Tamar³

Trivia question: How many Tamars are mentioned in the Bible? The answer is three (in case you didn't notice the title of today's story). And if those three aren't enough to keep track of, there were also a few towns named Tamar.

Tamar means "date" in ancient Hebrew, like the fruit - "date," "date palm," or "palm tree," are all acceptable meanings for Tamar.

Not much is mentioned about Tamar #3, except that she was the daughter of Absalom (King David's son) and that she was beautiful. We can assume that Tamar #3 was named in honor of Absalom's "sister," also named Tamar, who was raped by Absalom's brother Amnon. Absalom killed his brother because of this.

"Three sons and a daughter were born to Absalom. His daughter’s name was Tamar, and she became a beautiful woman." - 2 Samuel 14:27

The story of Tamar #2 is found in 2 Samuel 13. Like I said, she was raped by Amnon. An ugly and sad story to be sure. Yet, it is in the Bible. We must learn from it.

"Tamar lived in her brother Absalom’s house, a desolate woman." - 2 Samuel 13:20

Tamar #1's story is found in Genesis 38. She was the daughter-in-law of Judah - one of the 12 patriarchs. It is she who is mentioned in Matthew's lineage of Jesus.

"Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar." - Matthew 1:2-3

That sounds all nice and clean, but Tamar #1 had to dress up like a prostitute and have sex with her father-in-law in order to keep the line to Jesus alive. 

So, what do we learn from all of this? The lineage of Jesus passes through a wide variety of humans, often by detestable and disgusting events. Murderers, adulterers, incestuous relationships, "there is no one good, no not one."

All of Jesus' relatives were sinners, just like us. Yet Jesus was "the spotless lamb." How could that even be possible? The answer is found in the Bible. Imagine that!

"Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 1:18

The Seed of God!! God, The Father! The Christmas story!

He really DOES make all things, ALL THINGS, new. May His name be forever praised! Amen!!

Rest Easy

When I close my eyes at night, I can literally fall asleep within the first few minutes. Wanna know how? Three things. Got your paper and pencil ready?

First, I make sure that I am physically active during the day. Yard work, disc golf, biking, hiking, you get the idea. An hour is good.

Second, I placed my faith in Jesus 18 years ago. Since that time I have had zero worries. Zero. God is in control. What do I have to worry about? I have concerns, but I NEVER get worried anymore.

And the third thing I do, to be able to fall asleep so quickly, is to recite Psalm 23 to myself after the lights go out. I have it memorized. Why Psalm 23? It's a good reminder of who is in control. It reminds me that, whatever happens, "the Lord is my Shepherd."

Try it sometime. Don't nod off now.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." - Psalm 23

No matter what kind of day we have - good, bad, happy, or sad - we will always fall asleep quickly knowing that those reassuring words from King David are true.

Sleep well tonight my brothers and sisters. And may God bless you this week, and always.

Deconstruction

If we look up the word "Christian" in the dictionary we will find "one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ." That definition is flawed right off the bat. We CONfess, not PROfess. I have written about that before. Anyone can profess something, then do something else.

The confessing Christian not only believes in Jesus but follows His commands and teachings. So, what if we don't like ALL of God's rules? Welcome to Christian Deconstruction.

Deconstruction, as it pertains to the Christian faith, is this: "The postmodern process of rethinking your faith without requiring scripture as a standard."

Deconstructionists believe that there is no correct destination in their faith journey. There's no correct place to land. Their faith is their own and nobody else's.

Jesus has a slightly different view from the deconstructionist. 

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14

And . . .

"Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do what I say." - Luke 6:46

Good question.

Deconstruction is dangerous but many practice it without even realizing it.

"I'm a Christian," they say,  but they think abortion is okay, or homosexuality, or sleeping with someone without being married, or getting drunk, or getting high on drugs, or lying, stealing, or gluttony.

This "ala carte" Christianity is the "broad road that leads to destruction."

In the construction business we use a similar word - demolition. It's basically removing things until you get to the point where you can build something new and different. Beautiful, right?

In Christianity however it leads to hell. Many will arrive there and wonder, "How the heck did I get here?"

Jesus, our Just Judge, has an answer for the deconstructionist.

"Depart from me, I never knew you." - Matthew 7:23

We need to be very protective of God's Word as we read it and study it, and live it. It is what it is. We do not have the right to change it just to feel better about ourselves.

"And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book." - Revelation 22:19

Be smart out there. God has warned us. It's up to us whether or not we heed His warning.

Righteous Judgement

A couple of news stories stood out to me amongst all of the post-election hype and blame casting this week. On the surface, both stories involve those evil MAGA Republicans and the unthinkable things they are always doing. Lol!

The first story involves a prominent player from the National Football League, Nick Bosa. Nick is the highest paid defensive player in the league and plays for the San Francisco 49ers. He was fined $11,255  this past Saturday for wearing a MAGA hat at a football game..

There are two interesting things in this story. The first is, Nick knew he was going to be fined by the league - and he didn't care. The second point of interest is this . . .

Although this a clear violation of league policy, the NFL waited until AFTER the presidential election to fine him. They didn't want to get those MAGA-Republicans any more fired up than they already were. Sheesh!

The second story is about FEMA and even more disgusting than the first. A FEMA administrator was fired last week after she instructed her relief workers to skip over any hurricane damaged houses featuring Trump or MAGA signs in their front yards. Even Democrats condemned her actions.

These two stories reflect a "clear and present danger" in our country. Each features a powerful entitee (the NFL and FEMA) using their power to effectively silence people, even denying help to the hurting. Lady Justice is supposed to be blind, not peeking out from under her blindfold to choose who to help or punish.

What does all of this have to do with Jesus? First, just one more example. Check this out.

In 2023, a woman was arrested in the UK for silently praying outside an abortion clinic. She has since been cleared of wrongdoing and has even received an apology and a £13,000 judgement in her favor. The point is this.

Back in Jesus' day there was an oppressive government in power - the Roman Empire. Everyone had to submit to Ceasar's authority. Christians were being crucified for things they were saying and believing in.

We are inching closer to that again today. Governments around the world are persecuting and killing their own citizens for their beliefs, even contrary to their own laws.

It seems that justice is a concept seldom practised these days. What has happened to the world we live in? Well, these unjust things are happening because we have removed Jesus from the judgement seat and replaced Him with our own craving for power.

There is an old saying that goes, "absolute power corrupts, absolutely." That has always proven true - with man. Not so with God.

"God is a righteous judge. I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High." - Psalm 7:11,17

With justice comes judgement for the disobedient. I for one am grateful for God's righteous and just judgements. And I am also grateful that Jesus has already paid the price for the unrighteous things I have done.

Thank you Lord!

Nick Bosa Article

FEMA Worker Fired

UK Woman Arrested

Wash Yourself

I have GOT to stop reading the Book of Jeremiah. That thing's filled with nothing but bad news. No wonder they call him The Crying Prophet. And then, as if THAT'S not enough, Lamentations is up next. Woo Hoo!

What is your favorite book of the Bible for encouragement? Romans? The Psalms? John?

Before I dive into that exciting book of Lamentations, I'm going to spend some time reading the Songs of Ascent (Psalm 120-134). Here's a listing, along with a description. They used to sing these songs on their way up to the temple from The Pool of Siloam (discovered in 2004 and excavated).

Psalm 120: God’s presence during distress

Psalm 121: Joyful praise to the Lord

Psalm 122: Prayer for Jerusalem

Psalm 123: Patience for God’s mercy

Psalm 124: Help comes from the Lord

Psalm 125: Prayer for God’s blessing upon His people

Psalm 126: The Lord has done great things

Psalm 127: God’s blessing on man’s efforts

Psalm 128: Joy for those who follow God’s ways

Psalm 129: A cry for help to the Lord

Psalm 130: A prayer of repentance

Psalm 131: Surrender as a child to the Lord

Psalm 132: God’s sovereign plan for His people

Psalm 133: Praise of brotherly fellowship and unity

Psalm 134: Praise to God in His temple

Let's see . . . how about Psalm 130 . . .

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;

Lord, hear my voice.

Let your ears be attentive

to my cry for mercy. 

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,

Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness,

so that we can, with reverence, serve you. 

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,

and in his word I put my hope.

I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning,

more than watchmen wait for the morning. 

Israel, put your hope in the Lord,

for with the Lord is unfailing love

and with him is full redemption.

He himself will redeem Israel

from all their sins.

That worked for me. How about you?

Whenever our minds get filled up with the news, election results, wars and rumors of wars, we need to remember that God is in control. He rescues us in times of trouble. If we call out to the Lord, He will answer.

Have a good week out there, brothers and sisters. Jesus is coming soon.

“Go,” He told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing." - John 9:7

The Prison of The Mind

Have you ever watched the news and heard someone say something that seemed SO contrary to the truth? Where does that come from? How can they still be on the air? Well, there's a reason for that.

Why do people act like they do? They can be so hurtful sometimes. It's almost like they are not themselves or are manipulated in some way. Yessss.

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world . . . 

That's us. Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus. We used to be "one of them," living amongst them, as Paul says later.

"and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient."

That's Satan, the Evil One. 

"All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 

So, why are we different? Why can we recognize the lies? And why do we still love the very people who hurt us and lie to us? It's almost like we are different somehow.

Yesss.

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions."

So, God did this? We were "dead," but now we are "alive?" Why would He do that? What makes us so special?

Good question. Yey, here we are. Saved.

"It is by grace you have been saved." - Ephesians 2:1-5

When someone yelled out that "Jesus is Lord" at a Kamala Harris rally a few weeks ago, she told them that they were at the wrong rally - implying that Christians belong at a Trump rally. Think about that for a moment. Was she right?

We who believe have been saved from God's wrath (the just punishment for our sins). Remember, we used to be among those who are disobedient. Be we were called out of our disobedience. Why?

Well, it's not to do nothing. We have been saved, not to just sit on the sidelines and watch "the game" unfold. Suit up, Christian! Reach out to those who persecute you. Love and pray for those who chastise you and abuse you. That's who WE were.

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Trump's campaign has made a fatal mistake in their "Make America Great Again" campaign, IMO. No one man can make that happen. Rather, their slogan should have been a prayer. Only God can change hearts. Only He can make the blind see. We need to be on our knees, not sitting in the bleachers.

"The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God." - John F Kennedy.

One Tree Hill

Back in 2003, my wife started watching a show called One Tree Hill. It was about some high school kids, their families, their relationships, and the ensuing drama.

A few weeks ago I wrote a story about one of its actors - Bethany Joy Lenz. You can read it here.

Anyway, this week I had another "encounter" with One Tree Hill. A friend of mine was telling me about her current favorite song - Send Us Out by Sixteen Cities (link below).

So, I listened to the song. It's a worship song. (It made me happy, knowing my friend's favorite song was a worship song).

I then did some research on the band. They're on Wikipedia. Here's an excerpt from their bio.

The 2nd single from Sixteen Cities' debut album, "Pray You Through", was featured on a Season 8 episode of One Tree Hill.

Okay, what's going on here . . .

When things like this happen, I usually stop. Is God trying to tell me something? Why One Tree Hill? Why is that popping up all of a sudden?

One . . .

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." - 1 Timothy 2:5

Tree . . .

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us - for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree." - Galatians 3:13

Hill . . .

"So they took Jesus, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified Him." - John 19:16-18

[Golgotha is the Aramaic name and Calvary is the Latin name of the hill outside Jerusalem where Jesus was executed.]

One Tree Hill = Jesus, The Cross, and Jerusalem.

Interesting. So, what do I take away from this mess?

My friend's "favorite song" is an encouragement for all of us to share the Gospel - the "Good News" of Jesus, The Messiah.

How do we do that?

"Hey, do you remember that show called One Tree Hill? Let me tell you a story . . ."

He is coming soon! What's YOUR story?

Send Us Out - Sixteen Cities

Bonus story!!

Where did the band Sixteen Cities get their name? The band used to be called Issachar. Does that sound familiar? Issachar was one of Israel's 12 sons. When the Israelites arrived in the Promised Land, Joshua divided up the land by lot . . .

"The fourth lot came out for Issachar, for the people of Issachar, according to their clans. Their territory included Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath, Rabbith, Kishion, Ebez, Remeth, En-gannim, En-haddah, Beth-pazzez. The boundary also touches Tabor, Shahazumah, and Beth-shemesh, and its boundary ends at the Jordan - sixteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Issachar, according to their clans - the cities with their villages." - Joshua 19:17-23

The Heart of Worship

"A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” - John 4:23-24

I'll probably get in trouble for this, but here goes. I think that the church we know of today is not the same as the church back in the book of Acts, when it was just getting started.

Today, we sit in church on a Sunday morning and listen to someone tell us things we should already know. We're encouraged to be more like Christ. We encouraged to spread the Gospel. We sing songs. That's all good, but is what we call "worship" today the same as it was back then?

If we do a search in a Bible app for the word 'worship,' and start reading the examples that it returns (274 in the NIV), you will find that many examples are one-on-one worship. And what does that kind of worship look like? Let's look at the early church.

"All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." - Acts 2:44-47

The word 'worship' is totally missing, but everything they were doing WAS worship.

When a person was actually worshipping someone, the worshiper dropped down on his or her knees, face to the ground, and worshipped the one they were bowing down to. In church we just sit in our chairs and listen to stories. While good, is that really worship? What IS worship?

If we are commanded to 'worship in spirit and in truth,' doesn't God prefer the one-on-one, more personal worship compared to our corporate worship? He has said as much.

“The multitude of your sacrifices - what are they to me?” says the Lord. 

“I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. 

When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? 

Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations, I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. 

Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 

When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! 

Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." - Isaiah 1:-11-17

God is not looking for sacrifices. God does not NEED anything. What He DOES want is for our deeds to reflect His will. We are to worship God by doing His will. And then we must simply praise Him, for everything. That is the true heart of worship IMO.

I don't do a good enough job in my worshipping. How do I improve? I need to spend more time praying on my old, sore knees. I need to spend more time helping my brother and sister in need. Simply put, pray and serve more, share the love of Christ more. LOVE more. May the love of Christ define our worship, not merely the singing of songs.

The Heart of Worship - Sonicflood

Transformers

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2

What is Paul trying to tell us here? I get the "do not conform" part. The world is crazy enough right now as it is. If we conform to the world, wouldn't we just be adding to the craziness? Yah.

Paul wants us to renew our minds. What's that all about? Maybe this verse will help.

"The Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person." - 1 Samuel 10:6

That was Samuel talking to King Saul. But it also reflects what happens to those of us who have believed and received God's Holy Spirit. We DO become changed. Transformed.

And once we are transformed, then we can know what God's will is. We can 'test and approve' what it is.

I have had people say to me, "I'm praying about it. I just want to find out what God's will is for me in my life."

Uh, God's will for us is plastered everywhere in the Bible. That's why God wants us to read it and apply it.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." - Deuteronomy 6:5-9

God laid down the law to Moses in the Old Testament and Jesus offered up even more things to consider in the New Testament.

If we have truly been transformed we will know what God's "good, pleasing, and perfect will is." And that's a great place to be.

Here's a question to consider. How many of the Apostles went to seminary school? Zero. Yes, they were taught by Jesus, but they had no degrees or formal teaching. They simply had a working knowledge of God's Word and they applied it, boldly.

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." - Acts 4:13

Is there evidence in our lives that we have been transformed? Have our minds been renewed by knowing His Word? That is more valuable than a thousand degrees.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of The One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:1,14

R.T. Kendall is an 89-year old theologian. He offers these words of advice to believers contemplating obtaining a religious education.

"I would not recommend seminary. Know your Bible, and pray a lot. That's it." - R.T. Kendall

Know Jesus. Know His Word. It's really that simple.

Read the Bible - R.T. Kendall

The Dream of The King

"There is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." - Romans 13:1

Well, it's Wednesday morning - the day after the 2024 election - and God has made some moves. Nancy Pelosi won again. Six terms? Yikes. AOC won. Clearly, the "war" is not over. But battles have been won.

Wisconsin senator Tammy Baldwin is in a tight battle with newcomer Eric Hovde. But the Senate has already flipped to red. Mr. Schumer will no longer be "leading" the Senate.

Abortion won last night. Seven states made it legal. That's sad news for all of the babies in their mother's wombs right now, that will never get a chance to vote on their own future.

But the big news appears to be Trump's win over Harris. When I checked at midnight, Newsmax said he had reached 270 electoral votes - the minimum number needed to win. This morning he's at 286. Pennsylvania, where he was shot in an assassination attempt, put him over the top. Interesting.

So what now? Time to get to work. It will be REALLY interesting to see what happens at our southern border, with our economy, and with the funding of the Ukraine and Israeli wars.

One thing I noticed though that is really worthy of note. God was acknowledged by Trump and the Republican party and, as a result, was blessed with many victories last night. That's something we all need to remember as we live out our own lives.

Trump said this at 2:26 AM. "God spared my life for a reason." Trump regularly plays God Bless The USA at his rallies.

Trump is brash and snarky to be sure. But God has put him on the thrown of this country. It will be interesting to see what happens next.

These past four years have been hard for many Americans to watch. But it would be SO nice to see God make America great again.

Finally, there's this from the prophet Daniel:

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. 

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. 

I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king." - Daniel 2:20-23

The Ancient of Days

We have an election here in the United States tomorrow. We will be electing "the leader of the free world," or so they say. Honestly, we haven't been doing a lot of "leading" lately.

We sang a song in church yesterday that I thought was perfect for our pre-election blues. Here's the first verse:

Though the nations rage, kingdoms rise and fall

There is still one King reigning over all

So I will not fear for this truth remains:

That my God is, the Ancient of Days

"Though the nations rage." Aren't we living that right now? And kingdoms definitely rise and fall. It has been sad to see our country failing these last few years.

But there is one thing we need to remember. God rules over ALL. Whoever wins tomorrow. God is still king.

If things don't go the way we'd like in our election tomorrow, we need to remember that they are going God's way. And we need to be fine with that.

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." - Romans 13:1

The Ancient of Days is God, The Father. Let us respect and honor His judgements and decrees. No matter who wins.

Ancient of Days - CityAlight

Coming Soon

The Bible is a big book. SO big that there are 66 other books inside it. It was written over a period of 2,000 years. Yet, it is a perfectly cohesive story about one man - The God Man - Jesus.

The Book of Job is considered to be the oldest book in the Bible. Yet even Job eludes to Jesus when he said this:

"If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together, someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more." - Job 6:33-34

There is, my friend. His name is Jesus.

Jesus Himself said that He was around since the beginning. He didn't just suddenly appear at His earthly birth. He was there at the creation of the universe. He'll be there at the end.

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you a this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” - Revelation 22:12:16 

Jesus closes out His Words written in the Bible with this in verse 20: 

"Yes, I am coming soon!" - Revelation 22:20

While it has been 2,000 years since Jesus told those words to John, remember what the psalmist said . . .

"A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night." - Psalm 90:4

The Red Chord

In the Book of Matthew there is a listing of all the relatives of Jesus on His mother's side.

"Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David." - Matthew 1:5-6

Rahab is the Great, Great, Grandmother of King David. She lived in Jericho, the first walled city that God commanded the Israelites to destroy when they came out of Egypt. Rahab was a Canaanite, and a harlot, a prostitute. But she was righteous in God's eyes. Why?

Joshua sent spies into Jericho before they attacked the city. But why did the spies go into Rahab's house? Unknown. Were they directed by God? Anyway, the spies were seen entering her house and Rahab was soon confronted.

"But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them." - Joshua 2:4

She saved the spies from certain death, eventually lowering them down through a window. She lived on the outside wall of the city. When it's walls "came tumblin' down," every wall around the city fell, EXCEPT the walls of Rahab's house. Interesting.

"Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent." - Joshua 6:17

Rahab had made a deal with the spies. It saved her and her family. It started out this way as she aknowledged that God IS the God of heaven and earth.

"Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below." - Joshua 2:8-11

Rahab believed in God and helped the Israelites in their effort to conquer Jericho. Noble. But there's something else.

"Now the men had said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down." - Acts 2:17-18

Scarlet. Red. You mean like the color of blood? Like "the blood of the lamb" the Isrealites put on their door frames in Egypt to save their first-born from death? Yesss.

The story of Rahab, and what she did and believed, is a reflection of Jesus and us. It's a story of salvation.

And what is OUR red chord? It is the Holy Spirit who lives in ALL who believe. And not just believe, but who have acknowledged Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Are you wearing a "red chord."

The story of Rahab and the spies exists in two parts (links below). Rahab is also mentioned in the New Testament.

"In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?" - James 2:25 

"By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient." - Hebrews 11:31

We might think we are unworthy, but if we place our faith in Jesus we will be saved.

Joshua 2

Joshua 6

Jesus IS Lord

"Whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 10:33

[First off, I'm not going to try to influence your vote with any sleight-of-hand or video editing tricks. This is just a few comments on two politicians, using their own words.]

Recently, Kamala Harris held a political rally where she was bashing Trump for stacking the Supreme Court in order to get rid of Roe v Wade (ie. abortion). Someone in the crowd yelled, "Jesus is Lord!" to which Kamala replied, "Oh, you guys are at the wrong rally."

Let's pause right there and ask, "What is she implying?" That Christians belong at a Trump rally? I actually think she is. That alienates a HUGE portion of the voting public.

According to a recent Pew Research article, "About eight-in-ten Republican and Republican-leaning voters (81%) identify with a Christian religious denomination."

Alright, let's push play again and look at Republican VP candidate J.D. Vance at a rally of his own. Just like at Kamala's rally, someone in the crowd again yelled out, "Jesus is King!" What was Vance's response?

"That's right. Jesus IS King!"

Apparently, Kamala was right. Christians DO belong at a Trump rally. A couple of verses spring to mind regarding this.

"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." - Matthew 12:30

That was Jesus speaking. And also, this one . . .

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31

I don't know who's going to win the presidential election next week. But I DO know this: God is in control and no one, NO ONE, comes to power in ANY country without the sovereign Lord appointing them, according to His will.

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." - Romans 13:1

To God be the glory.

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen." - Romans 11:36

Jesus Is Lord - Vance & Harris

Real-Life Vampires

We all are familiar with vampires - those blood sucking, Bela Lugosi spin off characters that we allow our kids to dress up as during this time of year. But that's a different story. Today we will be learning about a real, present-day "vampire" - the Bible study leader.

I was sitting in the living room reading as my wife watched her Good Morning America show. They had a guest on who I recognized from a television series my wife and I used to watch - One Tree Hill. Her name is Bethany Joy Lenz.

She has a book out right now about being trapped in a cult that began, believe it or not, in a Bible study. The book's name is Dinner For Vampires.

Her Bible study started out simply, like most of them do. But then someone new joined the group and things went downhill from there. This new member, a man, began to lead the group and then brought his "new biblical insight" into their meetings. Demonic insight. The next thing you know he was heading up his own cult. And then the sexual nastiness began.

The point of this story is this: do not let just anybody lead your Bible study. Especially someone who will suck the life, and the truth, out of it.

Here is a truism: A Bible study is only as good its most knowledgeable member.

The key word in any Bible study is discernment. We all must be good Bereans. And what does that mean?

"Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." - Acts 17:11

Truth is found everywhere in The Bible, not in anyone's thoughts or desires. Don't trust anyone . . . unless he or she is reading God's Word.

Dinner For Vampires - Bethany Joy Lenz

The Enemy Within

Less than two weeks to go before our country's presidential election. Personally, I can't wait until it's over. These elections bring so much division and animosity. Ever wonder why? There is actually an answer in the Bible. Imagine that.

"So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” - 1 Samuel 8:4-5

The people wanted a king, just like we want a "king" to rule over us today. They wanted a king just like "all the other nations have." The problem with this was that the Israelites already had a king - God.

"But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king." - 1 Samuel 8:6-7

From that day on the Israelites had earthly leaders rule over them. We still have that today. That desire is the enemy within us.

Joshua brought forth a solution years earlier when he said . . .

"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” - Joshua 24:15

We have choices to make in our elections - one from Column A or one from Column B. For various reasons, neither one seems worthy to leader our great nation.

But who should rule over us then?

Many Christians think that Jesus would bring peace and stability to the world. Nope.

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household." - Matthew 10:34-36

Do any of us have family members with differing political beliefs? Yes. Why is that? Are they are siding with a human leader this election? Humans are human. We humans are ALL sinful. Trust is God alone. Solus Christus!

In Christ Alone - Kristian Stanfill

All Along

There are currently 8.2 billion people living on earth right now. Some of them are dying. Some have just been born. But ALL are on a faith journey, whether they acknowledge it or not.

There are many different belief systems and many different gods. So, which one is true? Or are they ALL true?

Recently Pope Francis of the Catholic church said, "All religions are a path to God." Really? What does Jesus say about this?

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

Maybe that's why many of the world's religious leaders are so upset with the Pope. He is speaking lies. Or is he?

We do all take different paths to ultimately find God. The problem comes when we make a wrong turn in our journey and don't discover our 'lostness' until it's too late.

But it also doesn't help to have religious leaders giving comfort to those are walking on an incorrect path. It is downright wrong.

The following song reflects someone's faith journey. We don't know the path they followed or the wrong turns they made along the way but we DO know they found who they were looking for. Jesus.

It's not everything it seems, the world and its dreams

Slipping like water through my hands tonight

All the things I thought would fill me up inside

Left me empty here and now I know why 

All along I was looking for something else

You're something else

All along I was looking for something more

You're so much more

I finally found what I could never see before

You've always been The One that I was looking for

Always seek the truth. Trust no one. Only trust God who never lies. Jesus IS the truth. Seek Him while He may be found. Because He is coming soon, and then it will be too late to change your mind.

All Along - Remedy Drive

Baldy!

There's a story in the Bible that has always kind of bothered me - the story of Elisha and those pesky, disobedient kids.

"From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and jeered at him. “Get out of here, baldy!” they said. “Get out of here, baldy!” He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys." - 2 Kings 2:23-24

Okay . . . now, doesn't that seems a little harsh? Why did Elisha do that? He was a prophet of God. Where's the compassion and the love?

This story is just one example of why it is SO important the STUDY the Bible and not merely read it. There are several things to note here.

First, as I mentioned earlier, Elisha was a prophet of God. That demands a certain respect, perhaps even fear. These 'boys' were not giving Elisha the respect he was due.

Second, the Bible translation used above was the NIV, not always the most accurate translation. The word 'boys' appears in the NIV. A good source to use in studying various translations of text is BibleHub.

If we search for 2 Kings 2:23 on BibleHub we get all the various translations of the text. 'Some boys' (NIV) is not the only translated words we find here. 'A group of boys' (NLT), 'some small boys' (ESV), 'little children' (KJV), 'some youths' (NKJV)' etc.

So which it is? Bible study tool #2...

The Old Testament Interlinear Bible I use is ScriptureForAll. The link here is for Old Testament (Hebrew). There is also a New Testament Greek version. If we click on the 2 Kings 23 link we get this Hebrew words: unorim qtnim. This translates to 'lads, small ones.' Let's move on.

So we have some small lads disrespecting the older prophet of God. What does scripture say about children disrespecting their elders?

“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord." - Leviticus 19:32

And although there is not a specific punishment written for disrespecting elders, there is one for disrespecting parents. It's the Fifth Commandment.

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." - Exodus 20:12

There is a case of a disrespecting son found in Deuteronomy, his parents brought him before the elders for judgement. The following was the law given to Moses by God.

"Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid." - Deuteronomy 21:21

The penalty for not honoring one's parents was death. I imagine it would be the same regarding demonstrations of honor for one of God's prophets. 

So, was Elisha wrong for calling down a curse on these young lads? No. Not under the law. But let's consider Jesus and the grace of God.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48

The punishment under the law was death for not honoring parents. God's law has not changed. And even though Jesus spoke about loving our enemies, He also said this:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." - Matthew 5:17

He died on the cross to fulfill the sentence required for not honoring those who deserve honor.

How will we handle being disrespected today? Will we honor those who are worthy of honor? Or who require honor?

Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump are older than me. Both have held the position of president. Are they due honor and respect, despite what we think about them? Hmm.

We can have our opinions but we also must respect the office.

"Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God." - Romans 13:1

God's Grace

Here's the typical question from many unbelievers: How can a loving God send people to hell? Or, If there is a loving God, why does He allow pain and suffering to exist?

I have written about this before but the answer bears repeating. So many potential believers get hung up on this one thing - blaming God for everything that goes wrong in their lives. It's not His fault, it's ours.

"The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity. There is none who does good.

God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one." - Psalm 14:2-3

In God's just world, the punishment for sin and disobedience is death. But God . . .

God provided a way out of our death sentence. His name is Jesus. It is through our belief in Him, and our submission to Him, that we are saved. Through HIS extendingly amazing grace to us, and our acceptance of it, Jesus becomes our Lord.

Then comes the challenge. We must act like He is our Lord. But let's get back to those two questions in the opening paragraph.

How can a loving God send us to hell? God is a just judge. There is a penalty for our sin and God will hand it out. WE are the ones who chose sin over obedience. WE chose to disobey.

How can God allow pain and suffering? Why doesn't He cure cancer and let us live forever?

We ALL will live forever. It's just a matter of location. Sickness and death entered the world when WE sinned in the Garden of Eden.

So the real question we should be asking becomes this: How can a loving God sacrifice His one and only Son for a bunch of sinners like us? Good question.

But He did. It's called grace - God's grace. Isn't God worthy of our praise rather than our disobedience and sin? That's another good question that we ALL must answer.

“Seek the Lord while he may be found;

call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 

For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you

shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” - Isaiah 55:6-13

Go Out With Joy - Maranatha Singers

The Duration

Here's something they don't tell you when you volunteer to be a youth leader at church. It's for life. At least it's turned out that way for me.

For example: I walked into Subway the other day and there was a youth group "kid" I knew behind the counter - from 10 years ago, when the kid was in youth group! Our smiles were immediate.

Another kid from youth group gives me tomatoes when we talk. Another one sends me songs to listen to. "Youth Leader" IS a lifetime job!

Of course, one could ignore all of their Facebook posts and messages and simply unfriend them all, but that's not what God wants us to do.

Once you read the Bible, God's plan, and His will for our lives, is to love one another. It's really that simple.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." - 1 John 4:7 

"And He (Jesus) said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:37-39

We get the picture. The question then really becomes this: Is love a finite thing? Can we love someone, and then just STOP loving them at some point? No! And, should we actually ever stop loving someone, was our "love" really even love in the first place?

Love is eternal. At least it should be.

My point is this: This world is run by Satan, not God. God is still all-powerful and intervenes whenever He so chooses. But "God is love" as it says in 1st John, and we are "children of God." We are commanded to love! You read the verses. We should be exuding love wherever we go!

When we sign up to be a youth leader it should be because of our love for kids, especially for the lost. That love should never die. It might fade for a bit or become stagnant but it should always there.

That's when we must fan the glowing embers of love into flames of love for God's glory. Quite honestly, to do anything less is a sin.

Who will we exhibit unconditional agape love for today?

In Spirit and Truth

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” - John 4:24

Everyone has their favorite worship songs, right? They are songs that strike a particular "chord" in our hearts, and we can actually get quite emotional singing them.

There are the old standards like Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art. But there are also newer songs that can hold a special meaning as well. Today's story is about one of those songs.

I was playing this song the other day on YouTube. The thing about YouTube is that once you click on one of their videos their algorithm pummels you with the same songs over and over again. That can get quite annoying. However, that is not true for this song that is currently stuck in my head, and in my heart - Is He Worthy? by Andrew Peterson.

The reason it has so much meaning to me, I believe, is because nearly all of its lyrics are scripture. The whole thing is pretty much Bible verses. The chorus for example:

Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?

Is anyone able to break, the seal and open the scroll?

The Lion of Judah, who conquered the grave

He is David's root and the Lamb

Who died to ransom the slave

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” - Revelation 4:11

"And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”" - Revelation 5:2

"Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”" - Revelation 5:5

These things that John saw were all very emotional to him, the writer of Revelation, saying:

"I wept and wept." - Revelation 5:4

It is also quite emotional to Andrew Peterson, the writer of today's song. Near the end of the video he gets choked up and can't finish one of his own lines.

Another thing I love about this particular version of the song is the way that it is constructed, with a choir answering every question that is posed to it. That choir will be you and me one day. And we won't need read sheet music either. We will know every word by heart.

"And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne." - Revelation 2:3

So, is Jesus worthy? Oh, yeah.

He is!!

Is He Worthy - Andrew Peterson 

Chippy!

Boy, it was cold in the house this morning! I checked my weather app - 37 bloody degrees! Yikes!! Winter is approaching. The cold air is just a sign of the times.

Here's another sign that winter is approaching. Chippies! They are running everywhere - digging up holes in our yard, searching for food that they can store up for the cold months ahead when their food will be scarce.

They also like to sit on our wood pile and "chip" at anything that moves - a shadow, the neighborhood cat, my wife, etc. They're just trying to warn other chipmunks of impending danger. Nothing wrong with that.

Speaking of impending danger, we have an election coming up. Each of the two candidates says the other is dangerous. Regardless, one of the two will win and we are stuck with them for four years. That's true.

I saw a video this week that listed the top ten Dollar Store things you should have on hand should things go bad. Here they are, just in case your candidate loses.

1. Matches / lighters
2. Candles
3. Band aides
4. Water
5. Chlorox disinfectant 
6. Ramen noodles
7. Batteries
8. Ibuprofen 
9. Flushable moist wipes
10. Tooth paste / brush combo 
11. Ziploc bags

I guess that's 11. Somebody can't count and it's probably me. Those are good items to have but the Bible has a better list, and it's short. One item, and His name is Jesus.

When times get tough, Jesus is the one thing you NEED to have. Why? Well, He doesn't take up any storage space, He's free, and with Jesus in your heart, you can live forever!

The Bible says that things will get bad before Jesus returns. It looks like that's happening right now. Don't get caught without your name in the Book of Life when He returns. That would be extremely bad.

"Anyone whose name is not found written in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire." - Revelation 20:15

You do NOT want to go there!

Heed the example of the chipmunk. Store up Jesus in your heart while you still can. If Jesus is Lord of your life, you WILL be saved. If He is not, well, you read the verse.

Here's better verse:

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9