Category Archives: Sin

Know Your Enemy

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Genesis 36; 1 Chronicles 1:35-2:2

Reading these chapters can be tedious. Names hard to pronounce. People long gone with seemingly no relevance today. But if all Scripture is inspired by God, these chapters must be here for a reason. What does God reveal about Himself? What does He want us to learn?

First of all, I see a God who knows us by name. He knows the details of our lives like the guy who discovered hot springs, or the guy who had a sister.

Second, by listing these historical names we are reminded that Scripture is not a fairy tale. These are real people who lived real lives one real day at a time. They had hopes and dreams, and good days and bad. Some had happy homes and some had heartache. Some were rulers and some worked in the fields. The Bible is about people and their relationship with God. The Bible is true.

But here’s what struck me today. I can understand why God documented the genealogy of Israel. It was one way of proving the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham that the Savior would be his offspring. But why give equal time to Edom, the enemy of God’s children? Why should we care which evil person fathered which evil person?

Could it be God’s way of telling us we need to identify our own enemies? Someone has said, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Is that the message here?

I doubt it because God inspired Paul to tell us to run from temptation. But you’ve got to know that what tempts you is from the enemy. You’ve got to be able to recognize the enemy so you know what it is you are to be fleeing.

Thank you, God, for this reminder today. I don’t want to blow off any of my enemies. I want to look them in the eye and say, “Get behind me, Satan. Get behind me jealousy, anger, impure thoughts, selfishness. I see you. I recognize you. And I reject you in the Name of my Savior, Jesus Christ.”

I would challenge you to read God’s Word, not for the enjoyment or for the ease of it. Read it and ask God to reveal Himself, His truth, His will for your life. It’s in there on every page.

Just Like Me

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Genesis 32-35

The Bible doesn’t portray God’s people as saints. In fact, God is very honest to paint a picture of flawed, deceitful, prideful sinners. From Adam to Israel we see rebellious, foolish, and violent people who squander their relationship with God.

Why didn’t God cover up their disobedience when He inspired men to write out His history with His people? Why didn’t He rationalize their sin, give excuses for their sin? Why didn’t He make it look like people with a relationship with Him do no wrong, and always have everything they need and want? You don’t try to sell a used car by pointing out the bald tires and faulty transmission.

God didn’t sugar-coat what happened because God’s people are no different today than they were then. We are no less accountable for our choices than they were. And God is as patient and willing to forgive today as He was in the pages we read in His Word.

God lays it all out there so we can relate, we can recognize our own bent to sin, and we can trust Him to do what He’s always done – forgive repentant sinners just like Jacob…

and just like me.

Restrained

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Genesis 18-20

God kept Abimelech from sinning. He’d planned to have sex with Sarah, Abraham’s wife because he thought Abraham and Sarah were brother and sister. Somehow God stepped in and thwarted Abimelech’s plan so that he would not commit adultery.

We don’t know what that looked like, but Scripture tells us God intervened on behalf of Abimelech (and Sarah).

I wonder how many times God has intervened on my behalf without me even being aware. How many temptations has he swatted out of my way, how many doors has he closed, and prayers He’s not answered so that I would not sin?

I was a child long before car seats and seatbelts were required in cars. We kids sat (or stood) on the front bench seat and our safety restraint was Mom’s right arm thrust between us and the windshield when she saw danger ahead. I have that picture in mind when I think about God’s protection of Abimelech; God’s right arm thrust between Abimelech and sin.

I thank God for intervening on my behalf, too. Not that I’m sinless because sometimes I barge right through the barriers God puts in place. But today I want my walk with God to be close enough that I will recognize when He’s got HIs arm out, and allow Him to restrain me. I thank Him for wanting to.

A Better Way

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Genesis 4

Some people might think God was unfair to reject Cain’s offering and accept Able’s when the sacrificial system wasn’t even a thing yet. But was it unfair? Or loving?

First, there was no punishment connected to Cain’s inferior sacrifice. It doesn’t say God was even mad at him. By rejecting the sacrifice, God was simply pointing out that there was a right way to approach God, and a wrong way.

Then, and here’s the precious part of the story we sometimes miss, God tries to teach Cain how to do it right. Like a dad putting his hand over his son’s hand holding a pencil, and making the letters that spell out his name, God is guiding Cain to do better. That’s love.

So many people today think the loving thing is to just let the child be. Let him figure things out for himself, come up with his own truth. And never, NEVER, hurt his feelings. That’s the direct opposite of God’s demonstration of love.

The important thing is NOT a child’s self-esteem or happiness. The most important thing is the difference between right and wrong. And there is a difference! It’s not loving to allow a child – or anyone – to choose that which is wrong.

Now, we see Cain is about as woke as the left is today. Instead of learning the right thing to do, instead of accepting correction and doing better, he got angry and cancelled his brother with a blow to the head. (and woke-folk think they are so enlightened. They are no more enlightened than the second generation of humanity. So much for evolving.)

Oh, Christian, let’s let God be our example. Discipline your children. Don’t giggle at disobedience, don’t shrug your shoulders and let them figure out right from wrong for themselves. Hurt their feelings when they are wrong. They’ll get over it- and be better for it. Don’t go along with your children who want to change their sex. Don’t participate in their sin. Guide them. Love them enough to tell them the truth. And keep telling them.

Teach your children to honor God, to live according to His Word, to be holy. Show them what that looks like in your own life. Because there is a right way to approach God. And a wrong way.

Which way do you want your kids to choose? Which way are you choosing for yourself?

Rest

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Hebrews 1-4

Everything in creation, every life experience recorded in Scripture, and individually lived in 2023 points to God. I believe we don’t see the half of it. But that doesn’t mean it’s not there.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that God rested after six days of creation. Many people have asked, “why?” I think the overall reason is, God was revealing something about Himself and His plan for humans. We find the answer in Hebrews.

God was done creating. His work was finished and it was very good. Then He showed us on the seventh day, that there is something after the work.

Rest.

And what we see is, God invites us to join Him. The older I get, the better that rest sounds.

But the writer of Hebrews also reminds us not everyone will enter that rest. That rest is reserved for believers.

If you are a non-believer and think life is hard, that things can’t get much worse, that you are hoping things will improve in the future – you don’t understand hell. If you toss and turn on those sleepless nights now, get used to it. There will be no rest in hell. If you have experienced trying to function after a couple consecutive nights of no sleep, think about sleepless consecutive nights for a couple million years.

God demonstrated that there is something after the work. There is life after life. And He is inviting you into a sweet rest with Him where you will put your feet up. Snuggle in. Take a deep breath of heavenly air. Rest.

My prayer is that if you haven’t already repented of sin in this lifetime, if you haven’t received God’s grace and forgiveness through the blood of His Son, Jesus, you will do that today.

Our souls need that. You need that. Receive the Lord Jesus and you will find rest for your soul. That’s a promise.

A Mystery No More

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Colossians 1

Christ in me, the hope of glory! That was a mystery unsolved for thousands of years. How would God send a Savior? Who would it be? How would people know for sure? And how would He save the world?

That mystery began to unravel when Jesus was born. A virgin mother? A nursery in a barn? A manger instead of a crib? A carpenter? Unschooled? A preacher not a soldier? A spiritual kingdom consisting of repentant hearts and not an overthrow of Roman rule?

The clues continued to mount up… and then Jesus died. Not exactly the conquering hero everyone expected.

Jesus died. But He didn’t stay dead. He lives. And He is every bit the conquering hero God expected.

I might not be able to explain to your satisfaction how Christ lives in me, how He defeated Satan in my life and continues to defeat that snake as I grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus. It may still be a mystery to you – but it’s a sure fact for me.

Christ IS in me. And my future, if it’s anything like the awesome privilege of having Jesus in my life today, promises to be glorious! Paul called it the hope of glory. Not an “I think so, or I imagine so” kind of hope. This hope is assured, cemented, true and is promised by the One who said:

And if I go prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:3)

Christ in me, the hope of glory! It’s a mystery no more.

Crucified

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Galatians 2:20

I used to say Galatians 2:20 was my “life verse.” I think it probably still is, although I’ve come to embrace other verses as well. But I remember sitting in the tiny room in Waco Elementary School where I gave music lessons, and coming across this verse as I read my Bible during my lunch break. It spoke to me that day in a pointed way, and I sat there and memorized it, claiming it as my life verse.

Today I read it and wonder if it is even true in my life.

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? I can’t die for my sins like Jesus did. I’ve heard it said Jesus died on “my” cross. But that cross was His. He was the only one who could hang on that cross. And because He did, I won’t have to hang on mine.

Being crucified with Christ is not the means of salvation. That was Jesus’ job.

I believe Paul was talking about what happens after we accept Jesus’ atoning work on His cross. It’s the dying we do as willingly as He died; the giving up, the surrender of the “me.” Dead men have no rights, no plans, no will of their own. A dead man is dead – not almost dead, or dead in some ways but not others.

Dead.

So I’m wonder if that describes me in my relationship with my Savior. Is the life I now live lived by faith in the One who loved me enough to die in my place? Is my walk with Him surrendered to His will? Is He my co-pilot… or the ship?

If 2:20 is my life verse (and I think I might claim it once again), then I have some soul-searching and changing to do.

God, help me truly and finally die to Connie, and allow only You to fill me, raise me up, and live through me.

Crucify the “me,” Lord.

Wisdom. Is it a thing any more?

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James 3:17-18

If you want to know true wisdom, you have to stop talking. Listen. Think. Don’t just accept the loudest voices or the popular opinion of the day. James gives us eight things to consider when seeking wisdom.

  1. Is it pure? I know purity is a laughable concept these days. But that’s not wise. Is what you are considering without a hidden agenda? Can you find the absence of evil, either morally or with intention to do harm? Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is pure.
  2. Is it peaceable? Sometimes I look at the faces of those spouting “wisdom” and I see anything but peace. I don’t hear peace, but violence and retribution. We see the result in looting, destruction, bodily harm toward those who challenge this so-called wisdom. We’ve even heard government officials encourage rioting and chaos. Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is peaceable.
  3. Is it gentle? I was watching a You Tube video by a woman speaking on the issue of abortion, and when life begins. She was giving a medical description of what happens when egg meets sperm. Her voice was matter of fact, gentle, even loving, without judgment. Just the facts, Ma’am. Suddenly about a dozen people began shouting over her, interrupting her speech and trying to drown out the sound of her voice. When security came to usher them out, the dissenters began pushing, shoving, hitting and kicking those trying to keep order. Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is gentle.
  4. Is it open to reason? I can’t type those words without shaking my head. Do you need examples of the unreasonableness in our society today? I ask you, is the wisdom proclaimed by our media, government, academia, the progressive church reasonable? You know it’s not. And the deeper problem is, they aren’t interested in hearing the truth. Reason is not a thing for them. Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is open to reason.
  5. Is it merciful? I hear the people claiming to be tolerant, being the most intolerant of anyone who has a different opinion than them. If you disagree, you are cancelled, sometimes violently. If you have something they want, no matter how hard you worked to get it, they feel entitled to simply take it, ransack a store, break into your home, steal your identity. There is no mercy in entitlement. They feel they are owed what you have and will demand it even if you are hurt in the process. No mercy. Oh, they can show mercy all day to those in their own camp. But they will punish without mercy anyone who questions them. Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is merciful.
  6. Is it full of good fruits? Are the results of modern wisdom unifying or divisive? The world’s agenda is to divide. Do you think we are happier as a nation, more effective as the Church the more we accept the wisdom of the world? Are families stronger, people generally happier today? Wisdom from above – true wisdom, produces good fruits.
  7. Is it impartial? If you don’t think our justice system leans to the left, you aren’t paying attention and I honestly question your wisdom. If you don’t think there are rights for some and not for others, you are wrong to think that. Right is right, wrong is wrong, fair is fair, and should look the same for everyone. Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is impartial.
  8. Is it sincere? That’s a hard one because people can sound sincere, and be intentionally deceptive. Sincerity is something that might take some time to discern. Look past what is said and pay attention to what is done. If words and actions don’t agree, there is no sincerity. Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is sincere.

I like James’ list here. As I reread what I’ve written I realize I’ve made it more political than I intended. Yes, there is a false wisdom in that arena. But we need to guard against it in our personal lives, in our Bible reading, in our Sunday School classrooms and Bible studies, in our relationships. James’ list applies to all of it. I think we would all benefit from taking a minute to examine what we are hearing and seeing around us in the day to day, in light of James’ list.

I doubt any of us want to be fools. But fools we are if we attach ourselves to anything other than wisdom from above. Look at verse 18. Here’s what can happen if we are using that godly wisdom:

And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Who doesn’t want peace? Only those described in verses 14-16:

But if you have bitter jealousy in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

So, the question I ask in the title is,” Is wisdom a thing any more?” It would seem not. But it needs to be. And it’s up to you and me to accept the wisdom from above for ourselves, to know it, listen to it, live it. If we don’t who will?

You Are Not The Exception

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Luke 12-14

Is Jesus the only way? Really? People want to believe that, if there aren’t multiple ways to God, a least they themselves will be the exception. In theory, Jesus is the Way, but God is too loving to send a good person like me to hell. Right?

That’s not what Jesus says. Jesus says the way is narrow, the invitation to the banquet comes with restrictions, the landowner demands obedience, even those rich according to their own standards will be held accountable to God’s standards.

The truth is, it doesn’t matter what you think. You aren’t God. It only matters what God says about His design.

Like it or not. Believe it or not. Jesus is the only way…

And you are not the exception.

Squandering A Blessing

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John 6

Jesus was focused on His mission. But the Jewish people didn’t want a spiritual Savior, they wanted a human king, someone like them who would overthrow Roman rule. Jesus knew they were eager to make Him into that king. But becoming that king would have been disobedience, and Jesus wasn’t having anything to do with that. He was not about to compromise the mission.

So Jesus did something that spoke to me today. He removed Himself from their presence, and went instead into the Presence of the Father. Jesus went up the mountain alone to find a secluded spot where He could pray in private.

We Christians are being coerced into compromise these days. Giving in is the easy thing to do. But it’s sin. We go ahead and call people by their preferred pronouns, pretending along with sinners that a person can change his or her God-given gender. We embrace sin, tolerate false teaching, blend in so as not to offend way too often. We’ve even changed the way we worship so it’s appealing to non-believers, instead of what is required of the One we are supposed to be worshiping. Compromise has become the norm, and it’s becoming a requirement for Christians.

I’m wondering if we shouldn’t learn from Jesus’ example. Have we neglected the blessing of prayer, the incredible privilege of shutting ourselves off from the world for a moment to spend some intimate time with the Creator God who loves us? Even Jesus knew the importance of intentional communion with the Father. Shouldn’t it be obvious that we need it even more?

I think the evidence that we are squandering this blessing of prayer is plainly seen. If we were praying for God to reveal sin in us, He would. If we asked Him to cleanse our hearts, He would. If we asked Him for strength to stand up to the temptation to compromise, He’d gladly give us the strength. We have not because we ask not.

And we compromise because we don’t have the strength to stand. Look around. Are we happy with where our compromises have taken us?

We have the privilege of prayer. It might take some effort to climb a mountain to get alone with God. We might have to step away from technology for a few minutes, remove ourselves from the hustle and bustle of life, from our families and friends. It might be a bit inconvenient. But anything worth having is worth working for.

And I think tapping into the gift of prayer is worth it. How sad when we squander this precious privilege of prayer.