Whether you are at home, school or work, if you’re careless when you enter your password into a computer, access will be denied. Perhaps, you accidentally hit the caps button. Or maybe your finger touched two keys at the same time. Regardless of your mistake, black dots prevent you from seeing where you went wrong. Instead, you are rejected, having to repeat the same process without a flaw to gain the access you desire.
When it comes to talking to God, many share a similar frustration, desperately seeking answers to their prayers. Nonetheless, countless individuals are given the silent treatment, left in the dark by a God unwilling to tell you why at least for the moment. Whether your situation is sin related or not, Isaiah 1:15, being shut out of the conversation has caused some to abandon God.
Paul likely endured periods of doubt during his years of ministry as an apostle. However, while in Rome, the Holy Spirit brought Paul a clear message in Romans 5:1-4. If access is denied, faith carries you until God opens the next door for you to walk through. When you do sin, grace is provided to allow you to enter God’s presence. Therefore, if you are struggling to connect with God, remember the words of Hebrews 11:1-6 until your access is reinstated.
Beyond the scene of a crime, evil deeds do not go overlooked by God. Although initially someone may believe they have out tricked authorities. In the end, the Lord will turn the tables on acts of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:19-21.
According to Psalm 70:2-3, King David reveals a side of God few see or experience. Despite being out numbered, the Lord has the power to outwit, outlast and foil the attacks of enemies. The apostle Paul reinforces this belief through the words of Romans 8:38-39.
While the world relies on plotting, scheming and revenge to gain control, an invisible force is on the move. Like a 15 round heavy weight fight, Galatians 5:16-18, angels and demons duel to influence the souls of mankind. Just as the devil appears to have been victorious, Jesus rose from the grave to conquer sin and death, Colossians 2:13-15. In a comeback for the ages, God’s Aha moment has changed the course of history forever, John 3:16-17. May this triumph uplift your soul, empowering you to run with perseverance despite the challenges you face in life, Hebrews 12:1-3.
Sometimes in life, you don’t achieve the results you’re looking for. Instead, you begin to search for answers to explain why you were defeated, failed and were unsuccessful. As you wrestle for the truth, some may be tempted to blame God. Although you may never discover the source of life’s failure, there are times when the Lord turns His face.
According to the director of music, God does not listen to those who cherish sin in their hearts, Psalm 66:18. As individuals begin to entertain, harbor, foster and nurture sinful desires, it becomes impossible to please God, Romans 8:5-8. Once minds are set on self indulgence, the Lord will wait to act until you’re willing to come back to your senses, Isaiah 1:15-16.
The next time disappointment knocks on your door, may be its time to search your heart, to see if you’re to blame, Psalm 139:23-24. If no one is clearly at fault, perhaps you’re experiencing growing pains, 1 Peter 1:5-7, as the Lord is preparing you for the future. Whatever obstacle you are currently facing, don’t forget that the Lord will turn His face and if God does remember what you need to do to regain His attention, Romans 12:1-2.
There are certain individuals which possess gravitas, tempting family, friends and followers to place them up on a pedestal. These dynamics personalities make it hard not to jump on the bandwagon as some become held in high regards as a cultural hero. However, when you choose to place someone up on a pedestal, its a matter of time before you will experience disappointment.
According to Romans 3:23, no one is perfect. Regardless of your efforts and motives, sooner or later will you fail, mess up or make a mistake. This blunder often shatters the image of your fans, causing many to jump ship. In the aftermath of sin, its difficult to come with terms with the failures of leaders. The painful reality of this disappointment will make you think twice before placing another treasured soul on a pedestal.
The relational aspect of life makes people vulnerable to pain. Perhaps, a growing number of adults are forgoing marriage to avoid the heartbreak of unfilled vows. While you may believe this is a good idea, there is only One who is worth placing up on a pedestal, Hebrews 4:14-16. Don’t blame the creator for imperfect people. Rather, lift up the only One who is worthy to be praised, Romans 5:8.
Whether you’re young or old, everyone has scars, wounds from the past which mask pain and suffering. Like bringing home a brand new car, dings, scratches and wear quickly appear. Perfection fades ushering in guilt, shame and uncomfortable feelings. These emotions prompt individuals to yearn to blot out their past.
As David comes to grips with his rebellious ways in Psalm 51:1, he leans on God’s mercy. Images of his sin haunt David, brought to the forefront of his mind by the devil. Snapping out of his mean streak, a humbled heart brings this servant of God to his knees. Like resetting a video game to start over after making a careless error, we have all longed for God to blot out portions of our past.
Although memories will always return, God’s love can turn the ugliness of sin into snow, restoring a sense of purity to souls, Isaiah 1:18. The message of resurrection isn’t limited to one day or merely for a season. Rather, the triumph of Jesus over the cross, Colossians 2:15 is available daily, Lamentations 3:22-23. Therefore, don’t let the devil steal your joy any longer, John 10:10; hit the reset button by asking God to blot out the sins of your past.
Please feel free to share testimonies of God’s power to forgive.
Director Ron Howard used a 1954 episode of The United States Steel Hour from the series Fearful Decision to produce the 1996 film Ransom starring Mel Gibson and Rene Russo. Author Ed McBain’s novel King’s Ransom also influenced Howard’s portrayal of police procedure in this movie. When a millionaire’s son is kidnapped, the ransom is set for $2 million for his safe return.
The Bible refers to another ransom in Psalm 49:7-9. However, this amount is like the entertaining Master Card commercials, priceless. Whether you’re rich or poor, white or blue collar, no payment is sufficient enough to receive eternal life. Helpless, life a parent held hostage, Jesus intervenes, going to the bank called Calvary, Matthew 20:28.
The apostle Paul describes life’s ransom in Romans 6:23. The wages, payment due for the errors, mistakes and sin you’ve committed in life is death, separated from God. Despite your dire condition, Jesus decided to pay the ransom for your life on Good Friday, 30 AD, Romans 5:8. Thus, the gift of God is in the mail, waiting for you to receive the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10. May the power of the Easter message come alive in your soul, resurrecting faith, hope and love, 1 Corinthians 13:13.
On Sunday evening following the Masters coverage, the Golf Channel debuted a 3 part documentary on the Relationships, Major Accomplishments and Legacy of Arnold Palmer. Although I didn’t catch every second of the 3 one hour special presentations entitled Arnie, I was struck by one life lesson Arnold learned from his father. Like a shrewd man unveiling a secret to life, “don’t tell people how good you are; show them.” If you watched any of this program or you were one of Arnie’s Army, then you know this is exactly how he lived his life.
Modern politicians could learn from from Arnold Palmer’s actions during his professional career and retirement. Fans were always acknowledged, the press was never dodged and this man gave back more to the game and community than anyone. Perhaps, this is why Arnold was called the King, showing the crowds, his opponents and the television audience the proper way to carry oneself whether in victory or defeat. Despite Arnold’s fame and fortune, he remains humble, remembering where he came from, who he is and what his father taught him about being a good man.
Though Arnold tries to be good daily, he learned the same truth that we all have to come to grips with, no one is perfect, Romans 3:23. According to the Bible, there is only One who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin, Hebrews 4:14-15. Today, on Maundy Thursday, we celebrate the man called Jesus. On his way to the cross, He refused to tell others about his goodness. Rather, he set the example, shining his light in a dark and dying world. Before you go to sleep tonight, read Jesus’ words in John 3:16-17 so that you too may be inspired to let the light of Christ shine through you, Matthew 5:13-16. Don’t tell em’ about Jesus; show them God’s love!
How many times in life do you seek an emotional high? One that never ends; giving you a sensation like a drug, 24 hours a day. Many go through their entire lives searching, but never find the real thing.
Do you recall your first day of school? As formal education begins, innocence gives way to curiosity and terror. Fears over finding friends and earning acceptance by your peers takes precedence. However, the thought of being away from your parents provides a sense of freedom temporarily. This freedom entices you to try new things, experimenting with fruit, forbidden by parents and teachers.
By the time junior high arrives, eyes start to wander… BABES, STUDS, ALCOHOL and DRUGS! Perhaps you might not be as distracted as some, yet juicy stories spread fast through the grape vine peeking your interest. The closer you look, the mind takes on an alter ego, longing for items on the other side of the fence. Fleshly desires, peer pressure and the unknown leads you to the verge of sin thinking, “Oh baby this sure does feel good.”
A junior high experiment often leads to a senior high life style. Marijuana, pranks and sex are just a few of the choice behaviors one indulges in to obtain the real thing. Sure, there are risks, even consequences; but what will my friends think if I go straight? “Everybody is doing it, why can’t I,” says the follower. As high school drifts by, the next hurdle to jump is college. Hobbies you once did for a buzz no longer provide satisfaction. Call it what you may: a habit, obsession, way of life or obliterating time, something inside can’t let go. This quest for real life has turned into an addiction.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why you do what you do? Has it occurred to you that you’ve missed something along the way? Is there something else out there beside living for the weekend? I don’t believe you and I were placed on this earth by accident. Growing up, working for a living 9 to 5, have fun for a while then repeat this cycle over and over again til you die? This doesn’t make sense! There must be a greater purpose or meaning in life, but what is it?
Jesus Christ, the son of God the Father is your answer. God sent His one and only son, Jesus, down to earth, to die for blemishes on earth, John 3:16-17. Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father according to the Apostle’s Creed. Jesus didn’t just die on a cross and rise from the dead for His own glory, Romans 5:8. Rather, Jesus became sin for us: for you, me and everyone ever born on planet earth. Jesus did all of this so that all of us might be seen as righteousness before God, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
This may sound crazy, yet there is no other HIGH greater than entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10. Nothing else compares to dedicating your life to God in your living years, John 10:10. Thus, peace is found in no other place, Galatians 5:22-23. This isn’t about High’s and Low’s. This is about life and death, living and dying, Deuteronomy 30:11-16. The only way to Jesus is through denying yourself, Matthew 16:25. You may think I’m odd, strange or simply old-fashion, yet God has placed the words of this blog on my heart.
If you have tried most everything else, don’t waste your precious time any longer; embrace the Real Thing, Jesus Christ!
Sports uses cards, errors, flags, fouls and misconducts to magnify mistakes made by participants. The world isn’t as kind calling individuals frauds, hypocrites and losers when actions, behavior or words don’t live up to their expectations. While the 2006 film The Ultimate Gift illuminated several gifts that people take for granted daily, one is missing from their list. Perhaps the greatest of all is the gift of imperfection.
Although Jesus’ goal is to strive for perfection, Matthew 5:48, to obtain this is impossible. Romans 3:9-12 breaks the bad news to mankind as everyone who has attempted this feat has failed at some point in their quest. Since sin was conceived in the Garden of Eden, a generation of misfits have come up short, unable to please God, Romans 3:23. Like a mad scientist going back to the drawing board, the sinful nature has foiled any hope of earning salvation on your own, Romans 6:23, requiring plan Z.
At the end of the road, hanging by a cross, Jesus has come to our rescue, Colossians 2:13-15. Despite my intentions on wanting to control my own destiny, Jesus holds the keys to the kingdom, Matthew 16:19. Therefore, I need to grasp the secret the apostle Paul discovered during an illness, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. The gift of imperfection forces souls to place their entire trust in the hands of an unseen God. The weaker one is, 1 Timothy 1:16, the stronger the Holy Spirit can become. May you experience this special gift, securing your reservations for eternity, 1 John 5:13, by letting go through faith.
Feel free to comment or share a time when you were weak, but Christ was strong!
To close refers to someone or something that is finished, like turning a page, closing the door or finalizing a deal to complete what you started. In baseball, a closer is suppose to end a game, seal the deal and hold the lead so that victory is preserved. Names such as Mariano Rivera, Dennis Eckersley and Lee Smith come to my mind as the greatest ever. However, you don’t have to play baseball to be the greatest closer of all time.
According to Psalm 37:39-40, the Lord must be considered into this conversation. Although distant at times, God fulfills His promise to deliver, rescue and save those who trust in Him. The Bible is filled with testimonials of the Lord’s attributes as a closer, Philippians 1:6. One unidentified witness claims faith is the main obstacle which is preventing many from coming to this conclusion, Hebrews 11:6. Just when you thought Jesus was going to let you down, He escaped the grips of death to save all of mankind from sin, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57.
In this current age of instant information, negative stories often steal the headlines, highlighting the demise of a once famous star. When the spotlight is turned off, passing the torch to the next best candidate, father time has a rather cruel way of pushing elite individuals to the curb. Despite this harsh reality, Jesus remains the same, Hebrews 13:8. Therefore, if you’re tired of letting victories slip through your fingers, turn to the greatest closer of all time, who has secured an eternal place for His followers, John 14:1-3.
Please feel free to share anything you need a “closer” for or a prayer request.
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