Grant Me Joy

Many times I've been asked how I can remain happy with life, or at least appear to be happy, while battling a physical disability that has no medical cure. The answer for me is simple. I have something beyond happiness. It's called joy. I'm not a psychiatrist so the explanation I'll be sharing is not based on any medical or mental health knowledge that I know of.  I'm not here to win a debate or argue if happiness and joy are the same thing, albeit, I don't think they are. I think they are different words with distinct different meanings. Am I happy? That depends. It depends on the circumstances around me.  Am I joyful? ALL THE TIME because my surroundings or circumstances no matter how bad cannot change or alter my joy. Confused? I'll explain. From my own personal account both as a Christian and a non-believer before I came to Christ, I experienced happiness whether I was saved or whether I was unsaved. However, I never had JOY as a non-believer even though I could experience happiness. Why? If you think about it, happiness is triggered by external things and is based on other people, places, thoughts, or events, etc.  In other words, you're either happy or not happy based on outside stimuli. Examples: We are happy when we feel loved by another person.  We are happy when we are on vacation. We are happy when we eat a favorite meal. We are happy knowing we bought a house, drive a new car, have a great job, etc. Joy on the other hand, is not based or measured by events, circumstances or emotions. Joy is internal. It doesn't ebb and wane. It comes from an unspeakable peace knowing who you are IN CHRIST, your secured relationship with God, and knowing your place with Him.  "Joy is a fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23).  It's given by God and cultivated internally, not because of external stimuli. Joy remains even when happiness turns to sadness.  So many people have never found joy, and many of us have lost touch with joy not knowing how to cultivate it any more. Unfortunately, people will resort to alcohol, drugs, addictive foods, anything that for a fleeting moment brings some kind of stimuli to make them feel happy.

Most people want to feel happy.  I do!  Happiness is a goal of all humans.  I want to feel loved, enjoy a pet, go places, experience things or hobbies that make me happy. The truth is, the Bible never promises happiness.  Did you know that? However, it does promise joy. Again, there is a difference. Think about this statement and repeat it if you have to: You can have joy without happiness but you can't really be happy without joy; at least lasting happiness! This should hit home with anyone who is a Christian! It's easy to be happy when all is well: your health is good, you're financially secure, you get along with everyone, you're eating healthy, your body is in good shape, you are maintaining your looks for you age, etc. but then trouble comes in one or more of these areas and what happens to the "happiness?" It's probably gone because happiness is dependent on outside circumstances!  Happiness ebbs and wanes.  Sometimes it's destroyed altogether. However. if you trust in Jesus you know you are secure in His hands (John 10:28-29) and therefore, YOU'VE STILL GOT JOY!  It's simple really. Happiness is based on "happenings," meaning if things happen to go well, you're happy, but if it happens that something bad occurs then you're happiness is likely gone. Not so with joy!  That's why in the midst of my 24/7 physical challenges I can and do remain joyful. "The joy of the Lord is my strength" (Nehemiah 8:10.)

Before Jesus went to Calvary He said something interesting, "These things have I spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11) He also said, "You will have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). Jesus promised the disciples that their joy would be full (complete).  That is permanent, a permanent possession, not a fleeting moment like happiness can be.  This is one way I can distinguish the meaning between happiness and joy.  Too, notice that Jesus assures them "your sorrow will turn to joy."  A good example that helped me relate to sorrow turning to joy was when my mother-in-law (who was a born-again Christian) passed away from cancer.  I was heavy with sorrow knowing I could never see her again yet my heart was overfilled with joy KNOWING she was in the arms of Jesus, AND because I was without fear or doubt where her spirit went. Oh the joy knowing I WOULD SEE HER AGAIN!! You've probably heard this before ... I was crying and laughing at the same time. Even though I was filled with grief and sorrow knowing I could never talk to her again, my joy remained!  Hopefully I've helped you to see why I believe happiness and joy are not the same thing. You can actually be in a state of happiness and contentment one moment and then dread the very next.  And though many of us think joy and happiness have a lot in common, one thing they that they don't have in common is one is permanent while the other is fleeting. ONE IS FROM GOD and one is from us. One comes and goes but the other will remain.

As Christians, we have JOY because we are saved.  How amazing that we've been rescued from the wrath of sin and death. How joyful 'a thought! Paul rejoiced in this, "May the God of hope FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY and peace believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).  The joy I speak about doesn't depart when we shed tears.  It remains in our spirit to carry us through tough times: James 1:2, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds." There's no need to be upset or fall apart when our circumstances change because the JOY OF THE LORD WILL BE OUR STRENGTH!  Do you believe in God and really, wholeheartedly trust Jesus? Then you have nothing to be troubled about when life disappoints you, fails you, turns on you, or changes directions. You have nothing to fear or sorrow over continually because you have eternal life!  That alone should bring great joy, comfort, contentment, and yes happiness knowing you are safe and secure IN JESUS! "Weeping may tarry for the night, but JOY comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5)  Happiness may be good, but joy is much better.  May God Grant you joy! 

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Fight Fight Fight

I was channel surfing last week zipping past college sporting events because I'm just not interested in them. If and when I happen to watch any sporting event, it's usually football. The large crowds that attend events never cease to amaze me. I often think to myself, "Why can't people gather, get excited, and cheer over Jesus like that?" It blows my mind that great numbers of people will flock into stadiums to see their favorite team, but few of those same people would ever think about attending an event where the gospel is being preached. When I was in high school I was a faithful football fan and never missed attending a Friday night game. I can still remember yelling from the stands, "FIGHT FIGHT, red blue and white ...go Stags!"  Did you know that in the Bible there is a fight call for Christians? There is. If you are a Christian, you have actually entered into a spiritual sporting event by reason of your faith.  Paul referred to it as a race and said, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize" (1 Corinthians 9:24). Paul cheers Timothy with this fight call, "Fight the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12). What exactly is the good fight of faith and how do you fight it?  

Something to be considered in this race is a belief God - to believe in His character, to believe in His promises, to believe that He is in control, to believe that He will bring about the final culmination of all things.  Unfortunately, some Christians have more faith in believing their home team will win a baseball game than believing God will bring victory over their battles. The book of Hebrews lists several characters from the Old Testament who fought the good fight, they fought to believe and succeeded in that fight: Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses to name a few, but consider Hebrews 11:29: By FAITH the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. When reading, I noticed that though the book of Hebrews account says "by faith" the people crossed the Red Sea, the Exodus account seems a little different. Not that they are contradictory, but that one account describes the people as 'faithful', yet the other account says that the people complained when they saw Pharaoh's army pursuing them. Look at this...

The Israelites snapped at Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?  What have you done to us bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness" (Exodus 14: 11-12). AFTER God brings the Israelites through the Red Sea as by dry land and drowns the pursuing army, it was THEN they believed: "Israel saw the great power of the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses (Exodus 14:31). BUT! ..only a few days later they began to grumble against Moses again (in reality against God) when there was no water (Exodus 15: 23-24); and shortly thereafter they complained even more. This time they were angry about the lack of food and wished once again they had never left Egypt to follow Moses: "Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meal pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger" (Exodus 16:3). The book of Hebrews assures us the Israelites have faith, yet Exodus shows us plainly that their faith is fickle and small. God is almighty. He protected them from the Egyptian army. He divided the sea so that they could walk between walls of water as though on dry ground. Yet notice, their faith was up and down like a yo-yo. 

Their example should make you question, "What about me? Does my faith, like theirs, ebb and flow? Do I trust God one day and then act as if He has no regard for me the next?"Could it be you are full of fear and uncertainties when dangers lie ahead? Just remember Hebrews 11:29.  God's fulfillment of His promises depends on HIM, not you!  Remind yourself of Who He is, what He has done, what He is capable of, and what He has promised. Listen to other believers, Christians in your own church, your circle of born-again friends who are there to stand alongside you in this fight of faith. Reflect on God's Word because in it He tells you exactly what His promises are to all those running the race and who will finish without quitting. So be strong and not fickle. Fight the good fight of faith, the fight to believe yes, but don't focus on your faith. Focus on the God who is the object of your faith!  Then you can endure to the end by HIS power to receive the crown set aside for you. You only get a crown if you finish.  No crown or prize is ever rewarded to the one that quits. 1 Timothy 6:12 "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life" ... because those that sustain will obtain.  

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

 

Rooted and Grounded in Love

 

We see the words "rooted and grounded" written in Ephesians 3:17, "that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."

 We, as believers, and through our faith in HIM (as Paul states) can be filled with all the fullness of GOD and comprehend it! How? If we are fixed, established, immovable, secure, firm, set, unwavering, settled, fastened, firmly implanted, unchangeable, and permanently stationed IN THE WORD OF GOD.

When we are firmly set in the word of God (to know it you have to read it), our focus and gaze, both internally and externally, can shift to deeper, spiritual matters that allow us to understand and grow because we lean into our rootedness in Christ (Ephesians 3: 16-19.) What exactly does being rooted and grounded in love even mean? In the Bible, Jesus is considered love. Every born again believer is to be rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus who is love. Jesus is our foundation in which we are to live life. (1 John 4:8, Ephesians 3:17, Colossians 2:6-7). The Bible is full of parables and hidden truths with clear meanings. One of the parables with a special meaning is found in Jeremiah 17:7 "blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. whose confidence is in Him (rooted and grounded in Him) for he will be like a tree planted by the water who sends out its roots by the stream. Have you ever taken notice of trees that are planted on or near water? I live up the street from a park who has a big pond that feeds off of a huge lake. There are many trees around this pond and all of them are healthy even though they are very old. Their roots can easily reach out to that water source and even when undergoing drought and the hot summers of the Midwest they never become stressed, wilt, or die.

What does the Bible say about a man who trusts in the Lord? Scripture says any person that trusts in the Lord is like a tree planted by water and spreads out their roots by the river. Further interpretation is,  they don’t know when heat comes, but their leaf shall be green all the time (regardless of circumstances around them). They are not concerned in the year of drought and neither do they cease from yielding fruit (Jeremiah 17:8 KJV). Simply said, the person that trusts in the Lord is like a tree planted near water. A tree that has no water source will eventually die. A tree that has a constant supply of water will not thirst and will grow. When we are connected to Jesus, we will never thirst (lack). We will grow (mature in His Word giving us understanding). We will yield fruit (referring to the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5: 22-23).

The Bible often uses the word 'water' to represent/symbolize the Word of God. This "tree" representing us therefore, relies on the water of Life- which is the word of GOD. It is through the Word we grow, mature, understand, and have life. Again, when we are firmly set in the word of God our focus and gaze, both internally and externally, can shift to deeper, spiritual matters that allow us to and grow and comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height because we lean into our rootedness in Christ.

Look at these references to water and  Who/what "water" is:

*John 1:1 (KJV)  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and THE WORD WAS GOD.

*John 1:14 (KJV)  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. The WORD WAS GOD (as stated above) who became flesh--JESUS. Jesus was GOD in the flesh Who came to us. The disciples said, "and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

*Ephesians 5:26 (KJV)  That He might sanctify and cleanse it (His Church/believers) with the washing of water by the Word.

*John 4:14 (KJV)  Jesus speaking, "but whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."  ... like a tree  planted by the water.

Every tree that is near water will have its roots grow out towards the water to drink from it. God says for a born again believer to be rooted and grounded in love; the Living Water. Jesus/God is love according to scripture. Jesus says those that believe on him, out of their belly shall flow rivers of living waters. Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit flowing from within them.

Now look at these references:

1 John 4:16 (KJV)  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Ephesians 3:17 (KJV)  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love may know ...

Colossians 2:6-7 (KJV)  As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  7  Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

John 7:38-39 (KJV)  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  39  (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

In other words, the person that trusts in the Lord will be rooted and grounded in love which is God/Jesus. Their roots are by the river so they are filled with the Holy Ghost, they are dwelling in God and God in them.

The good news for this tree in particular, is that it will have green leaves and it will not worry or be anxious in a season of drought and will still continue to yield fruit if it is  firmly planted by faith. The person who trusts in the Lord will not be consumed (key word is consumed) by any troubles that may come in the world (troubles will challenge them/you) but there is no reason to fear or be anxious because the Lord is with them and you. The Lord is our provider and will keep our leaf green and we will still bear fruit during those dry seasons. 

You could say a season of drought is upon the earth as we speak. Are you still producing fruit regardless of the chaos and instability across the globe right now?  On the other hand, the person who does not trust in the Lord is in an opposite scenario. They will be affected by the drought (trouble) and more severe droughts to come. It will affect their leaf, and they will be worried because they are unable to bear fruit. For anything to grow it needs water, just as we need WATER to survive physically and THE WATER/WORD to survive spiritually . 

The born again believer that trusts in the Lord has the kingdom within themselves and is urged to share their fruit of life with those without. Why? Hoping that those trees (people) without would become planted/rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ as well... " Or despise thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Romans 2:4 (KJV).

 It is the goodness of God that leads those trees/people who are in trouble (without Jesus) to repentance. God wants them all to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ so they can be rooted and grounded in love, growing in grace and truth, and able themselves to bear the fruit of GALATIANS 5: 22-23.

Until He Comes,

-Pat- 

Truth VS Opinion

Twenty two years go while sitting in my office, I overheard a conversation between a visiting psychiatrist and the psychiatrist I was working under.  As they were conversing the visiting psychiatrist asked:.

"What was your most difficult case?"

"I had a patient who lived in a pure fantasy world. He believed that an uncle in South America was going to die and leave him a fortune. All day long he waited for a letter to arrive from an attorney. He never went out, he never did anything, he merely sat around and waited for this fantasy letter from this fantasy uncle. I worked with this man eight years." 

"What was the result?" 

"It was an eight-year struggle. Every day for eight years, but I finally cured him... then that stupid letter arrived!"

Reality is, the letter mentioned above was “truth.” It was the truth that man had waited 8 years for. However, until that letter arrived – at least as far my boss was concerned – “truth” didn't exist. Truth was a fantasy. Truth was the fabrication of a “mentally challenged” individual who needed to be cured. And even when that “truth” turned up in the mailbox – my boss was still uncomfortable with it. It's the same with people today. Many have difficulty with the idea of truth as strange as that may sound. Something inside tells us IF we ignore “TRUTH” we do so at our own peril. There are consequences to setting truth aside. But why do people still blatantly ignore the truth? Or why do people have difficulty with morality? Why do they reject a standard of what is “right and wrong?” Why do they prefer shades of gray to black and white?  I thought about these questions as I was writing this blog and then it suddenly occurred to me, the problem is not with the TRUTH. Everybody has their own standard of truth. Everyone has a standard by which they decide what is right and wrong.  The problem is NOT that people reject TRUTH –They are rejecting someone else’s truth. They are rejecting some else’s right to decide what is right and wrong. They want to be the authority. They want to be the ones who decide what is moral and what isn't. People will accept only what they WANT to hear. They will agree only with the authority they wish to obey. In reality, the real authority they want in their lives is - THEY themselves! They are the MASTERS of their lives and many times people will agree with “truth” ONLY when “truth” agrees with them. It's the same when it comes to religion. People will choose the religion that fits how they want to live. Some want no Savior, others want to believe they come back again as plants or animals, others want to worship cows as sacred, others believe just be kind and you're safe, others it requires good behavior, some believe we're all gods and therefore you're automatically saved,  etc.

When it comes to faith, there is no TRUTH outside of God's WORD.  GOD is the beginning and end of TRUTH. Everything else outside that is opinion; conjecture.  Let that sink in! There is only one Truth (Gods Word) but there are thousands of opinions. As a couple of examples, believing cows are sacred is an opinion. Creating a Hindu god in the form of a cow and naming that god, Devi, is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. I'll tell you what is in the Bible... Romans 1:23 " And they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things."  You've heard a lot of people believe in reincarnation.  The idea itself sounds great, I admit.  Why not come back and learn again and get it right.  Reincarnation is a process of self-improvement to make oneself good enough to be accepted by God.  If you fail, just come back and try again until you reach perfection.  First of all, according to Truth, we can never be good enough by our own works or goodness to secure a seat in heaven. Secondly, do you realize the Bible exposes  reincarnation as false? It does. I've known many people living in their own truth, their own conclusions, their own opinions, who tell me no where in the Bible does it say reincarnation is a lie. Well, I'd have to agree to this much - although God's Word doesn't say it in that way, it says it this way in Hebrews 9:27, "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Well, not only are those words crystal clear.... we die ONCE, but that Biblical verse just annihilated a "made-man truth."  God's Word is clear.  Christianity is the only belief that recognizes the hopeless gap between man and a Holy, Righteous God, teaching that salvation can only be obtained through God's grace and is not achieved through any human effort as all other religions teach.  Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). What He was saying was this… “I (Jesus Christ) am the Master.” No one else will serve to be the authority you can trust to give you total truth all else is opinion.

I can't be that master and neither can you.  No President, no congressman, no man made religious authority can give you total truth. But Jesus can. Only Jesus HAS the truth because ONLY Jesus IS the truth. Again, people will accept only what they WANT to hear. They will agree only with the authority they wish to obey. BUT in reality, the real authority they want in their lives is- THEY themselves. They are the MASTERS of their lives.  They decide their own right and wrong. The apostle John wrote that, ready for this?? ..."THE WHOLE WORLD lies under the authority of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19). No one is good on his own, regardless of benevolent deeds, kindness, church attendance, good behavior, etc.  These "things" don't qualify you to be good enough.  They don't abolish your sin nature!  Paul warned that people will "follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons"(1 Timothy 4:1).  From the beginning Satan has been deceiving humanity!  Don't be embarrassed. I was deceived.  We've all been deceived.  In the garden Satan convinced Eve saying, "ye shall be as gods."  I can name several religions that adhere to that opinion. Don't you find it interesting that to be "divine" AS GOD is a common thread among many religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism, etc?  Oh, the lukewarm Christians aren't off the hook either.  There are MANY false preachers who are easily recognizable if you are a true follower of Jesus because the Holy Spirit bestows on us His discerning Spirit.  I need not call out the bad apples among us. Scripture even makes sure that we know Satan and his servants will masquerade as "ministers of righteousness" (2 Corinthians 11: 13-14).  Satan's hoisting of false religions has been a very effective lie since it mixes in some truth.  A lie mixed with truth is like rat poison which contains 99% good food and 1% poison. It's that 1% of disguised poison (or lie) that will kill you. 

 Why is it so hard to consider God's Word as TRUTH?  Why are people so reluctant to give up their own opinions?  I'm going to be honest with you.  I would still be a Catholic today, still confessing my "sins" to a man behind a curtain and still believing I need ashes placed on my forehead 46 days before Easter to celebrate Ash Wednesday as do Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and others. I would still believe baptizing an infant only a few days old eliminates "original sin" as Catholicism teaches. Nothing destroys our sin nature but the Blood of Jesus and even then you have to be old enough to know and commit to a relationship with Him.  Infants can't do that. The facts are, I would still be participating in Novena on Thursday nights and the Stations of the Cross. I was following the opinion, ordinances, and traditions of men (Mark 7:8).  I'm not against Catholics don't misunderstand.  I'm against what they taught me.  It was and still is a lie. Scripture teaches that sin has separated us from a Holy God. Remember, "THE WHOLE WORLD lies under the authority of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19)  unless or until you're saved through Jesus Christ. The Bible informs us "All have sinned"  ... not some, not a few, not just the crooks ... ALL (Romans 3:23, 1 Kings 8:46, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Isaiah 53:6). 

If you doubt the Word of God, ask yourself why would Jesus lie to us? For what purpose? Why did He hang, suffer, and die a cruel, ruthless death, if He was lying and not who He said He was? Can you walk on water? Heal the blind? Cure leprosy? Create the sun, moon, or stars? The only way to reconcile ourselves with Him is for us to confess we are guilty of sin (again, we are all under the authority of the wicked one the moment we are born) and then to confess, repent, and turn to Him for His forgiveness and grace. Many will not want to give up their own truths and opinions to hear this, but as one who has been shown and accepted Truth, you must be told because the Bible makes it very clear that if you do not accept Jesus, who has paid the debt of your sins as The Truth, your own unbelief which is YOUR truth will result in spiritual death. Jesus can wash cleanse, and absolve all sin committed by your rotten choices and mistakes but not if  you reject the Truth for your own opinion you hold as truth. Therefore, the Bible says you will be judged according to the Law that was written from the time of Moses. And since no one has ever been able to keep every commandment (the Law) that rejection will render you guilty of sin. You can read in 1 Corinthians 6:8-11 if you are guilty of any of the sins listed in that verse. If so, you will be condemned since there will be no Jesus standing there with you as your propitiation, the One who can satisfy the wrath of God against sin. He is the only one who satisfies the justice of God.

Finally, Since God WILL NOT FORCE ANYONE to love Him (you have a free will), His Holy nature leaves no other choice but to separate the unrepentant, the unbelieving from Him forever since these cannot enter the Holy of Holies!  The destination is eternal separation in hell. This may seem harsh and intolerant', but it is TRUTH according to God's Word of Truth.  It is not my opinion, it is God's warning. Without judgment and punishment to the "wicked" (again, we are born under the authority of the wicked one), God could not remain true to His Holy and Righteous character.  If what the Bible says is true regarding the spiritual warfare that is going on with Satan and his servants, the fact that there are other religions should certainly be no surprise, nor should it be a surprise that the Bible (The TRUTH) is attacked by  non-believers far more than any other religious book. For those with their own opinions that oppose the written Word --THINK ABOUT WHAT I JUST SAID-- those who reject the Bible as His Word of TRUTH,  are in trouble. Jesus emphatically warned His followers of the many counterfeits and false prophets who would come to try to lead men astray (Matthew 24:11, Mark 13:22, etc). The other religions and opinions of the world have been an effective tool of Satan in his quest to blind us of our need for a Savior. Are YOU of the opinion you don't need Jesus in order to be saved?   Look closely at this wording from 2 Corinthians 4:4 (emphasis mine) "The god of this age (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that THEY CANNOT SEE THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL of the glory of Christ, who IS THE IMAGE OF GOD."  What is your opinion, your truth?

Until He Comes, 

-Pat-

Tearing The Cushions Off Your Couch

 

I'm curious and therefore, I have some questions for you.
Do the scriptures seem difficult to understand?

Do you get frustrated because nothing makes sense that you read?

Are you of the opinion, as so many are, that the Bible contradicts itself?

Have you retired the bible to a dusty shelf because you've given up reading it?

Are any of these questions asked the reason you either won't read the bible or are neglectful in reading if you are named among Christians? 

The bible teaches us that Gods Word is like treasure. Read this scripture then we'll look closely at it. Luke 15: 8-9,  "What woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, does not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost."

Let's suppose that woman in Luke 15 is you in 2024. And instead of losing a coin, you lose your diamond wedding ring. Or, if not married think of an item you treasure that you'd almost die if it were lost. Is it a particular picture? Grandma's antique broach she left you? A college ring? Your car keys? A diamond bracelet? Imagine now that the thing you treasure has been misplaced somewhere in your house. Or was it? Is it there or did you lose it elsewhere ... at the store? In a parking beside your car as you drove away? The first logical place you would start searching is in your house: 

the nightstand

drawers

the bathroom vanity

the last piece of clothing you wore

the laundry basket ... 

And when nothing showed up you would dig deeper: 

the driver side of the car

the passenger side

checking the floor mats

the distance from the garage to the house

you'd probably begin to calling friends to check their homes since you were there recently

you might place a call to customer service at your favorite grocery store, etc. 

Then, as your search still resulted in nothing, things would become more desperate! Your search would take you to:

crawling under tables

ripping out closets

tearing the cushions off your couch!!

Reaching underneath it, etc.

Can you imagine the desperation that would overwhelm you? You would vow to search and search and search until you found your treasured item.

THIS is how we should hunger to find the hidden manna in the word of God by reading and searching the scriptures daily.

You may ask, "why is the Word so difficult to comprehend? Why isn't it written in simpler terms for us to easily grasp?"

The answer is simple. Unless you search hungrily for your own missing treasured item, you will never find it. Likewise, unless you put forth an honest effort to search and diligently seek Gods Word, which is the true treasure of life (not material things), you will not find nor understand it. God has hidden His treasure and found only by those who read and sincerely study His Word.

A earnest person who wants a relationship with Jesus will read, study, search, and hunger for the Word of God. Remember, Jesus WAS THE WORD made flesh (John 1:14) By reading, you're getting to know Jesus just as anyone becomes curious and desires to know someone they want a relationship with.

All other uninterested people will put the bible on a shelf ignoring and neglecting it.

This, therefore, is the measure which reveals your heart and true intimacy with God!

Jesus said, Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Or simply, what you put your heart into, THAT is what you treasure. 

Where do you invest all your time? What do you treasure? Do you make any time for God? If not, scripture says you are foolish.

Who is foolish? It is "those who lay treasure up for themselves and is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).

We are to keep our lamps burning while waiting for Jesus' return. We are to be vigilant and diligent about our salvation by keeping our lamps filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit. How do we do that? By reading the WORD which is poured out without measure to those who seek. We are advised to keep our minds fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ. In this way, we will be better able to resist the devil and his constant attempts to bring us down. If we become slack in reading or neglecting Gods Word altogether, our light will begin to dim until it no longer gives light. Then, it is rendered useless.

For me, this means don't fizzle out. I must refresh and renew my mind daily in His Word so that in this dark world I run this race with endurance so others also will see my light and be drawn to God as a moth to light. Another example Jesus gave is found in Matthew 15:13. Jesus is teaching His disciples and also all who would follow including you and me, "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it season? It is then good for nothing but to be cast out and be trodden under the foot of men." We are to be 'lights' as well as 'salt' to those around us, pointing to salvation and eternal life by sharing the Word of God. But how can you shine or season anyone, including yourself,  if you do not read? 

"Blessed is the man who meditates on His law day and night" (Psalm 1:2-3) Reading the Bible is the best investment in life. 

Reasons:

"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, or correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God (that's you) may be complete, equipped for every good work" 2 Timothy 3:16-17."

 "Every word of God is pure. He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him."

 The Word of God is the source of faith ... "Faith comes in hearing, and hearing by the word of God" 

There's more! Gods Word is the source of salvation, truth, freedom, discernment, spiritual food, growth, victory over temptation, a source of happiness, joy, and blessedness, a source of purity/holiness, a means of self-diagnosis, correction, guidance, comfort, a source of answered prayer, victory, healing, assurance, a preparation for good works, a source of warning, and a glimps into future events.

Won't you pick up your Bible and read today? Strengthen your relationship with God. Top off your lamp with oil so that you are not ashamed at His coming.

Until He comes,

-Pat-

A Candy-coated Gospel

 Let's get to the nitty gritty, Church.

A candy coated preaching style from behind the pulpit, will never point out your iniquities. Cleansing from your sinful actions begins by hearing the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth from Genesis to Revelation. A perfect balance is in order for you to break any demonic bondage, and to obtain freedom. Are you only hearing words of prosperity, or only words that condemn you from the preacher behind the pulpit? Or are you possibly hearing a perfectly orchestration of God’s living word? The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, include feelings of excitement, as well as a bit of squirming, in the pew from the message being preached upon from behind the pulpit as the cleansing process continues in order to build upon your personal relationship with Jesus.

A balanced platform at your place of worship will preach on the subject of God’s unconditional love for His children, as well as speaking in a manner that will convict you of your sinful actions! Would you rather hear a well balanced preaching style on all scripture, or a candy coated gospel? “Morality or immorality” that is the question. But how do you know the answer if you don’t hear the entire Holy Bible? We need to hear about the amazing grace God bestows upon all humankind, free for the asking. As well as messages about our disobedience to the word of God, bringing these sins to your attention. If all these issues aren’t pondered upon and rectified it will be impossible to fulfill your destiny that God has in store for you as a follower of His Son.

2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." Be on the lookout for deception, because they are in front of you everywhere you look. Yesterday’s immorality has become today’s morality. Have you received the truth,, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth from the pulpit at the church you attend? The word of God has never changed and never will. The way the message is delivered may change because of the circumstances but the core of the infallible message of the living word of God will never change. The entirety of the word of God must be preached in the context that proves that scripture interprets scripture. Cross referencing each other to verify the truth of the word of God.

Revelation 22:19 warns, "and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." Are the words you are hearing from the pulpit only pleasant, and pleasing? Without any real conviction? If so you may want to consider exploring additional avenues of biblical studies. Is the preacher behind the pulpit teaching conviction of sin? This is to convince of sin, to prove or determine to be guilty, as by the conscience, and through the spirit of God. If you aren’t hearing anything that is convicting you in anyway of your sinful actions where you attend church services the entire gospel isn’t being preached. You need to feel a sense of conviction in order to ask God for forgiveness and begin the cleansing, and healing process through confession, and repentance.

Freedom in Jesus isn’t free. Conviction of sins leads to confessing your sins and repentance. Leading to forgiveness of your sins. Forgiveness from God for your sins leads to freedom in Christ Jesus. 

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

When Death Comes Calling

 

It's been a few years back now that I can recall when I learned I had lost a wonderful, sweet Facebook friend, Helene Rutherford. Her sudden passing took many of us by surprise.  Helene was a frequent visitor to my Sunday Blogs.  Her last comment that posted was,  "AWESOME! AMEN! Seems I came back right on time. What a wonderful message." Helene's passing got me thinking. One of the very first prayers I learned as a child was the bedtime prayer called, "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep." You probably know it by heart .. Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep. If I die before I wake, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take." What stands out in that prayer is, "If I should die before I wake." If you think about it, it's not odd at all but a real possibility death could come before we wake one more day.  We all hope to live a long, healthy life but reality dictates that you can never be sure. You could be struck by a stray bullet, killed by a drunk driver or someone overcome with road rage, a renegade gang member being in the wrong place at the right time, a sudden heart attack, an unexpected tumor, blood infection, sepsis, a bacterial or viral infection, any myriad of diseases, Covid, etc.  Who knows what will happen next. Any of us could be struck down at any moment. "Man does not know his time" says Ecclesiastes 9:12.  There are no guarantees that any of us will be alive 24 hours from now. How much longer do you expect to live? If you are in your 20's, you probably expect to live at least 50 more years.  If you are 50, you probably expect another 20-30 years.  And if you are over 65, you certainly know the sands of time are slipping away. 

It's fair to note that one mark of genuine Christianity is when you come to the end of your life you are still holding onto what you believe.  THAT was Helene. When someone dies suddenly, we all want to know:  What were his or her final words? What was on his or her mind as he or she was exiting this world? Did he or she leave any messages, see angels, speak as if they were addressing Jesus? Case in point: I wanted to know what Helene's last words to me were and I knew where to look.  I knew she enjoyed the blogs and would often tell me how they enriched her. I can feel satisfied knowing what a spiritual blessing I was to her. The greatest thing you can do for your children, grandchildren, family AND FRIENDS is to pass on your faith. You never know how it may uplift, encourage, or strengthen them just at a time of need.  Abraham passed on his faith to Isaac, Isaac gave it to Jacob, Jacob gave it to Joseph, and Joseph gave his faith to the entire nation of Israel. And though my parents were Catholics and raised all of us in that religion, it laid my spiritual foundation by teaching me about Jesus Christ, and for that I am forever grateful! Do you know what's cool? That the Christian faith is not a sprint and it's not really a marathon.  It's a relay race! You and I are running the same race but we are but one member of a team that stretches across generations. You see, I have faith because someone gave it to me, and someone gave it to the person who gave it to me! One way I'm personally passing the baton is through these Sunday blogs. Helene reached for that baton. Think about it. The relay stretches back more than 2,000 years!

Generations come and go, people come and go, but only God remains forever. This is our hope at the edge of death. This is why as Christians, we can rejoice and feel peace at the passing of another believer. I will always miss Helene as a Facebook friend and a personality that was always positive.  She loved the Lord and was not shy about her faith. We don't need to fear death because Christians are immortal after his or her time on earth is done. If we could only grasp the fact that WE CANNOT DIE UNTIL GOD'S APPOINTED TIME FOR US FINALLY ARRIVES. This is why some people survive horrific accidents and others not.  There have been sole survivors of airliner crashes, motorcycle accidents, heart attacks, cancer, etc. when others have died from much less.  God is the Author of life and death ... God.  We cannot know the answer ourselves, but God's appointed time for Helene had come. God can and does choose to work accordingly in order that angels, people or circumstances help you survive, or He can say it's your last breath here on earth. Helene's time on earth was over, her mission completed. She was a sower in this race. A sower may die but their seed remains. I do not know how far we have to go until we reach the end of our earthly road, but I know this -- that road is paved with God's love, promises and faithfulness. Therefore we don't need to be afraid of leaving this earth.  If a friend dies and they were a believer, you have reason to rejoice.  Every follower of Jesus has a role to play in the unfolding of God's eternal plan. Helene was no different.  She touched many lives through her faith in God and passed her baton to others along the way.

Always keep in mind that death cannot exhaust the promises of GOD!  That's why Paul could say, "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55). We know that death is not the end but the beginning for the children of God. We will all eventually go through the process of physical death, through that unknown valley none of us can escape. The good news is that Jesus will be waiting on the other side for all who believed in Him and followed Him through this life.  We will not walk through that unknown valley alone.  The Light of Jesus will steer us into our heavenly realm.  No child of God needs to fear the moment of death. Pain, disease, sickness and suffering will be silenced and the glorious life with God will fill us with joy and peace.  I am rejoicing that Helene was escorted to the arms of Jesus where she will live forevermore and that for me, isn't goodbye.  I will meet her someday.  In closing, we don't know how many days we will be allotted. I hope that everyone reading this blog will take the same path as Helene, that they will run the relay race and pass the baton onto their children and grandchildren so that in the end, regardless of how short or long their lives were, they will have the victory over death and enter eternal life with the Lord. 

Until He comes,

-Pat-

Inner Demons - Mark 5:1-5:20

 Throughout the New Testament, we’re told of times when Jesus or Apostles cast demons out of people. But nowhere in the Bible is the description of demon possession more graphic and horrifying than in Mark 5. The guy described is scary.

He lives in a graveyard.

He’s unshaven, ragged.

And he’s scarred from chains and shackles that have been unable to bind him.

We’re not sure what he’s wearing - but if he’s wearing clothes at all - it isn’t much. His face has a dark haunted look to it. And his body bears the marks of cuts he’s made on it with sharp stones! He may even be bleeding as he runs down the path to Jesus. The Bible says, every night and every day, he prowls the hills around the graveyard howling and screeching in a crazed torment of a man whose personal demons will not let him rest. The scene is frightening. Reminds me of todays Zombie illustrations. And had you the courage to get close enough to talk with him, you’d have heard him shout at you and perhaps heard the demonic echoes of several different voices in unison. For the demons within him were called, Legion (Mark 5:9). Legion meaning many. Not only would you not want to meet him in a dark cemetery, you wouldn’t want to meet him on a crowded street in broad day light.

He’s a dangerous and frightening man. The Bible doesn’t tell us but I got to thinking: just how did this man come to be demon possessed? I could only find one story in the Bible that dealt with HOW someone came to be demon possessed. I Samuel 16:14 tells us: "Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him." The Spirit of the Lord departed? What could have happened in a man’s life that would make the Spirit of God to leave and open him up to demon possession? In Saul’s case it was his open rebellion against God. In I Samuel 15:23 the prophet Samuel condemned Saul with these words: "rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king."  Saul’s sin, listen closely, was that he deliberately rejected God’s authority in his life. He sought to be free from God’s restrictions and responsibilities. And his rebellion manifested itself in a kind of arrogance that God refused to allow.

A few years back, I caught couple of boys in my neighborhood doing things they shouldn’t have been doing. Standing on my porch I challenged the boys (who were around 8 to 12 years old) and expected that - having been caught - they’d slink away in shame or disgrace. After all, I was an adult and they had obviously been caught doing something they shouldn’t have. Did they slink away in disgrace? No, they turned on me and mocked me, taunting me like I was school child that they could bully into submission. They had an arrogance towards my authority that was greatly disturbing and angering. In fact, if they’d been my kids, and I’d have gotten hold of them, they wouldn’t have been able to sit down for a week. Anyway,  I suspect, that’s how God felt about Saul’s attitude of rebellion. I believe Saul’s rebellion held in it a tinge of disrespect for God’s authority. The Bible implies that this demon possession that came upon Saul came because his rebellion was "like the sin of divination, and (his) arrogance like the evil of idolatry." Now, before I move on, I want you to notice something else about demon possession. Samuel told Saul that his "rebellion is like the sin of divination." Divination… hmmm. Acts 16 tells of a young woman who was demon possessed. And what do you suppose she did for a living? She practiced divination. She was a woman who made her living in fortune telling, palm reading, or interpreting tarot cards and tea leaves. To understand more clearly, perhaps she would have consulted Ouija boards or horoscopes if she lived in our day.  She would also have had a 1-900 #.

In scripture, there seems to be a close tie between divination and demonic activity. The Bible doesn’t go into detail as to what that connection is, but it is so significant that God warns: Deut. 18:9-13 "When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.You must be blameless before the LORD your God." God goes even further : Leviticus 20:6 "I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people." Now, whether it was because this man in Mark 5 had been arrogantly rebellious or because he had practiced consulting the spirit world to see his future, or because of some other reason - this man in the graveyard had become demon possessed. He didn’t just wake up one morning and say: "Hey, I’m demon possessed." This wasn’t something he was born with OR something that he just came down with (like the flu or a cold).

Somewhere in this man’s life, he had made a conscious decision as so many do today, that he wanted to be free. He wanted to be free of God’s influence. He wanted to be free from what he perceived as restrictions, ridiculous rules, responsibilities, and commandments of life. He wanted to be free to do what he wanted to do. And now, as a demoniac, he’s become free in his own mind. No shackle can bind him, no chain can hold him. He’s no longer bound by social conventions that tell him how to dress and or how to behave. He has become totally free…In Romans 6:20-23 Paul writes: "When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The demoniac - he’s free to live as he wants and he sets his own rules… but he’s miserable. Notice verse 6.  He sees Jesus at a distance and he runs to Jesus. I don’t know how he knows that Jesus can heal his life - but he knows. AND HE RUNS TO Jesus. He’s tired of living like he has in his so called "freedom" and so he runs to Jesus. You might not be demon possessed like that man in graveyard, but you’ve struggled with your own personal demons for too long. You’ve struggled with the demons of failure and of guilt. You’ve sensed that these demons have dominated you, held you under their control, held you in an addiction you can’t let loose of: alcoholism, moral corruption, homosexuality, perversion, lust, if even in just your daily thoughts but never carried out, gluttony, slothfulness, adultery, etc. And you may have always thought: "I got myself into this. I can get myself out." But all you’ve ended up with is an uneasy feeling. The demons are still there. And you’re still not healed. Despite what the world may tell you - you can’t solve these kinds of problems on your own. There are demons in your life that only Jesus can heal. We've all experienced some type of tormenting demon(s) in our lives. "What a wonderful change Jesus can make in your life! Since Jesus came into my heart and my sins - which were many - are all washed away.

The example of that change is in the Bible verse I gave you from Mark, chapter 5. And when Jesus healed the demonic, the change was startling: He was now seated, clothed, and in his right mind. This man - that just moments before - had been a raving, zombie-like, lunatic, was at peace. The world can’t give you that! There’s no medicine, no treatment, no man made advice that can reach into the heart of a man and toss out the demons that he struggles with. My question for you is, are you fed up feeling powerless to overcome all your vices and demons that won't go away? What happenes in a man’s life that would make the Spirit of God leave and open him up to demon possession? His open rebellion against God. I urge you to turn to Jesus. Jesus can give you the peace that you desire. 

There Is One Thing God Cannot Do. Lie

 

Do you realize whatever God says comes to pass whether it was meant for past, present, or future events? Why? Because God cannot lie! Anything He says will happen and has happened even if it did not exist before He said it. The Bible verifies over and over that it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18 NKJV). God does not falsify, fudge, fib, deceive, swindle, trick, beguile, overstate, dupe, swindle, or exaggerate! AND THAT'S WHY WE CAN TRUST HIM. Titus 1:2 (NKJV) states "in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began." It's not just that God has decided He will not lie -- He CANNOT lie. John 17:17 (NKJV 17) says, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." 

Therefore, in this blog I present to you ... a case for God:

Anything God says will come into being even if it did not exist before.  As an example Genesis (1:3 NKJV), God said, "Let there be light" And there was light! From non-existent to existent. God's Word is ultimate reality! It is more real and lasting than anything we can presently see. God cannot lie because it is contrary to His nature. God's nature is one of selfless love for others. His nature is not to deceive. 

It is natural for God to be truthful. "God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?" (Numbers 23:19 (NLT). We also read in Hebrews 6:18 (NLT) "So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us." Hallelujah! This is what makes the foundation of our relationship with God so solid! God has given us His Word and His Word cannot fail. Should we ever be presented with evidence contrary to what God says in the Good Book, we can know we are being presented with a lie. Contrast this with the devil who is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). But our God, "God, cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). Paul used this point to explain our source of encouragement and reason for hope! Why is it “impossible for God to lie” and what does that mean for us? 

Let's make our case.

1. His nature is perfect – He is not like man (Numbers 23:19). 

2. He does not lie or need to repent; there is no darkness in Him (1 John 1:5). 

3. He has no desire to deceive – God cannot be tempted with evil (James 1:13). 

4. He desires all to be saved and come to know the truth (1 2. Timothy 2:4).

5. Jesus came so we could know the truth (John 18:37; 8:31-32) the the devil is the deceiver! (2 Corinthians 11:3)

6. He is all-powerful –  He created all things (Psalm 33:6-9) and can do more than we think (Ephesians 3:20).

7. He is all-knowing – There is nothing hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13). 

8. He can declare the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9-10).

9. Because God cannot lie, we can believe His Word! Because if God cannot lie then His word is truth (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17).

10. His word was confirmed with miracles (Hebrews 2:1-4; Mark 16:20).

11. The Scriptures cannot be broken (John 10:35).

12. His word will endure forever (1 Peter 1:25).

13. Through faith & patience we inherit God’s promises (Hebrews 6:12).

14. God has not changed (Hebrews 6:17).

15. By faith we trust God to reward those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). 

16. We can entrust our souls to Him (1 Peter 4:19).

We can look forward in hope – God made a promise and an oath, “two unchangeable things” according to Hebrews 6:17-18. This gives us “strong encouragement” that we will receive our hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14); this hope is an anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19) that keeps us grounded (Hebrews 11:24-26; Ephesians 4:14). We can have confidence, faith, and hope in the One who has our best interest at heart. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." In conclusion, ALL THESE ARE TRUTH:

God is with you Psalm 23:4

God can still the storms with a whisper Psalm 107:28,29

Nothing is impossible with God Matthew 19:26

Because the God that created Heaven and Earth values you Matthew 6:26

God has a plan for you Genesis 15:20

Because God is holding your hand. He will help you. Isaiah 41:13

Because He loves you Zephaniah 3:17

Because God is a God of mercy Psalm 138:8

Because He promised to sustain you. Psalm 55:22

Because no matter what you’re going through, God promised to work all things for the Good for those that love Him Romans 8:28

Whatever God says comes to pass. His Word is a promise and an oath.

Until He comes,

-Pat-

Rudders and Bits

 Look at the words in James 3:2 (NKJV). It reads: "For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires." I want to focus on this verse for a few reasons. It makes us realize we should be 1)aware of our words, 2) how powerful they are, and that 3) they have the ability to restrain our physical bodies. Words also hold the power of life and death, to build up or destroy (Proverbs 18:21). That's a powerful and rather chilling statement!  Words are not only powerful, but someday we are going to give an account of things we have said. (Isaiah 59:2-3). 

What does this Scripture mean by comparing the tongue to the rudder of a large ship? Look closely at the language. James 3: 4-14“They are turned… wherever the pilot desires.” Think about it. Who is the one controlling the rudder? The pilot. Who is the one controlling your tongue? You. This Scripture is telling you that you can turn your life in whatever direction you desire, by using your tongue. I believe Holy Spirit is inviting us to reflect on the use of our life’s rudder. I hear Him gently asking us to think about this question: What have we been allowing to come out of our mouths?

James  continues saying our tongues (speech/WORDS) both curse and bless. We praise God one minute and in anger curse Him in the next. How easily our tongues can be used to steer us away from the things of God. Though the tongue is a small member (verse 5) "it is set on fire of hell" and "is a world of iniquity" (verse 6.) Again, that's a powerful and rather chilling statement! 

When we release words like, “He’s a lazy bum, just like his father!” When we use the power of our tongues to label people in negative ways, we are setting into motion a spiritual law! Believe me, we are not simply “making an observation.” Our tongues loose life, or death, into the world around us. We will live to see the fruit of whichever way we harness this innate capacity. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21).

Have you ever put yourself down? “I’m such a dummy!” So many times, we even use one of the most powerful instruments God has given us – our tongue – to speak curses over own selves. These negative pronouncements become self-fulfilling prophecies. What kind of tongue-fruit do we want to eat in our future? Do we want to steer our lives in the direction of hope, growth, and flourishing that He has for us? 

Then in all that, James finishes by saying  "no man can tame the tongue!" (verses7-8)! So what are we to do? James gives us a bit of hope when he said we can learn to steer our tongues like a rudder does for a boat or like a bit in a horses mouth. A rudder's purpose is to steer the boat in a particular direction. A bit in a horses mouth steers the horse in a particular direction. Neither boat or horse are halted by rudder or bit, but rather steered in a direction by driver or rider.  It's the same regarding our words. As Christians, we should always strive to steer our tongues as God would have us just as we will always be working to restrain our bodies. Why? Because "we all stumble in many things" James says.

The truth is, words actually reveal the true nature of a person.  It is "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew12:34). The words you speak reveal the spiritual condition of your heart! This is so important that the Bible teaches, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23). We must be vigilant in keeping our hearts spiritually fit because the words that flow from it have the power of life and death. Scriptures further tell us that the Lord tests the heart, the Lord weighs the heart, the Lord detests a proud heart, the Lord hates a perverse heart,” and many more. In this verse we are instructed to “keep” our heart; meaning watch over, cultivate, and protect it. Why? It is the command center of the soul, the mind, the will, the affections, AND WHAT COMES OUT OF YOUR MOUTH! If our hearts are grounded and anchored in God's Word, what comes out of our mouths should be His love, grace and mercy!

Somewhere as you read this blog you may have questioned, 'if the tongue is a world of iniquity that cannot be tamed anyway, then what am I supposed to do? Scripture says, we can start by cleansing our hearts on a daily basis. How? By flooding/washing it with the Word of God (Ephesians 5:25-26). The Word of God deals with things in our mind, things that deal with conduct, things that have to do with character and attitude. The more we "cleanse" ourselves by reading Gods word, we will find it easier and easier to restrain the tongue. How? The Word of God keeps our hearts clean by pointing out the areas that need changing and confession. It helps to remove the dirt because it convicts those who read it reverently and also by warning us to keep away from sin. You will never control your tongue altogether since scripture affirms it is untamable, but you can bridle it, restrain it, hold it back, and curb it. We should use our tongue to glorify and honor God throughout the day as Psalm 34:1 proclaims, "I will bless the LORD at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth."  

I challenge you to praise God with your words on a daily basis and watch how your life will change.

Here are some scriptures that confirm this blog:

Ephesians 4:29

Proverbs 19:19

Proverbs 21:23

Proverbs 15: 1,4 

Psalm 19:14

Proverbs 18:21

There's only one way to protect your tongue: protect your heart! Let’s partner with Him, using the tools He has provided. Let’s ask for Holy Spirit’s help in the operation of this tiny, mighty rudder. Let’s make the determination that only words of life will flow from these mouths of ours. We want to steer our lives in the direction of hope, growth, and flourishing that He has for us.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Declaring vs Confessing (Romans 9: 10-11)

 

In this blog I'm going to point out how very important it is that you pay attention to what Bible version you choose to read and learn God's Word from. You need discernment because many bibles printed today are either changing and or alternating words of scripture that completely change the meaning of the verse(s), sometimes even excluding entire sentences! Remember God's warning, "For I testify unto you every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written with this book: And if any man shall take away from the word of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book" Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV) 

 ** NOTE: Before I continue, let me make something perfectly clear. I do not care which version of the bible you choose to read, that choice is yours. Just be aware whatever version you do learn from may have changed words or removed entire sentences which are pertinent in knowing truth. Whoever made these changes of  "adding to" or "taking away" are accountable and bear the sole responsibility as translators, and the words of Revelation 22:18-19 lie heavily on them, not you. However, that said, you should be cautious and aware of both obscure or obvious changes. Having different versions of the bible when you study will help assist in spotting changes. I will include information to keep in mind following this blog. However, NO translation is perfect but there are scholars who acknowledge certain versions as being closest to the original Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek.

I have well over 25 examples of scripture verses either changed or completely left out of the NIV alone you should be aware of. I don't have the time or space to list each one so I'm going to give just one example with the help of a Webster's dictionary for word definition assistance to inform you just how subtle and tricky these changes can be. Okay, here we go. The scripture in my example is from Romans 9:10-11.

NIV says: "If you DECLARE with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, [and it is with your mouth that you profess (affirm) your faith and are saved.] As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME."

KJV says: "If thou shalt CONFESS with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; [and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED."

These two versions of Romans 9, verses 10 & 11 look the same. They sound the same. They are the same, wouldn't you say? Wrong! In fact each one means something entirely different. It's subtle, but for the discerning eye it's very clear.

Let's Compare two words taken from each version: Declare vs Confess.

Declare: (Used in NIV) To declare is "to state something." Example: I believe in Jesus Christ.

Confess: (Used in KJV) To "acknowledge something." I confess I am a sinner.

Read these two versions above very carefully once again. Are they the same? Absolutely not. WHY? According to the NIV translation, all one must do to be saved is just DECLARE (it's the same as saying) I BELIEVE IN JESUS. Do you know why that is an error and translated incorrectly? James 2:19 tells us that devils also believe! Are the devils or Satan, saved? So, therefore just saying /declaring 'I believe in Jesus' with ones mouth means nothing. Anyone can say it and they do. I'm sure you know people who wear a cross around their neck and if asked if they believe in Jesus would say yes, but they don't live the life of a follower of Jesus. Their "declaration" means nothing. There are many people that say I believe in Jesus and think they are saved simply due to the fact of versions like the NIV whose translations have fooled them into believing all you have to do is say aloud with your mouth, "I believe in Jesus." They think as long as they believe he existed somewhere in history, they believe they are saved!

According to the KJV translation, what one must do is to be saved is CONFESS with their mouth the Lord Jesus. Did you know there is a difference between "declaring" (NIV) and "confessing?" (KJV)? To confess with your mouth, the Lord Jesus (as stated in the KJV) you are admitting/acknowledging/CONFESSING you are a sinner and are calling upon Jesus to save you. You are owning it. You confess Jesus is Lord and make an allegiance with Christ in your heart. THAT is more than just the mere words 'I believe in Jesus' as implied in the NIV. It is "confession that is made unto salvation" according to the KJV and that is correct. Every Christian should know, without confession there is no salvation. For all the people out there saying/declaring I believe in Jesus, THAT IS NOT A CONFESSION! Confession involves speaking to God.  We share with Him the areas that we know we have sinned and acknowledge (confess) we messed up. We talk to Him about it and ask Him to forgive us. There is a big difference between confessing and declaring that you believe. With confession comes remorse, regret, and repentance which in turn manifests in changed behavior and life.

The last difference I want to point out between the two versions is the last sentence, verse 11.

NIV says, "Anyone who believes in him WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME."

KJV says, " Whosoever believeth on him SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED."

Looking at these two verses can you comprehend each is saying something completely different? The NIV is saying, anyone who believes in Jesus will never be put to shame. Well, that's inaccurate! People are put to shame all the time when witnessing the bible or speaking about Jesus. I'm not saying it's a matter of being ashamed as in embarrassed. I am saying they ARE PUT TO SHAME. For instance, the exampled person as mentioned above who reads and believes the NIV as written and declares if they believe in Jesus and need nothing more, if they are ever approached by a person well versed in scripture, you could say the knowledge of the educated and well informed person who interprets and understands scripture could easily PUT TO SHAME the person who knows very little about God who declares they believe in Jesus. So anyone who declares they believe in Jesus CAN be put to shame.

The KJV is plainly saying, if you truly believe on Jesus, the son of the living God, you will not be ashamed of it! You will never be ashamed to speak His name, talk about the bible, share the Good News, shout to the world of the goodness, mercy, and forgiveness of God. "Whosoever believeth on him SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED." The word shall is a modal verb and used for future time reference. You shall = you will, and you shall not = is the same as you will not. A true follower will never be ashamed of the gospel.

These differences came from only 2 tiny verses, TWO! Have you ever noticed the differences before that now should be easily understood and how changing words can misguide people possibly to their own detriment? Be very careful when reading your bible today. It requires more than just reading and definitely more than just declaring or agreeing there was once a man who walked the earth whose name was Jesus. Reading the WORD also requires studying the WORD. I suggest having a KJV BIBLE and a couple other more "modern" versions for comparison. I mainly use the 1611 KJV bible about 95% of the time. The other 5% I extract and use other versions IF THEY MEAN THE SAME THING AS THE KJV but in a more colloquial language- as long as there are no exclusions or words that change definitions like the examples I left you in this blog. I pray that anyone interested in knowing God will study well because many verses in varying new revised versions ( CEV, CSB, ESV, GNB, HCSB, NET, NLT, NIV) etc. are written in a way that can delude you. The bible says "study to show ourselves approved" so that we will be ready to wield our sword, the Word of Truth, and share it as God intends- straight, without wavering, or without a sugary coating or changing its meaning that makes it easier to swallow.

I have never found that to be the case since reading and studying the KJV bible since 1972. The NIV may deliver more readability than the Kings language of thee's and thou's, but there are too many changes and exclusions in the NIV to completely believe it is a safe version. Check your own NIV. Your version excluded the following (that's not including single word changes throughout the entire version too many to list). EXCLUDED: Matt 17:21, Matt 18:11, Matt 23:14, Mark 7:16, Mark 9:44 and 9:46, Mark 11:26, Mark 15:28, Luke 17:36. Ask yourself, WHY?? Satan would like nothlng more than for you to believe the older, original, translated Greek version (KJV) is outdated or antiquated and is too difficult to follow so its better to lay it aside. I'm not saying don't read the NIV or any other more modern version, I'm suggesting have the NIV (or newer translations) along side the version scholars consider the most accurately translated, the 1611 version of the original Greek. KJV.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

*** Below is some additional information you might find helpful regarding thee's and thou's if you're interested. And Jesus said, "Me is the way." What?? See below.

King James himself commissioned skilled linguists and theologians such as Dr. George Abbott, Dr. Lancelot Andrewes, as well as the orientalist, William Bedwell and the Hebrew scholar, John Bois, who began reading the Hebrew Bible at the age of five, and later gained considerable facility in Greek as well.

 Yes, “thou” and “thee” are the words of Early Modern English (EME) for the ‘familiar’ form of the second person singular. Today we use “you”, which is historically the second person plural, but was also used, in EME, as the polite/respectful/formal form of the second person singular. So, at the time of the translation into the KJV, “thou” and “thee” were the pronouns in general use. The distinction thou/thee follows the case distinctions still working today in English with I/me, he/him, she/her, we/us, they/them.

 Although Semitic languages don’t make case distinctions in nouns or pronouns, if you are translating them into English, you have to make the grammatical distinctions which the object language (in the case, English) makes. Otherwise the alternative is that you would always use “me” for the first person singular, the way a small child might. God would be quoted as “Me told the Israelites many times, but them didn’t listen.” Should Jesus be translated as saying, “Me am the Way.” No, the translator makes the distinctions of the target language, however they are worded in the source language.

The King James Version is deliberately in a somewhat higher register — intentionally formal —than Shakespeare’s writing a few decades earlier. Shakespeare used the informal colloquial language of the time, and provides a better sample of what “real people” spoke in everyday life. But he also distinguished thee/thou/you.

 Hebrew is similar in that it also has a different pronoun for singular and plural second-person pronouns; thus, the thee’s and thou’s give the 1611 KJV slightly more accuracy than most of the other English translations. The Greek was also similar in that way.