Category Archives: Favorite Scriptures

Favorite Scripture #8

Favorite Scriptures, Uncategorized
Jupiter Lighthouse, Florida

Pride and Reproof: the Life Changing Power of a Proverb

There are three passages of scripture that had an immediate and permanent impact on my young, newly saved soul, at age 18.(I will link my blog posts regarding the other two passages at the end of this article). All three forever altered the way I viewed my purpose in life, the way I related to my brothers and sisters in Christ, and they revealed to me the heart-transforming power of God. That is exactly what scripture is supposed to do. It was specifically designed by God to pierce through the lies we have been fed by this godless world all of our lives…to, slay them, and open our hearts to the glorious and eternal truths of the living God, gently conforming us to His likeness, as we slowly and purposefully walk the long and difficult road home.

Nothing communicates the purpose and power of scripture quite like the verse below:

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Six months after I got saved (1986), not only from an eternity in hell, but from alcoholism, serious suicidal thoughts, and what appeared to be a dead end life. I moved into a house near Washington DC with a group of 15-20 young men, most of who were from political families, both domestic and international.

The leaders consisted of a handful of mature men of God who’s goal was to turn a bunch of young, rebellious and often affluent punks, into responsible, honorable men who were willing to serve both God and man with our lives. They were sharp, athletic and full of life. In my ignorance and snobbery, I had no idea Christians could actually be fun.

These men taught us to study the Bible and memorize scripture regularly. They also supervised us as we worked on a large manor house at the end of the street. We were given daily chores, and occasionally helped out at political gatherings. It was an exciting place to be in the late 1980’s, with the Cold War quietly raging behind the scenes. However, I was rebellious and immature. I didn’t respect authority or want anyone merely a decade older than me to tell me what to do. I waved off, and even mocked constructive criticism, and led others to cynical, uncooperative attitudes. It was ugly, and so was I.

At the time, I had not taken a moment to consider that, by the mercy of God, I had been delivered from severe childhood abuse, and I had been pulled from the gnawing flames of alcoholism. I had found a wonderful discipleship house, with young guys who had had the same life experiences as me, and leaders who were worthy of great respect. Yet, my rebellious heart persisted….

The day that I got saved was the first day I ever picked up a Bible willingly. I prayed that, if God were real, he would help me to understand scripture and make it more then stories about a bunch of former fisherman running around the desert. I opened it randomly to Psalm 1, and my life was changed forever. (See, Favorite Scripture #2, following this article).

I studied the psalms hungrily because David’s honesty and earnestness with God was a wonderful and unexpected revelation. I had no idea we could talk to God as if He’s actually listening, like a man talks to his father or to a trusted friend. I also began to study Proverbs slowly and methodically, and one day, I stumbled across this sharp two-edged sword, and it slew me on the spot:

“Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee…”Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee….”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬ KJV‬‬

I was immediately and deeply convicted by this pithy, two-line bolt of spiritual lightning. I knew that, not only was I not a wise man, but even worse, I was both a scorner…and a fool. The Lord had placed wonderful men in my life, men whose only desire was to teach me how to be an authentic and honorable man of God, not only for my sake but also for my future family’s sake. My attitude changed on the spot. All the foolishness and pride of an obnoxious young man who thought he knew everything was washed away.

Through the profundity and power of the word of God, I was finally ready to grow into the man God wanted me to be, and that growth won’t end until I make it home.

EPILOGUE

It’s rarely easy to accept constructive criticism, especially if it involves a behavior pattern we practice regularly without giving it a second thought. My hope is that the Lord will always place men in my life who are more concerned about my character before God then they are about maintaining my approval. There is nothing I respect more then a friend who loves me enough to gently but directly, confront me when I’m not hitting the mark. It may hurt, and I may even reject it initially, but the Holy Spirit will have His way in me. Eventually, I will recognize the truth, seek forgiveness and thank the one who has proven to be the truest and closest of brothers. Let us be authentic, Christ-focused friends to each other, so that we may assist our brothers and sisters as we grow together in the knowledge and grace of God.

“…speaking the truth in love, (that we) may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Favorite Scriptures #1 – The Purpose of Life: Paul’s attitude towards life in light of what Jesus Christ did for him (Philippians 3: 7-14)
Favorite Scriptures #2 – Meditate on the word day and night (Psalm 1:1-3)
The Supremacy and Certainty of Scripture: What Exactly we Have with the Written Word of God
LIMITED ATONEMENT And UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION: Does Everyone Have an Opportunity to Be Saved?
My take on the theological horror known as Calvinism

My video testimony from the Wednesday night service at church

Brokenness, Favorite Scriptures, Knowing God, Uncategorized

It was difficult to recount some of my childhood abuse and teenage alcohol problems, but I felt like it was important to share them. My pastor also asked me to explain to the church how I do my street ministry. My talk at church from Wednesday, June 23 , 2021, is on the YouTube link below. It starts at around 29:00. I hope it is edifying:

**Below is the story of my evangelization trip to and through the Florida Keys:

Piercing the Darkness: My evangelism journey through the Florida Keys

Below is a video interview I did 3 years ago on the Bible version issue:https://youtu.be/yJY2Y1hCr_k

Unconditional Election and Limited Atonement: is Calvinism Biblical? A Scriptural Analysis

Favorite Scripture #7: “The Grace of God That Bringeth Salvation:” What Does the True Grace of God Teach Us?

Favorite Scriptures, Grace and Obedience, Knowing God, Responsibilities as Believers: Sound Doctrine, Uncategorized

Titus 2:11-15

11 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”           

There is no passage of scripture which more accurately describes the effect that the grace of God has on a soul that knows it has been saved from the eternal consequences of sin, than the passage above. When we understand what exactly the true grace of God is, who gave it to us, and at what cost, it should not only bring us to our knees in joyful gratitude and relief, but it should start us down the path of holiness through the Spirit. It should, as this passage states, spark in us a desire to flee the lusts of our flesh, which alienate us from our great God, and should instead turn our eyes, our minds and our hearts, not to this short and often painful life, but to the next one; the life that is with God, in paradise…forever.

It is humbling and sometimes overwhelming to quietly contemplate this impossible truth: that Jesus Christ, the God on the sapphire throne in Ezekiel 1, stepped out of that glory and became a dirty, sweaty man…not because he had to, but because he loved us and was willing to offer himself, without condition, to his cruel and spiteful enemies. As this passage teaches us, he did that, not only because he loves us and wanted to redeem us from the eternal consequences of our sin, but also to purify for himself a people…unique in this world, separated out…who are not primarily focused on growing their businesses and building their reputations, but who are zealous of good works in his name. In other words, as Paul says in Philippians 3, God wants his beloved children to consider everything in this dying world that feeds our reputations, our lusts and our pride…as a loss for the sake of Jesus Christ. Instead, we are exhorted to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of us. Phil. 3:7-14 and the purpose of life God isn’t looking for lukewarm believers who simply want a free pass out of hell. He wants men and women who know him, love him, and are willing to give up the short term pleasures of our vain existence, to honor the one who created us and redeemed us with his sweat, blood and pain.

This passage ends with an unmistakable call: teach these words with all authority, and use them, not only to encourage the brethren, but also to rebuke those who teach a false grace – a grace which doesn’t lead to salvation. The authentic grace of God results in a change of mind and heart from the love of sin, to a deep and abiding love of the God who ransomed us from death. The world, and sadly even today’s “Christian” culture, does not take kindly to the true grace of God. They both seem to prefer a false, a cheap grace, which offers a free pass to do as thou wilt…to freely sin and quickly claim his mercy, with no thought of the love, glory and power of the only one who could redeem them from the eternal fires of hell. That mentality (and that heart), does not comprehend the true, saving grace of God. Salvation is not a prayer prayed. It is a heart that understands exactly who Jesus is and believes that it desperately needs his blood to cover the dark and ugly blemish of sin. Anyone who understands the true gospel message will not take sin lightly, and will joyfully pursue godliness and righteousness in this life, while quietly living in hope for the life to come.

We will all wrestle with the weight of sin as long as we are in this body of death, but as we eat, drink and breathe the word, the Spirit will slowly move us away from our old ways and into His ways. While new sins (forgotten or intentionally ignored) always seem to pop up, when we truly understand the surpassing mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we press on to apprehend that for which he has so graciously apprehended us. And as Paul said so eloquently:

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:13-14

Sin, Repentance and the Cross of Christ

Grace, Obedience and Salvation: The Narrow Road

Ecumenism Part 1

Hell and the Wrath of God

Favorite Scripture #6: One of The Many Reasons Why Jesus Christ is Great…And I am Not

Favorite Scriptures, Knowing God, The Word, ,

One of my all-time favorite scriptures is 1 Peter 2:21-24, which so beautifully and powerfully captures the essence of who Jesus Christ was while he was on this earth:

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

This passage speaks to my heart about the supreme greatness of Jesus because it illustrates his perfect obedience to the Father, and his unwavering humility, even in the midst of the most horrific of suffering. As our magnificent saviour hung on a cold wooden cross, iron spikes protruding from his hands and feet, all in the presence of his gloating and triumphant enemies…he did not retaliate, speak a word in his defense, or even threaten his tormentors with what was going to happen to them at death. Instead he silently entrusted himself to the one who judges justly…his Father.

Jesus knew that in obedience to God and as an example for us, he must endure unfathomable suffering and humiliation at the hands of his most bitter enemies…and so must we…so must I.

The primary lesson I absorb from this passage is that, for me to truly be Christ-like, I must be willing to quietly endure even the pettiest of rejections I face as a follower of the biblical Jesus. Really – anything I suffer for his name is petty compared to what he went through on our behalf – yet sadly, it is difficult and even agonizing at times not to defend myself. My pride rises in my throat as I seek to defend my name, my reputation. But wasn’t Jesus of no reputation? Didn’t he allow himself to be mocked and even abused for the very same sin that rises in my wicked heart as I speak his truth?? As Paul said so eloquently: oh what a wretched man am I!  Who will rescue me from this body of death? …

…Jesus Christ. He alone bore my sin in his body on the cross so that I might die to sin and live for righteousness. By his wounds I have been healed. I believe Lord and I am so thankful for who you are and what you did for foolish, prideful me. I forgive those who have hurt me…help me to per-fect that forgiveness in my heart just as you so willingly forgave me while I was yet a sinner. Do not let my love grow cold but help me to fix my eyes on you as you truly are in your word, as I speak your scriptural truths in gentleness and love, and as I run this race with endurance, hand in hand with you, my saviour and my Lord.

Favorite Scriptures #1: Paul’s Perspective on the Purpose of Life

The Written Word of God: What Did Jesus, Paul, and the Apostles Say About the Written Word of God?

False Prophets and Teachers: Wolves Among Us

Favorite Scriptures #5 – When I Long for Reassurance of God’s Enduring Love, Power and Character…I go to the Psalms.

Favorite Scriptures

When I am weak and wounded, feeling alienated from God and man; when I am desperate and fearful, and when I am lonely and dry and need to be reminded of exactly who our God is….I run to the Psalms. There, perhaps more than in any other book of the Bible, I find the everlasting God painted clearly and beautifully, in the full measure of His eternal power, intimate love and unceasing glory. According to the Psalms our God is:

A sun and a shield, our rock, our refuge and shelter. He is an ever-present help in times of trouble; for by His breath all things were created. He set the stars,  the sun and the moon in their places. He alone laid the foundation of the earth, making both summer and winter, and all of the creatures of the sea. The day is His, and His also is the night, for darkness is as light to Him, nothing in all of creation is hidden from His sight.

When our hearts and flesh fails He is our strength and portion.  He holds us by our right hand when we are weak and embittered. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is righteous, just and true. All of His ways are loving and faithful to those who fear Him and keep His commands. He is gracious and full of compassion. Look upon Him and Him only, for His faithfulness never ends.  He has searched us and He knows us. He knit us together in our mother’s womb. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, and even if we travel to the far side of the sea and make our beds in hell, there He is with us…His right hand holds us fast.

The Lord is gracious, slow to anger and full of compassion. His mercies are new every morning. Trust in him for he alone is to be praised. Praise him and sing aloud to him with your voice. Lift up your hearts in song to Him for as long as you live. He alone is our refuge, our strength and our portion. He is our deliverer. In Him and Him alone will I trust.

I have many favorite Psalms, so it is hard to list them all. The ones I cherish the most have spoken to me about God’s deep love and protective hand as I have struggled through depression, desperate family situations, and severe vocational distress. His right hand has always held me…and held me fast.

A few of my absolute favorites are : Psalm 1,3,4,8,16,18,19, 24,27,*34*, *40*,51,71,*73*, 86,88,91,94 ,97, 101, 103, 107, *112*,115,116,118,!38,*139*,145,and 147……..

When I think of Psalm 119, I often become emotional because of all it has taught me over the years about the beauty and power of the word. To me, the depths of wisdom and truth set forth for us in this chapter are unparalleled in all of the Bible. Even as I read it today, it instructed me on how to think, and how to live as I walk before the face of a mighty, benevolent God. As a lover of God, the Psalms teaches us what should be at the forefront of our lives. The answer? the word, the word and the word). Psalm 119  truly is gold…eternal gold, revealing even more eternal treasures to those who meditate on it and take it to heart, and live it.

MPortraits of Jesus Christ in the word: Who Exactly is our God?

***Favorite Scriptures #4*** – God chose the weak and the foolish things of the world to shame the strong and the wise. ( 1 Corinthians 1:17 – 2:5)

Favorite Scriptures, Knowing God, Wealth and the Kingdom of God, ,

                                                      The Way of the World…And the Way of God

 

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.  

1 Corinthians 1:27-29

  No scripture quite annihilates the patterns of this world – and sadly modern Christianity – as powerfully and as comprehensively as 1 Corinthians 1:17 – 2:5. In that passage, which I will quote in full below, Paul expounds, in clear and incisive language, on how exactly God chose and chooses to influence this world. It is a direct indictment of every earthly institution – including the modern church. He does not use the rich, the eloquent, the beautiful and the powerful. Instead, God chooses the weak and the foolish and the broken. He chooses empty things and lonely things, and things that are not to nullify the things that are so that no one…may boast before him.

17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Chapter 2

 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

 The world, including, in very large part, our churches and Christian organizations, send us the message that we are to admire and follow the lead of successful businessmen, “Christian” politicians, the talented, the athletic, the wealthy and the beautiful. We are taught, in word and by example, to uphold those with obvious temporal gifts, and leaders are chosen accordingly. Why do we do this when it is contrary to everything we see in the scriptures? The Apostle John tells us “flesh gives birth to flesh and spirit to spirit.” (John 3:6). Yet time and time again, we as believers choose the temporal, the flesh, over the spiritual, when it comes to those we follow and admire.

Jesus was born to teenage parents…in a barn. He spent most of his life performing manual labor as a carpenter. Isaiah 53 makes it clear that he was not physically attractive so that people would not be drawn to his outward appearance – but to his spirit. During his time of ministry Jesus said that, even foxes and birds have holes and dens in which to live, yet He had no place to rest his head. The Living God did not even have a place to call home in while on this earth. The Apostle Paul, among others, followed this example and traveled the known world on foot and by cargo ship, seeking, not to gain wealth or temporal power but only to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that perhaps, some might be saved…for Paul was looking to an eternal kingdom, to the heavenly Jerusalem, to the city of the living God. (Hebrews 12:22).

Jesus chose his disciples from among the uneducated and the despised. He chose fishermen and a tax collector to become the preeminent leaders in the kingdom of God. He chose men who were nothing in this world, to sit in judgment over the twelve tribes of Israel at the end of the age. Why didn’t Jesus choose successful merchants, political leaders – or even priests and military officers to be his disciples? Because such men were already full – full of pretense, and power, wealth and the admiration of men – just like the wealthy and the powerful today.

Jesus makes it abundantly clear that it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven…very difficult. Why? Because their reputations and hopes are built on worldly achievements that have earned them, temporarily, financial security, the respect of men, and earthly power. Flesh truly does give birth to more flesh, and absent great brokenness and great humility, wealth and power are very difficult fates to escape.

In my experience I have rarely, if ever, seen a successful businessman or an influential person in the temporal sense, truly become a disciple of Christ – counting everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord, for whose sake Paul gladly lost all things. (Philippians 3:7-14) I have seen such men engage in church meetings and Bible studies, building friendships and gaining knowledge – and even tipping a little of the pride and wealth out of their full cup. But typically it seems that the purpose of this activity is to have better relationships with family, learn new principles of leadership and gain new friends – and even business partners – rather to than to learn what it means to fall face down in humility and repentance before the consuming fire who is the Living God.

Even in our churches, it is the beautiful and the hip who take center stage leading worship and often preaching. The deacon and elder boards are filled with successful businessmen who contribute financially to the church and thus, have more control than any man deserves…not because of their character in Jesus Christ, but because of money and standing in the community. The eloquent and the clever speak and teach…yet Paul came in weakness and fear and with much trembling so that his message and his teaching would not rest on his wisdom…but on God’s power. Unfortunately, the western church may have gained much of the world by embracing its culture and methods…but it has also perhaps, forfeited its soul. May we not do the same.

The Loving Discipline of the Lord

Portraits of Jesus Christ: Who Exactly is Our God?

 

 The deceitfulness of wealth: your best life later part 1

 

 

Favorite Scriptures #3: Unconditional Surrender

Brokenness, Favorite Scriptures, Wealth and the Kingdom of God, ,

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him….”

‭‭Job‬ ‭13:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In the darkest, most emotionally painful moment of my adult life, when I was lonely, broken and afraid, the Lord led me to an Old Testament book I rarely read…Job. He didn’t send me to Job because I, in any way, exhibited the honor, grace and faithfulness of this great man. I was sent to Job in order to fully grasp the unimpeachable righteousness and sovereignty of our great God…whether I have plenty or am in need, whether I am full of joy or lying on the floor in such darkness and pain that it feels like emotional death.

My personal circumstances do not change the absolute truth that God is sovereign, loving and glorious. In ALL things and at all times the great and Living God is to be praised. The scripture quoted below begins the very moment that Job is told that, not only are all his children dead, but every cent of his wealth…is gone: 20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” 22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

What an amazing disposition Job had toward God in the midst of these horrific losses. What an unbelievable statement of faith, while in unimaginable despair – and with no end in sight to his misery. In what must have felt like total condemnation from, and rejection by, God, Job embraced the only truth that will remain after this world burns…God alone is sovereign, at all times and in all things…blessed be His name!

The above passage from Job 1 absolutely destroys the perspective on “christianity” that is held by so many in the western world. Somehow we think that God’s purpose is to bless us and prosper us materially. Here, the wealthiest man in the world loses literally everything he has and loves in an instant. Even his wife and friends tell him that God is against him and that he should curse God and die…but he refuses. Job stands with God in his pain and does not abandon the faith. His hope is not in prosperity or even in earthly health and happiness…his hope is in God alone. His hope truly was in an eternal kingdom that can never, ever be shaken, ruled by the One who made all things and who promises glory, peace and joy forever to those who love him with their hearts. Surely God was testing Job’s heart by destroying everything…everything he held dear on this earth. Would we pass this test?

If we know that we would not pass a similar test, I would go to to quiet place before the Lord, fall on my face and beg Him to transform my heart by his Holy Spirit so that whether he chooses to give- or take away everything I hold dear, I can say, even in anguish…Blessed be the name of the Lord!!

Favorite Scriptures #1: Paul’s Perspective On This Short Life (Philippians 3:7-14)

The Deceitfulness of Wealth: Your Best Life…Later Part 1

Forgiveness: To The Merciful, God Shows Himself Merciful

Favorite Scriptures #2 – Meditate on the word day and night (Psalm 1:1-3)

Favorite Scriptures, The Word,

At age 18 I was taken out of college by my father with only a few hours notice. I was sent to live in with a relative I wasn’t close to, in order to try and get my life together in a new environment. I was a D+/C- student, and an out of control binge drinker with no hope, no friends and no future. I had never truly sought God, but I knew from what was a disastrous childhood filled with hypocritical and abusive “Christians,” that somehow, the Jesus Christ of the Bible was real. So the very day I arrived in Northern Virginia to live with these relatives, I asked for a Bible. I didn’t know what to read or what to think when I read it, but I opened it up to Psalm 1 and I prayed something to the effect of….Lord, make this book more than just stories about fishermen. Make it real and teach me…please. Then I read:

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the path of sinners or sit it the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on that law he meditates day and night. He shall be a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth fruit in its season, whose leaf shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.”

…And life, and light, and hope and peace flooded my broken soul. The Lord Himself had instructed me, in an instant, with His word, teaching me exactly how I should live. Through this beautiful passage, He was telling me, gently but clearly, to take my focus off of men, and to place it instead on His words, and to eat, and drink and breathe those words all day every day.

To this day, 28 years later – as I sit, as I rise, as I rest, as I drive, as I surf, as I jog, as I wake, as I work… the scriptures that I have memorized, like my very breath, ebb and flow through my mouth, my mind and my heart. And I continue to ask the Lord to translate his beautiful words into life so that I can love those he has given me to love, and so that I can proclaim His redemptive work in power and peace to the people he places in my path…wherever I may go.

The Beauty and Power of the Written Word of God

Paul’s view on the Purpose of Life: Philippians 3:7-14

Favorite Scriptures #1 – The Purpose of Life: Paul’s attitude towards life in light of what Jesus Christ did for him (Philippians 3: 7-14)

Favorite Scriptures, The Word, Wealth and the Kingdom of God, ,

When I was I was in my late teens, myself and a few of my friends were given Philippians 3:7-14, to memorize by one of our mentors. As soon as I read that passage, even in my youthful ignorance, I knew that I had been given piercing and life-altering truths that would change the way I approached both Jesus Christ and this world, forever. he sharp double-edged sword of truth had been thrust deeply into my selfishness, pride, greed, and lust…and it hurt. For the past 25 years there has rarely been a day when I haven’t quoted at least a part of that passage to myself. I still don’t live these verses as much as I’d like to…but I am praying that the spirit will continue to work them into my heart as I meditate on them day and night:

7 “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

The thought that every single thing on this earth that profits the flesh…everything – whether wealth, temporal power and success, athletic ability, good looks, perfect families, etc. – or something that even for a second allows me to put my hope and confidence in anything other than the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to pay for my sins…is a loss, resonated deep within me. Yet at the same time I knew that I did not -and cannot- think as Paul thinks, absent a massive work by the Holy Spirit. I don’t have Paul’s heart towards this life or towards God – but I long too because what Paul says so eloquently and powerfully is true. I can feel the strength, peace, and truth that rest in those words of surrender and yearning for a life completely hidden in God, every single time I read or recite them. Yet I know that my flesh doesn’t really want to share in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings, becoming like him in his death. But I want to want to…desperately, and the more broken I become as a result of my failures in striving to grasp at the lies of this world instead of Jesus, the more I am able to understand how Paul can really mean what he says. Yet Paul knows that not even he “has already been made perfect” or has fully taken hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of him. In that…I can take comfort.

This passage ends beautifully and hopefully, reminding me that I am forgiven each day as I walk in the Spirit, and that I can continually put my failures behind me as I live…earnestly seeking the face of Jesus…. “Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

The Beauty and Power of the Scriptures

The Deceitfulness of Wealth: Your Best Life…Later Part 1

Heaven: Your Best Life…Later Part 2

Sin, Repentance and the Cross of Christ

Portraits of Jesus: Passages to memorize and meditate upon

Favorite Scriptures, Knowing God, The Word, ,

With all of the false teachings about Jesus Christ being preached in mainstream churches, It is extremely important that those who profess him as Lord and saviour, know exactly who he is. Fortunately, the Bible has painted many portraits of Him, so that we may know, with certainty, who our God is, even to the point that we have some idea of what he looks like (Ezekiel 1, Daniel 9: 5-6, Revelation 1:12-18).

Jesus Christ is love, grace and mercy…..but He is also wrath and unmitigated vengeance in His perfect timing. Rather than piece together all of the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus which describe him, often times with great detail  (Isaiah 53 and Ezekiel 1), I will limit this to the New Testament. In my view, the verses below are critical to understanding who Jesus was before the world was created, who he was while He was on the earth, and who He is now and forever….

1)John 1:1-18  1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

2) Philippians 2:5-11 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

3) Colossians 1:13-20  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

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4) Hebrews 1:1-3  1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

***5) 1 Peter 2:22-24*** 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

6) Revelation 1:8-11  8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last….

 7) Revelation 1:12-18  12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

The passage below shows us exactly how it is going to go down at the end of time, when Jesus and His army march through the heavens…and finish what Satan started, with unfettered vengeance, and the rebellion…will be over.

8) Revelation 19:11-16  11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.

Favorite Scriptures #4: God Chose the Weak and Foolish Things of the World (1 Corinthians 1:17-25) Catholicism and the Worship of MaryEcumenicism: Praying With People from Other ReligionsPrayer: How to Approach God and What to Expect From Him