You Almighty

     Do you like to pretend you’re God?  Sort of a ‘You Almighty’?

     The way we impersonate God is by judging other people.  And we do it all the time.

     “Now hold on for just a minute,” you may say.  “Why is judging others playing God?”

     Because God says it’s his responsibility to judge.  He judges the living and the dead.

     The Bible tells us that, “Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it.  There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?”

     Why do we do it?  Because it appeals to our pride.  Because we think we’re better than others.  It’s a self-righteous attitude of putting other people down, being critical and being judgmental. Jesus condemned it more than almost any other sin.

     When we hear about how other people have fallen, there's something inside us--a little bit of pride--that makes us gloat over their misfortune.  We think, “At least I’m not THAT bad!” and we judge them as a failure.

     Some people speak and act as if they have the gift of criticism.  But God says we shouldn’t speak against or judge others, comparing them to ourselves.

     In addition, when we judge others we break God’s law that says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Jesus called it the second great commandment.  Loving God was the first.

     One of the reasons we have the Bible is so we can learn how to live and act toward others.  But, for some reason, we can’t leave well enough alone.  We have to add our own rules to God’s perfect law—and then we judge others by our rules.

     Jesus said it’s wrong to judge others when we are involved in the same sin we condemn.  He called people who do that “hypocrites.”  And when we judge others like that, it blinds us to our own faults.

     Often we judge others based on outward appearances: their face, hair, or clothes.  We are quick to condemn before we hear all the facts. And when we do that, we show our prejudice.

     Religious people especially love to judge others based on external observances.  We count how many services a person attends and judge them accordingly.  If someone worships on a different day or eats a different diet than we do, we judge them.  God says, “Stop it!”

     We also like to judge other people’s motives.  Why they do what they do. But the Bible says, “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He…will expose the motives of men's hearts.”

     Pretending to be God seems to come natural to us.  Remember that God says he will use the same standard to judge us that we use to judge others. The Bible says, “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.” That ought to motivate us to stop doing it!

     I think it’s a part of our fallen human nature to take delight in seeing another “Get what they deserve.”  Well, don’t forget that God shows mercy to us. None of us gets “what we deserve.” If we did, we’d all be miserable!  God is a merciful God and he wants us to be merciful too.

     If you want to find fault in others you can.  Everybody is imperfect. It all depends on what you are looking for. One of the things you have to do with friends is overlook their faults. 

     And when you come to God, through Jesus Christ, God not only overlooks, he forgives!

     Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

False Hope

     It’s an election year again and Americans are hopeful.  Hopeful things will improve.

     Media outlets are busy helping pick the front-runners.  Politics rules TV news shows and the editorial pages. We devour the candidates’ latest gaffes and sound bytes. We’re addicted to it.

     We shake our heads at the attack ads.  But we watch.  Mesmerized.  It’s almost religious.

     Voters are convinced their candidate is messianic.  He or she will right all wrongs, rescue the oppressed, fix the country, and put money in the pockets of the poor. 

     “Ladies and gentlemen! May I introduce the next president of the United States? Source of hope, savior of the economy, world peace negotiator and defender of children and the aged!”

     OK–they don’t actually say they last part, but the political rallies give that impression.

     “Well hold on just a minute,” you may say.  “I really believe the right person could do it!”

     The Bible says there is only one Messiah and his name is Jesus.  Politics has never and will never fix what ails America or any other nation.  Politics is a false hope.  A lie.

     Why?  Because the real problem is our addiction to it.  Like bums on Skid Row, we like our ‘booze.’  And next to politics, our other intoxicant of choice is money.  We can’t get enough of either one.  Politics and money go hand in hand.

     Somewhere along the way we bought into the idea that money could also make us happy.  Even the wealthy believe they need “just a little bit more.”  Greed is addicting.

     They say, “You can never be too rich or too thin.”  And we sincerely believe it.  Our faith in money’s power to save us drives the popular lotteries and lucrative gambling industry.

     The only problem is that it’s another false hope.  Money has never bought joy or peace.  But it sure can buy votes!  And so politicians use the promise of jobs and prosperity to get elected.

     Jesus showed us a better way.  He warned about a life pursuing wealth.  He respected government but avoided politics.  Politicians polarize people but Jesus unites them.

     If only we were as passionate about faith in God as we are about our politics and our money!

     Jesus once said no one could serve both God and money at the same time.  And ever since we’ve tried to prove him wrong!   But wealth doesn’t satisfy.  Only Jesus satisfies our souls.

     No wonder the Bible observes, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

     It goes on to say, “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing we will be content with that.  People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”

     That last sentence is one of the most misquoted verses in the entire Bible.  It doesn’t say, “Money is the root of all evil.”  It says, “The LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”

     Greed is the motive behind much of the world’s evil.  Contentment, however, is the source of great peace and satisfaction.  And the secret of contentment is found in Jesus, the Son of God.

     When a person becomes a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, they gain a Heavenly Father who can meet all of their needs.  Their focus shifts from greed and envy to trusting God and serving others.  It’s a path millions have followed and found to be liberating and true.

     The Bible sets before us two paths.  One path is wide and popular.  It’s the road of greed and power over others.  It leads to self-destruction and separation from God, which is eternal death.

     The other path is narrow and less traveled.  It’s the road of faith and peace and starts with Christ.  It leads to a fulfilled life and ends in Heaven.  And that’s real hope instead of false hope!

     Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Until Next Time

     Last weekend the world said goodbye to Whitney Houston.  She was taken too soon.

     A talented singer and actress, some might even call her a legend.  Her rendition of the national anthem at Super Bowl XXV years ago stands out as one of the best ever.

     Half of the evening newscast on Sunday was about Whitney.  One of the reports came from the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey where she sang in the choir as a girl. As the parishioners left worship on Sunday, one of the comments made was, “She was our ‘American Idol’ before there ever was an ‘American Idol.’”

     Even though Whitney died far from the church where she first sang publicly, her faith as a child still influenced her.  Her last public performance on stage, two days before she died, was an impromptu version of “Yes, Jesus Loves Me.” 

     Saying “Goodbye” to someone we love is always hard.  The lyrics to one pop song put it like this: “I don’t like to say goodbye, so this is my until next time.”  And death’s goodbye is harder.

     The media reported that Whitney’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, was rushed to the hospital twice following her mother’s untimely death.  We can only imagine what she is going through since her mother’s life was so public.

     Death hurts us deeply.  Every other time we say goodbye, we hope to see our loved ones again.  But death is the final goodbye.

     The Bible compares death to a sting.  At first the loss of a loved one can be unbearable.  But with time the pain lessens.  Eventually the heart heals.  Until the next sting.  And the longer you live the more you see death.

     Now, while I miss my dad and mom and others who have passed on, I have a sure hope I will see them again.  For me it wasn’t a final goodbye, it was “Until next time.”

     “OK, hold it right there for just a minute,” you may say.  “Why do Christians always talk about seeing their dead loved ones again?  Isn’t that a little weird?”

     Not if you’re a student of the Bible.

     The Bible teaches that there is life after this life.  But it also says that decisions we make in this life affect our destination in the next. 

     God doesn’t want anyone to be surprised in eternity.  So he tells us the facts of eternal life.

     The Bible says we have eternal souls (the real you inside of you).  It tells us that eternal life is available to everyone through faith in Jesus Christ.  Faith means relying on and believing in him.

     What must you believe?  That you are a sinner separated from a holy God who loves you.  That you need a Savior.  That Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sin.  And that if you trust in him, Jesus will save you and take you to Heaven when your time comes.

     The Bible tells us that Heaven and Hell are real places.  Just like New York City or Chicago.

     For the Christ follower, the Bible says, “To be away from the body” is to be “at home with the Lord.”  Reincarnation?  No.  With the Lord Jesus Christ.  In Heaven.

     Jesus once told a story that explained how we would one day join those who have died in faith before us.  He said we would recognize others and be able to communicate with them.  So while it’s “Goodbye” now, it is only “Until next time.”

     So while funeral home goodbyes are difficult, for the Christian it is an exercise of confident hope.  Because we know that, one day soon, we will see our loved ones again in Heaven.

     Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Sweet Revenge

     Confucius said, “Before embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”  Why?  Because revenge is like poison we drink believing it destroys our enemy.  Sadly, it can destroy us as well.

     Why people are so vengeful is hard to say.  Maybe human beings are hardwired to get revenge.  Perhaps getting even is an involuntary response to a personal injustice.

     One thing is certain.  When someone hurts us deeply, vengeance–evening the score–is our first thought.  We even see it in children.  It seems to come naturally

     History is full of vengeance.  The very first account involved brothers Cain and Abel.  You can read about it in the Bible’s first book, Genesis, chapter four.  It ended with a murder.

     In America, the Hatfields and the McCoys come to mind.  On the international scene, Arabs and Israelis may have the longest running feud. And they are by no means the only ones feuding.

     Conflicts started by revenge can go on for years and generations.  Eventually those getting even forget the reasons and simply react with a primal instinct:  Get revenge no matter the cost.  Make sure the perceived enemy “gets what’s coming to them.”

     But no matter how sweet revenge tastes, the result is as bad for us as our enemy.

     “Now hold on just a minute!  How can something that feels so good be so wrong?”

     Think about it.  Can you name one example where revenge ultimately solved the problem?

     “But what about justice?” you may ask.

     What about it?  Justice is not about getting even but about punishing wrongdoers in a fair and impartial way.  And if you want justice, be careful because justice is a sword that cuts both ways.

     Imagine there’s an impartial, all-powerful judge who could dispense justice for wrongdoers.  Where would that leave us?  We have all hurt others at some point.

     To be honest, what we really want is justice for our enemies and mercy for us. But is that fair?

     The truth is that we are all self-centered and self-serving with little concern for others.  If we do what comes naturally and avenge ourselves, we destroy any hope for peace and harmony.

     Vengeance only leads to prolonged conflict.  War.  But what our hearts truly yearn for is peace.  And if we want real peace we must turn to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

     Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’  But I tell you: Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”  Then he said, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

     Later the Bible adds, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord…. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Did you get that?  Good overcomes evil.  Wow.  That’s new.

     Impossible?  Yes.  But as Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

     Peace with man starts by making peace with God.  How does that happen?  The Bible says, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

     If you would like to know how to have peace with God, go online and type stepstopeace.org in an Internet browser address window.  Then follow the steps and pray with America’s spiritual counselor, Billy Graham.  You’ll be glad you did.  (Call or write me if you can’t go online.)

     Man’s solution to conflict is revenge.  God’s solution is peace and forgiveness through Christ.

     Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” not the revenge seekers.  So if you want peace and God’s blessing in your life, it’s time to stop drinking the poison of revenge and trust in Christ.

     Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Signs of the Times

     Why will so many Americans be fascinated with a groundhog on February 2? 

     Oh, I know all about Groundhog Day.  I even saw the movie.  But why does it make the national news?  Why does a whole town in Pennsylvania obsess over a groundhog’s shadow?  Can a large rodent-like creature actually make dependable predictions about winter?

     Americans are fascinated with the future–especially the weather. It still amazes me that even with our satellites, radar and ability to forecast weather, the groundhog tradition still hangs on.

     Of course the media likes a good story.  And the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has made a media-friendly circus out of the event.  But back to the weather.

     We’re not the only ones to be fascinated with weather prediction.  Back in ancient times people wanted to forecast the weather also.  But without our technology, they had to rely on observations about nature. 

     We still quote an ancient proverb today when we say, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning.”  Jesus even referred to this common observation.

     Then he said, “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”  Later Jesus noted that by observing ‘signs of the times,’ we should know when his return is near. 

     Have you been paying attention?  Events in the Middle East and around the world seem to indicate that we may be living in the last generation before Christ’s return.  And many seem to agree.  One survey said that 42% of Americans believe we are living in the ‘Last Days.’

     “Now hold it right there for just a minute!” you may say.  “Is that even a possibility?”

     Non-Christians tend to view talk of Jesus’ return as religious hype.  Especially after last year’s much publicized May 21 prediction by Harold Camping.  But modern Evangelical Christians aren’t the only ones to talk about Jesus’ return and the end of time.

     Sir Isaac Newton, born in 1642, found the Old Testament book of Daniel’s view of the future intriguing.  After a thorough study, he predicted the world’s end would come 1,260 years after the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire.  That Empire began December 25, 800 A.D.

     For those committed to human reason, that’s a bit unnerving.  This was not the raving of some wild-eyed apocalyptic preacher.  Newton was the father of modern science. His predictions about the laws of gravity and the motion of the planets eventually proved correct.

     Consider this:  At least 80 specific Bible prophecies were fulfilled at Jesus’ first coming.  And their accuracy was amazing. But, even with all that, his arrival still caught most by surprise.

     Many will also be surprised when Jesus returns. However, students of the Bible and followers of Christ shouldn’t be. The Bible says, “But you brothers are not in darkness that this day should surprise you like a thief.”  That means we should all be watching the signs of the times.

     Since Christ’s return may be near, the Apostle Peter asks, “What kind of people ought you to be?”  His answer is “You ought to live holy and godly lives.”  But how do you do that?  It starts with faith in the one true God.  The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please him.”

     That means trusting in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who died for your sin. And that he was buried and rose from the dead to give you a new life.  It means following him as your Lord and Savior.  Finally, the Bible says that we must be “alert and self-controlled…putting on faith and love.”

     Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”  I hope so!

     Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!