The “God Particle”

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

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?

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

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?

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…

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

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

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

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?

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”

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

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?

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?

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?

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

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

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!

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...

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?

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

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

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

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?

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?

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.”

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

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?

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?

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!

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)