Jesus was asked by one of the teachers of the religious law what is the most important commandment? Without hesitation Jesus responded, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mk.12:29-31 nlt) What prompted the teacher’s question is not clear, but he was rather impressed listening to Jesus’ answer to the questioning Sadducees. (Mk.12:18-27) He may have been curious to see if he had it right, for Jewish teachers of the Law were about getting it right. His motives may have been self-centered or just another case of trying to discredit Jesus.
The teacher found himself agreeing with Jesus. He knew the Old Testament scripture Jesus quoted and that to love God is more important than any sacrifice to Him. Jesus complimented the teacher by acknowledging he knew the Scripture, ‘You are not far from the Kingdom of God,’ (Mk.12:34) but also noted he was not yet in the kingdom. The teacher needed to put down his scrolls and simply love the Lord God with all his heart and all his soul, the only way to the kingdom.
What does this have to do with us in 2025? Everything! We can all go through the motions of church activity by attending services, giving, volunteering, etc. which is our way of sacrificing today. However, what is our motive in these activities. Are we doing them out of our love for God? Do these activities show our love for God or show our desire to be noticed? Jesus said the most important commandment is to love the Lord God with all our heart and all our soul. Do we love the Lord God with all our heart? Let’s do that first, then participate in our church activities.
Churches across the globe have been considered sacred places of refuge for centuries. Most notable in times of war, churches were shelters for all who entered through their doors whosever side they were on. Sanctury churches today have a much more complicated task within the twists and turns of world culture. But the mission remains the same, to protect by providing refuge in the house of God.
When David was on the run from King Saul who was in pursuit to kill him, David penned Psalm 52. David describes the wickedness of his enemies and God’s judgement on them as he rests safely in God’s protection. David writes, “But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” (Ps.52:8 nlt) Olive trees live a span of hundreds of years. David is putting his trust in the lasting mercy of God for protection. Olive trees also represent prosperity. Being in God’s presence (house of God) David would not only find safety but will grow in his knowledge of Him. David is filled with praise in the sanctuary of God, “I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.” (Ps.52:9 nlt)
Psalm 52 is a picture of the reality of evil around us, but also of the justice of God in protecting His children while administrating judgment on the wicked of our day. Christians should take comfort that we are in the house of God, our place of refuge through the Holy Spirit, and are safe as we thrive in His presence praising Him!
Debates occur to express and defend a point of view. Both sides are passionate and sure of their position being the right one. Each would say ‘there is really no debate’, and that may be true if someone is able to prove their point of view is the correct one. Although, the other side would claim ‘not so fast’ as they try to prove their opponent wrong. The debate can last for hours, weeks, or even a lifetime trying to prove their point is correct and then convince others.
In most debates there are what we refer to as ‘gray areas.’ There are neither black or white, right or wrong, but somewhere in the middle. A lot of discussion in the form of persuasion takes place in these areas to win over the opposition. But most subjects of debate have a definitive truth in them if they are fleshed out. The opposition may not agree, but the truth is the truth.
Probably the most debated book in history would be the Bible. Debates range from its authenticity, who wrote it, is it a fact or fiction, is it to be taken literally or symbolically, does it still apply today, aren’t there contradictions, on and on go the debates. Psalm 119 is a psalm that is all about the Word of God, all 176 verses. This chapter reveals the Bible could be called the Word of Life for it tells us all we need to know. It’s God Word to us, His plan of salvation for mankind and our instruction manual on how to live. Oh, and by the way, the psalmist writes, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” (Ps.119:89 nasb) Therefore there is no debate. It has been settled in heaven. So, let’s go out and convince others the Bible is the true Word of God.
Have you ever thought about how many people you know? How about how many you have known over the years that you have forgotten until you are reminded by a photograph? Put them all together and the number of people who have come across your path can be staggering.
Last Friday, July 11 was World Population Day. It was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Program in 1989. Its aim is to increase awareness of population issues such as family planning, social issues, poverty, health and human rights. The current world population is 8.1 billion people up from 7.4 billion in 2016. So, how many of these people do you know? What percentage of the 8.1 billion people do you know? (.1% is 8.1 million people) Do you know that many people? I know I don’t, even if I forgot most of them. But there is one who knows all 8.1 billion.
There is so much about God we cannot understand. We need to take most of it by faith. But we can observe all of His creation from the universe, the earth, sun, moon, and stars, along with the intricacies of the human body and how it functions to know that only God is capable of such work. It wouldn’t be beyond His knowledge since He is all-knowing to know every person on the planet at the present time and whoever has walked on this earth since Adam and Eve. Yes, it is hard to wrap our minds around. So, since we can’t do that, let’s marvel in the fact that He knows each of us by name, all 8.1 billion of us.
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT
The subject of transparency is a well-recognized topic particularly in the world of politics. The truth of the matter is, many who claim to be transparent usually turn out to be not so transparent. Transparency defines as, ‘the quality of being done in an open way without secrets’ is far from what the general public observes. Perhaps there are good intentions on the campaign trail to present oneself as transparent, but the thought of exposing compromising positions or a deficiency while in office is considered a matter to be kept close to the vest.
Politicians are not alone in abusing transparency. Every one of us have a problem with being transparent, totally transparent. Many of us have fine admirable qualities such as honesty, sympathy, a non-judgmental character, caring for others, selflessness, and a loving attitude. While those qualities may be seen most of the time, there are circumstances when one or two of our admirable qualities are overshadowed by something we try to cover up-and if exposed they would cause a great deal embarrassment. It is at these moments we become non-transparent, thinking we have covered up our deficiencies and maintained our integrity.
But as hard as we try to remain transparent while covering up a deficiency or sin in our lives, eventually it becomes known if not dealt with honestly. We may be able to cover up our sin for a time before others, but we can never cover up anything from God who knows and sees all. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” (nlt)
God is aware of our innermost thoughts and desires; we cannot hide them from God. We are capable of covering up our sin before others and even to ourselves as we refer to them as hidden sins and no big deal. But the Word of God has a way of reminding us that it is a big deal “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Heb.4:12 nlt) If we are serious about eradicating our hidden sins, we need to be immersed in the God’s Word allowing Him through His Word to expose our innermost thoughts and desires and be transparent before Him.
“Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. ‘There is still one thing you haven’t done,’ he told him. ‘Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” Mark 10:21 NLT
Jesus has been making His way to Jerusalem traveling through Judea and the east side of the Jordan River. After another session with the questioning Pharisees, some parents were bringing their children to Jesus so He could touch them and bless them. Jewish parents would bring their children to prominent Rabbis for blessing. Jesus was certainly the most known Rabbi in Israel and many children were brought to Him. The disciples thinking Jesus’ time was too valuable to be given to little children scolded the parents, but Jesus scolded the disciples. “He said to them, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.’” (Mk.10:14 nlt)
Jesus never wastes an opportunity to teach His disciples. The disciples thought Jesus would be wasting His time with the children, but Jesus proves no time spent with Him is ever wasted. The little children serve as an illustration of coming to Jesus for salvation. Children have nothing to bring but everything to receive from Jesus. Sinners have nothing to bring and offer for salvation, only to receive His free gift of it by accepting Him. Jesus did it all. “Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.” (Mk.10:16 nlt)
Jesus continues on His journey to Jerusalem and is met by a man who kneels before Him and asks, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mk.10:17 nlt) This man is known as the rich young ruler. Mark does not identify him as such, but gospel writers Matthew and Luke note he was rich, young, and a ruler in the synagogue. The man was seeking a religious deed or a sacrifice of some kind to ensure him entry into heaven and eternal life. He was accustomed to religious deeds in pleasing God and reasoned there must be one for eternal life. Many people in the 21st century still process their thinking of eternal life with this rich young ruler as something that we must do to achieve it. But Jesus said while holding the little children in His arms, “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” (Mk.10:15 nlt) Salvation is not merit-based. It is the free gift of God.
The rich man is asked by Jesus, “Why do you call me good? Only God is truly good.” (Mk.10:18 nlt) Jesus was not retreating from His deity but was encouraging the man to recognize Him as the Messiah if he was leaning that way. Jesus wanted him to understand that his only hope for eternal life was in God and not in himself. He went on to say, “But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” (Mk.10:19 nlt) The rich young ruler claimed he has done all of that. Jesus doesn’t challenge him for He had compassion and love for him. He knew the man was sincere but wrong in his thinking. Jesus sums it up by saying, ‘“There is still one thing you haven’t done,’ he told him. ‘Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” (Mk.10:21 nlt)
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The man had a major obstacle in his way, his love for his riches. The Bible said the man’s face fell and he went away sad. He couldn’t part with his possessions. They were more valuable to him than eternal life. What obstacles might you have stopping you from accepting the gospel message. Jesus didn’t say his money or possessions were evil, but that he loved them more than anything else, even at the risk of losing eternal life. What do you love more than anything else that is preventing you from accepting Jesus? Jesus exposed the man’s heart. It was too high a price to pay for this rich young ruler, even though Jesus told him there will be guaranteed treasures in heaven.
Jesus amazed His disciples when He told them how hard it is for the rich to enter into the kingdom of God. He did not say a rich person couldn’t enter, but it would be difficult. Jesus then made this statement, “In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” (Mk.10:25 nlt) Riches are a temptation one would rely on in place of God. John MacAthur notes, “Riches breed self-sufficiency and a false sense of security.” The disciples, of course, ask who then could be saved. Jesus answered humanly speaking it is impossible, but nothing is impossible with God. Salvation is totally a work of God. It is by God’s amazing saving grace by faith we put in Christ. Outside of God’s grace, no one can be saved. The rich young ruler asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. He had it all wrong as many others have through the centuries up to our current day. There is nothing we can do, but to forsake all, accept Christ as our savior through His grace and follow Him.
Peter, the spokesman for the group, asked Jesus, “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” (Mk.10:28 nlt) Peter pointed out that they had done what Jesus told the rich young ruler to do. Jesus replied that there are rewards in this life for following Him and eternal rewards in the kingdom. But Jesus also pointed out that following Him will also bring persecution. Jesus ended this conversation with His disciples by saying, “But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” (Mk.10:31 nlt) This is a warning against pride in this life. All believers will be equally important serving our Lord Jesus in the kingdom.
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Next week we will look at the final leg of Jesus’ journey before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jesus teaches His disciples along the way and heals a blind man……..until next week.
I’ll be honest. Some articles are hard to write like this one. Some things are so obvious I feel like a fool stating them because it goes against the consensus of the general public. But there comes a time when we need to try to instill common sense in our world. For instance, ‘abortion is not healthcare.’ The majority opinion of most abortion providers is that ‘abortion is healthcare.’ But the majority opinion in the political world is ‘abortion is a woman’s right to choose’. So, my question is, which is it. It can’t be both. But wait, it can be both for about 1%-3% of abortions due to medical reasons. Medical professionals advise and women make a choice. But for the other 97% of all abortions, medical reasons do not apply. (1)
Another logical common-sense argument for ‘abortion is not healthcare’ is; if abortion is healthcare then how is it “642,700 medication abortions in the United States in 2023, accounted for 63% of all abortions in the formal health care system.” (2) That sounds like a ‘woman’s right to choose’. We need to stop fooling ourselves and call it for what it is. It may be considered a choice and excused away as a medical procedure, but the world has been living in this culture of death for many decades. It’s a choice of convenience where most of these abortions take place in the home in the privacy of a bathroom. It’s time to face the facts. As is often said, ‘it is what it is’.
The Lord God has His eye on each of us in this world. We are never out of His sight. God is aware of every medical and non-medical procedure that takes place, and He is there in the midst. Let not God be insulted, and let’s be honest, abortion is not healthcare.
The Bible speaks of a future resurrection of the dead in several places. Jesus, Himself referred to this in the gospel of John. “Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment.” (Jn.5:28-29 nlt)
Jesus confirms there will a future resurrection of the dead. That includes everyone. Those who have died in the Lord and those unsaved at the time of their death. It is true that those in Christ at their death are in the presence of the Lord, and those outside of Christ are in eternal punishment. (Lk.16:23-24) But Scripture is clear, our physical bodies will be raised from the dead to face final judgement. This is not only a New Testament reference but is noted in the Old Testament as well. In Daniel chapter 12 it says, “Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace.” (Dan.12:2 nlt) Sounds a lot like Jesus’ words.
So, in the future resurrection of the dead, what will be your status? Will you be granted eternal life with Christ or will you stand in judgement and be condemned for all eternity. You can be certain where you’ll stand, but you need to make that decision in this lifetime. There are no second chances at the future resurrection. Today is the day of salvation. “And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Rev.20:15 nlt)
Do you know the number of promises God has given to us in the Bible? I did not. To me they are countless, but there is an actual number. Whether any human being could count them all and be accurate I’m not sure, but what I do know is that God knows the exact number for they are His promises. Many Biblical scholars put the number at 7,487 promises of God found in Scripture. So, I’ll go with that. God is not a God that He should lie. When God makes a promise, He sees it through. The responsibility now falls on us, do we believe His promises?
Of all the promises God has made, perhaps the greatest is His promise of eternal life. “This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life…..And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” (1Jn.2:25, 5:11 nasb) If you believe there is a God, then you should believe He is not a deceiver and would not lie. What He promises will come about, because He Himself is God. He has promised those who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, will have eternal life.
The only sure thing we can count on in this world is the promises of God as recorded in Scripture. As noted, there are many to read about in His Word and be encouraged, but we need to take first things first. The first promise of God for us to learn is His love for us and His salvation plan through Jesus Christ that guarantees us eternal life. Every one of His promises is true but let us start with the most important one. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nasb)
Merriam Webster defines ‘mindset’ as, ‘a mental attitude or inclination, a fixed state of mind.’ Another way you can state it, in simple terms, would be it is what you think about all the time. What you think about controls your actions. It’s what you are inclined to do because it is always on your mind. It is your fixed state of mind. So, what is your mindset?
Paul, the apostle, warns us, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things…..So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death.” (Ro.8:5a, 6a nlt) The things we think about, if we let them hang around, will eventually turn into action. Enough action in our sinful nature will lead to death as Paul points out. But Paul also gives us the flipside in stating, “but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit…….letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Ro.8:5b,6b nlt)
While it is true all Christians are a new creation in Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit, (2Cor.5:17) we still have that old sin nature from our first parents, Adam and Eve. We are to allow the Holy Spirit to control us, and we are to walk by the Spirit. Paul refers to this several times in his New Testament writings. (Gal.5:16, 5:25; Col.2:6; Ro.8:14.) If we consistently walk in the Spirit our thoughts will be towards God and His righteousness and the ways in which to please Him. Our mindset will be in sync with our creator leading us into an abundant life and peace. So, what is your mindset? It may be time to change direction.
Word for the Soul 