Tag Archives: problems

Please Take Jesus Personally

Lunatic liar lord

How many times have you been told, “now, don’t take this personally, but…”? Well, I want you to take this personally: Jesus is THE ONLY WAY to God.

The postmodern ear may bristle at that, but that doesn’t make it any less true.

Jesus, Himself said that. Not me. Not anyone else. JESUS.

“No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

Either you believe that or you reject it. There is no riding the fence. John Duncan called this argument, “inexorable” (meaning unbending, unyielding, & unstoppable). It is black or white, one way or the other, but it can never be both or neither.

For a much more eloquent argument, look up C.S. Lewis’s “Lunatic, Liar, or Lord” trilemma in Mere Christianity.

Exclusive claim? Oh Yes. The claim is indeed, exclusive,but the invitation to accept it is 100% inclusive and universal (Gal. 3:28)!

So, please take this personally! In fact, it doesn’t get any more personal!

How do YOU answer the very same question that Jesus asked His disciples: Who do YOU say I am? (Matt. 16:15)

– If this post blessed you please like and share!

Ref:

C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (1952; Harper Collins: 2001) 51-52.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis%27s_trilemma

http://merecslewis.blogspot.com/2010/11/deciding-about-jesus-liar-lunatic-or.html

Not Just Goliath

Goliath

We all have a Goliath in our life. See that! Goliath is so famous, I don’t even have to tell you who he was. You’re already imagining a rude, towering brute taunting God & God’s people. Today his very name is synonymous with a big problem.

You say, but – I don’t have just ONE giant, I have a WHOLE CLAN! I’m also up against Saph, Lahmi, & Ishbibenob! (2 Sam. 21:15-22, 1 Chr. 20:4-8)

I’m not just facing fear, but guilt & shame came with it. I’m not just battling porn, but also alcohol & pills. I’m not just wrestling with insecurity, but also anorexia & low self image came to join the party. I am being tag-teamed! I am being ganged-up on! I am outnumbered!

Ok, yes. You are in a sense… but, not really. Let me explain.

Here’s what you’ve been taught: Goliath represents your problem. David is you. If you face your problem with Jesus on your side, you can take that big bully down. Right? Sorry, but that is dead wrong. Goliath IS your problem, that much is correct. But you are not David. Where are you? You are the Israelite army quaking in your boots a mile away.

Jesus is David. He’s the giant-slayer, not you.

Jesus steps in and takes your giant down, not you. He takes your place. He fights your fight. You aren’t even there! You’re not in the Valley of Elah. You are in the background safely hiding behind the other chickens.

It might seem like you are being overtaken by giant problems and if you reject Jesus and try to take on Goliath all by yourself, that certainly could be your fate. However, if you accept Jesus and let Him fight that battle for you, then His victory will be your victory.

It doesn’t matter how many giants you have, Jesus bests them. It doesn’t matter how strong they seem, Jesus is stronger. The only thing that matters is that you make Him your Champion.

Ref: https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/giants-in-the-old-testament/

God Can Use Traffic For Good

la traffic

One of the reasons I left Los Angeles was the traffic. It is unreal. I knew sitting in traffic like that was going to slowly drive me bonkers. So, it’s no surprise that a new study found that LA is the world’s most traffic-clogged city:

“Drivers in the region spent 104 hours each driving in congestion during peak travel periods last year. That topped second-place Moscow at 91 hours and third-place New York at 89, according to a traffic scorecard compiled by Inrix, a transportation analytics firm.”

While you may not find yourself spending 104 hours in traffic this year, it may feel like it. So, what are you going to do with all that wasted time?

Here are just a few ways to make that time count!

  • Pray: pray for the drivers around you, the cops enforcing the law, and that teenager who just passed you while texting. Prayer is the real deal. Pray more, worry less.
  • K-LOVE: listen to that Praise Music! Ain’t no reason you can’t be worshiping the Living God while stuck on I-79. (Dancing, of course,  is optional).
  • Podcasts/CD’s: There are a plethora (a word I honestly believe no one would ever know if it weren’t for ¡Three Amigos!) of resources available today. There are few reasons not to be listening to 1 sermon every single day. FEW! Start at oneplace.com (it has a lot of sermons, you guessed it: in one place).

I’m pretty sure this is not what the Holy Spirit had in mind, but man, does it seem appropriate: what was meant for evil, God can use for good (Gen.50:20). Am I calling traffic evil? Yes. Yes, I am. Use it for good!

Oh, and by the way – those who bemoan living in little ole West Virginia, here is another fun fact this study revealed:

“Of 240 U.S. cities studied by Inrix, drivers in Parkersburg, W.Va., spent the least about of time stuck in traffic during peak hours at three hours per year.”

So, there.

Ref:

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-traffic-los-angeles-20170220-story.html

https://www.oneplace.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Amigos

God Makes His Home With You

belonging_ducks excluded

Come on now, we’ve all felt like the odd-man out. We’ve all felt like we didn’t know the secret handshake. We’ve all felt left out. But I promise you, there is a place where you belong.

There is a home for you with Jesus.

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” – John 14:23

Don’t just skim over that: the God of heaven & earth and His Son, Jesus the Christ will make their home with you. That seems pretty substantial. Give it some serious thought.

Your heart is God’s. He made it. Return it to Him. He doesn’t exclude you. He invites you. He meets you where you are and elevates you. Turn from your former life and run to the Savior. Keep His word. Be changed from the inside out.

  •  There is no need to go it alone.
  • There is no need to stay out in the cold.
  • The wolves are coming.

17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted & grounded in love, – Eph. 3:17

There is a place you belong. There is a home for you with the Lord.

– If this post blessed you please like & share!

Inspired by X Ambassadors, “Home.”

Jesus Will Lift You Up

featherLook, I know it’s heavy. Too heavy. Who can lift it? Troubles, trials, & temptations; I know they crush you. They weigh you down. I know you feel defeated. Conquered.

So please listen: Jesus can lift you up.

All that heaviness? Light as a feather to the LORD. Lighter still!

  • He’s eager to do the heavy lifting. Let Him!
  • He wants to take the burden. Let Him!
  • He longs to break your chains. Let Him!
  • He yearns to set you free! Let Him!

Sound too good to be true?

Is not this the fast that I choose:
    to loose the bonds of wickedness,
    to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
    and to break every yoke? – Isa. 58:6

He desires for you to hand over the reigns of your life to Him. Is there anyone more able? Is there anyone more willing? He takes your burden and exchanges it with His rest. Where’s the verse for that you scream?

Come to Me, all you who labor & are heavy laden, & I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you & learn from Me, for I am gentle & lowly in heart, & you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy & My burden is light.” – Matt. 11:28-30

Jesus will lift you up no matter how heavy you think your life has gotten. Jesus will lift you up no matter how badly you think you’ve messed everything up. Jesus will do all of these things & more, if you but submit to Him.

Then WATCH GRACE WORK!

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:6-7 (also Psa. 55:22)

  • He will hear you (Psa. 34:17).
  • He will carry you (Isa. 46:4).
  • He will deliver you. (Isa. 40:11).
  • He will help & uphold you with His righteous right hand (Isa. 41:10).

Its all for His glory, not yours. Its all for Him, not you.

So, go out now with a lightened load. Go out with renewed strength. Go out & help your brother (Gal. 6:2). Go out & bring others so He can do the same for them!

– If you were blessed by this please like & share!

Inspired by: X Ambassadors, “Feather.” (VHS)

Jesus’s Ways Are Simple & Powerful


I don’t know about you, but I like simple. Give it to me as simple as possible! I shave with Occam’s razor, if you catch my drift.
Man’s ways are complicated and powerless.

Jesus’s ways are simple and powerful:

  • Know a tree by its fruit;
  • Treat folks like you’d want;
  • Love God, then your neighbor.

Plain. Simple. Brilliant.
That’s why I love the following verse:

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. – 1 John 5:12 (John 3:18, 36)

Doesn’t get more simple than that: Jesus = life.No Jesus = death.

There is no third choice. There is no riding the fence. There is no middle ground.

Either you gather or scatter. Either you are for or against (Matt. 12:30). Either you are alive or dead.
He won’t force you to love Him. It ain’t no shotgun wedding. It’s your choice. What’s it gonna be?

Which razor do you want?

Ever Look For Your Car Keys in the Freezer?

man-looking-in-freezer-face-obscured-by-door-side-view-200455254-001-57c5ecff5f9b5855e50428d8We are all looking for something, aren’t we? What is it that you looking for? Wisdom (experience, career)? Knowledge (facts, degrees)? Happiness (marriage, relationships)? Peace (also marriage and relationships… just kidding)? Riches (security, comfort)? Whatever it is, ALL is found in Jesus.

All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him – Col. 2:3

If you are looking anywhere else, then you are barking up the wrong tree. You know, that is a pretty funny expression now that I am actually thinking about it; the dog has chased a cat up a tree and is now barking at it, but the cat is in another tree? Silly dog. However, that is what I want you to envision if you are looking for…. lets say, self-fulfillment, in any other place than in Jesus. Yep, you are that silly dog barking up the wrong the tree. Come on, dog! Ya got the wrong tree!

If I were looking for something in the wrong place, I would want someone to tell me. Constantly searching sounds too exhausting. I would much rather rest. Its like looking for the car keys in the refrigerator. They probably aren’t there. If I were rummaging through the freezer looking for my keys and you knew where they were – I would want you to tell me.

If you are not looking to Jesus, then you are looking in the freezer for your car keys.

ALL treasures are found in Him. Satisfaction for your heart? In Him. Satisfaction for your mind? In Him. Satisfaction for your bones? ALL are found in Him. I promise you: Jesus doesn’t come up short. Jesus doesn’t disappoint. Jesus doesn’t leave you holding the check. Jesus doesn’t promise, and then not deliver. In fact, He over-delivers. He exceeds. He excels.

Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], – Eph. 3:20a (AMP)

Anything worth knowing, is known in Him. Anything worth finding, is found in Him. Anything worth discovering is discovered in Him. Think about that: All the secret riches that can potentially come out of all intelligence and understanding is revealed in Christ! That’s why Paul calls it treasure. Treasure is priceless, precious, and rare. The closest to finding treasure I ever got was using a metal detector at the beach one summer. Man, you never saw a kid more excited over a quarter. You would have thought I found the Heart of the Ocean or something. Jesus is talking about FOR REAL treasure. Not some rusty old quarter! Life treasure. Soul treasure. Eternal Treasure. True fortune.

Treasures are hidden, aren’t they? They are buried. They require some digging. They must be unearthed.  You have to remove the dirt to find the treasure. We have a lot of dirt piled up in our lives. We are buried in it! Jesus can remove the dirt – if you will let Him. He wants to unearth the potential underneath all the guck and grime.

The most worthwhile treasure you can ever possess is knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. It may take some digging, but it is well worth it.

Shut Your Mouth, Say Less/Mean More, & Be Silent Before the Lord

secret-2725302_1920Peppered throughout the Book of the Twelve (or as we call them, the Minor Prophets… “minor” in length not in importance!), there resides a curious verse: “Be silent before the Lord” (Hab. 2:20; Zeph. 1:7; Zech. 2:13).

Don’t we love to fantasize about all the things WE will ask the Lord when we get to Heaven? We envision long discussions and all the things WE will say in the presence of the Lord. In eternity I’m sure there will be time for that sort of thing, however, it seems the opposite will also be true. Not only will there be endless praise, adoration, and worship of the Father (Psa. 145:21) – but it appears we will also be in silent, reverent service (Rev. 22:3).

Picture this: we will be hanging on every word that drops from the Father. We will be on the edge of our seat unwilling to miss even a singly syllable. With bated breath, we will soak up every last letter. We will be totally and lovingly captivated by Jehovah. We will be silent, because we won’t want to miss anything!

Could it also be because if we open our mouths, inevitably, the subject matter will be ourselves? Or bad advice? Job’s friends were silent for a week before giving their counsel… and what rotten counsel it was!

I love Solomon’s Proverb to let your words be few (Ecc. 5:2). And also, even a fool seems wise if he doesn’t open his mouth and prove otherwise (Prov. 17:28). Silence is, indeed, golden. Silence (usually) means we are listening.  Hey, it may be the reason we were given two ears and just one mouth.

I saw the movie Looking For Richard in 1996 and I have never forgotten the wise words of a homeless man when he said, “maybe if we meant what we said, we would say less and mean more.”

Joy Triggers the Holy Spirit

jumper-cables-926308_1920When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth both were unexpectedly and miraculously pregnant (Mary as a virgin and Elizabeth because… she was old. Forgive me Elizabeth, but that’s what the Good Book says). When they greet each other for the first time, something extraordinary happens: John leaps for joy… in the womb! And not only that; Elizabeth is immediately “filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:41)

Now, this raises 2 interesting points:

1. Luke (a doctor, mind you) considered the fetus to be a “babe.” We know this because he used the same Greek word (“brephos“) in 2:12, 16 – “You will find a baby lying in a manger.” [More on this subject Sunday Dec. 17th!]

2. John’s JOY triggered Elizabeth’s filling of the Holy Spirit. Let that sink in. John (who was given a full dose of the Holy Spirit in the womb, Luke 1:15) “leaped for joy” and THEN Elizabeth was filled.

Could it be that joy sparks the Holy Spirit? Does it help activate Him? Is joy a catalyst? Could it be that those who have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit can help ignite others by being joyful? It would appear so. After all, joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, is it not (Gal. 5:22-23)?

In this manner, joy can be like jumper cables infusing a dead car battery with life and energy! It does so by sharing that life and energy. We do likewise by sharing the joy that the Holy Spirit gives us to those who are dead (spiritually-speaking)!

Let us then be joyful. Who knows who we may vicariously jump-start in the process?