Accepting The Truth

I thought this little ditty would be a good start to my article this week. It is titled “Psychiatric Folk Song” written by Anna Russell: “I went to my psychiatrist to be psychoanalyzed; To find out why I killed the cat and blackened my husband’s eye. He laid me on a downy couch to see what he could find; And here’s what he dredged up, from my subconscious mind. When I was one, my mommy hid my dolly in a trunk; And so it follows, naturally, that I am always drunk. When I was two, I saw my father kiss the maid one day; And that is why I suffer from kleptomania. At three I had a feeling of ambivalence toward my brothers; And so it follows, naturally, I poisoned all my lovers. But I am happy now I have learned the lesson this has taught: Everything I do that’s wrong is someone else’s fault!” Is pointing fingers and protesting the “new norm”?

A pencil maker told the pencil five important lessons just before putting it in the box: 1) Everything you do will leave a mark. 2) You can always correct the mistakes you make. 3) What’s most important is what’s inside of you. 4) Throughout your life you will undergo painful sharpening, which will only make you better. 5) To be your very best, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you. We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities. Only you can fulfill the purpose you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think your life is insignificant and cannot be changed. Like the pencil, always remember the most important part of who you are is what’s inside of you. “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27).

[Acts 7:51-60] Have you ever had a discussion where the truth seemed more confusing than the lie? If you have, you know that awkward, discombobulating feeling that arises because something you have believed for an extended period of time - even a lifetime - has been proven to be false. It can be quit overwhelming. It is natural that our instinctive response is defensive, even hostile. “Who do you think you are?” and “How dare you judge me!” are phrases on the tip of the tongue. In the heat of the moment one might even rationalize, “That can’t be right.” Should one utterly reject the “preposterous idea” while in a “confused” state of mind, or should one recognize this feeling of “confusion” as a mental flag that moves one to openly reconsider a conviction, no matter how deeply held it might be? We often become emotionally attached to what we believe and it is rarely pleasant to be proven wrong. This explains the initial defense response. However, the real quality of a heart is seen after the initial emotional roller coaster ride ends. Will we stay “confused” by the truth or will we embrace it, giving up the lie? We can fear and procrastinate like Felix (Acts 24:24-25). We can shoot the messenger, as we reject “his truth” and “gnash at him with our teeth” (Acts 7:54; 57-58). We can be moved by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14-15). We can even remain in a perpetual state of “confusion” and have God reinforce “our lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)! On the other hand, we can simply receive the “love of the truth” (Acts 2:29-41). Momentary confusion at having a conviction disproven is understandable. Choosing to reject the truth or remain “confused” is simply inexcusable. Your choice will demonstrate the quality of your heart (Matthew 13:18-23). I cannot change others, But I can change me; I must learn to focus, Being the best I can be. When I change my outlook, And improve through and through; Amazingly I find, That others get better too.

Are You In Awe Of God?

This COVID-19 pandemic is beginning to sound like an Abbott and Costello skit, “Who’s On First” or Costello’s ingenious mathematics proves to Abbott “13 x 7 = 28” and “28 divided by 7 = 13”. We all know better, but we’re laughing and saying, “Right”.

“My family will never go hungry.” A famous athlete was talking about the millions of dollars he had made in his career. In one way we can appreciate his concern for his children and the way he had managed his money. He hadn’t neglected his family or squandered his wealth. But it was tragic that he used frequent profanity in the same interview that had to be edited. Instead of being humble and thankful before God he was arrogant and irreverent. How do people like this become so wealthy? Indirectly, it is because God has made this country so prosperous. But the public directly empowers them. Actors, singers, and athletes entertain us and we are eager to pay them. Then we wonder why they act like they do. Wealth gives people a false feeling of security. One country singer said he had more money than his grandchildren could ever spend, but where is the humility and fear of God in all this? Where is the awe of God today when people use His name so thoughtlessly (Oh my God – omg)? Where is the awe of God today when homosexuality, abortion, etc. are not just accepted, but encouraged in our society (Romans 1:18-32)? Where is the awe of God today when honesty and integrity are thought of as archaic words? Where is the awe of God today when tradition and entertainment are preferred over scripture and truth? Where is the awe of God today when lying and slander among God’s people carry no accountability? Where is the awe of God today when every excuse under the sun will suffice to justify us from fulfilling our responsibilities to God: to worship, pray, give, commune, study, teach, serve, fellowship, etc.? God knows the future and you’re definitely going to be in awe of it.

[Hebrews 12:25-29] Jesus told about a rich man who made a good profit. That man planned to live many years off what he had accumulated. He said to himself, “You have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19). He had his retirement all laid out before him. But God told this successful businessman he was a fool (Luke 12:20). That very night he died. He was not a fool because he waited too long to enjoy his money. He was a fool because he assumed his things were really his, and he was an even bigger fool because he waited too long to prepare to meet God. It is not wise to get our hopes up too high because life can change quickly, drastically, and permanently. There were women in Israel that were so high class that they wouldn’t walk barefoot outside. Moses said those same women would get so hungry one day that they would eat their own children (Deuteronomy 28:56-57). That happened when the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem. War can bring a country with all its pride and wealth to its knees. One of the frustrations we must bear is seeing people who think “their houses shall continue forever” (Psalm 49:10-13). This is even harder when people pride themselves in the control they think they have over their very small part of the world. But God tells us not to fret. The Lord will “bring down high looks” (Psalm 18:27). Meanwhile, let us humbly say, “If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:15). Standing in awe of God is not just a song we sing or prayer we offer; it’s not just a tingly feeling toward God. It’s an attitude of a humble heart bowing before the Almighty that responds with real life actions of service to Him. Are you in awe of God? We must turn our hearts again to God in prayer, before God’s wrath is realized.

Like Night and Day

How do you know it’s summer in South Texas? Well, while one is adjusting the water temperature of a much anticipated evening shower, mixing cold water with the hot and all that happens is – the water gets hotter – you know it’s been a hot day. Yeh, this is the time of year when all one needs is to turn on the cold water for a good refreshing shower. It’s only July and we’re experiencing August temperatures already. The big city has imposed water restrictions in an attempt to help the aquifer maintain a safe level of adequate water but I’m afraid it’s going to take serious prayer and rain. I believe I heard this is the earliest in any years previous that water restrictions have come into effect. I guess it’s just one more thing to add to our already too long list of things restricting our everyday life. The presence of the evil one comes in many different forms to aggravate and taunt us into a froth of frustration, but calm heads will prevail – Pray in earnest.

[John 1:4-5; 3:16-21] While things of this present sphere remain, political kingdoms will rise in dominance, peak and fall. There are, however, two spiritual kingdoms which will continue until the end of time: one is the kingdom of darkness which is ruled by Satan and his evil cohorts; the other is the kingdom of light (heaven), also known as the kingdom of Jesus, the Christ and His church. In addition to having different rulers, they have distinctive features. * The kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light have distinguishing objectives. The kingdom of heaven seeks to bless God’s creation, especially mankind; the other to curse and destroy. The purpose of one is to provide life, give meaning and fulfillment, while Satan works to rob, steal and kill, to make us despondent under the gloom of misery and hopelessness. * The kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light bear distinguishing fruits. One produces chaos, confusion, lawlessness, selfishness, hatred, strife, division and death, while Jesus creates peace, unity, joy and love. * The kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light have distinguishing destinies. The kingdom of darkness will be completely overwhelmed and utterly conquered by the power and glory of Jesus at his coming. Darkness will vanish in the presence of His light. Satan, his angels, his willing and deceived followers, will be vanquished in everlasting destruction. Jesus, the king of righteousness, along with his angels and faithful followers, will glow in radiant splendor as He places on their heads the eternal crown of victory over Satan, sin and death. Presently, the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to translate you from the power of the kingdom of darkness, to deliver you from death and give you life in the eternal kingdom of light. Jesus said of himself; “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men love darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” Today there is plenty of darkness around us and Satan is very busy deceiving those who refuse to walk in the light of truth. It seems we are faced with an uncompromising enemy on all sides. The apostle Paul said, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). It’s not easy to do. Our first temptation is to strike back – to get even! A wrong has been done, and we are going to see at he doesn’t get away with it. One side wants to loot and riot under the cover of darkness while the other side wants to bring the problems to light and expose the truth. Which side would you want Jesus to find you on when He returns? It may be very soon.

It's Time to Forgive and Forget

These United States of America, a Constitutional Republic, drawn up and based on the moral and ethical notion of God’s Word, for the people and governed by the people, is failing because its people are eating the wrong food to sustain a strong spiritual lifestyle. Without a high level of Godly spirit, this country is doomed to fall into the hands of the evil one. Mankind is sinful, weak and selfish, which brings about poor judgement producing huge mistakes at times. Ethnic cleansing and destruction of history is futile. Recourse in the proper use of our Constitution and obedience to God works.

We are told that a bird can go nine days without food, a dog 20 days, a turtle 500 days, a snake 800 days, a fish 1000 days, and some insects 12,000 days. For a human – three to six weeks is about the limit. Sooner or later nourishment is necessary for all God’s creatures. Have you noticed that we are not often asked to “read” the Word of God? Rather we are urged to study it, meditate upon it, and compare spiritual things with spiritual. In other words, God wants us to put in a consecrated effort when we approach the Scriptures, for in this way we will more readily assimilate its sweet nourishment and good doctrine. Many are starving to death spiritually; not because food is unavailable but simply because they will not eat of it. What home does not have a Bible or opportunity to attend worship? A Bible on the shelf is of no more value than food in the refrigerator. Feed your soul! America is going to die without the Creator.

[Luke 6:20-36] The phrase “forgive and forget” has been in the English language for a long time. An older member of the church once commented to me concerning forgiving and forgetting, “I don’t know which is harder to do!” As difficult as they are for us humans to do–do them we must if we are to have forgiveness from our Father in heaven (Matthew 6:15). Forgiveness in the original language of the Bible has the connotation of “to send away.” For example in Micah 7:19 we read that God will “cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” When God forgives us, He sends our sins (and the guilt of them) so far away they can never be reached again. Truly God is the epitome of “forgive and forget.” But I wish to examine the phrase “forgive and forget” from another angle. I noticed that inside the words “forgive” and “forget” are the words “give” and “get.” In other words, to truly get the benefits that forgiveness can bring, we must first give something. For those of us desiring the forgiveness of another, we need to give that person a truly repentant attitude and lifestyle (Matthew 3:8). Then and only then will we get reconciliation with our brother or sister in Christ. For those of us needing to forgive another, we need to give an attitude of compassion and willingness to work out/forget our differences toward the one who has wronged us (Matthew 5:23-24). As a wise person once noted, we may not be able to totally forget that we were wronged, but we can act like it never happened. The Christians at Corinth were to forgive a brother who obviously had repented. Paul writes to them “you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him” (2 Corinthians 2:7-8). The wayward brother was giving to them, and now they were to give, as well. They were to confirm their love once again for him by forgiving and comforting him. All involved would benefit from this. So let’s always remember to “forgive and forget.” And let’s always remember that to get, we must first give. Our founding fathers gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today. Isn’t it time to forgive and forget their mistakes and move forward?