tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83546498232805653252024-03-17T00:07:18.684-04:00The MountainObservations Along the JourneyDoughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.comBlogger784125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-22169825107200942732024-03-17T00:06:00.001-04:002024-03-17T00:06:44.562-04:00Phoning It In<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>— Philippians 4:6</i></b></p><p>Christ-followers enjoy a very special privilege: <b>the ability to speak with God through prayer about their blessings, troubles, concerns … and everything else that’s going on in their lives</b>. And it’s all possible through their faith in his Son, Jesus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWuL_b7-y6kNq4HhPScXn_E6YRs2wp0va0jdCSb93BfJAADrua5RYoUuFdgLeun57YX5QuDH3araeaVep29EeVR_OPzGQOY_qW7uTS0tauNZIZi_jJD-zkXYRUz87xMuIWvoVE711fNq2xOWTT1l108DFz-ymjdQKOuDN_lIevXw4RERCO8iEf04sZW23/s327/Phoning%20It%20In_IMAGE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="327" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWuL_b7-y6kNq4HhPScXn_E6YRs2wp0va0jdCSb93BfJAADrua5RYoUuFdgLeun57YX5QuDH3araeaVep29EeVR_OPzGQOY_qW7uTS0tauNZIZi_jJD-zkXYRUz87xMuIWvoVE711fNq2xOWTT1l108DFz-ymjdQKOuDN_lIevXw4RERCO8iEf04sZW23/w211-h178/Phoning%20It%20In_IMAGE.JPG" width="211" /></a></div><p></p><p>But there are times when even the most-seasoned Believer feels like their prayers go no higher than the bedroom ceiling. Instead of praying continually to their Creator with gratitude, they fall into a spiritual rut and simply <i><b>phone it in</b></i>. Indeed, prayer is a bit like a phone call. Sometimes the signal comes in loud and clear. But other times there’s just static … or the call doesn’t go through at all.</p><p>What’s the cause of these so-called <b><i>dropped calls to God? </i></b></p><p>First, we must ensure that the line is clear by dealing with any unconfessed sin in our lives. Likewise, if we’re carrying a grudge against someone, like a spouse or co-worker, it must be ironed out before we can expect God to listen to us. And our faith also plays a large role. If we pray but don’t think God has the power or desire to deal with our problems, why even ask in the first place?</p><p>But what happens when we pray sincerely and with good intentions, but our prayers still go unanswered? </p><p>The fact is that God answers every prayer. It’s just that sometimes the answer is “no” or “not now.” As the Creator of all things past, present, and future, He knows the big picture — the perspective on the people, places, and circumstances that make all the difference to our situation. God also has a much better plan for us. And while it might not be what we think we want, it’s guaranteed to be what we <b><i>need</i></b> … and it’s always what we should be grateful for. As the apostle Paul reminds us in <i>Colossians 3:16:</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.</i></b></p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-36521028746266683932024-03-09T23:10:00.000-05:002024-03-09T23:10:49.590-05:00The Elephant in the Room<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Isaiah 12:3</i></b></p><p>There's a famous story about three blindfolded men who were asked to touch and identify an undisclosed object. And that object happened to be a live African elephant ... <i>but no one told them!</i></p><p>The first man touched the elephant's muscular trunk. The second man grasped the pachyderm's boney tale. And the third man — moving his hands across the beast's rugged hide — marveled at its rough exterior. Needless to say, their perspectives were way off the mark. A 10,000-pound elephant was right in front of them, and they failed to see the big picture.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUl3it1WJ3J2cLsAKhO4hR_esxFHeLlS2oSs7Vefnz81uji8eTpEeYo0GUIYsD4aXV-L_kybWzAPQOsstMb0vv7UFifilOUJxkjJzjXL0fXW4kH4OGQ2X7z6dIzy_EDJz5gJojz0Llf67vdXcNf2gSJgxKIWM7lhn8sYs6moyT5f5LY5K1wU2ZnTtBGie/s326/Elephant%20in%20the%20Room_IMAGE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="321" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUl3it1WJ3J2cLsAKhO4hR_esxFHeLlS2oSs7Vefnz81uji8eTpEeYo0GUIYsD4aXV-L_kybWzAPQOsstMb0vv7UFifilOUJxkjJzjXL0fXW4kH4OGQ2X7z6dIzy_EDJz5gJojz0Llf67vdXcNf2gSJgxKIWM7lhn8sYs6moyT5f5LY5K1wU2ZnTtBGie/w178-h181/Elephant%20in%20the%20Room_IMAGE.JPG" width="178" /></a></div><p></p><p>Many people also miss the big picture when it comes to <i>gratitude</i>. As Christ-followers, we can be grateful that our relationship with Jesus grants us access to our Creator — a loving Father who hears our prayers and looks for ways to bless us. So, no matter how dire the headlines, we already know that the story will end on a positive note. The experiences of the apostle Paul illustrate this principle: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;">“Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,” </b>he wrote in<i> 2 Corinthians. <b>“I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.</b></i></p><p>Now, fast-forward about 2,000 years, and there’s still plenty of danger and negativity to go around. So, <i>what’s the secret for achieving a joy-filled, Christ-centered life?</i> The Bible tells us to blend thanksgiving for our blessings and authentic, regular prayer with <b>discernment</b> — those ongoing, intentional functions of living, thinking, and acting positively. Looking for the good and dwelling on the positive should therefore become second nature.</p><p>When our lives are filled with gratitude and joy, even the most unpleasant of circumstances can’t bring us down. Paul spent years in prison chained to his guards while under the constant threat of death. But he always prayed thankfully and joyously. And instead of feeling sorry for himself, he used his situation to change the lives of fellow prisoners and jailers alike — and all while writing much of what we today know as the New Testament. </p><p>Yes, times are tough these days and the news is bleak. But Paul’s advice to today’s weary Christ-followers is still timely, profound, and relevant:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”</i></b></p><div><br /></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-33426298076664722652024-03-03T00:16:00.000-05:002024-03-03T00:16:23.130-05:00Best Laid Plans<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>We are ruined by our own stupidity, though we blame the Lord.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Proverbs 19:3</i></b></p><p><b><i>“The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray,”</i></b> wrote poet Robert Burns. And no matter how well we prepare, stuff happens. When it does, it can lead to disappointment — or much worse. Just ask the Coca-Cola executives about their disastrous product known as <b>New Coke</b>.</p><p>Back in the 1970s and 80s, Coca-Cola and Pepsi were engaged in an intense conflict to win the hearts, minds, and tastebuds of American consumers. The press dubbed the companies’ marketing efforts <b>The Cola Wars</b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5yKV8LZP0gwCX5dU4sh38MffU0TBGVq8zzvqXWwyIibNTRemRIKquLWdQyU16RgjQwPKC8GvNcSEaUSV5mL5LWhXZdCcDbrmaaN4rpXQbEKYteeIDVh7qZHPVNEON2zmcLmt7VtA0A_NSgmm-CDuOIxeGIBERXbM1YJ1WQmrXjR8uhJ-BphYqXKc4kkO/s329/New%20Coke2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="329" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5yKV8LZP0gwCX5dU4sh38MffU0TBGVq8zzvqXWwyIibNTRemRIKquLWdQyU16RgjQwPKC8GvNcSEaUSV5mL5LWhXZdCcDbrmaaN4rpXQbEKYteeIDVh7qZHPVNEON2zmcLmt7VtA0A_NSgmm-CDuOIxeGIBERXbM1YJ1WQmrXjR8uhJ-BphYqXKc4kkO/w183-h153/New%20Coke2.JPG" width="183" /></a></div><p></p><p><i>The Pepsi Challenge </i>is probably the best-known battle of the conflict. It was a series of TV commercials depicting head-to-head taste test comparisons between the two colas. Time after time, Pepsi was the people’s choice. And within a few years, Pepsi’s sales overtook Coke’s, which led to one of the greatest marketing blunders of all time: <i>the reformulation of tried-and-true Coca-Cola into New Coke.</i></p><p>Consumers didn’t like it. And after plummeting sales and more than 400,000 letters of complaint, Coke’s executives admitted their mistake, reintroduced the beverage’s original formula (called <i>Coca-Cola Classic</i>), and eventually won back their audience. Now fast-forward nearly 40 years, and Coca-Cola remains America’s leading carbonated soft drink company with a volume share of 46.3%. Pepsi ranks second at 24.7%.</p><p>We all make plans that result in varying degrees of success or failure. And we’ve also felt from time to time like our circumstances have gotten out of hand. Maybe you feel like that today — and for good reason. But believe it or not, <b>God is in control of the situation</b>. </p><p>This is a fundamental truth that every Christ-follower should embrace. But one reason that we don't feel his control is because we can't see the big picture. We don’t know the life-changing people and situations that he’ll introduce to the mix. We also don’t have his vantage point of knowing what’s around the corner and miles up the road. Moreover, it’s hard for us to see a greater purpose in our lives when we're going through the pain of unemployment, lingering illness, family problems, or even death. But God <b><u>IS</u></b> in control. And for those who trust and follow him, he offers this assurance:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you,”</i></b> says our Creator. <b><i>“Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."</i></b></p><p>Have your best-laid plans led to frustration and depression? Don’t lose hope. God knows what we need — and he knows it long before we ask him for help. And when our plans align with his purpose, success is on the horizon … <i>even if it's not how we envisioned it. </i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-58659131970862736422024-02-24T16:39:00.000-05:002024-02-24T16:39:07.474-05:00Liberty or Death<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– 1 Corinthians 9:19</i></b></p><p>What better symbolizes America and its ideals of justice and freedom than the <b><i>Statue of Liberty</i></b>? </p><p>Constructed in France, disassembled, and then shipped to New York in 214 crates, “Lady Liberty” was re-assembled and later officially dedicated in October 1886. Since then, the iconic statue has inspired millions around the world to experience freedom by immigrating to the United States and escaping the hardships or persecutions they faced in their mother countries. </p><p>Today, Americans enjoy countless rights and privileges protected through federal, state, and local laws. The First Amendment of the <i>United States Constitution </i>even guarantees our freedom to worship God as we see fit. But if we look at things through the upside-down way of Jesus, no one (of any nationality) has any real freedom. The truth is that <b>we’re all slaves!</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3qTAaXoG_wza4lPMYtGvHzxzNhv8Sz9dchy9eOWJrPuHK-M2R1pvJzfPjkDPhwJUuhpVfmziV15uYW4E2YFhZzGRziNeq6ds8Sey6y0eL7FSM03xmBYFyiq3Hco3GrMePoGrzbsUtrnA2dRL3K4-M0Vux_0PeYrXputesYj-P0aXJMCjIA8AgKU-yBqr/s340/Statue%20of%20Liberty4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="290" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3qTAaXoG_wza4lPMYtGvHzxzNhv8Sz9dchy9eOWJrPuHK-M2R1pvJzfPjkDPhwJUuhpVfmziV15uYW4E2YFhZzGRziNeq6ds8Sey6y0eL7FSM03xmBYFyiq3Hco3GrMePoGrzbsUtrnA2dRL3K4-M0Vux_0PeYrXputesYj-P0aXJMCjIA8AgKU-yBqr/w190-h222/Statue%20of%20Liberty4.JPG" width="190" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>Regardless of what’s written in our <i>Bill of Rights</i> or the <i>Declaration of Independence</i>, everyone without exception is a slave to someone or something. They might not have literal chains around their wrists and ankles. But they still lack God’s perspective of true freedom. As Jesus put it so bluntly:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”</i></b></p><p>This sin represents bondage to the world’s values, and it comes in many forms. It might be slavery to money and possessions, pleasures, fame, a career — or even religion. But however it appears, sin boils down to substituting false, man-made gods for the one and only True Creator.</p><p>Christ-followers are also slaves. But the big difference is that they willingly choose to give up the temporary things of this world for the true freedom gained from an eternal relationship with Jesus.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey,”</i></b> asked the apostle Paul, <b><i>“whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?</i></b></p><p>Paul’s question reveals that our choice is one of liberty or death: <b>following Jesus or following sin</b>.</p><p><i>Is this a difficult decision? </i>Let’s remember that our earthly possessions aren’t really our own, and we certainly can't expect them to last. We can lose our jobs unexpectedly through layoffs or downsizing, and our homes and property can be ruined through a natural or man-made disaster. Serious health issues can arise at any time. And let’s face it, <b><i>the mortality rate for everyone is 100%. </i></b></p><p>The fact is that one day we <b>WILL</b> lose it all in one way or another. And unfortunately, most people will choose to do it through their slavery to sin. But there’s a far better and more satisfying choice: becoming a lifelong slave of a very kind master by accepting Jesus’ generous offer of salvation.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;">"Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever," </b>Christ assures us. <b style="font-style: italic;">"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."</b></p><p>We can take it or leave it, and the choice is ours: <b>Liberty or Death</b>.</p><div><br /></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-69929386103427117782024-02-17T17:21:00.001-05:002024-02-17T17:21:28.180-05:00The Promise<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– 2 Peter 3:9</i></b></p><p>Thanks to the <b>FDIC</b> <b>(Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)</b>, the money you deposit at a member bank — up to at least $250,000 — is protected if that bank fails. But it wasn’t always that way. </p><p>During the Great Depression, thousands of banks failed after anxious depositors tried to withdraw their funds en masse, and the life savings of millions of Americans was wiped out in the process. The FDIC’s launch in 1933 helped restore confidence in the nation’s banking system. So, for over 90 years, depositors have trusted the federal government’s promise that they won’t lose a penny in their FDIC-insured accounts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqQKzK2g7BsIaPdUNFt5YtGf7EtK05lt9YDl32GiZKwTHphY86kXLMrUB409NJ-jRdUs0GZmjrBNqgBd47CsqLvDBh_q0qOs2ZHgnrqD5hg_KumFAZYImTq2DAH-2LJ_oLZpzjgmf0qw-J0YesUIi2znpplzP8kCy9039jZGw-LlRGxL7npyza-z7NO_w/s416/In%20God%20We%20Trust3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="416" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqQKzK2g7BsIaPdUNFt5YtGf7EtK05lt9YDl32GiZKwTHphY86kXLMrUB409NJ-jRdUs0GZmjrBNqgBd47CsqLvDBh_q0qOs2ZHgnrqD5hg_KumFAZYImTq2DAH-2LJ_oLZpzjgmf0qw-J0YesUIi2znpplzP8kCy9039jZGw-LlRGxL7npyza-z7NO_w/w249-h157/In%20God%20We%20Trust3.JPG" width="249" /></a></div><p></p><p>This ironclad guarantee continues to stabilize our nation because citizens know they can literally bank on it. There’s no need for accountholders to panic or lose sleep, regardless of the headlines. And that’s a comforting thought in these tough economic times. But perhaps we should find much greater solace in the motto that’s printed on every dollar bill:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">In God We Trust</span></i></b></p><p>It’s in the Bible that we find thousands of reasons why. For example, the Lord assured the Israelites who had escaped Egypt that he would drive out the nations before them and give them the Promised Land. God also promised to one day re-gather his scattered people (the Jews) from around the globe. About 2,500 years later in 1948, he did just that through the emergence of the State of Israel. And no doubt our Creator kept his greatest promise through the birth of the world’s Savior (Jesus) in an obscure outpost of the Roman Empire.</p><p><i>Why does this matter?</i></p><p>Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated the power of sin and death, and they also gave Believers the power to live victorious, Spirit-filled lives. In these uncertain times, it’s nice to have something worthwhile that we can take to the bank. And the best example is the <b>promise of everlasting life </b>through our faith in Jesus:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;">"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish,” </b>we read in John 10:28.<b style="font-style: italic;"> “No one will snatch them out of my hand."</b></p><p>The Bible is full of promises made … and promises kept. And unlike those thousands of unstable Depression-era banks, <i>every one of them is rock-solid and utterly reliable.</i></p><div><br /></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-19557880116268098582024-02-10T18:40:00.001-05:002024-02-10T18:40:32.194-05:00Storm Warning<p style="text-align: center;"><b>He replied, <i>“When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Matthew 16:2-3</i></b></p><p>It’s considered one of the worst natural disasters in United States history, leaving up to 12,000 people dead in its wake. And if not for the repeated warnings of one brave civil servant, the toll could have been even higher.</p><p>The infamous <i><b>Hurricane of 1900</b></i> struck Galveston, TX, on September 8, </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBV34uXkqj3d2pnXbOATTERdV9U3JZafYUhwMokGmLQDEC0OfeYb1NSACVr6eF-zW9TquvSjY4b0ArHzq_YZ5hQYiUDDIOrWuhVpGHnyvMOVuxvVfD8vrkP5Pgxf4ta1AS3WPs9-k6y2QGEbvlzgUrIwEJAFpR8Rms2riQb08VkBRFh82f59Bk2BjIbGZ/s281/Storm%20Warning_IMAGE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="281" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBV34uXkqj3d2pnXbOATTERdV9U3JZafYUhwMokGmLQDEC0OfeYb1NSACVr6eF-zW9TquvSjY4b0ArHzq_YZ5hQYiUDDIOrWuhVpGHnyvMOVuxvVfD8vrkP5Pgxf4ta1AS3WPs9-k6y2QGEbvlzgUrIwEJAFpR8Rms2riQb08VkBRFh82f59Bk2BjIbGZ/w180-h164/Storm%20Warning_IMAGE.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>with estimated wind speeds approaching 140 mph. Dr. Isaac Cline, Galveston’s weather bureau manager, knew that the tempest had crossed Cuba. Moreover, storm warnings were already issued for several Southeastern states. And while Dr. Cline lacked satellite imagery and other modern forecasting tools, he grew suspicious of the signs that he saw in the sky and the waters. A day before the hurricane’s arrival, he raised the official storm warning flags over Galveston’s Weather Bureau building. And for the next several hours, he personally warned those on the beach to seek higher ground. Dr. Cline’s last telegraphed message to reach the outside world was:<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>"Gulf rising rapidly; half the city now under water."</b></p><p>There’s no way to know how many Galveston residents survived because they heeded Dr. Cline’s warnings. But we can see in hindsight that the signs of pending disaster were there. And that’s often the case with history-changing events like hurricanes, floods, wars, and even political campaigns. But what about the warning signs for events that strike much closer to home? <i>Is God trying to alert you to a storm on your personal horizon?</i></p><p>Maybe it involves your marriage, your kids, your job — or even that risky investment you’ve been considering. Whatever it is, it’s likely that his warnings aren’t a complete surprise. But the problem is that we prefer to put off the unpleasantries until the last minute or until it’s too late. And by then, the damage is done and irreparable.</p><p>Our excuses are remarkably consistent. We’re either too busy or we don’t think the issue is a big deal. We also like to play God by pretending that we can handle the situation, such as with drug use, drinking, or gambling. But your family, friends — and most importantly, God — know otherwise.</p><p>How should we respond when God sends us a warning? The best answer is the simplest one: <i><b>Face up to the situation</b></i> <u><b>NOW</b></u> <b><i>and take appropriate measures while there’s still time</i></b>.</p><p>The residents of Galveston learned this the hard way. After suffering damages exceeding $700 million in today’s money, they began to plan for future hurricanes by constructing a massive seawall and raising the grade of their entire island by several feet. Likewise, we should also prepare for the storms of life by looking and listening for God’s warning signs, and then responding to them. </p><p><i>A little discomfort and inconvenience today can save us from a disastrous lifetime of hurt tomorrow.</i> </p><div><br /></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-7125341595481021312024-02-04T00:05:00.000-05:002024-02-04T00:05:47.213-05:00Just What the Doctor Ordered<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Everyone on earth has a body like the body of the one who was made from the dust of the earth. And everyone in heaven has a body like the body of the one who came from heaven.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– 1 Corinthians 15:45</i></b></p><p>The <b>Garden of Eden</b> must have been quite a place.</p><p>And indeed it was. We read in <i>Genesis</i> — the first book of the Bible — that it was a paradise filled with beautiful trees, gardens, rivers, and animals. God created Adam (the first man) to care for it, and later brought forth Eve, his wife, to complete the equation. There was no crime, violence, unemployment, or any of the other unpleasant realities of our modern existence. And the pair communed with their Creator in a place free of pain, sickness … and even death. From the very beginning God created the world with one purpose in mind: to share his glory in covenantal relationship with humanity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VQPB__C5RpJL-KEH3O7f4P3sTDxRSUlwiyrRjESAwP1sP1-shXbVHHZcs3rXrN0buDNk2iCKrL6zruvYKQwm7vbcMVoA-gKVU3gxdXPEdV2NuNVgOZr23uNscPtOqAuZpSnopdrBrN6diR6GPa98vQDUeRYXw8nFKUvoDdLDQkIItU-YzWv16zH0o-zm/s453/Prescription4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="453" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VQPB__C5RpJL-KEH3O7f4P3sTDxRSUlwiyrRjESAwP1sP1-shXbVHHZcs3rXrN0buDNk2iCKrL6zruvYKQwm7vbcMVoA-gKVU3gxdXPEdV2NuNVgOZr23uNscPtOqAuZpSnopdrBrN6diR6GPa98vQDUeRYXw8nFKUvoDdLDQkIItU-YzWv16zH0o-zm/w212-h117/Prescription4.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><p></p><p><i>But soon everything changed.</i> Adam and Eve’s disobedience through eating from the garden’s forbidden tree led to their permanent eviction from Eden. And ever since, human existence has involved toil, conflict, illness, and mortality. It’s a price we’re still paying to this day.</p><p><i>Just how far has Adam and Eve’s sin taken us from that place of perfect health? </i></p><p>Recent data reveals that the United States is a world-leader in health care costs. In 2022, spending reached $4.5 trillion, an average of about $13,500 per person. And with millions of Baby Boomers each year reaching retirement age, America’s need for medical services will only grow.</p><p>It’s obvious that our nation — as well as the rest of the world — is in desperate need of healing. That’s why it’s a good thing that God sent us a <i>Great Physician</i> in the form of his own Son, Jesus Christ.</p><p>We read in the New Testament how Jesus, with only a touch or even a word, healed lepers, the blind, and the paralyzed. He even resurrected a man and young child from death: all incredible miracles that proved him to be God among us. </p><p>But Christ’s healings were much more than physical. They had (and still have) eternal, spiritual significance. In our 21st century culture that worships vitality and outward appearance, Christ sees our real condition like an X-ray of our souls. And truth be told, he knows that we all hurt in one way or another through the wounds and fractures suffered amidst everyday life. </p><p>Christ-followers aren’t exempt from physical illness and death because that wonderous reality disappeared with Adam and Eve. However, we do have the promise of perfect health and happiness once we reach our eternal home with the Father. And it all starts with believing in Jesus and asking for a change of heart, mind, and soul. The prescription for true health is our simple faith in Him. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;">“Daughter, your faith has healed you,” </b>Jesus told one hope-filled woman.<b style="font-style: italic;"> “Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”</b></p><p>It’s just what the Doctor ordered.</p><div><br /></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-48768965522995531702024-01-28T01:00:00.002-05:002024-01-28T01:00:44.508-05:00Love In Action<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– 1 John 3:18</i></b></p><p>When asked by one of the Pharisees — a strict religious sect — to name the greatest of God’s laws, Jesus astounded his audience by the simplicity and clarity of his response:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;">“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment,” </b>Jesus said. <b style="font-style: italic;">“And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."</b></p><p>In just a few brief sentences, our Savior summarized a key biblical principle: <i>That God’s love, translated into beneficial motivations and actions through our faith in Jesus Christ, is indeed an unstoppable, world-changing force.</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uP7IgRCYG1mUk5S0p2U3vj3o_7Z-H2BIYlDa3ZOxPqjVp_OWYt4gYrZsc6ukKSdE3dxCslEIGCAC_Z379_PshUN1vyag0_hIzIXKFeIekHhRa-pzMhthMtUcqxACwvyJPgrWpMt4B9m4mCv-IlXVBITNSdLkh4f8dXYNnYwYcORwD-WT-nV-7fGpp2mY/s396/Love%20in%20Action4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="396" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uP7IgRCYG1mUk5S0p2U3vj3o_7Z-H2BIYlDa3ZOxPqjVp_OWYt4gYrZsc6ukKSdE3dxCslEIGCAC_Z379_PshUN1vyag0_hIzIXKFeIekHhRa-pzMhthMtUcqxACwvyJPgrWpMt4B9m4mCv-IlXVBITNSdLkh4f8dXYNnYwYcORwD-WT-nV-7fGpp2mY/w212-h152/Love%20in%20Action4.JPG" width="212" /></a></i></div><p></p><p>It’s also a reminder that <b><i>love</i> is an action word</b>. But that's a difficult concept for many because they equate it with that squishy term linked with weddings, chocolates, and Valentine’s Day. But Jesus wasn’t talking about some fleeting, awkward emotion. Instead, he's calling us to walk in step with him by putting our love into sincere, tangible action. And that can come in a wide variety of forms — everything from helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries to revealing God’s light to strangers through a prison ministry. It could also translate into changing a co-worker’s life by showing them how Jesus changed our own. The possibilities and potential are endless.</p><p><i>How does God put his love into action?</i></p><p>There’s the famous Bible story of the <i>Prodigal Son</i>, where the loving father welcomes back his wayward — and totally undeserving — child with open arms. And what about Jesus’ parable of the shepherd, who searched tirelessly for a single missing sheep? When he finally found it, he returned it triumphantly to the flock. Christ also told his disciples about a man who sold all his possessions to buy a field. But it wasn’t just any plot of land. Instead, it was one that held buried treasure. And while the cost to buy the field was staggering, the man did whatever it took to gain the precious prize.</p><p>Those are just a few illustrations of how God loves you and me. In fact, he’ll go to any length to bring us into his family. <i>John 3:16</i>, which is perhaps the most familiar passage in the Bible, tells us that God loves the world so much that he gave his only Son (Jesus) so that those who believe in him will have eternal life. God willingly let Christ suffer and die in our place to pay for our wrongdoings — past, present, and future. And while we deserve death because of how we’ve broken our Creator's laws, God’s love offers us his peace and joy. <i><b>All that’s required is our faith in Jesus</b>.</i></p><p>The limits of human vocabulary prevent us from fully conveying how God loves and cherishes his children. But perhaps it’s not that difficult. After all, it takes just three short words from <i>1 John</i> to sum it up: <b><i>God is Love</i></b>.</p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-89512499800335774592024-01-21T00:15:00.000-05:002024-01-21T00:15:50.021-05:00Hope for the Best<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Psalm 25:3</i></b></p><p>These days, anyone with a smartphone has easy access to websites full of offbeat news stories, celebrity gossip, and believe-it-or-not photos. But before the days of the internet, the infamous checkout line newspaper — <b><i>The National Enquirer</i></b> — was for millions of readers the go-to resource for such need-to-know content. And to close out each year, the tabloid published a special issue featuring predictions for the coming year as prophesied by America’s leading psychics.</p><p>Why was this annual issue always such a fan favorite? Let’s consider some of <i>The Enquirer</i>’s can’t-miss predictions from years past:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Nuclear missiles will be used to break up a giant asteroid found to be hurtling toward Earth.</b></li><li><b>O.J. Simpson will become a minister after confessing during testimony in a civil suit that he killed Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.</b></li><li><b><i>The King of Pop</i> — Michael Jackson — will be trampled by an elephant and injured seriously while making a TV plug for an animal-protection organization.</b></li></ul><p></p><p><b>NOTE:</b> One <i>Enquirer</i> soothsayer <b><u>did</u></b> foresee a romance between Jackson and Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie. The couple married in 1994 and divorced two years later!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGreSruVXWSwa0hpJYslsSXVXeIO96LhhzfnyYrY6cKz1rogbvktUoCpTVhsewB3NqBK_Lkh4ZgkLqviMjGdee-KmzdvFxFkYn7FjjFtKgtRvsDSV3L5kdniZs90PwQ77ixVpC0knsCddDgzWPfZ_Eej4oXhRCmyFXLpn8dcceY7PQYAPnzkVl37zl9XTN/s292/Natl%20Enquirer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="231" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGreSruVXWSwa0hpJYslsSXVXeIO96LhhzfnyYrY6cKz1rogbvktUoCpTVhsewB3NqBK_Lkh4ZgkLqviMjGdee-KmzdvFxFkYn7FjjFtKgtRvsDSV3L5kdniZs90PwQ77ixVpC0knsCddDgzWPfZ_Eej4oXhRCmyFXLpn8dcceY7PQYAPnzkVl37zl9XTN/w198-h250/Natl%20Enquirer.JPG" width="198" /></a></div><p></p><p><i>The National Enquirer</i>’s predictions were fun to read, but their accuracy was almost always off the mark. On the other hand, the prophecies found throughout the Bible are remarkably precise. For example, God promised in the Old Testament’s <i>Book of Amos</i> that the Lebanese city of Tyre would be destroyed due to its harsh treatment of Israel. This seemed unlikely because of Tyre’s impregnable fortifications. However, the armies of Alexander the Great succeeded in leveling the city. God also promised to one day gather his scattered chosen people (the Jews) from around the globe. For centuries this made no sense because Israel had long been erased from the map. But in a miraculous series of events, the State of Israel was proclaimed shortly after World War II. And thousands of Jews soon ventured there from distant nations to claim citizenship from their ancestral homeland. </p><p>J. Barton Payne’s <i>Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy </i>also lists more than 1,800 other promises from God through Scripture. No doubt the Creator’s greatest was fulfilled — again, as predicted centuries before the fact — through the birth of the world’s Savior in an obscure outpost of the Roman Empire. It was then that God came to Earth in the flesh to live among us in the person of Jesus. And the Bible’s prophecies don’t end there. It’s in the Old Testament’s <i>Book of Daniel</i> and the New Testament’s <i>Book of Revelation</i> that we can read about international events that are unfolding today before our eyes. </p><p>In all fairness to <i>The National Enquirer</i>, some of their legitimate cover stories have scooped the so-called Mainstream Media. But its record is still dismal when compared with Scripture, which was inspired by our Creator, who — unlike the celebrity psychics — knows the future. </p><p>What lies ahead for us in these uncertain times? We won’t find the answer in any tabloid newspaper. Instead, our ever-faithful source of hope is as close as the Bible.</p><div><br /></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-44383586718793391392024-01-13T21:37:00.000-05:002024-01-13T21:37:54.604-05:00Changed<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Galatians 2:20</i></b></p><p>The newfound faith of Jesus’ early disciples had transformed their lives for all to see. This odd group of people from all walks of life — rich and poor, male and female, slave and free — was quite unlike the rest of society. They somehow had grown more caring and generous toward both neighbors and strangers alike, and they willingly sacrificed their time and resources to ease pain and correct injustice. Ultimately, they had abandoned their old, selfish tendencies in favor of something much better.</p><p>In a word, these so-called <i>Little Christs</i> were <b><i>changed</i></b>. And soon, thousands of men and women would follow their example, believe in the Lord, and be added to their number. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGEbz_1H4gjqHhFoNSrw067qW6yCalm_NUArVxpEAgD63-94BpPi3EvSb2BZds903orDIhOxcT25PuBOCShTwUd_pejFyzegHDwWn-tk6ZV9tdwAWAKRhOMPk3zxJnyeqBWR3qZIhkRk2r_GLCX_8LxO76P1zBa71Q8ki5JmnB3SyMA-aCVDB7G9oWjfa/s414/Transformed_IMAGE3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="414" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGEbz_1H4gjqHhFoNSrw067qW6yCalm_NUArVxpEAgD63-94BpPi3EvSb2BZds903orDIhOxcT25PuBOCShTwUd_pejFyzegHDwWn-tk6ZV9tdwAWAKRhOMPk3zxJnyeqBWR3qZIhkRk2r_GLCX_8LxO76P1zBa71Q8ki5JmnB3SyMA-aCVDB7G9oWjfa/w233-h144/Transformed_IMAGE3.JPG" width="233" /></a></div><p></p><p>That says much about their faith in an obscure rabbi from a distant corner of the Roman Empire, who just happened to be God’s only Son. Few recognized it at the time. But because some did and believed in him, millions today lead changed lives to serve as his hands and feet across the globe.</p><p>Like their predecessors 2,000 years ago, modern-day Believers must forego their selfish deeds and desires in favor of following Christ’s example of righteousness. Moreover, they should recognize that Jesus the leader was also Jesus the follower. He spoke constantly with his Father (God) in prayer … and always sought his guidance:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing,” </i>explains our Savior,<i style="font-weight: bold;"> “because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”</i></p><p>It’s a radical notion that’s just as life-changing today as it was back then. Likewise, it’s a concept that calls for personal action, commitment, and sacrifice. So, whether you’ve put your faith in Jesus for five years or 55, grasp every opportunity to become more like him, walk in his ways, and see the world through his eyes. What’s more, ask God to work through you with the Holy Spirit — that personal, loving Power, who makes it possible to leave your old self behind and become a new creation.</p><p><i>It’s change that makes a difference. </i>And eventually, through the trials of life and the whispers of his leadings, we’ll become the people of faith that our Creator always dreamed we could be.</p><div><br /></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-73973148100953426102024-01-06T15:23:00.000-05:002024-01-06T15:23:30.438-05:00Saying Yes to God<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“Don't be afraid!" </i>Moses replied. <i>"God has come only to test you, so that by obeying him you won't sin."</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Exodus 20:20</i></b></p><p>It’s said that the admonition <b><i>“Fear not”</i></b> appears in the Bible 365 times — one for each day of the year. However, it’s safe to say that most Believers are still afraid of one thing or another. And for many of them, it’s the prospect of saying yes to God.</p><p>One reason is that we too often think of the Lord as a friendly cosmic consultant rather than the all-knowing Creator who made us and wants only the best for us. Moreover, saying no to God is perhaps the most basic definition of sin. And mankind has been doing that since the very earliest days of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbeLsuwZWsqsr3HtBGpLraRT6cs4Zc7JjoQRjJKWmAclMwrd89o-E4HVXDhI8uwiaDChpMj0IETPpvnqFTmRAPOOoQlX9VCByn17Sik8z9sfzaRc9909SQz-nOa8Yr_bTKjPUCmtS0GcDBxKAOB8paGhvttJuJ_T5PZHxK09dwc03VoNnwqSeOh6eD4Ot/s353/Saying%20Yes_LOGO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="353" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbeLsuwZWsqsr3HtBGpLraRT6cs4Zc7JjoQRjJKWmAclMwrd89o-E4HVXDhI8uwiaDChpMj0IETPpvnqFTmRAPOOoQlX9VCByn17Sik8z9sfzaRc9909SQz-nOa8Yr_bTKjPUCmtS0GcDBxKAOB8paGhvttJuJ_T5PZHxK09dwc03VoNnwqSeOh6eD4Ot/w165-h155/Saying%20Yes_LOGO.JPG" width="165" /></a></div><p></p><p>We know in our head and heart that God loves us. In fact, he loves us so much that he sent his only Son to die on the cross to pay for our many wrongdoings and failures. So, considering such an immense sacrifice on our behalf, <i>why would anyone be afraid to say yes to Him?</i></p><p>One explanation is our innate tendency to play it safe. Fleeing from danger (real or perceived) is completely logical considering our drive for self-preservation. Likewise, we also might refuse God when he calls us to do something that’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. And that’s so often the case. Maybe it involves helping a neighbor who’s between jobs, driving a shut-in to the grocery store, or talking with a co-worker who’s approaching a spiritual crossroads. Taking that first step can be awkward, difficult — and sometimes scary.</p><p>But perhaps <i>selfishness</i> is the primary reason so many people are afraid to say yes to God. After all, agreeing with Him often means saying no to us. But be forewarned: When we turn our back to God, we should prepare for spiritual storminess and turmoil. Our Creator knows what he wants and how he wants to do it. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised if we find ourselves in a much worse situation following our refusal. As the saying goes, we sometimes must feel the heat before we can see the light.</p><p><i>Are you afraid to answer God’s call?</i> If so, you’re not alone … and he’d like to discuss it with you.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;">“But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart,” </b>we read in the Old Testament book of <i>1 Samuel</i>. <b style="font-style: italic;">“Consider what great things he has done for you.”</b></p><p>2024 has just begun. Let’s make the most of the year’s opportunities by stepping out in faith and saying yes to God.</p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-91053755391706893012023-12-31T00:01:00.000-05:002023-12-31T00:01:17.244-05:00New and Improved<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Isaiah 43:19</i></b></p><p>You finally bought that new car, and it looks and drives great. In fact, it’s even better than you expected. But only a few days later you see a slick TV commercial for the 2024 model. The styling is better, there's more horsepower, and it has features that weren't available on your vehicle. Suddenly, your shiny pride-and-joy has lost its luster against the latest upgrade.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cAcDJh6rNgr-sVe3wWgkbYsfmAhtV-PWXSVbinGqCP6DHxG5F0uhU9PQUz2fJxKUal739WAxU6f_ARg-FMIFe3FIAFzJlDlDUJRR0wW336vDr3DcpBEFTShwIWWgz1SpAfOE4uIcPQfTqygE-aiNN1l2P1_2e2Sgh3afJgR3kQ0FwdQjpA8mrsXpLaEn/s306/New%20and%20Improved_ICON2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="303" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cAcDJh6rNgr-sVe3wWgkbYsfmAhtV-PWXSVbinGqCP6DHxG5F0uhU9PQUz2fJxKUal739WAxU6f_ARg-FMIFe3FIAFzJlDlDUJRR0wW336vDr3DcpBEFTShwIWWgz1SpAfOE4uIcPQfTqygE-aiNN1l2P1_2e2Sgh3afJgR3kQ0FwdQjpA8mrsXpLaEn/w174-h176/New%20and%20Improved_ICON2.JPG" width="174" /></a></div><p></p><p><i>It’s inevitable.</i> Buy a feature-packed smartphone, tablet computer, or other tech-filled device, and rest assured that a new-and-improved model will soon hit the market. Televisions exemplify this principle. It was only a few years ago that expensive Sony Trinitrons had the best picture quality. But today’s ultra-high definition flat-screens deliver amazing, life-like images at just a fraction of the price.</p><p>There’s nothing wrong with the TV you bought a few years ago. Its picture and sound quality haven’t let you down. But once you’ve watched the Super Bowl on one of those new UHD sets, you’re spoiled for good. It’s hard to go back because your expectations have reached the next level.</p><p>For better or worse, advertising agencies and marketing departments sell products and services by promoting the latest-and-greatest and what’s new-and-improved. But have you ever considered that God does much the same when it comes to our faith? Above all, our Creator wants us to upgrade our lives and futures by embracing his Son as our personal Lord and Savior. And once we accept this extremely costly — but free — offer, we put our flawed past behind us and begin our amazing journey toward eternity. </p><p>2024 is upon us. So, are you ready to become new-and-improved through a relationship with Jesus Christ? Today’s the day to trade in that basic-cable spiritual journey for 500 channels of ultra-high-definition faith. <i>You’ll be glad you made the switch!</i></p><div><br /></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-24507980549535586172023-12-23T22:32:00.002-05:002023-12-23T22:32:48.902-05:00Stress Test<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– John 16:33</i></b></p><p>For most Americans, the holidays are times of festive get-togethers with family, friends, neighbors, and even co-workers. We gather around the Christmas tree to exchange gifts, and around the dinner table to savor a repeat of Thanksgiving’s menu. There are also Yuletide parties and church services to attend, and tacky outdoor light displays to critique. <i>It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. </i></p><p>The flip side of Christmas, however, is <b>the stress that accompanies it</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JDWK9T6IDEfK2SUsV2CmedbI-TTzdLucq6zP44Hf1R6_8WK6H9xtlJLB-am9cqkgNJ9U7csxPr8o3Ycx7RaMYJx04i7PeQWp40jC_5IBO1U7E9eXp8-sHweI_SLhuukUIKXRDr2-mrAVpyVnj2NgmiR-YYkMpVASJLnvGOOsPLYVD7BdharKSil-j1gk/s326/Stress%20Test_LOGO_12-22-23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="326" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JDWK9T6IDEfK2SUsV2CmedbI-TTzdLucq6zP44Hf1R6_8WK6H9xtlJLB-am9cqkgNJ9U7csxPr8o3Ycx7RaMYJx04i7PeQWp40jC_5IBO1U7E9eXp8-sHweI_SLhuukUIKXRDr2-mrAVpyVnj2NgmiR-YYkMpVASJLnvGOOsPLYVD7BdharKSil-j1gk/w212-h197/Stress%20Test_LOGO_12-22-23.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>And that can be more serious than a dinnertime disagreement with your in-laws. The fact is that stress is a life-threatening condition linked to cardiovascular disease, workplace injuries, sleep disturbances, ulcers, and cancer. The <i>Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine</i> reports that healthcare expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who endure high levels of stress.<p></p><p>Poor health is a high price to pay for what’s billed as a season of peace and joy. Likewise, it’s unfortunate that the holidays come with such a hefty price tag — and we're not talking about those sky-high MasterCard and VISA bills that will arrive in January. Like the socks and sweaters from a favorite aunt or distant cousin, Christmas-related stress comes in a variety of colors and styles. It might be physical, emotional, or financial. And not only can the holidays strain your bank account, they can also evoke turmoil when they’re a reminder of a broken relationship or the death of a loved one.</p><p>The vibrant reds and greens of Christmas are often deep blue for hurting people. Inner peace is absent and hope is in short supply. <i>And that's when God enters the picture.</i></p><p>The Bible tells us that long before the world was formed, our Creator knew our name. He also knew when and where we would be born, what sort of life we would lead, and when we would die. And since we consistently broke his laws and fell short of his standards, he also knew that we'd need someone to save us from the well-deserved consequences of our transgressions. We were powerless to do it ourselves. So, God decided to do it by personally living out the human experience on Earth through his Son, Jesus Christ. He was the long-prophesied <b>Emmanuel: God with us</b>.</p><p>Because he lived among sinful mankind in an obscure corner of the Roman Empire, Jesus truly understands the stress of the season — and in ways we might never consider. Leading up to that first Christmas when Jesus was born among a stable-full of less-than-cleanly farm animals, Joseph and Mary (his earthly parents) were quite familiar with the condition. They had experienced emotional stress from the scandalous rumors swirling around her pregnancy. They had endured physical stress from the grueling trip to Bethlehem mandated by the Roman census. And with money in short supply, financial stress was always abundant.</p><p>But because he personally experienced it all, Jesus really does relate to us, whether it's December 25 or any other day of the year. What's more, he's promised his followers — that's you and me — that he'll never leave them or forget them. So, while the holidays may be stressful, it's through our Savior that we can always find peace of mind. May we never forget this reassuring passage from the book of <i>Isaiah</i>: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace — in peace because they trust in you.</i></b></p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-80938141582065486832023-12-16T19:45:00.000-05:002023-12-16T19:45:11.054-05:00Joy to the World<p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.</b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>–1 Chronicles 16:27</b></i></p><p>Surf the web, turn on the TV, or read a newspaper, and you’re bound to come across headline after headline about the high cost of living, unemployment, war in the Middle East, political turmoil, and degenerate human behavior. It’s no surprise that the media thrives off bad news and hyping the worst possible scenarios for maximum effect. After all, good news rarely drives ratings or sells magazines.</p><p>With scary headlines in such plentiful supply these days, <i>how about taking a much-needed break? </i>For one week, make the effort to avoid TV — particularly news broadcasts </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkt24DrT3NbEEjyti4nFb7-y0r_rGRRV-PbfVfHh0hNivtx144ZILAr3AlgS6JlH01Te2eGoTmKAst_7a9LoTBt7JT3kFQs-Qi08YEN_wqfBHFNv2bF-29Nc1eQoQpytCBYxMW5ZZcz8nZ-t9HBDllT6sFeiyFJ1C8pkdDs2WePiiQv833WngxnQGjP3w0/s288/Joy%20to%20the%20World_LOGO3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="273" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkt24DrT3NbEEjyti4nFb7-y0r_rGRRV-PbfVfHh0hNivtx144ZILAr3AlgS6JlH01Te2eGoTmKAst_7a9LoTBt7JT3kFQs-Qi08YEN_wqfBHFNv2bF-29Nc1eQoQpytCBYxMW5ZZcz8nZ-t9HBDllT6sFeiyFJ1C8pkdDs2WePiiQv833WngxnQGjP3w0/w174-h170/Joy%20to%20the%20World_LOGO3.JPG" width="174" /></a></div>or shows with a political bent. Also, keep away from similar content on the web. At the end of those quiet seven days, maybe you won’t feel quite as informed as you would have had you stayed glued to that 24-hour cable news channel. But odds are you’ll experience less stress and enjoy a more optimistic take on life.<p></p><p>That’s sound advice for ditching the negative. <i>But what about finding something positive and uplifting?</i></p><p>As Christ-followers, we have the <b>Gospel</b>, which is the good news that God came to live among sinful mankind through the birth of his only son, Jesus. And since the wages of sin is death, Jesus covered it all by dying in our place on the cross. Then as predicted centuries earlier in the Old Testament, he defeated the power of sin and death through his resurrection to life. We were helpless to help ourselves. But through our simple faith in Jesus (<i><b>not</b></i> through our good works, deeds, or intentions), our eternal salvation and place in God’s kingdom are assured.</p><p>This remarkable news about Jesus is what gives us a much clearer perspective for tomorrow. And as the Bible tells us about the incredible promises God has kept over the centuries, our anticipation only grows as we ponder the amazing future that awaits us. Along the way, our faith-journey will have its peaks and valleys, but we’ll find real hope in our darkest hours. What’s more, we’ll also experience joy, which springs from within through our intimate relationship with God.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace," </i>Jesus proclaimed to his disciples.<i style="font-weight: bold;"> "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."</i></p><p>Are the headlines getting you down these days? Joy, inner peace — and the blessings that spring through the Good News about Jesus — are <i>closer than you think!</i></p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-86672720836622243032023-12-09T18:43:00.000-05:002023-12-09T18:43:57.229-05:00Love Language<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. </i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>— 1 John 4:8</i></b></p><p><b><i>Love</i></b> is a remarkable English word with a broad scope of meanings and implications. We say that we <i>love</i> our spouse, <i>love</i> our church, and <i>love</i> pizza. What’s more, we’d <i>love</i> for our favorite football team to win the Super Bowl. On the other hand, Hebrew, and ancient Greek — the languages of the Bible — have several such words including <b><i>agape</i></b> (self-sacrificial love), <b><i>hesed </i></b>(lovingkindness), <b><i>eros</i></b> (romantic love), and <b><i>phileo</i></b> (fraternal or friendly love). And <i>Genesis 22:2 </i>uses the word <b><i>ahab</i></b> to convey the intensely close emotional bond between Abraham and his son Isaac.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANkuT9ljaP2VW2g3NOxdQ9BK1-fhQBGGpJCWHySEfJOs5ApLqA6xffgQCakbR9xbWdWhWcxszY2pBAsextq1DgZwhutR6PGbHjw-2-Qmm4AmtmAsskVUt9CS8LkLKweWxk67nY6acbor9ZU3Mktkwh-jZt1I5ETW1LShIFt8WHaxiR0OmlJDvYjM8-H1B/s524/Love%20Language4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="524" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANkuT9ljaP2VW2g3NOxdQ9BK1-fhQBGGpJCWHySEfJOs5ApLqA6xffgQCakbR9xbWdWhWcxszY2pBAsextq1DgZwhutR6PGbHjw-2-Qmm4AmtmAsskVUt9CS8LkLKweWxk67nY6acbor9ZU3Mktkwh-jZt1I5ETW1LShIFt8WHaxiR0OmlJDvYjM8-H1B/w196-h127/Love%20Language4.JPG" width="196" /></a></div><p></p><p>While we might broadly consider love to be a thing, it’s also very much an action word … and our Creator is our example. The apostle John wrote that <b><i>“we love Him because He first loved us.”</i></b> And then there’s <i>John 3:16</i>, which summarizes God’s good news to mankind (the Gospel):</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”</i></b></p><p>That <u>IS</u> good news — especially considering that we’re imperfect people who constantly break God’s perfect law through our thoughts, words, and deeds. Moreover, we can’t save ourselves from the punishment we rightfully deserve. Jesus, who was sinless, paid that exorbitant price for us by dying on a cross between two criminals. And then as the Old Testament had prophesied (predicted) centuries earlier, Christ defeated death and the power of sin by rising to life. <i>His was the ultimate act of love.</i></p><p>The Bible describes our most-sincere loving deeds, words, and intentions as nothing more than filthy rags and rubbish. But God’s sacrificial love for us through Jesus still demands our response. For example, we can show our love for God by keeping his commands and doing his will. And it’s in Matthew’s gospel that Christ summarized the <i>10 Commandments </i>for us into two laws:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind … </i>And the second is like it:<i> ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”</i></b></p><p>Does this sound like an impossible standard? We know that King David, who was called <i>a man after God's own heart</i>, failed to live up to it. So, practically speaking, <i>how should we demonstrate God-centered lives? </i>If we’re looking for a role model, let’s look to Mary, Jesus’ mother. God recognized the young woman’s qualities of faithfulness, responsibility, and humility, and chose her to bring his only Son into the world. It was through Mary that Jesus would come to live a perfect life among sinful mankind … and all to live out the human experience through love. She responded to her eternity-altering assignment accordingly:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>“Then Mary said,<i> ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word.’”</i></b></p><div><br /></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-7503555218421774092023-11-18T11:39:00.000-05:002023-11-18T11:39:08.265-05:00All Things New<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Isaiah 43:19</i></b></p><p>It's often an uncertain economy. Sometimes it's a midlife crisis. But whatever the reason, special people from across America are reinventing their careers — and ultimately — who they are. In his book <i>What Should I Do with the Rest of My Life? </i>author Bruce Frankel introduces us to several remarkable individuals who turned their backs on the past to do something completely different. Thomas Dwyer, a 70-something former intelligence officer, joined a dance troupe. And then there's Deborah Jack, who left behind her two-decades-long career in financial publishing to go into business for herself with a <i>Fetch! Pet Care</i> franchise.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrXYCx3NLYrxgcPD5Bn15Q41B42iiQX7nyP2hqErlF51t0w1DhAdqi1mhUkSUdUUMWkFq9whjgeF7gsXNW6XZHknKD_aLzqG3TXVAo1kGpFjWmM_swCn9rL7mR3qKPbI6bzNqdlQoZAHt9fLxQvN1hoWW5zy7xh56WaE8QRy7TTEgpBUwYG_cqkRffdtu/s275/All%20Things%20New2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="275" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrXYCx3NLYrxgcPD5Bn15Q41B42iiQX7nyP2hqErlF51t0w1DhAdqi1mhUkSUdUUMWkFq9whjgeF7gsXNW6XZHknKD_aLzqG3TXVAo1kGpFjWmM_swCn9rL7mR3qKPbI6bzNqdlQoZAHt9fLxQvN1hoWW5zy7xh56WaE8QRy7TTEgpBUwYG_cqkRffdtu/w175-h156/All%20Things%20New2.JPG" width="175" /></a></div><p></p><p>But one of the biggest change stories of all involves Fife Symington. Back in 1997, the former two-term governor of Arizona was convicted on seven counts of bank and wire fraud, and he was sentenced to 30 months in prison and five years of probation. A federal appeals court eventually overturned his convictions, and he received a presidential pardon. Nevertheless, Symington abandoned politics, graduated from culinary school, and became an accomplished pastry chef!</p><p>These success stories are nothing less than inspirational. But even so, many folks avoid new things — particularly as they get older. But big changes can reap even bigger rewards. And as the saying goes, <i>people often don't see the light until they feel the heat.</i></p><p>You won't find any arguments about that in the Bible. In <i>Genesis</i>, we read that God told Abraham, who was an old man at the time, to leave his beloved country for a far-off land. And because he obeyed, Abraham became the father of Israel. Moses also had a midlife crisis that drastically altered his career path. Raised within the Egyptian royal family, he fled the country after killing a cruel taskmaster, and spent the next several decades in anonymity as a shepherd. But God never forgot Moses. And he used his unlikely servant to switch gears yet again. This time, it was for Moses' return to Egypt to tell Pharaoh — the world's most-powerful ruler — to set God's people free.</p><p>God may or may not call you to make drastic changes to your career or address. But he does call on every Christ-follower to make a profound spiritual change — one that lets us see through his eyes and take on his perspective. As Jesus puts it, <b><i>we all must be born again</i></b>.</p><p>The word-picture the apostle Paul paints through the book of <i>Ephesians</i> is that <i>we must strip off the old self and put on the new</i>, much like exchanging filthy rags for a beautiful new set of clothes. But how do we do that? It all begins by admitting that we're fatally flawed individuals who can do nothing on our own to save ourselves from the punishment we deserve. And the next step is to believe on Jesus Christ, the only One who can save us because he long ago paid our sin-debt in full. After all, we can never do enough or be good enough on our own merits to meet God’s standards for perfection. <i>It's only through our faith in Jesus that we can become a new creation.</i></p><p>With 2023 winding down, the timing of this crucial truth is hardly coincidental. So, as we approach the New Year, let's do more than make half-hearted resolutions about changing for the better. Let's instead start 2024 with a better attitude ... <i>and a new Spirit.</i></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-53573237134684703382023-11-11T21:18:00.000-05:002023-11-11T21:18:26.648-05:00Let God Be the Judge<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Luke 6:37 </i></b></p><p>Judgment is arguably one of the most misunderstood concepts in the Bible. For example, many people — including some professing Christ-followers — say that no one has the right to judge anyone … or at least call them out for a supposed sinful deed, attitude, or behavior. And they’re also quick to quote Jesus’ words from Matthew’s gospel:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.”</i></b></p><p>With that in mind, Scripture does direct Believers to hold fellow brothers and sisters-in-Christ accountable for living according to God’s high standards. The key is that we must first address our own shortcomings to avoid committing another familiar sin: <b><i>hypocrisy</i></b>. But rest assured, we can judge fellow Christ-followers if we do so fairly from pertinent biblical standards. It’s in <i>John 7:24</i> that Jesus</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubpKOiu62mzhFPbNwiYVJ4EHEHfzc9DMm2kJ_kvwQ4u9suY1IQZr66wKGLqQn-afiDgtHATelv3jTv9_NDtZF-GaPFvsVMqHsER0zmWDg0_eJVN6Qca33BjyODE5Zk4bVe5kLQDjPvb8lAwj4e7OcgdU8v45aypraqsmZVbrwpAsmOPFfqLJWAsmh5EUx/s395/Judgment.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="395" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubpKOiu62mzhFPbNwiYVJ4EHEHfzc9DMm2kJ_kvwQ4u9suY1IQZr66wKGLqQn-afiDgtHATelv3jTv9_NDtZF-GaPFvsVMqHsER0zmWDg0_eJVN6Qca33BjyODE5Zk4bVe5kLQDjPvb8lAwj4e7OcgdU8v45aypraqsmZVbrwpAsmOPFfqLJWAsmh5EUx/w203-h115/Judgment.JPG" width="203" /></a></div>cautioned: <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”</i></b></p><p>And in <i>Matthew 7:18-19</i> he also made this familiar observation about judging others:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.”</i></b></p><p>Christ-followers have open access to God’s truth through the Bible, prayer, and even wise counsel from fellow Believers. We should therefore have less trouble than others with telling right from wrong and good from evil — and living our lives accordingly. However, when we point our finger at someone else, our hand’s other four fingers point back at us. That’s why we must look closely in the mirror: <i>Are our own words, thoughts, and actions beyond reproach? </i>And we also must consider if the would-be transgressor simply needs guidance.<i> Is he or she already a fellow Christ-follower? Or is the so-called “sinner” someone who never signed up for Jesus’ walk of faith in the first place? </i></p><p>The answers determine the proper action. But either way, Christ-followers must hold themselves to a higher standard of behavior. And on the flipside, we must let God be the judge of those outside the faith. He knows the whole story, and we’re hardly in the position to condemn anyone. As we read in <i>Romans 14:10</i>:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”</i></b></p><p>Regardless of what we think or say about judging others, let’s remember that love should be our core value and motivation in whatever we think, say, and do. The apostle John sums up this vast principle in just three small words: <b>God is Love</b>. So, with that in mind, let’s hand over the gavel and let God be the judge.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-72749992848804044662023-11-05T13:16:00.000-05:002023-11-05T13:16:06.862-05:00Saying Yes to God<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Then I looked things over and told the leaders, the officials, and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of your enemies! The Lord is great and fearsome. So think of him and fight for your relatives and children, your wives and homes!"</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Nehemiah 4:14</i></b></p><p>It’s a common misconception — particularly among new Believers — that life’s struggles will disappear once they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But the truth is quite the opposite. In fact, Christ-followers are particularly susceptible to the obstacles of life when they say <b>YES </b>to God and seek to do his will. </p><p>These pitfalls and detours can take several disheartening forms. It might be criticism or ridicule of our efforts from an enemy, co-worker, or even a family member. And in extreme cases, the situation could turn malicious, violent, or even fatal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1r3v0Qr5Az-Ho09-vu8A5BZix7UV33XzgSuGOdSsYrQvKx-AT-FLuTIo6qkDtRvFtvhw9Q-ToSH25qaB5JmtuIcU4QWXYU6-73-ZD3_aA-lRW3aYlOxbySibBI8u9ImJPKTHr3q3ZCb9xA80N_1sjUlY8O-BfsPNvisc6-JdZvALVbQDlT-sfuulAKwr/s264/Spiritual%20Warfare2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="236" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1r3v0Qr5Az-Ho09-vu8A5BZix7UV33XzgSuGOdSsYrQvKx-AT-FLuTIo6qkDtRvFtvhw9Q-ToSH25qaB5JmtuIcU4QWXYU6-73-ZD3_aA-lRW3aYlOxbySibBI8u9ImJPKTHr3q3ZCb9xA80N_1sjUlY8O-BfsPNvisc6-JdZvALVbQDlT-sfuulAKwr/w175-h196/Spiritual%20Warfare2.JPG" width="175" /></a></div><p></p><p>The saying <b><i>“No good deed goes unpunished”</i></b> applies here, which is why we shouldn’t be surprised when we take heat for trying to help others see the light. In fact, we should beware if our faith-journeys are too smooth and trouble-free. It could mean that the devil doesn’t consider us a threat to his plans. And it’s then that we can become our own worst enemy: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">“How terrible when everyone says only good things about you,” </i>warns Jesus,<i style="font-weight: bold;"> “because their ancestors said the same things about the false prophets.”</i></p><p>So, what should we do when saying <i>yes</i> to God gets too tough? </p><p>The first thing is to <b>know our opposition</b> and <b>acknowledge its existence</b>. Running away, ignoring the situation, or pretending it doesn’t exist won’t make it disappear. Then we need to <b>pray for God’s help and guidance</b>. Likewise, we must <b>pray for our enemies</b> — and even do good for them. And finally, we can’t be afraid to <b>stand up for what we’re doing</b>. If it’s something that comes from God, saying <i>yes</i> to him and fighting for what’s right is worth the trouble and effort. </p><p>That’s a tall order. But remember that we’re not in the fight alone, and God has the last word. Moreover, since Jesus has already paid the price on the cross for the world’s sins, the battle is already won, and the obstacles are overcome. As the apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Christ-followers in Ephesus:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”</i></b></p><p>There’s a spiritual battle underway between Christ-followers and the adversary’s deceit and false appearance of power. But rest assured, victory is ours when we say <b>YES t</b>o God.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-4897602640722906972023-10-29T15:29:00.000-04:002023-10-29T15:29:23.187-04:00Absent Without Leave<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Ecclesiastes 10:18</i></b></p><p>Employees call it playing <i>hooky, taking a mental hygiene break</i> … or simply <i>calling in sick</i>. Their employers, however, call it <b>absenteeism</b>: those occasions when employees don’t show up to work because of illness, injury, scheduled time away, or some other reason. But whatever it’s called, absenteeism is costly. According to Circadian, a global workforce performance company, unscheduled absenteeism costs about $3,600 per year for each hourly worker and $2,660 for salaried employees.</p><p>That’s an eye-opener. But human resources professionals actually face a problem with a much higher price tag. <b>Presenteeism</b> occurs when employees come to work when they’re sick or otherwise unable to perform up to their usual standards. They’re technically on the job, but they really shouldn’t be. After all, sick employees can compound the issue by infecting their co-workers, customers, and even clients. The <i>Harvard Business Review</i> estimates that presenteeism costs the U.S. economy about $150 billion per year in lost productivity.</p><p>Such losses are astounding. But there’s another type of presenteeism that’s even more devastating. It’s not an illness spread through an office building or passed behind the counters of a fast-food restaurant. Instead, it’s a common affliction found in homes around the globe that damages and destroys relationships and tempts families to turn away from God.</p><p>It’s a sin called <b>passivity</b>. Not to be confused with laziness, passivity often appears in those who return home from the office each day, only to use TV, the internet, or computer games to tune out their spouse and children. They’re at home. But they’re not really there when their loved ones need them the most.</p><p>It’s easy to see how this activity (or lack thereof) can corrode personal relationships. But to God, it’s even worse. That’s because he calls Christ-followers to manage their households, love their spouses, and raise their children according to his holy ways. </p><p>Domestic passivity is hardly a benign issue. And make no mistake: <b><i>the devil is behind it</i></b>. Satan knows that he can take over the home if he can take out the husband or wife. And when spouses abdicate their responsibilities and abandon their families, the lasting societal damage is enormous.</p><p>It’s a serious illness that calls for strong spiritual medicine. And what’s the remedy? First, we need to recognize our sin and turn away from it. And then through prayer — preferably with our spouse — we must seek God’s forgiveness through Jesus, along with the strength to manage our households by his standards</p><p>The Old Testament hero Joshua long ago addressed this modern-day issue with this declaration:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;">“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living, </b>he told the Israelites.<b style="font-style: italic;"> “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-30425253451575136952023-10-21T19:09:00.000-04:002023-10-21T19:09:13.893-04:00A-ha Moment<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Matthew 15:14 </i></b></p><p>An <b><i>a-ha moment</i></b> is that split second when our eyes are opened to a spiritual truth that changes everything. As Christ-followers, we can experience an a-ha when God shows us that we're going down the wrong path in some area of our life. It's then up to us to respond and turn in the right direction.</p><p>Then there's the ultimate a-ha: <i>When non-believers finally awaken to their need for Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. </i>And that's not just a temporary condition — it's an eternal revelation. When God's light gets through, we can finally see clearly. But unfortunately, the world still chooses to remain blind and enjoy the darkness of its existence. In fact, if you're a believer who's open about your faith, the world won't ignore you. Instead, it will likely accuse you of exhibiting hate or bigotry. Just watch TV, surf the Web, or listen to a podcast. You don't have to look hard to find content featuring Hollywood celebrities, academics, or other "progressive" thinkers, who are quick to point their fingers at so-called <i>intolerant </i>Christians.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQfOr7rDfrwbfcxlligEaJ-hbVTZinJbIsvneGBy8BkMs5lZWcDb3kENGPgKZEGm_Bt_WVYrb1HMfXvAcId725Ho1E-ZgM60i4B3d0zRDYDLV6xPbgKt80tE9TRPpIHorKgk7gDlJa2uv03XEznyWtDHch6n3a4WKBEhJZStIJLeCUYbThzL_UYtl7TJK/s403/Idea_IMAGE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="403" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQfOr7rDfrwbfcxlligEaJ-hbVTZinJbIsvneGBy8BkMs5lZWcDb3kENGPgKZEGm_Bt_WVYrb1HMfXvAcId725Ho1E-ZgM60i4B3d0zRDYDLV6xPbgKt80tE9TRPpIHorKgk7gDlJa2uv03XEznyWtDHch6n3a4WKBEhJZStIJLeCUYbThzL_UYtl7TJK/w223-h157/Idea_IMAGE.JPG" width="223" /></a></div><p></p><p>But depending on its context, is intolerance always a bad thing? After all, Jesus doesn't turn a blind eye to sin. What's more, he declares himself to be the<i> exclusive</i> pathway to God.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"I am the way, the truth and the life,"</i></b> we read in John's gospel. <b><i>"No one comes to the Father except through me."</i></b></p><p>That's not very tolerant of him. And his bold proclamation defies today's inclusive, politically correct environment. After all, it hurts feelings and declares that one faith is better than all others. But society's demands for open-mindedness and equality are irrelevant. Jesus has no tolerance for false, second-rate gods and allegiances.</p><p>As Christ-followers, we have open access to God's truth through the Bible, prayer, and even wise counsel from fellow believers. We should therefore have less trouble than others with telling right from wrong. But actually doing it is another matter. And that opens us up — and often rightfully so — to accusations of self-righteousness and hypocrisy. That's because the world is watching and comparing our Sunday morning words to our weekday deeds.</p><p>Let's all take a look in the mirror. Are our words, thoughts, and actions beyond reproach? Jesus was right on the mark when he said we must remove the plank from our own eye before we can remove the speck from our neighbor's eye. So, is your favorite "sinner" someone who needs God's truth ... or is he or she already a Christ-follower? On the other hand, maybe they never signed up for Jesus' walk of faith in the first place.</p><p>The answers to these questions should determine our response. Meanwhile, Christ-followers must hold themselves to a higher standard and let God be the judge of others outside the faith. He knows the whole story, and we're hardly in a position to condemn anyone. </p><p>Let’s consider that today’s a-ha moment.</p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-8081944290475801902023-10-14T11:54:00.001-04:002023-10-14T11:54:48.627-04:00Dirty Laundry<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Matthew 8:5</i></b></p><p><b><i>Cleanliness is next to Godliness.</i></b></p><p>You won’t find this familiar saying anywhere in the Bible. But many people believe it’s the Gospel truth. We start or end most days with a hot shower or bath. We stock our bathrooms with antibacterial soaps. And we buy costly laundry detergents and bleaches promising brilliant whites and vivid colors. It all adds up to a global soap and detergent industry involving hundreds of companies with a combined annual market size exceeding $125 billion.</p><p>Cleanliness is also part of our popular culture. <i>Mr. Clean</i> has been a recognized Proctor and Gamble icon for more than 50 years. Ivory Soap — famous for more than a century — promotes itself as <i>99 44/100% Pure</i>. And there’s even a popular Tide detergent NASCAR race car.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_4NEwrqHuIQHHJ0PN-Yl2kF7Rg0LRIqsSYaBOunSgPoggJUhHy45ZF_x-PVZ0nvdZd4DSdWIIIhlSx3RA0EjhK1EZ5xg4lOWOA3nZpHY1pJ09LxUnMeP9xSfkJDQGJrHJ8v7Uyebz9hvd0Ng1o4yzT4q2fA3_5jz3MT7Gn7zclDYjuEZvl74ZNKh-vlX/s430/Tide%20Detergent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="430" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_4NEwrqHuIQHHJ0PN-Yl2kF7Rg0LRIqsSYaBOunSgPoggJUhHy45ZF_x-PVZ0nvdZd4DSdWIIIhlSx3RA0EjhK1EZ5xg4lOWOA3nZpHY1pJ09LxUnMeP9xSfkJDQGJrHJ8v7Uyebz9hvd0Ng1o4yzT4q2fA3_5jz3MT7Gn7zclDYjuEZvl74ZNKh-vlX/w212-h158/Tide%20Detergent.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our desire to stay clean seems to be hard-wired into our DNA. But this intense longing covers much more than our face and hands. We also want to be just as clean on the inside. That means a clean heart, a clean conscience, and a clean spirit. And <i>what we want most is a clean start in life.</i></p><p>But from the earliest chapters of the Bible, we read that mankind has chosen to turn its back on God and do its own thing. We’ve decided to live our lives on our own terms and ignore the One who made us, knows us, and loves us. And by disobeying God, we’ve destroyed our pristine environment and become stained with a spot on our souls that the strongest detergent can never remove. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;">“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin,” </b>pleaded King David, the one who was called <i>a man after God’s own heart</i>. It’s this same plea that we should offer up to God every day.</p><p>The good news is that God long ago responded to our helplessness in a most miraculous way. But not by devising some sort of payment plan for all the damage we’ve done to our own lives and to others. The price was much too high for that.</p><p>Instead, God decided to clean the slate himself through the death of his only Son, Jesus Christ. So as predicted centuries earlier in the Old Testament, He came to earth in the form of a helpless infant, grew up and lived a faultless, sin-free life, and was unjustly executed for trumped-up crimes that He didn’t commit. </p><p>It was all so grossly unfair because Jesus was without fault. But there was no other way to fully pay the penalty that we alone deserve. After all, He was the perfect sacrifice who came to earth to make us right with God. So, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, God sees us as He sees his own Son: <i>The One who is stainless and blameless</i>. Therefore, all we must do for a clean start is accept this free — and incredibly generous — gift of grace. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;">“I, the LORD, invite you to come and talk it over,” </b>says God in the book of Isaiah. <b style="font-style: italic;">“Your sins are scarlet red, but they will be whiter than snow or wool.”</b></p><p>Nobody’s hands are clean, but there is a way to make them spotless. <i>Now’s the time to come clean with God.</i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-9477358192253113932023-10-07T18:55:00.000-04:002023-10-07T18:55:32.776-04:00Hope Personified<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“I myself am the resurrection and the life,” Jesus told her. “The man who believes in me will live even though he dies, and anyone who is alive and believes in me will never die at all. Can you believe that?”</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– John 11:25</i></b></p><p>One of the great things about the English language is that a single word can mean so many different things. For example, we might say that we <i>love</i> going to church, we <i>love</i> our children, and we’d <i>love</i> for our favorite football team to win the Super Bowl.</p><p>The same holds true for the word <b>hope</b>. For example, we <i>hope</i> that COVID-19 won’t return. We <i>hope</i> we’ll make it to the office on time. And we also put our <i>hope </i>for eternal salvation in Jesus. But why should we hope for that? It’s because <b>Jesus is hope personified</b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJcJ0N7jOTjVLMlnXXK4SL18bu8TPPuZPuIVi3m0o0JXwxE2H2hZutxXxZAsh-sATwh-frPTAjFlIYrHypW222L59Pv0TKyeJ1cAvKYzVNvAwJ-qZhBngVWpLt922il4N008PPkIw5nYiYEf7xzwn3uywGeDsLTKRnrOOAxf7JVmnPAgKvwYkK3vf3e1K/s320/Hope2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="320" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJcJ0N7jOTjVLMlnXXK4SL18bu8TPPuZPuIVi3m0o0JXwxE2H2hZutxXxZAsh-sATwh-frPTAjFlIYrHypW222L59Pv0TKyeJ1cAvKYzVNvAwJ-qZhBngVWpLt922il4N008PPkIw5nYiYEf7xzwn3uywGeDsLTKRnrOOAxf7JVmnPAgKvwYkK3vf3e1K/w221-h136/Hope2.JPG" width="221" /></a></div><p></p><p>During his brief time on earth, Jesus cured the sick, raised the dead, forgave sins, and became a living sacrifice to pay the price for all the wrongs of the world — just as God had planned it at the foundation of the world. Jesus’ resurrection from the grave — just as he had predicted it — proved his power over death. He also fulfilled prophecies written centuries before his birth. And 2,000 years later, Jesus' words continue to change lives and deliver hope through the fact that <b><i>God has it covered</i></b>.</p><p>This is a fundamental certainty that every Christ-follower should embrace. But sometimes we can't see the big picture. We don’t know the life-changing people and situations that God will place into our existence. And we also don’t have his vantage point of knowing what’s around the corner and miles up the road. Moreover, it’s hard for us to see a greater purpose in our lives when we're going through the pain of unemployment, lingering illness, family issues, or even death. But God is in control. And for those who trust and follow him, he offers this assurance:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;">"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you,” </b>says our Creator.<b style="font-style: italic;"> “Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."</b></p><p>To borrow the title of an old-time Gospel song, this promise is nothing less than <i>Blessed Assurance</i>. We know without a doubt that God — through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross — has taken care of our past, present, and future. So, in a world marked by tragedy, sorrow, and uncertainty, we can still find hope for today … <i>and tomorrow.</i></p><p> </p><div><br /></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-51955852613913961792023-10-01T00:36:00.000-04:002023-10-01T00:36:40.354-04:00It’s the Real Thing<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Acts 4:12</i></b></p><p>One of the world’s most recognized brands, <b>Coca-Cola</b> traces its roots back to 1886, when the first glass of the tasty beverage was served in an Atlanta, GA, pharmacy. The drink grew in popularity — and it wasn’t without imitators. Pepsi arrived in 1893, followed by Royal Crown (“RC”), Shasta, and a host of others. In the late 1960s to help further differentiate Coke from the competition, company executives chose the familiar <b><i>It’s the Real Thing</i></b> slogan in response to research that revealed <i>“… young people seek the real, the original, and the natural as an escape from phoniness.”</i></p><p>Now fast-forward more than 50 years, and people of all ages still seek authenticity — especially when it comes to matters of faith and religion. There’s no shortage of options. And furthering the confusion is the common notion that whichever one we choose, it really doesn't matter, just so long as we’re sincere and it makes us happy. After all, everyone is entitled to their own truth. It's all relative. And we're all</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU9hsPWjwOGnkQK7uyv9HJDIlH3S08_Z1Hfg2rohzKTwfzr698tFVQtUvtS9xKtotWcL3QVzzQYLS9UJoX15NRW19S7qNYVbY1RoDnfCFm3gHhoud7tbY0U99kY3RubNpuR7xnm0gY3gx-ihdrzQ0FetagyItJxL_2qfM6AXQFLQbAK56JGZ-ANfJE2uK/s857/The%20Real%20Thing_IMAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="569" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU9hsPWjwOGnkQK7uyv9HJDIlH3S08_Z1Hfg2rohzKTwfzr698tFVQtUvtS9xKtotWcL3QVzzQYLS9UJoX15NRW19S7qNYVbY1RoDnfCFm3gHhoud7tbY0U99kY3RubNpuR7xnm0gY3gx-ihdrzQ0FetagyItJxL_2qfM6AXQFLQbAK56JGZ-ANfJE2uK/w119-h179/The%20Real%20Thing_IMAGE.jpg" width="119" /></a></div>worshiping the same god. <i>Right?</i><p></p><p><b><i>On the contrary! </i></b>The Bible reveals that Jesus made some startling claims that clearly contradict today’s anything-goes take on faith. And he also backed them up. For example, Scripture accurately predicted Christ’s birth — even the name of the tiny village where it would happen — centuries before the fact. And in Jesus’ brief time on earth, he proved himself as the Son of God by curing the sick, raising the dead, forgiving sins, and being a living sacrifice to pay the price for the sins of the world. His resurrection from the grave (also as he predicted) proved his power over death. And 2,000 years later, Jesus' words continue to change lives and make an eternal difference.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"I am the vine; you are the branches,"</b></i> we read in John's gospel. <i><b>"If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."</b></i></p><p>Many people — even those who aren't Christ-followers — agree that Jesus was a "good" man and a "wise" teacher. But the hot button question is whether or not he's the only way to God. The short answer is … <b>YES!</b> Jesus declares that no one can come to the Father (God) except through him. However, these days that's a claim that makes people uncomfortable. It's an assertion of exclusivity. And many would call it intolerant.</p><p>But maybe it's not so exclusive after all. Jesus' death and resurrection make it possible for <i>anyone</i> to have eternal life, and no one who wants a new beginning through the Savior is turned away. And unlike manmade religions, the real way to God isn't about keeping certain rules, saying special prayers, or eating (or not eating) particular foods. Instead, being a Christ-follower is about putting our faith in him, accepting his free gift of salvation, and letting him live through us.</p><p>Today there are about 20 major world religions along with thousands of related beliefs and their offshoots. And they all have something in common: their emphasis on <i>doing</i>. But Christianity — the simple faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior — is instead about what's been <b><i>done</i></b>. We can't earn our salvation or do enough good deeds to cancel out our sins. And without faith in Jesus, we also can’t please God.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"It is finished!"</i></b> Jesus proclaimed as he hung from the cross to save you and me. It was the only way. And <b><i>It’s the Real Thing</i></b>.</p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-33312263208336914932023-09-23T19:18:00.000-04:002023-09-23T19:18:10.251-04:00Liberty or Death<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20</i></b></p><p>What better symbolizes freedom than the <b>Statue of Liberty</b>? </p><p>Constructed in France, disassembled, and then shipped to New York in 214 crates, “Lady Liberty” was re-assembled and later officially dedicated in October 1886. Since then, the iconic statue has inspired millions around the world to experience freedom by immigrating to the United States and escaping the hardships or persecutions they faced in their mother countries. </p><p>Today, Americans enjoy countless rights and privileges protected through federal, state, and local laws. The First Amendment of the Constitution even guarantees our freedom to worship God as we see fit. But if we look at things through the upside-down way of Jesus, no one (of any nationality) has any real freedom. The truth is that <b><i>we’re all slaves! </i></b></p><p>Regardless of what’s written in our <i>Bill of Rights</i> or the <i>Declaration of Independence</i>, everyone without exception is a slave to someone or something. They might not have literal chains around their wrists and ankles. But they still lack God’s perspective of true freedom. As Jesus put it so bluntly:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAauAkSbvWHR3jIqjfaEOwdRh_TuqBC8s6AH0Fghz-gNf_NpXYHmwoBEgMHlZbTXOO59drSpR4f86JJhsH3bsIvm-mU6gOxMoMjXMXERSn2lyZpfy6hcu18afF1G17TWZY-CVcxnSdPshllM0ArPVdHC7_bpN03qD9ul8uSvOGdys52hJ92-OKGG0KxxmD/s446/Statue%20of%20Liberty3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="289" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAauAkSbvWHR3jIqjfaEOwdRh_TuqBC8s6AH0Fghz-gNf_NpXYHmwoBEgMHlZbTXOO59drSpR4f86JJhsH3bsIvm-mU6gOxMoMjXMXERSn2lyZpfy6hcu18afF1G17TWZY-CVcxnSdPshllM0ArPVdHC7_bpN03qD9ul8uSvOGdys52hJ92-OKGG0KxxmD/w122-h188/Statue%20of%20Liberty3.JPG" width="122" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”</i></b></p><p>This type of sin represents bondage to the world’s values, and it comes in many forms. It might be slavery to money and possessions, pleasures, fame, a career — or even religion. But however it appears, sin boils down to substituting false, man-made gods for the One and Only True Creator.</p><p>Christ-followers are also slaves. But the big difference is that they willingly choose to give up the temporary things of this world for the true freedom gained from an eternal relationship with Jesus.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">“Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey,” </i>asked the Apostle Paul,<i style="font-weight: bold;"> “whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?</i></p><p>Paul’s question reveals that our choice is one of liberty or death: <b><i>Following Jesus or following sin</i></b>.</p><p><i>Is this a difficult decision?</i> Let’s remember that our earthly possessions aren’t really our own, and we certainly can't expect them to last. We can lose our jobs unexpectedly through layoffs or so-called downsizing, and our homes and property can be ruined through a natural or man-made disaster. Serious health issues can arise at any time. And let’s face it: the mortality rate for everyone is 100%. No one gets out alive.</p><p>The fact is that one day we <b><u>WILL</u></b> lose it all in one way or another. And unfortunately, most people will choose to do it through their slavery to sin. But there’s a far better and more satisfying choice: Becoming a lifelong servant to a very kind master by accepting Jesus’ generous offer of salvation.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;">"Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever," </b>Christ assures us. <b style="font-style: italic;">"So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."</b></p><p>Take it or leave it, the choice is ours: <b>Liberty or Death</b>.</p><div><br /></div>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354649823280565325.post-64757850985719752842023-09-16T21:36:00.000-04:002023-09-16T21:36:56.759-04:00Road Warriors<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don't be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>– Luke 12:7</i></b></p><p><i>Think your daily commute is rough? </i></p><p>Even if you’ve braved the infamous rush hours of Atlanta, Northern Virginia, New York City, or even Los Angeles, count your blessings that you don’t live in Sao Paulo, Brazil. According to the Urban Mobility Research Network, gridlock in that South American metropolis of 12.4 million means that some residents spend the equivalent of <b>one month per year in traffic</b>, or <b>2.4 hours per day</b>. And as car ownership increases there — and with it further congestion — these numbers will only grow.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhjhH9Gvi-kJg7MI2UAMRNOkqQcR3l1rvbyJv3oi_GvLqYnYeHvnLon3-GBNFQkpfvSYxKr6dqkCFz2JSF-0oUnGM9llPpppmiXxcYpOzJw2KoWsmirSb2dIBMF4iWCI1ucs3_RkxgKVPU183QaoUSSphvwGUIkmL1lz02u70T_EjJVNYQGdNwaSPAJwu/s340/Traffic%20Jam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="340" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhjhH9Gvi-kJg7MI2UAMRNOkqQcR3l1rvbyJv3oi_GvLqYnYeHvnLon3-GBNFQkpfvSYxKr6dqkCFz2JSF-0oUnGM9llPpppmiXxcYpOzJw2KoWsmirSb2dIBMF4iWCI1ucs3_RkxgKVPU183QaoUSSphvwGUIkmL1lz02u70T_EjJVNYQGdNwaSPAJwu/w232-h176/Traffic%20Jam.JPG" width="232" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sao Paulo residents (“Paulistos”) cope the best they can as the gridlock consumes more and more of their lives. But a sense of helplessness leaves many of these road warriors feeling angry, exhausted, and depressed. This quote from one frazzled commuter says it all:</p><p><i>"I feel useless, like I am a prisoner,"</i> said Andreia de Oliveira, an architect who spends between two and three hours each day going to and from work. <i>"I could be at the gym, studying, at home relaxing. But instead, I am stressed and frustrated."</i></p><p>You might not have to suffer through that level of bumper-to-bumper traffic. But you — like every human being — have at one time or another felt like things have spiraled out of control. Maybe you feel like that today. (And for good reason.) But believe it or not, God happens to be in control of the situation. </p><p>God’s sovereignty over circumstances is a fundamental concept that every Christ-follower should embrace. But one reason we don't is because we can't see the big picture. We don’t know the life-changing people and situations he’ll bring into our existence. Likewise, we don’t have his vantage point of knowing what’s around the corner and miles up the road. And obviously, it’s hard for us to see a greater purpose in our lives when we're going through the pain of unemployment, lingering illness, family problems ... <i>and even death. </i>But God is in total control. And for those who trust and follow him, he offers this assurance:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you,”</i> says our Creator. <i>“Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."</i></b></p><p><i>Have things gone haywire in your life?</i> If not, they will eventually. But don’t lose hope. God cares for each of us and even invites us to be his sons and daughters through a personal relationship with his own Son, Jesus Christ. With this Good News in mind, we can count on God’s words of healing and hope through <i>Psalm 147:3</i> — a timeless promise meant for each of us today:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."</i></b></p><p><br /></p>Doughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09683492207691340195noreply@blogger.com0