“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!
Being joyful is a feeling that is expressed through gladness. It is deeper than being happy, which is momentary, and a little shallow compared to being joyful. Real joy penetrates our inner being placed there by something that stirs our hearts and doesn’t fade over time as quickly as a happy occasion. Most of us experiencing joy can testify that it does seem to slip away on occasion. We may or may not know why, but it is evident that something happens to remove the joy we had. Are there steps we can take to prevent losing our joy? Is God concerned when our joy is slowing fading like the evening sun? Yes, there are steps we can take, and God cares enough that He gave us instructions in His Word how to restore our joy.
The psalmist writes, “How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands.” (Ps.112:1 nlt) Here are two steps to consider if we are not putting them into practice. Do we have the reverence for God we should have? The creator of all things of which there would not be anything if He didn’t create, gave us life and He is worthy of our praise and reverence. We would not be here without Him. The second step we can take to not lose our joy is to obey God’s commands recorded in the Bible. And that is easier said than done.
Rest assured God knows our make-up. He knows we are dust; He created us. We are fallen creatures in Adam’s sin incapable of doing good without His help. If you have lost your joy, ask yourself, how would you answer the previous questions. You may just find the reason why. The Lord wants to restore our joy that has been slipping away due to sin in our lives and by not showing Him reverence. Let us pray along with King David when he said, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” (Ps.51:12 nlt)
“When the LORD your God brings you into the land where you are entering to possess it……… seven nations greater and stronger than you.” Deuteronomy 7:1 NASB.
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Have you ever had the opportunity to do something great? You have been promoted in your job due to your skill set and work ethic, but your new job description is way over your head. You feel intimidated as you examine the scope of your new assignment, but those who put you in there have the confidence you will succeed and have paved the wave for an easy transition. You proceed with hesitation going where you may not want to go.
The nation Israel was about to enter the Promised Land where seven nations that were much stronger than they were resided. The Hittites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, each one greater than Israel, knew the land well due to their long history of living in the land. Israel was promoted to go into the land with detail job descriptions of their assignments. The first and most important one was to trust in God who had been leading them for forty years. The Lord promised that they would be successful in their new position, “When the LORD your God brings you into the land where you are entering to possess and clears away many nations before you.” (Dt.7:1 nasb) The Lord is going to clear away the obstacles in their first assignment through their trust in Him. Israel will still do the work, but it will be the Lord working through them.
You are no different than the nation Israel when God gives you an opportunity for advancement and to glorify His name. You may be overwhelmed by work and the accountability involved, but the Lord will clear away and help you deal with anything over your head. He will give you comfortability and assurance that you can handle the job He assigned you to. Just trust God! You may not have wanted to go, but once you’re there you’ll be glad you did.
“Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’” Mark 4:38 NLT
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Our study this week in the book of Mark reveals an undeniable truth. Jesus is both a man and God the Son. Believers, unbelievers, and theologians have debated for centuries including our current day the deity of Jesus. There are many people of faith who insist Jesus was a good man, a prophet, a teacher, a miracle worker, healer, and a man of love, but He was not God. Perhaps, you may be one with such beliefs. Hopefully, this short passage of scripture will change your mind, or get you thinking through it with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We will see Scripture presenting the truth of who Jesus really is. It’s undeniable!
After a full day of teaching with His disciples by His side, Jesus suggests they go across the lake to the other side. The eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee was the area of the Gerasenes. There were no large cities in that region which meant fewer people. No doubt, Jesus was looking for some much-needed rest. I’m sure the disciples were mentally exhausted from all of Jesus’ teaching as one listening to a college professor’s lectures for hours. The disciples took Jesus’ advice and headed for the boat but take note some people followed them. “So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).” (Mk.4:36 nlt)
Scripture says a fierce storm came up shortly after their departure. Violent storms were not uncommon on the Sea of Galilee. The lake was 690 ft below sea level surrounded by mountains. Warm humid air rising from the lake collided with the cool Mediterranean air making its way through the narrow mountain passages causing a whirlwind effect much like a hurricane. Mark is very descriptive as he captures the effect of the hurricane like winds, “High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.” (Mk.4:37 nlt) Even for experienced fishermen, which some of the disciples were, this was a storm that would sink their boat.
We all go through storms in life, some of them with the potential to sink us. Storms occur even when we are following the Lord’s leading. It seems unlikely, at least in our minds, that God would lead us into a storm, but He did just that leading His disciples into a storm as they left for a mini vacation across the lake. Storms are a part of life in a fallen world, but take heart, Jesus has overcome the world. (Jn.16:33)
Imagine trying to sleep during a violent storm in the middle of a lake. There is loud thunder and streaks of lightning, and the boat is rocking from side to side with water splashing over filling the boat with water. The Bible says Jesus was asleep. Mark notes our Lord’s humanity. “Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion.” (Mk.4:38 nlt) Jesus was so tired and exhausted that even a violent storm couldn’t wake Him. But frantic disciples fearful for their lives were able to wake Him. Jesus heard the cries those who needed Him, His disciples, His followers. We too can be comforted knowing that Jesus hears our cries when we call out to Him.
When awaken, Jesus immediately rebukes the storm and says to the waves to be still. ‘Silence, Be still!’ He silences the storm, and the waves dissipate at once. There was no gradual clearing of the skies as the cold front moved through. No, it was immediate. So miraculous and terrifying was this event the disciples were more afraid now than during the storm, saying to each other, “Who is this man? Even the wind and waves obey him!” (Mk.4:41 ntl) The Ryrie Study Bible notes, “Though not comprehending fully who Jesus was, they knew He was greater than they thought.”
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Jesus did rebuke the disciples for not having faith. Though Jesus was sleeping, if the disciples had faith in God, they had no reason to fear. God the Father was aware of their troubles and God the Son was with them in the boat. Jesus proved His power over nature by calming the storm to nothing. He is Lord over all creation. The apostle Paul writes, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.” (Col.1:15 nlt) Jesus did indeed proved His deity by showing He is Lord over all creation. He proved His humanity by His need for rest when wearied from exhaustion while on this earth, giving us encouragement that He not only understands our needs but is able to care for them because He is God.
One tragic lost story not being reported by most of the world’s news media is the persecution of Christians in Ukraine. This had been a reality since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine three years ago. Some may argue since Ukraine has been predominately Christian for centuries, an attack on the Ukrainian people would be an attack on Christians, that may be true, but it goes much deeper than that.
It is not surprising that Russia, still influenced by their Communist atheist past, although supportive of the Russian Orthodox church, would be persecuting Christians in Ukraine. Russia is actively persecuting their own Christian citizens today in their country. “In 2024, the United States Department of State designated Russia as ‘a country of particular concern’ due to its repression of religious freedom and believers within its borders.” (1) In an opinion piece at ‘The Christian Post’ on February 26, 2025, Steven Moore and Colby Barrett write, “Russian forces have killed 49 faith leaders in occupied Ukraine, while dozens more are being starved and beaten in Russian prison camps. More than 630 places of worship lie in ruins in Ukraine — shelled, looted, or destroyed. The Russian security services have shut down every church in occupied Ukraine they do not control and are imprisoning believers simply for holding Bible studies in their homes.” (2) ‘The Church Times’ reported on January 10, 2025 “that Christians who do not belong to the Moscow-affiliated Orthodox Church are being forced to become ‘underground believers.’” (3)
Linda Burkle Ph.D., states on ‘persecution.org’, that Christians in Ukraine are not only suffering from persecution from Russia but from their own government. Burkle writes, “Under the pretext of the war, the Ukrainian government has targeted religious organizations that are considered to have ties with Russia, such as the Russian Orthodox Church, and by default, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Legislation known as Law 3894, codified in August 2024, will be fully enforced on May 24 and effectively ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and any affiliated groups deemed to be Russian-influenced or sympathetic to Russia. Members of the UOC condemned the Russian invasion, many are serving on the front lines and raising money and support for their soldiers.” (1) For the government of Ukraine to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church when their stand on the war is well-known being in full support of their solders is nothing but an evil attempt to silence the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
This may be the most underreported story of the Russia Ukraine war, but it has not escaped the knowledge of the Lord God. He is intimately aware of every detail of what His children are going through. Our God is a righteous and just God, and He will make all things right in His timing. May we as the church be praying for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and Russia who are suffering persecution during this time. Let us thank the Lord for those news outlets who boldly report the truth, and may we be praying for a soon end to this unprovoked war.
“You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.” Deuteronomy 2:3 NASB
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Life has a way of having us going in circles. We find ourselves engaged in several tasks at the same time. So many things to do and not enough time. Some things are left undone or put on the shelf until a more convenient time which almost never comes. Failing to reach the goals we have set for ourselves is on-going. We start over and repeat the process again and again. Like a dog chasing its tail, we run around in circles. That’s life!
But perhaps going in circles is your own doing. Perhaps you’re running around in circles due to disobedience to God. Most of our troubles stem from the bad choices we make in life. God gives us free will to make choices, but He also expects and desires us to make choices that please Him. Now, there is a difference between a deliberate sinful choice and an honest miscalculation in a choice we made. Unfortunately, we need to deal with the consequences just the same, and the Lord is aware of the circumstances. He will see us through them with grace and a lesson learned. But there are times when the Lord will allow us to wander for a while due to our bad choices.
The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years for their choice in not obeying God to go forward into the Promised Land. This too was for a season, a long one, but it did come to end by God’s grace. The Lord told them, “You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.” (Dt.2:3 nasb) So too, however long you’ve been going in circles for whatever reason it will come to an end. You can count on it. Trust God. You’ll soon hear, turn north!
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up… A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!” Proverbs 12:25, 15:23niv
Christians could speak the kindest words above everyone else, but we often fall well short of it. I’m sure we all know of people who have given Christianity a bad name, perhaps even the person in the mirror. Yes, we all fall short. We encounter people every day who need a kind spoken word to them. If we are living by the fruit of the Spirit, which includes kindness, we will never miss an opportunity to be kind.
By truly walking in the Spirit (Gal.5:22-23), Christians are always ready and prepared to share kind words. Those individuals who approach our space with anxiety, depression, fright, family circumstances, job related issues, or just having a bad day are not in front of us by accident. It is a divinely appointed time to speak kind words.
Our demeanor, if we are properly walking by the Spirit, will portray a calming reassurance that our words are sincere. The Holy Spirit will teach us and guide us along to find the right words to say. These opportunities will open trust to share the gospel with those who do not know the Lord Jesus as their savior. For our Christian brothers and sisters, this is part of being in the family of God to encourage one another with kind words, and what a privilege it is.
There is also great joy in sharing a kind word with one who needs it, especially when the time is right, and it is needed the most. May we be careful not to fall short in the opportunities set before us to share kind words. The time is always right.
The greatest news of all to the world today is that God’s grace brought salvation to all people. Salvation is not restricted to a certain class of people, but is available to every person regardless of race, gender, ethnic group, age, or social class. Satan uses his influence in our fallen world to divide people, while God through the Holy Spirit unites people together and to Himself. Living the Christian life in a fallen broken world is not easy, but the Lord gives us instructions on how to live in today’s world as we look forward to that future day of the Lord.
The first thing Christians are to do is to throw off our old ways we engaged in before we accepted Christ. Admittedly this is not always easy, but it is necessary. God refers to them as ungodly living and sinful pleasures. Scripture also says Christians are a new creation in Christ with the old ways gone and new ways beginning. (2Cor.5:17) The apostle Paul writing to Titus says, “We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.” (Titus 2:12 nlt) All three things Paul instructs us to do are doable through the Holy Spirit we received as a new creation in Christ.
The fact that we live in an evil world is even more reason to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us. The Spirit will help us remember the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Pr.1:7) We can only live in righteousness (doing right on a consistent basis) through the Holy Spirit. And when our lives are totally devoted to God it will keep our focus where it needs to be and not on the pleasures of this world.
The evil one does not give up in his attempts to influence us or divide us once we have committed our lives to Christ but will ramp up his efforts. But if we’re living with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God we can live free from his tactics.
Word for the Soul 