Lost Mandate of Heaven, Part 1I [Ideas Series, #9]

Psalm 109:8

"Let his days be few; and let another take his office."

Who would desire a persecuting tyrant to rule long? We might as well wish prosperous days to a mangy, rabid dog. If he will do nothing but mischief the shortening of his life will be the lengthening of the world's tranquillity. "Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days." This is bare justice to them, and great mercy to the poor and needy.

Think of Mubarak, Hussein, Kim Jong Il, Castro, Khaddafi as recent tyrants. Some were removed violently, some peacefully, and others, through ailing health.

And let another take his office. Perhaps a better man may come. At any rate it is time a change were tried.

So used were the Jews to look upon these verses as the doom of traitors, of cruel and deceitful minds. Peter, too, saw at once in the speedy death of Judas a fulfilment of this sentence (Acts 1:20). A bad man does not make an office bad; another may use with benefit that which the former perverted to wrong uses.

Sin is the great shortener of human life (Rom. 6:23; Heb. 9:27). After the flood the whole race lived a shorter time; iniquity shortens life, and some sins have a peculiar power to do this, such as lust, drunkenness, etc.

But a proud look, God hates (Prov. 16:5). Different standards (i.e., scales, balances, weights) are an abomination to the LORD (Prov.20:10, 23).

1984

In his famous novel “1984,” George Orwell described a nightmarish totalitarian world in which words were redefined – and some banished from use altogether.

This language was called newspeak.

It was a political novel written with the purpose of warning readers in the West of the dangers of totalitarian government. Having witnessed firsthand the horrific lengths to which totalitarian governments in Spain and Russia would go in order to sustain and increase their power, Orwell designed 1984 to sound the alarm in Western nations still unsure about how to approach the rise of communism. In the 40's and 50's many American intellectuals supported communism, and the state of diplomacy between democratic and communist nations was uncertain.

In the American press, the Soviet Union was often portrayed as a great moral experiment. Orwell, however, was deeply disturbed by the widespread cruelties and oppressions he observed in communist countries, and seems to have been particularly concerned by the role of technology in enabling oppressive governments to monitor and control their citizens. China is presently the grand failed experiment that's been repackaged with the bright gift wrapping of global opportunism. Its arms may reach across continents, but its heart is dark and godless as ever.

As to the protagonist in 1984, Winston Smith is a low-ranking member of the ruling Party in London, in the nation of Oceania. Everywhere Winston goes, even his own home, the Party watches him through telescreens; everywhere he looks he sees the face of the Party’s seemingly omniscient leader, a figure known only as Big Brother. The Party controls everything in Oceania, even the people’s history and language. Currently, the Party is forcing the implementation of an invented language called Newspeak, which attempts to prevent political rebellion by eliminating all words related to it. Even thinking rebellious thoughts is illegal. Such thought crime is, in fact, the worst of all crimes.

Sound familiar?

Obama Meets Orwell

Some observations from President Obama's press conference (tagged by LA Times' liberal writer, Andrew Malcolm, "Barack Obama's delivery of no news is quite smooth"): In messages reminiscent of George Orwell's "1984" or "Brave New World," Obama tried to convince us that he'll cut the deficit by growing the deficit, he'll get entitlement programs under control by enrolling more dependents, and he'll grow America's private sector of the economy by increasing the size, budget, and reach of the federal government to historically unprecedented levels. What's next? Proclaiming that "Freedom is slavery," "War is peace" or "Poverty is wealth"?

Think about the drones buzzing about our Nation (Click Here and Here) and monitoring our every move.

Think about the The National Defense Authorization Act [NDAA], which was signed into law on December 31, 2011, greatly expands the power and scope of the federal government to fight the War on Terror, including codifying into law the indefinite detention of terrorism suspects without trial. Under the new law the US military has the power to carry out domestic anti-terrorism operations on US soil. Even worse, the NDAA authorizes the military to detain even US citizens under the broad new anti-terrorism provisions provided in the bill, once again without trial. Don't believe it? Click here for more information.

Think about Obama taking control of the internet in case of national crisis. On July 6, 2012, the president signed the executive order — “Assignment of National Security and Emergency Preparedness Communications Functions” — which gives him the power to seize the internet. Essentially, it says the government can take control of private telecommunications technology, presumably including those used for the Internet, for government communications in an emergency. Under the Executive Order the White House has granted the Department of Homeland Security the authority to seize private facilities when necessary, effectively shutting down or limiting civilian communications. Again, having a hard time believing what you're reading? Click here.

Now, I'm no conspiracy theorist. The news articles I cite are not from a fringe right-wing or left-wing blog or crazy rag like Mother Jones. These are mainstream news outlets, Friend. Connect the dots and come to whatever conclusion you want to. Know this, that if you're looking to a man or group of men to solve your problems then you're in for a real surprise. Neither Romney nor Obama know the future and its winding, unpredictable curves. Only God knows what's best for us. It is to Him that we need to turn to in times of distress (John 14:6).

I'm no alarmist either. So, this isn't the time to panic; it's time to pray (I Thess. 5:17). Indeed, Psalm 121:1-2 states, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."

Looking, that is, to the hills of Moriah and Zion and the holy hill of God. Therefore, I will not worry nor lose sleep. The LORD keeps me in His mighty hand (Rom. 8:35-39). Jesus Christ is my Rock!

From the White House to the Great White Throne

Let me make one thing clear. Well, a few things clear.

1. I'm aware of how Psalm 109, verse 9 continues: "Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow." Make no mistake, I am not wishing ill on the president. Even though the psalmist's sentiment is an extreme one, think of the context of why he writes this way: The leader has led the people astray; the ruler of the nation has forgotten God; the prince of the people has forsaken the Law and instead chosen to rely and lean on his own understanding. There is nothing so bitter than to abandon God's wonderful precepts. It is truly a sickening thought to consider.

2. God gives people, including Mr. Obama, time to repent. In II Peter 3:9, the apostle writes, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." Thus, there is a time to humble oneself before the great and living God; that time is now. There is a way to seek God's forgiveness and it is through His only Son Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). What Good News, indeed! There is only one way to salvation, but it is tried and true. God's Word promises it to you and me and everyone else.

3. Unfortunately, there are those who believe that there is no God (Ps. 14:1; 53:1) or that there are many other ways to salvation but this is not so (I Jn. 4:9, 14-15). Those who refuse the salvation that Christ offers will be judged at the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11-15). Any leader or any person "great and small" who are not saved will find themselves standing before God at the Great White Throne. Afterwards, they will be hurled into the Lake of Fire where they will burn forever and ever. What a tragic mistake to reject the love of Jesus!

Don't be one of them. Don't be a fool. Exercise good judgment and ask God to forgive you. He is ready to forgive you. All you have to do is humble yourself and ask for mercy. According to the Holy Bible, you shall receive forgiveness.

Stop delaying the decision. What's holding you back? Click here: The Plan of Salvation

Sources: LA Times, Fox News, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, newsmax, Free Republic, Heritage.org

The Lost Mandate of Heaven, Part 1E [Ideas Series, #5]

Genesis 3:23-24
"Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life."


If God threw Adam out of Eden on account of one sin, how can you expect to get into the Heavenly paradise with ten thousand? If someone out there says, "I haven't got anything to repent of." If you are  like the Pharisees, then I can tell you that this message will not reach your heart.

In I John 1:8, 10, the Bible states -

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us...If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

Alas, some people say, "I believe in the mercy of God; I don't believe God will send anyone to hell. I believe everyone will get to Heaven."

Or, "I believe that they are many paths to Heaven."

Look at those antediluvians. Do you think God swept all those sinners, all those men and women who were too wicked to live on earth - do you believe He swept them all into Heaven, and left the only righteous man to wade through the flood and its aftermath? Do you really hold to this notion, Reader?

And yet many men believe all will go into Heaven. Oh, Friend, don't believe the lie that comes from the mouth of the Devil himself! 

The day will come when you will wake up and know that you have been deceived by Satan. No unrepentant sinner will ever get into Heaven. Unless they forsake their sin they cannot enter there. The law of God is very plain on this point: "Except a man repent." That's the language of Scripture. And when this is so plainly set down, why is it that men fold their arms and say, "God will take me into Heaven anyway."

I can imagine some of you are saying now, Am I to repent today?"  The answer is a resounding Yes! My Friends, there are only two parties in the world. It's not the Republicans and the Democrats. Or, the Conservatives and the Liberals. Or, the 1% and the 99%. Indeed, there  is a great battle going on for your mind here today. And, yes, there are only two sides. Now, there are two parties in this world - those for Christ and those against Him, and to change to Christ's party is only moving from the old party to the new. You know that the old party is bad, and the new one is good, and yet you don't change. You don't have to wait for Election Day. Today's your day to vote, Friend. What's keeping you from casting the right vote?

If a man is not repentant his face is turned away from God, and the moment his face is turned toward God peace and joy follow. There are a great many people hunting after joy, after peace. Dear friends, if you want to find it today. Just turn to God, and you will get it.

Here's a final thought by Charles Spurgeon, "He who looks sinward has his back to God—he who looks Godward has his back to sin."

I can't put more plainer than this: Turn or Burn. What's it going to be? Cast your vote now.

I Choose to Turn This Day!

The Lost Mandate of Heaven, Part 1D [Ideas Series, #4]

1 Thessalonians 1:9

"For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;"

As stated previously, the word repentance is used to express the spiritual transition from sin to God.

Do not mistake penitence for repentance. They are NOT the same. Penitence signifies pain, grief, distress, rather than a change of thought and purpose. Thus Latin Christianity  has been corrupted (the Catholic Church being the main perpetrator) by erroneous thought of presenting grief over sin rather than abandonment of sin as the primary idea.

Repentance is that change of a sinner's mind which leads him to turn from his evil ways and live under the grace that Christ provides for all who believe in Him (Rom. 8:1-10). The change wrought in repentance is so deep and radical as to affect the whole spiritual nature and to involve the entire personality. The intellect must function, the emotions must be aroused, and the will must act. Each person needs to understand sin as unutterably grievous; recognize the divine law as perfect; and acknowledge that he himself comes short or falling below the requirements of a holy God due to sin (Job 42:5,6; Psalms 51:3; Romans 3:20, 23).

There may be a knowledge of sin without turning from it as an awful thing which dishonors God and ruins man. The change of view may lead only to a dread of punishment and not to the hatred and abandonment of sin (Exodus 9:27; Numbers 22:34; Joshua 7:20; 1 Samuel 15:24; Matthew 27:4).

There is a type of grief that issues in repentance and another which plunges into remorse. There is a godly sorrow and also a sorrow of the world. The former brings life; the latter, death (Matthew 27:3; Luke 18:23; 2 Corinthians 7:9,10). There must be a consciousness of sin in its effect on man and in its relation to God before there can be a hearty turning away from unrighteousness. The feeling naturally accompanying repentance implies a conviction of personal sin and sinfulness and an earnest appeal to God to forgive according to His mercy (Psalms 51:1,2,10-14).

The whole sacrificial system was intended only to point out the infinite mercy of God to fallen man, in his redemption by the blood of the new covenant. What a picture! Mercy is a matter of the heart; that is, God's heart. It can be said that the heart of the Lord is mercy.

An Illustration

Suppose you go home, and you find that while you have been at work, your child has gone to your private drawer and stolen $5 of your money. You go to him and say: "Did you take that money?" "Yes, I took that money," he replies. When you hear him saying this without any apparent regret you won't forgive him. You want to get at his conscience; you know it would do no good to forgive him unless he confesses his wrong.

Suppose he won't do it. "Yes," he says, "I stole your money, but I don't think I've done wrong." The mother cannot, the father cannot forgive him, unless he sees he has done wrong, and wants forgiveness.

Reader, can't you see you're in the same predictament as that little child? Yes, you are! Are you troubled by that thought? Sinner, why don't you repent?

A test: Is it your sin that stands between you  and Christ?

It isn't, really. It's your own will. That's what stands between the sinner and forgiveness. Christ will take all your iniquities away if you will let Him. But, you've got to humble yourself before the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, and admit you're a sinner and ask for pardon. Men are so proud that they won't acknowledge and confess before God.

Don't you see on the face of it, if your boy won't repent you cannot forgive him, and how is God going to forgive a sinner if he doesn't repent? If God allowed an unrepentant sinner into His Kingdom, there would be war in Heaven. You cannot live in a house with a boy who steals everything he can lay his hands on. You would have to banish him from your house, right?

 

A Consideration of the Local Incarceration Rate

Facts about Washington State Offenders in Confinement

Number of Prison Facilities ..................................................................................12
Number of Work Releases Facilities..................................................................16

Total Offenders in Confinement ..................................................................17,838
Offenders in prison ..........................................91.9%.................16,391
Offenders in work release................................. 3.8%....................... 679
Offenders in out-of-state rented beds ............ 0.0%............................ 0
Offenders in in-state rented beds.................... 4.3%....................... 768

Prison and Work Release Operational Capacity ..................................16,837
Total operational capacity in prisons ........................................16,158
Operational capacity in work release capacity .............................. 679

Percent of Population to Operational Capacity
Total Prison Confinement Percent of Operational Capacity.................. 101.1%
Work Release Percent of Capacity ............................................................. 100.0%

Gender
Male.....................................................................................................................92.6%
Female .................................................................................................................. 7.4%

Race
White ...................................................................................................................71.6%
Black....................................................................................................................18.8%
American Indian .................................................................................................. 4.3%
Asian...................................................................................................................... 3.7%
Unknown/Other................................................................................................... 1.6%

Hispanic Origin.....................................................................................................11.6%

Average Age............................................................................................................. 37.8

Citizenship
United States .....................................................................................................94.7%
Mexico................................................................................................................... 2.7%
Other...................................................................................................................... 2.6%

Length of Sentence
Less than Two Years ........................................................................................15.7%
Two to Five Years ..............................................................................................23.9%
Five to Ten Years...............................................................................................20.4%
Over Ten Years ..................................................................................................24.8%
Life with the possibility of Parole or Release………. ...………………………...11.6%
Life without Release........................................................................................... 3.6%

Avg. Length of Stay for Offenders Released in the past year........ 23.8 mo


As you can see, most of the offenders are very young men, for the most part. The majority of them (12,308 persons to be exact) serve 2-10 years. Does it break your heart that these men and women might leave the prison without knowing who Jesus Christ is? They're in there no doubt for their wrong doing. But, have you stopped to consider that Jesus died for them, too? Did anyone visit them or write them or mailed them a Gospel tract? If they received Christ as their Lord & Saviour in prison, do you wonder whether or not they'll be discipled by someone in their community once they are released so that they stay on the straight and narrow? Do you think someone out there cares about them? And, how many of them did not get connected to a local New Testament, Bible-believing church once released?

The worst kind of bondage is sin. There is no prison worse than it because it goes with you anywhere you go. To be sure, nothing can be done to liberate you from sin than the blood of Jesus Christ (John 1:29, 36; Heb. 9:22).

Suppose the Governor of Washington finds a great number of criminals in prison, and he goes and says: "I feel bad for those prisoners. They cannot stay in jail any longer." Suppose some murders have been committed, and he says: "I am tender hearted, I can't punish those men." and he opens the prison door and lets them all out. How long would that governor be in his position? Wouldn't your blood boil and you'd be calling out for justice? Men would be the first to raise their voice against that governor. These men would clamor, "These murders must be punished or society will be imperiled; life will not be safe!"

And what about God's justice? Do you think He wants justice for men's sins? Oh, indeed He does!

Yet people believe that God will ignore men's sins. Just glance up Calvary's way. The Judge of the world did not look away at all. Reader, He hates sin, but loves you (Jn. 3:16). It is a hard way that Jesus Christ took for your sins, Friend. Don't go on under that delusion that you can keep on sinning (Num. 32:23). You can't. It is a lie of the devil. I tell you, the Word of God is true, and it tells us "Except a man repent" there is not one ray of hope held out for you.

Now let me say this: You are in a position to be reconciled to God right now. You are not in a position to deny this reconciliation a week, a day, an hour. God tells you now. In five minutes, for all you and I know, you may be in eternity.  Life is but a mist. So now God calls you to repent, and all your sins will be taken from you. May God help you to turn and live.

I Want to Turn From Sin and Live Right!

Sources: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia; Oxford English Dictionary; Strong's Dictionary; WA State Dept. of Corrections Statistic and Report - Quarterly Fact Card (March 31,2012)

The Lost Mandate of Heaven, Part 1C [Ideas Series, #3]

Matthew 9:12-13

"But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

There is a good deal of trouble among people about what repentance really is. If you ask people what it is, they will tell you "It is feeling sorry." If you ask a man if he repents, he will tell you, "Oh, yes; I generally feel sorry for my sins." That is not repentance. It is something more than feeling sorry.

The word repentance is an old world word. It is a Biblical word. It is a word that has many connotations, most of them bad from a world's point of view. Let's take a closer look -

The Oxford English Dictionary defines repentance as "feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin."

However, according to God's Word sincere regret or remorse is not sufficient. Strong's Dictionary has a more explicit and accurate meaning.

The Greek word for repentance is Metanoia and it means, "a change of mind, as it appears to one who repents, of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done."

In plain English, repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action, which is powered by the Holy Spirit (Jn.15:1-5). Otherwise, the change in action would be works oriented. Again, repentance is turning right about and forsaking sin.

Consider these Biblical references in your Bible devotions:

1. Repentance was preached by John the Baptist, Matthew 3:1-10
2. Repentance was preached by Jesus Christ, Matthew 4:17, 9:13, 11:20-21; Luke 13:25, 15:7, 24:46-48
3. Repentance was preached by Christ’s Disciples, Mark 6:12
4. Repentance was preached by Peter, Acts 2:38, 3:19, 5:31, 8:22-23
5. Repentance was preached by Paul, Acts 17:30, 20:20-21, 26:20

Christ’s goal in dealing with men was not merely to lead them in a sinner’s prayer, but to bring them to repentance and genuine salvation. He described salvation in terms of coming to repentance.

I will add that repentance is not only a New Testament principle. It goes back to the Old Testament as well. Did not God show His displeasure at the children of Israel in the wilderness because of their stiff-necked ways? If you doubt or wonder, take the time to read the Book of Exodus, chapters 32 and 33.

Isaiah 55:7 says, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

That is what it is. If a man doesn't turn from his sin he won't be accepted of God, and if righteousness don't produce a turning about - a turning from bad to good - it isn't true righteousness.

Look at King Saul, and see the difference between him and King David. David fell as low as Saul and a good deal lower - he fell from a higher pinnacle, but what was the difference between the two? David turned back to God and confessed his sin and got forgiven (Ps. 51). But look at King Saul. There was no repentance there.

For further study on repentance, consider these other Biblical personalities:

1. Peter and Judas

2. Esau and Jacob

3. Rich, Young Ruler and the Eunuch

4. Esther and Vashti

The Scriptural idea of genuine repentance is used extensively and makes prominent the idea of a radical change in one's attitude toward sin and God. It implies a conscious, moral separation, and a personal decision to forsake sin and to enter into fellowship with God. It is employed extensively with reference to man's turning away from sin to righteousness (Deuteronomy 4:30; Nehemiah 1:9; Psalms 7:12; Jeremiah 3:14).

The term signifies "to have another mind," to change the opinion or purpose with regard to sin. It is equivalent to the Old Testament word "turn." Thus, it is employed by John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostles (Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38).

Well, Friend, do you have another mind? Do you have the notion to quit living in sin and turning to Jesus?

Why not do it today? Lord, I Need to Repent.

Sources: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia; Oxford English Dictionary; Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

The Lost Mandate of Heaven, Part 1B [Ideas Series, #2]

Proverbs 14:34

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."

As stated in the inaugural post of the Ideas Series, if we as a Nation are to ever regain true course, it will not occur by simply replacing who's in the White House or who's in Congress or who's sitting on the bench in the Supreme Court. These are all nice starts, but a true course change can only begin when people's hearts are turned to God.

Because it bears repeating, read what Proverbs 14:34 says, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."

Notice that it's not Conservatism that exalts a nation. It's righteousness. What is righteousness? Who defines what it is? Of course, the answer to the latter is God defines righteousness, along with good, wicked and how one gets saved to name a few.

So, what is righteousness? Let the Bible define the word and see that it means according to Deuteronomy 12:28 -

"Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God."

Therefore, in simple terms, righteousness is to do that which good & right in God's sight. Now listen, God is righteous; subsequently, His pronouncements, statutes, laws, etc. are righteous. Evil cannot flow from a righteous God just like bad fruit cannot come from a good tree.

The truth is that there is not and can never be anything outside of the nature of God which can move Him in the least degree. No one can compel Him to act outside of His nature. All of God’s reasons come from within His uncreated being. Nothing has entered the being of God from eternity, nothing has been removed, and nothing has been changed (Heb. 13:8).

God acts justly. He is not doing so to conform to an independent criterion, but simply acting like Himself in a given situation. God is His own self-existent principle of moral equity, and when He sentences evil men or rewards the righteous, He simply acts like Himself from within, uninfluenced by anything that is not Himself.

It stands then that the man who exhibits righteousness is right in God's eyes, for He has the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ (Rom. 4:5-6; II Cor. 5:21). And the only way to be clothed with Christ's righteousness is by being born again (Jn. 3:7) and saved (Rom. 10:9-10). It cannot be stressed enough: You need HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS! (Matthew 6:33; Romans 10:3-4). Even one sin makes us guilty of all in God's eyes (Jms 2:10).

Finally, also take note that it's not perfection that exalts a nation. It's righteousness.

Reader, the right thing to do is get right with God and settle the matter before the Day of Reckoning. Secondly, follow Christ's righteousness in believer's baptism. Thirdly, join a Bible believing, local New Testament church and grow through God's Word. Get involved in a ministry that the Lord directs you to, with the help of the pastor. Finally, be a shining light in a dark and dying world (Matt. 5:16).

Reclaim the lost mandate of heaven and in doing so you are redeeming these evil days. Pray for this Nation (Jms. 5:16b), that others will join you in prayer & deed towards making this Nation one that acts righteously, and its leaders humble themselves before a holy and just God. America has been great because of God. If we fall, it will be because of our failure to honor God as our Sovereign Authority and Lord. 

Must we watch our beloved land become mired in the pigsty of compromise and fearfulness? It is the Christian that must stand up for what is right. We must not fear the wrath of man or the condemnation of sinners. They hated Jesus, so if we are the light which exposes their evil, they will hate us as well.

What would God's personal message to America be if He spoke to us audibly in this day? I believe he would say, Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Let us pray for our land and resolve to do our best to make America great again. If we achieve anything, it is God which must accomplish it!

*

Friend, if you are not saved then I plead with you to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord & Saviour.

Only Trust Christ Now!

Why All the Fuss, Sisyphus? [Sisyphus Meets Jesus Christ]

Isaiah 40:28-29

"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength."

Researchers at the University of Virginia have found that most people perceive a hill to be steeper than it really is, especially if they are tired or carrying a heavy load. When asked to estimate the slope of a hill, test participants consistently misjudged it, thinking a 10-degree slant was about 30 degrees, and rating a 5-degree slope as nearly 20 degrees. Hardly any of them believed they could be that far off.

When we are burdened and exhausted, even a minor problem can seem too big for us to handle. As we encounter a trial in life, we are tempted to sit down at the base of that difficult hill and stay there, convinced that the grade is too steep for us.

And yet, Christ is there for the believer (Matt. 11:28-30).

That is why we need the encouragement of God’s Word. It draws our attention to our loving God, who knows our need. Zephaniah wrote, "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."  (Zeph. 3:18).

Trusting in God's Word is key as you'll read in Psalm 119:40-41, "Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word."

And talk about being upheld by God's word! Look here -

"Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually."  Ps. 119:116-117

Because we so easily misjudge life’s difficulties, we need courage to keep going when we are tempted to quit. Take a step of faith today and put your entire trust on the Lord. Don't lean on your own understanding (Prv. 3:5-6). It's going to get you nowhere except back at the bottom of the hill.

Consider the testimony of someone who knows: Sisyphus. In Greek mythology, he was the founding  king of Corinth (how ironic) who punished by being compelled to roll an immense boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down, and to repeat this action forever. In common parlance, the word sisyphean means "endless and unavailing, as labor or a task." And, in modern terms, the myth of Sisyphus is understood as a representation of a life made meaningless because it consists of bare repetition.

If you are burdened because of life's trials or work or family or physical illness or depression or whatever else that may be draining you, take heart. Jesus Christ never intended for you to carry that load alone. When Paul sought the Lord's removal of his "thorn", Jesus responded that His grace was sufficient (II Cor. 12:7-10).

Remind yourself through God's word (and trust wholly in Him) that God will work things (Rom. 8:28).

Confer with these other verses for encouragement and strength - II Corinthians 4:16; Psalm 29:11;  Isaiah 41:10; Jermiah 31:25

As we live for Christ and follow Him,

The way may seem quite steep;

But if we trust His grace and strength,

Our steps He will guide and keep.

God always gives enough strength for the next step. Wait for the Lord and see that He is faithful to His Word. Isaiah 40:31 reassures us, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

I'm Tired of Going Uphill. Save Me Jesus!

Got any rivers, you think are uncrossable?
Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?
God specializes in things thought impossible
He does the things others cannot do.

Aim High, Shoot Low

James 4:3
"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."


I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.¹
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I, among all men, am most richly blessed!
Indeed and amen.

Don't fail to take care of today what you should've taken care of yesterday: The Plan of Salvation!

¹Romans 8:26 states, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

Also,

Matthew 18:1-4 - "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

A Christian Walk Unfeigned

Romans 12:1-2

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

To kick off this post, I'd like to quote a famous prolific writer, preacher & pastor in 19th Century England by the name of John Charles Ryle [1816-1900] -

“Begin reading your Bible this very day. The way to do a thing is to do it, and the way to read the Bible is actually to read it. It is not meaning, or wishing, or resolving, or intending, or thinking about it; that will not advance you one step. You must positively read. There is no royal road in this matter, any more than in the matter of prayer. If you cannot read yourself, you must persuade somebody else to read to you. But one way or another, through eyes or ears, the words of Scripture must actually pass before your mind.”

~ J.C. Ryle

The verses noted from Romans 12 contain a body-mind connection. Consider the commitment and steps necessary in developing a godly lifestyle. Paul was urgently warning believers not to be conformed to the world. If we're leaning toward compromise in our Christian walk, then the greatest danger today is an ungodly testimony. But, it doesn't stop there. Like tracking dog dung we've stepped on and soiling our house; likewise a worldly Christian drags in his worldly ways into the church and contaminates everyone he comes in contact.

Here's how it works: Through ungodly relationships and the impact of media, we're being influenced by people who are not following God's ways. Our society tells us to put self first, take what we want, protect our rights, and promote our own interests above others' interests.

In contrast, Jesus said that our heavenly Father will provide what we truly need (Phil. 4:19), we are to deny self and follow Him (Luke 9:23), and the humble - not the proud - shall receive honor (James 4:10). Conformity to the world's ideals will lead us away from God.

At the same time, Paul urges us to:

1. Present our bodies as a living sacrifice, which is a reasonable thing to do considering what the Lord did for you and me at Calvary. We are also to make our sacrifice holy & acceptable unto the Lord. How is that done? Romans 6:12-13 states, "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."

Confer with I Cor. 6:19-20. Of interest is the word present, which denotes the action of bringing and presenting an animal or other sacrifice before an altar (which is an Old Testament picture). It implies that the action was a free and voluntary offering. The act of freely devoting ourselves to God is one of the most loving acts that we will ever perform. And, it happens on a daily basis.

2. Pursue godly transformation of our minds using God's word as compass and ballast. It means to set our thoughts on things above (Col. 3:2) and to focus on what is true, right, pure, and admirable (Phil. 4:8). Adopting a Christian worldview will lead to Christlike actions. It requires making adjustments in how we view life until our thoughts line up with Scripture. We must also protect our minds with Biblical truth and surround ourselves with mature believers who can warn us when we start to stray.

Make no mistake, Friend, you cannot even begin on this Christian walk without first settling your old account of sin (Rom. 6:23; Jn. 3:1-7; Rom. 10-9-10).

Please understand that believers are exhorted to offer a sacrifice that will be acceptable to God; that is, such a one as He had just specified, one that was living and holy. No sacrifice should be made which is not acceptable to God. Don't even try.

The offerings of the pagan; the pilgrimages of the Muslims; the self-inflicted penalties of the Roman Catholics, are all uncommanded by God and Scripture. They are not and cannot be acceptable to Him. Those services that will be acceptable to God are those only which He appoints. People are not to invent services; or to make crosses; or to seek persecutions and trials; or to provoke opposition; or to withdraw themselves from society and live in isolated, austere surroundings. They are to do just what God requires of them, and according to Scripture. Nothing else will be acceptable to God. And this fact, that what we do is acceptable to God, is the highest recompense we can have. It matters little what people think of us, if God approves what we do. To please Him should be our highest aim; the fact that we do please Him is our highest reward.

Ask yourself these questions, Friend:

Am I focusing on what is important to the Lord?
Am I making a conscious effort to adhere to Biblical truth?
Am I demonstrating a pattern of godly transformation?
Am I presenting my body a living sacrifice according to God's word?

If you answered No to any of these questions then why not get right with God on this account, submit to His will (James 4:7-10) and see the outflow of His power through your obedience (Jn. 15:1-10). Let God's Holy Spirit empower you to make the changes necessary to be more like Christ.

But first, you must be born again! Are you willing to take that first step? It's the only way, Reader (Jn. 14:6)! The Plan of Salvation

Counting Your Blessings: The Model of Self-Encouragement [The Model Series, Part 3 of 3]

I Samuel 30:6

"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."

While David and his warriors were away, the Amalekites raided their town, burned everything, and captured the women and children. The story is played out in eerie similarity in the rape of the Sabine women, which is the account of Rome's beginnings. In any event, the people wanted to stone David because they charged David in leaving the Ziklag defenseless while he galloped off with Achish.

When David couldn't turn to anyone for encouragement, he turned himself to the Lord. Why? Because he found he couldn't place any confidence in his men or the people around him.

This is what David did instead: He exercised his faith on his God. He encouraged himself in the power of God; in the promises of God, and in the faithfulness of God. You see, David knew and understood God's promises in light of his covenant relation to God.

Oh, that we were like David, in remembrance of the grace, mercy, and goodness of God! If only our former experiences of God's hand in our lives would move us closer to Him rather than away because of doubt (instead of faith); because of unbelief (instead of believing that God will meet us in some way or another, and work salvation for us) and because of timidity in the face of fear (instead of drawing strength from the Word of the Lord).  A Christian's God is no figment of the imagination, but is the real and corporal God-man, the Christ, the living Word of God, whose power, whose might, and whose grace is found in Him, Yes, Jesus, is our All in all.

In times of trouble, Christian, do you consider God? Does He ever come across your mind? In your dire stress & adversity, consider Psalm 23 as your model of self-encouragement when no one else is around to encourage you or when you are under attack.

In verse 1, the emphasis is "LORD" and refers to Jesus Christ for Christians. David states that he shall not want (or, lack) because he acknowledges who his Shepherd is and that He shall provide for all of his needs according to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19).

If you focus on the Lord's 10 Provisions in Psalm 23 and reflect how Jesus has personally met your need in each area, then you truly will be blessed with encouragement in the Lord!

1. SAFE REST

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:"  (v. 2a)

Here the picture is of repose or resting safely while being fully fed. Confer Eze. 34:15. Can you remember the last time the Lord furnished you repose?

2. PEACE
"...[H]e leadeth me beside the still waters."  (v. 2b)

Not stormy waters or stagnant waters. These waters are still waters, deep waters that not even the strongest heat could steal your breath away or drain you of strength. See Isa. 49:10; Jn. 7:38.

3. REVIVAL
"He restoreth my soul:"  (v. 3a)

God brings back the soul from its errors and sinful wanderings. Oh, what joy one experiences when God delivers us from our evil ways, redeeming the soul from destruction! Check out Ps. 19:7a.

4. JUSTIFICATION
"...[H]e leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."  (v. 3b)

God shows us paths that are good and true and not false in any way because God does not deal treacherously with us. Confer Prv. 4:11; Rom. 3:28, 5:1. Also, being justified is not the sole purpose of your salvation, but that He may be honored & glorified! See Ps. 51:14-15; Eph. 2:8-9.

5. COURAGE
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:"  (v. 4a)

What more do you need than God's mighty hand? It was good enough for Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David and Paul, so it should be good enough for you! Not convinced? Okay, read these Scriptures - Isa. 40:28-31; Exo. 15:2; Jn. 10:27-29.

6. PROTECTION
" ...[F]or thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."  (v. 4b)

Even in the darkest of dark hours and deepest valleys, Jesus will never forsake you or abandon you (Heb. 13:5). Interesting note on the rod & staff: It seems to suggest that the staff refers to the part the which the shepherd used in walking, and the crook (or, rod) refers to the hooked part of the staff, which was used for guiding his flock. Thus, the Lord keeps you on the straight and narrow, if you allow Him! Please confer II Sam. 2:19; Ps. 48:14; Ps. 138:7.

7. PERFECT SUFFICIENCY
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:"  (v. 5a)

Wow! In the heat of the battle, the Lord prepares a feast for his sheep. A sumptuous feast in perfect security in the midst of turmoil. Truly, if God be for you who can be against you? Christian, are you going to be at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9)? Are you encouraged just yet?

8. ABUNDANCE
"...[T]hou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."  (v. 5b)

God not only fills you with the joy of gladness, it runs over. This, too, indicates an  abundance of  favors thus bestowed on His children. With the Lord, a believer is never left lacking or unfilled with spiritual joy and comfort. It overflows. See Lk. 6:38.

9. MERCY & GRACE
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:"  (v. 6a)

The hymnist sang, "Mercy there was great and grace was free, pardon there was multiplied to me, there my burdened soul found liberty. Where? At Calvary!" How so true for every one that believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God! How very comforting to know that as we pass through this life, His goodness and mercy shall follow us every step of the way. Praise the Lord! Amazing grace, how sweet the sound! Need more proof? Go to Lam. 3:22-23.

10. ETERNAL LIFE
"...[A]nd I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."  (v.6b)

Friend, where will you spend eternity? Christ said (three times, mind you) that you must be born again to enter the kingdom of God (Jn. 3:1-7). Are you saved? Are you washed in the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless, are they white as snow? If not, don't reject the free gift of mercy of Calvary! Don't be left out in the dark where there will be gnashing of teeth (Mt. 13:43).

Reader, please consider this model for self-encouragement the next time you're struggling in your Christian walk and have no one to turn to at the moment. It might be a good idea to memorize Psalm 23 and meditate on each part of the psalm, reflecting how God has worked in your life in each of the areas that were noted above.

A final observation on David: He was brought low, only just before he was raised to the throne (read II Sam. 2). So, when things are at their worst with the church and the people of God, that's when they begin to mend.

David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. The soul of the people was bitter; their own discontent and impatience added to the affliction and misery. And, they acted upon their emotions. But David bore it better. Why? Because they gave liberty to their passions, but he set his graces to work; and while they dispirited each other, he, by encouraging himself in God, kept his spirit calm. Those who have taken the Lord for their God, may take encouragement from him in the worst times because God is still on the throne. To God be the glory!

During discouraging times, you need a Saviour. Sometimes you can't wait for the rescuers to arrive. Take matters into your own hands, literally, by praying and encouraging yourself with God's Word. In desperate times you need something solid. What you need is the Holy Bible. In calamitous times you need someone solid. Who you need is Jesus Christ.

Are you his and is He yours? I Want Jesus To Be My Anchor!

In times like these you need a Savior
In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

In times like these you need the Bible,
In times like these O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!