Self-Sacrifice

By now you all have heard what happened on Wednesday - the attempted hijacking of a flyDubai jet by the co-pilot of the plane. The pilot was stabbed, the plane descended over 14,000 in less than 30 seconds. There were 174 people on board.

Think about that for a moment. 14,000 feet. That's 2.65 miles in half a minute.

Yipes!

"A video shared by Netanyahu’s office showed passenger Yaniv Hayoun, who grappled with the attacker, wearing a bloodied shirt and hugging the prime minister, who told Hayoun: “I look at you and I see a lion. I see a great hero.” - AP

Is that something you and I would have done? Stormed the cockpit, knowing one of the guys in there had a knife? Hmm.

Many have theorized what the terrorist would have done. A 9/11 style attack perhaps? Or a hostage situation? It has been said that the Iranians were involved somehow. So what would you do? What would God want us to do?

We know that God does not like the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17). Nor does He want us to murder anyone (Exodus 20:13). But Jesus sacrificed Himself so others could live. Wasn't this similar in a way? This passenger was willing to risk HIS life to save others.

This incident reminds me of Flight 93, the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania when passengers stormed the cockpit on that horrible day. They were willing to sacrifice their lives, and they did.

I tried to think of other "sacrificial" examples from the Bible, and there are a few, but, next to Jesus, only one comes close. Sampson.

"Then Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than he had killed in his life." - Judges 16:30

This is from BibleHub.com . . .

Biblically, sacrifice always costs the offerer something precious (Genesis 22:2; 2 Samuel 24:24). Samson’s life is the costliest asset he can lay down. His plea, “Let me die,” echoes the Hebrew nephesh, the entire self. The text stresses volition: he “pushed with all his might,” surrendering life at God’s directive moment.

Jesus's death, and Samson's, were both sacrificial. Both of them were betrayed for silver. Both were handed over to Gentiles to be publically displayed and mocked. Both Jesus and Samson stretched out their arms in death to defeat the enemy.  But only Jesus was sinless, sacrificing HIS life for the whole world.

Somethin's Happenin'

"Somethin's happenin' here. What it is ain't exactly clear."

Boy, ain't THAT the truth.

"There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people - everyone whose name is found written in the book - will be delivered. ²Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. ³Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. ⁴But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge." - Daniel 12:1-4

Interesting.

I have written about this topic before, but something seems different as I consider today's story. Something's happening or is about to.

Jesus told us to look for signs, indicators of His soon return. He also said that "no one knows the day or the hour" (Matthew 24:36). Well, those "signs" are happening right now, and at an increasingly frequent rate. But I have noticed something else. Something new. What is it? Well, God has been blessing me lately. A lot.

It's hard to explain, but it's almost like God wants to bless me before I leave this place. And, if that's the case, how and when am I going? I have no idea. But I am ready. 🙂 The average age of death for men in this country was 76.5 men in 2024. I'm 73. I'm not worried about it, but I DO think about it from time to time.

I no longer watch the news with any interest. Nor do I care who gets voted into office in the upcoming election. I'll still vote, but more so out of duty than activism. God chooses those who come into office, all for His purpose and glory.

But then I came across this verse in one of those Facebook Reels, seemingly at random.

"And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time." - Daniel 7:25, KJV

At first I thought the video was incorrect. It stated that he (The Antichrist) would "wear out" the saints, but the NIV said "opress," but indeed the KJV, ESV, and NASB all say "wear down" or "wear out." Here's the NIV:

"He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time." - Daniel 7:25

Are you feeling worn down by everything that's been happening lately? I sure am. According to Daniel, it is something that happens to all believers before the Tribulation begins.

Is there someone on the world stage right now who is "wearing out" all of the Christians? I don't know. But, if the pre-tribulation rapture of the church is correct, we won't know who the Antichrist is. Why? Because we'll be gone.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:23-25

For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield.

M.A.I.D.

Maybe you've heard about this. Our neighbor to the north (Canada) has gone off the deep end. They have taken this woke, warm and fuzzy, championship trophy for everyone thing WAY too far.

Let's start off with an acronym - MAID. A maid is someone who comes in and cleans our houses from time to time. They make the bed, do the laundry, you get the idea. However, this is not the case in Canada. MAID stands for Medical Assistance In Dying.

If you're not feeling quite right, you can walk into the hospital and they will put you out of your misery. Quite literally. In other words, they will kill you. No questions asked. Well, maybe a few.

The news story has some horrifying information in it, but the terrifying thing is, they are "pleased to bring it to you." Here's their "good news."

In 2024 - Canada recorded 16,499 MAID deaths. The population of Canada is 41,288,599 Canucks. So those MAID deaths accounted for .040% of Canada's people. That sounds small. But wait, there's more.

In 2024 there were 44,447 guns deaths in the United States. We had a population of 345,426,571 that year. That's .013% of our population.

Did you catch that? There are three times the number of assisted suicides in Canada (per capita) than gun deaths in the entire US of A! And MAID is well on its  way into OUR country.

Currently, 13 states (plus the District of Columbia), allow medically assisted suicide.

Let's open up our Bibles to The Book of Exodus.

"Thou shall not kill." - Exodus 20:13

Seems clear enough to me. Here's another one.

“ ‘Anyone who takes the life of a human being is to be put to death." - Leviticus 24:17

One more.

"There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: ¹⁷haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, ¹⁸a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, ¹⁹a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." - Proverbs 6:16-19

I think there is a difference between killing one's self, and being the person that someone hires to do the killing.

One last chilling sratistic: Total Medical Assisted Deaths in Canada since 2016: 31,664

Total Covid deaths, all time, in Canada: 30,281

Their MAID program has killed more Canadians than Covid did. We are literally killing ourselves. I wonder how that appears in the eyes of oyr Lord?

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

Canada Sets New Record - CBN

Nice

My wife and I just finished a two-day, fall color, waterfall trip up to Superior, Wisconsin. It was nice. MORE than nice actually. But trying to cram all of our activities into two days was quite the challenge.

Weeks in advance, I had chosen a nice 18-hole course to play. Well, that got changed to nine holes, and the closest we could find to our hotel. But that change led to one of the nicest rounds I have played all year.

My wife had mentioned how she wasn't getting enough steps in, so I asked her if she wanted to walk with me as I played. Amazingly, she said yes. That was nice.

The first hole had a beautiful plumb tree near the fairway. Half of its fruit was already on the ground. My wife said she wished she had brought a bag along so she could take some home for the deer which frequent our yard. Nice. I offered one of my discs for their gathering on our way back to the car afterwards.

On Hole 2 my tee shot landed near some weeds and brush. I found someone's disc just lying there as I searched for mine. No name or number. So, I put it in my bag, intending to give it to one of the kids in my disc golf class when I got back home.

A few holes later my wife picked up a discarded fast food plastic drink cup. It was nice of her to do that. "I can use this to put the plumbs in," she said. Nice.

I finished the last hole while my wife picked up her plumbs. After putting out, I turned to head back to our car and observed another disc golfer coming out of the woods. We were both walking in the same direction. I reached into my bag and gave him the disc I had found. He was very appreciative. Nice. My wife saw me do this and said, "That was nice."

I gave the park a nice rating of 5 stars. It was a beautiful park and a wonderful time spent with my wife. It was a very, VERY nice day.

The word "nice" never appears in the Bible. At least not in the NIV, ESV, KJV, or NKJV. It DOES appear once in the NASB, but not in the "nicest" context. Ah, well.

My wife awoke this morning and went out to see if the deer had eaten then plums she had put out for them. They were ALL gone.

Nice.

May God bless you always. And have a nice day!

"We can say what we believe, but you will know who I am by the things that I do." - Mark Hall, Casting Crowns.

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

Patterns

We all have patterns of behavior in our lives. We wake up, shuffle off to the bathroom, then go into the kitchen to grab some coffee perhaps, or some breakfast. That pattern is pretty typical for most people, I think. But what does our "Jesus pattern" look like?

We probably go to church most Sundays. But what else? A Bible study? Prayer time? Anything?

When we get stuck in a rut, or we feel like God is not listening to our prayers, consider these words from the Book of Deuteronomy.

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ⁵Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷Impress 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. ⁸Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." - Deuteronomy 6:4-9

How are we doing in our faith when we compare it to what God commands? Not very well, I think.

When I examine my own pattern, I probably read more than most, but I am retired and have the time. I am not in a Bible study, but I study the Bible. I write these stories. But if I look at that list of things that God gave Moses in Deuteronomy, I am not doing enough.

God wants us to be consumed with HIM.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

ALWAYS. WITHOUT CEASING. IN EVERYTHING.

Uh-oh.....

Yet, the Bible also says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Joel 2 32).

Lord, I thank you that you consider me worthy to be adopted into your family, because I KNOW that I am totally NOT worthy. Yet your grace extends to someone as flawed as me. There is nothing I could ever do to make myself worthy. Nothing. It's all You, Lord. 100% You. And for that I am eternally grateful. Amen.

Just As I Am - Michael Eldridge

Guard Your Hearts

Today I would like to share with you something that might be hard to understand. Like the following verse says, it "surpasses all understanding." And that it does.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7

There are three key parts to that verse. The first, is what many people seek but never seem to find. The peace of God. It's an amazing peace which, like the verse says, is hard to understand.

I became a Christian 20 years ago. I didn't know it at the time but, as I grew in my faith, something else in me shrunk. Anxiety, worry, and fear, all faded from within me. They are no longer part of my life.

How did that happen? I have no idea. All I know is that, when I came to believe in Jesus, my everyday worries began to fade. And today? They are gone. I don't worry about anything. I don't know why, but the Holy Spirit somehow extinguishes them before they even start.

The second thing to the peace of God is that it surpasses all understanding. We already kind of talked about that. It's absolutely amazing. I hear people talking about being worried about this or that and I go, "Really? Why are you worried? You don't have to be." But they can't understand it.

The third thing in the verse above is the "How to" part. It is essential to obtaining that incredible peace that Paul was writing about to the church in Philippi. "In Christ."

This is one of those math things. If A = B, and B = C, then A = C. If you truly believe in Jesus, you will receive the Holy Spirit. If you receive the Holy Spirit, you will receive the peace that surpasses all understanding. It adds up! In a way, it's a math test.

Do you worry? If you do, then the next question becomes, "Are you sure you're in Christ?"

I once heard someone say, "If you're worried about something, you're really saying, "God can't handle this." I think that's true.

God's peace is an amazing thing to have. Do you have that peace in YOUR life? I hope you do.

"I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." - Galatians 2:20

"For in Him we live and move and have our being." - Acts 17:28

Religion of Convenience

"Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did." - 2 Kings 17:41

When I read that the other morning, I reflected on this current generation (including mine). We might even go to church on Sundays, but we can't leave the house without our "smart" phones. We're going to the beach right after and we've gotta post those pictures on social media of us in our swimsuits, hoisting a can of our favorite beverage, all adorned with our designer sunglasses and perfect teeth. Am I wrong?

Maybe I'm just a little disgruntled after watching the latest Packers game. But I think it's more than that. We are so accustomed to our "privilege" in this country. Think about it.

We like our food, of which we have plenty, but we just don't like having to wait for it. So, we invented the microwave oven. But that wasn't good enough. So, we came up with FAST food. We've liked that for several decades, but our schedules got too busy for even that. So, we paid people to pick up our food order and deliver it to our house. But sometimes we just can't wait even that long. So, we order our meals online and have them delivered to our house. We put them in the freezer and nuke 'em whenever we want. And we wonder why we're so obese. 🤔

Our religion can be like that too. We have the Bible. It contains everything that God wants us, and DOESN'T want us, to do. Yet that's too much to handle for many of us so we start eliminating the things we don't like. That's called "deconstruction." Kind of an ala carte Christianity.

The verse that always come back to is this one from Jesus.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?" - Luke 6:46

And here's another.

"You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings." - 1 Corinthians 7:23

Then, of course, we have on-line church services, drive through communion, polka worship music, trunk-or-treat, on and on it goes.

We all love our conveniences, but a time is coming when our "essentials" are going to become more and more scarce. You can see it beginning to happen already with oil, gas and meat. Inflation and war.

"And there was a great famine in Samaria; and indeed, they besieged it until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and one-fourth of a kab of dove droppings for five shekels of silver." - 2 Kings 6:25

Let's hope it doesn't get THAT bad, but it could. But let's get back to our once-great country. We have lost track of ourselves and ideals. We have forgotten to pass our knowledge down to our children. Instead, "children" are having their way in this country, and we are worse off for it. In my opinion.

"But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first." - Revelation 2:4

Ain't THAT the truth. We need to repent and run to Jesus. We don't want to go through what's coming without the Holy Spirit within us. Otherwise . . .

"Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" - Matthew 7:23

Where's My Brain?

On Tuesdays I always drive over to Neenah to visit a few of my workmates. It's routine. I love doing that and pouring into my earthly relationships with love and compassion. It's what I do.

Yesterday was no different, only I was going early so I could get a few things at Menards, do a little shopping at Walmart, and then have a nice, leisurely lunch at Subway. That sounds like a great day, doesn't it? Yeah!

Too bad I left my wallet at home. No lunch money. No credit cards. No lunch. No driver's license. It was a good thing I didn't need gas! So, what now?

The first thing I thought of was, "I bet this is how people will feel when they die and think they are going to heaven, only to discover they don't have Jesus."

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²²Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ ²³Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ - Matthew 7:21-23

The second thing I thought was this: What if God wanted me to arrive early at my former workplace for a reason. Was there someone He wanted me to talk with, besides the usual victims?

I did reconnect with another friend yesterday. That was good, but also kind of normal. Maybe it's just that I forgot my wallet and now I have to make a second trip on a different day. Stay tuned.

But let me say this: You had better be sure you know Jesus. And by that I mean, Jesus needs to know you are His. It's more than just knowing who He is. Everyone knows that. It's more than just "believing" He exists. Even the demons believe that. There has to be something else.

"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder." - James 2:19

And here is the key.

You have to repent of your sins. All of them. And then you must become changed. And what do I mean by 'changed'? You must receive the Holy Spirit. And THAT, my friends, will most definitely change you!

And how do you know if you have the Holy Spirit in you? How do you know that you have been changed?

Oh, there will be signs.

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23

And then it hit me. The real reason I arrived early at my old workplace. The love!

You see, my aunt died Monday night. I shared that fact with my friends at work and received multiple expressionsof compassion in return. And maybe THAT is the real reason I got there early. To verbally mourn for my aunt, and receive some hugs "from God."

God is SO good! Make sure Jesus is Lord of your life. You will never regret it.

Dream Skippin'

When I was a kid, and my family went to a lake, I would soon get bored with whatever we were doing, and go down to the beach by myself. Of course, I'd grab a stick or a rock and throw it out into the water. Why? Because I was a kid, and I was bored. Gotta do SOMETHING!

"Quit throwing rocks in the lake! You'll fill it up!"

"Yeah, right," I said to myself, and walked further down the beach. That's when I saw another kid skipping stones on the surface of the water. So, I tried it. It didn't go well. Lots of distance, one big splash.

Then I saw another kid doing the same thing, so I copied what he was doing. It wasn't long before I was stone skippin' for real. 21 splashes was my record.

Last night I could NOT sleep. I kept waking up, falling asleep, repeat, repeat, repeat. It was like I was skippin' stones again, only with my consciousness, not water.

This happens every once in a while. Kind of like a family trip to the lake. And I have discovered something. Dream skippin.' The place between asleep and awake is where dreams occur. At least for me.

Dreams get born from our overactive imagination, or pepperoni pizza. But also, dreams can be born of God.

“I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." - Joel 2:28

"And He said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream." - Numbers 12:6

"In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter." - Daniel 7:1

So, dreams can come from God, but they can also can come from spicy food. So, how do we discern truth from gas?

I once had a dream that was SO incredibly real, I still remember it to this day. Nothing ever came of that dream, to MY knowledge anyway. Weird.

And have you ever had a dream that was really enjoyable, but then you woke up, and then tried to fall back asleep again? How did THAT work?

When I have a dream that seems important, I actually get out of bed and write it down, in case I forget it before morning. That happens a lot. Many have even made appreances in these stories.

Sometimes dreams are just dreams, but then there are times when dreams are so incredibly vivid that they must mean something, right? Are they from God? Only God knows for sure.

Now here I go again

I see the crystal visions

I keep my visions to myself

- Stevie Nicks

Dreams - Fleetwood Mac

Lift Up Your Heads

Each year at this time my eyes turn skyward. Not my actual eyes really, but the eyes of my heart. Rosh Hashanah. The Feast of Trumpets. It began Friday night at sundown in Israel. It is being celebrated right now.

A lot of other things are happening right now as well. Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Hezbollah, the Yemeni Houthis, Russia, Ukraine, China, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, the anniversary of 9/11 and Charlie Kirk's assassination. Now, let's throw AI into the mix.

According to a recent article, there is a greater than 10% chance that AI will kill all of the humans by 2030.

What??!!

Yep. (link below)

"Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” - Luke 21:28

Jesus told us that "when you see these things begin to happen...." People, they are happening right now! Our redemption is near. JESUS is near!!

This story I am writing for you today could very well be the last one that I will ever write. At least here on earth. Lol!

Do you believe the words of Jesus? You're a Christian, right? Then try on these words:

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” - Revelation 1:8

We can see on the news what "the world" is doing. It is destroying itself. What are WE doing?

We doom scroll on our phones, we play video games, we watch our favorite TV shows. What are we doing for Jesus?

The Feast of Trumpets ends on Sunday at 6:50 pm in Jerusalem. That's 9:50 am here in Wisconsin. Someone will blow the final shofar on that day - Yom Teruah. The last trumpet. A bible verse comes to mind.

"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - ⁵²in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Tomorrow at 9:50 am I will be in church, worshipping the Lord. That would be perfect, should He choose to call us home.

However, scripture says that "no one knows the day or hour" (Matthew 24:36), and that includes me. But there WILL be signs. Maranatha!

AI Could Kill All Humans By 2030 - Newsmax

Do You Hate Me?

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters - yes, even their own life - such a person cannot be my disciple." - Luke 14:26

That verse always makes me pause for a moment. Jesus wants us to hate everyone? No. Jesus simply wants us to love Him more. More than anyone. Even ourselves.

Who do you love most right now? A spouse? A parent? One of your kids? A super-best friend? Jesus wants us to love Him more than any of these. And that's where we often struggle.

How much do we love Jesus?

The key to understanding the meaning of this verse is to look at the Greek text. In the picture above we see that the Greek word for 'hate' is 'misei.' It actually means to "love less."

Perhaps a better way to understand this verse is to substitute those words for the word 'hate.'

“If anyone comes to me and does not love less their father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters - yes, even their own life - such a person cannot be my disciple."

Going one step farther, the translators COULD have said, "you must love me more than these." But that's not what scripture says.

The point of all this, I think, is our priorities in life. Is Jesus really our #1 love? We need to remember another verse in order to help us in this.

"At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven." - Matthew 22:30

People tend to think that, when they die, they will be reunited with dead loved ones, or can finally marry the one they truly love. That's not what Jesus just told us. We will all be worshipping and serving God, together.

God gives us friends, children, and spouses as earthly objects of our love and affection. But do we love Jesus more? Remember, God created us all in His own image. He is the creator of ALL things; therefore, we are His. Whatever He says, goes.

Many will struggle with this, but I think that's the point. Jesus said what He said to make us stop and think. Do we really love Jesus more than these? Paul has something to say about this.

"An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs - how he can please the Lord. ³³But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world - how he can please his wife -  ³⁴and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world - how she can please her husband. ³⁵I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 7:32-35

One more verse to close with and I will leave it to you to wrestle with.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." - Mark 12:30

No Way

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

There is something hidden in that verse that many people simply do not see, let alone understand. All we have to do is go back one verse to see that even the disciples didn't get it.

"How can we know the way?" - John 14:5

The way? What 'way'?

Jesus wasn't talking about directions to a particular earthly place. He was talking about a way of life. He was talking about Himself. HE is the way!

There is a way of life, and a way of death. Jesus wants us to live a godly life - in Him.

When we come to faith in Jesus we become changed. As Paul told us, it happens "in the twinkling of the eye." (1 Corinthians 15:52). It's instantaneous. It's like the sudden inhalation of air after holding one's breath underwater. Jesus wants us to breathe, in Him.

"In Him we live and move and have our being." - Acts 17:28

We need to quit thinking in terms of "religion" and concentrate on living a "way of life" that is pleasing to God. God wants us to be "holy." Why? Because HE is holy (Leviticus 19:2). God wants us to live a holy life, just like Jesus did.

"Umm . . . that's impossible!"

That's right. We are all sinners and are totally incapable of living 'a holy life.' 

“My prayer is not for them alone (the Apostles). I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message (that's us), ²¹that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." - John 17:20-21

This is not to imply that "works" are needed. Rather, our works are a result of our being saved.

The world lives a certain way. That way is not the way that Jesus wants us to live.

"Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:2

And how do we do that? We must become a new creation, in Him.

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Are you a new creation? Have you become changed? "Is there evidence that I've been changed?" Hmm, that's from a sing (link at bottom).

Jesus changes us when we meet Him. Need an example?

"Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John - but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”).

Boom! Simon was changed. If there has been no change, have we really met Jesus?

Finally, to answer the question in verse 5, "How can we know the way?"

We already KNOW the way. We have trouble committing to beginning the journey. In a nutshell, "Admit that you're a sinner, Believe that Jesus died for your sins, and Forever Receive the gift of forgiveness and eternal life.

That's the way. The question is are we going to walk "in Him," a testimony to who HE us, who WE are, and WHOSE we are.

Live Like That - Sidewalk Prophets

Are You Washed In The Blood? / I'll Fly Away - Alan Jackson

Taqiyya

Taqiyya is a concept in Islam that allows Muslims, particularly Shia, to conceal their faith or religious identity when facing threats of persecution or danger to their lives. It serves as a means of self-protection and is derived from the Arabic word meaning "to shield oneself." - Duck Duck Go Search Assistant

Well, that's interesting. So, regarding the current situation in Iran, can the Islamic regime be trusted in their negotiations? They have been threatened by the U.S. They are in danger. Therefore, according to the definition above, they are allowed to lie.

Here's another thing about lying in the Islamic faith.

"Taqiyya has also been politically legitimised in Twelver Shi'ism, to maintain unity among Muslims and fraternity among Shia clerics." - Wikipedia

The current Iranian leaders adhere to Twelver Shi'ism, where lying is allowed in political situations to "maintain unity among Shia clerics."

What is Twekver Shi'ism?

Twelver Shi'ism is the largest branch of Shia Islam, which believes in a line of twelve Imams as the rightful spiritual and political successors to the Prophet Muhammad. This sect emphasizes the authority of these Imams, starting with Ali ibn Abi Talib and ending with Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is believed to be in occultation and will return at the end of times. - Duck Duck Go Search Assistant

Interesting. So, will it be Muhammad al-Mahdi against Jesus during "the end of times?" Hmm.🤔

Lying is one of the main differences between Islamic and Christian/Jewish faiths. The God of the Bible has a much different view about lying.

"Thou shalt not bear false witness." - Leviticus 19:11

"God is not a man, that he should lie." - Numbers 23:19

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

Who would you trust? A god who says lying is not a sin? Or a God who says He IS the truth? Seems like a no-brainer to me.

No one has seen "The Cardboard Ayatollah" since the day his father was killed. Most say he is horribly disfigured. Others say he is dead. Either way, he is a liar, IMO.

The U.S. and Iran have been "negotiating" for months. There us no "war" going on. Just a couple of "children" pushing and shoving each other in the "playground." But a REAL war is brewing in the Middle East. You can read all about it in Ezekiel 38. We are not there yet, but things sure are taking shape.

Ezekiel 38

Next Thing You Know

My wife and I were watching one of "our" TV shows when they cut to a commercial. As is their habit on this show, they usually play some "bumper music," which they did. But instead of muting the song, which my wife usually does, she held the remote and just listened. We both really liked the song. But then it was gone. What was it?

That's where modern technology comes in handy. Most people our age can be incredibly clueless when it comes to technological advances, but, using Google, we did figure out who the artist was and quickly found the song on YouTube (link at bottom).

It was a country song. And although "country" isn't really our thing, we both really enjoyed listening to it. Here's a few of the lyrics:

'Cause next thing you know

You got a yard full of your kid's kids

And ya take 'em to church, teach 'em to fish

And ya tell 'em stories every chance you get

About how fast this life down here can go

That's the stage my wife and I are at. Our kids have kids. And we love it when they're in our yard.

As I listened to the song, the first thing I noticed was how my mind went back in time to our OWN marriage and how I have loved my wife through all of the changes along the way. 

The second thing that crossed my mind was the amazing grace that God has extended to us. We've had our ups and downs, just like most couples. But our love has always endured. We've put up with each other for over 49 years.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

His love endures forever." - Psalm 139:1

I guess from this point on, the next thing you know, we'll both be in heaven, worshipping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As the song says, "our life down here" sure goes fast.

But God has been with us since before we were born. As it says in Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you."

I wonder . . . what would happen if we thought about God as we listened to that song? What if we thought about how He has watched over us and directed our steps all along the way. Would our relationship with Him, and our love for Him, grow stronger?

There's one way to find out . . .

Next Thing You Know - Jordan Davis

4th and 3

Judging by the title of today's story, one would guess it's all about football. Nope. But it IS a little unsettling, kind of like going for it on 4th down. No, today's post is about an upcoming event you do NOT want to miss.

Let's start off by talking about the number '7' in the Bible. Seven is the number of completeness or perfection. The Seven Golden Lampstands (Revelation 1:10-12), the Seven Spirits of God (Isaiah 11:2), the Seven Days of Creation (Genesis 1). There are over 700 mentions of the number 7 in the Bible.

In Leviticus 23 God tells Moses that He wants to establish feast days for His people. There are to be seven feast days. Here's a list:

1. Passover
2. Unleavened Bread
3. First Fruits
4. Feast of Weeks
5. Feast of Trumpets
6. Day of Atonement
7. Feast of Tabernacles

"Why are these Jewish feast days important? We're not Jewish. We follow Jesus."

Well . . .

1. Passover - Jesus was crucified during Passover
2. Unleavened Bread - Jesus was in the grave
3. First Fruits - Jesus was resurrected on this very day
4. Feast of Weeks (aka Pentecost) - the Church began on this day. The Holy Spirit poured out on 3,000
5. Feast of Trumpets - not yet fulfilled
6. Day of Atonement - not yet fulfilled
7. Feast of Tabernacles - not yet fulfilled

The next feast day to be fulfilled is the Feast of Trumpets, which begins this year at sundown on September 11th and ends at sundown on September 13th.

I'm going to drop a couple of verses here to get us thinking. This is Jesus talking.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ²My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴You know the way to the place where I am going.”

⁵Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

⁶Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:1-6

And this one . . .

"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - ⁵²in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Just a little something for us to think about "as we see the day approaching."

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:23-25

Why is the letter 'D' capitalized in the word Day? The day of His return? The day he is coming back to take us to be where He is?Yes it is. It is the Day of The Lord!

This is from GotQuestions.org:

"The ultimate or final fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the Day of the Lord will come at the end of history when God, with wondrous power, will punish evil and fulfill all His promises."

The last three feast days are all fall days. A time of harvest and of reconning debt. As the amount of daylight we receive each day is diminishing, it's a good time to reflect on just where our relationship with Jesus stands. Is He our Lord and Savior? Or just some name in an old book.

He is "the name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9).

Don't wait until the last two minutes of the game to try getting into the end zone. Repent of your sins, and acknowledge Jesus as Lord. It will be the best call you ever made.

Various Places

"There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven." - Luke 21:11

That was Jesus telling His disciples what some of the signs would be before His return, and before the "end of the age."

Have we seen enough? Or do we need even MORE convincing proofs that the time of the end is right now? We're "Right at the door" as Jesus says in Matthew 24:33

I think what makes the video of this flash flood so heart wrenching is seeing people running for their lives. And knowing that most of them are now dead.

But maybe it's good to watch it. I'm sure things looked similar in Noah's day. All the people clamoring to get onto the ark after the door had already been shut. But it was too late.

The signs Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24 are everywhere in the news. Earthquakes, floods, diseases, fires, wars and rumors of wars.

My friends, if Jesus is not Lord of your life right now, get down in your knees and make it happen. Today. None of us is promised tomorrow.

Look, we are ALL sinners. No one is worthy of getting into heaven on his or her own merit. "There is no one good. No not one."

And God is just. He WILL hand out the penalty that our sin deserves, and that penalty is death. Eternal death.

"The wages of sin is death,  but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23

How desperate those people must have been. They had no idea that the force of that flood would be upon them so quickly. And that is exactly how it will be. "In the twinkling of an eye." - 1 Corinthians 15:52

Yet, people are going on about their day as if everything's normal. It's not. This is not normal!

Are YOU saved? Have you been set apart by the Holy Spirit? I hope you have. Are you born again? Jesus says that you MUST be!

"Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” - John 3:3

The good news is that there is hope to be found, in Jesus. Anyone who died during that horrible flood who knew Jesus, who was born again, is with the Lord.

Don't go through life without Jesus. Having that hope, especially in these days, is an essential life-saving decision.

Please pray for those effected by the Nepal flood. And also pray for those who witnessed the event, whether live or on video. Such a sad thing to behold.

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, ²⁶people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world." - Luke 21:25-26

Nepal Flood - CCTV

XX-XY

 

These two ladies were in the news recently, but it wasn't for anything they said. It's for something they wore.

Look closely at the lady on the right in the purple tee shirt. Although you can only see part of it, what does her shirt say? Here's a better view:

So, what is XX-XY Athletics? It is a men's and women's clothing company, supporting fairness in women's sports. This is from their website:

Women deserve the opportunities that sports and single sex spaces provide. Sex matters. It is the single biggest determinant of athletic performance. It is unfair and dangerous to allow males (XY) to compete in girls and women’s (XX) sports.

For women to compete safely and fairly, women’s sports need to remain female. We’ll be here defending truth. And women and girls. Until that happens.

Amen to that!

You can read more about what happened that night at the XX-XY website, but basically they were told to either cover up their shirts or leave the arena. 

XX-XY Athletics Tees Were Banned

So, what does the Bible say about such things? You already know that.

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." - Genesis 1:27

"He created them male and female and blessed them." - Genesis 5:2

Yeah, that's Old Testament. What does Jesus have to say about it?

“Haven’t you read,” He (Jesus) replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female." - Matthew 19:4

This all makes perfectly good sense, unless you're a supporter of the trans movement. In which case, nothing can be said to convince you otherwise. And why is that? Of course, the answer is in the Bible.

"God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. ²⁵They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise!f Amen.

²⁶For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. ²⁷Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

²⁸Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. ²⁹They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, ³⁰slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. ³¹They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless.

³²Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them." - Romans 1:24-32

That about covers it.

XX-XY Athletics Website

Teacher or Student?

In my last story, I shared our Youth Group Bible Study regarding Paul at Mars Hill. Today you will read about what happened shortly after that lesson was delivered. It's pretty cool.

[If you missed the last story, you can read it here]

After the Bible study, one of the other youth leaders ran an activity where kids were paired up with someone they didn't know too well. It was each kid's job to learn things about each other through a series of questions. This mimicked Paul walking through Athens and learning about its people.

After that activity it was snack time and all of the kids went back to their old familiar friends. All except one that is. One of the kids sat down next to me and started a conversation. Just like Paul did in Athens.

This kid asked me who my favorite singer was. I initially said Steve Perry from Journey, but then said, "He's too old," wanting to related to my questioner's age. I thought for a moment and then said, "Dave Frey from Sidewalk Prophets."

"How about you?" I asked.

"Josiah Queen."

We quickly shared videos of our favorite singers. After listening to each of them, we agreed that they actually had similar sounding voices. Now we both had new singers to listen too. (Examples below)

Did you pick up on what just happened? One of our youths actually listened to our teaching!! There may be hope for humanity after all! Lol!

But something else happened. I, the teacher, also learned something. And it was part of my teaching. I taught myself? Yep.

This was one of the verses I used in my Bible study. 

“My word that goes out from my mouth, shall not return to me empty; but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11

It seemed kind of out of place in my study when I wrote it down, but God used it to remind me of something. These kids are smart, when they want to be. They even teach their teachers sometimes. Now, another verse comes to kind.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Make Heaven Crowded - Josiah Queen

You Love Me Anyway - David Frey - Sidewalk Prophets

Lean Into It

 

[Youth Group Bible Study from 8-20-26]

Most of you have seen this video before, as it went viral rather quickly. But this video is a great example of what we’re going to be talking about tonight.

In this video we are going to see one young man (age 10) who is literally being pounded by a force stronger than he is – the Pacific Ocean. When the video begins, a lifeguard (age 16) is already on the scene, trying to pull the victim out of the surf. Things are not going well. Something nasty is about to happen. You can see it beginning at the top of the screen. A massive wave is coming. What is the lifeguard going to do? Will the young swimmer survive?

(Watch the video)

Open your Bibles to Acts 17 and scroll down to verse 16. The Apostle Paul is in Athens, Greece. He is waiting for two of his friends, Silas and Timothy, to arrive from Berea. Let’s read.

“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.” – Acts 17:16

Those statues were idols in Paul’s eyes, but they were gods in the eyes of the Athenians. The Greeks would not take kindly to Paul telling them that they were wrong in their beliefs. Was Paul afraid? Was the lifeguard in the video afraid? Paul did what the lifeguard did.

What did the lifeguard do just before the wave hit? He leaned into the wave. Why? He was trying to reduce the surface area of his body so the wave would have a reduced impact.

Time for a little lesson in physics. Have you ever stuck your hand out of a car window like this? (Flat) A car that’s going 65 mph? What happens when you go like this? (Vertical) It just about rips your arm off, right? Whoa! The lifeguard was making himself “aerodynamic” by leaning into the wave.

Paul was really “leaning into” his missionary work. He didn’t know when Silas and Timothy would arrive so he got busy sharing the Gospel. In the lifeguard video we can see a few people coming to help. Maybe they’re named Silas and Timothy. Lol! Not likely. But none of them were as determined as the teen holding onto that kid. It’s the same with Paul. He was a determined evangelist - just as we should be.

Let’s take a look at Paul and see exactly what he did. Maybe we can learn something. What’s the first thing he did when he got to Athens?

He observed. He went around the town, observing what they did. He learned their customs, their habits, their gods, and their traditions (v16).

He was distressed by what he saw. He cared deeply for the people he met there and wanted to help them come to know Jesus. (v16).

He reasoned with them. This took the form of debates – a back and forth discussion with unbelievers. Are WE up to doing something like that? (v17).

He met with them.  And this was wherever and whenever. The Areopagus, the synagogue, the marketplace (v19, 22).

He redirected. He used one of the Athenian’s own statues to preach Jesus to them (v23).

So, what are WE to do when talking to others about Jesus? Where do we even begin? Well, we can start by getting to know those we are taking to, just like Paul did. But before that we can pray for opportunities and for the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and words. And remember, the first and greatest commandment is to love God and love others (Luke 10:27). And we are also called to love our enemies. These “enemies” have a tendency to suddenly appear when we are talking about Jesus.

“’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Luke 10:27

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home and shake the dust off your feet.” – Matthew 10:14

Train yourselves. Spend time reading God's Word. It will get you ready for the big wave when you leave home and go out on your own. Back to sharing the Gospel for a moment.

Not everyone is open to hearing the Gospel message. Turn to 2^nd Corinthians 11:24 This is what Paul endured.

“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked." - 2 Corinthians 11:24-28

We may lose friends, family members might get angry with us, but the key is to never give up, like that lifeguard.

“Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” - 1 John 3:13

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9

"For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." - Philippians 1:21-24

Paul was eventually beheaded in prison because he kept on preaching the Gospel.

And how do we know whether or not what we say might work on someone and, over time, they would come to believe?

There is a cool story from a man named Lee Strobel who was sharing the Gospel one day at work. God's message of grace and hope did not return void (link below).

“My word that goes out from my mouth, shall not return to me empty; but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11

Is there anyone in YOUR life who needs to hear the Good News about Jesus? Is anyone “drowning” in worldliness and in need of a rescue? In need of Jesus? Speak to them. Follow Paul's example. Lean into sharing the Gospel with God's Word and the Holy Spirit. Save a life, right here, right now.

Cool Lee Strobel story

Lots of Trouble

There is a lesson that 'lots' of people ignore in today's world. It's found in the Book of Genesis. It's the story of Lot. Here's the background.

Lot and Abraham had parted company back in Genesis 13. Lot chose to go down to the plain of the Jordan.

"So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east." - Genesis 13:11

"Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom." - Genesis 23:12

Uh-oh. In chapter 19 we read about some men of the town coming to Lot's house and wanting to have sex with some visiting angels. Then Lots said this:

“No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing." - Genesis 19:6

"My friends . . ."

"What does light have to do with darkness?" - 2 Corinthians 6:14

"Have nothing to do with such people." - 2 Timothy 3:5

Yet Lot called them his friends.

In today's world we have similar types of people to those in Lot's day. We humans haven't gotten much better at being hoky. As Paul said in his letter to the Roman church, "They are inventers of evil." - Romans 1:30

"But maybe I could lead them to Jesus," we say. "So we should be friends."

Umm, no. Have nothing to do with such people, Timothy!

We can pray for them and love them, as we SHOULD be doing. But should we befriend them? Hang out with them? And interact with them in their activities? Participate in their parades and events?  Not according to the Apostle Paul.

God wants us to be holy. Set apart.

"Be holy for I am holy." - Leviticus 11:45, 1 Peter 1:16

The concept of “holy” is deeply woven into the fabric of Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as “holy” is “qodesh,” which carries the idea of being set apart, consecrated, or sanctified for sacred use. In the New Testament, the Greek word “hagios” bears a similar meaning and underscores the moral and spiritual purity associated with holiness. The idea is that what God calls holy must be distinct in purpose and dedicated to His honor.

When we ask, “What defines being holy?” we are essentially exploring how individuals, communities, and even objects or spaces are designated as set apart under God’s purpose. This designation reflects not only a moral standard but also a transformative relationship with the God who is entirely separate from sin and imperfection. - BibleHub

And the picture? Then president Biden signing a bill into law, protecting gay marriage rights in 2022.

"Be holy, for I am holy." - God

Foolish Hearts

"Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14

I love kids and I love interacting with them. Perhaps that's why I have taught VBS for the past 5 years. Who knows? God knows.

Kids have an innocence about them that seems to fade with age. And that is the topic of today's story.

When Jesus said, "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these," He was referring to the children gathered around Him. It's their innocence that caused Jesus to say that IMO. Innocence compared to us - the backsliders, doubting Thomases, and the lukewarm. We become tainted by the world because we live in it day after day.

Children grow up and their innocence fades. Is rhere anything we can do to keep from fading away in our faith?

"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” - Isaiah 40:8

And there's the answer. We can immerse ourselves in God's Word. Our love for God must be complete. 100% And how do we get there? Pray, read, study, surrender, worship, and quit wallowing in a world that tells us to do the opposite.

We need the heart of a child. Not one that is foolish and perishing.

"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" - Jeremiah 17:9

"I've been wrong before, don't be wrong anymore." - Steve Perry

Foolish Heart - Steve Perry

Knees

Thursday night I had a dream. I don't remember too much about it but I do remember that it took place in a church. The building was unfamiliar to me. It must have been after service as only a handful of people were there. Maybe five or six. I was one of them, observing.

Two of the people were having a rather deep conversation. I think one was the pastor of the church. I didn't want to interrupt so I was just walking around behind the pews.

When the conversation ended, the one guy started to leave. Still talking, he was now in the back of the santuary. That's when something happened. I dropped to my knees and began crying. REALLY crying. Face in hands, on my knees. And that's when I woke up.

My first thought was that the Holy Spirit was in this man. But the Holy Spirit is in EVERY Christian. Why was this guy different? I have no idea. But I did come away with this one thought.

If the Holy Spirit resides in every heart, of every believer, why don't we treat that fact with the respect it is due? I mean, this is "God with us." Emmanuel!

“Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of his glory.” - Ephesians 1:13-14

After waking up, I thought about my dream. The scripture above says that we are SEALED, sealed with the Holy Spirit. But how can we tell? There are no doves decending on us from heaven.

Perhaps it's just that when we come to know that someone has the Holy Spirit, we should be humbled by that. When we are standing with someone who has the Holy Spirit, why don't we drop to our knees in the presence of our Almighty God? Not worshipping the person, but the Holy Spirit that resides in them.

There are several instances of people bowing down to the Apostles in the Bible after witnessing healing or some other miracle. Even John bowed down to an angel in Revelation. But in each of those situations, those on their knees were told, "Don't do that. Worship God."

"But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” - Revelation 22:9

So, maybe that's the end of my story today, and the meaning of my dream. Worship God. Bow down to Him in humble submission. And weep at the knowledge that we have been sealed, and chosen. And that, before the foundation of the world.

"For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." - Ephesians 1:4

I'm not sure where you're at this morning, but me? I'm on my knees.

To Know You

There is a place in Athens, Greece that is known as the Areopagus (aka Mars Hill). The Apostle Paul spoke there during his 

second missionary journey. This one account gives us all great insight into how to talk with others about our faith in God.

Open your Bibles to Acts 17 and scroll down to verse 16. We find Paul, waiting for his traveling buddies, Silas and Timothy.

"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace, day by day, with those who happened to be there." - Acts 17:16-17

Athens is in Greece (1,802 miles from Jerusalem), and who did the ancient Greeks worship? Verse 16 says they worshipped "idols." These "idols" were their gods - Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, Athena, Artemis, Ares, and Aphrodite to name a few. They had many gods.

So, what did Paul do here? Did he continue to wait for his boys before preaching? Or, did he get to work? He got busy! He didn't wait for a more opportune time. He shared the Gospel, wherever and whenever. 

I was at Walmart yesterday and I was wearing one of my VBS shirts (pictured above). I passed a dad and his two kids by the "Back To School" aisle, I noticed one of the kids staring at my shirt. Mission accomplished!

"My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:11

If we look at these Acts 17 verses, we can "observe" Paul's evangelical checklist:

Verse 16: He observed

Verse 16: He was distressed

Verse 17: He reasoned with them

Verse 19 & 22: He met with them

Verse 23: He redirected the conversation to Jesus.

Paul had mixed results in Athens, but some believed. Then it was off to Corinth! 

Paul was obsessed with sharing the Gospel. Are we? Or do we just blend in with the crowd?