Will Being Good Save You?

As a Christian, it is always disheartening to hear a person assert that being morally good will save them on Judgment Day (2 Corinthians 5:10; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20: 11-15.) It's one of the hardest worldly opinions to dispute. And it is just that - an opinion. I'm not being personally judgmental when I say being morally good will not save you. In fact, that was my mantra for the first 22 years of my life! I was born, raised, and baptized into the Catholic faith. Trust me when I say I was morally good in every sense of the word. I was taught and believed if I remained untouched (at least until marriage) remained lawfully unscathed, obeyed the 10 commandments, was a "good" person, and always went to church on Sundays, I would be certifiably "good enough" and qualified to enter the Kingdom of Heaven when I died. The real question is, will being morally good in any or all areas of your life save you? Will being kind, avoiding or never committing "big" sins save you? Is devotion to a life of selflessness or helping others enough to save you? Though all these things are respectable and good, they are not qualifiers for salvation. You see, it's not what you DO that saves you from hell, it's what you DON'T DO! It's not all the good or wonderful things you've done in this life that redeems you, it's most likely what you haven't done to this point.


The Scriptures tell us that we cannot be saved by our own merit, our own righteousness, or personal works (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:3). To be in a saved state, we must be “in Christ” where all spiritual blessings reside (Gal. 3:26-27; Ephesians 1:3). As an example, when the following morally good individuals obeyed from the heart the saving gospel of Christ (Romans 6:17; Romans 1:16), they were in a saved state “in Christ” (Romans 8:1). We know from the biblical record regarding Cornelius (Acts 10), that even though he was a good moral man, he was lost until he obediently responded to the saving gospel message that Peter preached (Acts 10:44-48). You may be good. You may be moral. You may even be the nicest person you know, BUT, have you responded to the saving gospel message? Are you IN Christ?


The Ethiopian eunuch of Acts 8:26-40 was a worshipper of God (Acts 8:27), a reader of the Scriptures (Acts 8:30), and a trusted treasurer of the queen, yet he was lost until he was obedient to the saving gospel preached by Philip (Acts 8:35-39). You may go to church each week. You may occasionally read the Bible. You may even be the treasurer of your church, BUT, have you responded to the saving gospel message? Are you IN Christ?

Saul of Tarsus was a very zealous and religious man, thinking that he was doing right (Acts 26:9), yet he was lost until he was obedient to the Lord’s will contained in the gospel (Matthew 7:21; Acts 9:1-18). You may faithfully attend church, sing in the choir, volunteer for every overseas mission, BUT, have you responded to the saving gospel message? Are you IN Christ?

You may be a person that is more secular, never attending church a day in your life! You may be a church unto yourself. Maybe you are of the notion to "live and let live" thus avoiding a judgmental spirit. Perhaps you give your free time to humanitarian organizations and believe that type of charity equates with salvation. BUT, have you responded to the saving gospel message? But have ave you invited Christ into your life? Are you IN Christ?
Remember, it's not what you DO or have done on this earth that saves you from hell, it's what you DON'T DO! Here's why.

If we depend upon our morality alone, our goodness or perceived self-righteousness to be saved, we bypass the redeeming blood of Christ — the blood (and the only way) through which our sins are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). When we willingly obey the commands of the saving gospel of Christ (John 8:24; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:9-10; 1 John 4:15; Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:26-27; Romans 6:3-4), we are then “in Christ” and the Lord adds us to His BODY- "the Church" (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47), the church that is comprised of the saved (Ephesians 5:23).
The answer to the question, 'if I am a good person will it be enough to save me on judgment day' is a definite “no” according to the inspired Scriptures "for ALL have sinned and FALLEN SHORT of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). If we all have sinned, sin cannot enter or reside in heaven. Therefore, we cannot enter in because our own merits do not erase sins. Many people DO good things, admirable things, and actions worthy of man's praise. What they DON'T DO is truly commit their lives to Christ in the way the Bible teaches and is required to be saved! Jesus Himself specifically told us John 3:5 NKJV "Most assuredly, I say to you unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God." Observe the exact words of Jesus here. He used the words MOST ASSUREDLY. That leaves no doubt He was not only serious but unquestionably, beyond a shadow of a doubt, telling us the bare, basic truth of how to be saved. Which is:

1. BELIEVE JESUS IS THE ONE WHO SAVES.
John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name

2. BE HONEST ENOUGH TO ADMIT YOU'VE SINNED AND CONFESS IT. BE SORRY. THAT'S REPENTANCE.
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

3. BE RENEWED IN YOUR MIND BY HIS WORD IT IS THE LIVING WATER- READ IT!! BE IMMERSED IN IT.
1 Peter 1:23 - Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.

4. TURN FROM YOUR SIN. REFUSE TO GO BACK AND BE ENTANGLED AGAIN.
Romans 6:6 - Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin any longer.

5. HE LOVES YOU AND WILL SAVE YOU. ASK HIM TO COME INTO YOUR HEART AND TO HELP YOU LIVE AS HE WANTS.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

6. YOU WILL BECOME A NEW PERSON WITH A CLEAN SLATE, A SPIRIT BORN MEMBER OF HIS CHURCH
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.

The Word of God is powerful! It has the power to renew the mind. It cleanses your thinking which in turn changes your actions. The Word of God baptizes you because it is the Living Water that teaches you, guides you, and changes you from a man of sin into a new creature of righteousness powered by the Holy Spirit which comes to live in you after you believe and respond. It's the simplicity of being born of water and of the Spirit! If you have any questions feel free to contact me at MarioJaxxMom@gmail

Until next time,
-Pat-

Those Subtle Snakes

One day many years ago, my father-in-law and I were out in a field directly behind his farmhouse looking for morel mushrooms. I was bent over at the waist with my eyes focused on the ground when suddenly my father-in-law let out a gentle but drawn-out, "Shh, don't move." Slowly and gingerly I raised myself up to a rigid standing position and locked my knees. "There's a rattler by your right foot," he said. When anyone in Missouri uses the term "rattler" as opposed to just saying the word snake, they mean a venomous RATTLESNAKE. In general, I'm not one that fears snakes. However, when it comes to the poisonous ones, let's just say I respect them! Refusing to even exhale my father-in-law unholstered the pistol he always carried on his hip. With one precise shot, that 7-foot snake was dead.

He was quite the outdoorsman, my father-in-law. I always enjoyed listening to the many hunting and fishing stories he shared because there was always something to laugh about in each and every one. He told me when he was a boy growing up on a farm, he and his grandad killed ten rattlesnakes in one day. He said a rattler can easily be killed if you know where it is and how far it can reach when it strikes. He never worried about the rattlesnakes he could see, but he was genuinely concerned about stepping on a subtle one he couldn’t see. I'm sure glad he saw that one by my right foot or I might have stepped backward on it and things would have turned out differently.

Sometimes we don't realize there are subtle, "spiritual" snakes ready to strike us all the time. We are, of course, aware of obvious serpents and we avoid them. Serpents such as adultery, murder, sexual perversion, and drunkenness. We basically know by instinct these are wrong and avoid them since they do not replicate the character of Christ. But what about the little serpents, the poisonous "snakes" that aren't so obvious? Things we don't consider like pride, self-reliance, selfishness, buying into worldly fads, hatred, judgment, materialism, lust, or secular music whose lyrics exceed the realm of decency. As an example, in the Old Testament, King Hezekiah was subtly “bitten” by a hidden temptation — NOT seduced by an obvious evil. He allowed a measure of pride and self-reliance to blight his career. He should have put his full trust in the Lord for protection from his enemies, but instead sought safety through an alliance with idolatrous men (2 Kings 20:12-13; 2 Chronicles 32:25; 2 Chronicles 32:31). It’s sad to realize that this otherwise good king marred his reign by this sin. We need to be on guard lest we allow pride to build up in our hearts until, like Hezekiah, we succumb to the wiles of the enemy.

Scripture tells us: "A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor" (Proverbs 29:23). We may be prepared to stand against obvious temptations that would bring dishonor to our name, but we may not be ready for life’s “subtle” temptations. We need to beware of those “hidden rattlers” — they are the most dangerous of all! Jesus taught that evil originates in the heart. It is not the product of a bad environment or a dysfunctional family or a below-poverty rating or the construction of one’s genes or an inferior education. Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander”(Matthew 15:19). His words affirm what the prophet Jeremiah proclaimed to the nation Judah, “The heart is deceitful above all things . . . .” (Jeremiah 17:9). His teaching also recalls the Lord’s indictment of the human race in the time of Noah: “The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5). Clearly, God knows our thoughts and emotions, and if they offend Him, we need to regard them as sin. They may be subtle, but they are as odious to God as murder and adultery. Struggles with our subtle, wayward desires arise chiefly because we have kept Christ outside the door. The best way to protect our souls, then, is to keep Christ in.

Until next time,
-Pat-

Saving The Lost Stray

Every time I see an ASPCA commercial on television it tears my heart apart. If I could, I would rescue every lost, lonely, abused, dumped or cast away dog or cat beside the four I already have right now. Several years ago, while out driving on my way to the grocery store, I saw a very skinny, scraggly stray dog in an open field. Desiring to help, I got out of my Jeep and pursued it for over an hour in an attempt to call it to come to me. Unable to do so, I concluded I should drive to the store and buy some hamburger for the starving animal. After leaving the meat where the stray could find it, I waited, and waited, and waited, but the dog still declined my offer. In frustration, I cried out, “I’m trying to save you! You’re going to starve to death or be killed out here!” Later I thought to myself, 'That dog had no idea it actually needed me but it refused my offer of food so that I could help it.' I was so hurt and frustrated knowing the bleak future as a stray. Today I still wonder whatever happened to that poor, lost dog.


Reflecting on that experience today, a spiritual application is so very clear and I wish to share it. Wanting to save that dog reminds me of the Lord — how He lovingly works to call people to come to Him so that He might save them (Matthew 11:28-30), yet so many refuse. Many do not even believe they need Him at all. They do not realize their souls are starving!” My experience should be a powerful reminder to us as to how God sees our true, pitiful condition: Lost, starving, headed for danger, and in need of His help and comfort. Isaiah the prophet once stated regarding our spiritual condition: "All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, everyone, to his own way, and the Lord has laid on Him the sins of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). Just as desperately as I wanted to rescue that pitiful stray dog, God wants to rescue us! It's true. God reaches out to rescue us by calling us through the saving message of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), but many still refuse His offer, unaware of their perilous spiritual condition.


On one occasion, Jesus looked upon the city of Jerusalem, saw their spiritual condition, and wept over it, saying: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37; Luke 19:41-44). JESUS WANTS TO RESCUE US! Jesus went to the cross to make our salvation possible! He took your sins and my sins upon Himself and paid the price for our redemption (1 Peter 2:24; Hebrews 9:28). He invites all to come to Him for salvation: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, For My yoke is easy and My burden is light“ (Matthew 11:28-30).


How can we be saved? Our Lord has revealed five basic conditions of acceptance into His spiritual body, the Church (Matthew 16:18; Romans 12:5; Ephesians 1:15-23; Colossians 1:18). They are:
Faith (Hebrews 11:6). Believe He is the Savior.
Repentance (Acts 17:30-31) Be truly sorry for the wrongs you've committed in your life and desire real change.
Confession (Romans 10:9-10) Ask for His forgiveness. He'll do it.
Baptism (immersion) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). Be baptized in water as a symbol of your sincerity.
A life lived in dedication to the following of His will (Matthew 7:21; James 1:20-27; 1 John 1:7). Vow to follow His will as spelled out in His Word.
Just like my experience of desperation to save that dog, Jesus sees us in our true, pitiful condition: Lost, starving, headed for danger, and in need of His help and comfort (Luke 15:11-24). He calls each of us to come to Him for salvation (Revelation 3:20). You have to realize, even though you don't feel lost, without Jesus, you are! Even though you may not believe you're in danger, without Jesus, you are! Jesus' passionate desire is to rescue you from your lost condition. He wants to comfort you, love you, fill you with hope, and give you a secure home in heaven (not unlike our desire to give rescued dogs the same!). Please do not reject His call for another moment, but come to Him in willing obedience today! (2 Corinthians 6:2). If you have any questions regarding coming to Christ, please leave a comment or you may email me directly at MarioJaxxMom@gmail.com

Until next time,

-Pat-

Don't Touch Me

As I was listening to my Wonder Bible this past week from the book of John, something stood out that I've never heard before. Actually, I have heard it audibly but have never really "heard" it until now. So, I asked the Lord to enlighten me. In short, after His resurrection, Jesus appears before Mary Magdalene and He tells her, "Touch me not for I have not yet ascended to the Father" (John 20:17). Okay, well enough. I always assumed Jesus was telling Mary not to touch Him because of His 'risen state' -- that He was now a holy and pure body and therefore should not be touched by her earthly flesh. Right or wrong it is what I have always assumed. I never gave His statement much thought until this past week. And here is what struck me. Remember doubting Thomas? Thomas was not present when the eleven disciples first saw Jesus after His resurrection and announced to Thomas that they had seen the Lord. Thomas, as recorded in verse 25, boldly pronounces, "Except I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." Eight days passed since Thomas said this. Thomas was with the disciples this time when Jesus appears in their midst. Verse 27 tells us Jesus had a different reaction to Thomas than He did Mary. He told Mary "Touch me not" but to Thomas, he said, "Reach hither thy finger and behold My hands, and reach hither thy hand and thrust it into my side." Hadn't Jesus just days prior told Mary NOT to touch Him, but to Thomas, He gave permission to touch Him? I found that very curious! Why the two differences?

I asked God to reveal what this could mean, not from a contradictory standpoint, but from what seems to be an unfair position or even favoritism. Obviously, I had to begin with and understand the meaning of the word 'touch' so I went to the Greek dictionary as I so often do. In John 20:17, the word "touch" (in Greek is Haptou) means "to cling to, to lay hold of." Because Jesus used the word touch in this sense, this wasn't just a touch or a tap; it was a grip. The meaning of this verse has the idea then of "to stop clinging," "grasping tightly," or to "stop fastening onto." It wasn't that Jesus was telling Mary not to physically touch Him, rather, not to cling and prevent Jesus from moving or leaving and Jesus let her know He must leave. So we must understand, the issue is not about physical touch at all, but that He could not remain with her or anyone. If you read Matthew 28:9, you will see the women in this verse were holding Jesus' feet. "And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshipped Him" (NASB). INTERESTING! Think of that. They were on their knees holding His feet! "Taking hold" (Haptou) of His feet sounds as if He was nearly held hostage by very emotional women. I probably would have done the same!

Mary's reaction (Haptou) was motivated by several things. One, of course, would simply be her loving devotion to the Lord. Mary had to have been overwhelmed by recent events: seeing Jesus scourged, carrying a heavy cross, whipped, crowed, nailed, crucified, put to death, placed in a tomb, then he suddenly appears and is alive in a matter of three short days! Her grief that morning turned to sudden joy seeing Him alive so she naturally embraces and clings to Him, savoring the moment, not wanting Him to leave. She had lost Him once and she wanted to make sure she didn't lose Him again -- she wanted to keep Jesus with her always. It might even be possible that Mary thought it was the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to return (John 14:3), in which case He would take her (and all the followers and believers) with Him back to the Father in heaven. However, we know by reading this account and where we are in history today that it was not Jesus' plan to stay in this world, and He told Mary He would have to eventually leave by returning to heaven and to the Father where He belonged. He made it clear that His resurrection was not to be seen or misconstrued as His promised return. In fact, that's why He told Mary of the ascension. His plan was to ascend to the Father and then send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7; 20:22; Acts 2:1-4). Fellowship with Jesus would continue, but it would be a spiritual communion, not a physical presence. In loosening Mary's hold on Him, Jesus was, in effect, saying: "I know you desire to keep Me here, always present with you. I know you want everything to be just the same as it was before I died. But our relationship is about to change. I'm going to heaven, and you will have the Comforter in My place. You need to start walking by faith, Mary, not by sight."

And then there's Thomas. When Jesus spoke to Thomas, it was not to counter a misplaced desire but to rebuke a lack of faith. Thomas had said that he would not believe until he had touched the living body of Jesus (John 20:25). Jesus, knowing all about Thomas' prior statement, offered His body as living proof of His resurrection, and something He did on another occasion (Luke 24:39-40). So in conclusion, the Lord answered and revealed to me that both Mary and Thomas needed more faith. Mary needed faith enough to let Jesus go and believe she would never be alone because the Comforter He promised would come, and Thomas needed faith enough to believe without seeing or needing physical proof. Mary needed to loosen her grip and Thomas needed to strengthen his! Amazing, huh? If you read the Word you'll understand you have been given faith to understand all these things for "Faith comes in hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Believe it! Exercise it!
Until next time,
-Pat-

A Fresh Start For 2020

One of the tragedies of the twentieth century is that people go to church and learn about God but they do not know God. You can know about God without knowing God, and if all you do is know about Him, then indeed, you're going to be lost, you're going to die, you're going to perish. KNOWING GOD is of utmost importance. Remember Jesus' Word in Matthew 7:21-23? He gives us something to think about. Many were knocking at the door of heaven for Jesus to let them in because they thought they were acceptable in their own eyes by the deeds they did, and they learned enough about Him that they called Him Lord. But was He their Lord? They believed because they had done many good things on earth, even prophesying and casting out demons (which indicates they believed these were works/actions worthy of salvation), do you recall Jesus rejecting them at the door of heaven? More importantly, do you remember WHY they were rejected? Jesus proclaimed He never knew them! These did not do the will of the Father and thus were turned away. In other words, those who really KNOW God, love God. And when you love God you obey Him. No amount of goodness or good works will purchase your salvation. Let me say that in a different way. If you KNOW God, then you're going to love God, because no one can truly know Him without loving Him because God is love (1 John 4:7-21). And if you love God you're going to trust God, because when you see how much He loves you (John 3:16), it will be easy for you to trust Him. And when you trust Him you're going to obey Him, for we cannot fully obey someone we do not trust. And when we obey Him we're going to be blessed, for the Bible says ''if you know these things, happy are ye if you do them.'' Do you want to be blessed? Then you have to obey. Do you want to obey? Then you have to trust. Do you want to trust? Then you need to love. Do you want to love? You need to know. YOU NEED TO KNOW GOD. I'm asking, do you know Him? Do you really down in your hearts know God?

God created you. Not only that, He loves you so much that He wants you to know Him now and spend eternity with Him. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." Jesus came so that each of us could know and understand God in a personal way! Jesus alone can bring meaning and purpose to life. Do you feel separated from God as if He is a gazillion miles away? Do you know why you feel like that? I'll tell you. You sense that separation, that distance from God because of your sin. The Bible tells us that “All of us like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). Deep down, our attitude may be one of active rebellion or passive indifference toward God and His ways, but it’s all evidence of what the Bible calls sin. The result of sin in our lives is death -- spiritual separation from God. That's the distance you feel, that gap between you and God. Although we may try to get close to God through our own effort, we inevitably fail. Our efforts to reach God...doing good for others, religious rituals, trying to be a good person, etc. are just that; efforts. But the problem is that none of these good efforts actually cover up our sin or remove it! Our sin is known by God and stands as a barrier between us and God. Further, the Bible says that the penalty for sin is death. We would be eternally separated from God.


Instead of trying to reach God, He tells us how we can begin a relationship with Him right now. Jesus says, “Come to me.” “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink...out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” It was Jesus’ love for us that caused Him to endure the cross. And He now invites us to come to Him, that we might begin a personal relationship with God. Just knowing what Jesus has done for us and what He is offering us is not enough. To have a relationship with God, TO KNOW HIM, we need to welcome Him into our life. The Bible says, “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the power to become the sons of God." That "power" is His Holy Spirit! We accept Jesus by faith. The Bible says, “God saved you by His special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done or will ever do in the future, so none of us can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:9). Accepting Jesus means believing that Jesus is the Son of God, then inviting Him to guide and direct our lives. Jesus said, “I came that you might have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). And here is Jesus’ invitation. He said, “I’m standing at the door and I’m knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.”

As 2020 begins you can receive Jesus right now and KNOW God rather than just "learn about" Him through a church service. Remember that Jesus said, “I’m standing at the door and I’m knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.” Would you like to respond to His invitation and start this year anew? Here’s how. The words you use to commit yourself to God are not important. He knows the intentions of your heart. If you are unsure of what to pray, this might help you put it into words: “Jesus, I want to know you. I want you to come into my life. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin so that I could be fully accepted by you. Only you can give me the power to change and become the person you created me to be. Thank you for your forgiveness and for giving me eternal life. I, in turn, give my life to you. Please do with it as you wish. Amen.” If you sincerely asked Jesus into your heart just now, then He has come into your life as He promised in His Word... it will be a one on one personal relationship! To get to know Him, read your Bible. Amazing knowledge is contained in His Word.
Until next time,
-Pat-

My Final Message for 2019

Another year has almost gone and we are on the brink of another! What kind of a year has 2019 been for you? Where would you place it on a scale of 1 – 10?
Maybe you would give 2019 an 8 or 9 out of 10 – in other words, it was a really good year. It was a good year because you had success in your business, a good year at work or at school, good family relationships, new friendships? 2019 was a year that included a lot of exciting things, new challenges, tasks completed, a great holiday. Or maybe you rate this past year 8 out of ten compared to the previous year which was a horrible year. Or maybe you would give 2019 a 5. It was just another year, pretty much the same as any other year? Nothing very exciting happened, in fact, it was kind of dull and dreary. Just getting up, going to work, coming home, going to bed and then doing the same thing the next day and the next and the next. Maybe 2019 deserves only 2 out of 10. That’s because it was a really dreadful year. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong. The year included tragedy, sickness, loss of friends, marriage problems, the kids were just impossible, even a death in your family. How would you rate this year?


Think back and check what kind of a person you were during 2019. Are there some regrets? If you were able to have some part of the year over again, how would you have behaved differently? Would you have shown more understanding, cared more, been more patient, less critical, been more supportive and helpful? As I reflect on the year that has past there are certain things that I wish I would have done differently. How about your relationship with God? Did that flourish and grow during 2019 or did it just hover in much the same place as it did the previous year or perhaps even went backward as you prayed less, heard less from God through his Word, worshipped less?? Maybe God didn’t have a big part to play in your life during this past year; somehow He just slipped into the background. You could well ask the question: how much did my life reflect the fact that I am God's child –
Did I speak as a child of God;
Did I act with the love of God in my heart;
Did I interact with others with the same love and forgiveness that Jesus has shown toward me?

As we stand on the threshold of another year, Jesus tells us a parable. It’s brief but the point is clear. "Listen," Jesus says. "A man has a fig tree and plants it in his vineyard. Three years later he’s making his way up and down his vineyard, he is looking forward to the taste of a ripe fig but he sees that the fig tree still doesn’t have any fruit. he calls to his gardener, ‘Hey! Get over here. Why is this tree still here? It’s taking up soil and moisture and space. Cut it down, right now.’ Does that sound unduly cruel to you? Actually, Jesus has a message for us. Why should that tree remain standing? Why should it keep taking up space, using up the goodness of the soil if it’s serving no purpose? What’s the point of having a tree that should bear fruit but does nothing? Maybe you’ve had an actual tree in your backyard garden you can relate to that was a big disappointment and you have laid into it with an ax digging it out roots and all. Jesus’ words, "Cut it down, right now," cuts deeply. The owner has a right to be disappointed and angry at that useless tree. It’s no wonder he wants it destroyed. But as we listen to Jesus' story we know Jesus isn’t just talking about a fig tree. He’s talking about you and me. We are led to ask ourselves, "Am I bearing fruit? I keep sucking up the nutrients of the soil in which I’ve been planted so when am I going to show some kind of fruit to match the years I’ve been standing in God's garden and all the opportunities I’ve been given?" Jesus takes a breath and continues. "Leave it alone for one more year", the gardener pleads, "I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year fine! If not, then cut it down." And with that, Jesus ends his story of the fig tree leaving His listeners to ponder the generosity, the patience, the grace of the gardener. They are struck by the words of the gardener when he says "Leave it alone". The word used by Jesus here also means "forgive". They know now that Jesus wasn’t simply telling a story about a fig tree but he was talking about God and the way He forgives us even though we don’t deserve such generosity and kindness.


You see, God has given us some wonderful soil for growth. In Colossians chapter 2 we are told, "You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful" (verses 6 & 7). As God's people, we build our lives on Jesus. Our very existence, our day-to-day living, our every breathing moment has its source in him. We occupy valuable space in the garden. The soil is rich and our roots are there and the owner of the garden is looking for fruit. God wants to see in us the kind of fruit that he would expect to see from someone who has been made new and holy through the blood of Jesus; from someone who has been given a new life by the living Jesus. As 2019 draws to a close He sees all too well what has happened in the past - how our relationships haven’t always been what they could have been.
He has seen the arguments, the inability to be generous when it comes to forgiveness and reconciliation, the lack of gratitude to your parents, the disrespect for your children, the disconnection between you and the church and what God offers through his church. He’s seen it all as it has unfolded during 2019 much to our embarrassment. And He’s forgiven it all. And we’ve drawn on that forgiveness. We’ve heard His words every Sunday as He says to us, ‘Your sins are forgiven!’
We’ve been assured that each time we’ve come to the Lord’s Supper! We’ve drawn on those riches, and still, there’s someone we haven’t forgiven. Still, there is that relationship that remains fractured. Still, no words are spoken between you and the person with whom you have fallen out. Still, the anger wells up whenever you think of that person or hear his/her name.


What magnificent love God shows us! He really must think we’re something special. What love He has that He takes me and adopts me and calls me his child. That love of God is so precious to us especially when we have cried out in despair and pain and need the reassurance that everything will be all right!
But how many times has someone cried out for some love and we’ve been so busy enjoying that love ourselves that we haven’t heard the cry? It’s true that there have times when we’ve really felt down, really alone, we’ve spent restless nights in our beds and the morning has brought no relief. And someone has helped us! A telephone call, a letter, a word, an arm around our shoulders and we’ve been uplifted! Perhaps a sermon, a devotion, a hymn or song has reassured us and given us hope! But how deaf we’ve been to the loneliness and confusion and despair all around us? "Give the tree one more year", the gardener in the vineyard said. The owner wanted to chop it down but the gardener isn’t going to give up. He’s going to dig around it, turn over the soil, add some fertilizer, show it some more TLC and give it another chance! Isn’t that just typical of the Spirit of God? The soil may be brown and hard-baked, but He’s going to send rain. There’s going to be a change. The gardener is determined and He’s going to see to it! Listen to what Jesus tells us in John chapter 15:5, "Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without Me".


The key is to be connected to Jesus. He is the one who can enable us to be what we ought to be. We need Him to help our branches bear fruit. Without Him, we will rate each year that passes below 5 on the 1 to 10 scale! Every day we are inclined to want to break the relationship that God has with us and to turn our back on the way He wants us to be as his children. We are like the fig tree that fails to produce good fruit. Thank God for the patience and grace of the gardener. Jesus gives Himself for us. He becomes the manure, the fertilizer for us as He is rejected, laughed at, crucified as a criminal. On the cross, nails, thorn-spikes, and spear dig into Him. He waters the ground with His own blood. He does everything. We do nothing. We simply trust in His grace. In Christ, we are made beautiful, fruitful gardens. He digs around so that the love of God pours out of us and begins to work in us and we become lovely people, through Jesus! With His kind of fertilizer we begin to accept others as He was able to accept others … and us. The parable about the fig tree makes it quite clear that we have been unfruitful, unfaithful, yet in spite of our lack of fidelity, God is faithful. Be sure of this: Jesus waits for us, spade in hand, wheelbarrow by his side, ready to bring us into the new decade of 2020. That’s a promise. Armed with that promise, we can step forward into the New Year ready to let Him do the work in us that only He can do. Thank Him for His goodness in giving you, giving us, one more year of grace!

Happy New Year!
-Pat-

Gossip

As one of the 2.45 billion members who use Face book (that's billion with a B), I find no lack of habitual gossip on that social media site. Gossip weaves its way through various comments and posts on a regular basis. Recently I had a physical injury that kept me in bed and off the Internet. With that absence, I did not realize how much gossip plays a role when using that social media site until I signed back on 9 days later! I must have become numb to it or just psychologically decided to ignore it. I think as Christians we should be more aware of what we say and how we listen. Exodus 23:1 says, "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness." In other words, don't spread lies, and as a hearer, don't be a part of keeping those lies alive (gossiping). Gossip is defined as, casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.


I can remember a time when peachers used to present sermons condemning gossip. We don’t hear too many sermons on gossip these days, but gossip still exists. One reason why people indulge in gossip is that they find a degree of enjoyment in discussing the faults of other people. We all know of someone who eats gossip up. Proverbs 26:22 EVS, "The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they do down into the inner parts of the body." Gossip is more than "talk." What we hear we ingest! What we ingest becomes us. TV newscasters have long known that juicy scandals make good news copy and sell newspapers. Why is the report of scandals pleasurable to them? I suspicion it's because it brings about an unconsciousness of their faults. Tearing down others makes them feel better about themselves. Many of us without psychology degrees understand this principle. Other people love to create a sensation, so they gossip in order to be at the center of attention. Likely there are other psychological mechanisms for gossip, but the basic reason is a lack of love. When we love people, we do not constantly pick out their character flaws.

King Solomon points out that: "Love covers a multitude of sins" (Proverbs 10:12; 1 Corinthians 13:7; 1 Peter 4:8). We don’t advertise the sins of people we love any more than we would advertise our own. If we truly love someone, we are slow to believe any wrong that is revealed about them until we look at the evidence. However, gossiping can be overcome! How? Consider the following example. Proverbs 26:20, "Where there is no wood, the fires go out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases." We can apply that scripture in this way, if an individual ever comes to you bringing words of gossip, simply tell them, “Since this matter is so important to you, let’s go and talk to the person or persons involved.” Nine times out of ten, the gossiper will suddenly vanish! No wood no fire. No talebearer no tale. It only makes sense that if there are no gossipy ears, there will be few gossipy tongues! Proverbs 11:13, " A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret."

So in closing, avoid gossip! Avoid talking or posting information on social networks that would stir arguments and debates. Stay away from such disputes. Remain silent and pray for Christians to stay firm and committed to Jesus in the midst of such a storm. Let your speech be ‘golden!’ Avoid offensive jibe, harsh language, coarse language, deceit, hurtful words, bitter words, boastful words, and cunning words. Let your words be pleasant! “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). It requires an endless supply of energy, a massive amount of patience and iron will control our unbridled tongue in this world.

Until next time,
-Pat-

Judging Appearance- a lesson from my father-in-law

My father-in-law, a very unique man, passed away about seven years ago. He and I would often go fishing on his 14-foot aluminum boat in the cool of the evening as the sun was setting. No one else in the family liked to fish so it was always just him and me. I always looked forward to going because he would share some of the best stories from his life. Most of them made me laugh, some were serious, and others I made mental notes of in case I needed to apply them to my own life. He had a way of presenting his experiences that when he finished, you felt like you had been to church. There was one particular story that flooded my mind a few days ago that I'd like to share.

One Sunday morning, he said, he entered a new church just before services were to begin. Although his clothes had been washed, he wore jeans, a faded corduroy shirt, and his favorite cowboy boots that were very worn and ragged. In his hand, he carried a tattered, worn-out Bible. My father-in-law was one to walk into any church hoping he could share the gospel. The way he described it, the church he entered this time was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church he'd ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed in pricey clothes and accessories. As he took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him. They openly shunned him and seemed appalled at his appearance and did not attempt to hide it. As he was leaving the church, he said the preacher approached him and asked him to do him a favor. “Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask Him what He thinks would be appropriate attire for worship.” My father-in-law assured the preacher that he would.

The next Sunday, as the story goes, he told me he returned for the services. Giggling a bit he admitted his jeans may have been a little more ragged, his change of shirt still faded from mechanics work, he wore the same ole' worn-out boots and held tightly to his leather-bound, tattered bible. Once again, he was completely shunned and ignored by everyone in the building. He wasn't surprised when the preacher approached him again and said, “I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to this church.”
“I did,” replied my father-in-law.
“If you spoke to God, what did he tell you the proper attire should be for worshipping in here?” asked the preacher. Knowing my father-in-law well, I couldn't wait to hear his response! With a slight hesitation and an ornery smile on his face, he told me he said, “Well, sir, God told me that He didn’t have a clue what I should wear. He said He’d never been in this church.”
We both erupted into a synchronized chorus of laughter as our voices continued resonating across the lake.

What can we learn? As Christians, we should never be guilty of playing favorites or judging people based on appearance. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17; James 2:1-10) Why is it that people feel the need to judge another person? Why do people judge others by what they wear or what they look like? We judge when we assume things as well. Read my blog titled "ASSUMICIDE." We mentally hand out labels, like "bum" or "hobo". Whether we are Christian or not, we have heard the phrase Judge not or you will be judged. That's actually more than a phrase, it's a command in the Bible and it's something for people who are quick to make judgments to remember. When you’re thinking about judging a book by its cover, sometimes, I think most people find, if they open it up, they might like what they find inside despite a non-attractive cover. The same goes for people. Just take a second to take a closer look or hear what they have to say. You might find the man or quiet boy in school is having trouble with his speech, or the man in the raggedy clothes has a Ph.D. In the case of my father-in-law, he ran his own car shop business and had an excellent reputation of being the best automobile mechanic on this side of the Mississippi. I'm sure the folks in that church of such status were mentally judging my father-in-law as a bum just by the way they avoided and ignored him. I’ll tell you, words can hurt a lot more than a bruise - the bruise goes away. The hurt from words is burned into the memory. I was a victim of bullying for years, and trust me, hurtful words cut deeper than physical injury or pain.

We wonder why others are committing crimes. Think about it. Many times people are angry, hurt, and think they can get even with society for throwing them away with disdain. It's true. It's factual. When people judge those who’ve fallen on hard times, it makes it even harder to make a comeback. How would they feel if someone labeled them? Even after I get to know a person, I don’t judge them. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I've been judged falsely. It's not fun! As a quick example, take the time to consider that there might be underlying health issues preventing the person from having a job and that they are not lazy at all. Especially now, during this Christmas season, let love rule in your heart and think twice before labeling someone you believe falls below your standard. Each of us is made in the image of God. Each of us has worth.
I'll leave you with this, 1 John 4:20 "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, how can they love God, whom they have not seen."
Until next time.
-Pat-

Lesson From A Phone Booth

I saw a video on YouTube the other day where an old rotary phone was placed on a table. Two millennial teens were brought into the room and given a challenge. Written on a piece of paper was a phone number. They were told they had 4 minutes to figure out how to dial that number on a contraption they had never seen before. It was hilarious watching them try to figure it out, which they never did! I suppose that "challenge" would be a simple undertaking for those of us raised on rotary dial phones, but for kids brought up to use tablets, I-pads, and I-pods I can understand how it might be an arduous task. So for that, I gave them a break. The same holds true for phone booths. There are some people who have no idea what a phone booth is! According to the FCC, there are about 100,000 of them left in the United States and about 1/5 of them are located in New York. For those of you who have used a phone booth at any time in your life, this blog will be relatable but particularly for the Christian because we can draw a spiritual lesson from a 3x3x7 foot box! (The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/1OADXNGnJok)

Something always seemed to happen once you stepped inside the 2-panel accordion-style door of a phone booth. Whenever you lifted the receiver, inserted your dime, placed the receiver to your ear and connection made, inevitably someone on the other end would say, “I can’t hear you; speak louder.” The sounds and the roar of the traffic in the background would drown out your voice. People would often ask, “Shut the door so I can hear you.” There is a definite spiritual lesson we can learn from a phone booth.
For us to truly “hear” God’s Word, NOT JUST READ IT, and be totally committed to Him, we must “shut the door” to the outside world (1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2). Worldly interests and enticements can distract us from serving the Lord — so much so, that we may find ourselves forsaking the Lord if we’re not careful (Hebrews 10:21-27; Hebrews 3:6-13; 2 Timothy 4:10). And we must be careful because, though we are spiritually born-again, this "tabernacle" is still flesh. And the flesh wars with the spirit constantly. Galatians 5:17 "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

We MUST set our minds on and “seek first” the things above (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-2) so that we can serve God with the whole heart (Numbers 14:15-24; Numbers 32:11-12; Deuteronomy 1:35-36) and not in pretense (Psalm 17:1). The things "of the world" are what John tells us it is characterized by three things — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. The first two refer to desires for what we don’t have, and the third refers to the pride in what we do have. The world is driven by a passion for pleasure and pride in possessions. We are not to be tied up in them (1 John 2:15-18; Romans 12:2; James 4:4;) because they are like static. Static muddles our mind and thoughts and directs our attention on everything except that which we are supposed to avoid. The enemy uses the static of self-talk, cheap advice, societal pressures, social media, and busyness, which all make us strain to hear Truth. If we are not careful, the static in our hearts and minds will make it difficult to hear God’s voice, especially since He often speaks in tones that are still and small. If we allow the static to persist, we just might give up and tune into another channel.

If you don’t feel much love for God you are either “not born of God,” or your “love has grown cold.” It is possible that you are a “cultural Christian” or a “hereditary Christian,” and have developed patterns of religious talk and behavior because of its social influence upon your life. The other possibility is that you have been “born again” and have tasted what it means to have a heart for God, but now you are a “dimly burning wick” (Isaiah 42:3) in love with the things of this world. The prescription for your ailment is first to SHUT THE DOOR TO THE WORLD because the cure is not much different from the prescription for seeking the new birth in the first place — the same Word that ignites the fire of love in your heart in the first place also rekindles that love... so yield yourself to the Holy Spirit and immerse yourself in the Word of God. Cry out to Christ for a new vision of the glory of His grace. Pursue a new passion for Christ. It's that simple. Shut the door, shut out the world, rekindle your first love.
Until next time,
-Pat-

Because Of Your Hard Heart-- (Romans 2:5)

When a doctor diagnoses a patient with hardening of the arteries, that patient becomes very concerned and seeks further medical attention. However, many have a spiritual infirmity known as a “hardening of the heart” (2 Chronicles 36:14-16; Hebrews 3:12-15). Unfortunately, people are not as concerned with the spiritual “hardening” of their hearts as they are with the physical hardening of their hearts. What I am about to say may shock you - but I believe it with all my heart: The hardest hearts in this world are not among the ungodly but among God's people!

When we think of hardhearted people, most of us think of avid atheists such as Madalyn Murray O'Hair; the woman who was instrumental in removing prayer from public schools. Atheists like O'Hair ridicule the very idea of God. Whenever they refer to Christians, their words are harsh and judgmental. Other atheists flaunt their hatred for God - such as the rock performer Marilyn Manson, who rips up Bibles during his stage shows. Whenever we hear about people such as these, we think, "Those are the most hardhearted people in the world!" We may think of militant gay activists, such as those who marched up Fifth Avenue in New York City. Many of those marching homosexuals mocked Christianity and blasphemed God's name. One man I personally saw on television carried a sign reading, "Jesus Is Gay," and another went as far as dressing like Jesus and openly imitating sexual intercourse with another man as all eyes watched, including little children. Whenever we hear of such people, we think, "Their hearts have become hardened because of sin. They are impossible to reach!" Or, we may think about one of the many communist nations that for decades have persecuted Christians. In Cuba, for instance, in the 1960s just miles off of our Florida coast, Fidel Castro's communist regime closed all churches and began turning cathedrals into training centers for communism. Cuba's leaders boasted, "We have wiped out all religion!" And at the time, many Christians thought, "No one could be more hardhearted than these God-haters!" I could go on and on, describing all kinds of scoffers, mockers, blasphemers, rejecters of Christ. And, indeed, each of these could easily be described as being hardhearted.

It's unfortunate, but if you want to discover the hardest hearts of all - the ones the Lord most despises - you have to look in God's house. The hardest hearts are always found among his people! The tragic truth is that in spite of hearing fiery messages sent from heaven, multitudes of Christians do not practice what they hear. They refuse to allow God entry into certain areas of their lives. And as they continue to hear without heeding, a hardness begins to set in. In the end, they will be cut off without hope of ever being cured! You might be surprised if you read PSALM 95:8-10. Why? It is actually describing the Israelites, God's chosen people not the lost sinner. So many times it is the Christian who loses interest in Christ and their heart slowly but ever more surely turns cold and hardens to anything related to the faith they once professed. As time passes and the mundane matters of life replace their original religious fervor, they grow increasingly unconcerned with the things of God. Christ and his word and his will are simply not important to them yet in their self-deception, they are convinced that they are okay with God and they become Academy Award-winning hypocrites convincing themselves and others that they are the favored children of God, but over the course of their life, something very dangerous is occurring, something that they do not see.

It is because of the damning sin of unbelief, their heart becomes increasingly hardened to the things of God. They can come to a church service and the preaching of the word will have no impact on them. They have no desire to be like Christ, no desire to progress in holiness, no desire to obey what they know is against God's will. They become more and more like the world. And underneath their spiritual veneer, there is a growing contempt for God and for his glory and their hearts are filled with spiritual ignorance, ingratitude, rebellion, and even outright idolatry and the sad thing is none of this alarms them ... a perfect indication of a hardened heart! They don't see it and if you bring it up they are quickly offended. Paul described it this way in Titus 1, beginning in verse 15, "to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed." This was the Apostle Paul's great concern for the first century Hebrews, those who had attached themselves to the new Christian church but who were Christians in name only, those who had truly not believed the full Gospel, only parts of it. This is a deadly deception that eventually hardens a person's heart over time. It desensitizes a person to the truth of the word of God and produces in them a growing rebellion towards God and ultimately it provokes the wrath of God.

Sadly, these are the same issues that face every church today. You say you believe in Christ, you say you believe in the Gospel, but down deep you really don't. Oh, you understand intellectually but you're not personally committed to the Lordship of Christ. Your sinful heart has deceived you. Your heart has become hardened to the truth, to the word, to the will of God, but because of the deceitfulness of sin, you cannot see it. That's a great danger. You hear the preaching of the word and yet your life is unchanged. You are convinced you are fine. The person and the work of Christ have no real appeal to you. You simply live for yourself and you believe that God is good with you, that you're good with God, and you simply use God for your own needs. Why? Because your sin nature has deceived you and you can't see it. This is such great danger and I assure you that if that is true in your life, as time goes on you will gradually fall away from the truth because your heart has been trained to ignore it. Then after so long of a time, your conscience gradually becomes seared and insensitive like skin that has been badly burned; like the false teachers that Paul described in 1 Timothy 4:2, those who even believe their own lies that were destroying the lives of others. He said, "by means of the hypocrisy of liars they were seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron." You see, repeated deception will turn your heart into scar tissue and it will be insensitive to the truth. You will be desensitized from it and you will continue to live in rebellion to God when in fact you are quite convinced of the opposite. You have no healthy fear of God's judgment because your heart has become hard. You are insensitive to reality.

This is such a great danger within the church. A hard heart dulls the ability to understand truth. How? A person with a hard heart puts up walls that disable them to receive anything. Not only that, but darkness takes place meaning there is no room for revelation-light to enter in. Luke 8:10 says, "You have been given a teachable heart to perceive the secret, hidden mysteries of God’s kingdom realm. But to those who don’t have a listening heart, my words are merely stories. Even though they have eyes, they are blind to the true meaning of what I say, and even though they listen, they won’t receive full revelation. " Did you get that? My jaw dropped when I read this! Each person was given a teachable heart, but many people have allowed their heart to be hardened which causes scripture to be more like stories. Not only are people with a hard heart not able to listen, but they aren’t able to see either which in turn will disable them from receiving the true revelation from the Word. Luke 11:34 says, “The eyes of your spirit allow revelation-light to enter into your being. When your heart is open the light floods in. When your heart is hard and closed, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place.” WOW!!
Hopefully now that you have reached this point you recognize just how dangerous and unhealthy a hard heart is. It’s time to do something about it! The only thing that is going to bring healing to your heart is the truth! The truth is what will set you free! And I believe once you spend time in the truth then the Bible won’t be merely just stories anymore; it will, in fact, bring revelation light to every core of your being.
Until next time,
-Pat-
** Romans 2:5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.

Tolerance

I suppose tolerance could be the one virtue that is esteemed above all others. However, "tolerance" isn't always a good thing! Sound contradictory? Let me explain. Traditional virtues such as humility, chastity, and temperance have long fallen out of public favor, and in some circles, are openly ridiculed. Acts once universally labeled “immoral” and “ungodly” are now celebrated under the guise of “tolerance”. Abortion, homosexuality, and pornography are today championed by dozens of liberal advocacy groups and praised by the mainstream media. Marital infidelity and divorce are so common in our present-day society that few families have escaped its bitter consequences. Is this the kind of tolerance Christians are supposed to embrace?

Liberals revere tolerance. They practically worship it. It’s like a religion to them. I believe, in general, that liberals are not actually tolerant. Liberals tolerate only what they want to tolerate. They tolerate things they agree with—which, of course, isn’t tolerance. Tolerance is about accepting the often-difficult differences between you and someone you strongly disagree with and respecting that person’s right to an opposing point of view. Liberals are relentless in denouncing, demonizing, boycotting, attacking, picketing, prosecuting, suing, fining, and even threatening to jail people who disagree with them on same-sex marriage! Tolerance? I read something on the Internet that backs what I'm saying. I need to share it!
If your family owns a barn in New York (or elsewhere) and declines to rent it to a gay couple for a wedding ceremony because such an arrangement violates your religious beliefs and freedom, liberals will fine you $13,000. If you’re Elaine Photography in New Mexico and beg not to photograph a same-sex wedding, liberals will sue you. If you are the Kleins in Oregon and plead not to make a cake for a same-sex ceremony, you will be picketed, hauled before state commissions, and have your livelihood ruined by liberals. If you are Jack Phillips, a baker in Colorado, or a florist in any number of states, who likewise prefers not to service same-sex events, you will be threatened with imprisonment. If you are the owner of Chick-fil-A or other businesses, and you dare admit that you’re against redefining marriage because you believe your God says you can’t, liberals literally will assert at your death that Jesus is going to send you to hell. I could go on and on.

As the socially “enlightened ones” preach to the masses about being tolerant of those “different” than us, they are in fact the most “intolerant” of all people. Think for a minute. These same individuals are intolerant of those who hold to and embrace New Testament Christianity. In their “demands” of tolerance from people, they themselves cannot tolerate anyone who holds to the doctrine of Christ. They refuse to accept those who believe in “one body” and “one spirit”; those who preach “one hope”; those who declare the truth that there is but “One Lord, one faith, one baptism …” (Ephesians 4:4-6). These “tolerant ones” cannot tolerate anyone who dares to believe in the inspired Word of God as the sole source of truth and authority (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). They are “intolerant” of those who live by a morality based upon God’s divine will. These folks believe that being a child of God automatically makes one “intolerant”, dangerous and in need of “sensitivity training” so that we might become as “tolerant” as they.

As a believer, the most disturbing thing is, as the world goes, soon the Church follows. There are many within the Body of Christ (The Church) who have now taken up this twisted banner of “tolerance”, embracing those denominations and accepting their false teachings. They draw in thousands under the heading of diversity, tolerance, and love. It is the absolute teaching of Christ to love the sinner, but not the sin! We cannot condone what Christ condemns. Like those in the post-modern world, these “tolerant ones” who are being exposed within the church are very INTOLERANT toward those who challenge them. Labeling those they judge to be intolerant as “traditional” and “legalistic”, they look upon all who demand book, chapter and verse as “dangerous” to the spirit of the Bible and the cause of Christ. Unfortunately, as predicted by the apostle Paul, there has been a shift, a "falling away" from the principals and doctrine of Christ. Scripture tells us, " But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber." 2 Peter 2:1-3.

I conclude that we must not only reject the “post-modern” value of “tolerance”, we must also reject these “enlightened ones” in the church of our Lord. Instead of succumbing to the temptation of being “tolerant” to those in error, we must hold fast to, “the form of sound words …” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). We have a duty to faithfully guard the treasure of truth entrusted to us (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14; Titus 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:4) against all – both outside and inside the church. We must stand strong "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13. Stand your ground, speak up when needed, hold fast to what Jesus taught, so that you as Paul will have the confidence to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." If faithful Christians do not stand their ground– then who will?

Until next time,
-Pat-

Whose Coming To Your Door

I watched a movie almost 30 years ago. I want to share the theme of that movie to make a point I think Christians need to hear. In the movie, there was a small dog that was struck by a car. As it lay by the side of the road, a doctor drove by. He noticed that the dog was still alive, so he stopped his car, picked up the dog, and took him home with him. There he discovered that the dog had suffered a few minor cuts and abrasions, but was otherwise all right. He revived the dog, cleaned his wounds, then picked him up to take him to the garage, where he intended to provide a temporary bed for him.

As he carried the dog from his house to the garage, the dog wiggled free from his arms, jumped to the ground, and scampered off. “What an ungrateful dog!” the doctor exclaimed. He was glad that the little dog had recovered so quickly, but was a little miffed that the dog had shown so little appreciation for his expert and gentle care. The doctor thought no more of the incident until the next evening when he heard a scratching at his front door. When he opened the door there was the little dog he had treated. At its side was another hurt dog!

I believe there is a spiritual lesson in this story that can be applied to both you and me as well! The lesson is, we can be encouraged and know that those who hear the Gospel from us are never the same, even though we may not be the one to “see” the difference it has made in their lives, or the difference they have made in the lives of others! We may never hear a thank you or know if they were helped. I continually have to remind my self when readership is low that I work for God and not the people. He will take the seeds I plant and water as He sees fit. I pray that our spiritual attitude is like that of the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 3:5-9) and continue to teach and preach the Word when and where we are able (Mark 16:15; 2 Timothy 2:2; 2 Timothy 4:2) without expecting anything in return. I always hope, as with the little dog above, that a reader of these blogs will bring another wounded person to my doorstep!


Until next time,

-Pat-

We Are All Disabled Until We Get Our Spiritual Legs

One day, I could no longer walk. It was as simple as that. I was diagnosed with CMT. CMT is a genetic disorder due to a defective gene that destroys the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves in the body's extremities. CMT causes weakness in arms, legs, hands, and feet until they no longer respond when the brain sends a message to "move". Over time, progressive peripheral neuropathy inhibits movement and balance. Thus the symptoms of stumbling, tripping, falling, and eventually, any muscle affected will no longer respond to messages sent from the brain. Though the symptoms of my disorder began in my 30's it has been a gradual destructive process. By the time I reached my 50's, I required the use of a cane that eventually has now led to life in a wheelchair. There were no warnings or indications early on. I was an active, healthy young adult. As time has passed, I have learned to deal with the pain and lack of mobility. I'm not writing this blog for sympathy. God knows I don't like admitting I'm disabled, but He has urged me to surrender what pride I still cling to that I might bring a spiritual lesson to teach you.

Scripture describes the Christian life as a daily "walk" (1 John 1:17 and 3 John 3-4). Ironic for me since I cannot physically walk, yet I am walking in the ways of the Lord! I want us to realize this allegorically, our SPIRITUAL LEGS can become weak, we cannot walk properly, and we need medical care. When we are spiritually ill, we need The Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), a mirror for examination (James 1:22-25), and a visit to the Great Physician (Deuteronomy 32:39; Psalm 103:3). As humans, when physical injuries come we can adapt and work around those injuries through a measure of self-sufficiency that can sustain us. We rely upon own our senses that direct us to seek help, whether by our own hands, with help from a friend, or by seeking out someone in the medical profession. The choices are varied. However, it is not the same in the spiritual sense. We have only one choice, in that, we must depend completely on the Lord to heal us. "It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23 NKJV). "Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Spiritually, things will not get better with time because our faith will wither without constant attention. Clinging to the Great Physician is our only hope (Deuteronomy 32:39). We can listen to a variety of people and their opinions, or we can go to the only one who is truly knowledgeable about our condition. Dining on spiritually healthy food (scriptures) and investing in prayer and fellowship are required if we will return to our full spiritual health. Submitting ourselves into the hands of our Great Physician without shrinking or shying away is the only answer. We must listen to and trust Him. If we cannot walk spiritually here on earth, we will not walk in heaven one day.

Thankfully, our physical condition has nothing to do with our ability to walk spiritually. I can testify to that. Hallelujah. No matter what body we were handed, our spirits can soar like eagles. We stand liberated by God’s Spirit, lifted by his loving arms because he loves us passionately. How do you walk spiritually? Are you able to run or do you fall flat? If the latter, you need the loving hands of the Great Physician to make everything better. If you earnestly seek to live for Him, He will show you how to soar like an eagle despite any negative circumstances that come against you.
Until next time,
-Pat-
What is CMT: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/charcot-marie-tooth-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350517

ASSUMICIDE

I want to talk about something that I believe many of us struggle with or are bothered by. I found the perfect word and picture online that fits what I so often witness as a Christian. The word is Assumicide. I'm hoping something I write in this blog will help us deal with it. What is assumicide?? It happens when false assumptions are made about others so that they are portrayed in the worst possible light. Relationships are killed by it! If we are honest with ourselves, we can admit we are creatures that are sometimes prone to be suspicious and therefore assumptive. When we become offended or hurt, we immediately begin to "assume" or look for evidence that someone did us wrong. I cannot say everyone reading this blog is guilty, but I can tell you I have been. Have you ever assumed at any time in your life that someone had it in for you for whatever reason? Assumicide leads to the death of relationships because we end up believing the worst about others. I know of at least four people who have written me (no one from this blogging group) with their own suspicions about others and have asked my opinion as to why the other person is assuming falsehoods. Some of the assumptions have been way out there! We have all been guilty at one time or another of drawing wrong conclusions on the basis of tiny scraps of evidence. Look at these statements:
1. She didn't call back so it's evident in my mind she must not want to talk to me.
2. She didn't respond to my post on FaceBook so she must have de-friended me.
3. How could he possibly be a Christian when he drinks beer?
4. I saw her in a bar. She must be an alcoholic or looking for a pick-up.
5. The way it looks I'll bet they are sleeping together.
6. He's probably a jerk at home too.

If you are a victim of assumicide (which I have been more times than I can count on all my fingers) it's very hard to fight back against false assumptions because once a person has formed an opinion, they like to stick with it. Few things hurt more than being misunderstood by our close friends. The closer they are to us, the greater the pain. When that happens we discover a lot about ourselves. How we respond when we have been misunderstood tells a great deal about the depth of our Christian faith. Just remember this ... it always starts over something small: someone didn't answer our email, didn't invite us to their party, we heard they said something negative about us, they suddenly seemed cold when they used to be glad to see us, etc. Little things. Small stuff. Petty complaints. Congregations have split and friendships have ended over things that started very small but grew all out of proportions. Believe it or not, this happened to the apostle Paul. I saw it in the book of Corinthians. If you read 1 and 2 Corinthians closely you will see how Paul responded to a misunderstanding that threatened to destroy a friendship and a local church. Paul planned to go to Macedonia and then to Corinth (1 Cor 16: 5-7), and even said: "if the Lord permits"(1 Cor 16:7). But guess what? That trip never took place. He later planned to do the opposite: go to Corinth THEN Macedonia (2 Cor 1:15-16)..."I planned to visit you first so that you might benefit twice"(verse 15). Then? He actually decided to postpone his trip altogether. "I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit" (2 Cor. 2:1). Because of this, Paul's opponents used his changing plans as a way to attack his credibility! They were guilty of assumicide. Watch this: "See, you can't trust him. He calls himself an apostle, he says he's coming but he never shows up." They assumed he wasn't trustworthy and basically labeled him an outright liar. That was a huge problem for them. Before knowing all the facts they assumed the worst of Paul. I mean, keeping your word is hugely important for all of us of course, but especially for spiritual leaders. It's all about integrity, consistency, proving yourself trustworthy, showing up on time, and doing what you said you would do. If people feel they cannot count on you, how will they ever listen to what you have to say? Note! Paul did not lie to them, there was no deception, he didn't ignore them out of anger, etc. What did Paul do about these assumptions? He answered them in three parts: "My conscience is clear" (verse 12). "I haven't hidden anything from you" ( verse 12). "I haven't tried to deceive you" (verse 13). [Beatitude: "Blessed is the man who has nothing to hide."] How does this apply to us? I had to think this through.

If you read those scriptures again, Paul never tried to hide his change of plans. It's true he changed his mind several times, but whether or not the Corinthians understood it, in reality, his only concern was for their welfare though they assumed differently. Paul stated, "Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm" (2 Cor 1:24). Paul was expressing his love for the Church, and then he simply said, "I am not afraid." Paul was honest, open, and meant no harm, but some people will choose to misunderstand no matter what we say or do. Sometimes there's just nothing to say but, "My conscience is clear." When you've been the victim of assumicide, sometimes all you can do is rest your reputation with the Lord. When others twist your words, do not despair. Speak the truth, explain yourself clearly, then entrust your future with God! It is God that knows you through and through, it is Christ who has anointed you, sealed you, revealed the Holy Spirit and promised to guide you. If you trust in Him, the time of chaos will pass and you will be stronger for having gone through the struggle. In the meantime, our motives may be challenged. And as hard as this may be for some to hear, we really cannot solve every problem people have. Some people won't listen. Some people love to argue. Some people already have their minds made up. Some people have an answer for everything! It was the same in Corinth. People haven't changed. As I understand it, the church at the time was so divided with factions, and because Paul had already sent them a very stern and painful letter as tears streamed down his face, he knew the situation was inflamed so he decided not to go to Corinth. I'm fascinated by the way the passage ends though. Paul wrote, "I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn't want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you" (2 Cor 2:4). WOW! Does that sound like a liar? A man lacking credibility? A man hiding something? A man of anger?

In closing, keep in mind we will be misunderstood by our friends and the best defense is always an honest, clear, non-defensive explanation. We cannot control how people will respond to us, so pray for those who misunderstand you. Scripture is clear, we must not return evil for evil even though it's hard to do especially when your motives are repeatedly attacked! But, we are to be like our Lord, who, when He was attacked reviled not. It's going to happen and that will be a real test of your faith. You will find out what you really believe when others mistreat you. Sometimes the real test of your faith is what you DON'T DO. Sometimes you'll be a better Christian by not saying anything at all. So what's the trick? How can you do this? The answer is in 1 Peter 2:23, "He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." So trust God to handle the ending! I have used the following statements (speaking under my breath!) on many occasions when I've been so sorely misunderstood: "It's not about me. It's not about now. It's all about God. It's all about eternity." You will find that as a follower of Jesus you will not only be misunderstood by the world but by other Christians as well! May God give us the spirit of Jesus that we might walk in His steps, forgive others who assume and attack our best intentions, and have the faith to leave it in God's hands to handle as needed.
Until next time,
-Pat-

Are You Being Surveilled?

I had quite a scare this week. I received an alert from LIFELOCK asking me to contact them right away. For those that aren't familiar with that company, Lifelock is an American identity theft company that detects fraudulent applications for credit and illegal use of your personal information. I pay them a monthly fee to monitor my credit, bank account, any potential loans being taken out in my name, my SS #, and personal information. "If" someone were to get access to any of these things, I will be notified and asked if I was the person attempting to make a transaction. If any damages or threats result from stolen identity, Lifelock will handle the matter so that I am not liable for any damages. So when I received my first alert after being a member for three years, I became anxious knowing I may have become the victim of identity theft. Thank the good Lord such wasn't the case. Lifelock went to work immediately when I confirmed I was not the person who applied for credit to purchase a cellular plan from ATT U-Verse. Someone miswrote and transposed one number of their Social Security which matched my number and made it appear someone was using my number to apply for credit. The alert came because this person used their name and address but the SS number they marked down (my number) did not match that same person's address or phone number. Thank God Lifelock had their eyes watching over for me.

This is what I want to talk about today. The EYES that are watching you. You cannot step outside your front door without a camera or security system seeing you and recording every move you make. There aren't just surveillance cameras at courthouses and banks anymore, they exist on traffic lights, in grocery stores, parking lots, and so much more including on the front porch of homes through their RING doorbells and Blink security systems. Mine records activity 24/7 not only at my front door but beyond into the street, up the street, and every home as far as my eyes can see. It's humorous to observe how some people who come up on my front porch, notice the camera, then quickly turn and leave as if they had bad intentions. We are simply born with an innate inclination not to be watched or observed without our permission. It makes us uneasy, tense, edgy. We want our privacy! Often times, to compensate for this "intrusion" we will act our best when we know someone is watching. There are people that act entirely different during the hour they are at church in front of the preacher than when they are at home showing their true abusive colors with their spouse. Or how amazing it is that behavior changes when a policeman approaches our divers side window and announces he saw us running a red light. When we know someone has seen us doing something inappropriate or against the law, we suddenly plead for mercy or make an argument we were misunderstood. We hate being caught!

What many forget to realize is, you could remove every camera set up across the world and we are still being "surveilled"! The Psalmist David said it so well, "Where can I go from thy Spirit? Or where shall I flee from the presence?" (Psalm 139:7). God is omniscient. He sees and knows everything. Even the darkness does not keep Him from seeing (Psalm 139:11-12). God may reside in heaven but His Spirit is everywhere, "If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in hell, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn if I settle on the far side of the sea ..." (Psalm 139:8-9). Don't misunderstand, God is not IN hell, He can see into hell. He observes all. Nothing is hidden from His presence or knowledge. A little boy once said after being offered a dime if he could tell a certain man where God was. The boy answered, "Mister, I'll give you a dollar if you tell me where He ain't!"

The truth is, we sometimes forget that the Lord is watching all the time. Proverbs 15:3 states, "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." He watches every step we take and He sees through every flimsy excuse offered in attempting to justify any unfaithfulness. There’s an all-seeing Eye watching all of us — Someone to whom our whole soul is laid bare (Hebrews 4:13; Psalm 90:8). God is the only being who can be present in all places simultaneously without ever-thinning out. He is present in the human mind through a part of Himself -His Spirit as a gift to man. Thus, He is conscious personally of you, He knows you intimately, He is aware of your ups and downs, your variant moods, your likes and dislikes, your intimate thoughts. God resides in that part of your mind where the citadel of your inner thinking takes place. The place where no one else can enter. His work in you is constant. His occupation in you has to do with your future life if you choose to faithfully follow Him. He is busy duplicating a spiritual counterpart of you, your real self, your evolving immortal soul FROM GLORY TO GLORY (2 Corinthians 3:18). Cooperate with Him. His wish is for you is to survive natural death. Sordid thoughts, selfish thoughts, and bad actions torture a Divine entity in you Whose purpose is to make you more than what you currently are.
Until next time,
-Pat-

Why Can Some People Understand the Bible But Others Cannot?

Today there is a sense that God's Word is lost and irrelevant. Some people believe it is ineffective because in their minds it was written long ago by "mortal men" and therefore they reject it. My question is, if you believe this, then what makes the Word of God effective in some people's lives and not others? How is it that it changes some lives but others are unmoved by it? If you take into consideration that people put aside any of God's instruction, that instruction actually becomes of no effect to that person. That person is in the same category of the Jewish leaders in Christ's day: "For the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes have they closed unless they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears unless they should understand with their heart and turn so that I would heal them" (Matthew 13:15). The Word of God (the Bible) is effectively "lost" to that person! Or in another sense, it is "lost" to the world. Notice the accountability in the above scripture? Unless THEY. THEIR eyes. THEIR ears. THEY should. THEY have closed. Unless THEY turn. So many are hardened against God and are against anything to do with God, they close THEIR eyes and THEIR ears. This indifference and rebellion are easily seen in this country. Take for instance the battle over the Ten Commandments to remain in institutions, or the effort to remove the motto "In God We Trust" from everything in the public eye. Anything related to God has become offensive.

It is these same people who ridicule God's Word. They have lost touch with the reality that God is their creator whether they acknowledge it or not. They are like the Gentiles spoken of in Paul's letter to the Roman Christians, [and they] "changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man - and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things. Who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen" (Romans 1:23; Romans 1:25). There is a lot there , but that's for another day! They are also like the hardened soil in Matthew's Parable of the Sower, "When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn't understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside" (Matthew 13:19). But notice, even though hearing they don't understand (scriptures) Satan comes to snatch away that which was SOWN IN HIS HEART! So, though a man doesn't understand, God's Word WAS "deposited" in his heart! However, if there is no interest, no consideration, no conviction, if a person isn't moved to respond or change by what they hear, that WORD IS EFFECTIVELY LOST to that person! You could say The Word of God is "hidden" from their minds, "Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe unless the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them (2 Corinthians 4:4).

How terrible that some just can’t find the truths in God’s Word because it's there for all to understand.
There is another sense that comes to mind. Think of the thousands of dusty Bibles lying on coffee tables or shelves that are never opened. In this case, the “Book” is in plain view, but it is never opened. The “Book” might as well be lost as was the book of the Law in Josiah’s day. If it is never read, never consumed in the minds of people, in essence, it's "lost." But think of this point: In Josiah’s day, it was lost in the Temple. That’s like being lost in our church buildings today! Just suppose the Word is preached at every appointed time during the assembly of God’s people. If one is not there to hear, then to them the words spoken are lost. If one is present but will not heed the instruction, the effect of the word is “lost” on that person too. Same thing! For some, the Word goes in one ear and out the other.

Those who HEAR the Word of God, who do not ridicule it, but who willfully open their eyes and open their ears to believe the Word in faith, TURN TO ACT ON IT in obedience. These will bring forth "fruits" that bear witness that the Word "planted," took root, and is living in them. These are the same people spoken of in the Parable of the Sower who accept God's Word (the Seed) and produce visible characteristics (fruits) proving they have indeed turned from their old ways (Matthew 13:8). These are also those who love to share what they have heard (Matthew 22:9-10, Acts 10:24). We all have the responsibility to live by His instructions (Ecclesiastes 12:13; 1 John 3: 23-24). Some will hear, but unfortunately, some will refuse to hear. Some will turn from their sins. Some will not. Some have their prayers answered. Others will not; ever. Some understand the scriptures as written. Some never will. Those who believe and follow will understand because God will reveal His Word as they are able to receive it. Others will ridicule the Word, tell you it was written by men, reject it at every turn, and will never hear from God or have their requests considered.

Today I pray that if you hear the Word of God you act on it knowing IT WAS PLANTED IN YOUR HEART! If you've heard it or read it, it's there. Think of that! It's actually inside you. You have a chance to meditate on it, consider it, and let it guide and change you into the person God has always intended you to be. Don't sit on it for the devil to come to snatch it away. The longer you wait, the easier Satan's attempt will be to make you doubt it, question its validity, to encourage you to remain lazy, or ignore it altogether! We often escape the discipline we are due because of God’s kindness. Nevertheless, we walk on thin ice when we think we can presume upon His kindness and patience. After all, the Lord’s patience toward sinners will run out eventually (Romans 2:4–5). Hearing and seeing are chances God is giving you to hear and understand His Word. Don't put aside God's instruction that it becomes of none effect! Open your eyes to see, open your ears to hear so that you turn and walk after the Lord.

Until next time,
-Pat-