How Can I Forgive? - Learning How To Let Go Of Pain

In this fallen, sinful and broken world, being wronged by somebody is simply an inescapable fact of life. It’s happened to all of us at one time or another, whether intentional or not, and fact is, it will happen again. Sometimes it’s by strangers, or sometimes by someone in our circle of friends, or the worst of all is being hurt by our loved ones.

“How can I forgive her adultery?”

“How do I forgive him for cheating me on that deal?”

“How can I let go of the pain of being lied to?”

“I don’t know how to let go of the pain of betrayal.”

These are some very real questions you may be asking yourself, or maybe something similar. In our humanity these are very legitimate questions to ask, but let’s put a little perspective on it. What if Jesus, as He hung on the cross being wrongfully executed, had asked, “How can I forgive them for killing me?” He chose, instead, to submit to the will of the Father and asked forgiveness for those who were committing the ultimate wrong that can be committed on this earth against Him.

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them,

for they do not know what they do.”

-Luke 23:34

Forgiveness is a command of Jesus, but we must CHOOSE to follow it. Forgiving is hard because it goes against our sinful flesh nature that wants to get even and be vindicated, but He set the example for us in a big-time way. I guess you could say he “talked the talk and walked the walk.” The sins committed against us by others pale in comparison to the sins we’ve committed against God. That was the point Jesus was making with the parable of the unforgiving servant. The servant was forgiven a huge debt by the king, but then would not forgive a fellow servant of a much smaller debt. As a consequence, when the king heard about it, he had the servant sent to prison. When we choose not to forgive, there are consequences for us, as well.

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone,

forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

-Mark 11:25-26

Whoa! Wait a minute! I thought Jesus forgave ALL my sin? Well, He did, but these are red letters in my Bible, and it says what it says. Consider verse 26 with this perspective; if your heart is so hard that you won’t forgive, then have you really experienced the love and forgiveness of Jesus? How can you ask God to forgive you if you won’t forgive others? If you have truly experienced the freedom that comes with God's forgiveness, then how could you NOT forgive someone else? Your heart’s desire should be to forgive the specks in others’ eyes, knowing you’ve been forgiven the board in yours. Notice there are no conditions put on forgiving someone, either. It doesn’t mean that what they did was ok, but that you choose not to hold it against them anymore. For instance, if you forgive someone for lying to you, does that mean you will believe everything they say from then on? Not necessarily, but you overlook that lie and use discernment in the future. They don’t have to come apologize or ask for forgiveness, either. Forgiveness is grace- undeserved favor.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies,

kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another,

and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another;

even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,

to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

-Colossians 3:12-15

Forgiveness is a hallmark of a devoted follower of Christ. It is an expression of love like no other, short of laying down one's life for another. I urge you, my brothers and sisters in the Lord, to let the perfect love of Christ live within you, being full of tender mercies, shining forth kindness and humility by His Spirit, and “pay it forward,” as they say, forgiving others in grace as you also have been forgiven, and may God's perfect peace reign in your heart.

And above all things have fervent love for one another,

for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

-1 Peter 4:8

 

Have You Had Your TAWG Today?

  

I have a 17 year old daughter who lives on the island of Guam in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. She doesn’t know it yet, but she inspired this blog post when I was chatting with her the other day on Facebook. Guam is 14 hours ahead of the US East Coast, so it was Friday night here and Saturday morning there. She told me she needed to get off of the computer for a while because she had to do her TAWG. Having never seen that acronym before, I naturally asked what it meant, and she told me, “Time Alone With God.”

 


My daughter Shadanice

 

And when thou prayest,

thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:

for they love to pray standing in the synagogues

and in the corners of the streets,

that they may be seen of men.

Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou prayest,

enter into thy closet,

and when thou hast shut thy door,

pray to thy Father which is in secret;

and thy Father which seeth in secret

shall reward thee openly.

- Matthew 6:5-6

My friends, have you had your TAWG today? The above Bible passage from Matthew 6 is in red letters in my bible. Jesus, Himself, told us to make time to be alone with God. Some people call it going into their prayer closet. It doesn’t have to be a literal closet, as some people do, which is perfectly fine, but a quiet time and place to be with God. Thank Him for His many blessings, pray for yourself and others, read the Bible, confess what you need to confess, but don’t do all the talking. Take time to listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Seek His guidance, His will for you, how you can bless others, and how you can glorify Him.



A literal prayer closet



Immediately Jesus made His disciples

get into the boat and go before Him

to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.

And when He had sent the multitudes away,

He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.

Now when evening came, He was alone there.

- Matthew 14:22-23

Not only did Jesus tell us to spend time alone with God, He set the example for us, as seen in these Bible verses from Matthew 14. Notice how Jesus is proactive here. He didn’t just wait for things to quiet down, He made the time. He sent His disciples away, and then He sent the crowd away. I want to encourage you today, my brethren, to make time for your TAWG. All of us can come up with reasons not to and give a list of stuff that is keeping us "too busy," myself included, but aren’t they really all just excuses? Sometimes we even become so caught up in ministry work that it becomes an excuse for no time ALONE with God, just like Mikes Sumondong wrote about on his blog, Your Daily Word. Can’t we find at least 20 or 30 minutes a day to make time for God every day? Turn off the TV, get off of the computer, get up a little earlier in the morning, or maybe get ready for bed a little earlier and have your TAWG then. Satan doesn’t like it when we have some TAWG, and he’ll throw anything in our way he can, but stand firm my friends, because we are more than conquerors in Christ!

Extreme Makeover - Heart Edition

By: Carl Holland
Carl's Words of Inspiration

Heart transplant surgery, though still a very serious operation, seems almost routine with today's medical technology. Many people claim to feel like they have much more energy and can breathe better after receiving a new heart. Sort of a "renewed life" you might say. That's what it's like when we come to God and let the Holy Spirit work inside us. Before a heart transplant is even considered, it must be determined that there is a problem with the heart to begin with. You may be physically healthy without a heart disease, but you still have to contend with "heart deceive." In Jeremiah 17:9 we read:

The heart is deceitful above all things,

And desperately wicked;

who can know it?

And in Proverbs 28:26:

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,

But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

So, our own hearts can deceive us and we not know it, and we are fools to trust it. Ouch! Sounds pretty harsh, but that’s what God says about our emotional heart. He certainly knows, and He says so in Jeremiah 17:10:

I, the LORD, search the heart,

I test the mind,

Even to give every man according to his ways,

According to the fruit of his doings.

So how do we get this extreme heart makeover? Simple… we just ask the Master Surgeon for it, and we humbly allow Him to do it. As we seek to do His will and set our own desires aside, He renews our heart, both inwardly in how we look at things such as ourselves and situations we face, and outwardly in how we respond to and treat others around us. Is your heart made of stone, and maybe you don't even realize it? Have you stopped to honestly consider whether your own heart is deceiving you and you're operating based on feelings rather than God's Spirit within you? Humbly submit to His authority, His ways, and His will for you today, setting your sights on the things above, and let Him do some radical, life-changing heart surgery in you to make you more like Him! Jesus is the cure for any heart condition!

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

- Ephesians 3:14-19

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;

I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh

and give you a heart of flesh.

-Ezekiel 36:26

God's Economy- It's Never in Recession

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,

where moth and rust destroy

and where thieves break in and steal;

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust destroys

and where thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

- Matthew 6:19-21

The Egyptian Pyramids of Giza are certainly one of the true wonders of the ancient world. A great deal of archaeological study has been done on them. Essentially they were huge tombstones for the Pharaohs buried in them. Included in their burial chambers were large amounts of valuable earthly treasures of gold and silver and such, which, it was believed, the Pharaoh needed in the afterlife. Well, if grave robbers or archaeologists were able to find it still there many years later, obviously they didn’t take their treasures to the afterlife with them.

It is recorded in the Bible that the Egyptians were using the ancient Hebrews as slaves for construction work before God called Moses to deliver them. Today’s researchers are trying to remove that part of history by preferring more politically correct terms such as “laborers” or “workmen” instead of slaves, some even flat-out denying that slaves were used. Some so-called “researchers” even go so far as to say the pyramids were built by space aliens with super-advanced technology. Somehow, they find that easier to believe than the biblical account of the Egyptian Pharaohs using slave labor to build monuments to their own over-inflated egos that believed themselves to be gods.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare,

and into many foolish and harmful lusts

which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,

for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness,

and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

- 1 Timothy 6:6-10

But this isn’t about the Pyramids, or who built them and how. It’s an example of self-glorification and putting trust in the riches of this world. You can’t take any wealth of this Earth with you when you die. That’s why we have wills to distribute our possessions to those we want to receive it. Where are you storing up your treasure? Where are you investing your heart? Investing in mutual funds or the stock market may produce riches of this Earth, which is here today and gone tomorrow, but it has no eternal significance. Is that where your heart is? Or is your heart set on Jesus and the things above, obeying His Word and doing good deeds in His Name, which stores treasures and crowns in Heaven that you will so thankfully give back to Him one day? Salvation is a free gift of God, paid for by Jesus because we couldn’t pay what was required, nor could we earn it. Treasures we store in Heaven are rewards for our good works we do in His name, for HIS glory, and not our own while we are on this Earth. They are fruits of our Salvation, but do not produce salvation. Trust that God will provide what you need in this earthly realm, and be content with what He has provided. Invest your heart in God’s economy- it’s never in recession, and the returns are out of this world!

Seven Places Christ Bled

If this video doesn't touch you and give you a better appreciation for just what Jesus did for you, maybe you should try walking on water. Betcha get wet!

What is Worship? - Beyond the Music

A very dear friend of mine shared this funny worship video with me. It’s funny, but at the same time, sad. Isn’t the twist of these worship lyrics true of many in the Church, or if we’re honest, ALL of us at some time or another?

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

- John 4:24

I’ll admit I’ve had times when I’ve been in a worship service and really didn’t feel like being there and just sort of “going through the motions.” I’m sure we all have. Are we getting all dressed up in our “Sunday best” to be seen “going to church” so we can look all spiritual? Are we busy looking at what so-and-so is wearing? Do we really “surrender all” to Jesus, or do we just “surrender some?” Are there things in our lives that we want to keep control of in the flesh? Do we have things deep inside us that we don’t dare let out because we’re afraid of what others will think? “If they knew this about me, would they think I’m not Christian enough?” Or do we deny the truth even to ourselves because we’ve been taught to believe that Christians aren’t supposed to have this or that issue they struggle with? Of all places, the Church (the body of believers, not the building) should be where we can let our guard down, open up to our brethren, be real, confess to each other our problems without being judged so we can lift each other up and encourage one another. We shouldn’t be made to feel like we have to fake it and act like we have it all together. I’ll be the first to admit… I don’t. It is Christ alone that holds me together. (link to Louie Giglio- Laminin post) Nothing is hidden from Him. God searches the heart and knows us better than we know ourselves.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,

that you present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy, acceptable to God,

which is your reasonable service.

And do not be conformed to this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

- Romans 12:1-2

This begs the question then, “what is worship?” It is certainly not the music. Sure, the music can produce an emotional reaction, but we can be fooled by our own emotions. Worship is summed up very well in Romans 12:1-2. I’m not trying to “rewrite Scripture,” but I believe you can think of worship by considering this passage something like this: when you realize God’s mercy on you in giving Himself to save you, it should make you want to live your life for Him in all ways, giving yourself fully to Him, setting yourself apart for His purposes for you, obeying what He has commanded you to do, and seeking to please Him alone. Don’t be how the world says you should be, but seek to be what God says you can be in Him, by letting His Word transform your thinking into what He desires for you, and put that thinking into actions where people see Christ in you, and not yourself. Worship music is great and can help us get/keep our mind set on Christ, but true worship goes far beyond the music. We have to keep the focus on Christ as we seek Him with all our hearts, and seek to live out the Gospel according to His will for us, that others are drawn to Him and not ourselves. Ask yourself, “Am I exalting Christ? Or me…”

At What Price, Freedom?

Artist's depiction of Abraham Lincoln witnessing a slave auction.
- Courtesy of Time-Life

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word,

you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth,

and the truth shall make you free.”

They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been

in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you,

whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.

And a slave does not abide in the house forever,

but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free,

you shall be free indeed.” – John 8:31-36

There is a tale told of Abraham Lincoln about 30 years before he was elected president that says he saw a slave girl on the auction block one day and proceeded to bid on her purchase. He would continually raise the bid one dollar above the previous bidder until he finally won the auction and purchased the girl. She asked him what he was going to do with her, and he replied that he was setting her free. She was puzzled and asked what he meant. He then said that it meant she could go anywhere she wanted to because she was a free person. She replied that she would go with him, then, because she wanted to stay with the one who purchased her freedom. Though this is a tale that has become part of American folklore, along the lines of George Washington chopping down the cherry tree, isn’t it an amazing picture of what Christ has done for us?

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. – Romans 3:23

The bible tells us that all of us have sinned, every single one of us without exception. Jesus told us that “whoever commits sin is a slave of sin,” therefore we are all slaves in bondage to sin. Jesus, however, bought us out of that slavery. The price He paid was Himself, spilling His own precious blood in a torturous death, culminating with His voluntary crucifixion on the cross, to pay our death penalty in our place. But on the third day, as He said He would, HALLELUJAH he arose, conquering death to set us free. All He wants is that we fully trust Him, that He did everything necessary to free us from sin and death and reconcile us back to the Father.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” – John 15:13-14

The slave girl in the story had a choice; go about life on her own, probably ending up being a slave again anyway, or voluntarily follow the one who bought her to set her free. Abraham Lincoln was known as one with a great love for humanity, and he eventually did set the slaves free with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Jesus, fully man, and fully God, has a great love for humanity as well, as summed up John 3:16. He demonstrated how great His love is for us by paying the ultimate price to buy our freedom. He laid down His life for His friends, who He says are those who do what He commands. Should we not, then, choose to follow Him and do as He commands us to do? Can we really call ourselves a friend of God if we don’t? Choose this day which path you will follow, the wide path of bondage to sin and death, or the narrow path of freedom from sin and everlasting life; a slave to sin, or a servant for Christ.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate

and broad is the way that leads to destruction,

and there are many who go in by it.

Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way

which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

– Matthew 7:13-14

Can You Pass Heaven's Entrance Exam?

“Why do you call Me good? No one is

good but One, that is, God.”

- Matthew 19:17, Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19

There are many people who hope they’ll be good enough to get into heaven when they die. It should scare them to death (no pun intended) to have to go through life “hoping” they’ll go to heaven instead of “knowing,” considering what the alternative is. But, then again, many who “hope” to go to heaven don’t believe there is a hell, so it doesn’t really bother them. Well, seems to me that, if you “hope” to go to heaven, then you must believe you have an eternal soul that goes somewhere after you die. “Hoping” to go to heaven, then, must also mean there is an alternative place you’ll go if you don’t get into heaven. “But I’ve never missed church!” “I’ve put lots of money in the offering plate!” “I’ve done a lot of charity work!” “But, I’ve been a pretty good person. I mean, I’ve never killed anybody. I kept the 10 commandments!” All of these are reasons people have for thinking they’re going to heaven. Every one of them is wrong and can be refuted with scripture, but I won’t go into that here. That would make this post way too long. All of these things, however, are dependent upon what the person does or doesn’t do. The simple truth is, THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TO EARN OUR WAY INTO HEAVEN! It’s a heart issue, as I wrote about a few months ago in my post Have You Had a Heart Transplant? In the words of Jesus above, He plainly pointed out that the only one that can be considered “good” is God. Anything less is less than good. How can we possibly think that anything we can do can stand up to God’s goodness?

But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses

are like filthy rags.

- Isaiah 64:6

Compared to God’s righteousness, all of our good deeds are like filthy rags. Is that what we want to bring Him to get into heaven? And it applies across the board; rich or poor, white or black, Protestant or Catholic, American or Chinese, drug addict or preacher. We are all in the same boat because none of us are “good enough.”

There is none righteous, no, not one.

- Romans 3:10

Did you know there is an entrance exam to get into heaven? Have you studied for it? No, you don’t need to know the bible inside out. You don’t need to be a master of every point of doctrine. You don’t even have to be able to quote scripture like a biblical scholar. The exam is only one question God is concerned with: did you trust my Son? It’s that simple, but so many people miss it because “people” make it complicated. God made it simple, and He did all the work for us. All He wants us to do is trust that Jesus has it all covered for us. He died on the cross as God’s perfect sacrifice to conquer death for us, to pay a debt for sin that He did not owe, because we could never pay the debt ourselves. That was the whole mission of the baby whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, as I wrote about in my post Born to Die.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

- John 3:16

This is perhaps the most widely quoted scripture of the entire bible. But look what it says. It says that God gave His Son. When you give something, it is a gift to simply be received. If you’ve been trusting in your own ability to get to heaven, won’t you take a moment to consider this and honestly ask yourself if you deserve to get into heaven, or if you’re just bringing Him filthy rags? Be completely honest with yourself, lay aside your pride, and make the decision to simply TRUST Jesus and not yourself to get to heaven. That’s all there is to it, and you too can pass heaven’s entrance exam with flying colors!

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father

except through Me.”

- John 14:6

Born to Die

It’s often said that we all have some purpose in life, something we were “born for.” Some seem to find their clear-cut purpose and pursue it’s fulfillment with great vigor and enthusiasm. Many are still searching, and sadly, some seem to go through life floundering about with no sense or purpose whatsoever. There is one thing that each and every one of us was born to do, but all too many don’t, and that is simply to worship God. There are all kinds of excuses thrown around, like “I tried religion and it’s not for me,” or “it’s all a myth,” or just simply choosing not to believe. Even believers make excuses when they backslide, don’t try to live a Godly lifestyle, or take a contrary view on something God is very clear about. I’ve been just as guilty as the next person. We try to rationalize things in our humanness, but worshipping God is a spiritual act, not a humanly one. If we are to fulfill our purpose of worshipping God, then we must surrender our will to God and seek to please Him instead of, or in spite of, ourselves. This is the essence of Romans 12:1-2.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. – Romans 12:1-2

Every December we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but do we stop to reflect on what His purpose was, what He was “born to do?” We’ve fashioned some hallmark-esque feel-good image of the Nativity with a neat little manger bed, shepherds watching in wonder, angels singing, and the Three Wise Men bringing gifts, though they really didn’t show up until Jesus was already two or three years old. The reality is that Jesus was born in a barn, basically. He was born in a nasty, smelly place where the animals were housed and fed. His bed was a manger, which is an animal feeding trough. I’m sure that was a real clean, sterile place to put a newborn baby. The King of Kings left His throne and came to dwell among us, arriving is such a lowly manner, born for one purpose. He was born to die. Jesus, being God With Us, knew this was his mission and told his disciples so.

But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” - John 12:23-28

Though Jesus is fully God, He was fully human, as well. Sometimes we may feel overwhelmed by the pressures of work deadlines, meeting our family’s needs, or fulfilling our ministerial commitments. How often do we say something like, “I’m only human and I can only do so much?” Jesus quite literally had the weight of the world on Him. In His humanness He felt every emotion, endured every pain, and dealt with the ups and downs of life just as we do. He was even tempted just as we are, but the difference is that He didn’t sin. Can you even begin to imagine the incredible pressure He was under knowing the physical torture that would be inflicted on Him, the intense public humiliation He would have to endure, and the agonizing death He was destined to suffer? Can you imagine having the spiritual fate of all humanity resting on your shoulders? Yes, Jesus the God-man felt the pressure, as evidenced by the events that transpired in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest. He was literally sweating blood as He prayed. He knew it was the Father’s plan from before the foundation of the world. He loves us so much that He gave over His human will to the Father’s will, and endured it all to be our atonement to bring us back into right standing with God, and all He wants us to do is trust Him, that He did everything that was necessary because there is nothing we could ever do ourselves to bridge the gap between man and God.

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw,

and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will,

take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”

- Luke 22:41-42

As we celebrate this Christmas season, let’s not be distracted by all the shopping, decorations, food, family, travel, and all the stuff that comes with this time of year. Be sure to keep Christ in Christmas, as the old cliché goes. Remember that the King came into the world in a very lowly way as a Servant to all, as we should be servants to each other, as well. Remember that this innocent little child whose birth we celebrate, was God’s perfect, innocent lamb, born to die for you.

The Bible is like the Health Care Bill

For though by this time you ought to be teachers,

you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God;

 and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness,

for he is a babe.

But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is,

those who by reason of use have their senses exercised 

to discern both good and evil.

– Hebrews 5:12-14 (NKJV)

The Apostle Paul used the terms “milk” and “solid food” (“strong meat” in the KJV) a few times to describe spiritual growth and the study and understanding of scripture. The phrase “partakes only of milk” is descriptive of how babies only have milk, or formula, for their first few months of life. During this time they are totally dependent on the parents to feed them. Eventually the baby will start eating cereal and baby food, progressively moving to more solid food as they mature and their teeth develop. They eventually reach a point where they are feeding themselves, quite sloppily at first, but better with time. My daughter’s dog’s puppies, which I posted a picture of when they were newborn puppies, have shown me a prime example of this over the last six weeks. They've gone from mama’s milk, to soft, canned food, to canned food mixed with dry puppy food. They are weaned and mama is getting fixed this week, so no more milk!

This is very much like the spiritual journey of a new believer in Christ. How often have you heard someone described as a “babe in Christ?” Paul even alludes to that in this passage. As babes, new believers are dependent on others to point them in the right direction, teaching them and guiding them in the doctrines of the Christian faith. They start with the basic, simple stuff; the “milk.” Often a new believer will get “on fire for the Lord” for a while. Depending on the environment of the church they are attending, that fire may quickly fade, or hopefully, it will be stoked hotter and hotter and be encouraged to grow by others in the church. As the new believer grows in knowledge and understanding, they should have a desire to get deeper in the Word of God, biting off a chunk and chewing on it, savoring the flavor, getting all they can out of it.

Sadly, though, even some long-time Christians are content to keep sucking on milk and being spoon-fed baby food every Sunday morning. If this is something wide-spread, and new believers aren’t being encouraged to grow spiritually, then we are failing as a church body. I encourage you, my brothers and sisters, move beyond the milk. Think of your bible as a thick, juicy, never-ending steak. Every time you take a bite, squeeze all the flavor out of it you can, always seeking to chew your way deeper and deeper. Don’t be afraid of it, rather let the Holy Spirit open your eyes of understanding. You may ask, “Why bother if I’m saved anyway?” I’ll give you two commonly quoted, self-explanatory scriptures to tell you why:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

 rightly dividing the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:

and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you

a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear – 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)

Oh, about the health care bill thing, that should be obvious by now. Nancy Pelosi said “But we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it.” Well, if we are to say the bible is the Word of God on which we build our faith, then shouldn’t Christians read it and study it so they know what’s in it?

Real Eyes, to Realize, Where the Real Lies

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,

And prudent in their own sight!

– Isaiah 5:21

Michael McInerney is often quoted as having said, “Jesus gives us real eyes, so we can realize, where the real lies.” Beyond just being a cute little play on words, there is some really profound truth in that statement. We rely so much on our sight to let us know what’s going on around us, what’s in our way, what our perceived “reality” is. How often have you used or heard the phrase, “I’ll believe it when I see it?” In the spiritual realm, seeing isn’t always believing, nor does believing always come from seeing, at least not with our natural eyes. The Pharisees saw with their own eyes the miracles Jesus performed, but yet did not believe. Their spiritual eyes were closed so they were blind to the fact that He was their promised Messiah. Which eyes are you looking through, your own, or the ones Jesus gave you?

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,

may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened;

that you may know what is the hope of His calling,

what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints

– Ephesians 1:17-18

When we receive the gift of life that Jesus offers and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, He opens our spiritual eyes to some stark realities about ourselves and the world. This is when we see just what our sin has done to us, what it is doing to the world, how it has separated us all from God, and our need for a Savior to bridge that gap. This is the greatest realization anyone can come to, because it is the only one with eternal consequences. Once our eyes are truly opened to this, we can’t help but look to nowhere else but Jesus.

So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes.

And immediately their eyes received sight,

and they followed Him. – Matthew 20:34



While we’re looking to Jesus for our salvation, are we ignoring the rest of the world, or are we now seeing them as Jesus does? Are we looking to the lost with compassion and a desire to show them the love of God, or are we looking at them with disgust and condemnation for their sin? The reality is that the lost and dying world needs Jesus too, and it is our job to point them toward Him that their eyes may also be opened. Once your eyes have been opened to the real destruction of sin, don’t go back to sleep and pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist. Use your real eyes, to realize, where the real lies.

Which Sea Are You?

By: Carl Holland
Carl's Words of Inspiration

 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said,

out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. 

– John 7:38

In Israel there is a peculiar geographic phenomenon. Despite its small size, Israel is home to two landlocked seas. One was often a central focal point during Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is alive, teeming with life that has provided a living for many generations of fishermen. Its waters flow south via the Jordan River into Israel’s other sea, the Dead Sea.

For as the body without the spirit is dead,

so faith without works is dead also. – James 2:26

The Dead Sea is extremely salty and devoid of life. Its shoreline also happens to be the lowest point on the earth not covered by water at about 1360 feet below sea level, and getting lower. Despite its steady infusion of “living water” from the Sea of Galilee, it can never support life, and actually evaporates off more water than it takes in. The Dead Sea is dead, and dying.

So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,

I will vomit you out of My mouth. –Revelation 3:16

Jesus laid down His life as THE Living Water to flow life into us as we were dead in our sins. If you were to be completely honest with yourself, which sea do you resemble? Are you the kind of Christian who is alive in the Spirit, breathing life into others, pouring out living water? Are the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) evidenced in your life? Or do you more resemble the Dead Sea? Do you do your Christian “duty” and sit in church every Sunday getting fed by the preacher? Do you then let it “evaporate” later, not even considering Christ the other six days of the week?

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. – James 1:22

There’s an old expression that goes something like “sitting in church makes you a Christian as much as sitting in a garage makes you a car.” Take heart! We worship a God of second chances! He is always willing to forgive. He will draw closer to you if you ask him and seek him with all your heart in spirit and truth. Don’t let the Word go in one ear and out the other. Take what you’ve learned and apply it to your life. DO the Word and be a blessing to others!

Are We Throwing Rocks at Jesus?

By: Carl Holland
Carl's Words of Inspiration

I came across this picture while I was surfing around today. As soon as I saw it, it struck a very deep chord in me. It's a simple, yet very powerful picture that speaks volumes. Most people with even a rudimentary knowledge of the Bible are at least familiar with the passage of John 8:7, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her," but look at the words on the stones; restore, forgive, love, reconcile. These are all attributes we are supposed to be applying to our lives. Consider the following scripture verses. Galatians 6:1, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." Matthew 6:14-15, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Ephesians 5:2, "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." Matthew 5:23-24, "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." WOW! Look how much of that is red letters, spoken by Jesus. How often do we thoughtlessly throw stones at people for their mistakes, their habits, their lifestyle? Have we stopped to pull out that huge board sticking out of our own eye before worrying about the splinter in someone else's? Have we made ourselves their judge and condemned them, placing ourselves in the position of God? If we're not walking in love and forgiveness, seeking to restore and reconcile, are we throwing rocks at Jesus?

Leap from the Lion’s Head

By: Carl Holland

Carl's Words of Inspiration

…and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan,

and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water…

that the waters which came down from upstream stood still…

Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD

stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan;

and all Israel crossed over on dry ground –Joshua 3:15-17

Do you remember the scene in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where Indy was faced with having to cross a deep crevice to find the Cup of Christ to save his father’s life? His book of clues collected over the years told him “only in the leap from the lion’s head will he prove his worth.” From his position he could not see the bridge across the gap because it was so well camouflaged with the background of the rocky walls on the other side. Everything his senses took in around him told him he couldn’t get across, and it took a step of faith beyond what he could see, but his father was depending on him. He takes that step into seemingly thin air, but finds firm footing. The camera then pans to the side and we can now see the bridge across the divide.

And when Peter had come down out of the boat,

he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid;

and beginning to sink he cried out,

saying, “Lord, save me!” –Matthew 14:29-30

When the Israelites entered Canaan the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant went in first. The Ark was the dwelling place of God on Earth, so they were literally putting God first as they went in to occupy the Promised Land. It wasn’t until the priests actually stepped into the Jordan River that the waters parted. It was quite literally their step of faith that made the way for the Israelites to claim the promise of God. Peter, too, took a step of faith and walked on the water. It wasn’t until he took his focus off of Jesus that he began to sink. Everything else around him told him he couldn’t do this, kind of like Indy seeing nothing but a huge gap he couldn’t jump over. We may have storms all around us, seemingly insurmountable problems, and we may not even know which way to turn when we look at our circumstances, but we have to take a step of faith. “Be still and know that I am God” does not mean sit and do nothing! We may not know what direction to go, but we need to step in faith with our focus on Jesus, and when we do, God promises to guide us and uphold us. Are you stuck in neutral, spinning your wheels, don’t know where to go? Is God calling you to trust by faith His Son, the Lion of Judah, to bridge the gap between you and Him? Walking with God requires taking steps, so get out of your boat, keep your eyes on Jesus, and start stepping, and He will lead you to the Promised Land He has in store for you!

Renewal Notices

By: Carl Holland
Carl's Words of Inspiration

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

We’ve all received junk mail. You know… those unsolicited sale papers, credit card offers, and home refinancing deals the postal carrier stuffs your mailbox with. And with today’s electronic age there’s the spam that fills your email inbox. Amid all the clutter there are the more important things like bills, those friendly reminders from your creditors that you owe them money. Many of us also get renewal notices. I receive a birthday present from the state every year; renewal notices for the tags and taxes on my vehicles. I receive notices from my veterinarian to renew the immunizations for my pets. There are also renewal notices for such things as our licenses, membership cards, and car insurance to help us keep those things from expiring.

Unfortunately, we don’t get renewal notices in the mail for the most important things in life. We don’t get a reminder to renew our love for our spouse, and if we forget, they may remind us in a not-so-pleasant way. Nor do we get a notice to renew our love in our relationships with our children or our friends. If that love goes unrenewed, it may end up going cold.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

We do, however, have a constant renewal notice from God. It’s called the Bible. Don’t let it get lost amongst all the junk. God has called us to a relationship with Him. It is the most important relationship we can ever have. He has called us to renew that relationship daily. When we are in a right relationship with God, it will flow out into our relationships with others. How up-to-date is your relationship with Him? Is it a little overdue and in need of renewal?

Get with God today and renew that relationship. Let him clean your heart, renew your spirit, and renew your mind; transforming you day by day more into his likeness. Let your relationship with and love for God spill over into your relationships with those around you. Renew those relationships that need it. Let your spouse, your children, and your friends know that you love them, and most importantly, that God loves them too.

The Garden of Life

I can't claim to have written this.  I received this by email from a friend a few years ago and saved it, so I don't know who wrote it to give them credit, but I like it.  So, here it is just as I received it...

“The Garden of Life”


For the Garden of your daily living

Plant three rows of peas:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

Plant four rows of squash:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

Plant four rows of lettuce:
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

No garden without turnips:
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another

To conclude our garden, we must have thyme:
1. Thyme for God
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends
4. Thyme for each other

Water freely with patience and cultivate with love.
There is much fruit in your garden because you reap what you sow.

I found a really great e-cookbooks site! Cook restaurant quality meals at home for a fraction of the cost!

When Emotions Mislead | Men of Integrity

When Emotions Mislead Men of Integrity

When God created us He gave us the ability to feel emotions. Our emotions, however, can deceive us. How we respond should always be bounced against God's Word to be sure we're handling things the way God would have us do. We can't trust our feelings, but we can always trust God.

Have You Had a Heart Transplant?

By: Carl Holland
Carl's Words of Inspiration

Heart transplant surgery, though still a very serious operation, seems almost routine with today's medical technology. Many people claim to feel like they have much more energy and can breathe better after receiving a new heart. Sort of a "renewed life" you might say. That's what it's like when we come to God and let the Holy Spirit work inside us. Before a heart transplant is even considered, it must be determined that there is a problem with the heart to begin with. In Jeremiah 17:9 we read:

The heart is deceitful above all things,

And desperately wicked;

who can know it?

And in Proverbs 28:26:

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,

But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

So, our own hearts can deceive us and we not know it, and we are fools to trust it. Ouch! Sounds pretty harsh, but that’s what God has said about the human heart. He certainly knows, because He says so in Jeremiah 17:10:

I, the LORD, search the heart,

I test the mind,

Even to give every man according to his ways,

According to the fruit of his doings.

So how do we get this heart transplant? Simple… we just ask the Master Surgeon for it, and we humbly allow Him to do it. As we seek to do His will and set our own desires aside, He renews our heart, both inwardly in how we look at things such as ourselves and situations we face, and outwardly in how we respond to and treat others around us. Humbly submit to His authority, His ways, and His will for you today, setting you sights on the things above, and let Him do some radical, life-changing surgery in you to make you more like Him!

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:14-19

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. – Ezekiel 36:26

Are You a Prism or a Mirror?

By: Carl Holland
Carl's Words of Inspiration


Ephesians 5:8 “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light”

Remember science class back in elementary school (or maybe it was middle school, it was too long ago for me to remember exactly when) learning about prisms and their interaction with light waves? They have a pretty cool effect where they bend the light passing through them and break it into the rainbow of colors that make up the light spectrum. The light coming out doesn’t look like the light going in. Mirrors, on the other hand, simply reflect the light that hits them right back without changing it. In 1 John 1:5 we read,

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

We are to walk as children of light, and God is that light. We must be careful, then, that it is God’s light that shines forth, not our own. Ephesians 5:1 tells us to be followers, or imitators in most translations, of God. We can’t be God. Trying to be equal to God is what got Adam and Eve kicked out of the Garden, as well as getting Lucifer booted from Heaven. God speaks quite well for Himself. He doesn’t need our opinion. When we try to inject our own thoughts or feelings or opinions into God’s word, we change it; distorting it and refracting it like a prism. Our words, our actions, our lifestyle, should all reflect the character of God, shining the light of Christ, not our own light, to a lost world. Brethren, are you a prism or a highly polished mirror? Being completely honest with yourself, are there some areas you can think of where you could use a little more polishing? I know I sure have some. Open yourself up to God’s instruction a little more, grow closer to Him day by day, and let him buff up that shine a little more. He doesn’t even need Windex.