May 31
Truth has been hijacked! Jesus has been kidnapped! Does that sound foolish? I wish it were. Of course, TRUTH is established and will not be negated. Of course, JESUS is on His throne and will return at the appointed time with great power to rapture His Church and take believers to Heaven with Him.
But there is a religion, a worldview that uses the name of Jesus but that has twisted and perverted Him and His truth into an eschatological nightmare. It purports itself to look for His return, but the false Christ for whom this worldview is looking is nothing like the Jesus of the Holy Bible.
The Islamic Jesus is a literal ‘cutthroat’ of the Mahdi. The henchman of the Twelfth Imam. In Islamic eschatology, Jesus will be tasked with the slaughter of Christians and Jews who do not embrace Islam. As we see Islam on the ascendancy because of oil wealth and the political and cultural influence it exerts because of it, may we be ever mindful that we actually have nothing in common with this belief system.
Their ‘god’ Allah is NOT the Jehovah of the Bible, nor is their Jesus the Biblical Jesus. In an age when “the very elect could be deceived” Mark 13:22, may we remember the testimony of God which affirms, “He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” I John 11:25, 26. God, according to Islam, has no son!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
If Truth Is To Survive
May 30
Words. Words are cheap. We live in an age of mass communication where words bombard us from so many sources and with so many conflicting ideas that it is virtually impossible to know what to believe. The sheer volume of TV advertising is enough to boggle the mind, let alone the need to sort through the ‘news’ to ascertain truth.
As with the ads from products offered for sale, the news itself is now presented with an agenda in mind. It is no longer delivered objectively and factually but reflects the marketing strategy of its presenters who want the viewer to be persuaded to a point of view, rather than to be informed.
The new bias in news reporting as well as in general TV and movie viewing is geared toward tearing down our culture—the value system, the laws, the faith—that made us the people we are. The new bias is bent upon transforming us into part of a ‘new order’ which negates all that made us unique and all that blessed us as a nation. Our leadership is shifting gears away from truth and embracing a lie.
As we see our values, based on the Judeo-Christian belief system denigrated and others extolled, as we see our common faith denied, we must keep in mind the essential truth of John 3:16 if we are to survive and if truth is to survive in the onslaught of lies: “God so loved the world, He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Words. Words are cheap. We live in an age of mass communication where words bombard us from so many sources and with so many conflicting ideas that it is virtually impossible to know what to believe. The sheer volume of TV advertising is enough to boggle the mind, let alone the need to sort through the ‘news’ to ascertain truth.
As with the ads from products offered for sale, the news itself is now presented with an agenda in mind. It is no longer delivered objectively and factually but reflects the marketing strategy of its presenters who want the viewer to be persuaded to a point of view, rather than to be informed.
The new bias in news reporting as well as in general TV and movie viewing is geared toward tearing down our culture—the value system, the laws, the faith—that made us the people we are. The new bias is bent upon transforming us into part of a ‘new order’ which negates all that made us unique and all that blessed us as a nation. Our leadership is shifting gears away from truth and embracing a lie.
As we see our values, based on the Judeo-Christian belief system denigrated and others extolled, as we see our common faith denied, we must keep in mind the essential truth of John 3:16 if we are to survive and if truth is to survive in the onslaught of lies: “God so loved the world, He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Anticipation
May 29
Most people who have lived to a ‘ripe old age’ would opt for youth if the choice were given to them. Few things about aging are among the things that would be considered ‘optimum.’ In fact, some of them are downright unpleasant.
Yes, there is the financial security that comes with having lived a normal work life. It is nice to receive retirement monies in the mail rather than having to go to work every day to earn a living; and it’s nice to be among those who have invested wisely and can take pleasant vacations when desired. But that’s pretty much ‘it’ on the plus side.
Older folks reflect upon their working years with regret that they no longer possess the vigor of youth and the hope of wonderful things to come. They know that what they enjoy today is probably the best it’s going to be. But there is one area of anticipation that believers have to look forward to in spite of what the aging process may do to them.
Romans 6:23 says, “The wage of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Though our lives may deserve sin’s wage (and the Word tells us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23) we anticipate with joy that precious gift for which Jesus paid so high a price to obtain for us.
Most people who have lived to a ‘ripe old age’ would opt for youth if the choice were given to them. Few things about aging are among the things that would be considered ‘optimum.’ In fact, some of them are downright unpleasant.
Yes, there is the financial security that comes with having lived a normal work life. It is nice to receive retirement monies in the mail rather than having to go to work every day to earn a living; and it’s nice to be among those who have invested wisely and can take pleasant vacations when desired. But that’s pretty much ‘it’ on the plus side.
Older folks reflect upon their working years with regret that they no longer possess the vigor of youth and the hope of wonderful things to come. They know that what they enjoy today is probably the best it’s going to be. But there is one area of anticipation that believers have to look forward to in spite of what the aging process may do to them.
Romans 6:23 says, “The wage of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Though our lives may deserve sin’s wage (and the Word tells us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23) we anticipate with joy that precious gift for which Jesus paid so high a price to obtain for us.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
...Strangely Dim
May 28
As we grow older, people change. Of course, our physical appearance becomes different. While we can still be recognized as the people we were in our youth, we no longer have the definition of feature or the intensity of coloring that we possessed when we were young.
Once fine bone structure is masked by ‘bags’ under the eyes and the sharp chin is camouflaged by two or three additional ones. Deep lines and wrinkles score our faces and our once muscular arms look more like the ‘wings’ of flying squirrels! Even those who were noted for their good looks in youth aren’t particularly attractive any more.
But—an amazing part of this transformation is that we no longer care about such things. Oh, yes, we want to present ourselves in the best way we can, but our focus is no longer on how we look—or what we own or how much money we have in the bank or how effective we are at our jobs. We are now looking to ‘retire.’ We have done our part and we know it’s time to pass the baton to the next generation.
As the Word says in I John 2:17, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” As we grow older, our focus is on the eternal. Our efforts are channeled toward Heaven. Our eyes are more fully on Jesus. As the old hymn says, “…the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” Halleluiah!
As we grow older, people change. Of course, our physical appearance becomes different. While we can still be recognized as the people we were in our youth, we no longer have the definition of feature or the intensity of coloring that we possessed when we were young.
Once fine bone structure is masked by ‘bags’ under the eyes and the sharp chin is camouflaged by two or three additional ones. Deep lines and wrinkles score our faces and our once muscular arms look more like the ‘wings’ of flying squirrels! Even those who were noted for their good looks in youth aren’t particularly attractive any more.
But—an amazing part of this transformation is that we no longer care about such things. Oh, yes, we want to present ourselves in the best way we can, but our focus is no longer on how we look—or what we own or how much money we have in the bank or how effective we are at our jobs. We are now looking to ‘retire.’ We have done our part and we know it’s time to pass the baton to the next generation.
As the Word says in I John 2:17, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” As we grow older, our focus is on the eternal. Our efforts are channeled toward Heaven. Our eyes are more fully on Jesus. As the old hymn says, “…the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” Halleluiah!
Friday, May 27, 2011
His Gentle Prodding to Help
May 27
It is difficult to stand by. Although we may not be ‘Type A’ personalities, we do tend to want to jump in with both feet and ‘help out.’ Perhaps it begins in childhood when we see our baby brothers and sisters struggling to learn to tie their shoes, for example. We want to simply do it for them.
This trait follows many of us through life. We can hardly keep ourselves from involvement with the affairs of those around us who may be wrestling with difficulty. As teenagers we extend our counsel to our friends who are wrestling with girlfriend/ boyfriend problems and as adults we extend our advice to anyone who will listen.
When we become believers in Christ and followers of His plan for us, we discover that our tendency toward investing ourselves into the lives of others is encouraged. Of course, we must listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit in order that we do not intrude ourselves into matters where the Lord would not wish us to extend assistance, but as a matter of course, we should be anticipating His gentle prodding to help others.
This willingness to be available to help shoulder the burdens and focus the thinking of our fellow sojourners through life’s mountains and valleys is stated in I Thessalonians 5:11 where it says, “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing.” This verse seems to recognize that there is an innate tendency within man to reach out—it is God-planted and should be submitted to His direction.
It is difficult to stand by. Although we may not be ‘Type A’ personalities, we do tend to want to jump in with both feet and ‘help out.’ Perhaps it begins in childhood when we see our baby brothers and sisters struggling to learn to tie their shoes, for example. We want to simply do it for them.
This trait follows many of us through life. We can hardly keep ourselves from involvement with the affairs of those around us who may be wrestling with difficulty. As teenagers we extend our counsel to our friends who are wrestling with girlfriend/ boyfriend problems and as adults we extend our advice to anyone who will listen.
When we become believers in Christ and followers of His plan for us, we discover that our tendency toward investing ourselves into the lives of others is encouraged. Of course, we must listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit in order that we do not intrude ourselves into matters where the Lord would not wish us to extend assistance, but as a matter of course, we should be anticipating His gentle prodding to help others.
This willingness to be available to help shoulder the burdens and focus the thinking of our fellow sojourners through life’s mountains and valleys is stated in I Thessalonians 5:11 where it says, “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing.” This verse seems to recognize that there is an innate tendency within man to reach out—it is God-planted and should be submitted to His direction.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
He Won't Let The Righteous Fall
May 26
Who can you trust? A young couple pledges life-long fidelity to one another. They will love until death parts them. Before they’ve celebrated their tenth anniversary, one, perhaps both of them, is cheating.
The purchase of a new kitchen appliance is a major expenditure. When it doesn’t function properly, the buyer wants a replacement that works. What he gets is numerous visits from the repair department of the store where he made his purchase.
An ally in the ‘war on terror’ receives billions of dollars in aid yearly—and then it is discovered that the world’s most notorious terror mastermind has been living comfortably in a military town there for six years. The host country, that harbored the international criminal, feigned shock at his presence in their midst. They also protested vehemently when its borders were breached in order to bring the terrorist to justice. Who can you trust?
Life is fraught with the anxiety that comes with the fact that so much of life is beyond accepting at face value. What you see ain’t what you get! But the Christ we serve is a God of honor and truth and integrity. His Word says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall,” Psalm 55:22. You may place your absolute confidence in Him for time and eternity. He never breaks His promises. He never fails.
Who can you trust? A young couple pledges life-long fidelity to one another. They will love until death parts them. Before they’ve celebrated their tenth anniversary, one, perhaps both of them, is cheating.
The purchase of a new kitchen appliance is a major expenditure. When it doesn’t function properly, the buyer wants a replacement that works. What he gets is numerous visits from the repair department of the store where he made his purchase.
An ally in the ‘war on terror’ receives billions of dollars in aid yearly—and then it is discovered that the world’s most notorious terror mastermind has been living comfortably in a military town there for six years. The host country, that harbored the international criminal, feigned shock at his presence in their midst. They also protested vehemently when its borders were breached in order to bring the terrorist to justice. Who can you trust?
Life is fraught with the anxiety that comes with the fact that so much of life is beyond accepting at face value. What you see ain’t what you get! But the Christ we serve is a God of honor and truth and integrity. His Word says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall,” Psalm 55:22. You may place your absolute confidence in Him for time and eternity. He never breaks His promises. He never fails.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
He Will Perform His Promises
May 25
Things are not always as they first appear. Many have learned that lesson because they made a snap decision based upon initial information that subsequently proved to be erroneous. Many of us have done something as simple as to follow a fashion fad because ‘everyone’ was wearing it only to recognize it was totally unsuitable for our body type.
Many of us have purchased exercise equipment with utmost confidence that it would help us keep our resolve to get our weight to a desirable level, that we would be toned and fit, only to recognize after months of the equipment sitting unused in the basement that we simply aren’t as resolute as we thought we were.
There is One upon Whom we may stake our confidence, knowing with absolute certainty that, “What He has promised, He is able to perform,” Romans 4:21. He is the One whose Word assures us, “The Lord will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance. Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and the upright in heart will follow it,” Psalm 94:14, 15. We live in an age when right and wrong have been turned around.
The deception of the enemy has blinded the eyes of many to the danger of abandoning God’s law and living as a law unto ourselves. But those who trust in the One who is steadfast and true may rest confidently in His assurance that they have been neither forsaken nor rejected—and on that great day of Jesus’ appearing, righteousness will be established. Unlike fickle man, our God is ever faithful; He will perform His promises.
Things are not always as they first appear. Many have learned that lesson because they made a snap decision based upon initial information that subsequently proved to be erroneous. Many of us have done something as simple as to follow a fashion fad because ‘everyone’ was wearing it only to recognize it was totally unsuitable for our body type.
Many of us have purchased exercise equipment with utmost confidence that it would help us keep our resolve to get our weight to a desirable level, that we would be toned and fit, only to recognize after months of the equipment sitting unused in the basement that we simply aren’t as resolute as we thought we were.
There is One upon Whom we may stake our confidence, knowing with absolute certainty that, “What He has promised, He is able to perform,” Romans 4:21. He is the One whose Word assures us, “The Lord will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance. Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and the upright in heart will follow it,” Psalm 94:14, 15. We live in an age when right and wrong have been turned around.
The deception of the enemy has blinded the eyes of many to the danger of abandoning God’s law and living as a law unto ourselves. But those who trust in the One who is steadfast and true may rest confidently in His assurance that they have been neither forsaken nor rejected—and on that great day of Jesus’ appearing, righteousness will be established. Unlike fickle man, our God is ever faithful; He will perform His promises.
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