Pride
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.”
Proverbs 16:18
It was a spring day, and it seemed that all of South Hampton, England, had gathered in one place to celebrate one of the pinnacle accomplishments of man. About 2,200 people had the privilege of a firsthand view, among them some of the wealthiest people in the world. It seemed the whole world was marveling at this awesome accomplishment: eleven stories high, 900 feet long, 46,000 tons. Yet just five days later, it was all gone—disappeared—a massive wreckage at the bottom of the sea. The name Titanic was always preceded by the word unsinkable. On board, many joked, “Even God couldn’t sink the Titanic,” but it will forever serve as the twentieth-century example of the foolishness of pride.
God’s Word says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Prideful Titanics sink into destruction, but a good life that is humble before God and man has a better chance to withstand the storms of life.
Rising to Conquer
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
Do you ever wonder why certain people rise to meet a great challenge and others don’t? The story of David and Goliath comes to mind.
If ever there was a giant challenge, David found it in Goliath, a hardened warrior who was nine-and-a-half-feet tall and filled his enemies with terror. Yet David, just a teenaged shepherd boy, was willing to take him on. His own people thought he was crazy but he had faith in the Lord and remembered how God had strengthened him in the past.
He said, “When a lion or bear came and took a lamb from my flock, I went after them and struck the beast and killed it. The Lord who delivered me from the power of the lion and the bear will deliver me from this giant.”
And He did. David slew Goliath. He faced a giant challenge and was victorious because he had been faithful day by day.
When the big public challenges come, we’ll be ready if we’re faithful to God in the behind-the-scenes daily tasks. It’s the faithfulness in the small things that is key to meeting life’s giant challenges victoriously.
Follow Me
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
When Jesus called His disciples, His first command before He told them their mission was, “Follow me.”
What does it mean to follow someone else?
Imagine that you are in an unfamiliar place following a friend in your car. To get where you are going, you have to:
- Trust them, that they will get you where you need to go.
- Submit to their leadership, otherwise you get lost.
- Keep your eyes on them. If you lose sight of them, you’ll get lost.
- Go at their pace, not get ahead or fall behind.
This is what is involved in following Jesus, too.
We have to trust Him to guide us where we need to go. We have to submit to His leadership—His will before our own. We have to stay focused on Him and go at His pace. If we do this, He’ll lead us to where we need to go. And here’s even more good news: on the road to Heaven, He’ll reveal to us our life purpose.
Joy
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22
Do you need a good dose of joy? It really is good medicine.
Years ago, Psychology Today magazine published an article, “Laugh and Be Well.” In the article, Norman Cousin wrote about a remarkable recovery from a disabling condition through massive doses of Vitamin C and comedy clips. His experience spawned a new field of scientific research studying how the brain influences the immune system.
Funny, the Bible has said the same thing all along.
In Proverbs, God’s Word says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Do you need a good dose of joy; yet nothing seems to ease the pain?
I have good news. You can find joy. It is found in a Person who is the source of a lasting joy that overcomes the heartaches of life. His name is Jesus.
Jesus says, “I’ve told you these things, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”
We all need to enjoy laughter, it’s good medicine. But lasting joy is only found in Jesus.
Hypocrites
“Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children…”
Ephesians 5:1
Of the major objections to Christianity, this one is still at the top of the charts. It goes like this: “I’m not interested in Christianity or the church because the church is a bunch of hypocrites and I don’t want to have anything to do with them.”
It might surprise people who’ve made a statement like that to know that they are exactly right. The church is full of hypocrites, but I can’t think of a better place for a bunch of hypocrites to be than in church. For you see, the church is not a hotel for saints; it’s a hospital for sinners. It’s a place where people go when they recognize that they need some help.
Let me encourage you to do this. Instead of blaming Jesus Christ for the shortcomings of His followers, I challenge you to look at the person of Christ in Scripture. You’ll find no hypocrisy in Him. Look at the person of Christ and you’ll find the most genuine person who has ever lived.
Meaning of Man, Part 2
“Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.”
Genesis 2:7
The first two chapters of the Bible explain the meaning of man.
- Man is distinct from the animals. We’re made in the image of God. We can think abstractly like God. We can reason, create, and appreciate beauty and moral order.
- We’re to be fruitful and multiply in the context of marriage. Sex is a great gift invented by God, for mutual enjoyment and procreation, but for marriage only.
- We’re called to rule over creation. We are to care for the environment and all of God’s creation. We are His managers with a great responsibility.
- We’re to maintain balance between work and rest. Work is a gift—a key to fulfillment—to be done for God’s glory. But God initiated a day of rest as well.
- We are created to have a relationship with God through trust and obedience. When we don’t, we screw it up big time.
The meaning of man, I thought you might like to know.
The Meaning of Man
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…”
Genesis 1:26
What is the meaning of man?
The answer is on page one of the Bible. It says “and God created man in His own image.” Now, what does it mean to be in the image of God? It doesn’t mean physical appearance, but it does mean in God’s likeness.
We can think like God. We can reason. We are creative.
We are to rule over creation. We need to care for it, protect it, and use it in a way that is pleasing to God.
We are spiritual beings. Unlike the animals, we can worship God. God desires a personal relationship with us.
We are moral beings. Man deals with right and wrong. The best way for us to do this is to obey God’s Word in faith.
If we submit to God, we reflect His nature. But when we don’t, we look more like a beast. Understanding this, does your life reflect the image of God or are you more like an animal?
Reason for Living
“He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6
Most everyone is interested in discovering his purpose for living—the reason for being born and the reason for existing.
Well, I have good news. God has put that desire within you, for as your Creator He has a purpose and plan for your life. Your role is to discover it and use the gifts and the talents and opportunities that God has given you to make the most of your life. God’s ultimate purpose is that everyone would have a personal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. And everyone can—through faith.
Then there is more good news. God’s word says, “I am confident…that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Jesus’ coming.”
What a promise! Once we put our life and trust in God, He then promises us He’ll begin to reveal our life purpose to us. He’ll also provide the power needed to see that we get it done. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to discover your reason for living and live it out.
Wisdom in Investing and Saving
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
Matthew 6:19-20
Savings and investments seem to be on everybody’s mind. There are news channels that all day long focus solely on the market all day long. There are newspapers, magazines, and newsletters that deal almost exclusively with money and investments.
But what is the right starting point on investing? God’s word tells us that our starting point should be eternity. If all of our focus is on earthly investing, we are mighty shortsighted. Eternity is a lot longer than anything in this life.
Jesus tells us that when we invest in eternal treasure we never lose it. It has returns that last forever. We should begin with investments in eternity even before we focus on investments for college, retirement, or for whatever else we’re investing. To do this takes faith. But it proves to God where our hearts are, whether it’s with Him or our money.
Many men, who see themselves as strong, are absolutely gutless in this area. It takes a strong man to have this kind of faith. Wisdom in investing truly begins with the long-term view of eternity.
Destroying Our Enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you:’ Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’”
Matthew 5:43,44
The word “enemy” has been defined as anyone who is not for us. In light of that definition, we can all think of folks we work with, cross paths with, and sometimes even live with, who are not for us. Yet, Jesus Christ said, “Love your enemies.” To love our friends is not unique, but to love our enemies is.
At the end of the Civil War, many Northerners were demanding that the South be punished for the devastation the war had caused the United States. Feeling he was too soft on the South, a group visited President Lincoln at the White House. One man became so intense that he pounded on Mr. Lincoln’s desk and he said, “Mr. President, I believe in destroying my enemies.”
President Lincoln reflected a moment, then slowly stood and said this, “Do we not destroy our enemies when we make them our friends?”
That is the spirit of Christianity that literally changes the world. The key question is—is it you?
Patience with Others
“Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.”
Ecclesiastes 7:8
To have patience with other people is one of life’s greatest qualities.
In Lincoln, The War Years, Sandberg writes of Lincoln’s patience with his cabinet in the most difficult days of American history. Many in his cabinet felt they were a whole lot smarter than the President. They made a point of letting other people know it, too. Some mocked and belittled him, and one even call him a dumb gorilla. These words often got back to President Lincoln and his wife. She despised them. Yet, he was incredibly patient with them. And when he died, these same men realized that they had served under one of the greatest men who ever lived.
Patience with others is a Christ-like quality. Ask God for patience but watch out if you do! God just might put some difficult people around you to try your patience. This is a part of learning patience and an answer to your prayer.
Creation
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1
How do you think that life came about? Where did it all begin? How was it all put in motion?
Some believe life evolved by chance; others believe that all of creation has come from God. The fact is, both philosophies take a great deal of faith.
Imagine this: One of our soldiers in the Middle East sets off a landmine and out of the explosion comes a perfectly built 747, ready to fly him home to America. Would you believe that story if somebody told it to you? It would take a great deal of faith. And yet, it takes that much faith and more to believe that all of life evolved by chance for all life is more complex than a 747.
Look around you—the birth of a baby, the predictable seasons, the roar of the sea. Do you have enough faith to believe it happened by chance?
The fact is, I don’t. I’m going to put my bet on God, that He put it all in motion.
Sexual Revolution
“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.”
Romans 13:14
The 1960’s ushered in the sexual revolution. They called it the “new” morality, but it wasn’t new; it was very old. The Greeks and Romans embraced it thousands of years ago and, soon afterwards, they were history. It was introduced thousands of years before that in the days of Noah. At that time, God got so disgusted with the filth that He gave the earth a good bath.
So how is the sexual revolution progressing in the 21st century?
The latter part of the 20th century ushered in an epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases, some of them like AIDS are deadly. The sexual fears began to multiply. So to save the revolution, the idea of safe sex was introduced, but it wasn’t safe—it was just as deadly. So much for utopian dreams!
When you think about it, the sexual revolution has been a disaster. Countless lives have been lost and countless others are disillusioned with the emptiness. That’s why God gave a warning when He invented sex. It’s great, but only as an expression of love between a man and woman in marriage. That’s revolutionary! The ultimate safe sex.
Turning Evil Into Good
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result.”
Genesis 50:20
One of the great stories of the Bible deals with the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob. He was loved by his father and resented by his 10 older brothers. They sold him into slavery and told their father he had been killed and devoured by a wild animal.
What is so amazing about Joseph is he never gave up and never quit trusting in God, even though he faced setback after setback. He was falsely accused and unjustly thrown into prison. Miraculously, one day Joseph was called to interpret the Pharaoh of Egypt’s dreams. And, in so doing, was appointed Prime Minister of Egypt to save the people from famine.
Amazingly, because he saved the people from famine, his own brothers who had betrayed him were saved as well. When they realized the Prime Minister of Egypt was the brother they had betrayed years earlier, they were afraid. Yet Joseph forgave them and said, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.”
What faith—what forgiveness—what an example for all of us.
Can’t Legislate Morality
“But we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous man, but for those who are lawless and rebellious.”
1 Timothy 1:8-9
One of the leaders of the Georgia General Assembly, in opposition to House Ethics legislation, was quoted as saying, “You can’t legislate morality.”
Have you ever used that argument, “Can’t legislate morality?”
I ask you, why do those guys meet? To make laws! Has there ever been a law written that wasn’t legislating morality? They all do. Yea, I know what they mean; laws don’t guarantee proper behavior. Any law can be broken, but laws sure do make people think twice before breaking them.
Laws of the state are part of God’s plan to protect man from himself and from others. So, next time someone says you can’t legislate morality, just suggest they do away with laws on rape, murder, robbery.
Sure, laws don’t change a person’s heart, only Jesus Christ can do that, but they sure do help us protect ourselves from our fellow man and our fellow man from us.
Casual Love
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
Love.
How often we use the word. We love warm weather. We love our husband or wife. We love our college football team. We love the latest fashion trend. We speak the word in our most tender moments and then use it to describe our feelings about a flavor of ice cream.
Do you know that you are loved? Really loved?
The God who created all of life loves you even if you don’t love Him in return. He doesn’t wait for you to demonstrate your love for Him. He loves you first. He clearly demonstrates His love through Jesus Christ, especially when Christ gave His life for us.
Over the next few days, try to notice how many times the word “love” is used in casual conversation. Each time you hear it, think about the love of God—real love. Think of how much He loves you and begin to experience His love. When you begin to know His love, you’ll be amazed at the joy in your own life.
Husbands Love Your Wives
“Husbands, love your wives…”
Colossians 3:19
Husbands, what our wives most needs from us is love. But there are several aspects of love that most men don’t come by naturally. One is the woman’s need for romance, attention, and affection. Now I know what some of you guys are thinking: “Hey, I like sex; I’ll meet that need.” Of course, if that is what you’re thinking, you’re clueless!
Husbands, remember that with our wives romance and affection is much more than sex. It’s how we treat her throughout the day. It’s saying words like, “I love you” and “I need you.” It’s a listening ear. It’s remembering special days like anniversaries, birthdays, and Valentine’s Day. It’s weekly dates and overnight getaways—times of falling in love all over again.
God’s Word says, “Husbands, love your wives.” Just remember that love means romance, affection, attention, and not just sex.
What Love Is
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
1 John 3:16
Dr. Michael DeBakey, the famous heart surgeon, once received a letter from an 11-year-old girl with this question, “Is there any love in an artificial heart?” Love is illusive; yet, we long for it.
How would you define love? Most everyone knows it is real, but who can really describe it?
I can’t define love, but God’s Word sure can. The Bible says, “Love is patient and kind, not envious, selfish, or arrogant. Love doesn’t keep records when people let us down or do us wrong. Love forgives. Love is happy for others’ successes. Love is very optimistic. Love bears all things; it believes in others and what they can be, thus putting up with a lot. Love hopes for the best in others. True love never gives up; it just keeps on keeping on; it means a commitment to love a person whether they love us or not.
Is love found in an artificial heart? I’m afraid not, but love can be found in an old heart made new by the power of the Great Physician, Jesus Christ.
Finding the Right Mate
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing…” Proverbs 18:22
Everybody wants to make the right choice in choosing a mate. What a nightmare if we don’t. What a blessing if we do. If you are in a serious relationship, ask yourself these questions:
- Is this person my best friend? If not, you’re not ready.
- Do we share a common faith and values? If not, you’ll have conflict and drift apart.
- Do family and friends affirm the relationship? Choosing a mate means choosing a family.
- Am I willing to make a lifetime commitment? Marriage is not for trying out. That’s a sure road to divorce.
- Do I want this person to be the parent of my children?
- Do I wake up the next day wanting to be with them versus convincing myself why I like them?
If you can say, “yes” to all of these, you may have found the right one. If not, you may want to slow down or even call it off. But most of all, seek God’s will through prayer and be willing to follow His lead in one of life’s biggest decisions.
Slight Edge
“If anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire.”
Revelation 20:15
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was walking to the coach’s office to read who made the cut for the basketball team. The names on the door made the cut. If your name wasn’t there, you didn’t.
I was stunned! Where was my name? I had played basketball all my life. I was devastated to find my name was left off of the list.
God’s word tells us that when Jesus returns, all mankind will be divided into two lists. Those who make the cut and spend eternity on God’s team will have their name written in the Book of Life. All who don’t make it will spend eternity separated from God. Their names will be listed in the Book of Deeds and they’ll be devastated.
What’s the difference?
The Book of Life contains the names of people with repentant faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Those in the Book of Deeds will be people trying to make the cut by being good. None of us are good enough for Heaven. We have to be perfect. But there is One Who is perfect. His name is Jesus and He is our only hope of making the cut.
In which book are you?
Making The Cut
“If anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire.”
Revelation 20:15
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was walking to the coach’s office to read who made the cut for the basketball team. The names on the door made the cut. If your name wasn’t there, you didn’t.
I was stunned! Where was my name? I had played basketball all my life. I was devastated to find my name was left off of the list.
God’s word tells us that when Jesus returns, all mankind will be divided into two lists. Those who make the cut and spend eternity on God’s team will have their name written in the Book of Life. All who don’t make it will spend eternity separated from God. Their names will be listed in the Book of Deeds and they’ll be devastated.
What’s the difference?
The Book of Life contains the names of people with repentant faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Those in the Book of Deeds will be people trying to make the cut by being good. None of us are good enough for Heaven. We have to be perfect. But there is One Who is perfect. His name is Jesus and He is our only hope of making the cut.
In which book are you?
A Live Appearance After Death
“Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand, and put it into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.”
John 26:27
In the movie, The Sixth Sense, Bruce Willis plays a psychiatrist who works with a young boy who sees dead people appearing to him. The movie stirs the viewer to feel the horrifying fear of the young boy. Seeing a dead person would frighten us all. In that light, it’s little wonder that the disciples of Jesus were initially terrified when He appeared to them after His death. They had no illusions about His death. They had been hiding in fear of the authorities who might kill them if they were found to be followers of Jesus.
The authorities ordered them to stop preaching the heretical nonsense but they could not stop telling what they knew to be true. And all but one died a martyr’s death for proclaiming this fact. Death caused them no fear.
After their initial fear, they found peace. They knew He was God and they devoted their lives to sharing this Good News and their faith in Him. So can we.
No event in history is more important then Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.
Do you believe it?
A Summary Of The Big Ten
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind…you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Matthew 22:37-39
I believe the Ten Commandments are a great guide for successful living. The Big Ten are the ultimate foundation on which to base spiritual and ethical behavior. The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God. The last six deal with our relationship to our fellow man. In short, right spirituality leads to right living with our fellow man.
The first four are:
- Put God first
- Have no idols
- Respect His name
- Have a weekly Sabbath
The last six are:
- Don’t murder
- Don’t commit adultery
- Don’t steal
- Don’t bear false witness
- Don’t lie
- Don’t covet what your neighbor has that you’re not entitled to
These are stated so negatively, like a bunch of “don’ts.” And when someone says, “don’t” something within us makes us want to “do.” So Jesus summarized them positively. I like His best.
He said “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind,” (the first four in a nutshell). And he said “Love your neighbors as yourself,” (the last six, in five words). Wow! The perfect summary of The Big Ten.
Each version, The Big Ten or the Big Two, teaches us how to be in right relationship with God and right relationships with our fellow man. In short, when we get right with God we’ll be right with our fellow man.
The Right Values
“…I will put my laws upon their hearts, and on their mind I will write them.”
Hebrews 10:16
There’s a lot of talk about values, like family values or traditional values. The cover of Newsweek magazine recently asked the question, “Whose Values?”
Well, let me offer a suggestion; it’s very old but very contemporary. How about the values that come from man’s Creator—from God Himself?
They go like this:
- “You shall have no other gods before Me.
- You shall not make for yourself an idol.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath Day.
- Honor your father and mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness.
- You shall not covet.”
These are not suggestions to be used when you feel they are appropriate. They are absolute commands. They tell us how to live life to the fullest.
Whose values?
I encourage you to adopt God’s Big Ten. You’ll find that they will be a key to living life to the fullest.
