Filtered Faith

Is your faith filtered?

Filters protect us in many areas of our lives. Oil and fuel filters protect cars from dirt. Email filters keep out messages we don’t want. Water filters improve taste by removing impurities.

Then there are the faith filters we use to protect our faith.

“Now hold on just a minute! How can faith be filtered?”

It’s easy to do. If we don’t agree with something, we can ignore it. True or not—it doesn’t matter. If it doesn’t feel right, we don’t like it--and that’s all that matters to us.

William P. Young helps us understand filtered faith in his book, “The Shack.” He observes somewhat cryptically, “Paradigms power perception and perceptions power emotions.”

A paradigm is a model we construct in our mind about how the world works or should work. For instance, “Good guys always win and bad guys always lose” is a paradigm.

Young adds, “Most emotions are responses to perception—what you think is true about a given situation. If your perception is false, then your emotional response to it will be false too.”

He concludes, “So check your perceptions, and beyond that check the truthfulness of your paradigms—what you believe. Just because you believe something firmly doesn’t make it true. Be willing to reexamine what you believe.”

Many people are afraid to examine what they believe. A fearful person’s natural response is to say, “You’ve got your opinion and I’ve got mine. And you’re not going to change my mind.”

When we talk like that we are acting as if there is no standard of comparison higher than us! And that is the height of pride.

The Bible warns us to beware of those who “measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves.” It says such people “are not wise.”

Religious people are often portrayed in the media as mindless robots programmed by others. Or as opinionated ignoramuses who ignore the obvious. In some cases that may be true. But don’t let that be you.

God encourages us to use the minds he gave us to examine the evidence, look for truth and then put our faith in what is true. To the skeptic he says, “Come now, let us reason together.”

Over and over Jesus said, “I tell you the truth” (some versions have “Verily, verily” or “Truly, truly”). Then, in one of his most famous quotes, he said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Notice that it is not just any truth that brings freedom. Jesus is not speaking philosophically.

In the context he is speaking about truth that leads to salvation and freedom from sin. And it is only in listening to Jesus that we learn eternal truth leading to ultimate freedom.

Are you a truth-seeker? Or do you look only for evidence to bolster your dearly held beliefs? Like a sick man going to his doctor, only the truth can help us solve our real problems.

In “Hamlet” Shakespeare wrote, “This above all: to thine own self be true.” Being true to self demands we seek truth above all else. For only then can we live with a clear conscience. Only then can we be all God made us to be. Only then can we truly worship.

The people of Jesus’ day thought worship had to happen in a certain place. Jesus disagreed. He said, “God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”

In matters of faith, truth matters. So drop the faith filters and pursue truth all the way to Jesus.

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

Religion Addict

Can a person be addicted to religion?

Andrew Farley was. Farley is a tenured professor at Texas Tech University and the author of “The Naked Gospel: The Truth You May Never Hear in Church.” The book deals with so-called Christian jargon or “Christianese” that people hear in some churches.

Farley says at one time in his life he did all the things he believed a good Christian should do. But he still felt miserable and depressed. Finally he realized he was trying to gain God's favor by becoming addicted to religion.

“Now hold it right there for just a minute! How can you be addicted to religion?”

Easy. The same way you get addicted to anything else. You try it, it makes you feel good, so you keep doing it. The more you do it, the better you feel about yourself—at least for a while.

Who could get addicted to religion? People who like their life ordered. They like rules. They like to know where they stand. Religion gives them a checklist and they can go down the list and either feel good or bad about their performance.

If you feel bad, religion gives you ways to compensate. Ways to punish yourself and be accepted. Say this prayer. Do this or that action to show you’re sorry. Penance.

Religion tells us that if we’re sincere enough and work hard enough, God will accept us. And that’s appealing to some. It’s almost like a contract: I do my part and God does his.

What sets the gospel of Jesus Christ apart from all religions is its message: God already loves you and he accepts you through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. God doesn’t want to be your boss. He wants to be your father and for you to be his son or daughter.

It’s simple. Jesus didn’t come to start a new religion. He came to make us friends of God.

After a person hears the good news about Christ a decision must be made: “Am I willing to give up trying to earn God’s favor and stop working for my salvation? Am I willing to accept the gift of forgiveness God offers to everyone through faith in Jesus Christ?”

If the answer is “Yes,” then you’re ready to give yourself to Christ. You’re ready to cross over the line of faith. To believe and trust in God. To become part of his forever family.

So if you will say, “Father accept me and adopt me, not because of what I have done but because of what Jesus Christ has done for me on the cross--if you will do that, then the Bible says you become a child of God. At that very moment.

Your other option is to pick a religion, stick with it and maybe even become addicted to it. Then hope you are good enough for a perfect and holy God to accept you. (What’re those odds?)

Perhaps some will say, “I opt out of religion. I don’t believe in a personal God.”

Fine. That’s your choice. God doesn’t force people to believe in him. But consider this: What atheists actually do is create their own religion with themselves as gods.

To say there is no God anywhere in the known universe means you’re omniscient—you know everything like God. And if you make the rules for good and evil in your life, that makes you like God. So what you have is a religion for one. And it can be very addicting!

So if you want to avoid the pitfalls of religion or atheism, listen to Jesus. He came to tell us about a better way that leads to peace and purpose. The way of faith in a loving and holy God.

I invite you to explore Jesus’ teaching for yourself. Pick up a Bible and read the book in it called “The Gospel of John.” Then, if you’re tired of religion, believe in Jesus and follow him.

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

Homeward Bound -2

What compels us to go home?

Last week we went back to our home state of New Jersey for vacation. It was hectic, relaxing and affirming—all at the same time!

Trying to visit everyone we wanted to see was hectic. They’re all on different schedules.

We did manage to get to the Jersey Shore. Boardwalk. Sea gulls. Ocean. Very relaxing.

Then we took our new grandson to meet his great-grandparents. We ate a lot of good food and spent some wonderful time with family. Being with family can be very affirming.

In every culture people try to go home. Eventually most people want to go back.

Why do we have such a deep longing for home? Perhaps the Bible gives us a clue.

“Now hold on just a minute! What does going home have to do with the Bible?”

Because the story of humankind’s first home is in the Bible.

The Bible tells us that, in the beginning, the first man and woman lived in the Garden of Eden. It was a place God made to fit them perfectly. It was their home.

In Eden they had a close personal relationship with our Creator, God. Everything they needed was in the garden. They were loved and accepted completely and unconditionally.

Then everything changed.

According to the first book of the Bible, Genesis, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and were expelled from their home. They discovered that the world had become a very hostile place. But their sin prevented them from returning home.

Ever since humankind has longed to go home. To be homeward bound. To get to the place where we were loved, accepted and cared for. We think we will find it if we can just go home.

But even if we eventually return to our hometown, we discover everything has changed.

Try as we might, we cannot return to a time and place that now exists only in our minds. As someone once told me, “There’s no going back.”

Something in the human soul still longs for our ancient home in Eden where everything was perfect. But the truth is we will find it only when we reach our heavenly home.

The Bible says Abraham, the father of faith, was “looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect and builder is God.” Abraham lived in tents—temporary dwellings. According to the Bible, his longing for a permanent home was really a desire to be with God.

What’s more, Jesus said that when he returned to Heaven, he would “prepare a place” there for those who believe in him. The Bible explains that this place is not just for people of one race or nation. God wants everyone to be part of his ultimate heavenly home.

The only obstacle to keep us from reaching our ultimate home is the same one that kept Adam and Eve from going home--sin. But the message of the Bible is that God has provided a way home through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross for sin. It’s a free gift God paid for.

Now the only thing standing between home and us is whether we trust in Christ as our savior.

On the cross Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He was rejected from the family so we could be accepted in God’s family once again. And welcomed home.

As the Son of God, Jesus got what we deserved so we could receive what he deserved. So we could become sons and daughters of God and be homeward bound through faith in him.

Because of Christ, God invites us to come home.

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

Without Faith

Here’s a story to make you think. It is used with permission of the author, Steffi Rubin.

In the land of DONTBELIEVE, long ago, there lived a sad little people called the DONTBELIEVITS. They were little because they didn’t believe they could ever be tall. And they were sad, because they didn’t believe they could ever be happy.

In this land of DONTBELIEVE, people walked down the road and greeted each other by saying, “I don’t believe it.” The customary reply to this greeting was, “Me neither.”

The king’s name was DONTCOUNTONIT VII. He was mean and made his people work very, very hard. Every week work began early Monday morning and ended late Sunday night.

Naturally the king didn’t believe in vacations, sick pay, coffee breaks or social security.

Occasionally, the people of DONTBELIEVE would plead with the king for a day off. But the king simply grunted and recited his own name: “Don’t Count On It.” And that would be that.

At the same time a quiet young man lived in the land of DONTBELIEVE. He lived in a modest home in a poor section of the country. He worked hard in a menial job and seldom spoke.

A neighbor once greeted the young man with “I don’t believe it.” He replied, “WHY NOT?”

This unusual behavior created quite a stir. Some thought he was secretly trying to overthrow King DONTCOUNTONIT VII. Perhaps he was a rebel or a revolutionary!

Others suggested that the quiet young man bore a resemblance to exiled old King HOPE-A-LOT. They thought he was the old king’s great-great grandson.

Legend had it that hundreds of years before King DONTCOUNTONIT VII, there was an invasion. Before that time the land of DONTBELIEVE was called the LAND OF MIRACLES. It was a place where wonderful things happened every day.

Then one morning the gloomy army of King DONTCOUNTONIT III from the neighboring country of DONTBELIEVE charged across the border. He swept across the sunny countryside and overcame sweet old King HOPE-A-LOT.

The invaders brought dark clouds of negativity and depression. For centuries, there wasn’t a glimmer of hope in all the land…until the day the quiet young man asked, “WHY NOT?”

Opinions about the young man flew thick and fast: “Well,” said one, “if he is the great-great-grandson of the old king, where are his royal robes?” “Quite true,” said another, “and where is his royal horse and servants?” “Of course,” said a third. “Where is his royal ring and scepter?”

So it was decided that he was not, in fact, a king at all. And that was sad.

Indeed, the young man was the true heir to the throne of the land. He was the great-great grandson of King HOPE-A-LOT. But the people of the land just kept sighing their customary sigh: “I don’t believe it. I don’t believe it. I don’t believe it.”

Nearly 2,000 years ago a king came to the Jewish people. He didn’t wear royal robes; he didn’t ride a royal horse; he didn’t carry a royal scepter. He lived quietly among his people and came to them as a soft-spoken carpenter. So they didn’t believe he was their king.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God is more than the rightful king of Israel. He asks you to make him king of your life. He died so that we DONTBELIEVITS can have a new life. And he rose from the dead to dispel the clouds of doubt and fear so we can live in the sunlight of God’s love.

The Bible says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

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

Enough Faith

Did you ever feel like you were low on faith?

As I write these words I’m waiting for my car’s oil to be changed. Oil is critical to a car’s life.

I know of a driver who drove a new car until the oil light finally came on--never checked it or added any! Didn’t even think about it. As a result, the engine was ruined.

That’s why I taught my children to check their car’s oil every time they stopped for gas. If it needed some, they could add it before it was too late.

Unfortunately some people ignore their faith like the driver that never checked the oil.

“Now hold on just a minute! How is ignoring one’s faith like failing to check a car’s oil?”

Good question. Here’s how: Some folks completely forget about their need for faith. They say, “I’ll know if I need it” but never think about it.

Faith is like the oil. If you forget about it, your life will end in ruin. So don’t wait to check it.

The good news is that you don’t need a lot of faith. Jesus said, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you.”

Now you may think you have at least that much faith—enough for small things. But many often feel inadequate to trust God to use them to do something big. Just like Jesus’ disciples did.

But here’s a wonderful truth: The key isn’t how much faith you have (Jesus said you only need a little). The key is in whom you place your faith and trust.

Some people have faith in faith. They think if you have a lot of it, you’re fine. They might say, “What matters is to sincerely believe.”

Others have faith in themselves. They believe they can overcome any obstacle in their way. And they get along fine until something happens beyond their control.

Still others take Jesus’ words as kind of Christian magic. They believe all we have to do is trust God and he will give us whatever we want. But that’s not what Jesus is saying.

The important thing to remember is Jesus was speaking to people who were already following him and seeking to serve him. When we do that we will face obstacles, but they are not insurmountable if we trust in the God of the Bible.

The journey of faith begins when we personally trust God to do what he says he will do. The Bible says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” That means the place to begin is the Bible.

Then the Bible adds, “But to as many as received him, he gave the right to become sons of God, to everyone who believes on his (Jesus’) name.” So the next step is to trust Christ as our Lord and Savior. When we do that we become children of God.

After that the Bible says we are to obey his commandments. Part of obeying Christ is telling others how they, too, can have peace with God through Jesus Christ.

Jesus warned us that would be a difficult task. But he also promised to help us. He said that nothing he asks us to do would be impossible if we trust him. So as we share the message of Christ with others, we find that God protects and provides for us.

How much do you trust God? The next time you feel your faith is inadequate, stop and check it. Just like you check the oil in your car. And the thing to check is not how much faith you have but in whom you are trusting.

Why? Because a little is enough when your faith is in Jesus Christ.

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

Blessed Confusion

For the last week our life has been a blessed confusion. And it’s been wonderful!

“Now hold on just a minute! How is ‘blessed confusion’ wonderful?”

Well, let me tell you. Take two working adults. Add a visiting daughter on vacation with her three girls. Then put us all under the same roof and you have a recipe for blessed confusion!

Trying to coordinate work schedules, play time, day trips and family dinners disrupts our daily routine. And when three or four people talk to me at the same time, it’s confusing!

But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

According to the Bible, living to see your grandchildren is a blessing from the Lord. It says they are “a crown to the aged.”

Now I don’t like to think of myself as “aged,” but I guess I am to my grandchildren! And I thank God that I’m healthy enough to play with them and enjoy them. What a blessing!

Last night the girls were getting ready for a bedtime story. The youngest walked up in her nightgown and said very seriously, “Grandpa, I wished we lived here.” That melts my heart.

On Sunday we took them to Sunday School and church. They looked so pretty in their dresses. But, more than that, they learned about God and his love for them through Jesus Christ.

It amazes me sometimes how people skip church because family is visiting from out of town. Not only do our grandchildren enjoy going to church with us, they love God wholeheartedly.

I guess that’s why Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” The faith of children is so pure and strong.

If you think about it, the only thing of lasting value you can leave to your children and grandchildren is your faith. Everything else gets spent, broken or wears out. But faith is forever.

Plus, in the light of eternity, passing your faith on to your children and grandchildren is the best investment you can make. When you die you will leave everything else in life behind. But if your family trusts in Christ, you will all be reunited in Heaven again.

Now some folks may think that’s too morbid to think about. Think again! Life goes by so fast. And then you will be somewhere forever a lot longer than you lived on earth.

But faith is good for more than just eternity. David, the shepherd king in the Bible once said, “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.” God knows how to take care of his children in this life as well.

The time to think about God is now. One of the wisest men to ever live, King Solomon, wrote, “Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come.”

How fast “the days of your youth” fly by! In just a little more than a week, I’ll be attending my fortieth High School reunion. Where did all those years go?

In the Bible, a man named Job said, “My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away.” In the musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” Tevye sang, “Sunrise, sunset; swiftly fly the years.”

Before we know it, children turn into adults. Our time with them is so brief.

If you are blessed to have your children and grandchildren nearby, stop and thank God. If they live far away and you only see them once or twice a year, be sure you enjoy the “blessed confusion” when they visit!

But most importantly, spend as much time with them as you can. Remember to point them to God and be the best example to them that you can be!

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

Any Questions?

One of my favorite parts of a class is when the teacher asks, “Any Questions?” Why? Because I usually have questions.

Questions are how we learn. But for the longest time, I was afraid to ask questions! I was afraid of what others might think of me. What if I was the only one who didn’t understand?

Thankfully one of my teachers said, “The only dumb question is the one you don’t ask.” And when I began to ask, I discovered that others had questions, too.

Often, after class, classmates came up and said to me, “I’m glad you asked that because I wondered about it also.” Why didn’t they ask? They were afraid.

I’ll never forget one dear lady who came to me once with a concern. “I know we’re not supposed to question God,” she began, “but why did God…” and then she expressed her doubt.

I thought, “Who said that? Who said we’re not supposed to question God? Who denied this hurting woman an answer to her question?”

“Now hold on just a minute! Everyone knows you’re not supposed to question God!”

Oh? Maybe you heard someone say it, but where did the idea come from? The Bible doesn’t teach it. It’s not in the Ten Commandments. Jesus didn’t forbid it. So where do we get it?

I’m not sure. But I do know that God invites us to use the minds he gave us. Jesus loved to ask questions. He invited people to think. Nowhere does the Bible encourage blind faith in God.

In the prophet Isaiah we read, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord.”

The Apostle Peter reminds Christians to welcome questions. He says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

Now the Bible does teach that God is a good God. In fact Jesus says, “No one is good—except God alone.” The Bible also says, “The Lord is good to all.” It reminds us, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”

Knowing that, it would be wrong to question God’s motives. But nowhere does the Bible say it is wrong to try to understand what God is doing in our lives.

Many times I have prayed, “Lord, help me understand what you are doing in this situation so I can work with you and accomplish your will.” It gets me thinking about God’s will, not mine.

One of the areas we question the most is suffering. Why does God permit his children to suffer? That’s a good question to ask, because God gives us answers in the Bible.

Often God uses suffering to get our attention. It’s not always punishment for disobedience, but it can be. To be sure, check your life. Ask God to show you if you’re doing wrong. Then, if you are, repent and turn back to him. In that case, suffering brought you closer to God.

Sometimes suffering makes us more like Jesus. God allowed him to suffer so we shouldn’t expect to be exempt. Plus it produces obedience and perseverance in us--good qualities we need.

Other times suffering develops our compassion. The Bible says that when God helps us, “we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

Suffering can even provide opportunities to share our faith and point others to the one the Bible calls, “The God of all comfort.”

These are just a few examples of the answers in God’s Word. I’m sure you can find many more if you will read your Bible regularly. If it’s gotten dusty, it’s time to find it and read it!

And the next time you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask! Any questions?

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

No Doubt

Is a crisis of faith good or bad?

Some time ago it was big news that Mother Teresa revealed she had a crisis of faith. Critics said, “See? How can God be real if someone like her doubts her faith?” But others nodded and thought, “She was a real person, just like me.”

The Fox News Channel recently showed the program “Escape from Hamas.” It chronicled the life of Yousef, a Muslim from Gaza.

Yousef’s father was one of the founders of Hamas, an anti-Israel terrorist group. After seeing the fear, hatred and torture of Muslims by other Muslims, Yousef had a crisis of faith.

When he compared the Bible with the Qur’an, Yousef was struck by Jesus’ command to “Love your enemies.” He said he knew then that Jesus was from God.

Yousef now lives in America. He has found peace with God and with his former enemies. And he is sure he has found the truth.

Now hold on just a minute. How can anyone know for sure they have the truth?

Unfortunately some people view certainty with suspicion. Since they have doubts about God, religion and faith, they think no one else can be sure of the truth. How sad.

What they fail to realize is that some people may have already gone through a crisis of faith. In many cases a crisis of faith leads to the truth. It did for me.

When I was a child, I lived by my parent’s faith. I knew God was real because I saw how he answered my parent’s prayers. But my faith was a second-hand faith.

As a high school student I began to explore my beliefs. In the Bible I found the answers to my questions. I learned God was faithful, not only to my parents, but to me, as well.

When it came time to choose a college, I prayed for guidance. And God answered my prayers in such a specific way that I had no doubt it was God!

After I got married, I can still remember my father’s advice to me as a new husband. He said, “It’s time you lost your parent’s faith and got your own.” And I knew exactly what he meant.

Until then I had taken excursions into faith, exploring it. But it was time for me to live it.

I learned that doubt and faith are not mutually exclusive. Convictions and strong beliefs arise through our doubts, not in spite of them. When doubts drive us to search for answers there is nothing quite so exhilarating as discovering the truth.

Jesus who said, “I am the truth” also said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” The truth about Jesus sets us free from sin, a guilty conscience and from our doubts.

Someone once said, “Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.” I like that.

Maybe you’re a skeptic. That’s OK. The Bible doesn’t condemn those who doubt.

When Jesus encountered “Doubting Thomas” after his resurrection, he didn’t belittle Thomas. Jesus invited him to come and examine the evidence. To see that it was really Jesus. Alive.

And he invites you to do the same. Listen to Jesus’ invitation to non-believers. Jesus said, “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.”

Examine the evidence. Read the Gospel of John and the Acts of the Apostles. Look at the testimony of the eyewitnesses. Ask God to show you the truth and he will.

So is a crisis of faith good or bad? It’s a good thing if it leads you to the truth and to peace.

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

Final Thoughts

No this isn’t my last column. At least I don’t think so.

However, since it’s the end of the year, this seems like a good time to reflect and ponder life.

Do you ever think about how short your life is? How every year seems to go by a little faster than the last one? Try to really THINK about it. Not just notice it and comment about it.

It’s good to pause and think about life’s brevity. To consider life’s end once in a while. It helps us see life as it really is and to make needed changes in our lives.

I enjoy talking with people about spiritual things. Often I’ll ask them a question such as, “When you die, what do you think you’ll find on the other side? What’s the final reality?”

It surprises me to hear some say, “I haven’t given it much thought.” Really? How could you not think about the most certain experience in the world?

“Now hold it just a minute,” I can hear someone say. “Isn’t all this talk a little morbid?”

Only if you think ignorance is bliss.

Take a minute and do the math. A man born in America today will live on average to age 75. A woman to age 80. Then what happens? They die and go somewhere forever.

So if we subtract 75 or 80 years from forever it equals—forever! And as they say, “Forever is a long, long time.”

People spend their lives planning and preparing for retirement. And how long does it last? Fifteen to twenty years? Or maybe thirty--if they’re blessed with good health and long life?

And remember--there’s no guarantee they’ll even make it to retirement!

But everyone is guaranteed to die. Last time I checked, no one exits planet earth alive.

Because of this fact of life, the Bible’s advice to us is, “Prepare to meet your God.”

Now the Bible doesn’t tell us that to frighten or scare us. The point is to encourage us to push the “Pause” button on our busy lives and think about what happens when life’s movie ends.

Listen to the wisdom of God’s Word: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

According to the Bible there is no reincarnation, no purgatory, and no second chances. Jesus clearly taught that eternity holds just two options: a place of delight and adventure the Bible calls heaven and a place of eternal punishment Jesus called hell.

To be sure we don’t miss this fact the Bible says, “Man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment.” That’s the facts straight up. No sugar coating.

The good news is that God made it possible to spend forever with him. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God offers forgiveness and peace to all who come to him through faith in Christ.

Jesus came to bring new life now and eternal life later to everyone. God’s offer is not just for Jews or Christians. It’s for everyone regardless of his or her religion.

The angel who announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds said, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL THE PEOPLE. Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.”

A New Year’s resolution can help change a habit. But Jesus Christ offers a better life—both now and forever. Faith in him brings us peace with God and can help us be at peace with others.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Because Jesus came we can follow him to our eternal home. And that’s final.

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

No Pokies

Children have a way of getting right to the point.

Last week I spoke to my granddaughter on the phone. She will soon be five years old. I told her I loved her and can’t wait to hug her and kiss her. Normal grandpa stuff.

Her response? “I love you too, Grandpa. You can come soon and hug me and kiss me. But no pokies.”

What she meant by “No pokies” was a mystery. Then my daughter got on the phone and explained that her husband shaves once a week. My granddaughter wanted to be sure my beard wasn’t prickly. That way there’d be no “pokies.”

Well, needless to say, I had a good chuckle. I thought, “How precious!” Then I told my wife we need to go visit them soon so I can hold my granddaughter and get those hugs and kisses.

There’s something about the honesty and innocence of children that inspires us. And they can teach us much if we will pay attention.

Well, hold on just a minute. Aren’t we supposed to teach children?

Yes, but there is much we can learn from them. Especially when it comes to faith.

Jesus knew that some of the purest faith in the world belongs to children. The average adult of his day viewed children as unimportant and something of a bother. Even Jesus’ disciples.

One day when parents wanted Jesus to pray for their children, the disciples rebuked them. So Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Another time Jesus added, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

His point? The openness, faith and receptivity of children are an example to us.

The kingdom of God must be received as a gift. It is available to all who are humble and know they are helpless. Human effort is of no avail.

And that’s really the point of Christmas.

Christmas is about God offering us a gift. We did nothing to deserve it. He offers us a Savior who can forgive our sin and give us eternal life—a life of joy and purpose.

It cost God a lot. He gave us his very best. But it’s a free gift to all who receive it with the simple faith and trust of a child. Will you open your heart and accept it by faith?

As adults it’s too easy for us to lose Jesus in the Christmas rush. Don’t let it happen to you.

So when you gather with your family this year, watch the little children. Not only are they cute, they’re special to God. Their faith can point our hearts in the right direction.

And guys, if you want hugs and kisses—be sure you don’t have any “pokies”!

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

Beyond Belief

Do you have strong beliefs? Then brace yourself. This could come as a shock.

It doesn’t matter what you believe.

“Say what? Now hold it right there for just a minute! All these religious people who talk about faith and ‘Just Believe’ –and now you say believing doesn’t matter? What’s up with that?”

I didn’t say believing doesn’t matter. I said it doesn’t matter WHAT you believe.

What matters is what is TRUE. Belief by itself is not enough. We must believe in truth.

Do you believe there is nothing after death? Or reincarnation? How do you know that to be true? What evidence have you found that convinced you to gamble your eternity on that belief?

Or maybe you’re an atheist. You believe there is no God. Tell me, what evidence have you found to prove that? And if there’s no evidence to prove your belief, then it’s blind faith.

Many people base their eternal future on something that isn’t fact and they haven’t fully investigated. They heard about it or read about and it sounded good to them. They hope it’s true.

Some people when asked why they believe what they do say, “I believe in my heart it’s true.”

That’s nice. But have you ever believed something with all of your heart and later found out it wasn’t true? Most of us have. Maybe it was the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny.

Many people like to think that we’re free to believe whatever we want about eternity. Sort of a “pick your own ending” approach. But we can’t all be right.

Well what if you’re wrong about eternity? Wouldn’t you want to know?

Someone might ask, “What if you Christians are wrong?” Good question.

Consider this: Christians believe in the only faith that has evidence to back it up. It’s true. If you doubt that, check out Josh McDowell’s book, “New Evidence that Demands a Verdict.”

Here’s something else: believing in Jesus Christ has changed my life. God made me a new person. I have peace. I have a purpose for my life that is greater than me.

But, in spite of all that, if I am wrong—I will die and go to my grave and that’s all there is.

But if someone chooses not to trust in Jesus Christ and then dies and is wrong, they are literally choosing hell for all of eternity. Is that a good choice?

If you sincerely seek truth I encourage you to read the Bible. Why? Here are some facts.

The Bible is the best selling book in the world. With that kind of record there’s a good chance it contains at least some truth. Why not read it and find out? Start with the Gospel of John

Another thing to consider is that the Bible claims to be written by God. What if it’s right?

Historical evidence also supports the Bible. No one has found an historical mistake anywhere in the Bible. That wouldn’t be true if only men wrote it.

What about archaeology? When I traveled to Israel, evidence was constantly being unearthed that proved the Bible to be true. To date not a single piece of archaeological evidence has been found to disprove the Bible!

Finally, the Bible is the only book in the world that contains hundreds of detailed prophecies about the future. The same cannot be said for any other “holy” book. And except for the few remaining prophecies about Jesus’ return to earth, every other prophecy has come true.

Who is the only one who can predict the future with 100% accuracy? God.

So when the Bible says about Jesus, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” –it’s worth a second look!

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

Spin Cycle

Do you remember wringer washers?

Next to the washtub was a pair of rollers called a wringer. After washing and rinsing, clothes were put through the wringer to squeeze out most of the water.

A big improvement over washing and wringing by hand!

Then came automatic washers. Instead of a wringer, the new machine had a spin cycle that spun out excess water. Another big improvement—and safer, too.

When I was a boy, I once went in the kitchen where our washer had a prominent place. My little sister was standing on a chair and peeking under the lid. As she did, her rear end moved in circles matching the motion of the washtub.

It wasn’t intentional. She unconsciously mimicked what she saw.

Have you noticed how people imitate what they see and hear? It’s a common trait.

In his book, “The Curate’s Awakening,” George MacDonald describes a college student with this quality. He wrote, “She never had an original thought. She thought a great deal of other people’s thoughts, thinking they were her own.”

My first thought was, “I know people like that!” My second thought was, “I hope that doesn’t describe me!” Does it describe you? It can happen so gradually you don’t realize it.

For weeks we’ve been overwhelmed by opinions and pressured by pundits. Believe this. Think that. Vote for this candidate or that one.

After an election like this, voters can feel like they’ve been through the spin cycle. No wonder they call it “spinning” the facts!

What’s the solution? Stop thinking politics or a politician will save the world. If anything, a good politician is probably one who doesn’t make things worse.

Well hold on just a minute! Can’t an election make things better?

It may change some things, but if you think our problems are over, I’ve got news for you! Politicians can’t issue proclamations and change things at will. They must work within the law.

Besides that, belief in the ability of one person or a political party to fix what’s wrong in America is a misplaced faith. If it were possible, we would have solved most of our problems by now. The history books are full of leaders who tried their best--but to no avail.

The real solution goes back past the fathers of our country to the founder of our faith: Jesus. He had the answer when he said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in me.” A troubled heart is full of fear, doubt and worry. A peaceful heart is strong.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the only solution that will save us from troubled hearts. Because if history proves anything, it demonstrates that people let us down.

Presidents, senators, congressmen and governments will fail us. Even military power doesn’t guarantee safety. But Jesus never fails.

Do you want peace? Only Jesus can bring peace to your heart. Do you want safety? Only Jesus can keep you safe through this life and into the next. Who else can do that?

So as you listen to the election analysis and try to understand what it all means, skip the “spin cycle.” Listen to God first. He doesn’t spin the truth. Only he knows and controls the future.

Regardless of who runs the government, God is still in charge. In spite of of men’s decisions, God controls the outcome. And he said of Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

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

Heated Debate

I love a good debate. My wife? —not so much. She thinks it’s arguing.

As a result, I find myself watching the Presidential debates alone. Wincing at some remarks and hoping for a civil debate about the issues--it can be a frustrating experience.

My love of debating started in High School. I was blessed to have a teacher who encouraged reading news magazines, discussing current events and critical thinking.

In college the coffee shop was the place for lively debate. In grad school it was the Seminary lounge. Sometimes it got a little heated, but we were sharpening our logic and our minds.

The only thing worse than a dull mind is the attitude it produces--an attitude that says, “Don’t bother me with the facts. My mind is made up and you’re not changing it!”

A wise person once said, “By the time most people are 30 they’re like concrete—thoroughly mixed up and firmly set.”

What keeps that from happening? Reading widely, talking with others and critical thinking.

As a result, I read constantly. I like “Letters to the Editor” and the editorial pages in the newspaper. Why? Because I get to evaluate the thinking of people who disagree with me.

Without a challenge to our assumptions, without an objection to our worldview, how do we know we are right?

“Now hold on just a minute!” someone will say. “I know I’m right because I’m right! And I believe it with all my heart.”

Okaaaaaay. Would you explain that to me one more time?

Sound thinking is especially important when it comes to spiritual matters. Faith and reason are not contradictory. They are complimentary. But not everyone sees it that way.

Comedian Bill Maher’s recent mockumentary movie, “Religulous,” insists Christianity “stops people from thinking.” Is that true? Do Christians check their brains at the door?

In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

True, some Christians aren’t thoughtful about their faith--but that’s by choice. And while anti-intellectualism is present in some places, Christians should never make a virtue of not thinking. In fact history will support the claim that, for the most part, we haven’t.

Many of history’s greatest thinkers were Christians. Faith was central in their quest for truth.

The Bible tells us to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” It adds, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

God’s invitation to consider our spiritual needs says, “Come now, let us reason together.” And early Christians, like the Apostle Paul, “reasoned” with doubters.

So when it comes to faith and spirituality, how about a thoughtful discussion? Let’s get off our “talking points” and explore truth. Because the truth is all that matters.

The next time you’re in a heated debate, remember these wise words from the Bible: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of a fool gushes folly.”

A heated debate--anger, accusations or slander--doesn’t win the day. Neither does mocking another’s beliefs. Know why you believe what you believe. Then explain it as simply as you can.

If what you say is true, it’s like planting a seed. When the soil is good, it bears good fruit.

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

The Guitar Hero Effect

Is your faith a victim of the Guitar Hero Effect?

Guitar Hero is one of the hottest video games to hit stores in a long time. Kids want it, teens want it and even adults want it. It’s THE party game that’s taken the country by storm.

What is it? It’s a music video game that makes you feel like you’re on stage at a rock concert.

Playing the game with the guitar-shaped controller simulates playing an actual guitar. Players watch a color-coded moving music track on their TV. Then they use five colored “fret buttons” and a “strum bar” instead of frets and strings to make music.

Most players are content to just play the game. Some have been inspired to learn to play a real guitar. But, for the majority, that requires more discipline than they want to practice.

For many people, playing Guitar Hero is just like the way they practice their faith.

Now hold on just a minute! How does a playing a video game compare to being a Christian?

The answer is in the word “simulate.” Guitar Hero isn’t really the same as playing a guitar. It imitates the motions and creates the impression one is really playing. But it’s all a fake. A show.

And that’s the way many people approach Christianity.

Through their family and friends they are impressed with the need to “be a Christian.” So they check it out. They discover that Christians meet on Sunday and pray to an unseen God. They also give money to help missionaries build orphanages, drill wells and build hospitals.

So people figure, “I can do that!” and join up. And they become like my friend, Doug, who told me that for a long time he was “almost a Christian.”

For many years Doug played the Christian “game.” He got quite good at it. He sang in the choir, attended church regularly, gave money and even prayed. But he was just “going through the motions.” There was no passion, no reality in his heart. It was all a show and he knew it.

One day while I talked with Doug, it was as if the lights came on for him. He understood that God loved him. That Jesus died on the cross for his sin. That if he would trust and follow Jesus Christ, his sin would be forgiven and he would become part of God’s family.

When Doug bowed his head, humbled his heart and prayed, he became a new man.

No longer did he pray just to be heard by others. He prayed to talk to his Father in Heaven. And when he read his Bible, it wasn’t to get “points” with God in the Christian “game.” It was to hear God speak to him.

Doug decided he no longer wanted to simulate being a Christian. He wanted the real thing.

What about you? Has your “faith” been more like playing a game of Guitar Hero? You think, “I look pretty good. I’ve gotten to be an expert at playing this game. I’m good enough.”

That’s the Guitar Hero Effect. But playing a Christian game is not the same as the real thing.

For you to become a true Christian takes a leap of faith and a commitment to something greater than serving yourself. It’s realizing you’re not good enough for a holy God. It’s turning from your sinful attitudes, trusting in Jesus Christ to save you and serving him with your life.

And like my friend, Doug, you will never regret it.

If you’re interested in “being” a Christian and not just “doing Christianity” then faith in Jesus Christ is the place to begin. The Bible says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”

Next, find a good Bible-teaching, Christ-serving church and start attending. You will find answers to the questions of life, a purpose in living for God and a joy that you can only imagine.

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

The Christian Test

Question: “When is a “Christian” a true Christian? Answer: “When he or she--”

“Wait--hold on just a minute! Who decides what makes one a true follower of Jesus Christ?”

You’re right. It’s not up to me. Only God decides what makes a Christian a true Christian. And his book, the Bible, tells us what that is.

Some believe that to be a Christian all you do is believe in God, go to church and pray. But, as I‘ve pointed out before, Jesus didn’t call anyone to be a Christian. He called us to follow him.

Before the Bible even mentions the word “Christian,” it talks about becoming a “child of God” instead of being a “child of the devil.” So how does one become a “child of God”?

We must receive Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Sounds simple enough.

In the framework of the New Testament, “receiving” Jesus meant accepting him for who he claimed to be: the divine Son of God who died for the sins of the world so he could save people everywhere from their sin. It didn’t just mean agreeing that he is the Savior.

When you “believe in his name” you trust in Jesus Christ to forgive your sin and make you part of God’s forever family. But you must believe for yourself. No one else can do it for you.

What if you were baptized as a baby? If so your parents made a wonderful commitment to bring you up in the church. But infants can’t “receive him” and “believe in his name.”

Another scripture makes it clearer: “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” It’s obvious that a baby cannot yet “confess” or “believe.”

So what should you do if you were baptized as a baby? Complete your parents’ intentions. Their hope was that you would choose to follow Jesus with your life. So put your trust in him.

The church cannot save you. The Bible says that only personal faith in Christ can save you.

Perhaps you know someone who says they have trusted in Christ but their life or their lips tell an entirely different story. What about that?

We cannot judge what has happened in another’s heart. God will do that. But the Bible does say to “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course you fail the test.”

The Bible adds, “Make your calling and election sure…. For if you do…you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

To pass the Christian Test, first check if you have personally received and trusted in Jesus. Then examine your life. Are you growing in “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”? Those are the result of God’s work in your heart.

Next, do you love to obey God? The Bible says, “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

If you claim to be a Christian, go to church and hear the Bible taught, but don’t obey God, you are deceiving yourself. Sadly that’s what so many do.

Some say, “But I’m trying!” That’s nice. But as Jedi Master Yoda said to Luke Skywalker in “Star Wars,” “Do or do not. There is no ‘try.’” Simple but profound.

So how can you tell if you are a true Christian? Answer: If you trust in Christ and obey him.

God helps true Christians obey him and gives them joy. I wonder--do you pass the test?

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

Flying High

It’s an election year again and Americans are high. No, not on drugs--high on politics!

Media outlets are busy helping crown the winners. Politics rules TV news shows and the editorial pages. People devour the candidates’ latest gaffes and sound bytes. We’re hooked.

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 to you the next president of the United States? Source of hope, savior of the economy, world peace negotiator and defender of children and the aged! Drum roll please--TA-DAH--Senator…”--I had you going there for a minute, didn’t I?

“Well hold on just a minute. I really believe in my candidate. He (or she) 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. Like a bum in the gutter, we like our booze. And after politics, our intoxicator of choice is money. We can’t get enough of either one.

Somewhere along the way we bought into the idea that money could 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 a lie. 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 shows us a better way. He warned about a life pursuing wealth. He respected government but avoided politics. Politicians polarize people but Jesus unites them in faith.

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

Remember Jesus 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.

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 in the Savior, Jesus.

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 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 eternal separation from God. Death.

The other path is narrow and less traveled. It’s the road of faith and peace and starts with Jesus. It leads to a fulfilled life and ends in Heaven. And you can’t fly any higher than that!

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

Truthiness or Truth?

Do you believe in truth or truthiness?

“Truthiness” is a word that television comedian Stephen Colbert popularized in 2005. He came up with the word “truthiness” minutes before taping the first episode of “The Colbert Report.” He decided the word “truth” in his script wasn’t ridiculous enough.

“We're not talking about truth, we're talking about something that seems like truth—the truth we want to exist,” he explained. “Facts matter not at all. Perception is everything.”

Colbert added, “Truthiness is ‘What I say is right.’ It's not only that I FEEL it to be true, but that ‘I’ feel it to be true. There's not only an emotional quality, but there’s a selfish quality.”

Many people call themselves “Christians” and believe truthiness instead of truth. In fact it’s common for them to describe their faith as “choosing what I want to believe.” --As if the Bible was a cafeteria line, picking what you like and leaving what you don’t!

Well hold on just a minute. Isn’t that how most Americans view their faith?

Probably. But while some religions may include that approach, the Bible does not.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Notice that Jesus said he is “THE way” and not “A way.”

Another time he added, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Think about that. For the truth to set you free you must believe it’s true and act on it. It’s not an option for you to adjust the truth to your preferences or make it fit your view of reality.

We can’t adjust truth in a math class. What makes us think we can do it with faith?

Many people say they believe the Bible and believe in God. They’ve heard the gospel story and agree that Jesus lived, died on a cross for the sins of mankind and rose again on the third day. But hearing it and agreeing with it is not the same as believing in it.

If you truly believe something it changes your behavior. In this case you decide to put your trust in Jesus Christ to forgive you and save you from sin’s penalty—eternal separation from God. And then you choose to obey him.

The Bible says that Christians are people who “no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” If you’re a Christian you live for Jesus.

Some don’t see the need to obey Jesus. They don’t believe his teaching is the only truth.

Instead they believe the truthiness about Jesus. They think what THEY want to believe is true.

They might say, “I’m a Christian. I believe in God. I pray and attend church. I do the best I can.” And if asked what they’ll find on the other side they might say, “Heaven--I hope.”

Contrary to popular opinion, God doesn’t grade us on our efforts. The Bible says salvation is a gift of God received through faith and not by works.

According to the Bible, when you decide to follow Jesus Christ and “believe” in him, you receive eternal life. It says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

God sent Jesus so we could KNOW our sins and mistakes are forgiven and so we could KNOW we have eternal life. And when you know that, you can finally forgive yourself.

Jesus Christ lived, died and rose from the dead to give sinners a full and blessed life now and eternal life in Heaven later. That’s the truth. And that truth is worth celebrating this Easter!

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

Prayer Secrets

How does prayer work? What’s the secret?

Perhaps the secret of prayer is in the words you say. Or maybe it’s praying in the right position--you know, with your eyes closed or open, kneeling or standing—is that it?

Others think it’s repeating the prayer enough times to show you mean it. Some suppose they have to shout to get God’s attention or light a candle in a church.

A majority of Americans believe in God and believe in prayer. Some say, “I pray all the time.” That’s good, but how do they know God is listening?

And what about answers? Some give up praying because God didn’t answer them.

Maybe it’s because they didn’t know the “secret” of prayer--the key to how it works.

Now hold on just a minute! This is getting complicated. Does prayer work or doesn’t it?

Prayer’s power is not in the methods or words we use. Nor is it in our physical posture, the size of our faith or the sincerity of our heart.

The power of prayer is the God of the Bible. He alone is the prayer answering God.

One benefit of the Bible is that it shows us how God answers prayer for ordinary people like you and me. And they were ordinary. It says that even the prophet Elijah “was a man just like us.” His prayers were not answered because of who he was but because of who God is.

OK, then how do you know he hears you and answers you? That’s the question!

Many people pray and see no results. The reason is because they have no relationship with God. For prayer to work there must be a relationship with him. That’s the key. Really.

Let me explain. Some children receive allowances. What if one child went to another’s father and asked for an allowance? What would happen? He would say, “Go see your own dad!”

And that’s why prayer works for some and not others. The Bible says that when you have a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, God is your Heavenly Father. You become his child. And God invites his children to come and ask for whatever they need.

Jesus said, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” God wants to answer the prayers of his children.

That brings us back to faith. The Bible says, “It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

A relationship with God begins with faith. Faith that God loves you, that he is good and has your best interests at heart. Faith that when God says he will forgive your sin and make you his child—he will do it.

Where does faith come from? The Bible explains that faith is a gift from God. It comes from listening to God speak to you through the Bible and understanding that he’s talking to you.

Perhaps you would like to know how to have a personal relationship with God. If so, I recommend that you pick up a Bible and read the Gospel of John in the New Testament.

Just remember that the secret of prayer is not a secret. Power in prayer begins with a personal relationship with God. It’s that simple.

And what about answers to prayer? God always answers, but it may not be the answer we expect. Like any good parent, God doesn’t give us everything we want. Sometimes he says, “Yes.” But other times he may say “No,” “Wait a while” or even “You’ve got to be kidding!”

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

Hocus Pocus Faith

Is faith like magic? Some people must think so.

Such people think that positive thoughts or certain words will bring about what they desire. But that’s more magic than faith--sort of a Hocus Pocus Faith.

Magic attempts to control people, things, events and nature through rituals, potions or spells. In the world of magic, you’re a god and believe your words have power.

Christian faith trusts the God of the Bible to do what he has promised. It’s not your sincerity or what you say that matters. It’s what God says that controls the outcome.

What a good reason to read the Bible! If God hasn’t promised to do something, it’s foolish to ask him for it or believe he will do it. God cannot be manipulated.

For instance, God promises to provide for the needs of those who trust in him. Helping you win the Lottery isn’t covered. That’s greed, not a need. Don’t bother asking or begging.

Well hold on just a minute! Then what good is faith?

Faith is only as good as its object. The object of faith is the person or thing you trust in. If your faith is in people, sooner or later you’ll be disappointed. People are often unreliable.

Faith works best when you trust in the God of the Bible. The Bible is the only proven record of how God relates to mankind. It shows how he answers prayer and keeps his promises.

So when God says something is true or will happen, it makes sense to take him at his word. That’s not blind faith, it’s faith based on reliable evidence.

My father used to tell me, “Son, God is faithful. And he’s not about to lose his reputation on you or me.” As the Bible says, “God is not a man, that he should lie.”

Manley Beasley, a Southern Baptist Evangelist, once said, “Faith is believing something is so, even when it’s not so, so that it becomes so, because God said so!”

Rather than hopeless optimism, such an expression is sensible faith. Instead of “Make Believe” it’s trusting in a God who does what he says. Every time.

Corrie Ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor, wrote one of my favorite descriptions of faith in her book, “Tramp for the Lord.” She said, “Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.”

In the fog, radar sees things that are real but cannot be seen by the human eye. Faith is like radar because it sees the reality of what God has promised. And once you learn how God keeps his word, it’s not a stretch of faith to take him at his word and trust him completely.

That’s how a child trusts his parents. When Dad or Mom says, “Dinner will be at 5 o’clock,” the child doesn’t worry or fret. He plays until 5 p.m. and then comes in expecting dinner. Why? Because the parents have proven faithful. They do what they say. Just like God.

So when a Christian expresses confidence in God it’s because God has proven faithful. Christians aren’t being arrogant when they say they’re going to heaven when they die. Jesus promised his followers that he would come back from heaven to take them to be with him.

Since Jesus arose from the dead, he proved his power over death. How much proof do you need? The resurrection is one of the best-documented facts of history. Check it out.

I like to say, “If God said it, I believe it and that settles it!” Such faith allows you to live life to the full. Released from worry and the fear of dying, a Christian can focus on truly living.

And here’s the best part. You don’t need a lot of faith. Jesus said that if your faith is in God, all you need is a tiny amount and you can still see amazing results. The key is to trust God.

So forget the hocus pocus stuff and listen to the Bible. It’s great for your soul!

Groundhogs & The Future

Why were so many people concerned about a groundhog last Saturday?

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 a dependable prediction about winter?

Americans are fascinated with the future (in this case, the weather for the next six weeks.) It’s still amazes me that with all 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 the 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.” 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.

A recent survey revealed that 42% of Americans believe we are living in the “Last Days.”

Hold it right there for just a minute! Is that even a possibility?

Non-Christians tend to view talk of Jesus’ return as religious hype. But modern Evangelical Christians are not 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. The Empire began December 25, 800 A.D.

For those committed to human reason, that’s a tad 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 be surprised when Jesus returns. Christians, however, should not be. The Bible says, “But you brothers are not in darkness that this day should surprise you like a thief.”

Since Christ’s return is 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?

First you need to have faith. The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” That means to believe that Jesus died for your sin, was buried and rose to give you a new life. Next you must personally trust in Christ 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 he finds it in your heart and sees it in your life!

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