-
Marriage – God’s Great Mystery
As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:31-33 NLT)
Paul wrote that the marriage between one man and one woman illustrates how Christ and his church are one.
The flip side is also true. The manner in which Christ relates to his people, and his people relate to him, should be the way a husband and wife interact with each other.
No, I don’t mean the wife worships her husband; but it’s similar in meaning. Respect is the word Paul uses. Respect or reverence. To be in awe of. In awe of what? The husband’s physique? Hardly. No, the wife should be in awe of her husband’s love and sacrifice – the essence of marriage.
Just as the church is in awe of Jesus’ love and sacrifice – the very act which brought us into oneness with God.
I’ll explain it this way. Since the husband is supposed to love his wife as Christ loves the church, he should express that love in similar ways. And as he does, the wife should respond to his love in a way akin to how the church responds to Jesus’ demonstrated love.
For instance, a number of things Jesus says to his church would be appropriate for a husband to declare to his wife. Phrases like:
“My banner over you is love.”
“I’ll never leave you or forsake you.”
“No one can pluck you out of my hand (protective covering).”
“Ask in my name.” (Everything the husband can do, so can the wife with her husband’s name.)
“For your sake I lay down my life.”
“You are my glorious, spotless bride. Where I am, you shall be also.”
Get the idea? And, in response to the husband’s love, the wife would say…
“You’ve told me you’d never leave me or forsake me. Therefore, I will not fear. I will not be afraid.”
“You are my savior (protector, provider, and pursuer).”
Notice this verse:
“For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church.” (Ephesians 5:23 NLT) Christ is the Savior of his body, therefore the husband is to be the “savior” of his wife.
I realize it’s hard to comprehend. But getting just a glimpse of the truth Paul referred to as a “great mystery” could help the relationship between a husband and wife; and just may help the church understand the Lord’s great love for his body.
After all, Jesus says to his own, “I’m your protector, provider, and pursuer. I’ll never leave you or forsake you. And no one shall tear you from my hand.”
It’s no wonder God hates divorce.
“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.” (Malachi 2:16 NLT)
Marriage is God’s example of his extravagant, inexhaustible love for his people. Jesus took it a step farther by demonstrating Father’s love for man, and how a husband and wife should treat each other.
A great mystery, but one the Lord greatly wants us to understand.
The mystery of love and sacrifice – the essence of marriage.
-
Rain Clouds or Dirty Hands
Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. (Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT)
I have watched people for a number of years now. I’ve seen people from all walks of life, well, a lot of them anyway. And I’ve finally come to this one conclusion.
People receive from life what they put into it.
Yes, there are some exceptions. But by and large, people reap what they sow. Only a whole lot more.
And guess what. Lazy and stingy people receive what they didn’t sow. They reap a heaping helping of nothing.
People who make up excuses for why they can’t do this or that are only excusing themselves into a life of selfishness, bitterness, and envy.
There are many people who believe managers, supervisors, CEO’s, or any kind of boss could not have reached their position without “brown nosing”. You probably know someone who fits that description.
Did you know God’s word is true whether or not anyone believes it?
Check it out:
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. (Proverbs 12:24 ESV)
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. (Proverbs 13:4 ESV)
Don’t be misled – you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. (Galatians 6:7 NLT)
You will ALWAYS…Perhaps it’s time to quit looking around for a reason why you CAN’T do something and find at least one reason why you can?
There will NEVER be perfect weather. There will ALWAYS be clouds in the skies of life. If you look hard enough and long enough, there will be some reason why you can’t or shouldn’t do something that would, in the long run, change your life for the better.
Abraham made it to the promised land not only because he believed God, but he got up in the morning and started walking. And kept walking, regardless of the news or the weather.
How about you?
Go ahead. Get a little wet. Set down that umbrella and put both hands on the plow. Allow yourself to be stretched; maybe a little inconvenienced. You’ll forget all about it when harvest time comes around.
People may think your nose is brown, until you show them the dirt on your hands.
-
Skin Color and Ferguson
What’s going on? Why is this nation in such an uproar? People can’t seem to get along with anyone that is the slightest bit different.
Why are people still color conscious these days? I thought America was beyond that, didn’t you?
It shouldn’t matter if someone is light skinned or dark skinned, any more than it matters if someone has a genuine tan or a fake, sun lamp tan.
African American, Asian American, European American; so what? Ethiopian, Syrian, Indian, or Mongolian. What’s the difference?
And just in case there’s one out there, let’s include little green Martian Americans.
What’s the big deal?
I’m a Caucasian by birth. In the winter, I’m white. During the summer, I’m tan. Do I become a different person because my skin changes color? No.
So what’s with the citizens of this nation, anyway? As if there weren’t enough things to worry about. It’s like there is something inside the heart of this nation that won’t rest until it creates another civil war.
People are ready to go to blows over gun laws, healthcare, and math class.
They ARE going to blows in Ferguson, Missouri. A town of 21,000; where the African American population outnumber the whites about 3 to 1.
I’ve read a number of stories about the killing of a young black man named Michael Brown. I’ve read the different autopsy reports, listened to the media reports (both from CNN and the one that’s “fair and balanced”). It is amazing how different each network can be.
Does anyone really know what happened? Is anyone listening for truth? Does a person’s color determine their innocence or guilt? Would the National Guard have been called out if Michael Brown had been Caucasian? How about Asian? Would there be rioting and looting if Michael had just got off the bus from Mexico?
What if the policeman was a black man? Would Ferguson still be the hot spot if the victim had been homeless?
Just how guilty are those who are demanding justice? Or innocent? Does America even know what justice is?
Why isn’t America grieving over the killing of an 18 year old? Why isn’t THAT the focus? Where’s the cry for justice? Why can’t we IGNORE the color of someone’s skin?
Because there is a spirit, sent from the evil one himself, who’s assignment is to steal, kill, and destroy using any means it can. Racial schisms seem to work quite well.
It’s as though there’s a fast growing cancer inside its very soul, devouring its ability to discern between right and wrong.
Skin color does not make a person innocent or guilty. Peel away the skin and everyone looks the same. Skin cannot force anyone to act a certain way, unless the person wearing the skin chooses to act. Skin doesn’t have the power to do anything. Good or evil.
Skin color isn’t the problem in Ferguson anymore than in Des Moines. Or in Calcutta, India, for that matter.
No, the problem is found in America’s heart. And America’s heart is its people.
Would that God could reach the heart of this nation.
You know what? He’s trying.
Maybe if each of us stopped trying to affix blame on everyone who’s different from us, and acknowledged our own sin and prejudice. Maybe if we took responsibility for our wrong actions AND thoughts.
What if each of us humbled ourselves before God AND each other?
Maybe, just maybe, Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream would become a reality.
-
Subtle Suicide Suggestions
Depression. Have you ever felt depressed? Of course, a lot of people are thinking about it since the news of Robin Williams.
Many people have sad moments in their lives, but that’s not the same thing as depression.
I know. I’ve felt depression’s cold, steely fingers around my throat. And yes, as a Christian.
I know what it’s like to have thoughts of suicide come at me from out of nowhere, walk right into my mind and unpack. In no time, the thoughts began to take over my mind and I found myself planning the time I’d leave.
No, I wasn’t sad. I didn’t cry every night. Things weren’t going bad. I had a great wife, son and daughter in law. I pastored a church and worked a full time job, which wasn’t easy, but I didn’t consider it a problem.
But a problem was growing.
I hadn’t told a soul about my struggle. I had even started to believe everyone around me would be better off if I just checked out.
I was losing my mind.
Praying didn’t seem to break the mental torture I was experiencing. Studying and preaching the word of God didn’t diminish the damning thoughts in the least. I was headed for destruction.
What a precarious position I was in. I felt like a stranger to myself. I knew I needed help, but I felt I couldn’t speak a word of it to anyone. What would they think of me?
One day, I had a doctor’s appointment. Just a normal physical; a checkup. Everything was fine, at least that was my answer I had planned on giving the doctor.
However, as the doctor was finishing her poking and prodding, listening to my heart and lungs, in a routine manner she asked me, “So, how are you feeling?”
The dam inside broke. All my pent up emotions that had been holding me captive burst out of me, and into the examination room. She looked at me as if she were the Angel of the Lord, who had arrived to deliver me. At least that’s how I remember it.
I told her of my thoughts, and plans, and all I’d been going through mentally. Then she asked one question that broke the hold on my mind.
“Does your wife know? You must tell her.” And she promised SHE’D tell her if I didn’t.
Was it easy? No. Was she thrilled to hear of my struggles? Of course not.
But it was no longer my little secret. It was out in the open where I could receive some help.
Help from people who loved me.
God used that moment in the doctor’s office to jump into my struggles and point me to freedom and wholeness. My wife joined in, along with a dear counselor friend. God used them to open up my life to a new understanding of my strengths and weaknesses; especially my weaknesses. I learned it’s okay; it’s natural to have limitations and weaknesses. It’s acceptable. I’m not a freak if I’m not an emotional, and yes, even a spiritual superman.
My life opened up to healing, as I opened my mouth and asked for help. The presence of God became more than a doctrine as I asked for help.
Yes, it was risky; and the doctor could have ignored the little voice inside her prompting the question, “So, how are you feeling?”
If you’re feeling confused, emotionally spent, worried sick about what’s happening in your mind; strange thoughts of suicide are feeling like they belong, then call a friend, talk to your doctor, or spouse, family member. Someone.
You need not walk alone.
You dare NOT walk alone.
-
American Idols (excerpt)
American Idols. Everywhere.
The American Idols I’m referring to aren’t the short, fat Buddha statues sometimes seen in Chinese restaurants. No, the ones I’m speaking of are the objects or ideas we allow to take the place in our lives that should be reserved for God. Things and thoughts we religiously follow and pay homage to; stuff we believe we can’t live without.
It’s not that we don’t believe in God. Oh, no. But when other things and ideas become more important, and God is assigned a lesser role in our lives, idolatry is on the loose.
Many people believe God is too old-fashioned to be relevant in today’s world. Others want nothing to do with him because they are convinced he hates fun.
People have an innate desire to know and worship THE Creator God; the ONE TRUE GOD. It is part of our DNA; it’s who we are. But because of man’s spiritual state, which is the result of Adam’s fall, man characteristically tries to maneuver around God Almighty, and still satisfy his desire to know and worship something. So things, positions, and even people are idolized and enthroned as “god” in their hearts and lives. However, the Creator God must have first place in our lives, or he has NO place.
American Idols. Luring, demanding, yet never able to bring freedom like the One they attempt to replace.
This eBook is available at Amazon Kindle for $3.99. Follow this link to learn more about American Idols.
-
I’m Not Getting Fed
People sometimes say stupid things. Even Christ followers.
Agree? Of course you do.
Wanna hear a real stupid one?
“My pastor isn’t feeding me.” Or, “I’m not getting fed.”
Yeah?
Oh, I think I know what they’re trying to say. But it’s still stupid.
People who say such things are mainly attempting to sound “spiritual”. At least more spiritual than their pastor. And maybe they are, but it’s doubtful.
Spiritual people don’t need to be spoon fed. They’ve learned to feed themselves. Church attendance isn’t about having THEIR needs met, but about helping others in the body grow and become more Christlike.
“My pastor doesn’t teach the deep things of God.” And why would he? Would God lead him to teach things the flock isn’t able to handle? No. The writer of Hebrews mentioned that very thing.
“There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:11-14 NLT)
Are you hungry for the meat and potatoes of the Word? You don’t have to wait until Sunday. How about reading the bible on your own? Come on, sit down at the table of the Lord and grab a bite or two.
Here’s another thought. How about praying for your pastor? I’m certain the pastor would appreciate it. Paul encouraged people to pray for him.
“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 ESV)
Do you REALLY want to be fed? Try receiving the Word you’re getting, putting it to practice, and THEN watch what happens. But don’t be like the Israelites, who complained against God and pastor Moses. And why did they complain?
They weren’t being fed what they wanted! “…But the people grew impatient with the long journey, and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna.”” (Numbers 21:4-5 NLT)
Oh, those poor, poor babies.
-
The Confessions of a Closet Doubter
So what happens to me if can’t find my way clear to believe all of the bible?
Who says I have to?
And so what, if I don’t?
Can I enter into Heaven if I don’t believe in the biblical account of creation? What if I believe in the “six days”, but use Peter’s “thousand years is a day” verse to define the length of each day? And why not? People use it to prove other things.
What if I don’t believe Jonah lived for three days and nights in the belly of a great fish? Would that ruin my chances for eternal life?
Would it be better for me to say I believe all the bible, from Genesis through Revelation, when God knows I don’t?
Who cares more about what I really believe; you or the Lord?
Will I be given the opportunity to walk the streets of gold if people discover I am a closet doubter? You know, there’s an awful lot of stories in that big book. Like the one of Samson whooping up on a number of men using only a donkey jawbone. Really. And I’m expected to believe THAT?
What about the story of Gideon’s fleece, Jacob’s ladder, or Cain’s wife? I have to believe EVERYTHING? What if I haven’t even read “everything”?
The thief on the cross; what did he believe that unlocked Heaven’s gate for him? Was it the story of Joshua’s sun standing still, or Hezekiah’s shadow moving backwards ten degrees?
Where can I find scripture telling me I must believe every jot and tittle?
Do YOU believe everything?
Don’t get me wrong. I WANT to believe everything. I desire to be FULL of faith, having no doubt. But sometimes I just can’t see it. Even with my measure of faith, it’s tough at times.
I DO believe Jesus is God. He is the Word made flesh. He came, lived a sinless life, for me. He went about doing good, and healing all oppressed by the devil. He was crucified as the Lamb of God, taking upon himself all of mankind’s sin; yes, even mine.
I DO believe God raised Jesus from the dead. He ascended into Heaven. He is Lord of all.
I DO believe he is MY Lord. Without a shadow of doubt, I believe.
Oh, I THINK I believe everything in the bible, but there are times when I find a little (or a lot of) doubt tiptoeing around in my heart.
But I KNOW what I believe; I have the evidence, the reality, in my heart.
And I’m working on believing the rest.
-
Celebrate Joe
-
American Idols
The following is part one of a new eBook which will be published on 8/15/14. American Idols, the Final Call?
And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. (Acts 2:17)
Dreams can be SO real. At least this one was. I remember running through a town in the middle of the night; a sleepy little town of about two thousand (which included dogs and cats). I recognized the town as one we had lived in some twelve years earlier.
I shouted, “Tear down your idols, tear down your idols!” I was like a mad man. Like a man rushing into a burning apartment building with only one thought; rescue the residents from the tormenting flames.
“Tear down your idols, tear down your idols!”
People were yelling at me as I ran, wondering why I was acting so bizarre, so intense. I shouted, “First Samuel three twelve”, and kept running.
“Tear down your idols, tear down your idols! First Samuel three twelve!”
And then I awoke.
Here’s the passage I was referring to:
In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end.(1 Samuel 3:12)
The complete paragraph, from the Message Bible, reads:
God said to Samuel, “Listen carefully. I’m getting ready to do something in Israel that is going to shake everyone up and get their attention. The time has come for me to bring down on Eli’s family everything I warned him of, every last word of it. I’m letting him know that the time’s up. I’m bringing judgment on his family for good. He knew what was going on, that his sons were desecrating God’s name and God’s place, and he did nothing to stop them. This is my sentence on the family of Eli: The evil of Eli’s family can never be wiped out by sacrifice or offering.” (1 Samuel 3:11-14 MSG)
I had not been thinking about idols, Samuel, Eli, or anything else from that “neck of the woods”. But the dream sure got my attention.
A number of people in the Bible were given dreams which God used to speak to his people, and to nations. Joel prophesied, and Peter quoted:
And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. (Joel 2:28)
“…your old men shall dream dreams…” At sixty, I guess I fall into that category.
Here are a few examples of God-given dreams.
Daniel interpreted two of the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams. Jacob’s son, Joseph, was referred to as “the dreamer” by his older brothers. Jacob himself was known to receive a message from God from a dream.
God used dreams to warn people: Abimelech, Laban, Esau, an unnamed baker, and of course, Egypt’s Pharaoh.
King Solomon had a visitation from God, as God appeared to him in a dream. Mary’s husband, Joseph, was warned in a dream, as well as were the Magi. Pilate’s wife tried to persuade her husband to release Jesus; saying she had “suffered many things in a dream because” of him.
Dreams. Specifically, God-given dreams.
I believe my dream is a warning for America; but not just a warning for Hollywood or Wall Street. It’s also a warning to the Church. Much of the American Church seems preoccupied with the ways of the world. A growing, one-sided love affair has the Church courting the world’s acceptance. Seeker-friendly services are used to promote church growth; while society does all it can to exterminate Christianity as if it were the Black Plague.
Time will reveal whether I’m right or wrong, but it’s really not too hard to see. Just look around. The United States of America is in a condition of decline and decay. It is not the great nation it once was. It is no longer the “city set on a hill”.
Wars and rumors of war, the national debt, liberalism, conservatism, religious cults and sects, promiscuity, selfishness, and the like. What a mess. Issues such as “gay” marriage, abortion, the legalization of marijuana, and illegal aliens have polarized this nation like never before.
Where is the greatness of America these days?
-
How much time do you think we have?
How much time do you think we have?
“For what?”, you may ask.
Well, several things, actually.
How much time do you think we have until Russia and her confederates decide to take care of the little old nation called Israel? Russia? Yep. Even now the Great Russian Bear is testing the world by flexing its muscle, hungry for the good old days of a century ago.
How much time is there before the one known as Antichrist is introduced to the world as its savior and deliverer? How much time do you think we have until peace comes to the Middle East? Sorry, I meant pseudo-peace.
How long will it be until Mexico, the United States, and Canada are joined together as one “nation”? It would get rid of a lot of problems, don’t you think? And really, why do we need a president, congress, or politicians?
The United Nations could handle everything.
How much time do you think we have?
How long will it be until the only church allowed to gather publicly is the State run humanistic church? After all, if it weren’t for all the God nuts this world could live in peace. Right? And, the world could sure use all that money the saints spend on buildings, crosses, and choir robes. Don’t you think?
So, tell me…how long?
When will the armies of the world gather in a place called Armageddon? When will all the figs be shaken from the tree? Will it happen soon?
When?
During the course of history, many have asked similar questions. Some have been so bold as to broadcast their “prophetic word”, only to be ridiculed by saints and sinners alike. But the question still remains…
How much time do you think we have?
Someone thought he knew the answer. May 21, 2011 was the pronounced “end of the world”. Wrong.
Remember the date, December 21, 2012? What happened? Nothing.
And don’t blame that error on the Mayans.
Maybe it’s all a hoax, all of this end of the world junk. Is it junk?
I won’t ask the question, “How long until man’s ‘wisdom’ backs him into a self-destructive corner?” No need to ask. We’ve already done it.
It’s only the mercy of God that has allowed man to make it this long.
Maybe we should ask God a different question or two. Like, “Lord, will you please forgive us for thinking we were smarter than you? Will you take away our selfish, prideful heart, and save us and our world?”
I believe he’d answer…
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
