THE LIPS OF THE HEART

“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;” (Matthew 15:8, ESV). It is easy to fool people with our lips by giving the false impression we are close to the Lord, when we are not. To do so, is to be a hypocrite. We are not honoring the Lord with our lips, when our heart is far from Him. It is the spiritual state of our heart in relation to God that determines whether we are close to him or not. We can even be self deceived into believing we are close to the Lord, when the fact is our hearts are far from Him. “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45, ESV). You cannot ‘fake it until you make it’ to be close to God. It is not a matter of saying all the right words until you get close to the Lord Jesus. Nor is it a matter of generating enough feeling until we get close to God. The truth is if there is unconfessed sin in our life, that will erect a wall between us and our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Repentance then is necessary to be in right relationship with Him again. It is not drawing near to God with our lips that determines closeness to Him, but likeness to Him is determined by the heart we have for the Lord. C. H. Spurgeon says it well: “Nearness to God brings likeness to God. The more you see God, the more of God will be seen in you.” So let it be the lips of our heart that draws near to God rather than the lips of our mouth, only then will our words stand in truth as opposed to falling to the ground in hypocrisy. If we want our lips to honor the Lord, then we need to draw near to God with our heart.

Lord, it is easy to spout off a word salad to You in prayer, but where is our heart in prayer? Too often our heart just isn’t in praying. Praying is hard work, but most necessary in our relationship with You. Lord Jesus, implant in us a real desire and passion for prayer. Grant unto us a heart like David who was known to be a man after your heart. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.

FORGIVENESS AND CONSEQUENCES

Let’s face it, we all fall short in our relationships with family and friends. So there will be times when we will need others to forgive us of our wrongs. However, many people today expect to be forgiven by the offended person without any consequences for their actions. Suppose a friend stole money from you, but then later apologizes for the wrong he did against you. Sure, you may forgive him, but would you immediately trust him with your wallet? Of course not! He broke your trust and needs to earn it back. Let’s say your wife committed adultery against you with your best friend, they both seek your forgiveness, though hurt, you forgive them both, is this then grounds for them to assume you wholly trust them again, after they just broke that trust? No! Both your wife and best friend need to prove they can be trusted again. I’m sure more examples could be given, but you the reader get the point, there are consequences we suffer for the sins we commit against others. Since the Lord forgave us of our sins, it is only right to forgive our neighbor who sins against us. Keep in mind, just because someone forgives you, doesn’t mean you won’t suffer any consequences for your actions. Forgiveness requires our repentance, not just confessing the sin we committed. We need to show we are sorry by our action, because actions speak louder than our words.

Father, help us not to be so flippant about the sins we commit against others, especially those who are close to us. Help us to not only seek forgiveness from those we wrong, but be willing to prove we are sorry for the sin we committed against them. The trust others put in us ought to be always highly valued and kept at all cost. In Christ’s most precious name, Amen.

SAMSON AND HIS BROKEN NAZARITE VOW

“For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and no razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” 

(Judges 13:5, NASB).

Here we read of Samson’s call to be a Nazarite from the womb. To be a Nazirite means to be separated unto the Lord. The Nazirite vow is threefold: 1. No razor shall come upon his head speaks of Strength (13:5; 16:19); 2. No wine or strong drink speaks of Self control (13:7, 14, Gal. 5:23); 3. No eating from that which is unclean speaks of Separation (14:9; 15:15-16; 2 Cor. 6:17). Out of these three restrictions in the Nazirite vow Samson was guilty of breaking two of them. No where do we read of him breaking his vow of abstaining from wine or strong drink. We can at least give credit to Samson for that. Samson was the judge of Israel who failed to judge his own life. So the lesson we as believers can learn from Samson's life is to be sure we are living sanctified, set apart lives for God's glory. We need to guard against the world's razor that wants to cut away the power we have in Christ. We need to have control of ourselves by abstaining from the world's pleasures. Then finally we need to separate from feeding upon the husks of this world so we can feast upon the Bread of life.

DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD

“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.” 

(1 Samuel 30:6, KJV).

“But David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” These are strange words indeed, uttered by David in response to a harrowing situation he was in with his people wanting to kill him. Though in great distress David’s faith in the Lord did not fail him, for again we read, “but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” Imagine the gravity of David’s situation. The people wanted to murder him… He could have run away. A man of lesser faith would have. He could have also sought help from other people, just as Israel has been known to do in seeking aid from other nations against her enemies. Yet the phrase “but” in today’s text is profound. For despite his situation, that word “but” is followed by these words of faith, “…David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” He did not rely in his own strength, nor in the vain strength of his fellow man, no, he relied upon, or drew his strength from the Lord in prayer. Other Bible translations render the phrase, “encouraged himself” as “strengthened himself.” Same meaning, just different wording for the same truth. 

BUYING THE TRUTH

“Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.” 

(Proverbs 23:23, NASB). 

The term “buy” here reminds us that there is a cost involved in owning the truth. We live in times where there is a plethora of theological opinions that are popular, but the truth is not. Every theological camp proclaims they have the truth, even if it doesn’t fully square with the Scriptures. Every man is comfortable in his or her theological opinion, but is not willing to test it with Scripture. When we discover the theological view we hold to does not line up with what the Bible teaches, are we willing to “buy” the truth? Changing our view is hard, but necessary to be in the truth. The phrase, “do not sell it” speaks of the infinite value of God’s truth. Do we value God’s truth so much that we will not part from it? The truth brings wisdom, instruction, and understanding. "Wisdom" is the experience gained by the truth; "instruction" is the knowledge gained from the truth; while "understanding" is what you comprehend of the truth. The truth where one gains insight from comes from any topic or issue. For instance, the truth in regards to eternal security we have in Christ’s salvation or can a believer lose his salvation? The truth always gives an answer that is always sure, whereas opinions don’t. So don’t part from the truth and the truth will not depart from you. Love the truth and sell it not, nor rent it.

Heavenly Father, You are the embodiment of truth; while the Lord Jesus Christ is the truth come in the flesh, undefiled and divine truth that frees us from the lies that ensnare us. Lord, you have instructed us in your truth, and we have gained wisdom and understanding from it. Lord, give us such conviction to never depart from your precious truth from your Word. In Christ we pray, Amen.

WORRY OR CONCERN?

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”  

(Matthew 6:31, KJV). 

Often Christians mistake their worry for concern. They get the two mixed up by believing if they worry about something or someone, like a loved one, then they are showing concern. So in a sense they believe they are caring about someone by worrying. However, worry is sin, because it is not trusting God, or taking Him at His Word (see 1 Pet. 5:7; Psalm 55:22); whereas, concern for someone is showing empathy and care for that person.  The phrase “take no thought” in our text would be better translated, “be not anxious.” Noted commentator H. A. Ironside from a past generation wrote:

“When Jesus said, “Take no thought,” He did not mean that His disciples should be careless or improvident. But they are forbidden to be anxious, to become distressed and perplexed as they face the future. He who has saved and cared for us thus far can be depended upon to undertake and provide for us to the end.”

Like Mr. Ironside said, God can be trusted to take care of the details in our lives. However, the Lord is not obligated to do it according to the way we want to see things done. This passage in Matthew 6:25-34 is Jesus answer to the Christian who struggles with worry. To worry is akin to doubting God’s goodness and ability to take care of us and those we love. Since we trusted in Christ for our salvation, can we not trust Him to take care of our needs as well as those we care about? I’m sure we both know the answer to that question. If we know this, why is it we still live with the full weight of worry, fear, and distress on our shoulders? The Lord Jesus’ words are clear, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30, NASB). Rest is not possible if our hearts are restless in the grip of doubt. The Lord Jesus even uses examples from nature to illustrate His point. 

FALSE HUMILITY

“False humility…” (Colossians 2:23, NIV).

Humility is one of those virtues that are very elusive and difficult to cultivate in one’s life. It is very elusive when we most think we are humble, we are not, and when we least think we are humble, we actually are. It is in human nature to put forward our best face to the world. We like to pretend and try to convince people we are humble, when we are not. This is false humility when we claim to have this virtue we do not practice. False humility is nothing more than pride masquerading as humility. Some commentators say humility is “being forgetful of oneself,” still others say humility is “putting others before yourself.” Perhaps Fred Smith is correct when he said the best definition he ever heard was this: "Humility is not denying the power you have but admitting that the power comes through you and not from you."  I believe Paul states it best in these words: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Phil. 2:3, ESV). 

Below is a diagram on "True Humility," "False Humility," and "Pride." Trust this diagram will shed a bit of light on the subject at hand:

WHO WAS AT THE SEPULCHRE?

There are three alleged Bible contradictions that atheists and skeptics like to throw at Christians. Here they are as follows and my answer to this supposed contradiction:

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.” (Matthew 28:1).

“And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.” (Mark 16:1).

“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre."  (John 20:1)

Then you asked "Who was at the Tomb? Is it..." FIRST, there are four accounts as follows, not three: Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1. You left out the account in Luke's Gospel. SECOND, there is no contradiction here. What we have is four accounts of the women at the sepulchre [tomb]. The fact that each of the accounts differ from one another, does not disprove that the accounts were not true, nor does it contradict it. Instead, it rather confirms more strongly the genuineness of the accounts. Had each account been written the exact same, word for word, then that would certainly cast doubt on the accounts given, and weaken the authenticity of the incidents in question.  THIRD, not all of these events of the women occurred at the same time, like in the case with Mary Magdalene weeping at the tomb. Actually, the Gospel accounts tell us that Mary Magdalene made more than one trip to the Tomb. FOURTH, the details in some of the accounts of the names of the women mentioned, differ from each other. Again, such details of names that differ from each account rather strengthens, not weakens the integrity of each Gospel writer. FIFTH, the account mentioned in Luke 24:1 uses the phrases "they came" and "they had." There is no mention to who "they" are by name. Not until verse ten are the names revealed of the women that visited the Tomb that resurrection morning. SIXTH, finally, looking at each of these accounts is like viewing four different sections of the same picture an artist painted. Each part of the painting compliments the picture as a whole. The same truth can be conveyed, when construction workers build walls in each room of a house they are constructing. The construction workers don't knock down the walls just because the walls in the master bedroom differs in details from the walls of the bathroom or the living room. Of course not! All of the walls are needful and necessary for the completion of that one house under construction. The same truth is conveyed in the differing accounts of the women at the tomb. 

Lord Jesus, thank You for discernment and understanding of Your Word. The number of women at the sepulchre is a good example of how important it is to compare Scripture with Scripture to gain insight and clarity in what had been said in regards to properly understanding which women were at the sepulcher at a specific time and who wasn’t. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.

CHURCH SOCIAL CLIQUES

“For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, "You sit here in a good place," and you say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool," have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?” 

(James 2:2-4, NASB).

Have you ever been in a local Church where when you observe the place, you see the young around the young, married couples around married couples, the elderly around the elderly, the rich hanging around the rich, and the poor hanging around the poor, etc.? What’s more is that after being in this Church for a short while, you will notice a certain prominent group of people, particularly a family who have a strong influence within the congregation. They are the ones running the show in that local Church. After being in this congregation for awhile, you notice you don’t fit in with any of the groups there. And because you don’t conform to the way things are in that Church, you feel alienated and left out in the cold. You also notice that preferential treatment is given towards those in the congregation who are either wealthy or are popular. 

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE SETHITE VIEW?

“The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.” 

(Genesis 6:4, NASB).

I am not entirely convinced on the idea that the "sons of God" in Genesis 6:4 were only human men. Some Christians are under the assumption that "sons of God" can never refer to angelic beings, even fallen ones. If that is the case, then consider Job 38:7 where angels are referred to as the "sons of God." One thing Job does make clear that the "sons of God" along with Satan presented themselves to God. The passage in Job 2:1 which reads, "Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD." (KJV). Notice the phrase "sons of God" here refers to "angels" (see the NIV). These are not mere "men' presenting themselves to God. Now we are not told if these "divine beings" (ISV) are fallen or unfallen angels. Now to argue that the "sons of God" mentioned in Genesis 6:4 refers to human "men" is reading into the text what isn't there. The context makes it clear that a distinction is given between the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men." According to the Sethite view we are to believe the "sons of God" in this text were men from the godly line of Seth. Meanwhile, nowhere in the text, nor in Genesis 6 are we told from what line the "sons of God" were from, nor are we told from what line the "daughters of men" are from? It is assumed these women are from the ungodly line of Cain. Where is that stated in the passage? Furthermore, why does Genesis chapter 6 specify that "giants" (Heb. Nephilim) were borne from this union, when this is never mentioned elsewhere in Genesis, nor anywhere else in the Bible? Doesn’t it make better sense to allow the passage to interpret itself, instead of reading into the text what is not there? It sounds to me those who hold to the Sethite view are humanizing the passage to force it to fit their interpretation. 

Lord, there are times when we your children do not agree on certain controversial passages from your Holy Word, grant unto us patience and understanding with one another. Most importantly grant unto us a humble heart that desires nothing but the truth of your Word and not our preconceived notions about it. Lord Jesus, give us a teachable heart to the precious truths of your Word, in Christ name, Amen.

THE LANGUAGE OF SMILES

“A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.” 

(Proverbs 17:22, NASB).

There is nothing more pleasant when greeted with a warm smile when first meeting someone. There are eight smiles that I have come to appreciate from people over the years. FIRST, there is the smile of warmth and interest; SECOND, the mischievous smile of playfulness; THIRD, the smile of determination; FOURTH, the flirtatious smile; FIFTH, the smile of compassion; SIXTH, the smile of love and endearment; SEVENTH, the smile of joyfulness; EIGHTH, the smile of innocence. All such smiles like the many facets of a diamond are beautiful to behold. Not only that, they are penetrating. They leave their mark on us, they impact us in ways that move our emotions in a positive manner. Who doesn’t like a beautiful smile? Smiles are the currency people enjoy in relationships, whether close or distant. Today’s text says, “A joyful heart is good medicine…” A genuine smile, or a person who smiles a lot bares evidence to a “joyful heart.” It is hard to smile when depression poisons and darkens the heart, as the text says, “but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Or I like how the NLT puts it, “a broken spirit saps a person's strength.” The great news is joy acts like a medicine, it restores the strength that a depressed and broken spirit robs us of; for joyfulness is the elixir that heals and brightens the heart. Now I’m not talking about the fickle joy of the world, I’m talking about the firm joy of the Lord. How fitting are Nehemiah’s words here, “for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Neh. 8:10, NASB). I don’t know about you dear reader, but this sure brings a smile to my face.

Lord, you are the true Author of joy. The world’s view of joy depends on happenings, whereas true joy is from You. This joy is not depended on happenings, but rather draws its strength from the Lord above; thank you Lord Jesus that you are my source of joy, Amen.

THE VALUE OF A RIGHTEOUS WOMAN

“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” 

(Proverbs 31:11, KJV).

There is something wonderful and special about a virtuous woman. Such a woman is both mature and trustworthy. Indeed, a woman of true worth and a compliment to her husband. Notice today’s text above does not say, “the heart of his wife doth safely trust in him…” No, it is the husband’s heart that trusts in his wife that is the focus here in Proverbs chapter 31, and so it should be. The value of such a godly woman is that the husband “shall have no need for spoil,” for she shall be a real treasure to him, to her children, and her neighbors who will be blessed to know her.  I like how the NLT beautifully puts it, “Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.” This is exactly what she does, enriches her husband’s life. This chapter beautifully outlines how her godly character and noble works blesses her husband as well as her children. She is like Dorcas in the New Testament who was known for her good works (see Acts 9:36-42). It is not enough to say she is a virtuous woman. No, she has evidence that demonstrates she is a righteous wife. Her good works testifies to that fact. Her husband, children, and her neighbors will praise her and bless her for her selfless acts of kindness to them. A righteous woman may pass the flower of age, but never the flower of her heart. “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” (Prov. 31:30, NASB).

Heavenly Father, how precious is the wife who does good to her husband all the days of her life. No jewel can be compared to her worth. Blessed is the man who has such a wife. Lord, raise up such godly women who will be faithful to their husbands. For only when she is devoted to you Lord will she be genuinely devoted to her husband. For only when she is surrendered to your will Lord will she be in humble subjection to her husband. For only when her heart is fueled by your agape love she will be able to properly love her husband and children. For only in putting You first Lord will she be able to love, respect, and serve her husband. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.

LOVE VERSES HATE

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” 

(Matthew 5:44, NASB).

Someone once wrote, “I don’t have time to hate people who hate me, because I am too busy loving people who love me.” The author leaves us with the impression that we should just focus loving those who love us, and forget about those who hate us. Yes, it is easy to love those people who love us back, but it is a real challenge to love those who hate us. This is the difference between Christ like love and worldly love. Worldly love teaches us to only love those who love us in return; whereas Christian love teaches us to not only love those who love us, but to love those who hate us as well. 

Today’s text is one of the most difficult passages to obey. For it is easier to hate our enemies than to love them. The question is is it right to hate those people who have committed terrible acts of evil against us? Are we justified in hating such people? According to the late Richard Wurmbrand loving one’s enemies is preferred over hating them. To love or hate someone or something is a choice. Both have consequences, good or bad, associated with whichever one we choose. To hate makes us hateful, to love makes us lovable. It is right to hate the sin, but wrong to hate the person who bares the image of God. To love our fellow man is to love God himself. Today’s text tells us how we are to respond to our enemies and those who hate us. Not only are we to love our enemies, we are to bless them, do good to them, and pray for them. Imagine that, rewarding our enemies for the evil they do to us? 

Meanwhile, our hearts cry out for revenge against our enemies who wronged us and those we care about. Yet today’s text is clear, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Is this possible? Yes, it is possible. Jesus would never have mentioned it if it were not possible. For the love of God has been shed abroad in our heart by the Holy Spirit given to us (see Rom. 5:5). Hating our enemies will never win them to Christ, but love will. No fire has ever put out another fire, but rather fuels its flaming rage hotter. Nothing but the eternal waters of Christ’s love can meet the enemies’ curses, hatred, and persecution. Mr. Wurmbrand in his notable book, “Tortured for Christ” gives us many examples of Christian love triumphing over the cold hatred of enemies. The heart that hates is a divided heart that can never properly love others with the purity of Christ’s love, nor can such a Christian mature in love. 

Lord, it is difficult loving those who hate and persecute us. Help us to be mindful that hating those who hate us does not win souls to Christ. Fighting fire with fire does not put out a fire, water does. Yes, Lord Jesus let me draw from the eternal springs of your love so I can meet my enemies with the life giving water of your love, so enemies may experience your forgiving love. In Christ’s redeeming love I pray. Amen.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP (PART ONE)

“It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,” 

(Matthew 20:26, NASB).

Worldly leadership is primarily about power, prestige, and control, whereas Christ-like leadership is about meekness, humility, and servant hood. The first model of leadership has to do with having others serve us, while the second model of leadership has to do with us serving others. This is the fundamental difference between man’s leadership as opposed to God’s model for leadership. (see Mark 9:35; 10:44; Luke 22:25-27). Yet, how many leaders in local Churches today follow the worldly model of leadership as opposed to godly leadership? How many leaders prefer to be served, instead of serving others? The Lord Jesus Christ is Lord of all, yet He stated this, “..the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matt. 20:28). Again, Jesus says, “For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” (Luke 22:27, NASB). The Lord Jesus did not seek a position of power in leadership. He didn’t need to, for that was already evident in His words and actions. What the Lord’s disciples needed to understand as well as us is that to be a chief leader among your fellow saints, you must be the chiefest servant among those who serve. One must have a servant’s heart before he can be a leader among his fellow Christians. Both serving and leading go hand in hand. You lead by serving and by serving you lead by example. This teaches Jesus model of servant leadership.

Dear Lord Jesus, we often desire the worldly model of leadership that gives us positions of power and prestige, while we often fall short in serving others in a godly manner. Lord forgive us of this sin, and grant unto us a spirit of humility to serve others in leadership, instead of expecting others to serve us. It is in leading by example that others get inspired to want to serve others. In Christ name I pray, Amen.

DOES GOD CREATE EVIL?

“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” 

(Isaiah 45:7, KJV).

Here’s a passage that is popular among skeptics and atheists. They like to point to this passage of Scripture and say, “See, the verse here clearly states that God created evil. God is the one who is responsible for the evil in the world, not man or the devil. Now let’s see how you are going to explain this passage of Scripture?” Even the Evangelist Billy Graham's old friend who is an atheist, the late William Temple once said: “The problem of evil... Why does God permit it? Or, if God is omnipotent, in which case permission and creation are the same, why did God create it?”  A quick glance at this Bible verse appears to agree with the skeptic here. The question can be asked, is this what the text is really saying, that God is to be blamed for all the evil, turmoil, and sin in the world? Of course not! Here’s the reason why: The term “evil” in this particular text carries with it the meaning of “disaster, calamity, judgment” (Prov. 16:4). So as you can see, today’s text does not say God created moral evil. No, man chose to do moral evil the moment he rebelled against God's Word. What the above passage is talking about here is natural evil. 

THE BORDERS OF NATIONS (PART TWO)

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” 

(Acts 17:26, NIV).

Luke here in today’s text mentions four points God planned for man’s spreading upon the whole earth. They are as follows: (1.) “From one man he made all the nations,..” Notice that it is by “one man” not several men that “all” the nations originated from. (2.) “that they should inhabit the whole earth;..” God’s plan was for man to be “fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28) and spread upon the whole earth. (3.) “and he marked out their appointed times in history..” Yes, history has borne out the rise and fall of many empires, nations, and peoples. (4.) “and the boundaries of their lands.” The word “boundaries” here means “borders” that separates the land of one country from another.

THE BORDERS OF NATIONS (PART ONE)

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” 

(Acts 17:26, NIV).

The term “open borders” has been a popular phrase of recent. In the political arena the open borders policy is promoted as if it were a good thing for a country. If that were the case, then why are many countries with this open borders policy, particularly European countries, suffering economically, financially, and from serious criminal activity? Our borders should be closed to foreigners who are criminals, terrorists, and who carry dangerous communicable diseases. It is particularly Western European dominant Caucasian countries that are under the most serious threat. We don’t see China, India, or Russia throwing open their borders for anyone to come in. No, of course not; they are about preserving their culture, heritage, ethnicity, and way of life. They don’t bring in just any immigrant, then accommodate them. Even Muslim dominant countries don’t do such a foolhardy thing as opening their borders to anyone, and then pander to their needs. In today’s text, it is clear since the beginning of the nations, that it was God’s plan to not only spread out and populate the whole world, but also to divide up the nations according to each ethnic group, language, culture, and borders, etc. (see Gen. 11:8; Deut. 32:8; Acts 17:26). Yet we hear some leading politicians of our day chanting this popular slogan “Diversity is our Strength,” when in reality “Diversity is our Weakness.” This multicultural concept flies in the face of reality when such diverse ethnic groups are unwilling to learn the language, adopt the culture, and integrate into the society of the foreign country they chose to adopt as their new home. Instead, we see the borders of such countries wide open to illegal immigrants to cross without consequences, and are helped across the border, when they should be stopped. 

I LOVE YOU...

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” 

(John 15:13, NASB).

2017 has been a difficult year for my family with the passing away of my father. Concerning the love my parents had for each other, three simple words come to mind, “I Love You.” For over 54 years my father both showed and said these words to my mom. He more than proved his words true by his sacrificial actions. As I trace the history of my dad’s words to my mom, “I Love You,” a beautiful picture emerges. When I was a small child, my little eyes saw and my small ears heard those words from my father’s mouth to my mom, they were both strong and sure, for they were the life’s blood of my dad’s heart that naturally flowed out to my mother. As the years flew by, his words never faded, but stood strong, even through the storms of life. Not once did his “I Love You” falter for my mom. No other woman caught my dad’s eyes except my mom. During my late teen years, I noticed my parents were getting older, yet my dad’s love for my mom never grew weary or tired of my mom. He would say those words faithfully, “I Love You.” Even through my 20s, 30s, and beyond my dad’s words never lost their vigor, I would hear him say time and again, “I Love You.” Finally, the twilight years of my dad’s final days had come, old and full of years. My dad suffered from Alzheimer’s disease that was robbing him of his memory and life, yet my ears still heard those all too familiar words uttered to my mother, “I Love You.” Though Alzheimers was ravaging his memory, but his heart stayed the course sure, vigorous, strong and true, just like in his youth, when he first uttered them to my mother. Then the time came when my dad lay on a bed in a hospital, his voice was faint and weak, yet those words were uttered to my mom once again. In a low whisper he said, “I Love You.” Neither old age, failing health, or even Alzheimers could stop such words, precious words. Since my sister, brothers, and I are an extension of the love my dad had for my mom, his words were equally true of us as well. There is a lovely picture of my mom and dad looking at each other, a time capsule that has frozen forever the moment that testifies of my dad’s love for my mother.

My dad’s example of love for my mother is a lovely picture of Christ’s love for His bride, the Church. The Lord Jesus Christ loved the Church so much that He gave His life for her. His “I Love You” moment was beautifully demonstrated on the Cross at Calvary. As our beloved Friend He laid down His life for us, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13, NASB). As our beloved Shepherd He laid down His life for us, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NASB). Then as the God of love He laid down His life for us, “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16, NASB). 

Dear Lord Jesus, too often we say “I Love You” to our loved ones in a loose manner that robs these precious words of their true meaning. Lord, forgive us and restore unto us the true conviction of these words, so that we may used them wisely and say them from the heart, “I Love You.” Yes, Lord Jesus we love you above all else. For in loving You, we will be able to love others in the way they should be loved and appreciated. Amen.

THE OMNIPRESENT NATURE OF GOD

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?” 

(1 Kings 8:27, KJV).

Solomon in his prayer here, understood the temple he made cannot contain or confine the Omnipresent nature of his God. Let’s face it, God cannot be contained by what we think of Him either, nor can the earth, or the heavens above contain Him. Yet, there are those people who think they can contain Him, the God of the universe. Imagine that! Some think they can contain God by denying His existence. Still, others think they can create God in their own image, according to their imagination. Then there are those people who think many gods exist, and that the Lord Jesus Christ is only one among many gods. The truth is, God cannot be contained, let alone controlled in how we want to perceive Him to be, or behave. We did not create God, He created us. (See Gen. 1:26-27; 2:7; Psalm 100:3). As the author of today’s text says, “behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee” (1 Kings 8:27, text). This Scripture text tells us that God cannot be contained. Also, this text reveals God’s Omnipresent nature. Man can only be present in one place at a time, whereas God can be present in every place all at once! No doubt, this is difficult for us to comprehend. The past, present, and future has no claim on Him either. For the Lord exists outside of time, and is the originator of time. The apostle John wrote, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Rev. 22:13, KJV). The Lord is the very beginning of our existence and the end of our existence here on earth. (see 2 Chron. 2:6; 6:18; 7:11-16; Acts 17:24; Deut. 10:14).

ON BEING BORED

 “Laziness casts into a deep sleep, And an idle man will suffer hunger.” 

(Proverbs 19:15, NASB).

If we are honest, we all had moments when we were bored and complained about it. The word bored is defined: “feeling weary because one is unoccupied or lacks interest in one's current activity.” Another dictionary online puts it this way: “to weary by dullness, tedious repetition, unwelcome attentions, etc.” Despite these definitions, I believe being bored is a choice. We choose to have an attitude of boredom over things we find repetitious, dull, or uninteresting. The Biblical terms “vanity,”(what appeals to one's pride) "futility,"(what is useless, hopeless) “idleness,” (what is inactive, not working) and “laziness” (being unwilling to use energy to work) are closely associated with the word bored (see Prov. 19:15; Eccles. 1:1; Eph. 4:17).  Such terms have more to do with the person bored than with other people. A friend of mine recently told me a female acquaintance of his made this statement about the term: “If you are bored, then you are boring.” This statement carries some weight of truth to it. Often, we are bored because we have nothing to do, or we are bored due to not being entertained by others, or we hear the complaint that a certain person is bored with life, but rarely do we hear of a person claiming they are bored with themselves due to their ego. If you are bored, then you’re boring; if you enjoy having fun, then you’re fun. You are what your attitude reflects to others; people who get bored need to take responsibility for their own boredom, instead of shifting the blame on others for being bored. People are not responsible for our boredom, we are. So the next time we go out with friends or an acquaintance, let’s not put our responsibility for being entertained on them. Now it’s true, there may be times we may find a person boring, but it is usually not that person’s fault. They just have a different personality and different tastes in what entertains them as opposed to what entertains us. So the issue here has more to do with compatibility then the person’s ability to entertain. 

Lord, we can be so selfish at times in expecting others to entertain us when we are bored, when we are the ones responsible for our own boredom. Lord, forgive us for our self centered selfishness and help us to find our own ways of entertaining ourselves in times of boredom. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.