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  • Marriage under attack?

    The day after Valentine’s Day has become a Black Friday of sorts for one dark industry that is fast becoming a new U.S. trend. USA Today had an articles on Cupid’s day about a sports lawyer/agent turned opportunist/matchmaker with his website. His website, however, makes a way for married folks to discreetly hook up and allow nature to take its course. The website owner reported that the day after Valentine’s Day is one of his site’s busiest days.

    His site gives options to those who are not satisfied with how their spouses handled Feb. 14. This is all made possible by two facts: The first is that similar sites for singles were being bombarded by married men who were faking the single status to get women. The second is that a sociology study reported that 67 percent of married men admitted cheating on their wives and 61 percent of married women admitted to cheating on their husbands. These facts created the need and ta-da! more of these sites are now coming to your area!

    One argument is that dating sites for married people contribute to the destruction of marriage. Another argument is that adults are responsible for their own actions and whether sites like this exist or not, people are going to cheat. The main question to me is do you blame the guy who is selling lubricant at the gate of Sodom and Gomorrah for what goes on there? I say no!

    This is one of those hard lessons in free will. We are given a choice and God wanted us to have a choice. There is no “good” without “evil” and there is no “love” without “hate” as terms like these will pull its definition from the other. I’m not for anything that hinders choice in consenting adults and God isn’t either. I am not condoning bad behavior, but I am supporting the system of choice God gave us. God wants us to have a choice when we choose righteousness rather than indignation — this is why he put us in the flesh.

    The problem with marriage is not these discrete dating sites. The problem is when worldly definitions are placed on Godly things! The worldly definition of love has been the substitute for God’s love in marriages today. God’s love is the opposite of worldly love. The love of this world is conditional and God’s love is unconditional.

    When marriage was established in the beginning God intended on there being a mutual love and respect for the union and the man and woman who came together to form the union. The bond itself was designed to be broken only by death.

    Then reality hits.

    People hooked up for every reason other than the right reason. People allowed infatuation, physical appearance, financial gain and children to bring them together. Some folks didn’t know much of anything about each other when they met but one year later, they get married. Then when trouble comes they want to consult God or use the word of God to control each other. Our father in heaven is not to be mocked. He won’t allow us to come to him on our carnal terms, but as he has outlined it.

    We should not look any further than the mirror to find out the problem with marriage. And most marriages need professional help to manage these problems.

    God is not judging our fall, he’s more interested in how we get up!

  • Don’t blame me!

    It seems as though we struggle with admitting when we’ve done something wrong. Have you ever heard the phrase: “Throwing someone under the bus?” This phase has it’s roots in the sports arena and has crossed into business and other fields where colleagues who failed to pull a project together eventually end up playing the blame game. This is not your ordinary finger pointing session, this is when someone deliberately uses truths or untruths against you. By definition the phrase means to sacrifice another person (often a friend or ally), who is usually not deserving of such treatment, out of malice or for personal gain.

    Imagine working on a project and when asked by the supervisor why deadlines were not met, one of your colleagues says, “well so and so was late to our planning meetings!” Now, who was late or on time to the meeting is irrelevant to why a deadline was not met. Some present-oriented thinking people would argue that it does, but I beg to differ. You have to examine with of all the facts to bring up, why was one person’s tardiness so high up on the list?

    In another scenario, one delivery guy is subbing for his colleague when he gets to a client who has a complaint. The complaint is that the normal driver is slow and not too friendly. Instead of supporting his teammate and reassuring the customer that the information will be passed on to the proper people, this driver decides to join in on the criticism. He says things like “I’m not surprised!” or “we’ve had other reports of this from other customers.” Another one bites the dust. Hung out to dry by a fellow employee …but why?

    The worse situation to be in is when you find yourself selling out a friend for personal gain. Or can you image allowing your words to crucify someone else because you don’t like them? Either way if you are this type of person, you don’t deserve to have friends. The Psalmist wrote in the 55 division, verses 11-14: “11 Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets. 12 If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. 13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, 14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God (NIV).

    This proves there is nothing new under the sun, but the person who would perpetrate a friendship only to violate that bond by throwing you under the bus is in a sad state of affairs. Don’t allow them to bring you down. Forgive them and move on! Your character is not in question, it is theirs. Misery loves company, so don’t join them!

    My favorite incident of someone being thrown under the bus was when Kobe Bryant was caught cheating on his wife and in an interview said something to the affect of, “you guys are coming down on me, but Shaq is cheating on his wife too!”

  • Christian politics?

    Is it possible to be a Christian in politics?

    It seems like election time brings out the worst in us. We hear Christians speak of patriotism as if it were in the bible.

    We say things that are in direct conflict with the teachings of Jesus, but we still claim to belong to him.

    How can those who have much, not help those who have less? How could we think that Jesus would just be okay with this?

    Jesus said for us to love our neighbor as he has loved us. Jesus loved us enough to actual give up his life for our sins. He rose from the dead with all power in heaven and earth. His victory in the grave was so profound! In the midst of this victory, the apostle Paul explains (eph. 4) that Christ “led captivity captive and gave gifts to men.”

    These wonderful gifts were used to perfect the saints, equip the body for ministry and build up the saints.

    My point here is this, there is nothing we have that we acquired on our own. Without Christ, we are nothing.

    If I’m middle class and know that I HAVE because HE lives, then what right do I have to judge? How can I tell someone to simply pull themselves up by their boots straps when I didn’t do that? Many of the rich in our country are living off “old” money. Their grandfathers and great-grandfathers gave them a huge head start in real estate, finances, education and status. They were able to take these wonderful resources and grow them 10 and 100 fold or more.

    There is a great divide in our country between those that have and those that don’t. And the viewpoint of the rich regarding the poor seems so judgmental. I think Mitt Romney summed it up well in his statement that he doesn’t care about the very poor. Newt Gingrich followed up Romney’s comment by saying he cares about the very poor and opportunity needs to be shown to them so that they can “stop being poor.” I don’t think he realized what he said. Can they really just “stop being poor?”

    I see God using those who are poor and struggling in a powerful way. I believe these folks are there so that God can see the true intent of the rich. Will you help or will you hurt? 

    We would be foolish to believe that any of the candidates on either side really care about the poor when we are still spending far more money in foreign relationship and war than we do on the needy in our own country.

    I have been truly blessed to be able to provide for my family. And I am mindful and very much in touch with those that are struggling. As Christians we cannot say we honor God and turn a blind eye on those that are suffering.

    We all need to do what our scope of influence will allow us to do because in this economy, you never know when things can go south. And for those who believe they are untouchable, you are grossly underestimating God!

    Learn this lesson now before God takes you to school!

     

  • The family constellation

    The family is the most important institution in the world. It is the cornerstone of our society and an incubator for the future generations.

    It is important to take care of this institution. Our future depends on it.

    I believe that we need to apply some basic bible principles of love, collective work and responsibility and faith.

    I compare this to a well-oiled basketball team. All the great teams have the same thing in common. Each player cares about the other. The work is shared and everyone wants to do their part. The group also believes in each other and the cause that they are going for — whether it be the championship or striving for the good life.

    Each member of the team or family plays an important part. The guards are the first line of defense on one side and the initiators of the offense on the other side. The forwards attack and defend the baseline of the goal and the center brings balance.

    In a family of five, one scenario could be a strong wife (point guard); oldest child (shooting guard); the other two kids playing the forward positions and the dad is the center.

    Problems occur when some members don’t feel like they are a part of the team or choose not to hold up their end of the bargain. Family commitment is important and this is a good time to recommit to the health and welfare of the family.

    Parents need to believe it! Children need to see it! And the world needs to follow the example!

    Long live the family!

  • Another year

    It seems that the older we get, the faster the years go by.

    We were just ushering in 2011 and now it’s over. The end of the year becomes a time where we are able to reflect on the things that happened and make changes if needed.

    It’s a time where we should be deciding to end bad relationships because the year has revealed to us that there is no benefit in them.

    It’s time to take control over the things that this year has shown us are out of control.

    It’s time to rededicate our lives to the people who matter the most to us.

    It’s time to talk to God about purpose, plan and repentance.

    It’s time for us to make sure that we don’t miss out on the real important things in life because we’re too busy chasing the superficial things.

    Don’t let 2012 come and go without you experiencing the things that matter most. Make sure you seize every moment to love someone, admire things God created like sunsets and rainbows and mentor someone that needs you — what God has hidden in these types of relationships make life worth living.

    And finally, do the best you can to eliminate stress, the Western culture diet and revenge out of your life. All three of these things can kill you.

    Lord thank you for allowing us to see another year. Grant us the courage to make the most of it and honor and glorify your name in it.Amen!

    Happy New Year my friends!

  • Truth or consequences?

    Jesus, on one occasion, said to let your yea be yea and your nay be nay.

    He wanted us to honor our words. If you say you are going to do something, make sure you do it. Keep your promises. Don’t say things that you do not mean. All of these things speak to the character of the one saying them.

    Our society has a hard time keeping its word. From government and politicians to the pulpits and preachers and everyone in between, we struggle to keep our word.

    It has been so bad that once we are found not keeping our word, the response is so callous and matter-of-factly stated, “oh well.” ” It happens.” “Get over it!”

    Wives are not keeping promises to manage the home; husbands and fathers are not taking care of their families; whole school systems have failed to keep their promises to educate; and the governments deceive.

    What judgment are we to face because of this? One of the seven things God hates is a lying tongue. We need not to make this too complicated. Imagine a world where everyone kept their word? Imagine a world where honesty is the most important thing and not profit?

    Don’t get caught living in lies! For we must realize that we are not merely lying to men, but to God and his judgment is coming.

    Let’s make 2012 a better year by presenting ourselves open and honest before God and mankind.

  • Remembering the prophecy of Christ

    There is much written by way of prophecy regarding the coming of the savior. Matthew wrote his letter to the Jews to prove that the things that had been done by him were written and therefore they could trust in it and believe.

    Many historical events have taken place to show the relationship between God and his people. Israel’s salvation was based on their obedience to God. When they were faithful, God blessed their efforts. When they were disobedient God normally allowed their enemies to overthrow them. There is nothing like reading about God’s people prospering because of the relationship. Joshua’s life had its ups and downs, but when you consider the battles during his time and the taking of the promise land, you can’t help but praise God for he is good.

    My favorite passages in the Old Testament which point to the salvation of Christ are in Psalms 22 and Isaiah 53. Much of the 22nd division of Psalms is pretty obvious when we talk about prophetic scripture as it points to the savior. In fact, my studies have led me to believe that Jesus was not just shouting out in agony on the cross, “My God! My God! Why has thou forsaken me?” I have heard many lessons on this passage from Matthew’s gospel account and clearly, since there is no other logical reason why Jesus would start speaking in Hebrew, I believe he was quoting Psalms 22. The part that is most profound to me is in v.16 where the text in Psalms declares, “ … they pierced my hands and feet.” A quick study of history shows us that during the writing of this Psalm, crucifying people had not happened yet. These chilling six words show us the power of the prophetic word as well as the great power of God.

    In Isaiah 53, the prophet proclaims the truth about the savior, generations before he was born. Verse 5 says: “ … he was wounded for our transgressions … bruised for our iniquities … the chastisement of our peace was upon him and by his stripes we are healed.” These statements describe the actual work done by Jesus on the cross. But it also describes the significance of the events on the cross. The completed work of Christ summed up in one verse.

    Another one of my favorite parts of this chapter is in v. 8 where Isaiah asks the question, “…who shall declare his generations?” I believe that is for those whose feet have been shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace! Selah.

  • A true worker for the Lord

    Have you ever thought about asking God what you can do for him?

    It seems to be a foreign concept to ask the creator of the universe if he needs us to do something. But when we consider how the Almighty has set things up, we actually should be asking him that, more times than not.

    Consider this: John the Baptist came to bear witness of the light. The bible says he was not that light, but came to bear witness of the light to the world.

    Jesus then comes on the scene as the light and teaches his disciples that they are the light of the world.

    Question: If I am the light of the world, shouldn’t I ask the originator of the light where he wants me to shine?

    I can make some assumptions, but why? Is it too much to think that God would actually place certain people on our hearts and minds so that we can pray for them, minister to them or just help them?

    If this still sounds foreign to you, pray this to the Lord: “Father in heaven, you have been so good to me and I don’t deserve it. I want to serve in your kingdom and show the world how good you are. Please point me in the right direction. Give me a ministry that I might utilize the gifts you gave me to better your cause. I love you and thank you in Jesus name, amen.”

    See how simple it is? It’s good to be in a place where you are content and can see clearly how to help another person get there.

    The harvest is still plentiful, but the workers are still few…. selah.

  • Do you believe?

    To believe.

    One of the most powerful things on the planet is man’s ability to believe.

    The bible tells us that whatever a man thinks in his heart defines who he is. If I truly believed I was royalty, then my state of mind would be just that. If I thought I was handsome, then to me I would be handsome.

    Unfortunately it works just as well going the other way — if I thought I was a failure, then I would be. If I thought that I was  worthless, then I would be.

    This also means that our minds can be manipulated into believing anything. In the story “The Emperors New Clothes” the ruler was duped into thinking that his servants had made him fine robes to wear when they had not. Because the emperor was convinced that they did, he went out in public very proud of his new garments.

    You may say that’s just a kids story, but let’s take a look at real life. There are people walking among us who believe that they are losers simply because no one challenges the contrary. Children who grew up in non-supporting homes, feel insecure and unsure of themselves.

    If knowing is really half the battle, then just imagine if people were given the proper support? What if instead of believing what we’ve been told, we examined everything we were told? What if instead of trusting our negative feels, we challenged them with empirical data?

    The point here is simple: Remember where you came from; accept the present; and work hard to impact your future in a positive way.

    Stability is coming!

  • The importance of types in scripture

    A few weeks ago, I began teaching a class on types in scripture.  By types I mean that an Old Testament story is somewhat of a mirror to a scenario today. We often don’t associate or connect the Old Testament and the New Testament together this way, but we really should. There is much to be learned by “things written aforetime” (Rom. 15:4).

    There are several types portrayed in scripture between the time of Adam and the Law of Moses. I would like to expound on five. First, God’s action toward Adam and Eve in the garden as he made provisions for his people and gave them purpose.  This is something he does for us in Christ today. Christ was our provision and we have a purpose in our life that centers on doing his will. Second, even when God put Adam and Eve out of the garden, he taught them a lesson on the consequences of sin. Because of their sin, something died. Physically, God shed blood from animals to cover their sin. This practice would continue until Christ died on the cross. Many bulls and goats died because of the sins of God’s people. And all that blood could do is what it did on Adam and Eve’s exodus from the garden – cover their sins.

    Third, Cain and Abel is one of the oldest lessons in the bible as it relates to man. Abel’s offering was based on God’s revelation; Cain’s offering was based on man’s imagination. This lesson is played out every Sunday as so-called religious people attempt to worship the Father “their” way and not God’s way. Many are responding to the gospel by man’s imagination instead of God’s revelation. This is a powerful lesson that man must learn before Jesus returns.

    Forth, Enoch, the bible says, was translated so that he didn’t see death and it was all because of his faith. Our faith works exactly the same way in that Col. 3:13 tells us that we are translated into the kingdom of his dear son because of our faith. Enoch’s testimony will always serve as a wonderful type for us today in that it was said of him before his translation, that he pleased God. We then learn, in  Heb. 11:6, that without faith it’s impossible to please God. Enoch was a man of faith and because of his faith he was translated. And today because of our faith so are we.

    Fifth, we have to say a bit about Noah. There are so many types when we discuss Noah. My favorite is the comparison of the Ark to the Church. Both places work much like the inn in the story of the Good Samaritan. The inn was the place where Christ would keep his souls saved until his return. The ark served that purpose and the Church today does as well. Do you see any other types in the bible during the time spanned between Adam and the law Moses gave?