Who enjoys doing exercise or going through a diet? I don’t know about you, but I don’t find any joy in doing any of these. However, perspective changes when we focus in the results rather than in the process. An athlete goes through the “pain” of physical training with the prize in mind. When we exercise or do diet we should have the goal in mind: fitness and health.
The same truth applies to our trials. We can consider trials as the exercise of our faith.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – James 1:2-3
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. – Romans 5:3-5
When we are in the midst of our problems it is difficult to think that it could bring us any joy. However, if we put our faith in Jesus anything that happens in our life God will turn it into good.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28
Knowing that God is with us changes our perspective of trials from pain to pure joy.
We face different sort of inconveniences in our daily lives: in our relationships, in our work place, in our commute to work, etc. We don’t usually see these as trials, but sometimes they take the joy away from us. God wants to give us victory in “all things”, that is, big or small. He wants us to be joyful in any circumstance. So the next time you go through life’s inconveniences consider yourself as going through a quiz that will help you get closer to your prize.
To face your trials with pure joy put your eyes in the prize: put your eyes in Jesus
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2
Tags: Jesus, Joy, Trials, Tribulation
When choosing what to wear there are usually two factors to consider in the selection process: the occasion, and fashion trends. After all, people will try to wear what make them look better.
There is a saying that states that “you are what you wear”. I don’t agree with it, unless it refers to spiritual clothing. We are clothed in our deeds, either good or bad. What we do, what we say, what we think, and how we react to different circumstances defines who we are.
Our behavior captures the attention of those around us, but most important it captures the attention of God: there is not even a tiny wrinkle hidden from him. What you wear may not have any impact in other people, but your spiritual clothing have a direct impact (positive or negative) in other people, as well as in you.
Salvation is at stake, so make sure to identify anything that affects your relationship with God, remove it from your spiritual wardrobe, and clothe yourself in Christ.
But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 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. Col 3:8-10,12-15
Exploratory surgery is a diagnostic method used by doctors when trying to find a diagnosis for an ailment. It is used most commonly to diagnose or locate cancer in humans. I guess that nobody would like to find out if they have cancer, but not knowing the truth about a disease will not change the fact that you may have a disease. Exploratory surgery doesn’t sound like a procedure that you really want to have, but might be the procedure that can lead to the treatment that can save your life.
Sin is like cancer. We don’t want anybody to even suggest that we sin. But denial doesn’t change the truth, it just hides it from yourself.
1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Mar 4:22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.
The truth is that one way or another we all sin. Denying the fact that we sin worsens our condition just like cancer. Untreated cancer could lead to death, but sin not forgiven leads to condemnation. We should go through a diagnosis to find out how sin is affecting our lives. The best method is to have our “exploratory surgery” through the word of God.
2 Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
As with exploratory surgery, finding the sin is just the discovery process. In order to complete the procedure we need to get an appointment with the only doctor that specializes in our condition (Jesus), tell him exactly how we feel (confess) and take the medication (forgiveness) trusting that he knows exactly how to take care of us.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Tags: cancer, condemnation, Death, Forgiveness, Jesus, Sin
I recently watched a TV commercial where a customer is placing an order in a fast food restaurant and before he finishes ordering the employee is already serving the order. Though the customer tries to tell the employee that he has not finished ordering, another customer and the employee tell him that he already finished ordering because they only prepare orders one way.
It is good to have the flexibility to order our food exactly the way we want it. After all you are the one paying for it. The same thing applies for everything you buy (that is, if you have the money to afford your taste): clothes, a car, a house, etc. You buy things according to your taste and not according to other person’s taste.
We are living the “Have It your way” culture. We are so used to buy exactly what we want that we end up confused thinking that everything in life works the same way. The “Have It your way” culture is destroying society. Since we are all different, it is impossible for everyone to have things done their way without having conflicts with others. A world where everyone wants things done his or her way is a world destined for destruction.
People are trying to apply the “Have It your way” culture to spiritual matters. It looks like everyone has a different definition of God, heaven and salvation. Some might say that everyone has the right to think what they want. True, but what we think will not change the definition of what is already defined.
How is it possible for the creation to try to define the Creator? How is it possible to define the design of what is already designed and in place? It doesn’t matter how hard I try to define what heaven is going to be like, I won’t be able to change a single fact about heaven. Even if I am able to design a new heaven with my own definition of how to get to heaven, will I be able to create it? If we could have heaven our way there will be billions of different heavens, each one with a population of exactly one person.
We must stop fooling ourselves.
- We didn’t pay for our salvation. Jesus did.
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
- We do not define the way: Jesus is the way
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” - John 14:6
- It is not our kingdom: It is the kingdom of God.
But seek first the kingdom of God… – Matthew 6:33
In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. – John 14:2
- We do not define heaven: God did.
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. – Gen 1:1
There is only one way to spend eternity in heaven with God: His Way
Tags: Defining heaven, God, heaven, my way
It is great to receive gifts! I remember when I was a child eagerly waiting for the arrival of Christmas day to open my presents. The first thing I did when I wake up was to look under the bed or under the Christmas tree and open my presents immediately to start enjoying them. There was nothing that was more important to me that day. I do not think it was possible to have breakfast or do anything else knowing that I had a gift to open.
We’ve all received gifts from God, but for some reason not all of us are equally interested in opening these gifts. We have no problems in opening the gifts of life, family, work, health and other blessings. But we have problems in opening the most important gift that God has given us: his son Jesus.
Through Jesus we receive the gift of life (“In him was life” – John 1:4). But not the life that begins on our birth and ends with our last breath, but the life that begins with Jesus and will never end. Not the life that depends on the possessions we have or the circumstances we live, but the life we can enjoy to the fullest (“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” – John 10:10), and despite any circumstances we face (“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18).
Perhaps, we do not open the gift for fear to a commitment to what we do not understand or is unknown to us.
I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 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 1:16-18
As a father who buys gifts for his children, God wants us to enjoy the gifts he has given us to the fullest. But before we do so we need to trust God as children trust their parents.
“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven – Matthew 18:3
Become like a child and open with confidence the gifts that God gives you.
One of the joys of Christmas is to see our children enjoy the gifts received. But the joy seems to vanish when we find gifts that require assembly. Being the final objective to assemble the gift as soon as possible, who has time to read the instruction manual? Assembling a toy should be easy, so why should we read the manual?
You might get lucky and might assembly the gift right way, but also might end up assembling the parts in the wrong order and have missing or leftover parts. As a result your children will not be able to enjoy the gift received. Even if you assembled the gift the right way, you should read the manual for operating and maintenance instructions in addition to precautions and warranty.
About 2000 years ago mankind received a gift from God: His Son Jesus through whom we obtain salvation and eternal life. As with our children’s gifts, we are trying to enjoy the gift that God gave us without reading the instructions manual: The Bible. As a result many people can’t find meaning for their lives (provided in the operating instructions) or live empty lives (missing parts as a result of not reading the assembly instructions). The Bible offers assembly instructions (how to relate to our God), operating instructions (how to relate to others and live our daily lives). It also offers precautions (how to deal with every situation in our lives) and it contains the warranty details (promises that we will receive as a result of enjoying our gift according to the instructions manual).
Jesus is the gift for us all. If we want to enjoy its blessings we should read the His instruction manual.
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will [follow the instructions] of my Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 7:21
Tags: Assembly, Bible, Gift, Instructions, Jesus
We can see how behaviors that were once considered sinful and/or embarrassing are becoming common and are practiced without any decorum. Even worse, many of those who practice such things consider themselves religious and understand that they have the support of their god in their behavior. They think that a god who does not accept their behavior cannot be a real god because a loving god would not tell them that what they do is wrong. So they define for themselves a permissible god. In other words, they create a custom-made god.
Something similar happens in the relationship between parents and children. There are times when children perceive that everything their parents do or say is wrong (the advice, limits, rules, etc.). If the children could they would change their parents to make them according to their wishes, for they think “how is it possible that our parents say they love us and do not allow us to do everything we want?” Imagine parents who do not have any rules for their children: they can eat whatever they want, return home at any hour they want, talk without respect to others, treat others as they wish, no school responsibilities, no chores, etc. If this were possible it would be total chaos and the result would probably be children that become irresponsible adults. What children perceive as excessive control is absolutely necessary for the formation of their personality. The people that these children would like to change now are the same people that in the future they will be giving thanks for raising them the right way. Fortunately, during this process of confusion parents do not relinquish their responsibility because they know that their children do not yet understand the importance of this process.
The same way children eventually realize the wisdom of the advice of their parents and the importance of limits, there will come a time in your life when you will look back and see the results of following your god. If it was a custom-made god you might find out when it’s too late.
God cares for us the same way that parents care about the future of their children. He knows that we are as young children that do not understand that He cares for us. So as a responsible father He does not give up on us and remains firm in his advice, rules and limitations, because He knows that even if we do not like or do not understand them, they are necessary for our spiritual formation. Failure to do so would jeopardize our destination for eternal life.
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. – Hebrews 12:6
How do we know that the God who gives us his advice and enforces its decrees is the true God? There is no way of knowing except through experience. And no, you don’t have to die to be able to experience God. Yes, the process begins by faith (in Jesus – John 3:16), but you will experience him as you get closer to Him (through prayer and reading his word). No, it is not easy to read in the Bible that something you like to do appear on a list of things that are displeasing to God. But I tell you that once you have the first experience of His power working in your life in difficult times, or its clear and unequivocal guidance in times of decision, or His healing power in times of illness, that will be the time when you will understand His love for you, that He is the true God, and all that He asks of you is for your own good.
God does not always give me the answer I hoped for in my prayers. Even at times he allows me to go through difficult times. Sometimes I do not get the miracle I expected. But I know that my God is real and I can feel His unmistakable presence in my life. That is my experience and nobody can take it away from me. This can also be your experience.
Put aside the deception of a custom-made god. No matter how hard you try you will never be able to make that god a reality in your life. Give yourself a chance and let the true God become a reality in your life.
Tags: God
Thanksgiving Day is a good day to be thankful to God for all His blessings. However, our act of thankfulness should not be a one day event but a continuous one.
…therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. – Hebrews 13:15
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
However, while it is good practice to be thankful to God every day, it would be much better to express our gratitude through actions rather than through words.
In a way, showing gratitude is like showing love; one thing is to say it and another thing to prove it. Our daily act of gratitude should be accompanied by a life lived in such a way that it pleases God.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23-24
In the Old Testament animals were sacrificed for the forgiveness of sins, but also as a thank-offering. It is no longer necessary to make that kind of sacrifice, but we should live our lives devoted (our living sacrifice) to God as a response of gratitude to him.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. – Romans 12:1
There is no better answer to God’s mercies that a life lived in constant worship to God.
So this and every day…
Therefore… let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe – Hebrews 12:28
Tags: mercy, Sacrifice, Thanksgiving
Right after his baptism Jesus went through a series of temptations. He overcame each temptation by using the word of God. His victory in these temptations was not only a demonstration of his power to defeat the enemy, but an example set for us to follow when we are tempted.
The temptations that Jesus went through fall into three categories under which we are commonly tempted.
THE FIRST TEMPTATION: Basic Needs
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:1-4
What are we capable of doing when our basic needs are not satisfied? The first reaction is probably to follow the easiest path (in other words, fall into temptation). But those following the easiest path will eventually hurt themselves or others. It is not easy to have a basic need unsatisfied, but the right thing to do when our basic needs are not satisfied is to come before God.
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:31-34
When in need, the solution is in the word of God. As Jesus clearly said it “We shall live on every word that comes from the mouth of God”.
THE SECOND TEMPTATION: Irresponsibility
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” – Matthew 4:5-7
In this temptation the devil was inviting Jesus to “play with fire” and not to worry because the bible says that God would help him. He wanted Jesus to be irresponsible. We also like to play with fire. We do so in regards to our health (by not taking care of us), our family (by not being the parent or spouse that we are supposed to be), our finances (by not spending our money wisely), and even our salvation (by not being responsible Christians or through sinful behavior).
We like to push the limits a little farther and fool ourselves thinking that “God will bail me out if something happens”. We will even quote the bible as an excuse to take risks we are not supposed to.
God can certainly save us from the fire as he did with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-30), but if we get into the fire on purpose we will get burned.
THE THIRD TEMPTATION: Power
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” – Matthew 4:8-11
Fame! Authority! Power! Superiority! Prominence! Somehow power seems to be like a magnet to humans. People want power. It is incredible what people do to obtain power. Why this thirst for power? Do we want others look up to us and marvel at us, or in other words, “worship” us?
Any power given to us is limited and temporary. It does not matter how much power we are given we will never be satisfied. We will never be satisfied until we realize that the best for us is to submit ourselves to God and recognize his authority over our lives. Only then “we will also reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:12). In fact, until we do so we will be under the power of another ruler.
in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. – Ephesians 2:2
Temptations will never stop. We are at war with the same enemy that tried to temp Jesus (Ephesians 6:12-13). Our enemy does not want us to obtain the power that he will never get: Salvation and Eternal Life.
Jesus overcame temptation not through miracles or through demonstration of his power, but by using the word of God. The key to victory is to follow his example. We just need to know his word so we can use it in the time of need.
If we want victory let’s use the word of God.
Tags: Temptation, victory
Statistics is the science of collecting, summarizing, and analyzing numerical data. Statistics makes it possible to predict the likelihood of events. A very useful topic in statistics is correlation. Correlation is a measure of the relation between two or more variables. Basically, once the correlation between two variables have been defined, the outcome of one variable can be defined based on the value of the correlated variable.
Decisions such as the prohibition of prayer in public schools and the legalization of abortion can be correlated to the moral downward spiral we have been experiencing as a nation. You don’t need to be a statistician to understand that there has been a direct relationship between our rejection of God as a nation and the moral decay that our nation is living.
Sadly this trend is not changing. Everything is acceptable in the name of “liberty”. In addition, whoever teaches God’s commands (our creator’s guidelines for a better living) is regarded as intolerant. If the correlation is right, statistics tell us that there is no hope. But we can reverse the trend if we decide to turn our hearts God.
Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach … No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. – Deuteronomy 30:11-20
Though these words were for the people of Israel, they are as applicable to us as they were to them. The people of Israel knew that these words were truth. Bible history shows that whenever Israel turned away from God they suffered the consequences, but whenever they turned their hearts to God they were blessed. There is a clear correlation between loving God and being blessed. This is bible statistics for hope, and we can certainly apply this recipe to our lives.
Hope will not come from the government or politicians. It can only come from those who fear the Lord.
As individuals, we might think that there is not much that we can do to reverse the moral trend, but living our lives walking in the love of God will have an impact in our family, our neighbors, and our friends. Let’s do what we can in our sphere of influence. Doing nothing to stop the trend is allowing others to continue it.
We know what needs to be done: love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws. We also know the consequences of not doing what we need to do. The decision is before you and me. Let’s choose wisely.
Tags: consequences, Disobedience, Obedience
