Is the Afterlife Just an Afterthought?

Thanksgiving is over; Christmas will be here and gone before we know it. Life moves on; time flies…

The Bible tells us that our days on earth are short: "We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace" (1 Chron 29:15 NLT).

Paul says we all will give an account for our time on earth—whether we were storing up things ‘in time,’ or saving up ‘eternal’ treasures. The measure of our worth will not be our cleverness, charisma or competence, but our character.

Paul compares building a character to building a house (1 Cor 3). Either we’re building a house of eternal worth or a house that will perish with time. Someone has said the Lord inspects our house by walking through it and throwing matches. Will the house you are building survive the test of holy fire? Sadly, too many believers live as though life on this earth is all there is. And the afterlife is just an afterthought.

Gratitude without God?

When Congress passed legislation making Thanksgiving an official holiday, was it an attempt to codify feelings, i.e., ‘you must be thankful?’ No. Congress was only affirming thankfulness as a national core value, an expression of America’s Judeo-Christian heritage.

Does that mean non-Christians can’t be thankful? Well, of course not. But last century’s paradigm shift from a God-centered worldview to a man-centered one has secularized Thanksgiving far beyond a Pilgrim’s paradigm. The Pilgrims who celebrated that first Thanksgiving believed everything they had came from God, a gratitude built on a foundation of belief in God's Providence.

Of course the ungodly can be thankful. But unlike them, hopefully, you and I are like the original pilgrims who knew they were on a journey to something/someplace far greater than the things of this world. Thus, while our gratitude is rooted in the eternal, the natural man knows only situation and luck. Jonathon Edwards says “true gratitude or thankfulness … arises from a foundation of love to God whereas a natural gratitude has no such antecedent foundation.” Let us be thankful for what we have. But let us be more grateful for what awaits us.

The Rejection Test

With the advent of the Holiday season, family gatherings will produce warm feelings and memories for many.  But for some others, they will arouse unpleasant feelings, often of rejection.

As disciples of Jesus, we are students who never stop learning. And one of God’s methods for showing us what we’ve learned is to give us tests (sometimes pop quizzes). These tests show us what is in our hearts.

One of the most important tests that you will ever take is the “rejection” test. If you look at the patriarchs and prophets, you will see that every one of them was rejected. And of Jesus, Isaiah said, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised...” (53:3).

So, the rejection test is mandatory if we are going to identify with Jesus. Through the greatest injustice ever known to man Jesus endured and overcame. And through the worst wrongs committed against us, our character will be proven (Rom. 3:5).  But, God will not give us the 'rejection' test until He knows we are ready for it.  And passing it is a mark of true maturity.

Israel/Hamas War: Is Armageddon near?

In 1967, when I was a college freshman, the Arab-Israeli War, aka, the 'Six-Day War' made us think Armageddon was near. Since then, increased wars in the region have decreased our attention—until now. With the escalation of war between Israel and Hamas now accompanied by the support of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, weapons from Iran, and the instability in Syria, one wonders. Is Armageddon close?

But before we start heading for our underground bunkers, let’s put this in perspective. The Bible says the last days will see paradigm shifts that eradicate a biblical worldview. First, mankind will change from lovers of God to lovers of self (2 Tim. 3:1-4). Second, the Church will experience a great falling away (2 Tim. 4:3-4). And third, Society will see a moral devolution like the days of Noah (Luke 17:26).

Though the events of the Middle East do intensify end-time assertions, we should remember that “wars and rumors of wars” are only a small part of 'last days' prophecy. More important is the bigger picture—not another war in the Middle East. Keep your eyes on the paradigm shifts that will prepare the way for the Antichrist and a new world order. Armageddon will follow.

He Can’t Stop Thinking about You

“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar… How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. How vast is the sum of them. If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain” (Psalm 139: 2-3, 17-18).

I read a commentary on this verse that struck me. If you live to be 75 years old, you will live 2.3 billion seconds. And since there are trillions upon trillions of grains of sand, that means there will never be a moment in time when you are not on His mind! In other words, He can’t stop thinking about you.

And not only that, His thoughts are perpetually positive. The New Kings James version translates Jeremiah 29:11 this way: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Hard Changes Ahead

Some of the pundits are saying that Barak Obama won the election because people are afraid of change. Did the President convince 52% of the electorate that they should not “trade horses in midstream’? That phrase was Abraham Lincoln's slogan in the 1864 presidential campaign! Three decades later, the phrase “Let Well Enough Alone” got President William McKinley elected for a second term. And, considering how Democrats demonized Romney, perhaps their slogan should have been: “Better to trust the devil you know than the devil you don’t.”

Given a choice, people more often choose the status quo, preferring a known path to an uncertain one. Someone called it the “tyranny of the familiar.” In the discipline of psychology, there is a word for this phenomenon: “resistance.” Thus, no counselor is ever surprised by his patient’s resistance to changing even the worst behaviors.

The question a serious disciple will ask is ‘how do I overcome my resistance?’ The short answer: by the power of the Word and the Holy Spirit—“renewing of the mind” (Rom 12:2). If you are facing a hard change in your life, be assured the Holy Spirit will facilitate it. Hannah Whitall Smith says, “He turns hard things into easy... not that He puts easy things in the place of the hard, but He actually changes the hard thing into an easy one.” Think about it. The path of least resistance is a straight one. “In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:6).

Was Petraeus Poisoned by Power?

General Petraeus joins the list of proud, powerful men who thought they were entitled to anything and invulnerable to its consequences, e.g., Bill Clinton, John Edwards, Elliot Spitzer.  Of course it doesn't always lead to adultery. Currently, three other 4-star generals are under investigation for taking government resources for personal use. Nor is it limited to government leaders. Anyone in a position of authority—policemen, doctors, teachers, clergymen—can abuse it.

As a student of human behavior, it appears to me that a culture that values self-esteem as ours does is a breeding ground for such entitlement—even in Christian leaders. Remember the warning by Paul that in the latter days, men would be lovers of self (2 Tim 3:2)? When God gave the Promised Land to the Israelites, He knew they would be vulnerable to the pride of success.

Thus He warned: “Beware that in your plenty you do not forget your God… For when you have become prosperous and have built fine homes to live in… be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you... and did it all so you would never say to yourself, 'I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy’… Remember the Lord is the one who gives you power to be successful” (Deut. 8:11-17, edited).

Are You Ready for the Rapture?

Yesterday I compared “disaster preparedness” to “rapture readiness.” And then today, the lead story in USA Today reads, “For 'preppers,' every day could be doomsday.” Preppers (or survivalists) are those who are actively preparing for emergencies as well as possible disruptions in social or political order, stockpiling food and water and medical supplies in order to be self-sufficient.  Many 'preppers' build safe houses in remote places or underground.

A retired deputy sheriff from Virginia says his Christian faith drives him to be prepared and to encourage others to do the same. Although he is not certain the end is near, he says "we watch and pray," convinced that being prepared is being responsibile. But concern for apocalyptic destruction is not just for passionate ‘preppers.’ Nine out of 10 Americans expect a world disaster to occur in the next 25 years. Even so, 56% of them say they're not prepared.

While I find the “Survivalist Movement” interesting, I am not convinced that current conditions warrant moving to the mountains of Idaho to grow corn and raise chickens. The Bible says planet earth is doomed for destruction. But it also says Jesus will return before then. And all that really matters is that I am ready for Him.  Being prepared is being responsible!

Where are the Watchmen of our times?

Did you know 2010 was the worst year for natural disasters in 100 years: heat waves, floods, volcanoes, typhoons, blizzards, landslides, droughts, and earthquakes (remember Haiti? 250,000 killed). Then the year 2011 was the worst for tornadoes in 100 years (remember Joplin, Mo.). And Japan suffered the worst earthquake/tsunami in its recorded history. And 2012 will be known as the year of droughts, floods and fires, and Sandy, who finished off the hurricane season with an unparalleled wallop on the North Atlantic.

These natural disasters are often referred to by the media as the fury of “Mother Nature.” Insurance companies, who are a bit more sophisticated, label them ‘Acts of God.’ Yet, no intelligent earthling would actually see them as divine events. Should we? Is God trying to get our attention?

Because of modern technology, FEMA can warn people to get ready (except earthquakes).  Is God warning us to get ready for end times? Are our church leaders warning us to get ready? Ezekiel spoke of watchman who saw the sword coming, but did not blow the trumpet so that the people would be warned, and the sword came and took them away (33:6). Where are the watchmen of our times? “You must keep watch, and be on the alert, for you do not know the day or hour of My return” (Matt 25:13).

Forgiveness: Pay it Forward

Is there anything harder than having to forgive someone who does not apologize, or even admit that what they did hurt us? Or, isn’t it aggravating when the offender begins his or her apology with the word “IF”—if I have offended you”—signaling that they are less sorry about what they did than having to apologize.

Unilateral forgiveness is hard. But since we are awash in God's love and acceptance, we have more than enough of His love to extend to another. Hence, we forgive people whether they are sorry or not, whether they apologize or not.  Forgiveness is the ‘currency’ of God’s economy of love. As God spent His love on us, so can we on others, paying it forward. Thus the offending person’s actions or reactions become, objectively, irrelevant.

And lest some very hurt person should read this and sink into despair, be encouraged: forgiveness is not a feeling; it’s a choice and an act of faith. Yes, it may be the hardest thing you ever do, but when your faith is tested in this way, you will become perfectly secure in God’s love and acceptance.

No Time for Slouching!

The election is over. Most of us took a stand on issues. The outcome of the election has not changed our posture. We’re still ‘standing firm’ (Eph. 6:11-14). Up ahead, it may get a lot harder to stand against a cultural of moral indifference and tolerance.

People will say, 'But isn't your God tolerant?' No. He specifically says “I will not tolerate… sin, idolatry, bribery, evil...” In fact, under Jewish law, the punishment for tolerating false gods was death (Deut. 13:10). Aren’t you glad not to be living in 1500 BC? Indeed, we are privileged to be living in the age of grace. But forbearance and forgiveness have not  given way to God's Holy posture. 

There has never been a more important time to maintain good posture, “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together... in no way alarmed by our opponents, which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for us” (Phil. 1:27-28).  There's no time for slouching.

Winning is everything—or is it?

Depending on your political persuasion you are either rejoicing or lamenting over President Obama's ‘win’ yesterday. The world says “Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing.” As the end of his life neared, Vince Lombardi said, “I wished I'd never said that; I sure didn't mean for people to crush human values and morality.” But this ‘winning at all costs’ philosophy was palpable in the campaign of 2012.

At one point in the campaign Governor Romney said, “It’s not so much winning and losing… it's about something bigger…” I wonder if he was aware of the profundity of his words.

Would it surprise you that the word “winner” is not in the Bible? Can you imagine Jesus saying to Peter: “Now, go out there and win one for the Gipper!” Jesus redefined life. It was not about winning, but doing the will of His Father (Matt 12:50; Heb 10:9).

To those with an eternal perspective, it’s only and always about God’s plans. And though they are not always clear to us, we can be sure He has them. “For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11).

A House Built on the Sand

An old hymn declares “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand”—this being a reference to Jesus’ parable of those who build their houses on the sands of human effort and short-sightedness, rather than on the eternal rock, Jesus Christ.

Though I wouldn't want to diminish the pain of anyone whose waterfront property was destroyed by Sandy, it’s impossible not to see a spiritual analogy, as you hear the words “We have lost everything.”  Earthlings are embedded in a world that is passing away, personally and corporately: the flimsy foundation underlying the integrity of the U.S. economy will be severely tested by Sandy's damage.

The Bible refers to God as a Rock (strong and reliable), and to Jesus as the Cornerstone the builders rejected (1 Pet 2:7). In the beginning, our nation was built on a solid foundation of Judeo Christian principles. That foundation is gradually being rejected, and replaced by the shifting sands of peoples' opinions, resulting in a spiritual 'housing collapse.'

The Day After the Election

This is one of the most important elections in the history of our nation. The next president and congress will not only face monumental conflicts at home and abroad, but 55 days after the election, unless there is a break in the partisan gridlock, prior tax cuts will expire, effecting a $500 billion tax increase, and the first installment of a $4 trillion reduction in spending will kick in.  A perfect storm (one that will make Sandy look like a breezy day at the beach) is brewing.

At such times I am reminded of David's words: “I do not involve myself in great matters or in things too difficult for me” (Psalm 131:1). 

So, like you, I’ll vote my conscience, trying to discern God's will, resting assured that no matter what happens on November 6, God will still be in control on November 7—because, in the end, I am neither Democrat nor Republican, but a monarchist waiting for the coming of my King.

Don’t’ “Fall Back”

Tomorrow, most of you in the U.S. will be turning your clocks back one hour: it is the end of Day Light Savings. (In March, we set our clocks ahead one hour.) Thus the expression, “Spring forward; Fall back.” This clever phrase brings to mind a practical spiritual principle: whenever we are in a season of hard growth (making progress) we will be tempted to turn back to something familiar (regress).

Upon ‘discovering’ this principle, Sigmund Freud ‘coined’ the term “regression” as the  psychological tendency to “revert to an earlier stage of development rather than handling unacceptable impulses in a more adult manner.”

Centuries before Freud, Paul spoke of regression. He called it "turning" or "shrinking back."  Its opposite is “endurance.” In other words, at any given time, we are either enduring (which results in progress) or regressing. Then Paul declares: “But we are not of those who shrink back… but we are those who … endure” (Hebrews 10:39, 36). In other words, by God's grace, we won’t “fall back.”

Moving Mountains

The writer of Psalm 73 was bothered that he was having so many troubles while the ungodly were enjoying an easy life. Feeling abandoned by God, he was ready to give up. It seemed like all of his diligence, obedience, prayers, and Bible reading were in vain—he was running out of patience.

We've all been there. At such times, it seems like there is a mountain between us and the place we want to be—and we just don’t have the strength to get over it. Jesus said, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible” (Matt. 17:20).

Jesus said our faith is like a seed, when planted in fertile soil, morphs into a plant or tree. He is saying that when we put even a little faith (that may be all we have!) into action, it will grow strong enough to empower us to move a mountain.

What is the mountain in your life? Loneliness, loss of a job, sickness, wounded relationship? Be encouraged. “Faith comes by hearing…the Word of God” (Ro. 10:17). And that Word will speak to your impossibilities. And nothing is impossible for God!

The Paranormalization of America

Halloween may be over, but not America’s obsession with the paranormal. Last month, two animated films about the paranormal were released: Hotel Transylvania about monster/human relations; and Frankenweenie, where dead animals are brought back to life. In the last decade, blockbuster films about witches, warlocks, and vampires became common fodder for our children and teenagers.

In the last half century, the increased fascination with aliens, global invasions, and genetic alterations has been startling. Without a doubt, paranormalization has reduced fear and skepticism of the weird and sensational! ‘So what?’ you say.

Some Bible scholars think the end times, “like the days of Noah,” may include the reintroduction of what-were-possibly fallen angels (Nephilim) on the earth. Whether this forebodes a demonic manifestation in end times is not clear. But if that were to happen, paranormalization could result in naive acceptance. And even if that doesn't happen, paranormalization is still a serious concern. Many Christians have been numbed to the reality and severity of spiritual warfare.

Halloween is not Just for Kids Anymore

Due to the adultification of Halloween, it has become an $8 billion a year industry—a commercial success second only to Christmas. In USA Today, one consumer anthropologist said, “the enjoyment of the holiday has its roots in a culture of folks desperate to act out their true feelings—a way for people to be more themselves, as if they’re saying this is who I really am.” That logic might make sense if a man puts on a superman costume, but what does it say about a man who dresses up as a warlock or a woman who mimics Marilyn Monroe or Broomhilda!?

What a sad psychological state we’ve come to. The truth is, people aren’t putting on masks to show who they are, but to hide the mask underneath—the one they wear every day. When people go to work, they put on their masks—pretending to be happy, or competent, or cool; others wear them to hide hurts or low self-esteem. And, unfortunately, too many feel they have to wear their masks to church too.

All this hiding must grieve God. Remember when He found Adam hiding in a costume of fig leaves? We may laugh at that. But when we have done something displeasing to God, what is our reaction?  Do we run to Him to be reconciled?  Or, do we avoid Him? “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before His eyes… So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God to receive His mercy whenever we feel like hiding” (Heb. 4:13, 16, edited by me).

What will be Hurricane Sandy’s Affect?

Have you noticed that the media are no longer referring to Hurricane Sandy as “Frankenstorm?” That would trivialize a storm that portends to be the worst to hit the Mid-Atlantic in 200 years—and there is nothing cute or funny about Sandy!

Sandy’s winds, in excess of 80 mph, are expected to cause power outages for millions of Americans. Government offices in the Nation’s capitol are closed, as are schools. Wall Street is closed, along with NYC and New Jersey public transportation, including the cancelation of more than 9,000 flights. Adding bad to worse, a cold front moving in from the West is threatening to drop up to 2 feet of snow. The economic losses are expected to be $20 billion. Occurring just days before the presidential elections, no one is even trying to guess what affect it will have on voting turnout.  

As I read this morning’s news articles about Sandy’s affects on all of the above, it occurred to me that no one is speaking of the spiritual affect. Will it cause people to pray? Will it cause people to reevaluate what is important in life? Could Sandy be a reminder that our fate is not determined by the outcome of a national election, but by our omniscient and omnipotent God?

“Failure is not an Option”

By now everyone knows that cyclist Lance Armstrong, 7-time winner of the Tour de France, has been stripped of his titles and banned from the sport for using steroids. He is the world’s most famous cheater. The adage “It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game that matters” has been replaced by Vince Lombardi’s “Winning is the only thing that matters.”

Recent research shows that over 75% of college students admit cheating in high school, up from 20% in 1950. Why the increase? Is it possible we have taught them that “failure is not an option.” Several years ago, I had a surge of high school seniors coming in to my counseling office—the presenting problem was anxiety, and the common theme was fear of failure.

Do you know that failure is built into God’s plan of redemption? The Bible is replete with leaders who failed and recovered—Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, Peter. Cheating may be as old as Adam, but in 2012, it seems epidemic. People don't cheat just to win; they cheat to avoid failure. And without knowing God's grace, failure is not an option. But for those of us who have failed and recovered (many times!), we know the secret of success is found in God's unconditional love and acceptance.

Something to Crow About

Remember all the brouhaha that stirred up everyone’s feathers last month when Chick-fil-A’s CEO said his company had donated money to organizations that held to a biblical view of marriage? Many gay rights groups called for boycotts. But supporters flocked to the stores.

While the public relations experts were convinced it would be Chick-fil-A’s undoing, it appears the ‘bad’ PR helped the fried chicken chain. Consumption of Chick-fil-A chicken was up 2.2% over this time last year. 

Is Chick-fil-A getting a juicy piece of justice after so many people cried ‘fowl.’

The commandments of the Lord are more desirable than the finest gold, sweeter than honey dripping from the comb [or a biscuit]. They are a great reward for those who obey them” (Psalm 19:10-11 edited).

Pearls and Pigs

As we live in formidable times, it’s not surprising people ask if God is in control. The answer is an unambiguous yes and no. Satan, called the “god of this world” (2 Co 4:4), is presently running rampant ‘on earth.’ John explains, “We know that the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Who can refute it—the world is an evil place, full of sinners and sinful consequences. But in the midst of a sinful world, God controls events and is moving history toward its ultimate; all of Satan’s schemes will be turned around for God’s good.

The truth of God’s Sovereignty is one that mystifies believers, so how could we expect 'pagans' to comprehend it. That didn’t seem to stop Connecticut Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock from trying to answer a question about abortion in the event of rape. He said, admittedly clumsily, “life is a gift from God. And, I think, even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen.” ‘Oops’ would be an understatement!

Jesus said, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs” (Matt. 7:6). Reconciling God’s loving-kindness and His mercy with his absolute sovereignty is indeed a sacred truth, but it is also a “hard saying.” Did Mourdock err by throwing a pearl to a pig? Of course the “pigs” are the “people who aren't spiritual [and] can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them” (2 Co 2:14). Maybe Mourdock should have been a little ‘slower to speak’ (James 1:19).

Why Vote?

The Billy Graham Association is pushing, not so indiscreetly, for you to vote for Romney. They took out a full page ad in newspapers across the land to encourage Christians to vote for candidates that support the biblical view of marriage.

In this election, there are moral issues on the table. Obama has taken a supportive stance on gay marriage. And, he is fully committed to furthering “women’s health rights”—a not-so-disguised term for providing every teen-age girl birth control and abortion. However, Romney has indicated that restricting current abortion rights is not on his agenda either. All things considered, even if Billy Graham himself was running for president, it is unlikely we can turn the moral tide. I admit, I've struggled with the question: why vote?

Some Christians who promote Dominion Theology use Old Testament passages to compare the U.S. to Israel, believing God will heal our nation if we vote in the right persons. But in ancient Israel, the moral and judicial rules were set by the Mosaic Law—not by congresses or courts, and certainly not by popular vote. Israel was promised national healing only if they repented and returned to God’s Law (2 Chronicles 7:14). That won’t happen in America (repentance is not on either candidate's short list!). So then, why vote?  because... voting is our chance to take a stand on issues we know are God’s will. And in that sense, our vote becomes a prayer: “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

A Famine in the Land

A recent Pew Forum study reveals that the average churchgoer is ignorant of people like Job, Abraham and Moses; he thinks Sodom and Gomorrah were a husband and wife; and that the statement “God helps those who help themselves” is in the Bible. Living in the “Information Age” doesn’t seem to have averted a dearth of Bible knowledge.

During a time of prosperity in Israel (just like today), the Prophet Amos predicted there would be a famine, not for bread or water, but for hearing the word of God: “Beautiful girls and strong young men will grow faint in that day, thirsting for the Lord's word” (11-13). Why the emphasis on young people? Could it be they were the ones searching for meaning in life—something worth living for, or even to die for? Even though his prophecy is specific to Israel, it’s not hard to see a modern parallel.

Today’s millennial generation has more access to Bible knowledge, 'spiritual nourishment,' than any generation in history. But they also have more distractions to quench their appetite. God says, “My people go into captivity for their lack of knowledge—famished and parched with thirst… [but] blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; they shall be satisfied” (Is. 55:2; Matt. 5:6).

Knowledge and People Travel Fast

Google CEO Eric Schmidt describes his life in the future: his bed will wake him up when he cycles out of R.E.M. sleep; a driverless car will take him to work; returning phone calls and scheduling events will be done by robots; and he will swallow a microchip to monitor his health and alert his doctor if anything is wrong. Thirty years ago such talk would have seemed ridiculous—but not anymore.  Such things are now quite believable.

God told His prophet Daniel that certain mysteries regarding the last days would be “revealed” when “knowledge increases” and men travel “back and forth” (Daniel 12:4). No one can argue that there has not been an exponential increase of both knowledge and speed. The cross-Atlantic voyage that took Columbus months is now done in a few hours!

And the increase of knowledge has been advanced by chip technology. We are living in ‘The Information Age.’  Knowledge is exploding in every direction. While Daniel’s phrase ‘increased knowledge’ means that some portions of the book of Daniel would not to be understood until the time of the end, many Bible scholars believe it also applies to an increasing knowledge of science, medicine, travel, and technology. If we have not reached that time yet, we must be amazingly close.

Choosing between Bad and Worse

With a national election coming up in less than 3 weeks, many people are feeling forced to choose between two evils; or, to use another expression, choosing between bad and worse. But politics aside, are current events increasing our feelings of cosmic futility?

What do I mean? Well, the present conflict in Syria is a good example of “bad and worse.” If Syria’s dictator Assad is defeated, he will likely be replaced by Sunni extremists sympathetic to al Qaeda. Next door in Egypt, a despot (supported by the U.S.) was driven out last year and replaced by the Muslim Brotherhood—an Islamic group who wants to annihilate Israel.

Since the whole world is under the influence of Satan—"the god of this world"—what else would you expect. Was there ever a better time to be citizens of another world, another reality, where only good, better, and best prevail (Romans 12:2). And where even the ‘bad’ choices of those who love Him cannot foil His plan to turn everything around for their good (Rom 8:28). If you make the LORD your refuge, no evil will conquer you... (Ps 91:10)—no matter who wins the election next month. 

"You must no longer live as the 'earthlings' do, in futility,

for they are hopelessly confused" (Eph 4:17, NIV, NLT, GB).

How’s Your Spiritual Nutrition?

Amidst increasing concern about obesity and poor nutrition comes a new study that multivitamins can cut the risk of cancer by 8%. Over the last 50 years, due to increased use of processed food in American diets, vitamin supplements have become almost essential. The Dep. of Agriculture has spent millions of dollars on a campaign to get Americans to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day—with little effect.

As if speaking to the issue of spiritual nutrition, Jesus said people cannot exist on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4). But I wonder that our bible study patterns don’t reveal that we treat God’s Word(s) more as a supplement than our daily meal (as if it could only reduce our sinful thoughts by 8%). But the bible is not a supplement; and its effectiveness is 100% (Heb 4:12; 2 Tim 3:17).

Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, refers to the life-changing Word of God more than any other—200 times. “I have hidden [stored up, treasured] your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (v.11). Jeremiah (15:16) spoke of eating the Word. Others compared the Word to milk (1 Peter 2:2), to honey (Psalm 19:10; 119:103) and to meat (Hebrews 5:12, 14). Spiritual life is nourished and sustained, not supplemented, by The Word.  Did you eat a healthy breakfast today?

A Girl and a Book

Today, the political cartoon in USA Today shows a picture of 14-year old Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl that was shot in the head last week on her way home from school by Taliban.  Malala had become internationally known for advocating education for girls in opposion to the Taliban's strict religious ban on teaching girls.

Next to Malala's picture is  the statement: “What terrifies religious extremists like the Taliban are NOT American tanks or bombs, or bullets… It’s a girl with a book.”

And in this statement, I find a simple, but deep spiritual analogy. What scares Satan to death (pun intended) is not prosperity preachers, signs and wonders, or multitudes in mega-churches but one man, woman, boy or girl who reads “The Book.”

Donald Trump Tells Liberty Students to Get Even

As a recent student at Liberty University (online), I cringed when the ultra-fundamentalist school invited Mormon Mitt Romney to be its commencement speaker last June. But I was seriously taken aback, last week, when I learned that Donald Trump had addressed 10,000 students at Liberty’s convocation, proclaiming that to be successful in business, you need to punish people who cross you: “you need to 'get even' so others learn not to mess with you.”

Perhaps you think the Liberty administrators would have been embarrassed about Trump’s unbiblical and unethical comments. But no, Liberty’s director of Spiritual Development Johnnie Moore defended Trump—explaining that “the bible is filled with stories of God getting even with his enemies, and that Jesus got even with the Pharisees and Satan by rising from the dead.”

That the Resurrection was God’s way of “getting even” with the devil is nearly heretical—reducing God’s eternal plan of salvation to the level of a school yard brawl (the kind of thing Donald Trump thrives on).  The blatant ignorance of Christian ethics ('blessed are the poor in spirit, the merciful, etc.') and the misrepresentation of God’s character is horrifying.

Do Pastors ever Get the Monday Morning Blues?

Sunday is a week-END for pastors. On Sunday, the pastor goes into high gear, sparking a surge of adrenaline—he’s on duty, on stage, on call; and everybody wants something from him. When the demanding day is over, the adrenaline subsides, and he or she may be tempted to Post-Adrenalin Depression (PAD), also known as ‘Monday morning blues.’ PAD can also result in Monday morning doubt: “Was my sermon clear?” “Did I really help anybody?”

Would it surprise you to know that your Spirit-filled pastor may have an emotional descent on Monday morning? It’s a normal physical phenomenon. Everyone must learn how to pace himself (finding God’s pace, and grace) to make sure he’s being led by the Spirit (Ro 8:14), not driven by adrenaline.  I know this because I was a pastor, and I am a friend of many pastors!

October 14th is Pastors’ Appreciation Day. You could write if off as just another Hallmark holiday. Or, you could send a note to your pastor to thank him for his service. And you might even give him some positive feedback! “Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work” (1 Thess. 5:13).  Send your pastor this post and let him know you'll be praying for him—especially on Mondays.