Luke 10:16 – “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

One of the gravest problems in life is making rejection personal, even though sometimes it is.  There are times when rejection is not you, but your beliefs.  The rejecter cannot separate the two.  They reject you along with your beliefs.  That happened to our LORD, and He forewarned us that it would happen to us as well.

We have all heard about and maybe heard the words, “It’s not you, it’s me…” as the rejection edict was issued.  There is probably an element of truth in that.  But I would venture that most of the time it is both or neither. 

Ideological beliefs and values held by each of us make associations and relationships with some people difficult, if not impossible.  The Bible plainly declares that “two cannot walk together unless they are in agreement.”  Some have taken that to mean Total Agreement on or in Everything.  I do not see that in the passage.  We may find it possible to build an alliance on particular issues based on agreement but on many other issues we are not in agreement.  If our disagreement rises to the level of embittered animosity, then a relationship, partnership, or association would be impossible or destructive.

In our world of social media, I find that almost daily I am either approached by someone wanting to be my friend or rejected by someone who no longer wants to be a friend.  I have learned, in life, and applied that to the world of social media that reaching out or rejection is usually not personal but ideological. 

Although I have argued that you cannot separate what you believe from who you are a person who does not know you cannot reject your person.  Therefore, they must reject your beliefs or words.  If I took every rejection personally, I would be a basket-case and probably plunge into deep depression.  We have a world today that is so performance-oriented and acceptance driven that rejection shatters their psyche and alterations in belief and public declarations ensue. 

I have watched politicians when accused of something immediately apologize when an apology was not appropriate but the desire to be viewed as likable, and agreeable, and to appease the accusers drives them to take that path.  Most of the time they are then viewed as weak, lacking personal conviction and courage to stand for their beliefs.  It is then that attacks become more intensified.  Sometimes that results in them becoming marginalized and ineffective. 

I have seen the same thing in preachers who water down their message, violate their core convictions, and compromise the message they are about as useful to the kingdom as screen doors in submarines.  They give the appearance of usefulness but have no practical value.  I know that is harsh, but I believe it to be reality.

Among the reasons that rejection hurts are that we genuinely care about people and their opinions.  However, another reason is we are ‘insecure’ about who we are.  Because we are insecure rejection is devastating.  Some derive their significance and sense of value and worth from acceptance and rejection dismantles their incredibly fragile psyche. 

Feelings of insecurity can come from many roots including lack of preparation or talent.  If we are convinced, we are unable or unprepared we lack confidence. That lack of confidence translates to insecurity, and then when our thoughts, words, or deeds are rejected we translate that to our inadequacy and personalize the rejection.  We are shattered and for some recovery becomes virtually impossible.

Let me give you two or three passages that I believe can diminish the sting of rejection and empower you to achieve the goals and dreams of your heart.

Philippians 4:11-13 – “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

Notice Paul addresses need, learning and contentment and THEN as a result of his life experiences and spiritual development he declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Rejection, pain, suffering, plenty, applause, and accolades all come into my view of life, and whether I am accepted or rejected I stand having LEARNED and know that in CHRISTI Can! 

Philippians 4:19 he addresses the church being there for him and tells them that he is going to pray for them and out of his confidence in God, learned through his life experiences, he is going to pray for them and declares that “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

You may be rejected by man, but you have not been rejected by God because of your acceptance in Him. You cannot be rejected only your beliefs can.  You are secure in Him and therefore In Him, you live and move and have your being.  When rejection comes to you simply look to Him the author and finisher of your faith, bless those rejecting, and rejoice that the seed has been sown and now another will water, and ultimately God will give the increase.

I am dead in Christ and in that condition, rejection has no power over me.   God bless you as you go through this day!

2 Thessalonians 2:1-13 – “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”  NKJV

While these verses are sufficient in themselves to identify the need to be concerned, aware and vigilant in our present world I want to advance a couple of simple thoughts.  Paul spoke of the “mystery of lawlessness” that was already at work in his day and how can anyone deny has taken giant steps in ours?  We focus on that verse and talk about the Holy Spirit, or the Church being removed so the devil will have no further restraint and then total chaos ensues on planet earth.

In this passage, the apostle warns of a time of incredible apostasy and warns that the Day of Christ would not come UNLESS there is a massive falling away and the man of sin is revealed.  He spoke of a time in which Great Deception would be prevalent in the world and even in the church or especially in the church.  He spoke of a time in which God would send or allow a strong delusion to permeate the religious world.  In his counsel and warning to Timothy Paul spoke of “perilous times” coming in which evil men would grow worse and worse.  Does that not remind you of this day?

Without getting into the debates about the Coming of the Lord, Pre, Mid, or Post Tribulation or Millennialism let me ask this question, “When God lifts the restraints in this world do you really want to be around to witness it?”  

We live in a world where there have been over about two billion abortions have transpired over the past 50 years.  We live in a world where Islamic jihadists are brutally slaughtering Christians and anyone who will not convert to Islam at an alarming rate.  We live in a world where “lives do not matter” or so it would seem to a growing number of people. 

We are seeing the ever-increasing boldness of evil and watching as society has begun calling evil good and good evil.  We live in a world where some in Church leadership have adopted a coexistence policy to the point, that they no longer declare the ONLY PATHWAY to salvation as Jesus Christ.  It is becoming an extremely dangerous world and in many parts of this planet, if you are a professing Christian, it is doubly dangerous.

What would it be like if there were no spiritual or moral restraints in this world?  What would the world be like if people followed the evilness in their hearts and did or took whatever they wanted whenever they wanted? 

There is coming a time exactly like that and although I refuse to adopt a mentality of Escapism.  I am praying that God spares us from that horrific world.  Knowing that the world of terror is coming is another reason to address the condition of our hearts.  The restraints will be, and we may be witnessing the lifting of them now, so I urge you to rekindle the flame of your first love with God.

God bless you as you go through this day!

Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  NKJV

I remember a cousin giving me advice before I departed for boot camp and he said, “I was fearful of not making it.  The more I thought about it the more I realized that if so, many others had successfully gotten through that ordeal I could too.”  That helped me more times than I can count in boot camp, Vietnam, and life in general.  The very fact that a host of others have successfully traveled the path inspires me that I can too.

The writer of Hebrews used the truth powerfully.  He sought to inspire hearts with the reality that others have walked the path and because they have, we should be careful to divest ourselves of all hindrances, develop patience and confidence in God’s promises and be determined to endure or finish the course.  We run, not without purpose but with our focus on the LORD Jesus who is that friend who will never leave or forsake us.  He is the one that has gone before us to prepare a place for us.  He has promised to return for us and allow us to join Him in that heavenly abode forever.

The confidence inspired by others successfully achieving an objective is a powerful inspiration and reminder.  There are things we must do to enhance our journey and propel us toward victory.  Most of us have loved ones who have proceeded us having crossed over and their faith, lives, and commitment is an inspiration as is the desire to see them again.  In life’s difficulties, we can and should be reminded of the myriad of others who have faced similar circumstances and successfully defeated the enemy.  As my cousin said, “If they can I can too!” 

I would be remiss if I failed to note that it is not in our strength, we run this race but in His.  It is a biblical truth that we can DO ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens us.  We are MORE THAN conquerors through Him.  If God is for us who can be against us?   Therefore, knowing that He has led multitudes through the twists and turns of life and successfully led them to victory we can rest in confidence that He will lead us as well.

May the Lord be with you as you go through this day!

1 Corinthians 15:12-20 – “Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty, and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up — if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”  NKJV

Gloria Gaither wrote an incredibly powerful song at the birth of their son called, “Because He Lives.” Truly, because Jesus lives, we can!  We can face the future without fear and in perfect peace because He has risen from the dead, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and now makes intercession for us.  Because He lives I can…

FACE LIFE…

The Bible tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Therefore, the three days we need to concern ourselves with are “yesterday, today, and tomorrow”. 

Yesterday – – is history so fretting over it is futile.  It is history and what is written is written. Worrying about what might have been will not change what is or will be. 

Tomorrow – – has not yet come and might not come therefore concerning ourselves, with it is without redeeming value.  Our Lord confirmed that by telling His followers to “take no thought of the ‘morrow…”  He was not counseling them to fail to do any planning or preparation but to not be overwhelmed with what might be. 

Today – – The only day we should focus on is TODAY for as the Bible declares in Psalm 118:24, “This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”   Today is the moment in life that we should devote our attention to.  Today is the day of salvation.  Today determines tomorrow in our lives.  Because He lives, we can face today and life.

REJECT WORRY…

Jesus instructed His followers in Matthew 6:25 – “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”  NKJV

We can live in peace and confidence that God is at work on our behalf and in our best interest at all times.  Remember in Romans 8:28 we are told – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” NKJV Because He lives, we can live worry free!

FACE DEATH…

Death to the unbeliever is finality and painfully troubling.  Although few truly yearn for death the believer is so completely confident in the promise of eternity death holds no terror.  The difference in how we face death is Jesus Christ.  If we have received Him as our personal savior death has no sting.  If we have not, then death brings fear to our hearts as a terrorist’s threat of destruction.  Because He lives, I can face death without fear.

FACE ETERNITY…

The Bible makes it clear that judgment is real.  Heaven is real.  Hell is real.  All will stand before God and give account.  The covering of the Blood of Jesus is essential and His presence at the Judgment Bar defending us before the Father is vital and affords incredible comfort as we face eternity.  Because He lives, we can long for our eternal destiny rather than live in fear.

May the Lord be with you and may your heart leap for joy as you consider the power of the truth that He Lives!   Blessings!

2 Timothy 1:3-7 -” I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  NKJV

Three things are foundational in my life and outlook:  Faith, Family & Freedom.  The Bible reveals this in Scripture.

Hebrews 11:6 – “without faith, it is impossible to please God…” 

Romans 10:17 – “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace that you are saved through faith; not of your doing: it is the gift of God:⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Therefore, Faith is incredibly important in the spiritual, but also in the natural.  We demonstrate our faith through obedience.  Our obedience to the directives of the Word of God indicates our confidence in the God of the Word and is an expression of faith.  Without faith, we would be like rudderless ships tossed on the sea of life.  Some have accused me of preaching a “blind faith” that is unreasonable.  I contend that Hebrews 11 teaches faith that the unbeliever could easily view as “blind”. 

The writer of Hebrews 11 presents a complex definition of faith saying, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  I heard a preacher take this text once and contended for NOW FAITH.  Not future faith, past faith but present faith or faith that is alive and operational in the NOW! 

This faith described in Hebrews is a demonstrated confidence in the promises and provisions of God.  It is the desired object yet unseen but possessed in the heart, mind, and spirit by FAITH.  Faith transforms hopelessness into hope and inspires those facing seeming sure defeat to rise and stand on the promises of God.  Is it “blind”?  Only to the natural mind or eye.  For we are serving one who sees the end from the beginning. 

I find it tragic in dealing with people, reading articles, seeing television programming, and observing the efforts of Hollywood to witness the lessening of the importance of the family unit.  I realize that I was raised in a different generation and with parents and grandparents who were totally committed to family and valued it above everything but God. 

My parents considered it both an obligation and privilege to teach, nurture and train us in life.  They believed that if they kept us pointed in the right direction and taught us basic principles of morality, life, and faith we would become wholesome contributors to society and could, in time, become responsible parents ourselves. 

In my family, we did not and do not rubber stamp attitudes and actions simply because of kinship.  As a result, we demonstrate the idea of iron sharpening iron but at the end of the day, we value family and carefully guard those relationships.  My sister was a grade behind me in school and I was told once that some guys were afraid to ask her out because of me.  The statement was, “You are so fiercely loyal to family and friends some guys are afraid.”  I responded, “Nothing to fear unless you harm her.”

Today the world and America are witnessing the weakening of Freedom on many fronts.  Freedom is not the absence of chains on the body but the absence of chains on the heart.  Of course, none of us want to be in chains physically and find slavery repulsive but many are in chains spiritually, mentally, emotionally, financially, and politically. 

Freedom is a treasure never to be treated lightly.  Freedom on virtually every front is fragile if there is not a solid foundation of Faith.  If I do not trust or have faith in the government, I will not feel confident or secure in my freedom.  If I do not trust others, I cannot have confidence or feel secure in relationships.  If I do not have confidence in the Word, Promises, and God Himself I cannot be Free spiritually and become an easy target for the enemy of our souls.

Therefore, I believe it is imperative that we first develop a foundation of Faith, and strengthen Family relationships and in that condition, we can achieve and enjoy Freedom regardless of what transpires in our world.  For me it is Faith-Family-Freedom!

God bless you and God bless America!

Proverbs 18:9 – “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.” NKJV

The Bible teaches, and experience confirms that prodigality is bad.  If we remember the parables of the talents, we realize that mishandling or not developing that which God has given is viewed negatively by the LORD.  Some people spend more than they can afford and always seek to live well above their means.  They are not good stewards and, in a sense, throw away what they have in wasteful living.  That is the Prodigal. 

The Bible also reveals that idleness is bad.  A person who is lazy and negligent in their work, labor, or duties is akin to those who openly and actively destroy.  Laziness is not just a propensity to avoid work it is destructive.  Torpidity siphons from that which is productive and squanders it on that which is unproductive.  It is visible in today’s ‘entitlement mentality’ crowd who are perfectly content to sit idle and allow the production of another to sustain them.  No wonder the apostle Paul declared that if one “would not work” they “should not eat”.  The operative word is Would Not!

This is true in the everyday matters of life, but it can and should also be applied to the spiritual.  If we are negligent in our studies, prayers, and labors for the Kingdom we adopt a life that is non-productive and even destroys.  If we see evil and danger and sit idly by, we are guilty of the blood of those who go into perdition without warning.  If we know to do good and fail to do it the Bible calls that sin.  How can we stand before the LORD expecting to hear commendation and acceptance when we have neglected that which we know?

Laziness or slothfulness is not a genetic or even a condition of one’s environment, it is a heart and mind condition.  Children need to be taught industry. My heritage taught me that you work for what you receive except for salvation. 

Grace is a free gift but if after receiving grace we sit idle and become slothful in our Christian responsibilities we are trampling underfoot the Blood of Jesus.  We do not work to earn our salvation, but we work because of our salvation.  I believe that Jesus’ statement in Revelation is applicable.  “I would that you were hot or cold but because you are lukewarm, I will spew you out of my mouth.” 

God is not asking everyone to be fanatical zealots.  He is asking that we bloom where we are planted and stand ready and willing to share our faith and present Him to the world.  The depraved man will be bent toward laziness and slothfulness but when the Holy Spirit resides in the heart, He always motivates us to action.

God bless you as you go through this day!

1 Peter 1:13-16 – “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”  NKJV

Without question, one can read this and see a visual of the long robes they wore and when they were performing labor or service, they would tuck them in their girdles or waistbands so as to be able to move freely without hindrance.  Although I fully concur that we must allow our minds to be free of encumbrances so as to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ there is something more that I would offer.

The loins are always understood as that part of the anatomy from which reproduction comes or is initiated.  Therefore, if we are to gird up the loins of our minds could it not be understood that we are to prepare ourselves so that our minds can give birth to thought and thereby imagination and creativity.  Is it not in the loins of the mind that we encounter our LORD in knowledge and fellowship?  Is it not in the loins of our mind that we embrace His life and have our minds renewed so that we become one with Him in our conscious thought?

If out of the physical loins, reproduction is possible then out of the mind’s loins we give birth to thought.  Peter’s instruction is, in my view, a directive and encouragement to bring our minds into obedience to Christ and thereby rest our hope squarely on the grace that comes to us through the revelation of Christ.  It is through this that we are better prepared and capable of obedience in all things. 

I find it disturbing that too many in Christendom give so little importance to the mind.  I am not suggesting mind over matter or any other metaphysical activity.  But I am saying that our minds are incredibly important in our spiritual development and walk.  If we are as we think in our hearts, then how could we not understand the value of the mind?  The mind, like the muscles in our physical body, must be exercised to have strength, discipline, and growth.  In the things of God, if we are to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, we must learn to gird up the loins of our minds.

I encourage you to allow God to expand your mind, stretch your thinking and infuse into you an ever-expanding imagination guided and led by the Holy Spirit.  How far can you think in Christ?   

God bless you as you go through this day!

Philippians 2:10-11 – “…at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  NASB

I am stunned at the lack of acknowledgment of God and His Authority in modern Christendom and my beloved nation of America.  I would never have believed that I would live to see a time when preachers of major national standing would proclaim that there were many roads to God and even that Jesus was not the only way to salvation.  Oh, I knew that there would be those who were nothing more than charlatans and frauds but when people who genuinely believe they are followers of God could adopt those views it is stunning.

The Islamic terrorist and their followers, as well the many other false religions refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of the Living God and the only True God.  There are politicians in this nation who openly declare their atheism or opposition to God and His principles. Those are persistently attempting to push America toward being a totally secular nation. 

Some of those politicians seeking to promote abortion, same-sex marriage, and other biblically offensive lifestyles demand that Christians and Churches change their views, beliefs, and teachings to accommodate those things.  They disbelieve that God is God and that Jesus is LORD.  They live without fear of God and what that rejection will mean now and eternally.

They may boldly declare, as some in past ages, views and beliefs that clearly reject the Lordship of Jesus.  Some even believe that He was a prophet, a good man, and a worthy teacher, but reject his divinity.  They may say that now and believe they are right and have no fear of facing the consequences of those actions and beliefs. 

However, one day they will come face to face with their error, and at that point, with fear and trembling they will fall on their faces, bow their knees, and confess that JESUS IS LORD!  They will finally realize, tragically too late, what the devils already know, God is, and Jesus is God.

You may join people like Friedrich Nietzsche and believe that “God is dead” or say so with contempt for all who believe in God.  You may stand with people like Karl Marx and declare that “Religion is the opiate of the masses” and thereby declare your disbelief.  You may join those who have declared and believe that “Belief in God and Religion is simply a crutch for the weak.” 

Let me address that last statement and say, “Yes, God is a crutch for the weak in the sense that when we are weak, He is strong and as we recognize our weakness, we receive His strength.”  It is as we adopt the mindset of John the Baptist, “He must increase but I must decrease” that we gain His strength. You can bow now to God, or you will bow then.  There is no if, and, but, or maybe it is a factual reality that YOU WILL BOW! 

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior, I urge you to call upon Him, repent of your sins and receive His mercy, grace, and pardon.  He has promised that if we will call upon Jesus, He would in no way reject us.  John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”  You can BOW, NOW willingly and in faith or you will BOW THEN with fear and trembling and face the judgment of God.

May the Lord bless you richly as you enjoy this wonderful day in the LORD!