January 31st, 2011
A lot of preachers these days are taking on the prosperity gospel, also known as name-it-and-claim it. They object to TV preachers getting rich by telling us how to get rich, which is allegedly achieved, by the way, by giving our money to them. They call it seed money for the blessings (riches) God will bestow upon us.
Of course, they back up their claim with scripture. Jesus said whatever you ask for in His name, He will give it to you (John 16:24). God told the prophet Malachi that if the people were committed to giving the tithe (“Test me in this.”), He would throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing [wealth?] that we wouldn’t be able to handle it (Malachi 3:10).
It’s like a Christian lottery.
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January 28th, 2011
What does your countenance say to others? How about the tone of your voice, the look in your eyes or your body language? Does it say, “Come on in?” Or does it say, “Keep out of my space?”
We all want to feel welcomed, but we are not always welcoming. Obviously, if you’re sick, you are not as likely to be cordially open to others. Blessed are those that can still do it. Some experts advise us to “be yourself.” Others say live for others (Philippians 2:4). Can you do both?
The Roman playwright Plautus said, “No guest is so welcome in a friend’s house that he will not become a nuisance after three days.”
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January 26th, 2011
Have you ever experienced despair, a feeling of utter hopelessness? Depression is a natural companion to despair, and most of us have felt it one or more times in our lives. I’ve felt depressed before, but I’m not sure that it reached a point of despair.
Sometimes specific circumstances can trigger depression and despair, but there are other times when it just comes over you, and you don’t know why? Oddly enough, many people, including celebrities, can sink to despair, when they have absolutely no problems with security (job, food, home, etc) or pleasure (clothes, jewelry, cars, etc.).
What does our spirit need to deliver us from this valley of fear and doubt? The Apostle Paul writes that his trust in God’s power and the fact that Jesus lives in his heart keeps him from falling into despair. (2 Corinthians 4:7) But plenty of Christians are on anti-depressants, or are receiving counseling for depression. Where is their victory in Christ? Why doesn’t joy come in the morning? (Psalm 30:5)
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January 24th, 2011
The technology that enables you to zoom in from outer space to any country, city or specific address. It makes you think how God must view Earth. But He can zoom right in through the front door. More importantly, He can zoom right into your heart.
I just recently tried Google Earth again. The photos are several years old. I’m sure the day will come when we will be seeing live images, even video, like satellite webcams. God’s video may be a review of our lives, allowing us to Monday morning quarterback how we addressed major events, or even daily dilemmas.
But, you know, we don’t have to have to wait to review our life story with God. We can do it now.
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January 21st, 2011
“Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for.” Proverbs 16:6
This is so much better than having to kill an animal, or even the innocent Son of God. It’s in the Bible, right? So, doesn’t it have to be true? Am I picking and choosing verses I like? Maybe. But, let me be clear. I am choosing based upon rational thought and understanding. I believe the Holy Spirit is leading me in that.
Am I rejecting verses that don’t make sense? No. I’m merely holding them up in question, in the hope that one day they will make sense. By not choosing the obscure verses, am I rejecting Christ? Absolutely not. I am open to His leading. I am not prepared to accept any teaching that doesn’t make sense. Perhaps that is based upon my sinful condition, because of my lack of “faith,” but I don’t think so.
Again, I have asked God to show me the way. I honestly don’t think that I will get the Vacation to Hell prize for wrong answers. Discipline? Yes. Hell? No, at least not the burning torture for ever and ever thing, with no hope.
Love and faithfulness. Now that makes sense.
