deceitful, evil and wicked individuals proper, David pleads with God based upon Moses words in the Old Testament. Not worthy to be called righteous, David rests in mercy, Psalm 5:7, entering God’s presence with reverence and respect. Prayers like this one inspired the Lord to call his humble servant a man after God’s heart, 1 Samuel 16:7.
Wherever this blog may find you, confidence lies in results. As soon as you see direct answers and progress, your attitude will improve. However, if your words offered up in faith return unanswered, one of 3 things may be true, First, God may be keeping you from something that might steer you away from Him. Second, God’s timing is likely not aligned with your prayer, resulting in a “not right now” response, Ecclesiastes 3:11. Finally, there is a chance that someone, something or an unconfessed sin from the past is blocking God’s reply, Isaiah 1:15-17. Follow the principles of Isaiah 1:18-19 and you will leave vanity for sanity, experiencing a slice of heaven here on earth, Matthew 6:33-34.
When I was in junior high, I lost my retainer walking home from a friends. Although I should have had it in my mouth, I was a teenage boy who just happened to put this retainer in a pocket with a hole. To make matters worse, it was late fall with large leaves everywhere on the ground. As I retraced my steps, I had to get a rake, spending hours until dark searching and praying. Unsuccessful, I went back early the next morning on Saturday, desperately hoping I didn’t have to tell my parents I lost a $300 dental piece. On a whim and many prayers, I tripped over my retainer, uncovered all the debris and went home rejoicing.
In the gospel of Luke, a doctor devotes an entire chapter to the theme of lost and found. Whether its a sheep that wandered off from its owner, a woman misplacing a valuable coin or a rebellious son who lost his moral compass, each parable illustrates the love of God the Father. According to Luke 15:7, any time a sinner who has lost their way finds their way back to Jesus, angels celebrate in heaven rejoicing over a repentant soul. Whenever the lost are found, fairy tale endings occur.
However, today there are more distractions to cause the curious to stray off course. In fact, one may say the severity of temptations in this age may be greater than ever. Nonetheless, you should not use disclaimers or create a built in excuse for sin. Moreover, 1 Peter 2:11-12 is pertinent advice, warning the unprepared by the invisible war just in case anyone get’s too comfortable. As for now, make sure pride doesn’t convince you to believe that you can be your own shepherd. Follow the principles of Proverbs 3:5-6 and you will stay in communion with God.
As a child, watching the Wizard of Oz was an annual event, terrifying at times, haunted by the wicked witch. Yet, I always hung in there for the finish, expecting the fairy tale ending. However, I wonder if any other grown ups still think there a better place some where over the rainbow.
According to King David, this place does exist, like heaven on earth, Psalm 23:6. Once an individual is able to place their sole trust in the divine shepherd, access to a life beyond the rainbow is attainable. Though gold is not mentioned, happy days are here again and again, staying in daily fellowship with God. This spiritual anointing is symbolic of rebirth, living life to its fullest, John 10:10.
Unfortunately, life deals out more nightmares than fairy tales. Sure, from time to time, miracles do happen, but its hard to have faith in a world full of people falling apart at the seams, oozing a trail of sin in their rear view mirror. This negativity serves like a bad after taste you can’t get rid of with gum or mints. Rather, hope lies in the beholder, seeing beyond the current shower into what is ahead, the rainbow. May you experience this joy before you die, Luke 23:43.
Psalm 23:2 implies several things about the relationship between a sheep and his shepherd. The expression “makes me lie down” suggests a sheep has submitted to his master. This commitment yields an individual’s power of control over to their shepherd, acknowledging total surrender. Like an act of faith, this decision essentially communicates that you have embraced God’s ways, a sign you have turned over a new lease on life to the Lord of heaven and earth. In return, Jesus promises a future which contains green pastures.
Mark 1:35-39 is a real life example of Psalm 23. Jesus models an ideal prayer life, early in the morning, in solitude, without the distractions of the world to interrupt your connection with God the Father. Although some may claim there know exactly what they want to do and where they expect to go on a specific day, the Shepherd knows best. While praying, the Holy Spirit showed Jesus where to go and what to do, Mark 1:38. As a result, the disciples experienced the green pastures of prayer during their 3 years with Jesus before his death, resurrection and ascension. The only question remaining is, can modern followers of Jesus find similar blessings?
Although opinions vary, I believe beyond the walls of doubt exists a lush oasis, waiting for your arrival. However, daily obstacles often keep you from day dreaming of such a place. Nonetheless, once you wade through the stresses of life, a shepherd stands guard at a gate. This entrance to a promised land, illuminates the truth of the Word of God. Accessible by prayer, may you see for yourself the green pastures awaiting for God’s children. When prayer inspires tithing, the floodgates to heaven on earth will open, Malachi 3:10-12. Come now will the grass is still green…
Although their initial origin is disputed, the word dungeon is likely derived from the Frankish term dungjo, referring to a vault, a concealed and hidden space. By the 14th century, the English developed underground prisons within their castles also known as oubliettes due to their typical shape and design. According to Genesis 41:14, prisoners went without bathing or shaving, stuck in a living hell hole on earth. In Joseph’s case, he was waiting on God for more than 2 years to set him free.
Today, these man made structures have been replaced by an invisible pit, deep inside the human soul. Formed by doubt, this dungeon is like a haunted house, creepy, dark and void of hope. When an individual appears to be reaching the top of this hole, disbelief and skepticism often hinder progress as the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2, maintains his grip, holding a saint in bondage for yet another day, Ephesians 6:12. While self conceit and doubt wrestle for control, a life filled with disappointment serves as dark clouds, blocking any rays of optimism, paralyzing a believer from fully escaping.
Like a patient receiving medical attention, nightmares, scars and seeds of doubt linger after your release. The human mind serves as a sponge, absorbing the trauma you have endured, playing tricks on you once freed from the devil’s talons. Thus, one needs a spiritual reboot, cleansing all the viruses you have been infected by through the word of God, Colossians 2:6-8. The Bible presents people with truth serum, replacing doubt with faith, Romans 10:17. While not fully healed until heaven, Psalm 119:105 introduces curious onlookers to the only full proof escape route from the dungeon of doubt.
Inside of book 3 within Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote a chapter entitled Sexual Morality. Lewis takes an unusual angle, comparing food to sex, using this to explain why an adult may venture into a strip club. This appetite is called the Beast of Lust by the group Tribe of Dan, a powerful force which persuades people to wander further than they ever expected or thought to go beyond God’s boundaries defined by the Bible. Lewis is likely referencing 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, where the apostle Paul warns believers against giving into their sexual desires outside of marriage. Paul introduces the concept of soul ties, where sleeping with another person binds a part of your soul together with this individual. These ties are strong, often ruining marriages due to previous encounters, one night stands or prior relationships.
One of my favorite classes I taught for 10 years changed its name several times, yet the textbook remained the same, Mere Christianity. Upon reaching C.S. Lewis’ chapter on sex, I usually spent a day introducing students to Leviticus 18, a guide for what is and what isn’t lawful sexually. Although many of the things mentioned are common sense, if you have ever read the book of Genesis, you might be surprised by what you missed, overlooked or like me, shake your head, feeling like you need a shower. Incest, homosexuality and one night stands are a common theme within the first 37 chapters of Genesis. Chapter 38 even eludes to masterbation in verses 9-10 and contains an act of prostitution before ending in the birth of twins. Yes, there are definitely shocking words from inside the Bible, yet why do they exist?
First, sex is the first and last act of the sinful nature. Galatians 5:19 lists sexual immorality as the most natural feeling, inclination or tendency that human beings face. When someone feeds this hunger without limits, it can give birth to orgies, the last act of the flesh in Galatians 5:21 when sin is full blown. Second, God doesn’t beat around the bush; He is honest, telling the world what to expect when you indulge into worldly pleasures, Romans 8:5-9. Free will gives everyone options, to do as they please while on earth. Finally, Jesus is real, speaking on your level, even if it meant speaking to drunk guests at weddings, John 2:1-11. While many churches are afraid of speaking about sex in sermons, the Bible is full of shocking words to get your attention so that one day, you might make reservations for a future life in heaven, John 3:16-17. Jesus is just a prayer away, Romans 10:9-10!
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