If It Feels Good Do It

 

How does one determines right from wrong; good from bad; positive from negative. More and more of America has made the transition from making choices based on objectivity, logic, order, and preconceived standards to making choices based upon “interpreting the current situation”, “relational balance” and “context.” For many, this means that “right and wrong” no longer exist as clear lines of distinction. It has allowed the excuses for indulgence in the sixties to become the standard for decision-making in the new millennium. How many are familiar with the following:

• You only go around once in a life

• Are we having fun yet?

• Grab all the gusto you can get!

• What have you done for me lately?

• If it feels good do it

When it gets out of control we might use other clichés like:

• I couldn’t help myself

• The Devil made me do it

I present short blogs, long blogs, blogs of correction and reproof, and some that make you feel all warm and cozy. Not all my blogs are feel-good blogs though they seem to be the ones people itch for. That is not what I'm here for. I write what I am given and surely I will step on some feet and lose people along the way. So be it. The “feel good” philosophy of our day runs like a thread through almost every aspect of culture; including church! But Jesus may have something to say about that. Jesus may have something to say against that. Jesus may have something to say that isn’t … popular. That in itself is ironic since being unpopular means it won’t make us feel good which means we may reject it outright without hearing him out. So be it I guess. Doing what feels good often leads us down a path of ruin. We discover that life might be better understood by seeking a different mechanism for making choices than “If it feels good do it”. Jesus offers an alternative to the quest for sensual gratification that drives our culture and it is illustrated in the demonic man who was conquered and rescued in the book of Mark. The issue of demonic control (sin’s control over a human) is a very serious issue. It is one the Church must acknowledge and address. Mark introduces us to “Satan” in chapter one. Matthew and Luke call the enemy the Devil (Accuser). Mark calls him “Satan” (adversary). This understanding of the enemy can be seen in nearly every page of the Gospel he writes. For that reason, I will call him Satan (the Adversary) in this blog as well.

From the earliest introduction to evil in the Bible, we discover that: Satan desires to control, manipulate, and ruin people. Satan has no noble motives. Satan will use whatever tools we make available to him to trap us. As sobering as that is, there is “Good News!” That is why Mark wrote his Gospel – showing us Jesus’ defeat of the adversary and Jesus’ deliverance of those within the adversary’s grip. The Bible says that Satan should not get an advantage over us and for that reason, we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11). To understand Satan's ability to trap us we must understand a few things first. ONE: Becoming trapped is a result of the choices we make. TWO: At some point, in some way, we flirt, invite, and participate in sinful practices. THREE: Satan merely seized the opportunities and openings that we give him -Satan cannot force himself on us -we must be open to his presence. But, as I said, as sobering as that is, there is “Good News!” There is a Deliverer from sin’s grip. There is only ONE deliverer from sins grip … Jesus Christ. But that ONE is enough. I know because He set me free! Our free-will decisions to carry living-out sin almost always involves the lie "if it feels good do it”. That "thinking" was my mindset when I chose to sin. When a person chooses to follow Jesus (His Word and its instructions) a subtle, yet powerful, transformation of our decision-making process begins to take place. The Holy Spirit teaches any new convert not to follow his “instinct” or emotion but to submit to a higher standard … obedience to God’s known will. Notice I said HE TEACHES US, it is not something we have the power to accomplish on our own. This understanding of “costly service” as opposed to “comfortable service” is laid out very clearly throughout the remainder of Mark’s Gospel.

People seem to gravitate to that which is comfortable and easy. It takes a deep commitment to Christ to overcome such a position. Sometimes we would rather not be disturbed even if it is for the better. Sometimes we do not want to be disturbed because it shows our misplaced loyalties and misplaced priorities. When it comes to the welfare of a human or wealth, society seldom sides with the human being. Many people see the presence of Jesus as a discomforting presence that they want dismissed. It is difficult to follow Jesus because he demands (and empowers) a higher standard.  Christian people (and congregations) that acquiesce to an “if it feels good do it” philosophy are ineffective for the Kingdom. The Church, and thus the Christian testimony, are in jeopardy of becoming completely irrelevant because of our inclination towards a man-centered Gospel … a Gospel which focuses on what Jesus will do for you. That is an important part of evangelism but we must never allow the convert to remain a victim of seeking immediate gratification. You see, evangelism starts where people are at and with what they can relate to. Throughout the Gospels, people came to Jesus with selfish motives and he received them gladly—but then, if they were to follow Him, they had to leave their selfish motives and follow in obedience and love. Modern-day "Christianity" has ceased to ask people to leave their own patterns of self-gratification. Instead, we spin everything to focus on how it will make them “feel good” or “improve their quality of life.” That is not the whole Gospel of Jesus but with some preachers and believers, it has become their entire focus. To be fair, I believe the spirit of Jesus dwells within The Church and I see encouraging evidence of divine correction, but still many gravitate towards flesh-centered motives.

The call of God in discipleship is to holiness, self-sacrifice, and service. It is not a “bless me O Lord” kind of faith. It is not an “if it feels good do it” relationship.

When the Gospel and discipleship are properly understood it all comes down to the primary character -- Jesus Christ. PERIOD! Jesus Christ never operated from or promoted an “If it feels good do it” ethic. Never. This is illustrated in all Jesus did and explicitly addressed in chapters 8, 9, and 10 of Mark's gospel. "And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:44-45). Again, Jesus Christ never operated from or promoted the “if it feels good do it” ethic. In fact, Jesus delivers us from its trap just as he did the demoniac man with the unclean spirit.

Our society, like many societies, has reduced itself to a quest for gratification, and the more instant the better. But Jesus calls us away from that. I'm speaking to Christians. This is my calling. It is not to the world, but to The Church. Just like Esau, some of us neglect our rights and responsibilities as the children of God, the inheritors of an eternal kingdom, in order to follow our desires and pleasures wherever they lead. We tend to trust our appetites, our desires, believing they will lead us to happiness, to satisfaction, that if we do what we want to do, what we most deeply and strongly desire to do, then we will be glad. That's a lie wrapped around a profound truth, really, for, of course, the deepest desires of the human heart are all ultimately directed at God. Our desire for perfect happiness, perfect contentment, perfect pleasure, perfect peace - really, we desire Heaven. We desire communion with God. We are called to gauge our desires according to the teachings of Christ and His Church, allowing higher wisdom than that of our feelings, our desires, to guide us. 

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

KNOCK KNOCK. Who's There??

 

I want to start out with a little experiment. It's an experiment to see what answers you might give to three things I will ask.  And though I'm pretty sure what your answers will be, my questions and your responses are to make a point regarding this blog. So let's get started. 

Question #1: If a stranger was knocking at the front door of your home claiming he was your brother and wanted to come inside your home, would you open the door and let him in? 

Question #2: What if this stranger standing outside your door had a credit card with your name on it and told you he had been buying lots of things with it. And that by your good name he had the ability to get anything he wanted. Would you then believe he was related to you because he had a credit card with your name on it? 

Question #3: Last one. What if this same man continued telling you all the good things he had done with the credit card bearing your name and began begging you to please accept him as a part of your family because all the things he had done left a really good impression of YOU to others?  Would any of the three things I just mentioned make you want to open the door to your home and welcome him as a part of your family? 

I'm sure your answers were no.  I believe that despite the fact all the good he was able to do with the credit card in your name, you would still see him as a phony and a fraud.  Just because this man used your name for good or for gain does not make him a part of your family at all! Let's look at scripture. Matthew 7: 21-23 KJV "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, BUT ONLY THE ONE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?  Then I will tell them plainly, 'I NEVER knew you. Away from me." 

 

 

For the sake of understanding the credit card illustration, I will compare The Word of God to the credit card in my example as an analogy.  On that credit card, a name is written --- the Name Jesus. A Christian possessing that 'card ' therefore, according to the scripture in Matthew 7 can:  prophecy, can perform miracles, and even cast out demons.  And they can do so not because they themselves possess any power, not because they are better than any other sinner saved by grace, but because THE NAME OF JESUS IS THE POWER, like the same clout a credit card carries.   Jesus said IN MY NAME shall they cast out demons (Mark 16:17).  In my example then, without the credit card bearing your name, the guy on your porch could not have done anything on his own because he had no credit, no clout.  The "power" given to him (if you will), was because of your name on that card!  But hear this, even though the man may appear to be someone special because he carried a credit card, still, he was a fraud.  He was just using your name. He was not, nor would he ever be related to you. There was no relationship to connect the two of you.

Merriam Webster dictionary defines the word 'relationship' as "the state of being related; kinship." Much in the same way many people are professing themselves to be Christians, using the Name of Jesus to do great things, yet have no relationship with Jesus at all. THESE ARE THEY who will stand before the door wanting to enter heaven, and though they did things in Jesus' Name what did Jesus respond?  "I NEVER knew you." How could Jesus say these things if those knocking were able to do miracles because the Name of Jesus has power and it comes from God... HE is the very Word of God! In reality, THERE MUST NOT HAVE BEEN A RELATIONSHIP between those knocking to get in heaven's door and Jesus! They never became a part of His family because they were never convicted of their sin, they never truly repented, they never turned from their ways, nor desired righteousness that comes from doing God's will.  Matthew 7 verses 21-23 speaks plainly about those who can and will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus said, "but only those who do the will of my Father which is in heaven" will enter. If you know a few scriptures, go to church each week, listen to Christian radio, read your Bible now and again, or even if you use the power of His Word to prophecy or cast out demons but have no personal relationship with Him, how can you expect Him to know you as a part of His family? He's not going to open the door to anyone outside His family! Would you open your door?? "I am the Good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine" (John 10:14).  Notice the wording?  I KNOW my sheep. That's a relationship! He told those knocking on the door I NEVER KNEW YOU, meaning they had no relationship.

 

 

Growing up, were you taught the people knocking outside the door are unbelievers who wanted to enter heaven? Read the scriptures closely.  Those knocking to get in said with their own mouths and testified they had done great things ... prophesied and cast out demons IN HIS NAME (Jesus' Name).  Have you not read that Satan cannot cast out Satan lest his kingdom is divided? ..... Matthew 12:26 "If Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself, how then shall his kingdom stand?"  These were not unbelievers, demons, devils, sinners, or wayward people outside the door!  These were people claiming and PROFESSING to be Christians -- followers of Jesus. Why? They were using the Name of Jesus, but they did not have a personal relationship with Him.  This is why Jesus said, I NEVER knew you DEPART FROM ME YOU WORKERS OF INIQUITY!  You can use the Name of Jesus (it has power), you can say you follow Him (you go to church every week), you can claim you are a good Christian, but UNLESS AND UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY DO YOUR FATHER'S WILL, you are a phony and a fraud when it comes to the faith and you have no part in His family.  Do you say you don't know what God's will is?  If you don't, then you probably aren't doing it either. It's not a matter of trying to figure out what it is because God already told us what His will is for us.  It's in the scriptures! You can find it in Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what that good, acceptable, and perfect WILL OF GOD (is)." Then, 1 Thessalonians 3-5 says, "FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD, your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: that every one of you knows how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in the lust of concupiscence (Colossians 3:5-6), even as the Gentiles do who KNOW NOT God." Did you catch that? WHO KNOW NOT GOD. We are to be transformed from workers of iniquity to workers of faith and belief. To know God is to love Him as your Father (relationship), and it is to obey Him by transforming your mind (you do this with His Word that changes you from the inside out), to possess your body in sanctification and honor and present it holy unto God just as an earthly bride offers her body to her husband.  This is the "relationship" He desires of you.  It is a spiritual marriage.  You take His Name as a bride takes her husband's name.  You become a part of Him ---> family ---> relationship. ADOPTION.

 

 

Finally, those knocking I referred to in Matthew 7 can be compared to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22, which describes this church as the "lukewarm" church. Jesus condemns them for their spiritual apathy.  They did not openly reject Christ but neither did they have authentic zeal or love for Him or The Word! They professed to know Christ, but they had no place in their hearts -- no relationship.  How many people do you know just like this?  Jesus said there are MANY of them: "Many shall say to me in that day... Lord, Lord".  CALLING Him your Lord and being in a relationship AS YOUR LORD are two entirely different things! I cannot imagine what sorrow will consume people when being turned away at the door of heaven despite the fact they confess they never did anything bad in their life, went to church faithfully every Sunday, gave their time and money to missions, tithed every time the plate was passed, led adult bible studies, etc.  And though there is definitely nothing wrong in doing these things,  we are called to servanthood as per Christ's example. But if you have no relationship with Jesus and are just going through the motions, you are none of His! You will not enter into heaven according to Matthew 7:21-23 despite doing marvelous things, prophesying in His Name, or even casting out demons (even Satan knows scriptures and can bring fire down out of heaven in the sight of men). Accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior goes far beyond just words if you never allow Him into your heart and by the power of His Spirit allow Him to change you from the inside out.  I haven't written this blog to sound unkind or to be critical of the good deeds done by anyone. I wrote it because GOD'S WORD is specific in its warning to even the noblest and generous people that profess Christianity. 

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Discouraged

 

Discouraged By Life?

Discouragement is a thief!  It steals your vitality, your zeal, your joy, your peace, and your contentment.  If discouragement dwells long with you, its friends will soon join.  Their names are fatigue, hopelessness, despair, self-pity, depression, doubt, and bitterness. Sometimes discouragement can be so strong that you don’t want to go on living. I witnessed this of a dear soul that recently passed on. He was tormented for years being dissatisfied with the past, distaste for the present, and distrust of the future. And though he was a Christian, insecurities that anything could ever be changed kept him in an emotional prison.

If we have nothing to rely on, or we forget our blessing and look to our circumstances, then that is when discouragement begins to take hold. What we need is encouragement.  We need hope and peace and the knowledge that the Lord knows our troubles and has great concern and compassion for us and is not leaving us unloved or uncared for. Keeping your eyes on Jesus is the best way to be encouraged.  In Him, you can have comfort and peace and encouragement.  You need to find Him and His words, and by faith rest in Him. Jesus said, "I will never leave nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). Be encouraged because scripture says we are, "Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (2 Corinthian 1:3,4) God is called the Father of Mercies. The word mercy means compassion and pity. It is something that is felt in the heart. In God’s very heart He feels mercy toward you!  He is the author of mercy.  His mercy toward you brings salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and deliverance from eternal damnation… and this, because of Jesus, because of His sacrifice, because of His shed blood for you.

God is the God of mercy: Psalm 86:5, “You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.” The word in Greek for “comfort” is paraklesis.  It means, exhortation, comfort, and encouragement. In fact, a form of this word, parakletos is used for the Holy Spirit as well. That is why the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter in the KJV in John 14:26: “But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. All this shows you that GOD HIMSELF is a God of Comfort, exhortation, and encouragement. 

But you may ask, “How is this Comfort received from God?” 

1. It is by faith – because God says He is the God of comfort, then you need to believe it and act upon it; that is, you need to trust Him and receive His comfort as He provides it. 

2. God directs His people to comfort you.  When you have a problem doesn’t the Lord send someone with an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a shoulder to cry on? Yes, He does. Comfort is found through His Word – reading, and hearing – The words of God are beautiful and are there for our instruction and encouragement.

3. By the Holy Spirit.  He is called the Comforter. He indwells you.

We can be encouraged because God is there in our afflictions.  Verse 4 says, “who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” The word affliction can also be translated as tribulation, trouble, anguish, persecution, or burden. Afflictions come in all different shapes and sizes. Sickness, financial difficulty, loss of a loved one, an unsure future, an auto accident, etc. But also, and this is something very important, the affliction occurs in the heart in that place where we get frustrated, confused, and hurt. Why do we have afflictions? Because we live in a fallen world.

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (NIV)

So then, in reality, afflictions are a way of making you better.  And that is how they should be tackled: as the testing and strengthening of your faith — through the comfort and mercy of Jesus. You don’t have to worry whether or not He is going to take care of you.  He already has, (THE CROSS), He is currently doing so, and He will continue to care for you.  After all, aren’t you more valuable than sparrows and He cares for them.

Encouragement is something that belongs to you as a Christian.  You do not have to live in a world of hurt and doubt.  You don’t have to live alone. You don’t have to weep in solitude.  You have the body of Christ to lift you up.  You have the Word of God to teach you.  You have the Holy Spirit indwelling in you who warms your soul. You have the God of encouragement waiting to show you His mercy and love. But you need to trust. You need to remember the Lord’s blessing. You need to depend on Him. You need to keep your eyes on Jesus and Him alone. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28). And please, don't be discouraged by the political temperature in this world striping you of joy, peace, and contentment because it will eventually lead to despair, doubt, depression, and self-pity even to the point of not wanting to live another day! (additional reading 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 1 Peter 5:7; 1 Corinthians 5:58; Romans 8:38-39).

Until He Comes.

-Pat-

From Frog To Prince

 This past fall I spent some time at our local park. I drove my golf cart down to my favorite private cove which sits along the water's edge. I sat there peacefully while taking in the changing colors, the aroma of dried leaves, and a slightly pungent smell of algae and mud. There was no wind and the sky was painted a magnificent blue with our Creator's brush. My eyes glanced over the still waters to the shore and back again. Inhaling crisp fresh air I filled my lungs and nestled quietly for a moment of thanksgiving and prayer. Suddenly the silence was broken. KURPLUNK! I swiftly turned to my right and looking down I observed a rippling in the water next to a log. I watched and waited knowing with a little patience I might discover what made that sound. Sure enough up popped an eyeball, then another. It was a frog. "Hello!" I said. With that, the frog slowly slipped back into his watery abode. "Aren't you going to come back out?" I asked. "I won't hurt you." For the next five minutes or so we played that hide and seek game. While there, I had plenty of time to think about this frog. Frogs are amphibians. Frogs live and function on land and in the water. They start their lives solely in the water as little tadpoles. When metamorphosis begins, the tadpole develops legs, arms, and the ability to both live and breathe on land. As the changing tadpole further develops, it spends less time in the water and more time on land. Soon, it loses its earlier characteristics and takes on a completely new form. I thought to myself, "Well! Isn't this just like the believer?"

  

As Christians, we are like the frog. Like water to land, our lives begin in the worldly realm and progress into the spiritual realm. In a spiritual sense, we start life as a tadpole (unbeliever), completely unable to enter the spiritual realm (solid ground). However, when we believe in Jesus Christ a type of metamorphosis begins to take place. As NEW Christians we are like tadpoles in their first stages of change. With weak, worldly legs that distract and hinder us, we go places we want to explore and spend very little time, if any, in the spiritual realm. BUT as we continue to grow our spiritual legs get stronger and arms begin to form. We start to lose our tail (old ways) and spiritual lungs begin to function (a new way of living). And just as the transformation of frogs is progressive, so too, are the changes we experience as Christians. As we slowly develop, we begin spending more time in the spiritual realm (praying, reading God's word, a hunger for righteousness) than in the earthy realm (being disobedient, agreeing with sin, not fighting temptations). Spiritual growth does not happen overnight. It is a slow, arduous process. We change "into the image of Christ from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). And, not only that but when we come to Christ the Bible says we automatically become royalty (1 Peter 2:9) ... from "frog to the prince" by the power of His forgiving Blood. WOW! Many people are afraid to become Christians because they have the notion that they must become a perfect person overnight when they know they are entangled in deep sin, so the thought of living for Christ seems not only impossible but unappealing. 

 

 What everyone must understand is, though Jesus forgives of all your sins and tosses them away into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19) real change is a process. Your soul is eternally saved, yes, but His Spirit which comes to live in you will bring knowledge and understanding of His Word. As He does this, your life, your actions, your behaviors begin to align with His Spirit. You not only begin to obey His Word, YOU WANT to obey His Word. He changes you from within and obedience becomes a joy! Philippians 1:6 says, "I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." It is with God's Divine wisdom, mercy, and power that HE completes the change in you as you continue to walk in Him. 2 Peter 1:4 states, "By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the Divine nature (through a type of metamorphosis), escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires." And finally 2 Corinthians 3: 18 says, "We all, with unveiled faces, are reflecting the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image (through this metamorphosis) into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit." Change (metamorphosis) is letting go of the old and embracing the new. God said, "Be holy as I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). That sounds like an impossible task but it isn't BECAUSE the possibility comes by the work of God and not the work of man! Sin becomes ugly and abhorrent. Just the thought of sin will grieve your spirit. Remember what the scripture said, "He (meaning God) who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." It's so fantastic because God will do the work inside you through the Holy Spirit and will continue working if you remain in Him.

 

In closing, know and believe God begins perfecting you from the moment you are converted from unbelief to faith in Christ. The metamorphosis is a process whereby the Holy Spirit regenerates us, gives us new hearts with new holy desires (Ezekiel 36:26), then He transforms our stubborn wills and opens our hearts to embrace the Truth rather than reject it, and to believe rather than doubt it. He goes even further! He gives us a hunger for righteousness and a desire for Him. Thus, the new birth transforms the inner person. From that point, everything that occurs in our lives - good or bad - God uses for our own good to make us like Christ (Romans 8:28-30). Don't be discouraged if some of us are tadpoles, some are developing their legs, or that some are spending more time in the worldly than the spiritual realm. We are all growing together as one body from the worldly realm to the spiritual realm, from corrupt to holy. Encourage one another, love one another as Christ loves us. "Christ has put each part of the Church in its right place. Each part helps other parts. This is what is needed to keep the whole body together. In this way, the whole body grows strong in love." NLV

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

The Command To Pray Always- A personal testimony

 

I once thought of Paul's statement to "Pray Always" as absurd.

WHAT?? Pray Always? Are You Nuts? How can a person pray always? In First Thessalonians 5:17, Jesus told his disciples a parable about their need to pray.  His exact words were to, "Pray without ceasing." Then in Philippians 4:6, Paul said something very similar, "IN EVERYTHING, in EVERY SITUATION BY PRAYER and thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  Notice, nowhere in either scripture is there is an exception to the rule. It says always, in everything, in every situation, etc.  Does this sound a little impossible for you to always pray about everything?  Isn't that being a little extreme? It sure seems so! It did until I began following the principle of praying about things small and things big.  There was a time I asked some of the same questions I bet you are thinking right now! ...Questions like: Does that mean we should even pray for our pets? What clothes to buy when we go shopping? Where we should go on vacation? The answer is a simple yes and it will all become clear by the end of this blog.

I remember a lady I used to work with at a major insurance company.  She was a born-again Christian. For months I observed that she always prayed over her lunch before beginning to eat.  But I also noticed every day her lunch consisted of the same thing:  cabbage soup! YUCK! One day out of curiosity I asked her how she could eat that nasty cabbage soup every day and why did she always bring the same thing.  Thinking she was low on funds, I was ready to write her a check for groceries.  Without a blink, she confessed that God told her to eat that particular soup. With a slight tone of sarcasm, I replied, "GOD TOLD YOU TO EAT THAT SOUP?" "Oh yes," she said adamantly. "I ask Him every day what to eat for my body and I pray over it."  Curious, I came back with, "WHY??"  Her answer then is the same as what I am telling you today, "Pray without ceasing and in everything by prayer and thanksgiving make your request known to God." It has been 21 years since we worked together and she is still eating cabbage soup to this day. Do you think she was being extreme? Just recently I learned that every one of her siblings and both parents have passed away of colon cancer except her. Her doctor told her that her diet of cabbage soup is the only reason he can account for her being free of the disease which has stricken all of her relatives!  It is very easy to be a skeptic but God is pleased when we bring every aspect of our lives before Him in prayer.  We don't have to worry that we are bothering Him with trivial matters. In this world, we have a lot on our plates as Christians besides just living our normal everyday lives.  Look how much is going on all at once in the world, in the nation, in the church, in the middle east, in our families, and our own lives. God is concerned about everything we do, every decision we make no matter how trivial or unimportant you may think it is.  Do you understand this?  Do you really understand how important prayer is?  You may be asking why we should pray about something as silly as what clothes to buy or when choosing a vacation destination. It is because everything we do or decide affects us. From the smallest decision to the biggest, and as Christians, we should be dependent upon our heavenly Father.  It's walking in obedience to what His Word says. As an example of how decisions can affect you from the smallest to the greatest, look at the idea of praying before shopping for clothes.  I want to help you understand the purpose and power of prayer.  Praying will not only assist you, but it will also give you a sense of control and confidence.  

  

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say my funds are limited and that I must be a good steward of my money, accounting carefully what comes in and what goes out. Employment and incomes can be completely unreliable.  Some of you do not know what next month will look like. So with that, consider this when shopping: 

POINT #1. Because our economy and incomes have become less reliable, this should teach us to completely rely on God. 

POINT #2. We need His wisdom. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given him".  I need His wisdom more than ever, in every area of my life, and certainly including what I put into my shopping cart.

POINT #3. I want to be a good steward of what He has blessed me with and in a way that honors Him! How can that be you ask? If I am wise with my money, making wise financial shopping choices, it frees up more funds for others...for the poor, the needy, and the ministry. Proverbs 10:3 promises that the Lord will not let the righteous go hungry!  No matter how much I have given to help people in obedience to Jesus' Word, I have never gone without.  My needs are always met.

POINT #4. We should be incredibly thankful for His provision. Remember, He said "EVERY SITUATION BY PRAYER and thanksgiving." I can't just throw whatever I want or desire into my cart that I lay my eyes on. If we focus on how much God has blessed us with, it will cure any temptation to adopt a "woe is me" kind of attitude when we cannot have something we don't really NEED.  Instead of pouting about things you must walk past in the grocery aisle, thank Him on the spot that you are not going hungry and you are feeding your family.  There is nothing like reviewing the faces of hungry and impoverished African children in your mind to make you feel rich beyond belief. Be Thankful.

POINT #5. Remember the poor and needy. The goodness of the Lord is all around us.  We should be incredibly thankful we have never lived a life of poverty as such as the children of Sudan!  And though you may have enough to buy what you need to eat, still cover the matter in prayer.

  

When I tell people the Lord wants them to pray about things such as their pets, where to shop, what to get, and everything that concerns them, then positive things are the result, they begin to see God as a warm, loving Parent to whom they can run with the smallest care.  We have all been taught as we grow up we should become less and less dependent upon our parents. However, in God's Kingdom, as we mature spiritually we are EXPECTED to become more and more dependent upon our heavenly Father! And one way we do that is by laying all of our requests and prayers before Him.  Since I began praying about everything, I have seen God work miracles in situations that I would never have dreamed of praying for years ago.   Here is a personal experience. Many of you who have connected with my Facebook page know I adopted a dog named, Mario. What some of you don't know is that I prayed before finding him by honoring the exercise of "in everything by prayer and thanksgiving make your request known to God." My request was more detailed than just simply wanting to rescue and adopt a dog. Because I needed several things to fall in place perfectly. I decided to literally pray for a special dog. A dog that met several requirements even though the dog had never met me before. Namely: a dog that would not only be housebroken but one that was cat friendly and wouldn't kill my two cats. A dog that would immediately accept my blind and deaf dog and not see her as weak prey and attack her. A dog that would adapt to my disability of using a wheelchair, a dog that already knew several commands, one that would sleep all night from day one, one who would adjust quickly, not be food aggressive, and lastly... a dog who would literally jump onto a golf cart and ride with me though he or she had never seen one before AND be happy doing it!  You can see, my request was not only unconventional and unusual....it was impossible for anyone but God! After all, who tosses a dog out or abandons and gives one away that's perfect in every area like that? But, in faith, I used my power of prayer and believed "THAT" dog existed, and if anyone knew where that dog was, it was God! After all, He is aware of all things and can see all things.  His eyes can see the entire plant. There had to be one perfect dog to fit my needs. After praying (Philippians 4:6), I thanked God and told Him I would watch and wait to find "that" dog. Every day, for three consecutive months I searched online rescues believing my perfect dog was there and that God would lead me to him.  And though I was adamantly looking in the small dog listings for three months, one day I heard a voice prompting me to go look in the "big dogs" section.  Initially, I balked! Big dog? No, I don't want a big dog.  I had never owned or wanted a big dog and was not interested in the amount of yard clean up there is with a big dog, the amount of food they consume, or the higher medical cost for everything they need simply because of their size. For an additional 4-5 days that urge to go look in the big dog section hounded me. It was so strange! Then it dawned on me and I said to myself, "Oh I get it!! Duh.  I bet there is a small dog in the big dog listing that was misplaced and accidentally put into that section! THAT'S PROBABLY MY DOG AND IT WILL BE GOD'S WAY OF TELLING ME HE PURPOSELY PLACED HIM THERE FOR ME TO KNOW THAT'S HIM. A LITTLE DOG STANDING OUT AMONG ALL THE BIG DOGS" Man, was I excited! I just knew my small dog would be there.  A sweet little thing that would fit perfectly on the golf cart seat. I couldn't hit the keys on my computer fast enough to arrive at the heading "Big Dogs."  My anticipation level was so high.  Click click click I was flipping past Great Danes, Shepherds, Burmese Mountain dogs, Pinschers, and Sheepdogs.  No small dog!  Where was my little buddy?  

 

I went back through the list a second time in case I overlooked him in my excitement.  I went slower this time, and while searching I saw an unusual looking, beautifully colored, big dog.  I don't know what he was, but his coat was beautiful.  Too big though, much too big. I remember saying to myself, "Can you imagine the poop piles you'd get from that guy?" I chuckled and moved on.  But honestly, over the next several days I could not get that dog off my mind.  I kept going back to look at him.  His coat was so beautiful!! Too big though, much too big.  That's what I kept telling myself until I finally said, "Surely this isn't THE dog you have chosen for me, is it Lord?  It can't be. I mean, he is too big.  I don't like big dogs, you know that....too much maintenance!"  The longer I looked at him, the longer I questioned to myself, the more I reasoned within myself, "Why do I keep getting drawn to this big 'ol dog? I told myself, 'asking questions about the dog isn't a commitment!  Nothing says I am adopting.  I'll call and ask about this dog because there is a reason I can't get him off my mind!' And so I did.  The rest is history!  I adopted him. Today he weighs 120 pounds!  A far cry from a 5-pound Chihuahua!

Some reading my blog may be thinking..."Well, she never got her small dog and so she thinks her prayers were answered?" Yes, "I" wanted a smaller dog, but THE PERFECT dog with all the attributes I prayed for happened to be in a bigger body! He was the one that fit all the requests I petitioned of God. Only God could know this!  And though things didn't turn out exactly as I had envisioned my life with a small dog, God knew Mario was the perfect fit for me. Had I not listened to that Voice in me (His Leading), I would have missed His blessing! Mario is THE PERFECT dog.  The beauty of prayer is leaving things, even the smallest of trivial things in God's hands and trusting Him and His perfect will. Because I was willing to hear Him and trust His leading, I now have the perfect Dutch Shepherd/Mastiff mix that loves my cats, became the guide for my blind and deaf Boston Terrier, rides on my golf cart with me, helps to balance me when I stand from my wheelchair, he is 100% trained, has never gone potty in the house, on and on.  He is one HUNK OF BURNIN' LOVE!!  Mario was God's choice, HIS perfect choice all because I trusted Him and prayed for something as seemingly as far-fetched as a dog that could match every need I had.  Do you still think it's stupid to pray about the smallest things? I hope not. Begin praying about all things ... decisions, choices, needs, wants, desires, and thank God before you ever receive an answer. TRUST that God will answer what is best for you even though you may think it's not exactly how you imagined it should be. God will always do what's best for you, and THAT is as good as you could ever hope for.

Until He comes,

-Pat-

When Satan Uses Scripture

 Every morning when I wake up I turn on my audio Bible to feed my spirit. Yesterday morning I randomly chose the book of Luke. I settled back on my pillow, turned up the volume, and listened intently. When I had reached the fourth Chapter there were certain words that rang out with such familiarity. Satan was quoting words to Jesus that I immediately recognized as words elsewhere in the Bible. Wait!!  Was Satan quoting scripture of the Lord to the Lord? Where had I heard those words before? I knew right away! It was Psalm 91. Here is what I noticed. Luke Chapter 4, verses 9,10,11 speaks of the time the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. In his 3rd attempt to get Jesus to sin, Satan brought Jesus to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, "If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, 'He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee. And in their hands, they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.'" Now listen to Psalm 91, "For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone." At this point, I had to stop my audio Bible. I said to myself, 'Satan is quoting scripture from Psalm 91! He's quoting the Word of God to Jesus!"  I know this because Psalm 91 is my favorite prayer and I have it memorized. Why would Satan quote scripture to God? But he is evil. How can he know the Word of God?

From the beginning of his ministry (Matthew 4:1–11) to the end (Luke 22:3), Jesus was in conflict with the powers of darkness. And it is the clear teaching of the apostles, Peter (1 Peter 5:8), James (James 4:7), John (1 John 2:13; 3:8; 5:18), and Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:5) that Satan is against the church and must be resisted by faith and the Word of God. We do well to know Satan's tactics. For example, I know how well Satan knows the Bible and how he loves to quote Scripture in order to destroy faith. Satan does not always try to ruin faith by saying, “The Bible isn’t true.” He often tries to destroy our faith by affirming some passage and using it to lead us into disobedience. All Christians obtain life from God’s Holy Word. We die without it. As Christians, we will not let it be taken from us. We will go to jail rather than stop reading it. So what does Satan do? His aim is to destroy our faith. The word of God alone keeps faith alive. The Bible says Faith comes or is built BY HEARING the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Believers cleave to it and Satan cannot tear it away. So Satan studies it. How else could he quote Psalm 91:11–12 to Jesus? He studies it. And he studies how to distort it and pervert it by plausible misinterpretations. And, they must be plausible. He is not so happy when his sub-demons put absurd misinterpretations into our heads because they are far too easily discerned and corrected.

What makes Satan happy is when he can get Christians to believe that Proverbs 15:6 justifies the accumulation of wealth in a world of hunger; that 2 Thessalonians 3:10 abolishes charity; that Romans 9:16 makes evangelism superfluous; that 1 Timothy 2:4 means God is not sovereign in conversion; that John 10:28 means a “Christian” can do whatever he wants and still be saved; and hat Hebrews 6:4–6 means there is no security and assurance for God’s elect. Is it a sobering thought that the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17)? Yes! And indeed it is. What did Jesus say when Satan quoted Scripture? He said: “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Matthew 4:7). LOOK AT THAT CLOSELY ONE MORE TIME. Jesus quoted Scripture against Satan’s use of Scripture! Jesus knows the Bible better than Satan. What is the ramification for us? Think about it! We cannot believe everyone who can quote you a text. That would include famous TV evangelists and pastors. History is strewn with cults who twisted the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). Not every pastor and not every wealthy TV evangelist speaks the unadulterated truth. Oftentimes their message is laden with misinterpretations or just enough deception to tickle your ears and turn you toward a direction that's misguided! Read through the Bible and ask yourself continually how this part fits with that part and that with this. It is when the pieces start to fit together that we are most secure from distortion.

I suggest that each of us fast and pray that God will open our eyes to see true and wonderful things in His word (Psalm 119:18). Obey what you do understand and you will understand more. Don't believe every spirit but try the spirits to see if they are of God (1 John 4:1). Satan is so so cunning. He catches the wise in their own craftiness (Job5:13) The serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so even your minds may also be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). We should no longer be children tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, or in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting (Ephesians 4:14). The Bible predicted a time coming in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 when people would not endure sound doctrine. Instead, having itchy years desire to hear only what they wanted to hear (throwing out the rest) and lean toward teachers and pastors who would suit their own desires. By so doing, they would turn away from the truth in God's Word to fables and myths! I'm afraid that time is now. As we approach the end times, we must continually guard against deception, especially since some of Satan's ministers are able to convincingly perform miracles. We are warned to cling to the faith once delivered, guarding against destructive heresies.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

The Breath Of Life

 

One summer when I was at our local park with my dogs, I ran across a small doe that had been shot and killed by what appeared as a high powered rifle. It was a horrific kill. The shooter missed the area of the heart which hunters know is the most humane way to take a deer down because it's fast, precise, and usually causes the animal no suffering. Not so with the doe. The location where the killer's bullet entered, the visual damage and carnage I saw, plus her hollow eyes spoke to my spirit and told me of the suffering, confusion, and fear this animal experienced before she died alone in an open field. Staring at her lifeless, ravaged, body, my lips began to quiver as a tear rolled off my chin to the ground. For what reason was she slaughtered and left to suffer a senseless death? I began to ponder, did she have a spirit, and if so, where did it go? Have you ever wondered those things about the animals God created for us, including your own pet cat, dog, rabbit, hamster, lizard, etc?  Well, I have.  Today I want to talk about the "spirit of life" as mentioned in the Bible and hopefully help give you a sense of what it means.

 

The climax of God's creative work, His best and most extraordinary work of all, was the creation of man ... you and me. We are a result of His breath, "The Spirit of Life."  Genesis 2:7 "The LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul". God did two things in creating mankind.  First He FORMED him from the dust of the ground, and, second, He BREATHED HIS OWN BREATH into the nostrils of Adam.  This distinguished man from all other creatures God had made.  This one scripture contains three significant facts about man's creation:

First, God and God alone created man. The man did not evolve from other creatures. 

Secondly, impersonal forces did not form man. All the cells, DNA, atoms, molecules, hydrogen, protons, neutrons, or electrons did not create man!  These are only the substances that makeup man's physical body.  The LORD God 'formed' man. The LORD God created the substances, and then He used those substances to create man.  The Hebrew word for 'formed' in my Concordance is yatsar, which means "to mold, shape, or form." It brings to mind the image of a potter who has the intelligence and the power to form his creation. God is the Master Potter (Isaiah 64:8) who had the image of man within His mind and who possessed the power and the intelligence to bring that image to life! God had both the omniscience (all-knowing) and the omnipotence (all-power) to do exactly what He wanted. 

Third, God breathed His own breath (SPIRIT) of life into man.  Man is more than "dust" or physical substance.  Man has a spirit. Adam's body had just been formed by God from the dust of the earth -- a lifeless human body lying on the ground.  Then God leaned over and "breathed" His own "breath of life"/Spirit into the man's nostrils and man became a LIVING SOUL Genesis 2:7 KJV.  The word soul in Hebrew is nephesh, meaning "an animated, breathing, conscious, and living being." Man did not become a "living soul" UNTIL God breathed life into him.  As a physical, animated, rational, spiritual being, man is unique among all the living things on earth.  

There are several things that make humans unique that mirror the Father. I'll list a few of them:

A.Nothing  else on earth laughs! We laugh at blunder, jokes, silly faces, etc. 

B. Nothing else on earth can imagine an idea then invent or create that idea. We have created automobiles, space stations, skyscrapers, dams, medicines. 

C. Nothing else on earth knows spiritual/moral right from spiritual/moral wrong.  We do because it is innate within us. 

D. Nothing else knows God exists and has made everything around us.  We do because we pray, worship, and thank Him though we have never seen Him. And no other creation communes with the God of the universe.  We do, as many talk to Him on a daily basis asking for favors, asking for advice, pleading for help, telling Him how their day was, etc.  All mankind seeks God in one way or another. Our spirits long to commune with our Creator.  Some call it a higher power. 

It's obvious then, having the ability to create something from nothing, to know and commune with God, to have joy and laughter, to know what's right, and to steer away from wrong exudes the qualities that God Himself breathed into us.

 

 

So, what is the breath of God?  It is the life and power of God, given to man to animate him.  The Hebrew word for spirit is ruach, which means "wind, breath, air, spirit." The life of God lives on and on.  The immaterial part of man was designed to live eternally because it is the life of God.  IT CANNOT DIE!  It goes on eternally in heaven or eternally in hell. Many believe when we die, that's it; life is over.  Oh no! The spirit of LIFE cannot end as the body does, because that life is the life God breathed into mankind. What about the doe I saw in the park or any other animal? Do our pets live after physical death? I can share what scripture reveals. Animals are called "living creatures" in Genesis and if you also recall, there are "living creatures" in heaven recorded in Revelation.  Listen to these words directly from God: "Now behold, I Myself do establish My covenant with you, with your descendants after you; and with every 'living CREATURE' (soul/nephesh) that is with you, the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you; of ALL that comes out of the ark, even every beast of the earth"(Genesis 9: 9-10).  God's covenant was even with the animals! Animals may not have a fallen spirit that needs redemption as man does (because man fell from grace spiritually) but animals do have a soul - they breathe, and they have life- they are animated and capable of relationships. Animals have personalities and emotions that we experience including love/caring, jealousy, obedience, protectiveness, rebellion, insecurity, contentment, affection, loyalty, playfulness, independence, dependence, selfishness, sharing, etc.  Look at your own dog or cat! Amazing, isn't it? Look up Luke 12:6 and Matthew 10:29 and see what God says about something seemingly as insignificant as birds! Even sparrows are not forgotten by God.  Animals are important to God!  Had they not been, He would not have asked Noah to save them as they too were needed to replenish the earth!  Since man is made in the image of God, and since man can love an animal as much we love our fellow humans, such a bond is worthy of eternity in my opinion.  Why would God allow us to create love bonds with our pets and never have an option to see them again? 

 

Finally thoughts.  Part of being made in God's image is that Adam had the capacity, as do we, to make free choices. It's called free will. Animals don't have the capacity to know right from wrong. They simply have instinct. Animals cannot commit sin. Although Adam was given a righteous nature originally, Adam made an evil choice to rebel against His Creator.  In so doing, Adam marred the image of God within himself, and he passed that damaged likeness on to all his descendants (Romans 5:12).  Today, we still bear the image of God (James 3:9), but we also bear the scars of sin. Mentally, morally, socially, and physically we show the effects of sin. Not so with animals. Animals are innocent of sin.  Staring into the hollow, empty eyes of that doe whose soul no longer gave it animation, crushed my spirit. It was such an overwhelming feeling of sorrow that an innocent animal God had also created, died at the hands of a ruthless human also created by the hand of God. "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty has given me life" Job 33:4.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Jesting

I was reading Ephesians and came upon the word "jesting." Do you know what it means? Is it sinful? According to Paul, it is not something followers of Christ should be doing. So I was curious if I am guilty. Here are the verses pertaining to jesting, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye, therefore, partakers with them” (Ephesians 5:3-7).

I have to admit I had never stopped to think about the word jesting until the other day. After all, I know what fornication, all uncleanness, foolishness, and covetousness mean in the biblical verse, but I have always skipped over the word 'jesting' because I didn't think it applied to me. After all, I'm not guilty of those other things, so I've always assumed I must not be guilty of jesting either. I was about to unconsciously skip over the word again when my spirit spoke out within my mind, "Wait! Jesting. What is jesting?" So I looked into it. I learned some things that I would like to share with you because the Bible says that it (jesting) should not be named once among the saints. Because of the context in which Paul wrote Ephesians 5:4, we must conclude it resides within a discussion of ABSTINENCE from sexual temptations, jesting being one of those. What do I mean? Let me first define each word Paul addresses:

1. Fornication refers to any consummate sexual act outside of the marriage bond.

2. Uncleanness refers to acts which are less than fornication, but still sexual in nature.

3. Covetousness in this context refers to thoughts and lusts regarding uncleanness and fornication.

Remember, the very first thing forbidden to covet in the Ten Commandments is one’s neighbor’s wife (Exodus 20:17). Covetousness can, therefore, have reference to sexual desire as well as the desire for physical things and this context bears that out. Subsequent to the Bible text in question we have a repetition of the same warnings regarding fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness. Those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom and cannot be a part of God’s kingdom. They are as things which do not become saints Paul says! Those who practice such things merit the wrath of God. Those who practice such things are partakers with the children of disobedience. The Christian is admonished in the Bible not to be part of this type of mentality. Unfortunately, I have been guilty of jesting without realizing it was referred to in scripture. I think the Lord pointed this out to me because it has been completely overlooked by the saints of the Church and He wants to correct this error because such things do not represent children of God. Jesting is basically a double-meaning where something seemingly innocent is said, but it really has a second meaning that is sexual in nature. One meaning is usually shocking or risqué in its sexual suggestiveness. Another way or word of understanding jesting as described in Ephesians 5 is INNUEND0. A figure of speech in which a word or phrase can be understood in two ways. Ephesians also points out another kind of speech as well. The ESV Bible translates this verse as follows: “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” What Christian reading this blog is still telling or listening to dirty jokes or sending the opposite sex flirtatious, unclean innuendos? 

What about the words filthiness or foolish talk? The word “filthiness” is a translation of a word that some scholars say is limited to speech. This is the only place where this word is found in the New Testament and it is within the context of speech. It has as part of its base the same stem that makes up the Greek word that we translate “shameful” and given the context, the shame would be in association with unlawful promiscuity. It is also rarely used in classical Greek as well and when it is, has reference to things that are lascivious in nature. Lasciviousness is wickedness, lewdness, and lustfulness. There is lasciviousness all around us. It’s all over the Internet, especially pornography web sites. It’s in magazines, movies, song lyrics, social media sites, etc. We hear about it even in schools and our workplace. Bad parents are letting their children indulge in lascivious behavior and immodest dressing. It is a sin that comes from the heart and before our eyes, we are starting to see it corrupt Christianity. It is excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, worldliness, dressing sensually, sexual immorality and all who practice these things will not enter Heaven. We are seeing these things creep into Christianity because of false teachers and false believers. People who profess Jesus as Lord are turning the grace of God into lasciviousness. People think they can be saved and live like the devil. Wrong! Even the demons believe! Scripture makes it clear you will know them by their fruits. We are not to be like the world, we are to be different. We are to seek holiness. We are not to dress in a way that causes others to stumble. We are to be imitators of God, not culture. That includes refraining from sexual jokes.

The phrase “foolish talk” is a translation of one Greek word and is a fairly straightforward and literal translation. In this context, foolish talk would be anything that might embroil one in a situation where one would be tempted to commit some kind of sexual sin... obscene stories, coarse jokes, silly, vile remarks, etc. This word also is only used this one time in the New Testament of the Bible and its context would seem to define for us what it is referring to. In today’s world, we are seemingly bombarded endlessly with such nasty speech but Christians are falling into that trap as well.  Unfortunately, it comes to us from our work environment, from the places where we socialize, from our own television sets during popular sitcoms–there seems to be no end to the number of ways that men and women today can joke regarding things that are best left discussed in the privacy of the bedroom of a husband and wife. As Christians let's resolve to rid our minds of such thoughts and should we have such thoughts to never let them pass through our lips. And if we have been guilty of speaking in such a way in the past, let us strive to do better in this regard. Let us be careful in not posting questionable jokes or cartoons that would cause the world to doubt our professed Christianity. Let me add, in contrast to this type of base humor, there is nothing wrong with humor that is instructive and decent in nature. This passage does not deal with all kinds of humor, only with the kinds that involve matters of sexual promiscuity. For a Christian to tell a perfectly innocent joke to another Christian is often fun and can be instructive if the joke has a certain point that is being made regarding a particular kind of behavior. In closing, as Paul instructs the Church, do not allow jesting to be once named among you, as becometh saints. This was the message given to me when I read Ephesians 5.

Until He comes,

-Pat-

Deception

 If you were hungry and saw the apple above hanging from a tree, would you choose to pick and eat it? 

OR ...

Would you be more likely to choose this apple? 

I imagine, like me, your choice would be apple #2. Why would you choose the second apple and not the first? I imagine besides looking inauspicious and threatening, the ominous appearance probably leaves you feeling very uneasy! It gives the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen.  But what if I told you apple #1 and apple #2 were actually the same apple? It's just that the picture of apple #2 disguises its danger in hopes of deceiving you into taking a bite. Could apple #2 fool you into believing there is no threat or rottenness inside and thus it's safe to eat? Doesn't it look appealing and good enough to consume? In a spiritual sense, appearances mean nothing! Looks and appearances can be used to tempt us to sin. They suck you in with pleasantries. Remember Eve in Genesis 3:6? "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye" she did eat. It wasn't being tempted that brought death to Adam and Eve (we're all tempted in many ways and with many things), it was her following through ... when she finally took a bite and swallowed the forbidden fruit. The fruit was then inside her. Sin is no different. James 1:15 warns us, "Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin when it is finished, brings forth death." Or in simple terms, when a wrong desire has become more than a thought and you actually act upon and carry out that desire, it's finished. Death is imminent. Sin always disguises itself as something good, pleasurable, or exciting.

Each day we are met with the challenge of temptation and the potential of committing sin – 1 Pet. 5:8-9, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."  What brings about sin? "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed" James 1:14-15. We cannot blame anyone for our weaknesses but ourselves. We are responsible for our own actions. If you read the third chapter of Genesis, when God asked Adam and Eve if they had eaten of the forbidden fruit, Adam immediately blamed EVE for his actions, "The woman which Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I did eat."  Likewise, when God confronted Eve she blamed Satan (represented by the serpent) "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat." Talk about passing the buck! Each person reading this blog is responsible for his or her actions. No exceptions. Temptations are inevitable. They are a part of life because sin entered the world. We are Satan's constant target. Scripture uses the terminology WHEN (we are tempted of Satan). There is no "if" we are, or "maybe" we will be. The word is WHEN. WHEN WE ARE TEMPTED. We must be ready! Ephesians 4:27 tells us, "Give no place to the devil." Notice the word GIVE? You have to give permission before Satan can overcome you! Committing a sin cannot be blamed on your upbringing, the bad life you experienced, the beers you drank one night, or the drugs you pushed into your arm. It wasn't the reefer you smoked or because your dad abandoned your family or molested you as a child. It's not because your horoscope says you are prone to a bad temper or anything else. Despite our weaknesses, there is help! James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We must also put on our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:11-18). Jesus totally understands how we fight and how we fail. Why? Because, "For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." Remember, even Jesus was tempted but He didn't eat any forbidden fruit!

Even though we will be tempted, we don't have to give in. We can actually go to God the moment we need to overcome and walk away from temptations grasp. God's grace is sufficient! "For we don't have high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrew 4:15-16). Rarely does cunning and crafty Satan “slap us in the face” with the possibility of sin.  He doesn’t dump a cold bucket of iniquity on us – He sneaks up quietly on us! Satan draws us away from what is right. Temptation can be very strong so we must beware of over-confidence toward temptation, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Even Peter himself boasted he would never deny Jesus, yet look what he did the night Jesus was arrested. The scariest thing about temptation is that it is customized to fit each person! Did you know that? Satan will strike at you in your weakest area(s) to recommit the sins you've confessed and given your oath to abandon. When we come to Christ we confess our sins and basically promise the Lord, with His help, that we will abandon our old ways and follow Him. As we do this day to day, learning as we go, maturing in the spirit, we must learn also to deny self. Jesus said, "And He said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." NOTICE THE WORD DAILY? Daily we must follow and pray. Not occasionally, not only when disaster strikes or on a Sunday while in a church service; daily!!  If we are to have victory, we must stay in communion with the One who is there for us in time of need. The intentions of our heart can be a real challenge while we are here in the flesh, thus John's instructions: "Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). Scripture goes on to say, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." These are the exact three things Eve fell weak in.

And these are the same three general areas of lust that will tempt us! However, the Bible tells us that when we are tempted, God will always give us an escape option: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). No matter how tempted you may be in a situation, Jesus felt that same temptation. God promises us that no matter how hard the temptation is, He will always provide an escape route. We can always choose obedience over sin.

How can we respond to these temptations? The same way Jesus responded to Satan. When Satan tempted Him, Jesus took the Word of God and rebuked him. We should all have God’s Word in our minds and hearts, ready to speak, so that we can resist and rebuke Satan at every turn.  Remember, the Bible says this: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). We will not be removed from temptations but we can endure them and be blessed for doing so (James 4:7; John 17:14-16.) May God deliver you from temptation, and keep you from the evil one. "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).

Until He comes,

-Pat-