Pit Diggers and Stone Rollers, Watch Out!

- "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them." (Proverbs 26:27 NIV)--Usually evil destroys itself. When people set a trap/dig a pit for others or roll a boulder down on others, they unknowingly prepare mischief/ruin to themselves. "Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads." (Psalm 7:15-16) Often violent people become victims of violence. The wicked unintentionally get caught in their own trap and get crushed by their own boulder. "Evildoers are snared by their own sin." (Proverbs 29:6a)
- What goes around, comes around! You reap what you sow! "Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken." (Proverbs 22:8) "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." (Galatians 6:7) When people mistreat us, try to trap us or crush us, conspire against us, we should never seek revenge. We are to love our enemies. God is our Defender and Avenger. By the righteous judgment of God, He often turns their crafty devices on their own lives (ex: Haman was impaled on the pole he had set up for Mordecai). "Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap." (Proverbs 28:10a) "The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden." (Psalm 9:15)

"Let us not plot against others, lest we injure ourselves. When we supplant the reputation of others, let us consider that we injure ourselves, it is against ourselves that we plot. For perchance with men we do him harm, if we have power, but ourselves in the sight of God, by provoking Him against us. Let us not, then, injure ourselves. For as we injure ourselves when we injure our neighbours, so by benefiting them we benefit ourselves" (~St. Chrysostom)

God's Purposes Prevail

- The Lord works out everything for its purpose (according to His plan) Everything. All things are made by Him and for Him. "For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen." (Romans 11:36) 
- Even the destruction of the wicked is according to His will (He is God of Justice). "For Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My Name might be proclaimed in all the earth.'" (Romans 9:17) "The wicked are as much in the hands of God to be punished by Him as the good are in His hands to receive undeserved kindness." (~James Maclean)
- Everything in God's design has its own purpose and reason. Everything (including the day of trouble/disaster for the wicked) serves His purposes. If the wicked don't repent, they will fall under the wrath of God. Everything demonstrates God's goodness, power, wisdom, justice,...for His glory. The will and the works of God will prevail. The plans and the purposes of God will prevail. God is sovereign over all. God governs the world. The free choices of people do not surprise God and do not thwart God's plan. I love the story of Joseph. Genesis 50:20 sums it up, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Knowing that God is in total control of my life humbles me and comforts me. Why should I fear? Why should I worry? God's got my back. I just need to trust Him and obey Him.

The Lord Loves Justice

- "For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish." (Psalm 37:28 NIV) -- The Lord loves justice and those who act justly. "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) God loves what is good, right & just and He only does what is good, right, and just. "For the Lord is righteous, He loves justice; the upright will see His face." (Psalm 11:7) 

- The Lord never forsakes His faithful children (sinners turned into saints) no matter what. This demonstrates God's unfailing, unchanging love for us. We (those who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior) are preserved forever in Christ from the power and punishment of sin. By the grace and power of God, we are safe and secure eternally. There will be perpetual blessings for the just & the faithful and there will be perpetual misery for the wicked. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed and their children who follow their wicked ways will be cut off (like withered branches and be cast into everlasting fire). 

- I consider Psalm 37 "Envy Buster" :). David was puzzled by the prevalence of wickedness and said in the first verse of Psalm 37, "Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong." We may look at the people who hate and reject God live prosperously/successfully (in the world's eyes) or those who do evil things seem to get away with their crimes and we wonder why. Be assured that nothing escapes the watchful eyes of God. His judgments on the wicked may not be immediately carried out but we know their final destiny. How shall we live in the midst of wicked people? Trust God; do good; don't worry (Psalm 37:7). God always takes care of those who are devoted to Him and faithful to Him.

- Many people fail to understand God's nature as both a loving Father (God is Love) and a Lover of justice. God of Love (1 John 4:8) is the same God as God of Justice (Isaiah 30:18). "The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love." (Psalm 33:5) "The Lord is known by His acts of justice." (Psalm 9:16a) This video by Francis Chan addresses two lies that lots of people believe. Please don't believe these lies; your eternal destiny is at stake! God's truth is powerful. If God were unjust, would you think He's loving? And if He were not just, He would not be God!

Wherever You Go

- "Have I not commanded you?" A rhetorical question. This verse is God's third time commanding Joshua (Israelites' new leader after Moses' death) to be strong and courageous.
- Here we see God not only gives Joshua a command but also gives him a beautiful promise. God's Command: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. God's Promise: God will be with you wherever you go. The promise of God's constant presence is such a sweet assurance. God's presence makes all the difference in the world! It gives us comfort and confidence.
- "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." (Ephesians 6:10) Be strong mentally and spiritually. Put on the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:11-17). Be courageous. To be brave-hearted, not faint-hearted. The key to courage is knowing who God is...who the Source of true courage is! Remember...when things are out of control, God is always in control. When we're in tight places and it seems there's no way out, God will make a way for us. When we're flummoxed and flabbergasted, God is forever faithful. What we deem impossible, it's a piece of cake for God.
- Do not be afraid. In life, we face many problems, challenges, and difficulties but we need not fear any. God is greater than any giants. God has never forsaken/abandoned those who seek Him and He never will. God is always present with us even when we don't feel His presence. We are never alone. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6) Whenever God's Word says, "Do not be afraid", it often includes the promise of God's presence ("...For I am with you"). Such a caring & comforting promise! Do not be afraid; God's got this! To overcome fear, we must fully trust God and rest in His unfailing love for us.
- Do not be dismayed/discouraged. Are you discouraged by the world's events or by circumstances in your own life? Take heart and be of courage! "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31b) Rely on God's grace, power, and strength. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. When God is pleased to work through us, nothing will be able to stop us. Don't give up; God is there to help you and guide you. He who sends you will strengthen you. He who calls you will equip you.
- Prayer: Father, please give me courage and boldness and take away any fear or discouragement so that I may obey You, serve You, and live for You with no compromise. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit and empower me to do all that You have called me to do. Please show me how to lead the precious children You have given me. I need Your wisdom, strength, and grace. Help me to love, lead, and serve like Jesus! In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Worry about Nothing; Pray about Everything

- Paul was writing this letter to the church in Philippi from a prison. He certainly had a reason to be anxious but he discovered a secret that takes anxiety away and replaces with peace and joy. Essentially, Paul was saying...worry about nothing; pray about everything :).
- Prayer with gratitude is the antidote to anxiety. Before we make any requests, we should thank God for Who He is and for what He has already done for us. Thank Him for His presence, protection, and provision. Thank Him for His faithfulness, wisdom, and grace. As we come to our Abba Father in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, we grow in our faith and in our relationship with Him. Prayer may not change our situations but it changes us.
- "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) We can always bring everything to the Lord in prayer. Take your problems (every worry/every concern/every burden) to Jesus and leave them there. Let go. Don't pick them back up. Don't carry around weights of anxiety; they will keep you from being useful. Let go and walk in freedom, in faith, and in obedience. Instead of fretting or worrying, pray. Trust in God's loving sovereignty. Trust God's answers (God's will and God's ways) and God's timing. I pray. I trust. I rest.
- Anxiety is fear of the unknown. If we think long enough, we'll find something to be anxious about because so many things are unknown to us. We must remember that what is unknown to us is completely known to our Heavenly Father. God can be trusted in every anxious situation. He knows what we need even before we ask Him. Don't waste your energy on worries and stress. Don't let anxiety steal your joy. We don't know what the future has in store, but we do know we can trust God's heart and God's Word. We become anxious when our focus is on the circumstances and/or the unknown, instead of the All-knowing, All-loving, All-powerful God. "To care is a virtue, but to foster cares is sin." (Muller)
- Prayer: Father, thank You for being in control and for caring about me! Thank You for always loving me and listening to me! Whenever I have any anxious thoughts, please replace them with complete trust and calm confidence in You and with peace that only You can give. I want to let go of all my burdens and rest in You. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

"I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize the Lord is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine. It makes no matter where He places me, or how. That is rather for Him to consider than for me; for in the easiest positions He must give me His grace, and in the most difficult, His grace is sufficient." (~Hudson Taylor)

Kindness and Patience

The sermon this weekend at our church is on Romans 2. I'd like to share what stood out to me.

"Do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" Romans 2:4

How we feel about and how we treat God's kindness, forbearance, and patience affect how we treat other people. Do we truly realize that God's kindness is intended to lead us to repentance? If we do, we will also show kindness to other people because we want to lead them to repentance. Are you quick to judge others or are you quick to show kindness, patience, and understanding? There's a proper time to judge/discern but we must be careful not to have a judgmental attitude/a critical spirit, eager to point out all the sins, mistakes, & failures in other people's lives (while being oblivious to our own). Do you look down on others because they sin differently than you? We all are sinners and can only be saved by God's grace. Salvation is God's free gift available to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Repentance is a requirement for salvation. God desires that all will come to repentance. We should, too! One of the most effective ways for us to reach out to unbelievers and open up an opportunity for sharing the Gospel with them is to show them kindness and patience. There's a saying: "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." It's true!

Kindness Is C.O.O.L.

Caring about others' feelings and considering others' needs and wants above our own
Offering help, support, sympathy, understanding, prayers, encouragement, and friendship
Obeying the Lord's commands: "Love your neighbor as yourself" and "Do to others what you would have them do to you"
Loving others in words and actions. Love is patient, love is kind.

"Hatred and anger are powerless when met with kindness." Unknown
"Speak your kind words soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." Unknown
"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now." Unknown
"One kind act will teach more love of God than a thousand sermons." Unknown

Kindness: Be Merciful

Why is it that we desire mercy for us but demand judgment on others? We, Christ's ambassadors, are to be gracious and merciful toward others. God has been faithfully gracious and merciful to us all. "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful!" (Luke 6:36) "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7) Do your words and actions draw people to Jesus or away from Jesus? If you are unkind and impatient, do you think others would be interested in knowing your Savior or listening to what you have to share about God or the Bible?

Kindness: No Condemnation

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." (John 3:17) "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2) If God does not condemn us or them, who are we to go around and condemn others? Let any one of us who is without sin be the first to throw a stone (see John 8:2-11)!

Immense Patience

"But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life." (1 Timothy 1:16) O the riches of God's inexhaustible grace, goodness, mercy, kindness, forbearance, and patience! How grateful I am that God is ever so patient with me even now when I still stumble and fall here and there :)! I want to be patient with others who are imperfect just like me. "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." (2 Peter 3:9) That's God's heart! May our hearts be after God's own heart! May we share Christ's love with everyone, speak the truth in love with gentleness, respect, and humility, be kind and compassionate, be gracious and merciful, be patient and forbearing to all!

Book Review: The Jesus Code by O.S. Hawkins

The Jesus Code is a unique devotional book that covers 52 Scripture questions every believer should answer (one devotional for every week of the year). I think the title of the book is a little misleading. I thought that all 52 questions would be from Jesus but I found out that's not the case. In fact, there are more questions from the Old Testament (27) than from the New Testament (25). Since Jesus asks lots of questions in the Gospels (over 150 questions), the author calls his book, "The Jesus Code," explaining that it is okay for us believers to ask questions. Actually, it is healthy and good for us to grow in wisdom and faith by asking questions. Each devotional starts with a question from the Bible. Then the author helps readers discover answers by sharing Biblical insights and applications. Each devotional ends with Q & A section which sums up the main message. Some of the questions include If the Lord Is with Us, Why Then Has All This Happened to Us?, What Are You Doing Here?, Is It Right for You to Be Angry?, Lord, What Do You Want Me to Do?, and What Is your Life? At the end of the book, the author asks one more question, "What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" (Matthew 27:22) and invites readers to personally answer the question by putting their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Each devotional is short and easy to digest. The book talks about various important topics such as temptations, discouragement, integrity, decision-making, spiritual depression, importance of common sense, attributes of God, resentment, worry, repentance, and more. It's great for reflecting and for digging deeper into the Bible. I enjoyed reading this book and I like the author's writing style. I collect devotionals and I'm happy to add this one to my collection :). I'm thankful that our Heavenly Father always welcomes our questions and desires to have a deeper relationship with us. The Jesus Code is a beautiful antique-looking book with brown leather covers. It would be an ideal gift for new believers and anyone who appreciates devotionals. I love the fact that all royalties from this book go to support retired ministers and their wives (or widows) through Mission: Dignity.

~I received a free copy of this book via BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Broken Cisterns

Is God Alone Enough for You?

"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken Me, the Spring of Living Water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." (Jeremiah 2:13) "Lord, You are the Hope of Israel; all who forsake You will be put to shame. Those who turn away from You will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the Spring of Living Water." (Jeremiah 17:13)

God is called the Spring of Living Water. God is the only One who can satisfy our longings, heal our wounds, and make our lives fulfilled. We must be careful not to turn from God and dig our own cisterns. Our "broken cisterns" may be: human love (boyfriend/girlfriend, spouse), wealth, popularity, career, recognition, accomplishment, others' approval/ appreciation/admiration, or even ministries. I'm not saying that those are necessarily bad things. But are we looking for those things to fulfill and satisfy us? Those things will not last and sooner or later, they will fail us or disappoint us, leaving us feeling empty. Besides, they could become our idols if we place them above God...if we relentlessly pursue them, instead of God. People, places, and things are never meant to give us life's fulfillment. Christ alone is the Author of a fulfilling life! Only He can make us whole, complete, and fully satisfied. Don't settle for broken cisterns that cannot hold water...that can never fill you up. 

Drink This Living Water and Thirst No More

"Everyone who drinks this water (from the well) will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." ~Jesus (John 4:13-14)

Water from the well or from anywhere else has to be consumed again and again yet we will still be thirsty again and again. But the water Jesus gives will so completely satisfy us that we shall never thirst. Such is the refreshment of eternal life! We can draw a parallel to the repeated sacrifices required in the old covenant compared with the one-for-all sacrifice of the Lamb of God that fully satisfies God's wrath... that paid the penalty for our sins in full. By saying that He would bring living water that could forever quench a person's spiritual thirst, Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah. Only the Messiah could satisfy the soul's desire. We are complete in Christ alone.

"The great mistake made by most of the Lord's people is in hoping to discover in themselves that which is to be found in Christ alone." ~A.W. Pink

The Gospel Announced in Genesis

This is a promise God made to Abram (Abraham). God chose Abraham and his family (which later became known as Israel) through which God brings the beautiful blessing of salvation to all mankind. Jesus Christ the Messiah descended from Abraham's line. "And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' When God raised up His Servant (Jesus), He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways." (Acts 3:25-26)

God includes the Gentiles when He promises Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." This is a spiritual blessing. "There is neither Jew nor Gentile,...for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:28-29) We Christians are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26) and this makes us spiritual descendants of Abraham and co-heirs of the promised blessings. "Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the Gospel in advance to Abraham: 'All nations will be blessed through you.' So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith." (Galatians 3:7-9)

God will bless those who bless us and curse those who curse us. Enemies of God's children had better watch out. We don't have to worry or seek revenge when others treat us unjustly or with contempt. God is a loving, caring, and protective Father. He's got our back! We are very dear to His heart. Our part is to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, that we may be children of our Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:44-45a) "His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him (Haman), 'Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him--you will surely come to ruin!" (Esther 6:13b) The lesson here is: Don't mess with God's people/children :)!

Humility vs. Humiliation

- "Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say to you, 'Come up here,' than for him to humiliate you before his nobles." (Proverbs 25:6-7 NIV) These verses admonish us to avoid self-exaltation and presumption. It is better to be humble and be honored by others than to be humiliated. Those who exalt themselves and expect/claim places of honor for themselves will most likely be met with humiliation and disappointment. "When pride comes, then comes disgrace." (Proverbs 11:2a) Haman was a classic example. 
- These verses reminded me of what Jesus says in Luke 14:8-11, "When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, "Give this person your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." 

- Motives matter! God looks at the heart. If your reason for taking the lowest place is: desiring/hoping to be moved up by the host to a better place, it is false humility and it's not what Jesus was talking about. Pretending to be humble is wrong; it's still pride which is sin and it's also deceit which is another sin. True humility is honoring others above selves (Romans 12:10) and putting others above selves (Philippians 2:3). In love and humility, we see others as worthy of preferential treatment and we want the best for them. True humility is about self-denial. "Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights." (~John R. Wooden)

- Do not exalt yourselves in the presence of King Jesus, either. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)

"Wisdom's instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor." (Proverbs 15:33) 

"Humility is the only certain defense against humiliation." (~Unknown)

Use God's Gifts with Humility

- In introducing the various gifts in the Body of Christ (see Romans 12:4-8), Paul exhorted his readers not to be haughty/not to think too highly of themselves. All gifts (including faith) and abilities are from God. We are to use these gifts to serve God (by serving others) with humility and for God's glory. These gifts are not for us to show off or to compare or compete with other people's gifts or to elevate ourselves with. It's important to heed Paul's advice because spiritual giftedness can lead to spiritual haughtiness.
- Neither overvaluing ourselves nor undervaluing ourselves is healthy. Knowing who we are in Christ and Whom we belong to gives us the right perspective. With sober judgment (without exaggeration), we find our value, worth, and identity in Christ. We're sinners saved by God's grace and are made into saints by Christ's righteousness. We become royal children of God by adoption and make up one body in Christ, who is the Head. One part of the body is neither better nor more important than other parts. We don't all have the same function/role. We need one another. Everyone in the Body of Christ must be humble and teachable.
- By God's grace given to Paul, he was chosen to be an apostle. Paul mentioned about God's grace again three verses later, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." (Romans 12:6a) It's only by God's grace; we have no basis/reason to have a superior mindset whatsoever. The proper attitude should be gratitude and humility expressed in J.O.Y. (Jesus first, Others next, and Yourself last). "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:3-5)

"From self denial in the spiritual worship of God flows self surrender to the will of God, and from self surrender flows selfless service in the work of God." ~John MacArthur

"Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all." ~William Temple 

Pride Precedes Plummeting

"The Greek word translated pride is tuphoo. Its literal meaning is "to envelop in smoke," but metaphorically, it indicates "conceit," "lifted up," and "high-mindedness." The word pictures a person using smoke as a screen to conceal the image he does not want the public to see." ~John W. Ritenbaugh 

God hates pride. I think we do, too, when we see it in other people. However, we are often blind/oblivious to our own pride/arrogance/self-importance. Egotism is ugly and dangerous. A haughty, prideful spirit causes us to stumble and fall. It is also destructive to relationships. No one enjoys being around a person who is self-centered and conceited. 

Pride comes from inflated views of selves. The cure for poor I-sight (the term I heard from Max Lucado) is dying to self daily and seeing ourselves as God sees us. Once George Mueller (the great prayer warrior of the late 1800s) was asked what his secret was, he replied, "There was a day when I died; died to George Mueller, his opinions, preferences, tastes, and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame of my brethren and friends; and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God." Pride comes from putting selves above God and others. We should humbly acknowledge God in all our ways with thanksgiving. Realize that all we have and all we are is from God and by His grace alone. Have Christlike attitude; put Philippians 2:3-5 into practice.

"For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." ~Jesus (Matthew 23:12) We see the downfall of pride again and again in the Bible and in life. Pride is what caused Lucifer to be thrown out of Heaven. Look at Tower of Babel, Nebuchadnezzar, and Haman. "When the king asked him, 'What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?', Haman thought to himself, 'Who is there that the king rather honor than me?'" (Esther 6:6) Wow...seriously, this is one extremely arrogant dude! He was humbled shortly after that daydreaming. Following the king's command, "Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on the horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!'" (Esther 6:11) Can you imagine how humiliated Haman must have felt? He was the one who came up with the idea and he was so sure that he's the one the king wanted to honor. It's a classic case of "a haughty spirit before a fall".

Pride is often a root sin of other sins. Pride can sneak in many different ways. Pride in good looks, in riches, in position, in popularity, in intelligence, etc. There is also spiritual pride. Like the Pharisees. Proud of being more "spiritual"/more spiritually knowledgeable or more "righteous" than others. We must be careful not to fall into that superiority mindset. We all are wretched sinners and can only be saved by God's grace. I personally can use more humility :). Questions I have to ask myself sometimes: Am I being too prideful to admit that I am wrong? Too prideful to say sorry? Too prideful to ask for forgiveness? Too prideful to change?

"This is what the Lord says: 'Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:23-24) Let him/her who boasts boast in the Lord!

I made up an acronym. Pride S.T.I.N.K.S.
Pride... 

Says, "Look at me and what I've accomplished"
Thinks too highly of self
Insists on being right
Needs recognition, admiration, & promotion
Keeps self on the throne
Sets self up for fall and destruction

Speak What Is Right and True

- Kings (good kings/wise kings/humble kings) take pleasure in words from righteous lips and love/ value those who speak what is true. Most people do appreciate and respect those who are honest, discreet, and upright. Such persons are trustworthy! It's often difficult for powerful people in high position (like kings), wealthy people, and/or famous people (like celebrities) to discern whether someone speaks honestly/sincerely to them or he/she lies/exaggerates to butter them up for his/her own agenda. Whom can they really trust? That's why kings (if they're good, wise, and humble) are well-pleased and delighted with those who are loyal and truthful (even if the truth may hurt). Trustworthiness is precious. Candor is noble and honorable. Kings prefer candor to flattery and pretense. King David attentively listened to Nathan's rebuke and responded with a repentant heart. We can tell that King David appreciated truth-telling people when he said in Psalm 101:7, "No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence."
- On the contrary, a bad, unwise, and prideful king would hate one who speaks the truth if that truth points out his errors/sins (ex: King Ahab, King Herod), if it makes him envious (ex: King Saul), etc.
- Words are very important! What we say and how we say reflect our hearts and character. "One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend." (Proverbs 22:11) "An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips." (Proverbs 24:26) The king (or your boss :)) will love you for your honesty and integrity. We learned last Wednesday that the right words at the right time are as beautiful and desirable as apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11) "The tongue of the righteous is choice silver." (Proverbs 10:20a) "From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom...The lips of the righteous know what finds favor." (Proverbs 10:31a, 32a) Joseph, Daniel, and Mordecai were loved, valued, and favored by kings because of wise & truthful words from their righteous lips. "The heart of the righteous weighs its answers." (Proverbs 15:28a) Think before you speak! May we always speak the truth in love with grace, gentleness, humility, and respect!

No Excuse Whatsoever

The sermon this weekend at our church is on Romans 1. It's a powerful chapter. I'd like to share what stood out to me.

People Are Without Excuse

Every day we have an opportunity to notice and acknowledge God, give thanks to Him, and rejoice in Him. Every day! God is neither dead nor hidden. "The wrath of God is being revealed from Heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." (Romans 1:18-20) God has made His existence evident to all people. How can anyone witness the majestic beauty of God's handiwork and not marvel at God, the Creator? But people like to make excuses because they try to avoid the truth/suppress the truth. They are not willing to submit to God; they want to live as they're pleased...to do whatever they want...to live for selves...to indulge themselves in worldly pleasures. They don't want to give that up. Clearly, no one can stand before God on the Judgment Day and claim that God didn't make His existence plain enough.

Foolish Hearts Exchanged God for Idols and Truth for Lie

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles." (Romans 1:21-23) Deep down people know that God exists but they reject Him, ignore Him, or pretend He didn't exist. They neither honor/glorify Him nor thank Him. They would rather glorify idols made by human hands and/or gratify themselves. "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--Who is forever praised. Amen." (Romans 1:25) And they think they're being wise. In reality, they're deceived and foolish. They love darkness and hate light. "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed." (John 3:19-20) The result is disastrous and scary: God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another, God gave them over to shameful lusts (exchanging natural sexual relations for unnatural ones), God gave them over to a depraved mind and they become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity...(see Romans 1:24, 26-32). What they get is what they want! What they need is the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

The Gospel is the Answer

"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes; first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the Gospel the righteousness of God is revealed--a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" (Romans 1:16-17) The Gospel (Good News) is this: Jesus saves sinners by dying on the cross for our sins (He paid the punishment that we deserve) and gives eternal life and His righteousness to those who believe in Him. I hope and pray that you will choose to acknowledge God, repent, trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, receive His free gift of salvation, surrender your life to Him, and live by faith. Start having a right relationship with God today. He loves you and longs to have a relationship with you. Remember, you have no excuse whatsoever.

The Lord Our Righteousness

Jehovah Tsidkenu or Yahweh Tsidkenu: The Lord Our Righteousness.

"'The days are coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In His days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which He will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior." (Jeremiah 23:5-6) Jesus not only removes our sin and stain but He also gives us His righteousness. It's truly beyond awesome! Jesus says in Matthew 5:20, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of Heaven." How do we do that? Our works will never be enough. "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." (Isaiah 64:6) Our only hope for righteousness is in Christ. Only Christ's righteousness imputed upon us is able to fulfill God's requirement.

From Rags to Riches

When we put our faith in Jesus Christ and his finished work of redemption at the cross, we go from rags to riches (of God's grace). "In Him (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us....Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace yo have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the Heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 1:7-8a, 2:4-7) As long as we're still breathing, we will struggle with sin in this fallen world. When we repent and rely on the blood of Jesus Christ, He forgives us and covers us with His perfect righteousness.

Rest in Jesus and His righteousness!

"It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us Wisdom from God--that is, our Righteousness, Holiness, and Redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'" (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). For that I am forever grateful and about that I shall boast!
 

Plan What Is Good

- Those who plot evil go astray and are lost; they wander off the right path and away from the correct direction (God's truths and principles). They intend to do harm to others. They think up a plan to accomplish an evil purpose. Evil is any wickedness against God and/or people. Evil deeds begin with evil thoughts/ desires. Even if they never act upon their evil plot, they already sin. Jesus says in Matthew 5:28, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." God sees everyone's thoughts. God hates "a heart that devises wicked schemes" (Proverbs 6:18a) Those who are crafty and devise evil will end in ruin/bring calamity upon themselves. Haman devised a way to destroy all the Jews because of his hatred for Mordecai. His wife and friends urged him to ask the king to have Mordecai impaled on a pole. But in the end, the king had Haman impaled on the pole that Haman had set up for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10). "The one who devises evil schemes is hated." (Proverbs 14:17b) "Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer. The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker." (Proverbs 24:8-9)
- On the contrary, those who plan what is good will receive unfailing love and faithfulness, mercy/kindness and trust. Think good thoughts. Take every thought captive to obey Christ. Plan to do good and do it. It's what God wants us to do and He will reward us for it. "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do." (Ephesians 6:8)
"Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy." (Proverbs 12:20)
"Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14)
"Do not withhold good from those whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." (Proverbs 3:27)
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." (Luke 6:27)
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." (Romans 12:9)
"As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:10)
"Hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:21b-22)
"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:18-19)
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good." (Titus 2:7a)
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Hebrews 13:16)
"For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing god than for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:17)

Prideful Heart

- The Lord detests all the proud in heart. Pride/haughtiness is sin and an abomination to the Lord. He abhors our arrogant attitude, self-conceit, and self-righteousness (spiritual pride). Even if we may appear humble to other people, we cannot fool God; He can see whether our heart is prideful or not. Pride can come in many different forms. Do you wish others treated you better because you believe you're important (ex: Haman)? Do you expect others to admire you? Are you defensive to correction and instruction? Do you feel you deserve more recognition? Do you want to impress people, instead of blessing them? Do you think that you're always right? Pride says, "Look at me and what I've accomplished!" Pride says, "My way or no way!" Pride puts self above God and others. "Pride comes from looking only at ourselves; meekness comes through looking at God." (~Billy Graham) "Pride consists not in wanting to be rich, but in wanting to be richer than your neighbor. It is not in wanting to be noticed but in wanting to be the most noticed. It is not in wanting to have things but in wanting more things than others." (~Billy Graham)
- Pride is people's blind spot and pitfall. Pride is ugly, foolish, and dangerous. Pride leads to disgrace (Proverbs 11:2), breeds quarrels (Proverbs 13:10), leads to punishment (this verse), leads to destruction (verse 18 in this same chapter), and brings one low (Proverbs 29:23) James 4:6 says that God opposes/resists the proud but shows favor (gives grace) to the humble. I certainly don't want God to oppose or resist me and I definitely want God to show favor to me. That's why it is so important for us to humble ourselves before the Lord. "O then, my friends, beware, above all things, beware of pride! Beware, lest you indulge it imperceptibly, for it is the most secret, subtle, and insinuating of all sins!" (~Edward Payson)
- Prayer: Father, thank You for each breath that I take! All I have that is good is the gift of Your grace. All that is good in me is what You have done for me, in me, and through me. Please give me a humble attitude like Christ's and help me to put others above myself. Please purify my heart and get rid of all pride, arrogance, & stubbornness. Help me to have a servant's heart and thankful heart. May my life, words, and actions point people to You and glorify You! In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.