Know Who You Are and Be Who You Are

When I married my wife she had two wonderful boys. When it became evident that we were probably going to get married I told the boys they could either call me by my name or dad. I also said that I would call them sons but never step-sons because that had (in my mind) some negative connotations about not really being mine and I would do my best to treat them like I would if they were my own flesh and blood. To this day, and I am very proud of this, they still call me dad even though they moved out and are living as men for awhile now. 

I remember the first Father's Day at church and my wife nudging me and saying, "You're a father now, stand up." I was like, "Oh ya, that's right." It wasn't that I didn't want to stand up, it's just that I'd never been a father on Father's Day. I remembered, I stood up a bit self-consciously, and took the blessing and prayer. 

These verses from Peter are a bit of a reminder to us of who we are and what we are supposed to stand up and be.  You are chosen by God. You are part of a priesthood. You belong to God. You are here to declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness and into his wonderful light. You are now part of the people of God. You have received mercy.  Awesome! Know who you are in Christ and be who you are in Christ. 

It's Your Call

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Mark 8:34-38 NIV

There isn't any thing you can add. We just have to decide, follow Chrisi or not. If you are. Christian, you have to ask yourself, "Am I?"

Voting for Justice?

I have been receiving a lot of voting guides and ads lately. An election is coming up in a few weeks. My son marched in the Torrance, CA Armed Forces Day Parade on Saturday with his school's band. At the beginning was a long group of dignitaries from including our new U.S. Congresswoman, Maxine Waters. Below are a few verses I find enlightening.

“Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit.

Exodus 23:2-3 (NIV)

“Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits." 

Exodus 23:6 (NIV)

"Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 16:18-20 (NIV)

One of the things that I find sincerely troubling is the corruption in government and how apparently easy it is to manipulate those who consider themselves Christians. You see, during the last presidential election the Democrats were voting on their platform issues. One of the key issues was whether or not to keep God in their platform and the support of Israel. It took three votes to strike it down and it sounded pretty even to me. 

The truly troubling issue is that the Democratic party is considering the idea of removing God from their platform at all. Take away God and you take away justice. 

As Christians we can not be persuaded by the illusion of feigned outcries by politicians about social justice when they do nothing to actually help people get out of poverty. When I saw Maxine Waters in the parade I wondered how she continues to get elected when she does so little. Where are the jobs? With rampant gang activity, senseless killings, drugs and corruption the hallmarks of her district, where is the justice? 

Christians beware. I know that I am taking a controversial position here but, I also know that I can not see how anyone who says they believe in God, can vote for someone whose party consistently denies God to the point where they are voting to remove his Name from their party platform. 

The Day of the Scoffers

First of all, you must understand that in the last day scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires." 

II Peter 3:3

It is as if the Apostle Peter foresaw the twenty first century, the world as we know it today. Atheist's demand that people of faith stop mentioning God on nearly a daily basis. Go to Hot on Google! and you will find someone raging about the evils of Christians and mocking Christians for not believing in their cartoon religion/science dogma known as evolution. 

According to revisionist history every evil ever done was because someone acted in the name of their god. They blame the god they don't believe in for the evil that is the natural outcome of mankind choosing to deny God. 

This world mocks the idea of a literal interpretation of the Bible which states that God created the world in seven days. They scoff at the second coming of Christ. They "forget" that God created and will judge the world.  

Here's the deal: the world mocks out of arrogance and ignorance. We believe and trust in Christ's faithfulness in humility and faith (being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see - Hebrews 11:1). 

Father, help us to stand strong in our faith with hope and certainty in Christ. Praise be to you in us today!

You Don't Have a Cartoon Religion

For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

2 Peter 1:16-18 (NIV)

I must admit that I laugh (to their face) at arrogant evolutionists  who scoff at creationism. Their big proof is "illustrations" of hypothetical evolutionary steps from something crawling out of the water, to a monkey to modern humans. It's a cartoon! You might as well believe that Bugs Bunny is an alien who came from outer space and spiked our ancient microbial ancestors to set us on an evolutionary pathway to the humanity we are now. 

Peter is proclaiming that the apostles gospel is not a made up fantasy but truth and reality in the most undeniable manner. They saw and God heard speak from his Majestic Glory proclaiming Christ as his Son. They saw him live, die and rise from the dead. They did not make up some clever story. The simply told the truth about who Jesus is. 

For us today that means we are basing our hope on the truth of Christ. He is Savior and Lord. He ever lives to intercede on our behalf. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will remain faithful even when we don't. He is faithful to complete the good work he began in us. That is the truth. 

Father, thank you for the truth in Christ. Help us to live by faith i Christ. Praise be to you in us today!

YOUR CHOSEN, DON'T BE FROZEN

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

One of the amazing things about our relationship with God is that he chose us. He chose us knowing everything that would happen in our lives! The victories and the failures. As my pastor loves to remind us, "God's not surprised. I may be, but he's not!" 

He chose us to to represent him as priests of his holy nation, belonging to God. He chose us to declare his praise because he brought us out of the kingdom of darkness and into his wonderful light! 

Sometimes we sense the shadow of darkness rather than seeing his wonderful light and we forget that we belong to God and that in Christ he has made us righteous (1 Corinthians 1:30)! It is too easy to focus on our inadequacies rather than the finished work of Christ on the cross. But it is not about us, it's about his holiness in us and his light within us and his faithfulness in our lives! 

As a priest I can pray for my family, I can pray for people I work with and I can pray for all who I might connect with. And you never know what simple action might touch someone with the love of God. Yesterday, I just asked about his children and mention that it must be tough because he didn't get to see them all the time. He opened up a bit and was visibly thankful that I asked. 

Father, help us to be the priests you have called us to be. Praise be to you in us today!

ARE CHRISTIANS SIMPLEMINDED?

"For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
     and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 
 but whoever listens to me will live in safety 
     and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
Proverbs 1:32-33 (NIV)

I recently responded to a post by an atheist. What I said was that I found it funny that so many people who don't believe in God talk a lot about a god. Of course there were a few "responses" that assumed things like I believed in a state endorsed church. What I did not read was a rational statement about what an atheist believes about anything. 

Here's the deal: if you reject God, the simplicity of your denial and the arrogance of your self assuredness will lead to self destructive actions, the end of which will be answering to God at the final judgement. 

In contrast, listening to God and living according to the truth will lead to peace and in the end eternal life in his Presence.  

To the world we may seem like ignorant fools, but, the fear of the Lord is anything but ignorance and the avoidance of knowledge. In Proverbs 1:29 (which sets the context for the verses 32-33) we are told, "Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD." Rejecting God and hating knowledge go hand in hand. Listening to God leads to knowledge, safety and peace. 

Listen to God. Fear God. Live according to the Truth. Be blessed.

Father, help us to live in the fear of the Lord, not the fear of man. May your Presence lead us in peace. Praise be to you in us today!

I ALL NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FAITH

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:15-16

You may have seen the book by Robert Fulgham All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. These verses have that same sort of tone. Your saved, be thankful. That is the basis of our faith. Do good to others and share. Be nice and don't hog all the toys. 

Yes, sometimes we don't feel like praising God. Sometimes we may not be in the mood to think of others before ourselves. Sometimes we may not want to share what God has given us. But, this is really where Christianity meets real life. Our real lives. 

Understanding that God is Sovereign even when we can't see it, and acting upon that truth rather than our feelings, that is faith. That is Christianity. Doing what is right, what is good, no matter what the circumstances are is what we are called to do. That is faith. Giving what we have to someone else in need, even if it means less for us Christianity. That is faith. 

When I think back to when I first gave my life to Christ, that is pretty much what it was all about. Just praise God. Just do what is good. Just share with others. 

Father, thank you for Jesus and salvation. Help us to do good to others and share what you have provided. Praise be to you in us today!

"I WILL BLESS YOU"

"Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope  offered to us may be greatly encouraged." Hebrews 6:17-18 

The thing about God's purpose in our lives is that it does not change. We change. God doesn't. We change our purpose all the time. We change our goals, hobbies and jobs. But God's purpose in our lives does not change. 

If we look back at verse 14 (which is a look back at Genesis 22:17) the author of Hebrews is pointing out that God told Abraham he would bless him and give him many descendants. Abraham is the father of our faith. He is part of this amazing chain that the brings the Messiah and provides a way for us to be children of God. 

Do you get that? What God says it, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." God's entry point of assuring Abraham is "I will surely bless you"! God's nature does not change. God's purpose in our lives does not change. Being his children, knowing him and being made into the image of Jesus Christ is his will. Being used by him in his kingdom is his will. He is faithful and will do it. That means he is going to bless us and use us. That's encouraging!

Father, thank you that you do not change! Thank you that you promised to bless us. Praise be to you because you do not change! Praise be to you in us today!

SEALED AS GOD'S: II Timothy 2:19

"Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."" II Timothy 2:19 

As an ex-construction worker, I know that if the foundation is good the house at least has something to build upon that will keep it level and square. And I have seen some houses built upon some pretty rough ground.  Christ is the cornerstone of our salvation. At the bottom of everything is Christ's death and resurrection. I am a sinner. Christ is my Savior. Christ is my righteousness. That is the bottom line.

The Lord knows that we are his. If we have confessed that Jesus is Lord and believed in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10:9). God knows us. He knows me, he know you. We are his. 

Our job is to turn away from wickedness. Wickedness will present itself. We just have to turn away from it. That may mean choosing not to do something or it may mean removing something. Whatever it is, turn from wickedness. Turn to God and trust him to fulfill you. Remember, you are God's child. 

Father, thank you that you know us, that you know we are yours. Help us to turn from wickedness and trust in you. Praise be to you in us today!

NOT A CHAINSAW OR BUTTER KNIFE: II Timothy 2:15

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." II Timothy 2:15

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that "the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword". The problem is that most of the time we use the Bible more like a chainsaw or a butter knife! Either we try to force our way by saying, "The Bible say! The Bible says!" Or we pick a quote with little or no reference to what the issue really is. 

If I see something in someone and just quote a verse and tell them to get it together or else they are in sin I could be shredding their faith. What happens if they are sincerely struggling with something, seeking God, but just having trouble? What if what they really need is someone to walk alongside them a while and instead I just condemn them? That's what I Corinthians 13 is all about, love. Think about Christ. Although he never condoned sin he was always kind to sinners (like me) when offering them a way of repentance. The only people Jesus was harsh with was with the so-called spiritual elitists, those who thought they were already righteous. 

So, apply the word of God with love and wisdom, correctly handle the word of God.

Father, help us to correctly handle your word and to dispense it with wisdom and love. Praise be to you in us today!

JOIN THE FIGHT: II Timothy 1:8

"So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God," II Timothy 1:8 

Sometimes we forget that being a Christian is to be an enemy of the world. Everything around us is designed to destroy belief in Christ. There is no pretty way to say it. To believe in Christ is to be a fool in the eyes of the world. 

Think about it.  The world teaches that Christianity as a religion is what produces bigotry and hatred of those who don't agree. Take for example what is taught about the Crusades. The Muslims are portrayed as the victims while the truth about the Jihad is left out. Why was Christianity virtually wiped out of the middle east? Because if you refused to be a Muslim, they killed you. Pretty much same deal today. Christian missionaries don't kill those who chose not to believe. 

What about the whole abortion, pro-choice versus pro-life battle? People who seek to defend children in the womb are depicted by the media as narrow minded people who deny women the right to choose what to do with their own bodies. That is of course opposite of what we believe. But, the world seeks to destroy the influence of Christianity even if millions of lives our lost and destroyed.

Paul was deeply concerned for Timothy because he apparently was susceptible to outward influence. Well, I think we all at times can fall victim to the overwhelming pressure of the world. But, we are given a spirit of power and we need to tap into that power by faith and stand. We may suffer here on earth, but, we will enjoy salvation for eternity with Christ. 

Father, help us to daily stand in Christ by faith. Praise be to you in us today!  

FEEL FORSAKEN? CALL ON GOD/ Psalm 38:21-22

"O LORD, do not forsake me;

     be not far from me, O my God.

 Come quickly to help me,

     O LORD my Savior."

 Psalm 38:21-22

Sometimes we find ourselves in a fix. Sometimes we deserve it. Sometimes we are the problem. It doesn't matter the circumstances, God is still our Savior. 

Where are you right now? Do you feel forsaken? Does God feel distant? Here is the truth: "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you" Psalm 9:10. 

Father, help us to trust in you and humble ourselves and pray. Praise be to you in us today!

RICH IN GIVING: I Timothy 6:18-19

What do you have to give? Time or money. Maybe both. Who gives you time and money? God. 

"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." I Timothy 6:18-19

The point is that God gives us life (time) and he gives us money (resources). The question is whether we use them to glorify God or not. I am not going to be sanctimonious and act like I balance this well. I try. I am learning. But, it is not always easy. 

A few years ago I was a bit convicted about my time. I found myself being inwardly upset when opportunities to help others came up. I found that I was missing chances to serve. The opportunities were all around me, at home, at work, with my children's activities and just random situations. What I didn't like about myself was that I was unwilling to step out in faith. I just wanted to be left alone. That had to change. 

I find that opportunities to serve, to give, to be generous with my time or money are scattered throughout my day, camouflaged by circumstances. I just need to remember that God wants me to be a giving person. 

Father, open our eyes to see the opportunities to share you love with others throughout the day. Praise be to you in us today!

IT'S THE FUNDAMENTALS: II Thessalonians 2:15

I am blessed to be able to help coach and manage my youngest sons' baseball teams. A new season is beginning and what do we start with? The basics, the fundamentals. In Christianity we need to always remember the basics, the fundamental truths about God, Christ and salvation.

"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter." II Thessalonians 2:15

What we stand firm in and hold on to is the truth found is Scripture about the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul was all about knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Remember, Jesus died for our sins. For my sins. For your sins. For the sins of the whole world. The Spirit sanctifies us. Every thought we have is the Holy Spirit working in us to sanctify us through our faith in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

So, stand firm in the truth, the truth the Jesus died for you and rose again to conquer death and sin. He now sits at the right hand of the Father, ever living to intercede on our behalf. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth in Christ as we hold to the truth found in Scripture. We don't make things up. We don't add to the truth. We just believe the truth and let the Spirit change us into the image of Jesus Christ. 

Father, thank you for the truth found in the Bible. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ for dying for our sins and ever living to intercede for us. Thank you for this great salvation! Praise be to you in us today!