Aimless, chaotic and dis-organized are terms associated with haphazard. Although there is nothing wrong about being casual, some things require your full attention. Unfortunately, as standards across the board continue to decline, a new mindset has developed, “why should I follow all the rules if no one else does?”
This seed of doubt has inspired a generation with a faith that can be best described as haphazard. On Sunday’s, most people put on their happy faces. By Monday, the memory of church often fades, depleted by stress and worry. If traces of faith are neglected by believers, the love for God and others can disappear, replaced with selfishness.
Subsequently, many walk away disappointed, like the rich young ruler who tried to impress Jesus in Matthew 19:16-25. The moral of this story is that no one is ever good enough to earn their way to heaven, Romans 3:9-12. Regardless of your level of commitment, redemption can only be obtained through Christ, Romans 5:6-8. While a haphazard faith may be a current reality, pray that the Word of the Lord, Romans 10:17, will resurrect dead or dying souls.
The proud have a history of taking pride in their comfortable position. With confidence not an issue, this personality trait tends to blind individuals from the actual state of their soul. Consistent with first century Pharisees, these people ignore their own flaws, using comparison to enhance their self-esteem. If necessary, personal attacks are used, putting down lesser humans beings to protect their status in society, Romans 2:1.
Meanwhile, the insecure take the fall, allowing the elites to push them around. Unable to hide their emotions, depression, sadness and tears reveal the pain in their hearts. Call it being naive, yet faking their pitiful condition seems wrong. Thus, humility reigns, displaying true remorse for the sins they’ve committed and the idleness preventing change. Like tax collectors and prostitutes of the past, crowds flee, not wanting to be associated with those who have tarnished their reputations.
Not much has changed since Jesus first shared the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. Two thousand years later, a sequel is being played out with a different cast of characters. Most play the role of the older brother, yelling, “I told you so,” casting judgement on those caught in the act of sin. The less popular actor, stumbles and falls until they reach the bottom of the barrel. Unfortunately, it usually takes the pain of embarrassment to admit fault. May anyone struggling to find your way come to your senses soon so that true remorse will be rewarded by God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy.
While listening to a sermon over the weekend, I was challenged to reflect on what if any impact I’ve had during my days on this planet. Jesus and the apostle Paul, shared a similar message, urging their listeners to begin to store up treasures on earth, Matthew 6:19-21 and Colossians 3:1-4. If heaven does exist and Jesus went ahead to prepare the way, John 14:2, then its time you and I begin the imprinting process.
Although minor in many ways, my first mark involved music. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, I felt compelled to inform people of God’s love. Sorting through a vast collection of Christian music in college, I created a mix that I began to give to individuals, just as a high school friend did for me. Trying to introduce people to contemporary artists, one particular creation entitled A Father”s Love struck a cord with several friends and strangers. In the days of writing letters, words of encouragement appeared in the mail box, confirming that I was on the right track.
My greatest inscription occurred during a Lay Witness Mission, a fancy name for a retreat geared toward reviving souls for a spiritually dead or dying congregation. Beside being an active participant during youth group activities, my main responsibility was to share a brief testimony, what God was teaching me or doing in my life. At a moment’s notice, I was suppose to be ready. Well, I waited and waited and waited. Finally, on Saturday night, I was told I would be talking to the entire congregation. After praying with my roommate that night, the Lord took over so when the appointed time came, I opened my mouth and the Holy Spirit spoke. Before finishing, I offered up a call for action, then played a song. As I looked up, some were actually running to the altar, dedicating their lives to Jesus.
Since this day, I guess I can include my wife, kids and a decade as a Bible teacher. However, in between the victories, there have been plenty of moments of failure, idleness and periods of self-indulgence. When you taste defeat, the best pill to swallow is humility, an important practice to keep you on the narrow path to heaven, Matthew 7:13-15. As the second coming of Jesus draws near, don’t forget to leave your imprints on earth while heaven awaits for those who call on the name of the Lord, Romans 10:9-11.
A few years ago, an atheist neighbor cried out to Jesus late in the evening. When his dog got loose once again, she ran in front of a car traveling down the street. With little time to react, this accident could not be avoided. As his dog struggled to survive, his prayer was fervent, “O Jesus, don’t let my dog die!” On his way to a local vet, this prayer was repeated several times, speeding off in his SUV. Unfortunately, sometimes our prayers don’t get answered or the outcome we desire is not fulfilled, ending in another pet tragedy.
Following the terrorists attack on the United States during September 11th, 2001, millions of Americans dropped to their knees to pray. In this moment of despair, people turned to houses of prayer seeking comfort. When the South Tower of the World Trade Center came crumbling to the ground at 9:58 am, several thousand were thought to be dead. Although nearly 3000 did pass away in 3 different states, desperation led countless individuals to re-evaluate their lives. As a result, families were conceived, relationships renewed and faith born again.
Thirteen years later, the worse is yet to come. If the book of Revelation is correct, there will be 7 seven years of tribulation, unlike anything the world has seen before. Once the prophecies within the Bible have been fulfilled, Jesus will return. Though no one knows the exact day or time, signs have been left as clues to the future in Matthew 24. I won’t speculate like many false prophets of the past, yet God will continue to use desperate times to achieve His will. If you reach a point of desolation, may the promise of Psalm 102:17 lead God to hear and answer your prayers.
Over the course of a year, there tends to be a couple of messages, sermons that I can’t avoid. As conviction lingers, the truth conveyed doesn’t go away. While laying in bed the other night, one thought kept repeating itself, “who’s leading who?”
When you enter into a new relationship, Romans 10:9-10, priorities should change. However, if you are use to living a certain way, its hard to adjust or alter your lifestyle. Although some Christians may talk a good game, yielding control over to Jesus as Lord can be a constant struggle. Subsequently, some days you do it your way and occasionally you take God’s advice.
The apostle Paul suggests the an internal battle is brewing, Galatians 5:16-18, with sinful desires trying to remain in control. Meanwhile, these distractions attempt to block your communication with God, Galatians 5:25. The only way to distinguish God’s still small voice is by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. The Lord doesn’t force the issue. Rather, the choice is yours: to live by the Spirit or indulge your fleshly desires. Who’s leading who? This answer will be revealed by the fruit that you bear, John 15:7-8.
Depending upon who you listen to or believe, many revisionist historians blame Christianity for the demise of great empires of the past. Quite contrary, often its the lack of morality, either absent from followers of Jesus or invisible from societies which contribute to the fall of once great nations. You don’t have to go any further than America’s current view of their justice system. In the eyes of the media, you are now guilty until proven innocent.
Names like Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy, NFL stars accused of domestic violence, are guinea pigs on this slippery slope. While the facts may not support their innocence, cable news networks and radio talk shows have already made up their minds. Who needs a jury anyway? In the court of public opinion, the decision is clear, guilty as charged!
Psalm 103:6-8 speaks up for any citizen who has been through under the bus. The Lord hears the cries of the oppressed, bringing justice and working righteousness in the midst of despair. God’s love is not distant, introduced to Moses and passed on through generations by reminding earth’s residents of His compassion, love and mercy. Although, the evidence may not look good for anyone accused of a crime, don’t forget that in the America that I remember, you are innocent until proven guilty.
In life, there are no certainties, as each day on earth involves a plethora of possibilities. Whether good, bad or indifferent, blessings and curses usually come and go like an endless cycle. Nonetheless, when faith is the issue, you shouldn’t have to ask someone where they stand; this should be obvious.
The example Jesus uses can be found in his Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:13-16. Faith is compared with salt, adding flavor to one’s life by preserving the soul through mediating, reading and reflecting on the Bible, Joshua 1:8. Subsequently, faith should ignite hearts toward action, illuminating the love of God through deeds, a Christ like example and encouraging words.
According to the apostle Paul, gifts, personalities and talents vary, Romans 12:6-8. Thus, being outspoken and vocal is not essential. Rather, faith should compel individuals to demonstrate their commitment for Jesus on a regular basis, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. By displaying faith, co-workers, family members and neighbors should be drawn to you, pondering, “something is different about him or her?” You shouldn’t have to ask me, you should see this little light of mine shine daily.
The series A Haunting began in 2005 on the Discovery Channel. Nearly a decade later, Destination America produced a 7th season this year, captivating audiences with paranormal activity. As a casual viewer, the idea of demonic entities, exorcisms and haunted houses challenges my biblical worldview. However, there are answers in the Bible to explain the reality of haunted places.
First of all, the disciples refer to ghosts several times in the 4 gospels, thinking Jesus was a ghost on a few occasions. Why would the Bible’s authors talk about ghosts and refer to the Holy Spirit as a holy ghost if they did not exist. Secondly, demons were a daily obstacle to Jesus and his 3 year ministry on earth. If you get a chance to study the gospel of Matthew particularly, you will find to demons and or spirit entities can cause epileptic seizures, loss of hearing, illness, muteness and paralysis. Although Hollywood may over-dramatize scenes, spiritual darkness can hover over specific homes, properties or nations.
Take for instance the encounter within Daniel 10:13. The prince of Persia, a demonic stronghold in this region, fought Daniel for 21 straight days. If this is true, then places around the world, especially those with a history of civil war, continue to reign today, holding their citizens hostage. While people may eventually flee a haunted home, property or kingdom, these spirits remain living and active. If I could unlock the answers to this phenomena, I would likely become a wealthy man, but for now if you want to know more, find resources on spiritual mapping. Like modern GPS systems, spiritual mapping often detects and exposes the secrets behind haunted places.
If you follow Twitter, listen to Talk Radio or watch Cable News, then you have a slight inclination on what’s wrong with this country and the world as a whole. Countless individuals have forgotten the words of Jesus in John 8:6-9, “let him who is without sin throw the first stone.” Blinded by hypocrisy, ignorance or simply oblivious to their spiritual condition, many are acting as judge, jury and executioner, piling on with stone after stone.
In view of TMZ’s release on their website earlier in the week of Ray Rice striking his soon to be wife in an elevator, the media has stirred the masses into a tizzy. With one person down, Ray Rice, kicked to the curb on Monday after being release by the Baltimore Ravens, the next victim is Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL. People are lining up in droves to take their shots, putting pressure on Goodell to resign. As radio and television analysts comment on the hot topic of this week, abused women, there’s an eerie silence for the unborn child, killed every day because the law says its okay.
The only person in the media who has made any sense this week is Steve Smith, veteran wide receiver of the Ravens, formerly a member of the Carolina Panthers. Steve reminded the press that God is the only true judge. Although citizens like to pretend to be the judge and part of the jury, God will hold everyone accountable based upon what they have done on earth, Matthew 12:36-37. Before another human being in thrown under the bus this week, refrain yourself the next time you have an urge to trash someone. For if you do, you will likely reap what you sow and one day you will be at the mercy of the judge, jury and executioner.
In a chapter entitled, Anatomy of Adultery, Dr. James Dobson addresses a shocking trend in America. Although men were more guilty of committing adultery in previous decades, today married women 29 years of age and younger have turned the tables on their spouses, indulging in significantly more affairs than men. Another study from Dr. Kelly Bonewell reveals 4 out of 10 Americans believe adultery is morally acceptable. If this is true, many adults are inches away from adultery.
The topic of adultery is nothing new. During his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus threw a curve ball to those in attendance. Formerly regarded as something only a married man or woman could commit, Jesus introduces a spiritual element to adultery in Matthew 5:27-30. This perspective has no limitations, including all ages, who are also vulnerable to temptation. Adultery isn’t just a sin, its a byproduct of lust. Therefore, if flirting gives birth to lust, James 1:13-15, even Christians can draw close, inches away from adultery.
The first time I read Jesus’ comments in Matthew 5:29-30, I thought He was being unreasonable. However, once I did a little research, I discovered Jesus was referencing the Old Testament principle of purging. When someone removes the atmosphere, environment and traces of lust, thoughts of adultery will fade from their minds. However, if you put yourself into a compromising position one too many times, the line will be crossed so that inches become reality. May the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 serve as a warning before its too late to alter history.
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