dying to live

DON’T PUT ME ON HOLD!

2012-02-02T05:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a long-winded conversation with a phone answering robot before hearing those dreaded words: "PLEASE HOLD.” Lately, it seems many of them have been re-programmed with a courtesy chip that says, “The approximate waiting time for the next representative will be __ minutes.” I really like that feature because it allows me to adjust my expectations.

To say I get disappointed when a service provider tells me he will arrive at my home in 30 minutes, but doesn't for 2 hours, is an understatement. If they would just tell me the truth, it would prevent so much frustration: the stronger the expectation, the greater the disappointment. As long as I am given realistic expectations, I can contentedly occupy myself until he arrives.

Isaiah tells us “God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him” (Is. 64:4). That means that while I am waiting, He is acting. That gives me a peace of mind, knowing He is working ‘behind the scenes,’ and will respond to me when He is finished doing whatever it is He needs to do before He speaks. Being “on hold” with God is not frustrating if I know He is going to answer me in His time. Whenever I start to become impatient, I remind myself: “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed" (Rom. 10:11).

Are You Ready for the Rapture?

2012-02-01T02:47:00.000-08:00

The passengers on the Costa Concordia were given a safety briefing within 24 hours of leaving port. But most did not attend. Lulled by two decades of accident-free cruising, the majority gave little thought to disaster preparedness. It reminds me of how few airline passengers pay any attention to the flight attendants as they give safety instructions! Or similarly, how many Americans are unprepared for disaster despite repeated FEMA warnings.

The parallel of course is the apathy by all too many Christians toward the return of the Lord. Perhaps 20 centuries of waiting has lulled them into apathy. "Where is the promise of His coming?" (2 Peter 3:4). Perhaps too many false alarms have turned them into skeptics.

As foolish as it is to be unprepared for a natural disaster, how much more for the Bride of Christ NOT to be eagerly anticipating, and ready for, the return of her Groom! (Matthew 25: the 10 virgins) No one knows when Christ will return, but when He does, John says there will be those who will "shrink away from Him in shame" (Jn. 2:28) for lack of readiness. Christ’s return is a reason for rejoicing, so I certainly do not mean to compare it to a disaster. But I am afraid it will be for those who are unprepared.

“Return to Me”

2012-01-31T02:07:00.000-08:00

Today's post is not about a movie starring Minnie Driver or a love song by Dean Martin...
“Return to Me” is a recurring theme in the Old Testament (Jer. 4:1; Joel 2:12; Zech 1:3). When a person's world is turned upside down, he either turns to God or turns away—more commonly the latter. Do you remember when, right after God turned the tables on the Egyptians by parting the Red Sea, the people turned on Moses angrily for turning them into victims of a waterless desert. Then when God turned the desert rocks into springs of water, their hearts were turned around. You'd think it would have been a turning point for them, but that’s not exactly how it turned out.

Whenever trouble turned up, they were all too quick to turn and run. Centuries later, threatened by war with Assyria, they turned to Egypt. Did they really think God would turn a blind eye to their offense? He graciously warned them that before things took a turn for the worse, they'd better turn back: “In returning to Me, you will be saved” (Is. 30:15).

Where do you turn when God turns up the heat? Do you turn down God's opportunities for growth? Well, as it turns out, you have a God who is too full of love to turn the page on you. He is waiting for you to "return to Me with all your heart” (Is. 30:18; Joel 2:12). And when you do, He will turn your enemies on their head, and turn your trials inside out (Ro. 8:28; 37).

Stop Pointing the Finger

2012-01-30T01:56:00.000-08:00

By now you’ve all heard about the infamous “finger wagging” encounter between President Obama and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. Regardless of why it happened, or “who started it,” it was arguably improper for Brewer to point her finger in the President’s face.

“Pointing the finger” is an action of blaming, reprimanding, or warning, and worse, a gesture of contempt. Who can forget how President Clinton used it to scold his accusers. And recently, during a Republican debate, Rick Perry pointed condescendingly at Ron Paul.

Finger pointing is as old as Adam who pointed the finger at Eve who pointed the finger at the serpent. It is natural to want to "wag your finger" to point out someone else's error, to justify yourself. Or, to shift the blame when you feel threatened.

"Finger pointing" is soundly condemned by God (Is. 58:9) because of what it is. But He promises if we stop pointing at others, and instead, ask Him to point out our faults, He will bring our relationships to the point of restoration. (Is 58:9-12). Then, instead of pointing at people, we can point people to God, which is really the point of our salvation, isn't it!

When Faced with Death

2012-01-27T02:38:00.000-08:00

We live in a world where it is more normal to be persecuted for your faith than not. We who live in the “free” world must never forget those who live in the face of death every day. Strangely, our nation is allied with countries where Christians are faced with death for following Christ—Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are each on the list of the top ten where Christians have almost no freedom to worship.

Perhaps you read about the brutal murders of Christians in Nigeria this month? One attack was at the Deeper Life Bible Church in the capital: 9 worshipers killed, 19 wounded. One witness said, “There was blood all over the church; it was a horrible sight.”

Can you imagine living every day facing death? But in fact, we do. Dying to 'self.' Every time God shows us the things in our heart we love more than Him (Jn. 14:24). Long before our friends in Nigeria were martyred for Christ, they had already made that decision to love Jesus more than their own lives, even when faced with death (Rev. 12:11). Imagine this: Jesus looks into your eyes and says: "Do you love me more than ____?" (Jn 21:16).

The Empire Strikes Back

2012-01-26T05:40:00.000-08:00

During the time of the early church, the Roman Empire ruled the world. Most conservative scholars believe there will be a re-emergence of the ancient Roman Empire in Europe in the last days. (Daniel 9:26; Rev 17:9-10) This is why it is so important that we pay close attention to what is happening in Europe. Bible scholars have studied the formation of the European Union from the 1990's until the present with great interest.

As of this writing (things seem to change daily) Europe is said to be on the cliff of economic disaster. This week, it is reported that Greece is unable to come to an agreement on the terms of a European bank loan. And both Greece and Italy's citizens are protesting the austerity measures being forced on them. It is not at all unlikely that Europe’s problems will be the catalyst for a major re-configuration of the European Union in 2012. The weaker economies—Greece, Italy, Ireland—may be cut off to avoid bringing down the stronger ones. How the E.U. handles this severe economic test will be a determinant in 21st century geopolitics. Keep your eyes on Europe for the possible return of the Empire.

The “First Time”

2012-01-25T04:54:00.000-08:00

After Gingrich won the election in South Carolina, the media reported this is the “first time” since the modern primary system began that there have been 3 different winners in each of the first 3 contests. Following a year of unprecedented events (weather and politics), "first times" are becoming normal.

“First times” have different connotations, i.e., the “first kiss,” the “first job,” the “first day of school.” Each evokes its own “first” feelings. Most “first times” produce anxiety, a fear of the unfamiliar, i.e.,the “first time” you gave a public speech, or your "first time" driving on the freeway, or the “first time” you sky-dived. Generally we don’t like those feelings, and are quite glad to have them behind us. The second time is so much easier!

It occurs to me that life is full of “first times” when you are young, and when you are older they are fewer, either by circumstance or choice. What I mean is as people get older they reduce the number of unfamiliar things—they cling to the familiar. But if we are “new” in Christ and things are continually being made “new” and we are walking in the “newness” of life, then it seems to me the “first times” never end—with one exception. The “first time” you die will be your “last.” And then there will be an eternity of “first times” (but without any fear!). "Behold, I make all things new" (Rev. 21:5).

There is no such thing as a “Sin Meter”

2012-01-24T04:58:00.000-08:00

This last Sunday many churches commemorated “Sanctity of Life Month” by speaking out against abortion. Shockingly, since 1973, over 30% of U.S. women of child bearing age have had an abortion. Even more disturbing, the rate of abortions for self-identified Christians is nearly the same. So while this is a political and moral issue, it is also a very painful person issue for many women (and men).

I wonder how many women stayed home from church on Sanctity of Life Sunday, yet unable to shed feelings of shame & guilt. Sadly, some sins carry a stigma—abortion being one. And though we all know there is no such thing as a “sin meter,” certain sins seem to be singled out as worse. Another example of this is homosexuality. During the AIDS epidemic, some preachers publicly declared that AIDS was God’s judgment against homosexuals. While there is no doubt that certain sins have more severe consequences, the result of drawing attention to a particular sin is that we appear to be "sin discriminators."

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, rebuking "fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, covetous people, drunkards, revilers, and swindlers" (1 Cor. 6:10.), later adding "quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior" (2 Cor. 12:20), he equalized all sinners. And in a tone of hope and love, declared, “Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 6:11).

Chicken of the Sea

2012-01-23T03:13:00.000-08:00

The phrase “Chicken of the Sea” took on new meaning when the media seized on the phrase to describe the cowardly captain of a cruise ship that crashed off the coast of Italy last week. Apparently ignoring the law of the sea that he must “go down with the ship," saving "women and children first," the supposedly spineless sailor slipped into a lifeboat and abandoned his vessel; thus earning his new moniker: "chicken of the sea!"

Unfortunately, the sad scenario of a scared skipper brings to mind the question people are asking during this election year: “Where is the captain we can trust to lead us out of recession and into prosperity? Where is the commander in chief who has the wisdom to protect us from rogue nations and terrorists?"

Did you know the title "captain" is used twice to describe our LORD: “captain of our salvation” (Heb. 2:10) and “captain of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). The word "captain" connotes strength and confidence, evoking feelings of comfort and security. For example, an honorable Navy captain will engender trust from his sailors who are assured he cares enough to die with them, even for them. We have such a Captain, One who anchors our souls (Heb. 6:19). In the midst of a storm, He calms the seas and quiets the winds. And we have a Captain we can believe when He promises “I will never leave or abandon you” (Heb. 13:5).

What is "MY" Cross?

2012-01-20T01:16:00.000-08:00

I wonder how many followers of Jesus have never truly picked up their cross because they didn’t know what it was. They have not understood that picking up your cross is DYING TO SELF.

DYING TO SELF is when you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely provoked, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight. But instead your heart is content, knowing your Father in Heaven understands you, just like Jesus did.

DYING TO SELF is when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself. But instead you take it all loving silence just like Jesus did.

DYING TO SELF is when you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance, any disruption, when you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any people, when you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can submit inwardly as well as outwardly, washing the feet of those who reject you, just like Jesus did. DYING TO SELF is your cross.

This is my cross to bear and I'm not happy about it!

2012-01-19T05:21:00.000-08:00

“This is my cross to bear” is a statement you won't find in the Bible. It refers to a nagging, unrelenting, undesirable circumstance in your life. Since the expression is often heard by even non-believers, I feel compelled to clarify the difference between this is my cross to bear and taking up my cross.

Having a “cross to bear” implies a burden we didn’t choose. And the point that it is unbearable makes it unbiblical. Why? Jesus said the opposite: “Come unto me all you are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest; my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matt. 11:28).” Therefore, if Jesus' yoke feels burdensome, you are probably trying to carry it in your own strength, or you are carrying something God doesn't want you to carry.

How do you know if it is one, or both, of the above? You know something's wrong when you carry it in bitterness, anger, or resentment; when you complain to God and everyone around you so they know how much you’re suffering; when you expect, self-righteously, to be rewarded one day for your pain.

Taking up our cross means we do so of our own free will, without complaining, or expecting a reward. Rather, we take up our cross because Jesus did, and we "rejoice in our sufferings that we may know Him and be conformed to His death” (Col. 1:24; Phil. 3:10). We must distinguish ourselves from those who consider hardships to be "unbearable" because we have learned to come to Jesus with our burdens (Mark 8:34; Heb. 12:3). [Tomorrow: "What is my cross?"]

What TIME is it?

2012-01-18T02:21:00.000-08:00

What TIME is it? Seems like a simple enough question, but its answer depends on what “time zone” you live in. Or on how you define TIME: the hour of the day, or the season of life, or the age we live in?

The Bible exhorts you to “make the most of your time” (Eph. 5:16), not to be confused with having the “time of your life.” It means to be mindful that "time is short" and there will be a "time of reckoning."

Did you know there is such a thing as an official “Doomsday Clock?” It was created by a group of scientists in 1947 to warn of the perils of a nuclear arms race. The potential for a nuclear war determines the time on the Doomsday Clock. As of January 2012, the Doomsday clock is set at 11:55 p.m.

It occurs to me the scientists have hit on a spiritual law. All men are living on “borrowed time.” “Time waits for no man.” “Time marches on.” When we’re young, we think we have “time on our side,” but when we get older we realize that “time flies,” and we can no longer “take our sweet time,” knowing it will soon be “time to call it a day.” "At one time," Jesus rebuked those who were not able to “discern the times.” (Matt. 16:3). Would you agee that "it's high time" we all learned how to "tell time."

God is Not Mad at You

2012-01-17T02:57:00.000-08:00

God says "let us make man in our image." Man says, "let's make God into our image!" How does he do that? With his “fallen” imagination, he projects his ideas and feelings onto God, in effect, “humanizing” Him. Through Isaiah, God says, “You thought I was just like you.” (50:21)

For example, we think God's anger is like ours. But while ours is a mixture of impatience, retaliation, and self-defense, God’s is righteous: it is anger against sin. God hates sin; hates the pain it causes; hates how it separates us from Him. But He loves mankind (Jn 3:16). For that reason, "God demonstrated His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Ro. 5:8).

The story of the prodigal son illustrates this beautifully. While the son sat in a pig pen of sinful choices, imagining his father's anger, he projected punishment where there was only love and forgiveness. He could not imagine his father was waiting and longing for his return. After times of disobedience, the Jews would distance themselves from God. The prophets tried to tell them God was not mad at them: “God longs to be gracious to you; and He is waiting on high to show you mercy; the Lord of Hosts says, ‘Return to Me; I love you with an everlasting love.’" (Is. 30:18; Zech. 1:3; Jer. 31::3)

Iran’s Plan for Peace on Earth

2012-01-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

Did you know that a driving belief by the Shiite Muslims is the coming of an Islamic messiah, called al Mahdi? They believe the Mahdi's reappearance will be preceded by a 7-year confrontation with evil, ending with an era of universal peace (Sound familiar?). Iranian President Ahmadinejad believes that Iran has been chosen to “pave the path for the glorious reappearance.” In other words, Iran has no reluctance to starting a nuclear holocaust in the region.

Not surprisingly, then, after claiming for years that their nuclear program was only to produce energy, they recently announced their intention to test a nuclear warhead. And since then, they are threatening to close the Straits of Hormuz, warning the US to keep its carriers out of the Persian Gulf. The US responded by ordering additional carriers to the Gulf and adding 15,000 troops in Kuwait. It’s widely feared that a military showdown between the US and Iran is imminent.

Mahmud Ahmadinejad is the most religiously zealous leader on the world scene today: “We don’t shy away from declaring that Islam is ready to rule the world.” Zeal plus power is a terrible force. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way … so when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near (2 Thess. 2:7; Luke 21:28).

Living on Purpose

2012-01-13T02:13:00.000-08:00

The other day I was talking to one of my former students, a bright young man full of ambition. But he confesses to wasting a lot of time—video games, TV, Facebook—none of which contribute anything to his life goals. I assured him his situation is not uncommon. Our culture offers us so many empty things with which to occupy ourselves! I call it "loitering."

Did you know that several years after Joshua and Israel had moved into Canaan, there were still seven Tribes who had not yet taken possession of their portions of the Land ? (Josh. 18) So Joshua asked them, "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord has given you?" They were still living like wanderers. Here they stood, on the edge of God’s gift to them, loitering instead of occupying.

Jesus said “Occupy ‘til I come” (Lk. 19:13). But like the seven Tribes many Christians have never taken full possession of God's plan and purpose. They may tell you they are waiting on God, but they are really just 'waiting around.' Genuine waiting on God means occupying yourself with God's purposes (Col 3:2). That's hard to do when you are predisposed and preoccupied. That's what the the seven loitering Tribes picture for us. So, what did I tell my former student? I said, "Put up a sign in your heart that says 'No Loitering,' and start Living on Purpose."

Underground Bunkers for End-of-World Survivors

2012-01-12T05:54:00.000-08:00

By now you've all heard of the Mayan prediction that the world will end in December 2012. However, not all 'Mayan' scholars agree with that interpretation; they say the Mayans believed in cycles of creation, and were simply predicting the beginning of a new cycle. "At the very least," one cynical sociologist commented, "the doomsday prediction is a chance for entrepreneurs to cash in."

Sure enough, the American firm 'Vivos' is selling peace of mind for the end-of-world worriers, building 20 underground “assurance of life” communities, each one capable of sustaining 4,000 people for a year. Only after paying $50,000 and passing a pre-qualification that determines one's worthiness will he or she be able to live in one of these ground-breaking hotels.

Given the above, consider the words of the Psalmist, "Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, all the defenses in the world won't help." Paul assures us that "when the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we will have an eternal house in heaven." (Ps. 127:1, 2 Cor. 5:1) And the good news: we have been "pre-qualified" as worthy for one of those 'move-in-ready' homes.

The Church Must Be Warned

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

I know my warnings of Joel Osteen's teaching must trouble some of my dear friends. But his doctrinal omissions can confuse, even deceive, the sheep. We live in a time when the integrity of the Bible faces great challenges—from liberal theologians, from the new emerging church teachers, and from psychologically oriented purveyors of happiness and self-fulfillment. But where are the warners?

Who will warn them?

Too few of today’s shepherds are warning the sheep. Given the aforementioned attack on sound doctrine, I do not understand why. It makes me wonder if “political correctness” (concern about offending people) has so penetrated the church, we have become fearful of appearing confrontational. I wasn't shocked when Joel Osteen wouldn't say that Mormons are not Christians, but when Franklin Graham, appearing on CNN, avoided answering the question, I was a little surprised.

While I understood that Graham wisely chose not to feed the Media's appetite for sensational soundbites, the question remains: who will speak the truth? It appears “truth has stumbled in the streets and is nowhere to be found” (Is. 59:14). Paul said, "For 3 years I never stopped warning you that men will distort the truth" (Acts 20:30). John said, “Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit, but test them to see if they are from God; there are many false prophets” (1 Jn 4:1). When did you last hear a sermon warning you of false doctrine or teachers?

Are We Fourth Quarter Christians?

2012-01-10T06:03:00.000-08:00

On today’s front page of USA Today, evangelical Christian Tim Tebow is proclaimed a “one-man cultural blitz.” His miraculous overtime win against the Steelers has put him front and center of the whole world. Throwing 316 yards added to the mystique (John 3:16 in the top 3 Google ‘searches’ of the day). But the uniquely amazing thing about Tim Tebow’s ‘game’ is when he wins: in the 4th quarter and in overtime.

The spiritual analogies are exploding in my brain like popcorn. But this “fourth-quarter/overtime” winning phenomenon is shouting for attention. A survey of God’s men of faith reveals they were “4th quarter” winners. Moses’ faith was rewarded in the 4th quarter parting of the Red Sea ; Abraham received God’s overtime promise when there was no possibility of natural conception; Daniel astonished the king with an overtime deliverance from hungry lions.

On the other end of faith, however, was King Saul, an impatient man who lost in the 4th quarter. Unwilling to wait until Samuel arrived, he gave in to the fear of man, losing not only Samuel’s blessing but the kingdom itself. My friends, does it feel you like you are in the 4th quarter? Moreover, are we not all living in the 4th quarter of Time? Do we have 4th quarter faith? Could this need for 4th quarter faith be what Jesus spoke of when he asked, “when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8)

Cut it out!

2012-01-09T05:20:00.000-08:00

I read an article about Governor Brown's proposed tax cuts in California in which the writer described it using the idiom, “death by a thousand cuts.” It means “lots of small bad things are happening, none of which are fatal in themselves, but which add up to a slow and painful demise.”

"What a graphic metaphor," I thought, "for Paul’s I die daily" (1 Cor. 15:31). We crucify the self-life a thousand times a day when we respond in love and grace to unexpected interruptions, unfair criticisms, demands from 'un-deserving' people: things that bring out the worst in us! But as we say ‘yes’ to God's interests, the cross cuts to the bone of our self-life: pride, ambition, and a host of what Tozer called the hyphenated self sins: self-importance, self-defense, self-indulgence, self-pity, even self-sensitivity.

The cross proves that God loved the world too much to leave it in its fallen condition. Likewise, God loves you too much to save you and then leave you without a way to cut out your cancerous self-life. The “daily cross” is a very personal focal point in your private life with God. Unfortunately, not many are willing to take up this cross (Matt. 16:24). They may acknowledge their co-crucifixion with Christ; they may even say they want to "die daily." But at the first sign of pain, they pull back, refusing to let God cut it out.

Should We Fear Living in a Nuclear World?

2012-01-06T05:28:00.000-08:00

If Iran develops a nuclear warhead, it will only be a matter of time before other countries in the region follow suit, fueling a nuclear arms race in the fiery Middle East. And since unstable Pakistan is part of the nuclear community, no one wants to think what might happen if its unpopular U.S. backed government is toppled and replaced by one sympathetic to Al Qaeda; while across the world, a new young leader of North Korea has his untested hand on a nuclear trigger, and its neighbor to the north, China, already in possession of 400 nuclear warheads, is ready to rumble.

Some biblical scholars believe that a a nuclear holocaust could be the meaning of Jesus’ prophetic words “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened” (Matt. 24:22). The fact that the world's nations now have the arms capability to destroy the earth is too apocalyptic to be ignored.

The possibility strikes fear in the heart of mortal men. But however you interpret Jesus’ words, one thing is clear: the protection of the elect. Imagine a nuclear holocaust as you read these words: "Do not dread the destruction that lays waste at noon; a thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you… He is your refuge and fortress in Whom you can trust” (Ps. 6-7, 2 ed).

Beware of Hidden Faults

2012-01-05T02:53:00.000-08:00

Residents of California have reason to fear "the big one" [earthquake] because the state is home to a variety of 'known' fault lines. Even more fearful, there are more faults hidden beneath the earth that we don't know about.

Geologically speaking, a fault is a breach in the rock. Humanly speaking, a fault is a sin causing a breach with God. Faults known to us may be hidden to others. Conversely, faults hidden to us may be obvious to others. King David said, “How can I know the sins lurking in my heart, [and be] cleansed from these hidden faults” (Ps. 92:12).

Ray Steadman answers, “God's way of dealing with hidden faults is either to send somebody to point them out to you or to bring them out through some circumstance in which you are suddenly confronted with what you have done or said and you find it is ugly and you do not like it. That is how God cleanses us from hidden faults. He opens up the secret places.”

Reflecting on Ray's words, it occurred to me that God's word comes in and fills up those secret, hidden places to make us faultless: "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee" (Ps. 119:11).

You Can’t Make Me Like You!

2012-01-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

The upsurge in violence since the U.S. military left Iraq reminds me that our coerced peace was like a mother who says to her fighting children: “Tell each other you’re sorry and make up.” Of course forcing the Shiite and Sunni Muslims to reconcile after centuries of hatred was not realistic. And as soon as the “adults” were gone, the Shiite Prime Minister accused his Sunni Vice President of treason and ordered him arrested. The sectarian violence that followed resulted in 60 deaths throughout Baghdad.

If forcing someone to love you is a contradiction, how can God command us to “love one another?” Isn’t that coercion? Well it would be, if it were beyond our ability to do so. But when Christ takes up residence in our hearts, we become lovers by way of our new nature, "the Holy Spirit filling our hearts with His love" (Ro. 5:5). This is what sets us apart from the world. For born again believers, the command to love one another is not the "have to" of external compulsion but the "want to" of internal desire.

It occurs to me that perhaps we are not so different from our fellow citizens across the globe. In light of worsening division between the secular culture and conservative Christians, we could be facing our own version of Sunni-Shiite hostility before long, in which case we need not only to love one another, we need to love our enemies.

Is the Death Penalty Wrong? Let’s take a vote!

2012-01-03T02:22:00.000-08:00

In a democracy, society decides what is right or wrong by taking a vote!

Wouldn’t it be great if voters passed a law allowing you to shoot your noisy neighbor, or your mean boss? Why not? Is that any worse than passing a law that allows a woman to kill her baby? And what about a school board that votes to give sex education and condoms to school children? Does their vote make it right? In the last decade, Board members of many private companies have voted to give the same health benefits to their unmarried (gay or straight) employees' partners as to those who are legally married. Does their vote legitimize what we once called "living in sin?"

And every day, TV viewers vote for gratuitous violence, lying, cheating, steeling, pornography, fornication, adultery, gay marriage, and a host of topics and behaviors that were formerly banned by the FCC. How do they vote? With their eyes—as proven by the high ratings! Unfortunately, even Christians watch these shows, thereby, albeit unknowingly, voting their approval!

The question is: How do we Bible-believing citizens cast our vote? Answer: with our 'feet' and our 'mouth' - walking away from evil and speaking against it: "Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them...speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 5:11-12; 4:15).

Have a “New” Year!

2012-01-02T03:39:00.000-08:00

With each passing year, I am more grateful for the “newness of life” in Christ (Rom. 6:4). Though natural men may call me a senior citizen, as a spiritual man, I am actually getting newer, “being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). The world says I am the sum total of everything I have ever done, including my failures (ugh!) But the Bible says "all things are new" (2 Cor. 5:17). And it is the new that defines me, not the old. My life is now being “summed up in Christ” (Eph. 1:10).

When God created the world He separated each day with the curtain of night. Yesterday is behind the curtain. Regardless of yesterday's failure, today is a new start. “His mercies are new every morning” (Lam. 3:23). That doesn’t mean I can’t learn from the past; it just means I am not going to live in the past and let it hold me back.

Paul said, “One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Phil. 3:13-14). How can you make this a “new” year? Leave yesterday behind; after all, you can’t change it. All of God's today’s are brand new. Don't waste another day in bondage to the past. When Christ was buried, so was your past! Enjoy your freedom. Walk in the newness of life!

2012: Are We Running Out of Time?

2011-12-30T02:13:00.000-08:00

When I worked for the government, the assignments on my ‘to-do’ list and the documents in my ‘in-basket’ were categorized by due date. Everything was “time sensitive.” The consequence of missing a due date could shut down a government program.

Jesus knew His work on earth was time sensitive—“I must do the works of Him who sent me while it is day because night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). A modern translation might read: “I must quickly carry out the tasks assigned me by the one who sent me.” Without 'organizer' or 'i-phone,' Jesus was able to do everything 'in time,' on-time. Knowing that He spent each morning alone with His father, I have to wonder, was He receiving His “assignments” for the day?

We should not, however, imagine that Jesus feared running out of time, as you and I might. Rather, His statement acknowledges that 1) each of us is only given so much time, John 11:9, and 2) our time will end. And like Jesus, we too have only one brief lifetime to fulfill the ministry God has us called to. Our earthly lives are “time sensitive.” Will we be able to say as He did: “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do” [and right on time!] (John 17:4).

Speaking more globally, someday TIME will run out (literally). The world will cease to exist as we know it, and TIME will be no more. Might 2012 be the year the world finally runs out of TIME?

The Antichrist and the New World Order

2011-12-29T03:27:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month, I suggested that the stage is being set for the antichrist's one-world government. Since then, I found this statement by David Rockefeller from 1994. "We are on the verge of a global transformation. All we need is the right major crisis and the nations will accept the New World Order." Every president since Regan has spoken of a new world order to describe the uniting of superpowers to secure global peace, safety, and stability.

David Rockefeller couldn’t have known how soon the predicted ‘major crisis’ would occur. But on 9/1/1, the world entered the war on terror that continues today with no end in sight. The need for a united front against terror is paving the way for a New World Order.

The New World Order will provide the antichrist a system of command and control to fulfill the Bible prophecy that just before Christ's return people will be saying, everything is peaceful and secure” (1 Thess. 5:3 NLT). It behooves us to pay close attention to the candidates running for president in 2012 to see how they plan on addressing these global concerns. Listen for the phrase "New World Order."

Lesbian couple win the Navy’s traditional first homecoming kiss

2011-12-28T03:22:00.000-08:00

With the ban on “Don’t ask; don’t tell” implemented this year, gay men and women in the military no longer have to hide their sexual orientation. And last week, Petty Officer Marissa Gaeta proved it by kissing her girlfriend (also a sailor) after her ship returned from 80 days at sea.

It is a time-honored tradition at Navy homecomings: one lucky sailor is chosen to be first off the ship for the long-awaited kiss with a loved one. It was the first time on record that a same-sex couple had even taken part in the tradition, let alone won the honor of the first homecoming kiss.

Of course civil rights advocates and cultural progressives will be celebrating this event, saying gays and lesbians have waited a long time to right this wrong. But wrong does not become right by the passing of time. And while it is true that culture changes with time, along with the public’s sense of right/wrong, the Bible does not. When a society severs itself from its biblical roots, the slide toward moral relativity is inevitable. And then one day, you wake up and realize that what was once shocking has become commonplace. "... and all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes" (Judges 17:6).

You can't shop at Safeway without the Mark of the Beast

2011-12-27T01:56:00.000-08:00

Standing in a long line on Christmas Eve at my local Safeway store, I remembered that I had not yet received a PIN for my new debit card, and to make it worse, I didn’t have a credit card on me. In a panic, I quickly checked my wallet to see if I had enough cash. I did. Disaster averted.

But as I drove home, I thought about the verse in Revelation: “He causes all...to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark of the beast” (Rev.13:16-17). It adds new meaning to that 1990's American Express credit card commercial, "Dont leave home without it."

Are you aware that the technology already exists today to create an implantable device that will be used as an identifier and credit card? The implant would basically be a portable PC. For most people it could be planted under the skin “on their right hand” but for others, “on their foreheads.” It's hard not see this modern technology, for those who can discern the times (Matt. 16:3), as yet one more sign that the scene is set for 'last days' events.

Taking the mark of the beast is an act that carries eternal consequences. But don’t burn your credit card just yet. By the time the mark of the beast is required, the church will (likely) have been raptured.

What’s so Merry about Christmas?

2011-12-23T03:01:00.000-08:00

This Christmas day, many millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are lacking adequate shelter, food, and clean water. And an estimated 100 million of them suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ. For these deprived and persecuted members of our family, what’s so “merry” about their Christmas?

Please don't think I'm a Grinch! But considering the aforementioned, don't you think the festive word “merry” might be just a little too frivolous, or at least insensitive? Is there a more appropriate word? As I tried to answer that question for myself, I discovered that the root of “merry” is “peace.” Throughout civilization, “Peace” has been the universal greeting. Still today Jews say, “shalom” and Muslims, “salam.” Perhaps because the early Christians suffered persecution and deprivation (Heb 10:32), Paul began his letters with "Peace be with you" (1 Cor 1:3, 2 Cor, 1:2; Gal 1:3; Eph 1:2, etc).

Sadly, not everyone will have a "merry" Christmas, but everyone who knows the “Prince of Peace” can enjoy the “peace of God” (Is. 9:6; 1 Thess. 5:23; Phil. 4:7). And so, to all of you, Altha and I pray “that God would fill you with all joy and peace so that you may overflow with hope” this Christmas (Rom. 15:13).
Peace be with you.

If you look at Jesus long enough…

2011-12-22T02:29:00.000-08:00

When we find ourselves in confusing circumstances, life seems like a hard puzzle where the pieces don’t fit together—and we convince ourselves the manufacturer must have made a mistake! When you are trying to make sense out of the puzzle called ‘your life,” wouldn’t it be great if you could just look at the picture on the box it came in? You can.

The “picture” we are to study is Christ; the “box” is the Bible. We must study Christ in the pages of the Bible in order to be “conformed to the image of Christ” (Rom. 8:29). In fact, if you don’t look long and hard at Jesus, you will never see how things fit together.

Paul promises that when you fix your eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2), two things happen. First, God will cause all things [pieces] to work [fit] together for good” (Rom 8:28). Second, Paul says the more we look at Jesus, the more we become like him and will be "changed into His glorious image” (2 Cor. 3:18). Do you want to solve the puzzle? Do you want to see what and who you are? Do you want to see how it all fits together? Keep studying the box. Keep looking at the Picture.

Is Joel Osteen a False Shepherd or Just Irresponsible?

2011-12-21T02:36:00.000-08:00

On his talk show recently, Piers Morgan asked Joel Osteen whether Mormonism was a Christian faith. Significantly, Joel had been asked the same question during the 2008 campaign. At that time, he claimed ignorance, but conceded that if they said they were Christians, he wasn’t going to judge them.

Look Closely

Now, three years later, he is again being asked about the strange teachings of the Mormons (Jesus was the brother of Lucifer from a planet named Kolob, and that all Mormon men will be gods on their own planets). And his reply has not changed: “I probably don’t get hung up in them because I haven’t really studied them or thought about them… I mean, I don’t know.” Why hasn’t Joel studied the issue—he’s had 3 years to do so? How can he still claim ignorance? Does this make Joel Osteen a false teacher, or just very irresponsible?

The question deserves serious consideration. Every year, the media identify Joel as one of the most influential people in America. For him to claim that Mormonism is a Christian religion shows a shocking ignorance of basic biblical doctrine—an irresponsibility of biblical proportions that is sure to confuse the sheep!

Is Marriage on the Rocks?

2011-12-20T02:51:00.000-08:00

I can’t tell you how many people have asked me if I think Glenn Beck (who converted from Catholicism to Mormonism) is a Christian. Most Americans refer to themselves as Christian. But what does that mean to them? America has produced a plethora of Christianized groups professing a Christian worldview. But if you look close enough, you'll see they don’t have a “Biblical" worldview.

Researcher George Barna reports that while 80% of Americans consider themselves Christian, only 6% have a Biblical worldview. The distance between the two grows greater every day. Those who live by the Bible are seen as disconnected from the culture, and dangerously intolerant of its changes.

A recent poll shows that the institution of marriage is on the decline. A Pew Survey shows that in 1960, 68% of all twenty-something’s were married, but in 2008, just 26% were. Moreover, the survey finds that the millennial generation is inclined to view cohabitation without marriage and other new family forms, such as same-sex marriage, as a normal and acceptable part of the culture. Yet many of these would claim they espouse a Christian worldview, obviously not realizing how much they have been shaped by the culture. That’s why we must promote a Biblical worldview. If so-called Christians aren't firmly established on this Rock, their so-called faith will end up “on the rocks.”

Tim Tebow v. the Occupiers

2011-12-19T02:24:00.000-08:00

Denver Bronco’s quarterback Tim Tebow and the Occupy movement are occupying my thoughts these days. Tim Tebow, a single-minded young man, inspires believers, and perplexes agnostics. Yesterday, although he lost the opportunity to play (or pray) his way to a 7th straight victory, against the champion Patriots, still, all eyes are on this extraordinary young man of faith.

On the other hand, the Occupy movement lacks the focus of a goal or unified message. Sadly, I find it an apt metaphor for the 21st century church in America, floundering to find its voice and message to this generation. The lack of unity and the absence of clear leadership is troubling.

More than any time in the history of Christianity, there is a need for single-minded devotion to Jesus (2 Cor 11:3). If the Occupiers are a metaphor for the chaos and division in the world today, then Tim Tebow is a metaphor for the opposite. Maybe God has raised up Tim Tebow "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14).

God’s Plan for Peace in the Middle East

2011-12-16T03:14:00.000-08:00

Last month, our Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta rebuked Israel and the Palestinians for not working hard enough on a plan for peace. Every administration for the last 60 years has tried to champion peace in the Mideast, every president hoping he would leave a legacy as the world's greatest peacemaker.

Let's be honest. The only peacemaker this world will ever know is Jesus Christ. His peace plan is found in nearly every prophet book; it is called the Day of the Lord. When Jesus returns to earth, He is going to sett up a 1000-year reign, a time of perfect peace when men will no longer war with one another and "the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, and a little boy will lead them" (Is. 11:6).

If Secretary Panetta would read the Bible, he would meet the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6), and understand God’s plan for peace in the Middle East. That's not to say we should not be praying for peace in the world. But more so, we should be "looking for and hastening the coming of the day of the Lord" (2 Pe 3:12) when there will be everlasting peace on earth.

Have you heard of “tebowing”?

2011-12-15T01:38:00.000-08:00

The other day I was quite moved by this picture of Denver Bronco's quarterback Tim Tebow, kneeling on the football field. (For more information on Tim, see my 11/24/post.) While Tim is normally a passer, this time he is on the receiving end of mockery and ridicule.

I recently discovered that Tim Tebow’s practice of praying publicly before every game has been captured in a new word in the Urban dictionary: “tebowing.” It means “to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.” In itself, the term “tebowing” sounds respectful. But that is not at all how it is being used. A mocking website, called Tebowing.com, has sprung up, featuring dozens of photos of people tebowing on NY City streets, tebowing in silly costumes, tebowing at a construction site, tebowing before the Taj Mahal etc.

You and I know of course that Tim is actually praying when he is kneeling. But "tebowing" has become a mockery of this young man's faith in God. On a higher note, however, the Urban dictionary has also added the adjective “tebow” which is used to describe a person who is honorable, respected, and/or amazing. And wouldn’t you agree that our brother Tim is very ‘tebow!’

The “God Particle”

2011-12-14T05:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I read in the paper that scientists are on the brink of finding what holds the universe together: a never-before-seen subatomic particle thought to be a fundamental building block of the universe. Its nickname is "The God particle"—coined by the author of the 1993 book, “The God Particle: If the Universe Is the Answer, What Is the Question?” Since 1960, scientists have hypothesized that the “God particle” explains how, after the Big Bang, matter obtained mass. As such, it was the agent that made the stars, planets, and life possible; hence the nickname "God particle."

Today I read in the Bible, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see...Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together” (Col. 1:15-17 NLT).

Internet Evangelism adds a whole new meaning to “Searching” for God

2011-12-13T02:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I read about a ministry called Global Media Outreach (GMO) which presents the gospel online through websites such as WhoisJesus-Really.com and GrowinginChrist.com. Worldwide, over 5,000 cyber missionaries have been trained to respond to online questions by searchers and seekers. The ministry broke a record last year when 687,000 people made decisions for Christ in one day. More than 15 million people have indicated initial decisions for Christ since GMO's founding in 2004.

You may wonder, as I did, how effective this ministry is in securing lasting professions of faith in Jesus. Well, Global Media Outreach recently conducted a survey of those who had made decisions to follow Christ, and over half reported they had subsequently share their faith with others, and that they read their Bibles and pray daily.

Although we often focus on Jesus’ warning about the birth pains that will precede the days before His return, we should not forget that in the same sermon, He said, "this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matt 24:14). Perhaps I have underestimated the positive power of the Internet in God’s plan to evangelize the world! Evidently, many people are “searching” for Jesus.

What does Jesus want for Christmas?

2011-12-12T06:05:00.000-08:00

Since writing about the war on Christmas last week, I've been thinking that there is also a war that goes on in the hearts of believers at this time of year: the battle between flesh and spirit (Gal. 5:17) which is antagonized by consumemrism, in the battle of “worshopping” vs. worshipping.

The birth day of Jesus began with worship, a host of angels singing to the shepherds in the fields, “Glory to God in the highest.” And after the shepherds had seen Jesus, the Bible says they “went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). And then later, wise men arrived from their thousand-mile journey, saying, “We have come to worship Him" (Matt. 2:2).

How ironic it is that since Christmas day falls on a Sunday this year, many churches are deciding whether to shorten, if not cancel, their “worship” services. As important as that may be, I think there is a larger issue we ought not to lose sight of. Whether at church or home, will we have a spirit of worship? Whether or not you choose to attend church on Christmas morning, may I suggest that before opening your presents, you pause and thank God for sending the greatest gift of all, “a savior who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Of all the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus, the most precious one was the gift of worship. “Come, let us worship and bow down… and thank God for his indescribable gift!” (Ps. 95:6; 2 Cor. 9:15)

The Ruinous Rapture

2011-12-11T05:26:00.000-08:00

As a follow-up to yesterday’s post, I think I must clarify that many credible biblical scholars believe the Rapture will occur before the tribulation (Matt. 24:29-31; 1 Thess. 4:16-17). Therefore, some think there’s a strong likelihood that the rapture of the Church could be the event that precipitates the final collapse of the world economy. Not only will the raptured ones leave behind houses, cars, jobs, etc., but their unpaid debts could be ruinous to banks and mortgage companies and the housing market.

If this happens, those who are left behind will have a monumental task on their hands to restore some sense of security. I don’t think anyone cay say the Rapture will definitely occur before the tribulation. But whenever it does occur, just imagine the damaging impact on the world—economically, psychologically, spiritually. “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matt. 24:21).

Are we laying the foundation for the AntiChrist?

2011-12-10T01:40:00.000-08:00

In his apocalyptic vision in the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John introduces the “beast,” also called the Antichrist (Revelation 13:1). John describes him as the ruler of a vast empire, with power & authority given to him by Satan (Revelation 13:2), receiving worship from all the world (13:3-4), and ruling every tribe, people, language and nation (13:7). Combining his vision with Daniel’s (7:16-24), scholars of biblical eschatology conclude that some sort of world system will be inaugurated by the AntiChrist.

In 2011, the world’s national economies are more interdependent than any other time in history. And no place on earth will be untouched by the coming financial tsunami. Increasingly, economists are suggesting that the only solution to this crisis is the establishment of a one-world banking system and currency. And when that happens, isn’t it logical that a one-world government cannot be far behind?

Daniel and John didn’t say why people will accept the total authority of a single man in the last days. Indeed, it’s hard (especially for democratic citizens like us) to imagine how the world’s nations would subjugate themselves to a single authority. A logical conclusion is that the disasters described in Revelation 6-11 will create such a monumental global crisis that people will embrace anything and anyone who promises to give them relief. The time has arrived for God's watchmen to speak out (Ezekiel 33:6).

When the Wrapping is Removed…

2011-12-09T06:15:00.000-08:00

Some people go to great lengths to wrap their Christmas gifts, creating beautiful, ornate packages. Inside the wrapping, however, could be a very common gift. Conversely, God's precious gift to mankind was delivered in very common wrapping. The correlation is straightforward. Mankind dresses up his frail flesh in finery, while God cloaked Jesus’ finery in frail flesh (Romans 8:3).

The Jewish leaders could not accept that Jesus was the Messiah because they expected him to arrive in the wrappings of royalty. But even as His divinity was wrapped in human form, so too, His divine life lies within us, under the trappings of sinful flesh. But, when Christ, who is our life, is revealed, we also will be revealed with Him in glory. But until then, we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (1 Cor. 15:49; Col. 1:27;2 Cor. 4:7). And that about wraps it up, doesn’t it.

Beware the Holidaze

2011-12-08T07:29:00.000-08:00

Walking through the mall the other day, I saw a multitude of ‘holiday’ shoppers rushing from one store to another, in a daze, looking for the next ‘sale.’ A friend told me that she went to the Mall last weekend and was caught up in the moment, spending more than she had planned because the savings were so great. It’s true. Shrewd retailers lure you into their stores with low prices, bewitching you, holidazing you, by the sights and smells.

Of course you know I’m going to take a leap right now into a spiritual analogy. Paul scolded the Galatians for having been bewitched: “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the truth?" The Galatians were “buying” into false doctrines.

Curiously, the Greek word "bewitched” means to “charm” or “fascinate.” How apt for our comparison to holidaze. From the moment they enter the retailers' realm, shoppers are fascinated and charmed into satisfying their senses. Likewise, this should serve to remind us of the temptations we face. If we are not careful, we (like the Galatians) will be bewitched by the one who disguises himself as an “angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14) into doing things we never intended to do!

Politically correct trees

2011-12-07T03:19:00.000-08:00

As in the last several years, the advent of Christmas brings on the anti-Christmas campaigners. Last year, one public school administrator tried to prevent students from wearing red and green. Last week, a Rhode Island Christmas tree farmer who had donated the annual Christmas tree for the State Capitol threatened to take it back after the governor said he would be referring to it as a “holiday tree” at the lighting ceremony tonight. In other words, he may turn the lights on “a” tree, but it won’t be a Christmas tree.

Turning off Christmas, as it were, is a fitting parallel to the increasing darkness that is covering the western world (U.S. and Europe) with anti-Christian sentiment. For those of us who has been alive for more than a half-century, this increasing moral darkness is very real. But sadly, the millennial generation have so accustomed themselves to this present darkness, they think it is normal.

Can you imagine how dark it is going to be even five or ten years from now? If you are you afraid the darkness is going to snuff out the light, don’t worry. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light because Jesus gave life to everything that was created, and His life has brought light to everyone, and His light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will never extinguish it.” (NLT, Isaiah 9:2; John 1:4-5) They may turn off the Christmas lights, but they’ll never extinguish the Light of Christ!

Tear gas and pepper spray won’t work

2011-12-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

I feel like I need to apologize for appearing to milk this “occupy” movement, but the spiritual analogies are relentless! From beginning to end, the Bible abounds with occupiers. It appears our government is discovering a biblical principle you and I have known for years. Once you let those “occupiers” set up camp, they are not easily gotten rid of. Their site becomes a stronghold.

Even so, once we allow sinful thoughts to enter and occupy our minds, they set up camp. Interestingly, Paul calls this campsite a mindset: “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). And then Paul describes this mindset as a “stronghold of human reasoning” (2 Cor. 10:3), and that it will take “God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons” to knock them down (tear gas and pepper spray won’t work).

It is therefore all the more critical that we be careful what occupies our minds. “Fix your thoughts on [occupy your minds with] what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise—on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (Phil. 4:8; Col 3:2)

How did they find missing children before there were milk cartons?

2011-12-02T05:44:00.000-08:00

Some years ago, there was a TV program called “Without a Trace,” about persons who disappeared suddenly. Do you remember the missing kids on milk cartons? Before there were Amber Alerts, the faces of America's missing children stared out from milk cartons during a short-lived initiative by the National Child Safety Council. The problem of missing persons is severe enough that there are national organizations devoted to finding them—children and adults.

It occurred to me recently that the first missing person was Enoch. We know little of him—only that “he walked with God; and was no more, because God took him.” In Hebrews, we read, "he was pleasing to God." (Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5) Do you realize how humble Enoch, the recipient of such grace, must have been? How else could he please God? "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

I think that the more that you and I, like Enoch, walk in humility with God, the more likely we are to disappear. Paul said we are “hidden in Christ” (Col. 3:3). I think that means, in part, that people won’t see you and me anymore—they will see Jesus. Could this be the meaning of Paul's words, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Could this be the secret John the Baptist learned, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:3). What do people see when they look at us? Have “we” disappeared yet?

“When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping”

2011-12-01T05:08:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are upon us—today begins the December countdown of shopping days to Christmas. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have already surpassed even the most optimistic expectations; economists are predicting a banner year for retailers. (I wonder how much of these sales were on credit cards?)

Considering that 83% of Americans remain anxious about the world economy, and that the world is fraught with more political ‘hot spots’ than any time in recent memory (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, Syria), it appears that Americans may be trying to spend their way out of the doldrums and into a Christmas spirit— to quote the American maxim, “when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”

Some things never change! Three millennia ago, Isaiah chided the people for spending their money on that which does not satisfy (Is. 55:2). And Solomon (the richest man alive at the time) concluded, “Give me neither poverty nor riches. Give me just enough to satisfy my needs” (Prov. 30:8). Though I doubt that such a philosophy would be heralded by retailers, it would certainly bring more peace on earth.

Occupiers are Holding Fast

2011-11-30T05:44:00.000-08:00

You probably think I’m really “milking” this “Occupy” movement, but it is so loaded with analogies, I can’t help myself. Yesterday, writing about the apparent dementia that affects the rank and file of Bible believing Christians, I quoted Hebrews 2:1, "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we [our thoughts] do not drift away.”

Significantly, the Greek word translated "pay attention" means "to turn the mind to or to occupy oneself with a thing or thought." The believers to whom the author was writing had heard the gospel, but didn’t occupy themselves with their new-found faith; they were in danger of drifting away, or, in my words, “losing their minds.”

Though the various cities around the country are attempting to evict “occupiers” from the spaces they occupy, those in occupation of them are holding fast. This reminds me of another warning by the author of Hebrews, “We are God’s house [people] IF we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end” (3:6), implying that it may be harder to “hold fast” as we approach the “end.” Even Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have” (Rev. 3:11).

Brain Freeze, Dementia, or Just Not Paying Attention?

2011-11-29T05:10:00.000-08:00

The pundits and late-night comics pounced on Rick Perry’s embarrassing 53-second memory loss, which occurred in a debate earlier this month. What the experts dubbed a brain freeze was Perry’s inability to remember one of the 3 federal agencies he wants to shut down when he becomes president.

Knowing a little bit about the human brain (I am, after all, a psychologist!), I’ve learned that forgetting is something the brain does when it is overloaded, like deleting data from your ‘documents’ folder. But just like the brain, deleting files doesn't actually remove the data from your computer; it just “forgets to remember” the data. And if needed, can be retrieved.

In I Corinthians 6, the phrase “Don’t you know” appears seven times. This repetition makes one wonder if the Corinthian church was an elderly population suffering from dementia. But Paul knew that they knew these things—he was simply reminding them of what they had seemingly forgotten. Likewise, we are in danger, if we do not “pay more careful attention to what we have heard” (Heb. 2:1).

Are You Prepared to Leave?

2011-11-28T05:59:00.000-08:00

Our government urges every individual and family to have an emergency preparedness plan when (not if) a disaster strikes. FEMA has written “An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness: Are You Ready?” providing step-by-step instructions that include putting together a disaster supply kit.

It seems to me that as we see the signs of Christ’s return, we should be making preparations too. But there is a striking difference in our plan. The earthlings are preparing to stay. The believers are preparing to leave.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world … then you also will be revealed with Him in glory" (1 Peter 1:13; Colossians 3:3).

Are You Longing for His Return?

2011-11-27T05:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I wrote that increasing earthquakes are a sign of Jesus’ return. Even as I did so, I was aware that not everyone is longing for Him. Personally, I am tired of the suffering, the lawlessness, and the evil in the world. I long for His return. Did you know that Jesus promises a special crown to those who love, or long for, His appearing (2 Tim. 4:8 NIV)?

So, what would keep someone from longing for the return of the Lord? What quenches that appetite? Could it be a longing for the things in the world (1 John 2:15)? Though my generation is not exempt from such longings, it is generally the younger generation that is especially vulnerable because they don’t want to consider the likelihood they won’t have their opportunity to live a full and happy life.

This “you can have it all” promise is one of Satan’s most effective strategies to quench people’s longing for God, distracting them from the things that are really worth going after. When we truly see that the world is passing away and we are just passing through it (1 John 2:171 Peter 1:17), and the more we see ourselves as "aliens and strangers” in it (Eph. 2:19), the greater will be our longing for His return. Why would you want to stay here when there is "something so much better waiting for you" (Heb. 10:34).

Earthquakes

2011-11-26T06:35:00.000-08:00

Today’s post is not a prophetic word; nor a prediction; it is just information worth paying attention to. But first a question: does it seem to you there are more earthquakes these days than in the past? Well, you’re not imagining it—it’s true.

According to the U.S. Geological Service, the number of earthquakes is increasing daily. Presently, on any given day, there are over 300 earthquakes around the world. Sixty years ago, the total number of earthquakes per day was less than two. And not only has there been an exponential increase in the frequency of earthquakes, but the intensity as well. The number of earthquakes above 6.5 remained fairly constant until the 1950s, four or less per decade. We are now approaching nearly 60 per year.

Of course we are well aware that Jesus said there would be an increase in the frequency and intensity of earthquakes (Mark 13:8) just prior to His return to the earth. Despite the facts of this dramatic increase, many believers are quite ambivalent about Jesus’ return, thinking it is not likely to happen in their lifetime. What will it take? an earthquake?

Black and White

2011-11-25T05:21:00.000-08:00

If you’ve been reading this blog for any time at all, you’d be surprised if I didn’t say something on the day that is called “Black Friday” (in the States). In the Bible, the color black or the word “darkness” symbolizes sin and death. The color white portrays purity, righteousness, joy, and light.

As born again people, we live in a world of black and white—darkness and light! Those living in darkness are subject to Satan—the god and ruler of this world (2 Cor. 4:4; John 12:31). Even though God's light came into the world, through Jesus, people love the darkness more than the light (John 3:19).

Satan’s system of consumerism/materialism will be working today like the law of gravity, pulling people further into darkness. Black Friday serves as a good reminder to us to beware of getting pulled in by this spirit. Paul said that once we are born again, we should no long live like the Gentiles (non-believers) whose darkened minds (and Black Fridays) leave them in a state of futility (Eph. 4:17-18).

Thank God Tim Tebow won’t shut up and stop talking about Jesus!

2011-11-24T02:34:00.000-08:00

Even while we watch college football experience its darkest hour (Penn State sexual abuse), we are witnessing a National Football League star being born: Tim Tebow.

Tim first came to national attention when Focus on the Family featured him in an anti-abortion campaign ‘spot’ during the Super Bowl two years ago. After contracting a disease during her pregnancy, Tim’s mother was advised by her doctors to abort the ‘unborn’ to protect her life. Undaunted, she refused—and both she and baby Tim lived. Tim excelled in everything he did. In 2007, Tim Tebow not only became the youngest ever to win the coveted Heisman Trophy, he earned numerous other awards as the nation's most outstanding amateur athlete.

Now, in his first year as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, he credits his 4-1 record to his faith in Jesus. One sports commentator said, “I wish he’d just shut up after a game and go hug his teammates… I don’t hate him because of that [talking about Jesus]; I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff.”

There is an account in early church history when the Jewish leaders commanded Peter and John to stop speaking or teaching Jesus. Their response: "We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard." (Act 4:18-20) Likewise, I don’t think Tim Tebow is going to shut up stop talking about Jesus anytime soon. Thank God for Tim Tebow.

If God can speak through a donkey...

2011-11-23T05:39:00.000-08:00

Let me share with you a very credible prophetic word I heard today: “It’s hard to see how we get out of this [political gridlock], unless some third force emerges, which wedges itself into one of the two parties, or unless we have a devastating fiscal crisis—a brutal cleansing flood, after which the sun will shine again.”

Who gave the prophetic utterance? David Brooks, syndicated columnist for the NY Times. “He’s not a prophet,” you say? Well of course he isn’t. But when the earthlings share such observations, making statements like this, I pay attention. Another example of an earthling’s observations and warnings (which seem prophetic) is Glenn Beck. I can guarantee you he is not ‘hearing’ God—though he may claim to be. He is just a natural man with natural powers of observation. And a lot of what he says just makes sense.

But the Church needs more than the natural intuition of normal men. The Church needs those who can discern the truth because they know the Lord and they have spiritual insight (Daniels 11:33). They don’t need to be prophets; they just need to know the Lord and be able to recognize His voice. If God’s people are silent, God may make the rocks talk (Luke 19:40) or even a donkey (Numbers 22:28) or even David Brooks or Glenn Beck. My brothers and sisters, there has never been a more crucial time to pay attention. God is speaking.

Super Committee commits Super Failure: How can they live with themselves?

2011-11-22T05:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, when the Congressional "super committee" announced it had failed to forge a deficit reduction deal, it was immediately referred to as a “super” failure. I wondered what the difference is between a 'simple' failure and a ‘super' failure?' Considering the “super” committee’s potential for influence, it must refer to the scope of the consequences. (Don't you think Adam’s malfunction qualifies as a super failure?)

But even though our failures have differing consequences, the reality is that failure is threaded through fallen humanity—built into our DNA. But proud and self-esteeming earthlings refuse to accept that reality. They believe in intrinsic goodness. Any contrary notion is simply unacceptable.

The spiritual truth is that the more we accept that we can do no good in our flesh (Romans 7:18), the more freedom we have—from self-effort & condemnation. The Bible provides lots of examples of men & women whose failings adversely affected the entire nation of Israel—Moses and David come to mind immediately! Peter is my favorite New Testament example of failure! His failure influenced the other Disciples, and threatened to undo 3 years of faith building. But God turned it around for the good of the kingdom!

Someone reading this may think his or her failure is so super, it is irredeemable. Not so. The mature Christian knows God’s grace exceeds the worst super failure imaginable. In fact, world history is an account of man’s failures, “But where sin [failure] increased, grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:20).

A Bad Apple

2011-11-21T06:31:00.000-08:00

Apples appear in many religious traditions, often as a mystical or forbidden fruit. In the development of language, the word "apple" was used as a generic term for all fruit. For instance, in Europe, tomatoes were first called "love apples,” and cucumbers and potatoes were fist called "earth-apples.” In some languages, oranges are called "golden apples" or "Chinese apples.” To this day, many uneducated persons refer to the forbidden fruit on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil as an apple.

The proverb “a bad apple spoils the bunch,” means a bad person who can have a negative influence on those around him or her. It occurs to me that our negative thoughts can be like ‘bad apples.” A basic premise of the therapeutic approach, called “cognitive restructuring,” is that there are “lies” or wrong beliefs that drive our unwanted behaviors. Think of your mind like like the "produce" department at Safeway, and the fruits representing our many thoughts: the ‘bad apples’ are spoiling everything. I wonder, was Hosea referring to ‘bad apples,’ when he said, “You have eaten the fruit of lies” (10:15). To get rid of the bad apples, we must eat a diet of God’s thoughts (the Word) in order to recognize our bad ones. Without the Bible’s renewing affect on our minds, we will continue "eating the fruit of lies [those bad apples].”

Remember the Great Reward

2011-11-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

Is God allowing you to go through hard times? Then now is a great time to learn endurance! Don't give up! Don’t avoid it! Endurance is learned by enduring, not by avoiding it. How could Paul have said “I exult [revel, rejoice] in my tribulations?” Because Paul knew it was not only God’s way of building his character, he knew it was producing a great eternal reward.

In case you’re wondering if this is my automatic reaction to hardship, the answer is a resounding ‘no.’ It is not natural to welcome hardship nor to revel in our hard times. Avoiding hardship is what natural people do. But you and I are not “natural,” but “spiritual” persons. And in order to welcome hardships, and even more, to have joy in them requires a “supernatural” mindset—to see God’s great reward.

“Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ… Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised” (Hebrews 10:32, 34-36).

At the Speed of Thought

2011-11-17T05:51:00.000-08:00

What is faster than the speed of light? Answer: the speed of thought.

Last weekend, I read that actor Ashton Kutcher had to apologize for an inappropriate ‘tweet’ he made about the Penn State debacle that seemed to trivialize child abuse. It’s not the first time someone had post-tweeting shame. It is inherently dangerous to be able to share your thoughts at the speed of light!

A guiding principle in information technology has been to help people perform tasks at the “speed of thought.” As fast as you can think it, you can do it. But acting on our inappropriate thoughts at the speed of light will certainly cause us pain and embarrassment (not unlike Ashton Kutcher’s untimely tweet).

If only we could learn to stop our thoughts with the same speed as our instant devices transmit them, we would be saved from the grief of hurtful communications and destructive behaviors. I’ve always thought the first part of the phrase “be quick to listen and slow to speak” (James 1:19) means to stop and pay attention to the emotionally charged thoughts racing through your mind to make sure they are lined up with Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). Only then will we be slow to speak.

Are You Heartless?

2011-11-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

The expression “I have no heart for that” means to have no enthusiasm for it. The phrase came to my mind after reading this quote by Andrew Murray: “Jesus has carried away our hearts with Him. We have no heart left for anyone but Him, or for anything that He is not part of.” The phrase “she/he stole my heart” also came to mind. Logically (I thought), if someone’s heart had been carried away or stolen, then they would have no heart—they would be heartless.

Now of course the word “heartless” has an entirely different connotation, doesn't it! It means ‘devoid of feelings.’ I fear, however, that this word may indeed be more characteristic, than not, of too many professing Christians who have little or no heart for the deeper things of God.

Jesus said the entire Law could be summed up in this statement: “Love the Lord God with all your heart” (Matt. 22:37). Think about it! If we truly did that, we would be anything but “heartless.” We would be “heartfull”—because God would fill our hearts with His love, comfort, and joy; he would fill us with the fruit of righteousness, with the knowledge of His will; we would be full of His Spirit, who would then fill us with His fullness. (Rom. 5:5; 2 Cor. 7:4; Eph 5:18; Phil. 1:11; Col 1:9; Eph 3:19). Heartless? No! "Heartfull?" Yes!

Why are you keeping your distance?

2011-11-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

With few exceptions (for example, Abraham, Jacob, and Moses), the Old Testament “believers” didn’t get too close to God. Do you remember how afraid the Israelites were at Mt. Sinai? They said to Moses, “you go, and we’ll stay here," (Ex. 20:21), preferring to maintain a safe distance. Even the “High Priest” entered the Holy of Holies once a year with feelings of trepidation, taking the blood offering to God on behalf of those who remained in the outer court, at a safe distance.

So it was an extraordinary event when Jesus was crucified and the veil that separated the worshippers from God was torn in half, signifying that believers now have the privilege of worshiping God up close and personal. The distance between God and man was at once and forever eliminated.

I once saw a bumper sticker that read, “If you’re feeling far away from God, guess who moved?” Don't let your feelings keep you away from God. James promises that if you “draw near to God, He will draw near to you.” (4:8) And the writer of Hebrews says "let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water" (10:22).

“We can either have a hard decade or a bad century.”

2011-11-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago on CNN, NY Times columnist Thomas Friedman was interviewed about his new book, “That Used to Be Us,” regarding the economy's ruinous effect on the American dream. One ‘sound bite’ quote in particular caught my attention: “We can either have a hard decade or a bad century.” Of course he is referring to the hard choices we must make now for the sake of our grandchildren’s future. The statement not only captures the difficult dilemma of our generation, but states a principle that is pregnant with deeper meaning to those who have ears to hear it!

Perhaps unknowingly, Friedman has revealed a spiritual principle: short-term losses are necessary for long-term gains. In God’s economy, “time” is the short and “eternity” is long. Jesus stated it clearly: if you try to keep your life now, you will lose it in the future (no treasures in heaven) (Matthew 16:25; 6:20). And not only that, but our gain is also a present reality. To the degree we suffer the loss of all things now, we will gain Christ both now and in eternity (Phil 3:8), in the end, receiving “a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:11).

You can’t really blame them for trying

2011-11-09T06:10:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen so much blame-shifting? Blaming is the oldest trick in the book (Genesis 3), and Adam’s historical precedent repeats itself with each new generation, right up to the present. Obama blames Bush, the Democrats blame the Republicans (and vice versa), Europe blames the U.S. (and vice versa), Main Street is blaming Wall Street; and now Herman Cain is blaming... well, you get the picture.

You have to admit, blaming is a rather effective diversion. Making someone else responsible for the problem takes the focus off the solution. Vilifying one’s opponents may work in the short run, but it makes any resolution even more impossible, with irreconcilable differences bringing deep separation. Shortly, the world will be looking for a unifier (both Bush and Obama promised they would be). Of course the only One who can do that, and will do that, is Christ the Messiah. But until that happens, people will continue looking for one. I guess you can’t really blame them for trying.

On a much more personal note, if you’re honest about it, what is the first thing that pops into your mind when you have an interpersonal conflict that appears irreconcilable? Do you look at yourself first, or do you have an instant reaction, “It’s not my fault?” Through the prophet Hosea, God speaks to the blame-shifters, "Don't point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame!” (Hosea 4:4). That's good advice for today!

Don’t You Care?

2011-11-08T05:48:00.000-08:00

Who has not at sometime (or many times?) in their walk with God uttered these infamous words, “Don’t you care?” They are spoken when there seems to be a universal conspiracy to make your life miserable. Most famously, Martha spoke these words, “don’t you care,” when Jesus’ actions seemed unfair (Luke 10:41).

One of my favorite teachers, Zac Poonen, says his life was transformed when he realized that Jesus, as a man, was tempted in all ways that we are (Heb. 2:18; 4:15). And Poonen thinks many people do not really believe that Jesus was tempted like us, believing that Jesus’ temptations were different—because he was God. Well, since God cannot be tempted, it has to be that Jesus was tempted as a man—just like us.

The “don’t you care” that comes out of us when we are frustrated reveals how we see Jesus. If we don’t believe that He understands our feelings, we won’t see Him as one who cares. The next time you are tempted to say “don’t you care,” remember what Peter (who knew Jesus as a man before he knew Him as God) said: “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Do You Talk to Yourself?

2011-11-07T03:48:00.000-08:00

Martin Lloyd-Jones once said: "Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?”

Each of us has negative thoughts—troubling and sometimes disturbing. If we pay attention to these negative thoughts, we energize them. You might say we feed them. So instead of listening to them, we should start talking to them.

For example, think how different things might have been if Eve had not listened to the serpent who twice planted doubts about what God had really said. If Eve had only talked back to Satan, perhaps she would have gained control of her thoughts! But her negative thinking actually allowed Satan to deceive her. Here’s the pattern: first Satan dictated her thoughts; then he deceived her mind. Don't let negative thinking dictate you. Turn the tables—make them take dictation! Talk to them assertively from the Word of truth until you have taken all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).

If only we could turn back time as easily as we can turn back the clock!

2011-11-06T02:24:00.000-08:00

Everyone (in the U.S.) will turn back their clocks one hour today. And I am afraid that some (or many) will wish they could turn back yesterday, or last year. They wish they could go back and turn back a decision that set them back.

But such is backward thinking. Your past is not fatal; your mistakes are not final; and your failures are not the end. God’s deposit in you is non-refundable, and His call is irrevocable. He does not change His mind, and He does not second-guess His decision. Jesus said no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom (Luke 9:62). And our Father in heaven refuses to bring back to His mind any of your past sins, declaring emphatically, "I will never think of them again.” (Is. 43:25)

God will never turn His back on you. So as you turn your clock back today, it's a good time to stop looking back, and start coming back to the new thing awaiting you. He who sits on the throne says, "Behold, I am making all things new." (Rev. 2:15)

Don't be Afraid to Lose what You cannot Keep

2011-11-04T06:37:00.000-07:00

Paul makes the most amazing statement in his letter to the Corinthians. In the middle of his statements on marriage, he diverts to a more important topic—undistracted devotion to the Lord.

As if speaking right to our generation, Paul says, “The time is short. Therefore, from now on those who have wives should live as if they had none… those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep, and those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away; and I would like you to be free from concern. …I am saying this for your own good. … that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:29-35).

The fact is that most of us do have commitments that consume our time and attention. In rather dramatic fashion, Paul is saying we should live almost as though these other commitments don’t matter (or even exist). Obviously we are not to ignore our spouses, or treat our houses and cars irresponsibly. But we must examine our thinking (Romans 12:2) to make sure that even the good things in this life do not deter us from Jesus. “I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3).

Whatever Happened to Hope?

2011-11-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I read this amusing remark/joke: “Ten years ago, Steve Jobs, Bob Hope, and Jonny Cash were all still alive. And now in 2011, we find ourselves without jobs, hope or cash.”

With good intentions, Barak Obama ran for president on a promise of restoring hope. How disappointed he must be at the hopelessness he found. Last week, with the announcement of a 2.4% growth in the 4th quarter economy, hope appeared on the horizon—the stock market soared. But then yesterday, the European debt crisis negotiations started to fall apart; hope began to vanish.

Let’s be honest. Ever since Adam forfeited his dominion to Satan, the world has continued on its path of hopelessness—even to the point of self-destruction (think of the two World Wars last century). Indeed Satan is the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4) and the author or hopelessness and despair. Even Jesus called him the prince of this world (John 12:31, 14:30; 16:11).

Though Jesus has already redeemed fallen mankind from the power of Satan, the earth will not be restored until His 2nd coming. (Rom. 8:19-22) In the mean time, we mustn’t allow the spirit of despair and hopeless to infect us. Jesus said we would have trouble in this world, adding, “But take heart [courage and hope], for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). And by faith in Jesus’ victory, so will we “because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 5:4-5).

Occupy God

2011-11-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

All this “Occupy” Wall Street and “Occupy” Oakland, ad infinitum, has got me thinking a lot about what it is I occupy and what it is that occupies me. I am afraid I am often so preoccupied with “life on earth” that I am not being fully occupied with God—or worse, allowing Him to occupy me.

Arthur W. Pink said, "How little real love there is for God." In his opinion, the low level of spirituality in the church was a result of hearts being so little occupied with thoughts of God’s divine love. Then he went on to say, “The better we know His love—its character, its fullness, its blessedness, the more will our hearts be drawn out in love to Him." What greater occupation can there be, than to be occupied with seeking to comprehend, appreciate, and apprehend God’s love for us.

The majority of comments spoken by the “occupiers” of these various campaigns seem to spring from an underlying fear and insecurity. But for those who are occupied with God: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment [as with the Occupiers, a fear of harm that will come to them if ‘things’ don’t change]. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

“Don’t Believe Anything I Tell You,” by Jack Kelley (an edited version)

2011-10-31T06:14:00.000-07:00

“I tell you the truth. This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” (Matt. 24:34) One possible interpretation of this verse is that the Lord was referring to the people who would be alive when the signs of the End of the Age began to appear. Notice it doesn’t say all the end times prophecies will be fulfilled in the span of one generation. It says they will be fulfilled within the lifetime of those born at the time of the first sign.

The length of our days is seventy years, or eighty, if we have the strength (Ps. 90:10). I interpret this verse to mean the average 'normal' life span for man is 70. Data collected by the UN between 2005-2010 show that the world wide average lifespan is 67.2 years. Never in history has the entire world's average lifespan been 70 years of age. According to this interpretation, the end times could not begin until Israel was reborn because the Lord’s specific signs required it. If Israel’s rebirth in 1948 was the first end times sign, and if all end times prophecies will be fulfilled within the lifetime of those being born at that time, that would place the 2nd Coming about 70 years after 1948, or 2018. If the last 7 years can’t begin until the church is gone then the likelihood of the rapture occurring in 2011 is very high indeed.

I’ll remind you again as I have before that this is just my opinion. It is not my intention to pin down a date, but only to suggest a general time because the Bible says end times events shouldn’t take us by surprise. I’ll close by reminding you of Paul’s warning not to believe anything I tell you, but to search the scriptures and come to your own conclusion (Acts 17:11). You’d better hurry though, because if you listen carefully you can almost hear the footsteps of the Messiah.

How are your listening skills?

2011-10-28T05:24:00.000-07:00

This last week in my General Psychology class, as I was teaching my students the various personality theories, (Freud, Rogers, Skinner, etc.), I wanted to make sure they understood that these were all “natural” men who had developed “natural” ways to explain man, the who am I?—minus a biblical worldview.

As I was preparing my lesson, Holy Spirit reminded me that God is a Person—a Personality. (And He is not a theory!) And He can and wants to be known as a Person who thinks, reasons, feels, judges, chooses, and, most importantly, communicates. Unlike thousands of man-made gods, ours is a speaking God.

From Genesis to Revelation, from Priest to Prophets, God spoke. And while the writer of Hebrews points out that Jesus is God’s final Word of salvation (1:1-2), he also indicates that God still speaks today, and that we need to pay attention to Him (2:2; 3:15). How? He speaks Spirit to spirit (1Cor. 2) thru the written Word. He speaks by answering prayers. He speaks thru life events and everyday circumstances. So since we have a God who speaks, I think it behooves us to work on our listening skills. I know I have room for improvement (now there's an understatement!). What about yours?

Helmets popping off at an alarming rate!

2011-10-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

I had one of those “laugh-out-loud” (LOL) moments this morning when I read the above-titled article in USA Today. Through the first 7 weeks of this football season, there have been 1,152 instances of helmets coming off in the middle of play. No serious consequences yet, but the potential for injury is great.

The problem appears to be the fault of players who are keeping the four buckles on their chinstrap so loose, the helmet easily pops off when a 250 lb tackler hits them. The NCAA Rules committee is in angst over what to do. One suggestion is to give the players a ‘time-out’—sitting out the next play—to make insubordinate players take this seriously.

My regular readers will recall that I wrote a blog post last week about the helmet of salvation which protects our minds during spiritual battle. Today’s ‘story’ adds a witty wrinkle to it. The secret to keeping your “spiritual” helmet is making sure it is securely fastened, or in biblical parlance, after "putting on" the Word, we must “hold fast” to it. Paul says, “you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you” (1 Cor. 15:2). Jesus says, “ I am coming soon; hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown” (Rev. 3:11). When our helmet falls off, after an especially hard hit from the enemy, maybe it’s not such a bad idea to take a time-out to put our helmet back on and make sure it is securely fastened.

It’s time to get back to the Cross

2011-10-26T02:07:00.000-07:00

John Stott, a biblical expositor whose depth & simplicity brought doctrinal clarity to millions of Bible students, passed away in August. Just before his death, he was asked what was missing in the Church today. He answered: “I think we need to get back to the fact that the cross is the center of biblical Christianity.” It’s true. If you open the pages of your Bible to the center, you’ll find yourself somewhere in the Psalms. But if you were to cut open the Bible “surgically,” to find its heart, you would find the cross.

Speaking prophetically, Watchman Nee wrote, “We are in the last hours of this dispensation. The hand of the clock is approaching the hour of twelve. The Church is rapidly drifting into a state of apostasy, further and further away from God. Dark forces have been liberated which are producing as evil an effect upon the Church as upon the world. The Cross of Christ is the light that will illuminate the present darkness.”

There is a strong 'therapeutic' current running through church teachings today that God wants people to be happy and fulfilled. These Christians, not unlike worldlings, will not know what to do with the doctrine of suffering. But all things will make sense to those whose world-view is dominated by the cross, whose interest in this world has been crucified, and who are living the crucified life(Gal. 6:14; 2:20).

Have you been WITH Jesus?

2011-10-25T02:45:00.000-07:00

I love to study words. Sometimes even the smallest word can be loaded with meaning. Such is the word “with.” There are two words in the Greek language for “with.” One is functional, indicating accompaniment. For example, “I am going with you to church.” But a second Greek word with expresses association, fellowship, and intimacy: the union of belief, convictions, actions and experiences.

When Peter and John healed a crippled man (Acts 4), the Pharisees became quite disturbed that Jesus’ name was being used and He was being glorified. And they were especially angry that they were losing control over the nascent, fast-growing, Christ-follower movement. The Scripture says the Pharisees knew that Peter and John had been WITH Jesus (Acts 4:13). By using this word with, Luke is saying the Pharisees were admitting that the disciples’ intimate relationship with Jesus was the source of their power.

Spending time alone, shut in your prayer closet, studying Him in the Scriptures until you really know Him: these are the ways we are WITH Jesus. Wouldn’t it be great if people would look at us and say “you have been WITH Jesus, haven’t you!?”

"Ding-Dong, The Witch Is Dead!"

2011-10-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Wizard of Oz song "Ding-Dong, The Witch Is Dead," popped into my head last week, when, after the sadistic killing of Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyans danced in the streets. I had a first-hand experience with tyrannicide 33 years ago when I lived in Afghanistan. In a coup d’état that toppled the government, the President and 40 members of his family—women and children—were brutally massacred. The next day Afghans were jubilant!

So while I was not surprised by the primal mob instincts of the Libyans, I was alarmed by the casual attitude toward such barbarianism by the “civilized” world. No doubt criminal justice demanded Gaddafi’s death, but not to be slain like an animal, dragged through the streets, his body displayed on a filthy mattress in a meat locker. One world leader declared, "On this foundation, families, communities and the nation of Libya will flourish.” Ya think?

Can anyone believe a peaceful democracy can grow out of such anarchy? An ideology of hatred turned into one of forbearance and unity? “Hate begets hate; violence begets violence,” said Martin Luther King. “The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble,” said the Psalmist (46:6). Is this not further evidence that “the secret power of lawlessness is already at work” among us? (1 Thess. 2:7).

“I’m all shook up” (or Not)

2011-10-21T05:44:00.000-07:00

The increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters (particularly earthquakes) along with a worldwide recession has really shaken people up. And like scared occupants running out of a shattered building, shaken people are spilling out into the streets. And not only in the U.S. And it didn’t begin with Occupy Wall Street, but earlier this year in Tunisia, followed by Egypt, etc. The economic recession and high unemployment has uncorked the rage of the middle class toward the wealthy: a “people” shake.

A recent poll of 1,000 Americans reveals that 7 out of 10 are very pessimistic about an economic recovery anytime soon. And almost everyone believes another major terrorist strike in the US is inevitable. To the natural eye, everything seems to be turning irretrievably awful. In the words of Elvis, “I’m all shook up,” or, in the somewhat more hallowed words of the Lord: “I will shake the nations” (Haggai 2:7). Earthquakes have turned into nation-shakes.

Haven’t you noticed that even people who don’t believe in God are beginning to wonder if these things mean that we’re nearing the end of the world? Jesus told us these things would increase as time grew short: “When these things begin to happen, stand with confidence! The time when you will be set free is near” (Luke 21:28). So, keep looking up; don’t look down; and don’t be shaken. But like David, say, “I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me” (Psalm 16:8).

Keep Your Head

2011-10-20T03:06:00.000-07:00

Rudyard Kipling once asked the question, ‘can you keep your head when all about you are losing theirs?’ His comment seems frighteningly fitting for our times. With the increasingly intense culture wars of our decade, has there ever been a time in history when we have been more sorely in need of keeping our heads?

To enable you and me to do so, Paul says (Eph. 6) God has given the “helmet of salvation.” The “helmet” is God’s way of protecting your mind and keeping your thoughts straight, i.e., keeping your head. It is a helmet of right thinking and a renewed mind (Rom. 12:2). Bible history is replete with those who, figuratively speaking, "lost their heads" because they were so much more mentally vulnerable than they thought they were. No surprise then that Jesus has given us a piece of armor to protect our minds!

Significantly, the “helmet” is one of the pieces of armor not fixed to the body, like the breastplate or belt. In other words, you have to put it on. And what soldier wouldn’t, if, in the throes of battle, he might lose his head? With the speed and intensity of anti-Christian arrows and spears coming at us, it is crucial to keep our helmet on, if we intend to keep our head.

The Dangers of "Higher" Education

2011-10-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

With 21 post-graduate units in theology and a semester of teaching in college, I am acutely aware of the dangers of what-is-called “higher education.”

Several times in the Scriptures, the Lord mentions the fact that an abundance of or excessive reliance upon worldly education can actually be a hindrance to entering into the Kingdom. The beginning words of the Lord’s teaching on the Mount began with the blessing on “the poor in spirit.” According to Strong’s Concordance this phrase means “destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture which education affords.” God said He would destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to naught the intelligence of the intelligent (1 Cor. 1:19).

Please do not misinterpret my comments as “anti-intellectualism.” The mind is an essential part in faith: Paul says we are to grow in knowledge (2 Peter 3:18). And Jesus told us to love God "with all our mind” (Matt. 22:37). The challenge to each of us is to be a diligent student of the Word (2 Tim. 2:15) so we may attain a truly "higher" education.

The Natives are Restless

2011-10-18T03:17:00.000-07:00

The phrase "the natives are restless" comes from a 1933 film, “The Island of Lost Souls.” According to the Oxford Dictionary, the phrase is used facetiously to mean trouble is brewing. But more pointedly, it denotes a collective hostility toward authority and control.

Last week, I suggested that the emerging global insurgency, captured by the Occupy Wall Street movement, is the spirit of lawlessness predicted by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2. Since then, the media are referring to it as "unrest." Indeed, restlessness pointedly depicts this phenomenon.

In the book of Job, Satan is introduced as a restless creature, “roaming about on the earth and walking around” (1:7). And he is introduced in the book of Genesis as one disturbing the peace and rest of Eden, provoking Eve to distraction. And then at the other end of the Bible, Peter compares Satan to a roaring lion, prowling about restlessly.

While I have deep respect for the constitutional right of dissent, I can’t help but think there is something else happening on our planet. Isaiah says, “those who still reject me are like the restless sea, which is never still but continually churns up mud and dirt” (Is. 57:20). Don't those words capture the current global mood? Earth’s natives are restless! But be careful not to get caught up in it. Rather, hold on to the One who said “Come unto me… and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

We Have Connections!

2011-10-17T05:03:00.000-07:00

Without any fanfare, our cell phones had a birthday last week: the 25th anniversary of the first commercial cell phone call. Of course, since then, our cell phones have grown up. And they’ve gotten smarter.

In the last decade, our Smart Phones have brought us from connectivity to hyper-connectivity. And 24/7 instant connection has turned some of us into addicts. You can tell if someone is a connectivity addict by how often he checks his phone for messages! (The average user sends 42 'texts' a day!) So, what’s next?

Well, if I could predict that, I’d be a rich man. But I will offer you a rich spiritual analogy: we have 24-7 connectivity with God—hyper-connectivity. (And by the way, there are no “bad” connections to the Throne of Grace!) But like people who underuse their smart phones, some Christians don’t fully appreciate their 24/7 access to God. In the Old Covenant, people couldn’t imagine the privilege of connectivity we have. As New Covenant people, we have a hyper-connectivity smart phone users only dream of!

A. W. Tozer said “every believer can be filled with the Holy Spirit as much as he wants.” Even so, every believer is as connected to God a he wants to be!

Joel Osteen’s TGIF Gospel

2011-10-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

Joel Osteen was on the Piers Morgan show last week, plugging his most recent book, “Every Day a Friday, How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week.” Once again, Joel Osteen is offering his own brand of highly therapeutic prosperity theology, with its focus on individual happiness and self-fulfillment.

In the gospel according to Joel, God wants His children to experience every day as if it were a Friday, meaning, every day should feel like the day before a good weekend. (Evidently, there are no ‘weekend warriors’ in Joel’s paradigm.) But Paul tells us (2 Tim 2) that a Christian is like a soldier, a farmer, or an athlete—denoting a “no-day-off” lifestyle, disavowing Joel’s “Have a nice weekend” gospel!

Every false teaching displaces sound doctrine for human experience. While I won’t say Joel Osteen is a false teacher, I will say that his message mirrors the therapeutic and psychological “feel good” philosophy that has invaded Evangelicalism in recent years. Self-development & self-improvement themes permeate evangelical teaching, justified by such words as ‘contemporary’ and ‘relevant.’ Whatever happened to “deny your self and pick up your cross?"

“Since Christ suffered, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer too... Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus… for if we endure hardship, we will reign with him.” (2 Tim. 2:3, 12; 1 Peter 4:1) Can you imagine Paul saying, “Thank God it’s Friday!?”

Should Evangelical Christians Vote for a Mormon?

2011-10-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

Is Mormonism a cult or is it just idiosyncratic Christianity? The easiest way to recognize a cult is by its interpretation of the Bible and view of Jesus deity. Mormonism claims that Christianity was incomplete without The Book of Mormon, the Latter Day Saint (LDS) Scripture. With its own teachings and traditions, LDS rejects Christian orthodoxy. And LDS teaches that Jesus was the brother of Satan. Knowing this, can a faithful Christian vote for a Mormon candidate?

Well, Martin Luther might have voted for a Mormon! Quoted as saying that he would rather be ruled by a competent Turk (Muslim) than an incompetent Christian, his advice may well serve us in 2012. And we would have to admit that there are non-Christian candidates who share far more of our worldview and policy concerns than some others who identify themselves as Christians.

I still remember the opposition faced by John Kennedy in 1960 from evangelical Christians because he was a Roman Catholic. With increasing diversity in America, Evangelicals are facing unprecedented challenges (what about voting for an atheist?). So in answering today’s question, Evangelicals must think carefully and prayerfully. And it is probably best to do so before you arrive at the voting polls. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you” (James 1:5 NLT).

Lawlessness in the Last Days

2011-10-12T02:57:00.000-07:00

When the U.S. decided to help the citizens of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya overthrow their governments, I wondered how much thought was given to who would replace them. The ‘insurgents’ had no identifiable leaders; and the only thing uniting them was their shared hatred of totalitarianism. Now in Egypt, as internal fighting and power struggles begin, anarchy doesn't seem far off.

"Anarchy" (the state of lawlessness) is on the rise. And is it this spirit of lawlessness that seems to underly the current Occupy Wall Street unrest that has spread all across the U.S. and to every continent. Some are calling it “a new age insurrection, in which aggrieved people—enabled by social media and inspired by uprisings in North Africa and Europe—are uniting in opposition to what's wrong with the world." But what can protesters, who are only united by their common anger and resentment, hope to accomplish? Without leaders, goals, or solutions, isn’t it just mayhem and chaos?

How are we to discern these things? First, we shouldn’t be surprised. Jesus warned that lawlessness would increase in the end times (Mat. 24:12). Second, we must not be enticed by the spirit of lawlessness and chaos which foretells the day of the Lord. (2 Thessalonians 2:4-11) We are witnessing an unprecedented increase in chaos and lawlessness in 2011 that is much more insidious than a local gathering on Wall Street.

“Dying is Even Better”

2011-10-11T05:09:00.000-07:00

Why was Steve Jobs’ death such an international event?—Because Steve Jobs was one of the gods of Silicon Valley, worshipped for his ‘superhuman’ feats. But Steve Jobs knew he was no god; he was a Buddhist. And Steve Jobs made it clear he did not welcome death (Buddhism offers no guarantee of happiness in the hereafter). Upon his demise, Steve believed he would go on into a never-ending circle of reincarnation to receive whatever his karma had earned him. Steve Jobs departed this life with the fear of uncertainty.

The uncertainly of the afterlife is a reason people fear death. But by His death and resurrection, Jesus has delivered us from the fear of death. (Heb. 2:14-15), which is now replaced with the hope of heaven! (Shouldn’t we all have our bags packed—ready to go?) Jesus promised His soon-to-be grieving disciples to take comfort upon his departure that He was preparing a place for them! Every day we are one day closer to being with Him forever.

Knowing a better life awaited him, Paul said “the human eye has never seen nor the ear heard the heavenly wonders God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9). Unlike Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, or any other ‘ism,’ we live and die with certainty: “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better” (Phil. 1:21).

Occupy Wall Street, Main Street, or Your Street

2011-10-10T05:47:00.000-07:00

Having been a college student in the 60’s, I am no stranger to protest movements! The current Occupy Wall Street movement reflects our nation’s anger and frustration. In my opinion, it shares commonalities with its cousin, the Tea Party movement, each one wanting to fix what is wrong with our country. Unlike the Tea Party movement, however, Occupy Wall Street is still amorphous, yet to be defined by a specific set of demands. Both are united by shared values; both are occupied with the idea that something is wrong.

It think it is significant they are using the word “occupy.” Like all earthlings, they are occupied with the things on earth. But you and I know that the wrongs of this world’s systems (financial, governmental, and judicial) will never be righted. That is why we are admonished not to become occupied with them.

“Occupy” means to be busy, engaged, or hard at work. When Jesus used this word—“occupy until I come” (Luke 19:13)—was He not only telling His followers to be fully engaged and hard at work taking care of His business (the kingdom of God), but was He also implying we ought not to let the things of this world occupy too much of our attention? It seems to me that during these troubling times, it will be very easy to pay more attention to the things in the world than to what God is doing. Beware of getting too occupied with Wall Street, or for that matter, even your own street.

Stability has left the building

2011-10-08T06:03:00.000-07:00

“Occupy Wall Street” is an ongoing series of demonstrations in New York City that has now spread all across the U.S., some of which are teetering on the edge of violence. Last weekend, nearly 700 persons were arrested for trespassing on the Brooklyn Bridge.

What are they protesting? That’s the strange thing. It is an amorphous movement, less about specific issues than it is about discontent with the status quo—a demand for social and political change. I think this movement is part of an emerging global restlessness.

By now we are all familiar with the anti-government protests, known as the “Arab Spring.” But similar anti-government protests are even now occurring worldwide. Since the beginning of this year, there have been anti-government protests in 24 countries. Like a bad hurricane season, one protest after another is battering global shores. One commentator said, “Stability has left the building.”

Our world today has entered into one of the most challenging seasons of history. Has the entire world ever seen such chaos at once? Jesus expected His disciples to be able to discern the times. Are we?

The Walls are Coming Down

2011-10-07T05:35:00.001-07:00

Every house has to have functioning walls. Without walls, what would hold up the ceiling, keep the wind out, keep your neighbor out and the dog in? Walls are an integral part of, not only buildings, but of all civilization. Walls "hold up" the ideals of the entire human race.

Nehemiah is the story of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Walls were important to ancient cities—for protection: to keep the good in and the bad out! But Nehemiah did more than rebuild walls; he restored the spiritual lives of the Jewish people. After 70 years of spiritual neglect (without spiritual walls) the people were unrestrained.

This week a new movie called “Weekend” premiered at the South by Southwest film festival, receiving kudos from the mainstream media. The film covers 48 hours in the lives of two gay men who have a one-night stand. One film critic said the film is resonating with gay and straight audiences alike because filmgoers, no matter their sexuality, can identify with the characters’ fumbling feelings as their relationship evolves into something more meaningful the day after their sexual encounter. The film's producer says “we are pleased to see a broader audience embracing gay cinema; the walls are coming down.” They certainly are, “like a city whose walls are broken down" (Prov. 25:28).

Steve Jobs—World Changer— died yesterday

2011-10-06T05:58:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs was one of the greatest innovators of my generation, and it didn't take long for the people who loved their Macs, iPhones, iPods, iPads to begin paying their respects to this world changer.

Everyone would like to die believing they left the world a better place. There is something in all of us, a God-given desire, to make a difference in our world of family and friends. Is this not what Paul meant when he said in doing the ‘good works’ that God created for us to do, we would change our world (Eph. 2:10).

Steve Jobs' philosophy of life is summed up in the title of his 2005 Stanford commencement speech: "How to live before you die.” Steve Jobs had become a man of great reputation. But however noble it may sound, Steve’s Buddhist doctrine is an inside-out “truth” easily mistaken for the real thing. For the Bible says we can’t accomplish anything until we die to (give up)—selfish ambition, pride, and reputation (Phil 2:7). Only then, can we, as Jesus did (John 17:4), accomplish the things God has created us to do. Our commencement speech would be “How to die before you live.”

Paul’s secret to life is found in these words: “[I am] always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in [my] body… death works in [me], so life [can work] in you” (2 Corinthians 4:10-12). The only real world changer that ever lived was Jesus. So only His life in us can make us world-changers too.

Contagious Cantaloupes and Cognitive Contamination

2011-10-05T03:05:00.000-07:00

Have you purchased any cantaloupes lately? The Center for Disease Control reports over 100 illnesses and 18 deaths, so far, from listeria-tainted cantaloupes—the worst such outbreak in a decade.

As I read the story, what seemed especially worrisome is that it can take up to two months before the food-borne illness, listeriosis, manifests. The thought that many people may still have the contaminated cantaloupe in their refrigerators is disturbing. Unlike other bacteria, listeria grows well at low temperatures. Why then is the FDA recommending that consumers rinse the cantaloupes under running water. I don’t know about you, but I think I’ll just toss the melons until this is under control.

About the same time, I was learning of this slow-growing bacteria, I read an article about “cognitive contamination”—the spoiling of our minds by cultural influences. Likewise, the contamination of our minds is a slow, methodical, gradual mental makeover. And, like listeriosis, it is covert.

Yes, indeed, clandestine cognitive contamination is a subtle Satanic scheme. Is this not the reason for Paul's war cry: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3-5).

The Solyndra Failure

2011-10-04T03:22:00.000-07:00

Every morning on my way to SUM Bible College, I pass the Solyndra Factory on the Nimitz Freeway in Fremont. Solyndra is (was) one of the new “green” companies being sold by the White House as a model of “green” entrepreneurialism. You may recall that Obama stopped in at the Fremont Company last year for a photo op, while announcing He was providing a government-backed loan of nearly one-half billion dollars. Last month (less than a year later), the company filed for bankruptcy. Furthermore, they are under investigation by the FBI for possible fraudulent use of government monies.

Ironically, the “green” company’s motto was “what we do here will someday change the world.” Of course that refers to the development of an energy source (the sun) that will prevent this earth’s atmosphere from imploding into extinction because of the excessive greenhouse gasses. But I can’t help but see the irony here. All of the educated, intellectual, and entrepreneurial efforts of man to “change the world” and save mankind are only that—the futile attempts of man to save himself. I believe this is what Paul refers to as “wood, hay and stubble” and it is doomed for failure (1 Cor. 3:12, 15). It occurs to me that while the ‘natural’ man is striving for the “green,” the spiritual man reaches for the gold!

Well then, call me a Fundamentalist!

2011-10-03T05:20:00.000-07:00

In response to an editorial in USA Today last week (“The Truth about Evangelicals”), a retired United Methodist minister wrote the following to the editor:

“I am a Christian and consider myself an evangelical—if you mean someone who believes in propagating the Christian faith. But I don’t believe that Christianity holds all the keys to the kingdom of God. It is more appropriate to use the term “fundamentalist” rather than “evangelical” in speaking of those who think that Christianity is the only way to the kingdom of God and that the bible is infallible. Since two-thirds of the people on our planet are non-Christian, the fundamentalist would say these two-thirds will spend eternity in the fiery flames of hell. Many fine people are fundamentalists… But their philosophy of religion is extremely judgmental and exclusive.”

Would Jesus be called judgmental and exclusive today? Let His words answer that question. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me… Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (John 14:6; Matthew 7:13-14). In our 21st century, anyone who dares to have an exclusive claim on religious truth will be labeled judgmental and exclusive and narrow-minded. Count me in.

What was that Martyr’s Name?

2011-10-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

Worldwide, two hundred million people currently suffer persecution because they are followers of Christ. They are arrested, evicted and attacked because of their faith. They are intimidated, interrogated and imprisoned. They are beaten, burned, beheaded, starved, stoned, raped, knifed and killed.

These modern day Christian martyrs are nameless to the outside world. Their sacrificial dedication to follow Jesus has brought them no earthly fame or notoriety; they are unheralded sufferers for Christ. Having forsaken all, these anonymous individuals counted the cost and decide they would rather join the ranks of those who “suffered mocking and flogging, chains and imprisonment, with those who were stoned, sawn asunder, and slain with the sword—of whom this world is not worthy” (Heb. 11:36-39, ed.).

The reason I am writing this is that earlier this week, an Iranian Court convicted a 32-year old pastor of a 400-member church in Tehran of apostasy—sentencing him to death for renouncing his Muslim faith. The story was only given a few lines on page 5 in the SJ Mercury News. And I have seen nothing since. It seems he is about to become one more of the anonymous martyrs of this present day. What can you and I do? “Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies” (Heb. 13:3).

Yokes, Ploughs, & Oxcarts

2011-09-30T02:20:00.000-07:00

None of the Gospel writers tell us much of Jesus’ 30 years in Nazareth—except Luke, who tells us a story of Jesus at age 12. When Jesus’ family was returning from their annual “Passover” trip to Jerusalem, they lost Jesus! Upon returning to the City they found Him in the Temple, astonishing everyone with his insight. But after that, there is an 18 year period of silence. What was Jesus doing?

First, we know He submitted to the authority of his parents (Luke 2:51). It could not have been easy to submit to the will of his parents whose understanding of His mission on earth was very limited (Luke 2:50). Second, we know He worked in His father’s carpentry business. And since people did not have household furniture as we do today, He probably made yokes, ploughs, & ox carts.

For 18 years, the Son of God made yokes, ploughs & ox carts. Don’t you think there were times when Jesus was tempted to break out—to be free of the dull life in Nazareth? I know I would have been. And the Bible says He was “tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15).

Yet it was His obedience to those who could not possibly have understood Him that prepared him for His ministry to come. For 18 years in Nazareth, “He learned obedience through the things He suffered.” (Heb. 5:8-9). Making yokes, ploughs, & oxcarts may seem like an awful waste of time for the Son of God. But in such cicumstances, Jesus was perfected” (Heb. 2:10). Likewise, you and I will be perfected in our faith. What are your yokes, ploughs, & oxcarts?

Wanted: People of Vision

2011-09-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

This semester at SUM Bible College, I am teaching a “College Success” course—a class to prepare incoming freshmen for the academical challenges ahead. One of the objectives of the course is to make them better managers of their time. Last week, after showing them how to set up tracking systems for their assignments, I asked them to make a list of their short and long-term goals. What I received was a plethora of desires and wishes that were not only un-measureable, but probably unattainable. It looks like we’ll be taking a second stab this week at how to establish specific, realistic and measurable goals.

But most of you reading this have already learned that clear vision and good planning is an essential part of success—right? Those who reach their goals in this life are those who have a clear vision of who God is, who they are, and what is His calling (2 Peter 1:10). They follow His vision—not their desires.

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (KJV) or “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild” (NLT). The Hebrew word “vision” refers not to man-made goals, but to divine vision. We all know of pastors, missionaries and leaders who have left ministry, disillusioned and discouraged, by their lack of success. I wonder how many mistook their goals and desires for God’s vision. Perhaps there’s a “freshmen class” lesson, or reminder, here for all of us.

Do Born Again Christians Have Smaller Brains?

2011-09-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

The phrase right winger is a belittling term for political conservatives that seems to be interchangeable with born-again Christians. An editorial in this morning’s paper captures the essence of this anti-Christian sentiment: “right wing denial of evolution is a disastrous embrace of ignorance and superstition in the face of fact-based science.” Surprisingly, "evolution" has surfaced in this year’s presidential debates. The other day, I came across a blog posting titled, “Born Again Christians Have Smaller Brains.” It was a satire on creationist Christians' inability to comprehend college level science.

Well, quite frankly, maybe we do have smaller brains. Maybe as the human spirit takes on its greater capacity for comprehending the things of God, things that are hidden from the world’s brainiest, a part of our brain atrophies. Maybe that part of the brain that makes men proud and boastful actually shrinks. Maybe that part of the brain that Paul calls “foolish wisdom” recedes.

Paul calls the wisdom of this world “foolishness.” “God has revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets… But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it… But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 1-2). Isn't that better than a big brain!?

Are We in the Red Zone?

2011-09-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

In President Obama’s speech at the United Nations last week, he made this defining statement, “Something is happening in our world. The way things have been is not the way they will be.” (This is what might be called an understatement!) The entire world’s attention is focused on economic and political destabilization not seen since 1930. It has all the drama of anxious coastal residents waiting to see where an Atlantic hurricane will land as it appears to be taking on all the qualities of a perfect storm.

The chief of the World Trade Organization said yesterday: “We are in a red zone. We are at a risk of repeating what happened in 2008—when market upheaval shook the global economy.” Unfamiliar with the term “red zone,” I went googling. The term was first used to describe a region of France that was decimated during World War I. More recently “red zone” was used to designate unsafe areas in Iraq after the 2003 invasion. A “red zone” is a place to avoid. Are we in the Red Zone?

But an even more alarming statement was made this week by the chief executive of one of the world’s largest investment banks. In describing the inability of world leaders to solve this crisis, he said: “It’s like an orchestra with 2 sides playing different music and looking to the conductor—but there is no conductor.” The bible foretells a time when the world will look for a great leader: a man of peace, a messiah. But the Bible says shortly thereafter, the entire system of government and religion on earth will be brought to its end when Jesus takes the world stage to establish His kingdom. How close is it? Well, I think it's pretty close when people start looking for a leader to get us out of the “red zone.”

Are there any Fleeing Felons out There?

2011-09-23T04:49:00.000-07:00

For more than 20 years, I was an administrator of federal welfare programs. During Clinton's administration, Congress passed legislation that no fleeing felon could receive welfare benefits. [a ‘fleeing felon’ is one who has a warrant out for his arrest because he has committed a crime.] So every welfare application in America had to include this question: “Are you a fleeing felon?” In the years that followed, I don’t know of any fleeing felons, in all 50 states, that ever answered that question “yes.”

Last week, I wrote about Paul’s command to “flee” temptation (1 Tim 2:22). Today it occurred to me that we were all, at one time, felons—having committed ‘crimes’ against God. And at one time we were all “fleeing” from the punishment for our sin. But God loved us while we were yet felons. Jesus became a felon like us and ‘did the time’, so we would no longer need to flee; thus, we are now free & forgiven felons.

In the just-mentioned passage, Paul says we should “flee” temptation and “follow” Jesus. But of course, before you can “follow” Jesus, you must be a forgiven felon. And after you follow Jesus, you must flee your former felonious acts. So while we were once “fleeing felons,” we have become “faithful followers” who are now fleeing from anything that made us felons in the first place.

"It's the End of the World as We Know It"

2011-09-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

R.E.M., allegedly one of the greatest rock bands of all time, announced yesterday they are ending their 31-year career. The reason this news item caught my attention is because of the “eye-grabbing” title of the article in today’s Mercury News: “The end of the world as we know it” (the title of one of their most well known songs). Apparently, the author was trying to make the not-so-subtle connection that the world will never be the same without R.E.M.

The title holds more meaning than you might imagine at first. Our world is constantly changing. People change jobs or schools; people get married or divorced; people’s morals change; people get old; people die and people are born! Every day it is the end of the world as we know it.

But through our ever-changing world, God is at work behind the scene to break us of our addictions to people and possessions. Through the normal course of life, we are increasingly aware that we can only truly possess that which is eternal. But in all honesty, most of us are afraid of losing our people and possessions—these are the things that define us.

In his book “The Pursuit of God,” A. W. Tozer has a chapter called, “The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing.” What is the secret of obtaining this blessing? It is this: “having everything, but possessing nothing” and “having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (John 17:10; 2 Cor. 6:10).

Are you Unprofitable?

2011-09-21T02:40:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me the other day how ironic it is that churches are called “non-profit" organizations. What a gross mis-characterization! If there is any place on earth that is profitable, it is a good Bible-teaching church. I guess it all depends on how you define "profit!"

Paul said “All Scripture is inspired by God and [is] profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And as if to underscore the materialistic, inside-out, upside-down values of our culture, Paul says: “godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Then, the third (and only other) time this word is used, Paul says believers “will devote themselves to doing good [because] these things are profitable…” (Tit. 3:8).

What greater indication is there of a maligned Christian culture: even the sovereign USA characterizes our churches as "non-profits"—unprofitable! Wow! Do they have it wrong!

In These Confusing Times

2011-09-20T05:48:00.000-07:00

Are you confused about the economy? You should be. On the front page of today’s financial section, a bold headline declared: “Job Market Expected to Expand.” Then on page two, another bold headline shouted: “Worries about More Job Layoffs.” There you have it: one day, unemployment is coming down more slowly than expected, and the next, the pace appears to be quickening. Confusion reigns!

But, our “God is not a God of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Confusion comes of the devil, because there is no truth in him. He is a liar, and will always try to confuse, deceive, and mislead us. We must be alert to his strategy. You can be sure that in this financially worrisome season, Satan is working overtime to get us to focus on troubling situations, so to keep us from remembering that God is greater than our circumstances, and forgetting Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

In these confusing times, you can be sure that there is no unemployment among Satan and his minions. Yes, they are fully employed in stirring up confusion and unbelief. Let us, therefore, make it our occupation to be fully employed in things above (Col. 3:2).