“And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 NLT
“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NLT
The Holy Scriptures contain many promises of God, all of them kept. One promise yet to be fulfilled is the return of Jesus Christ. We can be assured based on God’s record of keeping promises this one is also certain to come about. Jesus’s first coming was a promise kept in the plan of salvation in redeeming sinners. Adam and Eve having disobeyed God brought sin into the world. Mankind, now with a sin nature, is separated from God. Our sin needed to be dealt with before a Holy God, and God Himself provided the necessary means to bring about reconciliation to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ.
God informs Satan of his sure destruction. There will be hostility between Satan and unbelievers and Jesus and His followers. Satan will indeed cause Jesus to suffer, but Jesus delivers the final blow at the cross and in His resurrection from the dead.
This first promise was given way back in the Garden of Eden as recorded in the book of Genesis, and we see the beginning of the fulfilment of this promise in Matthew’s gospel of the New Testament. Matthew introduces the long-anticipated wait for the promised Messiah, the King of the Jews. The promise of the coming of Jesus Christ is foretold through the prophets of the Old Testament, prophecies concerning His first coming to provide the way of salvation and His second coming to rule as the King of kings. God’s promises come true; Jesus came to save His people from their sins, Satan is a defeated foe, and Jesus is coming back again. You can count on it.
“So, Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:7-9 ESV
We call our dwelling places home, whether an apartment, a dorm room, a house, or a condominium. All of them have a main door for entrance. Upon going through the door and entering we find peace, security, and safety in the dwelling of our own home.
In Jesus’ day shepherds would lay across the entrance (or gate) of the sheep pen during the night to guard the sheep, protecting them from danger and unwanted visitors. Within the confines of the sheep pen, their home, the sheep had safety and security. The door was being guarded.
In Jesus’ third ‘I am’ statement of His salvation message Jesus says, ‘I am the door.’ He is the entrance or the gate we must go through to be assured of eternal life in heaven. Entrance to an eternal home in Heaven is only through Jesus Christ and no one else or any effort on our part. Today many people may find this statement intolerant. But these are Jesus’ words, and He says to all of us, ‘If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.’ and only there.
Looking forward to arriving at our earthly homes and entering through the door, we find the comforts, peace, and security we have anticipated. And we can be assured of another home we will have for a much longer time than our short stay here on earth, that time is eternity, which does not end. May we look with greater anticipation to arrive at that home. Perhaps you do not have the assurance you will have a home of peace, comfort, and security after this life? Romans 10:13 says, “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (nlt) There is no other way to eternal life in heaven with God the Father except going through Jesus Christ, the door.
“Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.” Matthew 24:7 NLT
People flee through a shattered city as buildings collapse, fires burn, and smoke fills the streets.
When I was young, I can recall several preachers saying if you want to know the future just read the front page of the newspaper. Now that was some time ago as newspapers have gone the way of the dinosaur, so now it is what’s trending on your X account and you will get the same news of the day and in living color. Before I proceed further, the following is not a prediction as to when Jesus Christ will return, but it is a prediction that He will return, and He has given us signs to look for as the day approaches.
This past Monday, August 10th, the country of Colombia was struck with a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. According to the ‘Associated Press’ as of Thursday August 13th, there are 265 confirmed dead and over 4,000 missing as reported by an independent database. It was the most powerful earthquake to hit Colombia in over a century. CBS news reported 3,500 people were injured and 26,000 families have been affected.
Venezuela, a country that shares the same northern region of South America as Colombia, experienced two major earthquakes 39 seconds apart just a little over six weeks earlier on June 24th. Registering 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude on the Richter scale. ‘World Vision’ has reported the quakes killed over 5,000 people and injured 16,700. This also was the strongest quake in over one hundred years in Venezuela. Critical damage has been done to the infrastructure of the country and recovery will take months.
The similarities and differences between these earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela are striking. Scientifically the Colombia Geological Service explains the differences, “There is no relationship between the two events because they obey different dynamics. While the earthquake that occurred in Venezuela was shallower and is associated with the shear interaction of the Caribbean plate with the South American plate, which involves a lateral (transform) movement of one relative to the other; today’s earthquake in Colombia is the result of the subduction (or sinking) of the Nazca plate beneath the South American plate, with a depth of 103 km. This demonstrates that earthquakes are independent,” explained the SGC on X. (1)
Scientifically it makes sense that earthquakes are independent of each other, but what is forgotten is who created the earth and has all things in His control, and that is God. One of the signs Jesus gave His disciples as they asked Him when will the end times come were numerous earthquakes. Jesus said, “There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.” (Mt.24:7 nlt) Numerous earthquakes we have and “Today, the world stands on the brink of unprecedented famines. About thirty million people are experiencing alarming hunger, severe levels of food insecurity and malnutrition in north-eastern Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen.10 million of themare facing emergencyand famine conditions. Famine is already likely happening in parts of northern Nigeria, while Yemen and Somalia are on the brink.” (2)
Our Lord has given us signs to watch for in the days ahead as we anticipate His return. You may thinking haven’t these signs been on-going throughout history? Yes, they have. But the frequency and intensity of the signs will increase as we get closer to the return of Christ. Two things are certain; Jesus will return as Scripture says and we are 2,000 years closer than when Jesus spoke those words.
“Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.’” Genesis 1:28 NLT
A diverse team collaborates using AI data visualizations in a modern office setting.
Most people would rather not hear this, you may be one of them, but here it goes, we were all made to work. I know it stings a little to hear that, and here is another one, it is not just Monday through Friday 9-5. Sorry about that! It is true the bulk of our work will be focused on what we do for a living to pay the bills and put food on the table, but work is so much more than that. And according to our creation mandate we are not to stop working even during our so-called retirement years if we are so abled. I am not saying we are not to enjoy the life God has given us, but He has created us and put us here for His purposes not ours.
Living in the 21st century there is a lot of concern of what our work will look like with AI fast approaching in the workplace. No doubt, there will be changes, some for the good and some for the not so good. Although AI will eliminate many positions in the workforce it will never eliminate work itself. Work was mandated by God to us at creation to carry out in this life whether we have AI or not. As some people worry over the loss of their jobs, others look forward to easier tasks at their present jobs or moving on to something else making life easier. Whatever the case, there will always be work to do. God will make sure of that.
So, whatever your situation in life, already working, just starting out in the work field, anticipating retirement, or retired from your life’s occupation, you will always have work to do. If your firm or company is in the process of eliminating jobs, be sure God know about it and will provide you with work He has for you. AI will never dissolve God’s work. AI will bring changes in the workplace, but we serve a never changing God whose creation mandate is still in effect.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared.” Revelation 21:1 NLT
For all baseball enthusiasts in recognition of Major League Baseball’s ‘field of dreams’ game this evening in Dyersville, Iowa the following is an updated post from a few years ago.
Baseball enthusiasts and movie goers alike share a common interest in the 1989 motion picture release “Field of Dreams.” For the baseball fan, especially those who would consider themselves a traditionalist, a historian and lover of the game, it brought out everything that is good about the game. Baseball has the ability to unite people of all races and generations through a game played on grass and dirt with a wooden bat, ball, and glove. Its legends and heroes have managed to survive the test of time and will continue to do so. For the movie goer and causal baseball fan, the movie brings about an escape from the day-to-day drama in our lives and in the world. It also affirms the yearning of all of us for something much bigger than ourselves is possible, if only in a dream, a field of dreams.
The sentimental attachment to a movie produced thirty-seven years ago has not faded. It has become a national treasure in America with tours of the set where it was filmed on location in Dyersville, Iowa. It prompted Major League baseball in 2021 and 2022 to schedule regular season games to be played next to the already historic site. After a four-year absence, the series continues as another game has been scheduled for today, August 13th. As game week unfolds b there is much enthusiasm as to the upcoming events. This year more than twenty-five members of the Baseball Hall of Fame will be on hand for the game. People from all levels of society are anticipating the game, the nostalgia, and asking the question from that famous line in the movie, ‘Is this heaven?’ The answer of course is ‘No, it’s Iowa.’
Many people are looking for a heaven here on earth. They dream of a place if even for a moment that will absolved their tears and frustrations of life. But even in that moment as Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) answered truthfully in that iconic movie, ‘No, It’s Iowa.’ There was no claim that it was heaven, but only a field of dreams.
The good news is, there is such a place as heaven. It is real and not a dream. God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, has made such a place. It is reserved for those who trust in His Son Jesus Christ for salvation. Yes, it is possible to enjoy a little heaven on earth through the blessings God has bestowed on us such as baseball and the movies. But the ultimate enjoyment will be in eternity with our Lord Jesus. Have you made that commitment to trust in Him? You will not need to ask is this heaven when you arrive, you will know. It’s not Iowa, this is heaven.
“The Ark of God was captured, and Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were killed.” 1 Samuel 4:11 NLT
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21 NIV
Photo by Du039bVu039e Gu039bRCIu039b on Pexels.com
You may have heard anything that takes first place in your life before God is an idol. That is true and anything means anything. It could be possessions, a way of life, your choice of entertainment, even that special loved one. Whatever you place first before God becomes all you think about and care about. It has become an idol. It pushes out not only God, but everything and everyone else out of your life. When it gets to that point, it is time to let go of your idols.
The nation Israel between the time of the judges and the monarchy found themselves in another battle with the Philistines. After being defeated in the Plain of Sharon losing four thousand men they decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant into battle with them the next time. They were right in recognizing they needed God’s help but went around it the wrong way. They did not ask God for His help but use the ‘ark’ as a symbol of God to help them in battle. This was no different than what the pagan Philistines did with the images of their gods. They used it as an idol replacing God or trying to manipulate God to help them. It did not work; God took the idol away from them.
This is an important lesson for each of us in our day. If we do not let go of the idols we hold dear above God, God will take those idols away from us by whatever means necessary. Our God is holy and wants nothing placed in front of Him. The Israelites had no right to remove the Ark of the Covenant out of its holy place into the battlefield. As a result the Lord took it away. We have no right putting anything or anybody in first place over God. Know that God will not settle for second place but will remove what is in front of Him. May we let go of our idols before God takes them away.
In the world today as in centuries past there is much debate as to who Jesus is. To many He is a historical figure of great significance in the likes of Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, and other Greek philosophers. Jesus is considered to be one the prophets of old, the greatest of prophets by some. He is the teacher of all teachers. Jesus is the example of how we are to treat and love each other. He is all about love and kindness. Jesus is considered to be the greatest the person who has ever lived.
During Jesus’s ministry on earth the same debate was taking place. Some said He was a political figure who had come to overthrow Rome. Mostly were those who said He was a prophet. Jesus was even named as one the prophets of old and even the recent John the Baptist. Naming Jesus as one of the prophets had Messianic significance, but they missed it equating Jesus as one of the prophets and not the true Messiah.
When Jesus asked His disciples, ‘who do you say I am,’ Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Mt.16:16 nlt) Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah by being with Him and carefully watching His every move and not getting caught up with the excitement of the crowds. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, “The statement by Peter here is not the product of early enthusiasm but of studied reflection and solemn faith.” Jesus commends Peter for his faith by saying to him, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.” (Mt.16:17 nlt)
So we as today Christians who have put our faith and trust in Jesus recognize Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. Be careful of those who claim Jesus as anything other than God the Son. He certainly is a great teacher, an example on how to live compassionately, and He can debate victoriously with any philosopher past and present, but Jesus is more than all that, He is God the Son. Let us be mindful that those who err on Jesus’s true identity also are mistaken in their teaching even though they may appear sincere, loving, and kind. Our salvation is not according to the good deeds we have done, but by our faith in Jesus Christ, God the Son, who says to the repenting sinner, ‘who do you say I am?’
“Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.” 2 Corinthians 8:11 NLT
Years ago when I was a trainee in retail management I had a boss challenge me to ensure that each project I started would be completed. He further indicated that his previous assistant, completed only 90% of each project. He would occasionally comment on my work by saying, “I see a lot of 10 % in the store.” It made quite an impression on a 22 year old fresh out of college beginning a career in retail management.
In the business world, uncompleted projects can lead to negative results effecting the profitability of the business impacting both consumers and associates of the business. Failure to complete erodes away best of intentions and the best laid plans.
The apostle Paul reminded the church in Corinth of their commitment and desire to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem. The work of collecting money had started, but it had stopped. It was not completed. The needy people in Jerusalem will not get relief and the Corinthian church will missed out on a blessing. Paul encourages them to finish what they started.
Is there a project that you have started for the Lord with the best of intentions and have not yet completed it? Evaluate your situation as to how you can best complete it with the Lord’s help. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to please God by blessing others and in turn receive a blessing yourself. Complete the leftover 10% and finish what you started.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12 ESV
Have you ever been kept in the dark about something, unaware of certain situations until they came to light? Once they were revealed to you, the darkness that clouded your thinking was removed and you began to see the situation clearly.
Spiritual darkness works much the same way. The world is blinded by Satan and kept in the dark of Jesus’ message of Salvation. The Bible tells us that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Cor.11:14 esv) In this deception, Satan tries to convince us that all is well. He appears in many of the false religions of the world and even influences the false prophets portraying themselves as Christian ministers. The last thing Satan wants is for people to come to know the truth about Jesus, and to know of His Salvation plan. Satan’s plan is to keep them in the dark, claiming himself to be light.
Jesus’s second “I am” statement in the gospel of John is “I am the light of the world.” Jesus proclaims those who follow Him will not walk in darkness, confirming there is darkness in the world, spiritual darkness. The apostle John begins his gospel with identifying Jesus as God who made all things and “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn.1:4-5 esv) Becoming aware that Jesus is the light and accepting Him as Savoir instantly dispels the darkness in your life. The dark cloud in your life will be lifted by Jesus, God the Son, the light of the world. May you allow His light this Sunday to penetrate the darkness of your soul and see the situation clearly, Jesus’ love for you.
A glowing digital globe covered with words about unity, climate, and hope
When it comes to spiritual matters and the things of God, the world has its endless thoughts on the truth of the matter. The world will inform us what is and what is not truth, or it will tell us it is inside us and we will discover it by searching within ourselves. Just be yourself and love yourself. Then there are so called minsters of the gospel preaching a feel-good message of positivity and good works. The apostle Paul needed to defend his ministry against some of the same things we witness in our world today. False prophets were doing their work during Paul’s day as in ours. Paul, himself, was accused of being a false prophet and only in it for money. The thoughts about God in the world are many, and all are against the truth and His salvation message.
Paul was unrelenting in the defense of his ministry and the gospel. He stated, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2Cor.10:5 niv) Anything that slightly resembled an alternative view of the gospel pitting itself against the Lord God, Paul demolished those arguments. They cannot be allowed to stand. Paul knew those distorted thoughts about God lead to confusion and heartache. That is why he took every one of those thoughts and conformed them to Christ.
The church today needs to rally behind Paul’s example of boldness in demolishing the false narratives of God in our culture. Sitting silent on the sidelines while the world is scoring points does not advance the kingdom of God. The Lord has given us all we need to inform the world of the truth, His Word, the Bible. It is time we use it boldly to explain the truth about God.
Word for the Soul 