There are many things we take for granted today. I’m sure previous generations have done the same, but I sense it’s a lot easier for us in our advanced technology savvy culture. Just about anything and everything is available at our fingertips. We have grown accustomed to quick service, abundant supplies, easy access, instant communication, the world has gotten smaller, and we more or less come and go as we please. We take for granted all the material things we have accumulated in life, the friendships we’ve developed, the work we do, the families we have, and even our own lives without giving much thought to know who is responsible for it all.
It’s easy to get caught up in our daily lives just going along and forget to honor the one who makes our life possible, the Lord God. The Lord brought all things into being, in which we take for granted not realizing it. He is in control and brings everything into our lives whether we like it or not. For that alone, we should honor Him. We couldn’t be in better hands. Yet, we fail at times even to notice the sunrise or sunset placed there by God for our enjoyment. We pass it by saying to ourselves, it will be there again tomorrow.
King Belshazzar learned a horrible lesson by not honoring the sovereign God who is over all things. He not only did not honor God but blasphemed Him by using the sacred vessels from the Temple in Jerusalem in worshiping idol gods. We may not ever go that far in not honoring God but let everyday be a reminder of all that God does for us, from supplying our needs and providing us with His creation to enjoy. May we not hear, “But you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny!” (Dan.5:23 nlt)
“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him….and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.” Acts 12:5, 16 NIV
Have you ever experienced the resolution of a problem that occurred unexpectedly. It may have been a major concern you thought was not possible to resolve, or something minor that was just an annoyance. Then you come to realize and say to yourself, ‘Hey, I prayed about that!’ We pray about many things, and it seems that none of our prayers are being answered. Then out of the blue comes an answer to a prayer and we don’t realize it until later. It may have been a prayer we put on the burner, but God did not forget. He heard and answered. If we put our minds to it, there will be many answers to the prayers we made revealed to us. Yes, God did answer those prayers, and it could have been not in the way we desired. Perhaps that is why we forget, but He did answer.
The early church in the book of Acts had been praying for Peter who was in prison and about to be executed. King Herod was beginning to arrest Christians and had put the apostle James to death. When he saw his actions pleased the Jewish rulers, he preceded to arrest Peter also, planning to kill him after the Passover. When the people in the church heard of it, they immediately started praying earnestly for Peter’s release. Their prayers were answered. An angel of the Lord appeared before Peter waking him up, his chains fell off, and the angel led him out of the prison.
However, when Peter went to the home where the church people were praying and knocked on the door, they didn’t believe it was him, except for a servant girl named Rhoda. Finally, they were convinced after they were astonished that God answered their prayer. The Lord does what seems impossible. He answers quickly, as in Peter’s case. Sometimes He answers slowly as in our case, but He always answers. When we eventually do remember, let us rejoice, thanking Him for answering prayer and not forgetting.
“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” Psalm 32:8 NLT
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This past week my wife and I took a short trip for a scheduled appointment. Not knowing the best route to take that time of day with congested traffic we used the handy GPS system to guide us. I was quite confused when instructed to exit not where I had thought. Knowing the place was west of the city, I followed its lead. But after a few miles on a two-lane road with traffic signals I was prompted back on to the highway. The GPS was leading me along the shortest route and not the fastest or least congested. It was not the best path forward. I must admit, I’m somewhat to blame for not checking which route I had chosen. It’s not the first time I haven’t chosen the best path, and it probably won’t be the last.
In this life we all need someone to lead us who is more capable in areas where we struggle. Getting to know people who have skills we lack and can help when needed is beneficial. It is also a good way to get to know a lot of people, not for selfish reasons, but to be able to share and help others with our skills which they lack.
There is one we all need to lead us in our lives, the Lord God. It doesn’t matter how accomplished we are, or think we are, all of us lack certain abilities and need help with them. Yes, God is concerned about our souls not wanting any to perish believing in His Son for salvation (2Pt.3:9), but God also cares about the little things we struggle with in life. David writes in Psalm 32:8, “The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” (nlt) The Lord will indeed guide us along the best path forward. We never need to worry about a wrong turn and going the wrong way once we ask Him for guidance.
Perhaps you have heard the saying, ‘the only Jesus some people will see is the one they see in you.’ It is very true. Those who are lost in need of salvation may have heard of Jesus, even gone to church on occasion, but don’t know Him as their savior. They never had that personal experience that is necessary to knowing Jesus; to know they are lost, a sinner in need of forgiveness, and assurance of eternal life.
Will they be drawn to you when the Holy Spirit begins to convict their heart? Will they see a true Christ follower? Will the name of Jesus you proclaim be evident to the wandering seeking soul by your speech and conduct. Who will they see? Will they see the savior of your soul, the one who changed your life and gave it meaning, or will your demeanor show a passive Jesus, one who is inactive and lifeless? Be careful not represent Jesus in name only, and not His Great name! If Jesus is alive in you, He cannot remain hidden, or your flesh will take over shading His light from being seen to the world.
The sound of Jesus’ great name is backed up by the evident change in those who have come to know Him. They know not only His great name, but Jesus Himself, who died for them and is their healer, redeemer, Lord, and King. When others see this change in our lives, and it is consistent, never wavering no matter what our circumstances, they will be able to see what a great name is the name of Jesus. Jesus’ name is great, because He is great, may people see His great name in us.
‘There’s no place like home’ repeated Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. What began as an enchanting adventure to find her way home turned into an experience she would not soon forget. We all desire the comforts of home. Familiar surroundings, friendly faces, and a sense of security all contribute to feeling safe at home.
Unfortunately, there are many in today’s world who do not have a sense of security in their home. It is not a safe haven for them. They are not yearning to go home by repeating ‘there’s no place like home.’ Struggles in the family due to divorce, sickness, addictions, finances, outside interference, and social issues have led to insecure family settings. Some would rather leave the home, and some have, than continue in their current state.
For the Christian, we not only have an earthly home, but also a heavenly one. We may be dwelling in our family home on earth today, but our heavenly home is as much a reality. It is guaranteed and secured by Jesus’ sacrifice for us on Calvary’s cross, and God’s promise to save all who accept Christ as their savior. God is as much our Father here on earth as He will be in heaven. In fact, Deuteronomy 33:27 says, “The eternal God is a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms.” (nasb) In a sense, we are dwelling in the eternal God who is upholding us in His arms. Now, how safe is that?
Your earthly home conditions may not be safe, and there are agencies who provide services to help you. Let me encourage you to take advantage of them. Also know for sure, if you’re a child of God, you have a heavenly Father who guards His children in His heavenly home, where is one can say, ‘there’s no place like home.’
“A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid.” Mark 5:15 NLT
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Jesus and His disciples finally reached the other side of the Sea of Galilee after a stormy night. They arrived in the region of the Gerasenes. This area just east of the Sea of Galilee was predominately a Gentile area. We learned last week of Jesus’ desire for rest. This region, which was not very populated and mainly a Gentile region, would be a welcome break from the large crowds that followed Him. But no sooner was Jesus out of the boat and on to the shore a demon-possessed man recognized Him. It was the demons who possessed him that recognized Jesus, for they knew who He was, the Son of God.
This man had been exiled from the villagers and was living among the tombs, a burial place inside the caves. These burial caves provided shelter to the poor and were frequently used. His demonic condition forced him away from society. He was bound by the people around him for their safety, but it was becoming impossible to restrain him even with shackles and chains. “Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him.” (Mk.5:4 nlt) The man would howl unearthly screams while cutting himself to pieces using flint with sharp jagged edges.
The man came up to Jesus and bowed before Him saying, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” (Mk.5:7 nlt) Again, it is the demons, or the chief spokesman representing them begging Jesus not to torment them. Jesus demanded what is your name, the demons replied ‘legion’. Jesus wanted to draw attention to the condition of the man and the evil he was going to be relieved from. There were many demons inside the man. A Roman legion was 6,000 men. This brings understanding to the strength the man had in breaking the chains from his hands and crushing the shackles on his feet. The horrifying screams from the tombs of 6,000 demons inside the man would, as one commentor put it, ‘destroyed the divine likeness with which man was created. “
The demons knew they were about to be punished. They were standing before Jesus, God the Son, who had the power to destroy them by sending them to their eternal punishment into the abyss. “There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby.” (Mk.5:11 nlt) They requested that Jesus permit them to enter the herd of 2,000 pigs. “So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of about 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.” (Mk.5:13 nlt) The amazement just witnessed by the herdsmen caused them to quickly flee and tell what they had seen. People were soon coming from all directions the herdsmen had traveled with the news. Jesus’ peaceful rest was put on hold again.
There may be times when we are looking for that special quiet time only for it to be interrupted. It happens to all of us. It happened to Jesus. When these times occur, we need to consider them as divine appointments, for that is what they are. The Lord knows we need rest, but He also has more important things in mind that He wants us to take care of first. Jesus had a divine appointment to help a man with a legion of demons tormenting him. We may not be helping a demon-possessed person, but to them it may feel that way. So, put your rest on hold and do what is necessary at the moment.
“A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.” (Mk.5:15, 17 nlt) There were several reasons for the people being afraid and asking Jesus to leave their region. The vast number of demons that entered the pigs showed the immensity of what evil was inside the demon-possessed man. They were possibly aware of their own ungodly lifestyle, and were afraid of Jesus’ power, and then there was the financial aspect. 2,000 pigs that were lost equals loss revenue. A side note here; noticed Jesus did not command the demons to enter the pigs, He permitted them. Satan brought about the destruction of the pigs as he continues to work havoc to this day as the Lord permits.
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The man now freed from the demons asked Jesus if he can go with Him, begging Him. Jesus told him no, but to go to his family and tell them what the Lord had done for him. In telling the man this, Jesus is again claiming His deity as God. The man went on throughout the region becoming the first evangelist to the Gentiles. Another side note as we close: Jesus doesn’t rescue us and deliver us from sin to keep it to ourselves, but to go out telling others the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Advocating for something before speaking against is known in the political realm as being for something before being against it. The catch phrase dates to a presidential candidate in the 2004 presidential election who made the statement, ‘I voted for it before I voted against it’ in reference to a Senate bill. Ever since, the phrase has been used to display the on-going hypocrisy in politics. A prime example are the recent attacks on Tesla dealerships in the United States and now spreading to other countries. CBS News reports, “Graffiti on a Tesla dealership sign. Molotov cocktails thrown in another dealership’s lot. Tesla charging stations set on fire. Across the country, the electric vehicle company’s facilities and vehicles are being hit with protests and violence over Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration.” (1) From the Associated Press, “Cybertrucks set ablaze. Bullets and Molotov cocktails aimed at Tesla showrooms. Attacks on property carrying the logo of Elon Musk’s electric-car company are cropping up across the U.S. and overseas.” (2)
What was once hailed as a great achievement and supported very passionately for the protection of the environment, is now being destroyed by the same people due to politics. On the other hand, those who adamantly oppose electric cars are now finding a change of heart due to their politics. Hypocrisy knows no boundaries. They were for it before they were against it and vice versa.
Some Christians today have the same mindset. Due to pressure from the culture, what they were once for based on a Biblical conviction and worldview they are now against. Finding it easier to go along with the crowd they are persuaded their beliefs do not reflect the norms of society, are outdated, not respectful of our time, and should be abandoned. A word of caution in support of that kind of thinking; society may have changed, but God never changes. His Word stands alone.
Jesus said, “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” (Lk.11:23 nlt) When we start to move away from Scripture and Jesus’ words to adapt to the world we are working against Him. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2Tim.3:16 nlt) Jesus, God the Son, used Scripture throughout His ministry on earth to teach us right from wrong. Scripture has not changed, and just because Jesus while on earth did not address certain issues does not mean they are no longer relevant or weren’t relevant in Jesus’ day.
Opposing certain passages of Scripture due to our politics or changing culture is opposing Jesus. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb.13:8 nlt) May Jesus’ followers never be heard to say, ‘we were for it, before we were against it.’
“While they drank from them they praised their idols made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.” Daniel 5:4 NLT
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I don’t believe there is any of us who has not done anything that was dumb. After you have done it, you say to yourself, ‘that was stupid’. I have had many of those encounters and still do. They are not fun and are embarrassing if seen by someone else. At least you don’t need to say, ‘that was stupid’, they’ll say it for you. Common mishaps happen to us all, some more than others, but that’s part of life. What is tragic is when a life of sin causes you to do dumb things. Desires to participate in ungodly acts will cause you to do things you have never thought possible. Sin makes you stupid!
In the book of Daniel, King Belshazzar displays the art of stupidity in drinking from the gold and silver cups taken from the Temple in Jerusalem during Nebuchadnezzar’s destruction of the city years earlier. The Babylonian empire, now under the reign of Belshazzar, was about to fall into the hands of Medo-Persia. The Persian army was just outside their walls within the city limits waiting for the right time to attack. Belshazzar thought of lifting the mood of the people by throwing a party. Not exactly a smart idea.
The king gives orders to bring out the articles from the Jewish Temple for all the attendees to drink from. Perhaps reminiscing about the great victory of the past. He used the cups from God’s holy temple to drink wine from praising the Babylonian gods in the process, calling on them for deliverance from their enemy. Belshazzar’s behavior was unrestrained and sacrilegious Again, not very smart.
When one’s mindset is not focused on the one true God, and we attempt to handle things on our own, or we seek pleasure outside of God’s parameters we fall into sin. Once we are there, we do dumb things. Don’t allow sin to make you stupid!
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT
Today is the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. It may not feel like spring in some areas, but it is spring just the same. We can count on the fact that throughout all history, the changing of seasons arrive right on time according to schedule. God’s schedule. He has been faithful in the change of the seasons never being early or late, but right on schedule. It’s a sure thing. God is faithful.
It’s nice to have things we can count on. Better yet, a person we can count on to always be there when we need them, one who is truly faithful in all things. Our closest friends, family members, even our spouses, as much as they have good intentions to be there fall short of our expectations. Perhaps there are times we expect too much, but even so, none of us can achieve a 100% record of being faithful even to ones we love. We don’t like to be disappointed or be a disappointment to others. We count on each other to be there for us. But we’re looking for a sure thing. God is the person we should be looking for in our lives. He will always be there, and He is always faithful. We can count on Him when others, including ourselves, fail to be as faithful as we should be.
The prophet Jeremiah writes in Lamentations that God’s love is faithful meaning that it never ends. He is faithful in His mercy displayed on us, and He is faithful to give us fresh new mercies as each day dawns. Today is the beginning of many blessings and mercies the Lord will grant to us during this spring season. May we praise Him for His faithfulness in the change of the seasons and His faithfulness towards us. It’s a sure thing.
World Vision reports that according to the World Bank, 712 million people live in poverty across the globe. As of 2022, 38 million people in the United States live below the poverty line, and nearly 90% of children living in either sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia live in poverty. (1) There is much work to do in helping the poor. Yes, the Lord’s work is on-going, it never ends.
Jesus Himself said, “You will always have the poor among you.” (Jn.12:8 nlt) He said that 2,000 years ago, and we can see the truthfulness of His words. Jesus spoke those words in defense of Mary who was chastised for anointing Him with expensive perfume. Jesus’ point was, He would not always be with them, but the poor will always be present. There will be plenty of time and opportunities to help the poor, which is also His desire.
We have several examples in Scripture of doing the Lord’s work concerning the poor. Paul was carrying a gift to the poor in Jerusalem collected by fellow believers, he said “I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.” (Ro.15:26 nlt) James, Peter, and John when endorsing Paul’s ministry said, “Their only suggestion was that (they) keep on helping the poor, which (Paul) has always been eager to do.” (Gal.2:10 nlt) And the Lord God said through Moses to the children of Israel, “There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need.” (Dt.15:11 nlt)
Our generation has not missed out on helping the poor, nor has any previous generation. We are all required to be the hands and feet of Jesus and do His work. Caring for the poor and less fortunate in our society is caring for Jesus, for He said, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (Mt.25:40 nlt) Let’s keep the work going!
Word for the Soul 