Confirmation

When you were in 8th grade, did you go through Confirmation Class? I did. Well, this story isn't about that, so forget it. Lol! This story is a little different. It's about the confirmation of prayer.

A few Sundays ago our pastor suggested that we all get a prayer journal. Do you have one of those? He said to write down our prayers, but to also leave room for God's answers. I was going to wait until Thanksgiving to stary mine, but I may have to begin before that. And that's today's story.

My church is doing another youth group night in December. I already began a Bible study last month in anticipation. Yes, I'm pitiful. The couple who organizes the youth group said they want to head in an apologetics direction - teaching to kids to be able to defend their beliefs in an increasingly secular world. I'm all for that!

My study is going to be in the Book of 1st John. In it the apostle John highlights several characteristics of a Christian's life. So we're having a scavenger hunt in his book. It's only five short chapters. Here's an example of what we will be looking for.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

Well, this past Sunday in church we had the first announcement for our second Youth Group Night. Let the confirmations begin!

Our church is going through the Book of Romans right now. We're in chapter 1, just getting into "God's wrath." During our pastor's message he referred a verse from 1st John. The one above.

"Well, he just gave away one of my scavenger hunt verses," I thought. But wait, there's more.

I am going to use the following verse to open the study. It's from the Book of James.

"You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble!" - James 2:19

The question then becomes,  "What makes us different from the demons?"

I was searching for a verse to answer that question but hadn't found it yet. Until God provided.

About halfway through our pastor's message, this gem came out.

"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." - Romans 1:21

Bingo! Isn't that the difference between us and the demons? The demons are afraid of God. We love God and give honor and glory and praise! The demons hate. We love. As John said in his epistle to the churches . . .

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. ¹⁹We love because He first loved us." - 1 John 4:18-19

There's ANOTHER scavenger hunt answer!

The Bible study is now complete! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Antipas

“I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits. Yet you hold fast to My name, and you did not deny your faith in Me, even in the days of Antipas, My faithful witness, who was put to death in your city - where Satan dwells.” - Revelation 2:13

Those are the words of Jesus. He was telling the Apostle John about the church in Pergamum and also about a man named Antipas. So, who was he? And why would Jesus mention him by name?

Well, Antipas was the head of the church in Pergamum and a devout follower of Jesus. And, as Jesus said, he was put to death because of his faith. He was burned to death inside a bronze statue of a bull. Ouch!

Those Romans came up with some pretty nasty ways to kill people. They were "inventors of evil" (Romans 1:30).

He was martyred around either AD 68 or 92. The Catholic Church made him a saint and apparently you can pray to him if you have a toothache. I kid you not. There's some other weird stuff about Antipas and the Catholic Church but that's enough for now.

The thing we need to learn from Antipas is not that he was a first-century "dentist." It was his strong faith that got the attention of Jesus. That begs the question, how strong is OUR faith?

We can say that we would stand firm in our struggles and in our faith, but when things get super bad would we eventually giveup? Would we fold? Hard to say. Antipas did not give up. But maybe that should be our prayer today.

Heavenly Father, increase the strength of our faith. Do not allow us to cave in to the ways of this world. Instead, let us glorify your holy name with our every breath, until we breathe our last like Antipas did. Remember OUR name Lord. In the merciful your name of your Son we pray. Amen.

Peace Peace

Take a look around. People are outside walking their dog. They are driving into town to get their coffee. Everything SEEMS peaceful . . . on the surface. But it's the storms that we DON'T see that can often cause the most damage.

"Peace, peace; when there is no peace." - Jeremiah 6:14

The peace I am referring to is NOT found in the lack of war. Yet life CAN BE a battle sometimes. But do you have peace in your heart?

We all have people in our lives who are struggling. They're hurting. Yet most continue on, battling in their pain day after day. Why? Haven't they heard what Jesus has to offer?

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." - John 14:27

Do you think Jesus worries about anything? I don't. God is all powerful. He knows everything. He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10).

So, what kind of peace does Jesus have? I'm thinking it's a total, complete peace about absolutely everything. And He's offering that to us!

I heard someone say that "worrying is believing that God can't handle it." I think that's just about right. So, why can't we ever let things go? Why is it so hard?

Pride? The desire to do things ourselves?

It's a simple choice. Struggle through on our own or let go and let God. The choice is ours to make. What will we choose today?

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

A Gift From God

It was one of those incredibly yucky days, weatherwise. 32°, rain, snow, sleet, wind. And all of them seemed to be hitting me in the face, no matter which way I turned. So, why do I feel so warm inside?

It all started Monday afternoon, before all of the yuck arrived. I met with a friend and we talked for three hours. Then on Tuesday I met with THREE friends. Are you beginning to see the reason for the warmth in my heart?

Good friends are amazing. They are gifts from God really. It all starts with this verse:

"Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." - 1 John 4:7-8

The word "beloved" here indicates that John is writing to fellow believers in the various churches he watched over. At the time John wrote this epistle most figure he was in Ephesus but it was not written to a specific church.

The point I'm getting to is based on the "God is love" part. I believe that believers experience a deeper love because of God's Holy Spirit that dwells in us. We literally have love IN us. How can some of that love not spill out into the world, simply by our being in it?

When we meet with our believing friends, aren't our conversations always more loving? More focused on God?

God provides many things for us in these lives that we live - air to breathe, food to eat, skills to earn a living. But the greatest gift is His Holy Spirit and, as a result, the ability to, and the joy of, loving others.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

I'm Going To Be a Priest?

I think I'm going to be a priest! Before you say anything, so are you, Christian.

"Worthy are You (Jesus) to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation (that's us).

¹⁰You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” - Revelation 5:9-10

Did you catch that part in Verse 10 where it says that Jesus made us priests? It's true - confirmed by multiple sources (my John MacArthur Study Bible and GotQuestions.Org).

So, what do we do with that? Number one, bow in humble respect, that God would give us such a responsibility. And secondly, I'd better start acting the part. I need some training. I HAVE already written a bunch of sermons . . . in this blog. Lol!) But I think that humilty and responsibility are the key words ro remember. As Peter said . . .

“You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. . . . But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” - 1 Peter 2:5–9

So what should we do until we become heavenly priests? Practice. Practice. Practice. Love. Love. Love.

The Thing About Love

Today's story is all about love, and . . . the problems it can create. Let's start out in "a perfect world." In my opinion, this is how we will experience love when we get to heaven. Let's begin with "The Love Chapter," 1st Corinthians 13 - a description.

"⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ⁸Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

That sounds pretty good to me. Unfortunately, right now, we do NOT live in a perfect world so can we truly find that perfect love? Yes, but only in one place. Jesus.

"Nobody is perfect," so the saying goes. Except Jesus of course. That beings me to a theory of mine, and today's story. If we Christians truly follow Christ, and obey His commands, shouldn't our earthy relationships be perfect?

We all sought, or are seeking, that "perfect" someone to spend the rest of our lives with. We soon discover that we, and they, are not perfect. So, what do we do? What's the answer? Two things.

First, we should NOT become unequally yoked. In otherwords, don't get into a relationship with someone who is not a believer. It sounds like a small thing perhaps but if our spouses are not believers, our relationships are already doomed, in this life and the next.

Secondly, love unconditionally. This is 'agape' love. It is a sacrificial, Ephesians 5 love. And we should do this realizing that no one in an earthly relationship is perfect. All of these instructions (commands) are in the Bible.

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." - 2 Corinthians 6:14

"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." - John 13:34

The love Jesus has for us is perfect. It is sacrificial (He already died for us). And His love will NEVER leave us.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5

So, what happens if we have no one to love right now? What do we do then? First, learn to be content. If it is God's will that you remain single, submit to that. But if not, fear not. God will provide.

"There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear." - 1 John 4:18

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33

We all desire to be loved. And we are! But our FIRST love must be God. We cannot forget about Jesus when searching for love in this place. Find another believer and grow closer to Jesus, together.❤

"You have abandoned the love you had at first." - Revelation 2:4

According To You

Jesus healed many people in His 3-year ministry here as "God among us." He also brought the dead back to life. So, why then did the blind man in Mark 8 not receive his full sight right away?

"And he (the blind man) looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” - Mark 8:24

Jesus then went on to fully restore the blind man's sight. But the blind man was not totally healed initially. Why not?

As it is said, "The Bible proves The Bible." Here's another passage about Jesus healing the blind.

"As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”

²⁸When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

“Yes, Lord,” they replied.

²⁹Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; ³⁰and their sight was restored." - Matthew 9:27-30

"According to your faith."

It kind of sounds like the blind man in our opening verse didn't have a complete 100% faith. Only a partial faith.

Here's another example of this. A man came to Jesus with his son who was demon-posessed and asked . . .

"If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

²³Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

²⁴Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” - Mark 9:22-24

Do we have faith enough to be healed? Or is our faith merely superficial? Do we go to church on Sunday only out of obligation? Or do we attend out of 100% faith and worship God? The latter faith is the faith that God seeks from us. What kind of faith do WE have?

O, SNAP

Most likely, I am going to get in trouble for writing this story. People will say, "How uncaring!" or "Does he think people should starve to death?"

No. But I would hope that people would consider what the Bible teaches. More on that in a bit.

I watched a bird trying to get a drink out of our frozen bird bath the other day. It tried a few times, pecking at the ice, before it flew away. What a perfect example of what SHOULD be happening after our government's latest shutdown. When the bird couldn't get water at the usual place, it went sonewhere else.

The United States Congress cannot seem to agree on a budget so it has shut itself down. Largely, I welcome this news. Less government is wonderful IMHO! Yet there are certain ramifications that come with rhe shutdown.

For example, people hoping to catch a plane for Thanksgiving are now wondering if they will even have a flight at all. Air traffic controllers are not being paid because Congress cannot agree. How long would YOU work for free? It's been over a month for them.

And how about all of the people on food stamps, now called SNAP (Suplimental Nutrition Assistance Program). Here's what SNAP does:

SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families," the agency states on its website. "Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors."

42 million Americans rely on the program. Not to mention quite a few illegal immigrants. Part of the reason Congress can't agree.

And now for some scripture.

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Now, I know that there are those who can't work due to some disability. But for those who are able to work, why aren't you working?

I don't know about you, but if I was facing a shortfall in cash for the month, there would be two choices - cut expenses or increase income. Cancel Netflix and get a second job.

And where is the church in all of this? They are out there, helping. My wife just made a donation to her church's food bank. One of the volunteers told her that there were a lot more "clients" this month compared to last month.

One of my favorite verses in the Book of Acts is about The Church.

"And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." - Acts 2:45

The Church has been helping it's members for 2,000 years. There are food banks in most communities. Friends and families. Make due and contact your members of Congress and tell them to quit fighting with each other and do what they were hired to do, without hurting the people who hired them. Elections have consequences. So does not choosing to follow Jesus.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:29-31

The Elect

We just watched something happen in New York City that may be the beginning of something very prophetic in nature - the election of Zohran Mamdani as its mayor. Mamdani is a young, charismatic, anti-Israel Muslim and he was elected handily by the left-leaning city.

The Bible speaks of Babylon, a great city, doomed to destruction. Could NYC be biblical Babylon? Keep your eyes open and read Revelation 18 (link at bottom).

Today I am writing about another kind of election though - "The Elect" of God. Who exactly are these people? Let's find out by opening our Bibles to Ephesians 1.

"He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love ⁵He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 1:4-5

Let us bow our heads in humble submission, for WE, my brothers and sisters in Christ, are "the elect."

Let that sink in for a minute or two. God chose us before the world even existed. Is God omnipotent or what?!

If you are a born-again child of God, you are one of the elect. That knowledge carries with it a certain amount of weight and responsibility. Honor and humility also.

So, what do we do with our "elect status" in Christ Jesus our Lord?

We should act like it! Act like Jesus! Love everyone we meet. Pray for those who need healing. Have compassion for those who are hurting. Reach out to the lost on behalf of Jesus. Share the Gospel with others. Give to one another as there is a need.

Speaking of the Tribulation, Jesus said this:

“If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened." - Matthew 24:22

Mr. Mamdani, it appears, is not one of the elect, based on his Islamic faith. Our New York City brothers and sisters should be watchful, and follow God alone in their obedience. We must pray.

Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) asked something veru revealing about socialism / communism this week.

"When the Berlin wall fell, which side did the people run to?"

Who Are The Elect of God? - GotQuestions.org

Revelation 18

What Why How?

"Apologetics is knowing what we believe, why we believe it, and being able to effectively communicate it to others." - Voddie Baucham

But HOW do we communicate it? Good question.

First, we must KNOW WHAT we believe. And HOW do we do that? We read the Bible. We study it. We find a good, Bible-believing church, with a great teaching pastor and attend every Sunday.

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." - 1 Peter 3:15

We must also be ready. Another important, and often overlooked, part of this verse is "to everyone who asks." That said, what do we say? Do we have our testimony prepared to give? And what actually gives us hope?

The answer to that question is Jesus. It has to be. He sacrificed his own life here on earth for our sins so that we could be with him in heaven. We have hope for a future beyong this world!

But what else? What is missing?

I think love plays a big part. "Love your neighbor," as Jesus says. And as Paul tells us, in just one simple verse. But what a verse!

"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Our faith gives us hope. Sharing that hope is simply an act of love for the lost.

Consumption

Have you ever heard the phrase, "You are what you eat"? It's supposed to apply to our bad eating habits. For example, if all you eat are Twinkies, you will eventually become one. Not really, but you know what I mean. The point of the phrase is, if you want to be healthy, eat healthy things.

This phrase extends WAY beyond our diet though. Our phones are a perfect example of this. We can spend a WHOLE lot of time on those things. I am guilty of that. If we really think about it, are we not merely entertaining ourselves because we're bored?

Another "branch" in this Y.A.W.Y.E. character study is the music we listen to. I have written here before about songs that fill the head throughout the day (and night). What we consume tends to fill us.

Our belief in Jesus is the same.

"I am the bread of life." - John 6:48

Jesus then went on to say that we must "consume" HIM.

"Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. ⁵⁴Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. ⁵⁵For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. ⁵⁶Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them." - John 6:53-56

Jesus is telling us to CONSUME who He is. To copy Him. This practice is carried out during communion in our churches.

"And He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁰And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." - Luke 22:19-20

Paul later confirmed this, using a phrase attributed to Epimenides of Crete while speaking in the Areopagus in Athens.

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

We are what we eat. We become what we consume. May I suggest that we put down our phones and pick up our Bibles? Let us consume God's word. Live it. Move in it. And let us become who God wants us to be - His.

What consumes YOU?

Selective Hearing

They sit in fancy boardrooms, making decisions about what news stories that you and I see or read. This happens all over the world at both a national and local level.

How many people are in these meetings? Eight, ten, twelve? It varies, I'm sure.

Consider what "news" they feed us. Trump's ballroom is a big one. Mamdani's impending victory in the NYC mayor's race. Oh, and then there's Gaza and Ukraine, and the occasional natural disaster like Hurricane Melissa. And SOME stories we NEVER hear.

For example, has anyone seen on the nightly news a story about 7,000 Christians being killed in Nigeria since the beginning of the year? No? Hmm. That's strange. That would seem to be a rather large story. Yet, not much has been heard about it? Why not?

Because a small group of people has deemed the story unworthy compared to other "news" of the day. And why was that? Personal opinion vs actual newsworthiness. Or a political agenda vs actual truth.

In the last presidential election CBS "News" edited an interview to create a more favorable outcome. They were sued and they settled. It cost them $16 million. ABC "news" also settled a similar law suit for $15 million.

So, who can be trusted to speak the truth anymore? No one, in my opinion. No one except God Himself.

"The Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind." - 1 Samuel 15:29

"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent; has He said and will He not do it? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good?" - Numbers 23:19

Turn off the news. Read the Bible. It is the only source of truth to be found. Examine everything else and measure it against the truth of His Word and you will do well.

"The Voice of Truth tells me a different story." - Casting Crowns

Please play for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria.

"The truth shall set you free." - Jesus (John 8:32)

 

7,000 Christians Killed - Newsweek

Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns