It frustrates me when I am watching a game on TV, and by the time I get settled in, one of the coaches calls a time out, or even worse, the referees call a time out for a media break. Well, let me take a time out during our walk through the book of Revelations. I was reading a verse today that spoke to my heart that I decided to write about it in this weeks blog. Proverbs 28:26 states: "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered." The book of Proverbs is all about the benefits of walking in wisdom verses living as a fool. Let me define both key words in order to have a better understanding of what the writer is saying. A "fool" is one who lives their life as if there is no God (Ps. 14:1). In other words, a fool does not invite God into any decision he or she may make. They live as if they are the lone boss of their life. On the other side, "wisdom" has been described as "the voice of God." Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 28:26 simply warns the human race not to conduct their life outside of God's rulebook, the Bible. Only those who listen to God's voice, a voice that speaks through the pages of God's Holy Word, will find refuge and safety in this life. How many times have you heard this advice from the world or even from behind some pulpits? "Just listen to your heart." This verse in Proverbs commands us not to follow the desires of our heart. Our heart will only lead us astray, it will seek to remove God from His rightful place in our lives. Discipline your heart to hear the voice of God (1 Kings 19:13). Then discipline your life to obey His commands. When this verse becomes our life's goal and focus, then you will have a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Back to the Future (Part 2)
Someone has said that true living is in who you know. I have had the experience of doing many different things in life, but some of my "dreams" have not turned out as I would have thought. I have always felt that I was at a disadvantage to most because I truly do not have any "connections" in life. We hear all the time of people getting their dream job, or getting that promotion, or called to participate in a prestigious event simply because of the person that they were friends with. A friend who made one call, and that call guaranteed action. But during those times I find myself having a pity party about my life, and bemoaning the fact that I have little to no connections with anyone of any power and authority in this life, the Holy Spirit quickly asks me one question, "If you have no one of any authority in your life, then who is Christ to you?" When hearing that question/reprimand, I repent and find comfort that Christ Jesus is enough. He opens and closes any door that no one can close or open. (Rev. 3:9)
As Jesus commissions John to write the book of Revelation to the persecuted church, He does so by clearly expressing how powerful He truly is in this world. Not only does John take Jesus seriously, but the King behind this book ought to be listened to and obeyed without delay. He is clothed as a priest, full of maturity and wisdom. His eyes are all knowing and penetrate the very hearts of men. His feet are stable, pure, and cannot be moved. His voice speaks and the whole creation trembles. His hands hold the very pastor of each church. His tongue is the very Word of God that protects the church. He is so radiant that no one dare stand upright in His presence. (1:12-20) This is the God who has commission this book of hope, comfort, and warning to all men. If you personally know this God, Jesus Christ, then your life will be less stressful than those who choose to reject His Word. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
As Jesus commissions John to write the book of Revelation to the persecuted church, He does so by clearly expressing how powerful He truly is in this world. Not only does John take Jesus seriously, but the King behind this book ought to be listened to and obeyed without delay. He is clothed as a priest, full of maturity and wisdom. His eyes are all knowing and penetrate the very hearts of men. His feet are stable, pure, and cannot be moved. His voice speaks and the whole creation trembles. His hands hold the very pastor of each church. His tongue is the very Word of God that protects the church. He is so radiant that no one dare stand upright in His presence. (1:12-20) This is the God who has commission this book of hope, comfort, and warning to all men. If you personally know this God, Jesus Christ, then your life will be less stressful than those who choose to reject His Word. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Back to the Future (Part 1)
One of the most stressful questions we humans ask ourselves is, "What will my future be like?" Every civilization has tried to paint a picture of what human history will be like twenty, fifty, a hundred, or even a thousand years from now. The uncertainty of man's future has caused many ulcers to form in many stomachs. The afterlife is a subject every religion tries to answer. Most religions paint a more positive life than negative when describing man's future. Some try to ignore the future and just focus on the here and now. The Christian faith does not try to minimize the future, in fact the Bible clearly describes the future of humanity and is clear about man's final destination. The Book of Revelation has been embraced by many (and has been misunderstand and misapplied by just as many) as a book of hope, comfort, optimism, and even fear. The closer we look at this book it is clear that every man's destination will end in one of two locations: heaven or the lake of fire. Heaven is the very definition of peace and love, while Hell will be a real place whose environment is the opposite of peace and love.
In Revelation 1:1-8, we see two very important facts about humanities future: First, there is only one who is in our our past, present, and future, and He is Jesus Christ, the the subject line of human history. And the second fact is man's promise of deliverance from this sinful world. Many people read the book of Revelation, and focus on angels, wars, plagues, death, tribulation, and even heaven. But the main subject of this book is Jesus. The very first words in this book make this clear: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ..." Jesus is described as the true witness, the one who has risen from the dead, the ruler of all the earth, and the one who has died for man's sins (vs.5). It is Jesus who has not abandoned this world, but He is coming back to take back what is rightfully His, and to make all things perfect and right. His coming is as sure as His existence. It may seem that the world is too chaotic to be saved, but there is coming a day when "He is coming in the clouds and every eye will see Him..." (vs. 7) When you allow Christ to be in control of your future, then no matter what comes your way, you can rest knowing that you are in good hands; hands that guarantee a less stressful life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
In Revelation 1:1-8, we see two very important facts about humanities future: First, there is only one who is in our our past, present, and future, and He is Jesus Christ, the the subject line of human history. And the second fact is man's promise of deliverance from this sinful world. Many people read the book of Revelation, and focus on angels, wars, plagues, death, tribulation, and even heaven. But the main subject of this book is Jesus. The very first words in this book make this clear: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ..." Jesus is described as the true witness, the one who has risen from the dead, the ruler of all the earth, and the one who has died for man's sins (vs.5). It is Jesus who has not abandoned this world, but He is coming back to take back what is rightfully His, and to make all things perfect and right. His coming is as sure as His existence. It may seem that the world is too chaotic to be saved, but there is coming a day when "He is coming in the clouds and every eye will see Him..." (vs. 7) When you allow Christ to be in control of your future, then no matter what comes your way, you can rest knowing that you are in good hands; hands that guarantee a less stressful life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
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