Tag: Encouragement

In Dependence Day

On By TimIn Acts 17, Daily WalkLeave a comment

I have been giving some thought to the significance of this day. In the United States, 4 July is the day we commemorate independence from the tyranny of the crown. One of the major themes of the day is freedom! It is in that light that we ought to point this day to Jesus.

Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious. For as I passed by and looked up at your objects of worship, I found an altar with this inscription:
TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.
Whom you therefore unknowingly worship, Him I proclaim to you.
“God who made the world and all things in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hands. Nor is He served by men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives all men life and breath and all things. He has made from one blood every nation of men to live on the entire face of the earth, having appointed fixed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek the Lord so perhaps they might reach for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’
“Therefore since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to suppose that the Deity is like gold or silver or stone or an engraved work of art or an image of the reflection of man. God overlooked the times of ignorance, but now He commands all men everywhere to repent. For He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed, having given assurance of this to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

Acts 17:22–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

You may wonder why I am citing this portion of Scripture. Perhaps it is because of the similarities of the celebrations of this day with that of honoring an unknown god (a whole other post.). Paul pointed to these men of Athens, noting their religious sincerity. Today’s celebration for many is an homage to an unknown god. I want to proclaim this God to you; He Who has provided you your freedom. This God doesn’t live in man-made temples, nor does He need anything that we can provide.

The Yoke of Bondage

Paul understood clearly the mission of Jesus Christ. He has come to set us free from bondage. But what does that mean, to be in bondage?

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? God forbid! Do you not know that to whom you yield yourselves as slaves to obey, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But thanks be to God, for you were slaves of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of teaching to which you were entrusted, and having been freed from sin, you became the slaves of righteousness.
I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, for just as you have yielded your members as slaves to impurity and iniquity leading to more iniquity, even so now yield your members as slaves to righteousness unto holiness. For when you were the slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. What fruit did you have then from the things of which you are now ashamed? The result of those things is death. But now, having been freed from sin and having become slaves of God, you have fruit unto holiness, and the end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:15–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is stating that if we yield our bodies toward sin, which is some moral decadence, we become enslaved to that. For some of us who struggle with addiction, we can understand. I do not wish to make light of addiction, but I will offer an easily understandable example.

Remember back to the first time you tried your favorite dessert. It could be a chocolate cake or crème Brulee… Even something more exotic. Remember the sensations of the first taste, and how you just wanted to experience that forever. I am willing to say that while you may enjoy these favorite treats, it is almost impossible to recreate that first experience. Sometimes, our physical bodies send us sensations of intense cravings for these things. The cravings we experience couldn’t exist without our first indulgence. With desserts, we can often partake, but overdoing it creates problems. The issue is, we clearly understand how to alleviate the real pangs that come with our own desires. That is part of the bondage to which this is speaking.

I know my example used something as innocuous as dessert, but some do have real struggles with that. Your body just wants a little more. It is the same thing with bigger issues. You can ask a millionaire, “How much money is enough?” The answer will be a little more. It goes with almost anything… We want newer and better clothes, a better car, a bigger house. The addict just wants to keep the high going. But at what cost? That is the weakness of the flesh… It always wants just a little more.

Some of these things are inherently bad for us and maybe detrimental (to us or even others.) Sin comes with this same bondage. In our own selves, we just want a little more. We think nobody will know. With those secret things, nobody else gets hurt. It is still bondage. Paul goes on to say what the result of all those things… Death. What advantage do we have from these things?

If you do too many drugs, it may result in an overdose, and you may die. The same holds true for too much booze, too many cigarettes, even too much chocolate cake.

Presenting ourselves to these desires leads to enslavement. It is a circular cycle of repetition. Presenting ourselves to sin leads to a suppression of the knowledge of God.

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth through unrighteousness.

Romans 1:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We could think that the suppression of the knowledge of God may be for us only. More likely, it will also spread to others. Sin affects ourselves and will inevitably affect those around us. We don’t only present ourselves to bondage and suppression.

Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him or give thanks to Him as God, but became futile in their imaginations, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Romans 1:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sin brings death. It works collectively. It leads to futility. Of course, the world understands this futility by another name, entropy.

There is freedom. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ!

Independence

It is only in Jesus that we can be free from this yoke of bondage to sin and death. In His early ministry, there was a conversation Jesus had with Nicodemus, a teacher in Israel. Most of us Christians know of the conversation, and some who are not Christian may know. That is where John 3:16 comes: For God so loved the world that He gave His only unique Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. The continuing conversation goes like this:

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned. But he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the verdict, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that it may be revealed that his deeds have been done in God.”

John 3:17–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There’s that circular cycle of bondage again. There is also that dire verdict of condemnation that abides on all outside of Jesus Christ. The good news is that we’ve all really been set free.

For freedom Christ freed us. Stand fast therefore and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What do I mean by “we’ve all been set free?”

Jesus’ death on the cross was the payment that sin demanded.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

John 2:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

You’re reading this for a reason. If you aren’t a Christian and want freedom from the bondage, it’s an easy thing.

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” This is the word of faith that we preach: that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be ashamed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is generous toward all who call upon Him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Romans 10:8–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

One must first Acknowledge that Jesus is Who He claimed to be, and that He died and rose again. That He is the very same Lord you are calling upon. The next step is to Believe it all to be true. When you acknowledge Him for Who He is, and Believe He is Who He is, then Confess it with your mouth. The promise is there: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” If you are calling on Jesus Christ, the God-man, you will be saved and set free.

What of the Christian who is stuck in a seeming circular cycle of bondage?

It’s the same way for you. Jesus has already given you victory over sin. If you want it, believe it. Confess your sin to Him. Of course, you’re going to have to not present your members to that enslavement. Yes, it may be difficult, but you already have victory. Trust Jesus for that and deny your body what it thinks it wants. The first baby steps will be very hard. It’s just like exercising your muscles. You might have to say no a hundred or more times, but keep exercising the ‘no’ muscle.

Always know that Jesus came to set the captives of sin free…

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Luke 4:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In Jesus there is true independence from bondage.

Dependence

Even the very freedom that God gives is an innate acknowledgment that everything we have is dependent upon Him.

“God who made the world and all things in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hands. Nor is He served by men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives all men life and breath and all things. He has made from one blood every nation of men to live on the entire face of the earth, having appointed fixed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek the Lord so perhaps they might reach for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’

Acts 17:24–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He made it all. Everything we have comes from His hand.

He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of every creature. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell, and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say—whether they are things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:15–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is telling us that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is also the firstborn of every creature. Importantly, we see the words that all things were created by Him and for Him. This precludes this Firstborn from being a simple man, or even a created thing. It demands that He is God, and He is. It’s a simple thing: we are made by Him for Him. And only in Him… This Jesus… do all things hold together.

We are clearly dependent upon Him, even for our freedom.

“Therefore since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to suppose that the Deity is like gold or silver or stone or an engraved work of art or an image of the reflection of man. God overlooked the times of ignorance, but now He commands all men everywhere to repent. For He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed, having given assurance of this to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

Acts 17:29–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Back to Paul and his speech at the Areopagus. We are the offspring of God, created by Him and for Him. He is not some “bearded white guy in the clouds.” He isn’t the dead man portrayed on the cross at the end of a rosary. He isn’t limited by the vain imaginings of any man.

He commands all to repent! That is, to change their mind and the way they are going. Those who don’t know Jesus are condemned already. They can change that.

If you are a Christian and aren’t walking in the Light, change that. That is what is being said. Stop the way you’re going and turn around.

There is an appointed day of judgment for the world. It is a Man, the God-Man Jesus Christ. He will judge the world. The promise is that God raised Him from the dead. Just like cited above, “This is the word of faith that we preach: that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:8b–10.)

Celebrate your in-dependence.

The Pursuit of Enlightenment is the Same Old Lie

On By TimIn Apostasy, Last Days, Revelation 09Leave a comment

In those days men will seek death but will not find it. They will desire to die, but death will elude them.

Revelation 9:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one may buy or sell, except he who has the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name.

Revelation 13:16-17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The smoke of their torment will ascend forever and ever. They have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image and whoever receives the mark of his name.

Revelation 14:11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These texts allude to some interesting thoughts if one pays attention to avant-garde research in science.

Since the beginning, the shining one (the serpent, what many scoffers call the talking snake) has seduced humanity with a lie: ‘You shall be as gods.’ What is called the science of evolution furthers the lie that life evolves upward, and that men are evolving to be better. The occultists and pagans would agree with the sentiments found there. Many of the world’s religions would also agree.

The coming mark the writer of Revelation warns of may be many things. It will probably be an outward mark of allegiance to a man. It will also be necessary to participate in the economy that comes. These things we know from the text, but these ideas could be cursory to what it may also be. When the apostle John speaks of the ‘mark,’ he addresses the dire spiritual implications that befall those who choose to take it. Reading Revelation clearly, one can also see those who take the mark of the beast are no longer able to be saved. Can we infer that this mark alters humans in such a way that they are no longer human?

I think so. Salvation is graciously offered to humans. It is provided by the finished work of a Human Being that lived around 2,000 years ago. His name is Jesus. He lived as a man. He also died as a man, but not a death that was the result of His own sin. He died for the penalty of the sin of all (1 John 2:1-2.) He also rose again, defeating death and nullifying its sting, which is eternal separation from God. Salvation is only made available by humans, as another human graciously gave of His own blood for that purpose.

Back to the mark.

The first citation above indicates that death will elude those who take the mark. I have glossed over that many times. Given recent advancements in science that include genetic programming and manipulation, it may help us to examine what that may entail.

It is possible (and somewhat common practice) to snip a portion of DNA from one organism and insert it into another. It is not necessary that the organisms be related in the way we think of that idea. This practice is called a genetic modification. (The resulting organisms fit the definition of chimeras.) Gene therapy is a burgeoning new world of genetic modification that finds new therapies in the field of medicine. The dream of many in the fields of such biotechnologies is to extend the length and quality of human life. Genetic engineering is exploring novel ways of achieving this.

There is also another branch of science that would work inside the body, modifying it in real-time. This field of exploration is nanotechnology. This involves placing tiny machines inside our bodies to perform specific functions. It can also include a way of modifying existing cells to operate like customized machines that can be manipulated to perform specialized tasks; think it like programming tiny computers for a certain task. The goal is to use these machines inside of our bodies to augment us.

It is conceivable that this coming mark could offer some of these technologies. Perhaps it will be introduced not just as a way to buy and sell or show allegiance… But it may include some way to combat the effects of aging and disease. In a way, it would be effective at delaying or even preventing death. In essence, it would alter humans to become like gods. It sounds too good to be true. The faint stench of sulfur seems to surround the idea. It is the ultimate deception culminating from that first one… The lie from the serpent: ‘you shall be as gods.’ Like his intent, then, the inference would be made that God is keeping something from us… Immortality.

Look further at the linked image below. You see the alleged seven Kundalini Chakras overlaid on the Caduceus. The intertwined serpents around that center rod is a modern symbol used to signify a field of medical science. The winged image on top of it is the winged-sun disk. (These symbols can be researched further if you like.)  I want to draw attention to those intertwined serpents; note the double-helix design. It brings to mind the modern depictions of the construction of the DNA strand.

The long pursuit of humans who are beguiled by the lie… Is to be like gods. The scientific mantra is that humans are evolving to be better suited for their environs. There are some who even want to further this evolution in a self-directed fashion. It used to be called eugenics, but for the sinister implications of that word, it is no longer used… Though the ideas behind it are alive and well.

As the deception is ever increasing, the serpent subtly alters what God says and does in his mimicry of the Most High. That is, he copies what God has already done in his own sinister ways. This is about the shining one wanting to make humans after his image, and creation after his will. The coming deception seems to be based on the very first one: you shall be as gods. Maybe this mark will offer an alteration in humans, or better said, an augmentation that makes the ones having it substantially more impervious to death.

Could it be that those who take that mark, which may include technologies designed to augment humanity, become altered in their DNA… That is, ultimately making them different than humans?

The Bible clearly states those who take the mark shall not be saved. In other words, they are not eligible for the blood propitiation offered freely to all by Jesus.

Some others offer even more speculation… That a ‘third strand’ of DNA can be added in the middle of the double helix. Look again at the Staff of Caduceus. Look at what is hidden in plain sight. Also consider the Kundalini pursuit of enlightenment that is superimposed upon it. Everything is spiraling upward toward god. In this case, god would be the sun god signified by the winged sun disk.

It’s something to think about. Either way… Don’t fall for the age-old lie.

Don’t take that mark.

Seek the Peace of the City

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Jeremiah 291 Comment

Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

Jeremiah 29:7–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Where is it that Jehovah has planted you?

It could be for a small season or many seasons. In whatever place you find yourself, pray for the peace of that city. Pray to the Lord for it. As He promises peace to you while you sojourn there.

Don’t Run and Hide

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Jeremiah 23, Spiritual WarfareLeave a comment

Am I a God who is near, says the Lord, and not a God far off? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I do not see him? says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord.

Jeremiah 23:23–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We all have a tendency to hide in shame from God. Adam and Eve did it. But Who came to find them?

When we consider that it was God Who sought them out in their self-made condition, He called to them, not because He didn’t know where they were or what had happened.

When they finally came out from hiding in their shame, God asked why. It wasn’t because He didn’t know. It was God from the beginning restoring what was lost. He came to them reconciled, wanting them to be reconciled to Him. He elicited a confession of sin from both of them.

It’s the predicament of humanity. We lose our focus on God and get sidetracked… Often entering into flagrant rebellion against Him. It’s not unprecedented. In such situations, the shame of sin keeps us from God. We want to cover ourselves and hide.

God is always near. His nearness is not something to make us uncomfortable. On the contrary, it is something we need to know as the psalmist did. If God counted our iniquities against us, who could stand? (Psalms 130:3-4.)

He doesn’t want us hiding. He wants us to enjoy His presence, much the same way Adam and Eve did. He sent His Own Unique Son to ensure that. If sin gets in the way of that relationship between us and God, it’s because we (and the enemy) keep an account. 1 John 1:9 teaches us that we can run to God, not in shame but in boldness. We can confess the iniquity and be restored.

You really cannot run and hide. Remember that. You wouldn’t be alive if He were counting your iniquities against you.

Far Greater than Anything the Enemy Has

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Ephesians 06Leave a comment

For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Our enemies are not people who abuse, use, and destroy us. Our enemies are spiritual. Jesus gave us the authority to trample these.

Our daily devotions in El Salvador were from Ephesians, and there was a little nugget that clearly shined in this portion.

As part of our lifelong walk, we are to take up the whole armor of God. It’s not a daily task to put on the armor… Put it on and never take it off. Conduct your life in such a way that you walk in the protection of it daily.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We take that sword of the Spirit… It is an offensive weapon. But clearly understanding the idea of “sword” here, this is a short sword. It isn’t a long spear, but a sword that is used in close-quarters combat. In other words, short-distance warfare. This is better perceived as intimate relational engagement.

In the Scriptures, between these two offered… Taking up the armor, and taking the sword; we also glean information about the enemy’s weapons of warfare. These are fiery darts. One cannot help but to see the implication that these are fired from a distance. They are “distance weapons.” We can quench these with a shield of faith. (Again, we do see that our defense is in “close-quarters.”)

So how is it that the only overtly offensive weapon we seem to have is for intimate use while the enemy assails us with a distance weapon?

How do we have a chance in such battles?

There is the seventh piece of armor that many overlook. It is also a distance weapon that is far greater than anything the enemy has…

Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Prayer is not only for us to help stave off those fiery darts, but it is for us to enter into the battle for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Each of us has our blind spots… But together, praying with all prayer and supplication for all saints… We present a formidable edifice. That is the church. The one thing that the gates of Hell cannot prevail over.

Rejoice! Praise God! Willfully enter the fray of the battle, not for yourself, but for another! Together, by the power and authority of Jesus, we trample serpents and scorpions.

He’s a Good, Good Father.

On By TimIn 43 - John, John 10, The FatherLeave a comment

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. But he who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and runs away. So the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because he is a hired hand and does not care about the sheep.

“I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and am known by My own. Even as the Father knows Me, so I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep. I have other sheep who are not of this fold. I must also bring them, and they will hear My voice. There will be one flock and one shepherd. Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I received this command from My Father.”

John 10:11–18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. There is only One. He is the One Who lays down His life for the sheep. When danger comes, this Shepherd won’t run but will give wholly of Himself.

These words were spoken by Jesus before He laid down His life. And that for the greatest danger to any of us: that is the just death due for sin, and passing from this world without the gift of eternal life. He took that curse away for the sheep. In the direct context given, Jesus is speaking to those believing sheep of Israel. Those are the ones to whom He was promised.

Note, too: His Father sent no hireling. No mere employee would lay down his life for another. A hired hand doesn’t love. The Father has to send a member of the Family Who owned the sheep.

More than that, the Father sent the Good Shepherd as He knew His sheep and was known by them. Those believing Israelis did know the Messiah when they encountered Him. Even Paul knew Who was speaking to him on the Road to Damascus.

The Good Shepherd follows the commands given Him. He was sent by His Father for the believing sheep in Israel, and the believing sheep from another fold… That is, not of Israel.

The Good Father here knows just Who to send to gather the lost sheep. It is One Who would do anything to gather them, even to the point of laying down His Own life. The Good Father also gave the Good Shepherd power to take up His own life again. And He did.

The Good News to each of us is that God erased the writing of judgments against us, taking it away and nailing it to the cross. This respite gives us each time to enter the sheepfold by the One Open Door… Jesus Christ.

How do you enter?

Simply by believing it is true and it is for you.