Where Did All the Good People Go???

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “There is no one good—except God alone.” (Mark 10:18)


Are there good people in the world? Yes and no. There are great people everywhere. Kind, loyal, steady, reliable, compassionate, trustworthy people. But when it comes to the Spiritual aspect of life, they are only relatively good. The only human who ever walked the earth that was truly, wholly, Spiritually, and morally good was Jesus of Nazareth. We call him Jesus Christ. The word “Christ” in its original language translates to “Anointed One,” or “Messiah.”

The way we can tell if anyone is good, compared to Christ, is a simple test. The Bible is filled in the Old Testament with many laws, but you can use a short list: the Ten Commandments. When you think of the best person you know, ask if they have ever stolen. Have they ever taken God’s name in vain? Have they ever committed adultery? (And that one can be expanded on...Matthew 5:28 says that if they’ve ever looked at someone and fantasized about sex with them, they’ve committed adultery in their heart!) Have they ever looked upon or obsessed over someone else’s property and wished it was theirs? You don’t have to get too deep into just the Ten, before you find the flaw in a person. But the Bible teaches that Jesus fulfilled every bit of the Old Testament Law, in spirit and in practicality. He even allowed a man to baptize him, before baptism was a requirement for entry into the Church!

When Jesus answered in today’s scripture, “Why do you call me good? There is no one good—except God alone,” he wasn’t denying his own goodness. I suspect the person addressing him as “good” was throwing the term around lightly. Not only that, hidden in this statement is the fact Jesus knew he was God “in the flesh.” The Son of God, yet the embodiment of God in human form. Isaiah 7:14 says: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin shall be with child, and his name shall be Immanuel.” Immanuel literally means “God with us.”

So compared  to the divine Jesus, every man falls short of goodness, relatively speaking. It doesn’t mean there aren’t “good” people. The Apostle Paul, who emphatically says salvation is not earned, even said “very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.” (Romans 5:7)

As a personal illustration, my Grandmother is an excellent person. In my estimation she is the anchor of the family. She’s 93, she is full of wisdom, she rarely turns away people who bring a need to her, she gave up personal dreams and interests to raise a family and dedicate herself to her family’s business, and she believes in God. Yet she’ll be the first to say she deals with guilt, mistakes, and a healthy fear of the Lord. She will say openly that she could never make it to Heaven without  Jesus. She's one of the best people I know, and she's so aware of falling short she literally fears God.

So in the broad sense of goodness, there are good people. But in the Spiritual sense, there are none. We've all fallen short of faith and obedience to God, and every one of us has taken onto ourselves the full weight of sin and its punishment, which is eternal separation from God--in hell.

The good news? That same Jesus who lived so sinlessly he fulfilled God's law (the Bible says God's very word was made into flesh, so He was the Bible incarnated), was crucified and cursed and shed his blood to pay for our sins! On the third day, he rose from the grave, appearing before many witnesses, to show that God had accepted his sacrifice for us. The Bible teaches that his death was to atone for us, and his resurrection was to justify us. If you step into belief in these two elements of Christianity, and confess it with your mouth,  it doesn't matter how bad or good you are. You will be credited with the goodness of Christ himself, when God opens the ledgers to see the contents of each person's "goodness." You will be pronounced righteous, apart from any good work you could've done. You'd be insane not to make that exchange, yet many people don't. The reward for doing so is eternal life; the punishment for refusing is eternal hell. Won't you trade your "goodness" for his perfect righteousness today? Won't you seal your destiny, and have a place forever with Jesus in Heaven?

Waiting on God #strengthwillrise

"Wait on the Lord: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)

I'm no exegetical scholar (or an English major), but the way the New King James Version words and punctuates this scripture is intriguing to me, and naturally begs to be broken down and studied. As I meditated on it, one of those moments came where God opened up another passage in my mind. More on that in a moment. But for now I'll break down what I know to be true about this and other scriptures on waiting, and tell you what it means and how to do it.

When David says "wait on the Lord" the NKJV follows the statement with a colon; the punctuation indicates that the following statement describes what the first statement includes. Waiting on the Lord doesn't mean to just sit and twiddle thumbs, or pray and hope something happens. I have a good friend who told me he was waiting on God to bring the right church family to him. "The ball's in your court," he said to God. That isn't how you wait on the Lord.

In context, the verse I'm dissecting is speaking of waiting on God in times of conflict, of struggle, when enemies surround, when family leaves you high and dry. I have my own personal struggle going on in which I need God's guidance and strength. I only breakdown this verse because it spoke to me about how to wait on God in the midst of the fight.

Since "wait on the Lord" is followed by a colon, "be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart:" is what it means to wait on God. It's not passive, according to scripture. The process is: you take what you know about God's word; you practice it; you obey it; and you do it all while employing good courage. What does "good courage" mean? The NASB translates it: "be strong and let your heart take courage." Other versions mention a stout heart. When soldiers go into war, they say "you do the thing that scares the hell outta you, then you get the courage." Waiting and obeying with good courage means putting away fear and replacing it with prayer and active obedience.

The next step in the waiting game is "he shall strengthen your heart." By obeying and praying and walking through the struggle, even if you have to do it dozens or hundreds of times, you become strong; you become a hulk! It's the process that makes you strong. Which brings me to that other passage of scripture I was going to mention. "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5) You can see the perseverance: the waiting on God actively, with courage; brings our character more in line with God's will; and when we see the results, we respond with hope in future times. And the one who gives us the power to obediently and actively wait, is the Holy Spirit: who we know lives in our hearts.

After "He shall strengthen your heart" comes another colon. This means the next statement is unpacking what it means when God strengthens your heart. It's another command to wait on God! Meaning, once you become strong from waiting, you'll have the courage to say again, that you will indeed wait on God. And the process repeats itself. Always waiting on the Lord is the theme of a Christian's life. It always produces results, in times of peace or struggle!

Kindness in the Face of Conflict

 

"And be you kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)


Kindness is one of the most valuable, but perhaps, overlooked tools in a Christian's utility belt for dealing with conflict. In family, in church politics, in marriage, even at work, conflict will arise. No matter how well we conduct ourselves, no matter how well we behave with holiness and our faith in mind, no matter how spotless our work ethic or how gracious our treatment of family or spouse, at some point a conflict will come: somebody will have a problem with us. The initial response of a Believer should not be to throw off the gloves and prepare to defend ourselves. The initial response should be to consider how to deal with the conflict in a kind way.

The first issue of being kind is to recognize that most of us are not naturally that way. The human heart, according to scripture, is fallen because of sin. The result is that the heart is "deceitful above all things" (Jeremiah 17:9). We are new creations in Christ, but because of the sinful nature that still fights for dominance (called "the flesh"), we have the propensity to be envious, hateful, discordant, contentious, even in some cases murderous (Galatians 5:19-21). If we aren't continually feeding our Spiritual nature with God's Word and practically obeying it, our natural response to conflict or accusation (and even abuse), is to be defensive and strike back. We want to prove we are in the right, and we want those in conflict with us to acknowledge our rightness.

There is a biblical element to a Christian being shown to be without blame, and therefore putting his detractors to shame. But that is for God to do, and only our fruit in any given situation can allow Him to bring that rightness and shame to the detractor's attention. Putting our detractor to shame is a redemptive work, not with the object of mere shame for our detractors as an end. The shame they are to experience is redemptive, with the goal that they feel the presence of sin in their hearts, and hear  the Holy Spirit exclaiming to them that the sin can be washed and taken under control by the new nature, in Christ.

If we are to respond to conflict with kindness, then knowing our own wretchedness at heart and the forgiveness and cleansing of that wretchedness is of great importance. Had Jesus not given us a new nature, his Holy Spirit, and the instruction of His Word, we would be as angry and contentious as the one in conflict with us, and we would not just be defending ourselves from toxicity or abuse. We would be provoking and abusing and conflicting with others on a regular basis. I've learned this the hard way. But to be kind in conflict requires an acute understanding of our sinfulness, which diminishes through time and Godliness, but continues to rear its ugly head every day of our lives. Every time we sin, as we confess our sins (and even when we refuse to), God is continually overlooking, forgiving, and washing our sins from us. He does so for the sake of his Son, Jesus Christ, who died to put to death the conflict between ourselves and God.

If we are to react to conflict or abuse with kindness, we are to be constantly premeditated in our awareness that God is kind to us when we sin. "Remember, oh Lord, your tender mercies and your loving-kindness; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to your mercy remember You me for your goodness' sake, oh Lord." (Psalm 25:6-7) Meditating on our own position of forgiveness for the sake of God's goodness will help us to react kindly in conflict, again, for the sake of His goodness, and to enhance our testimony that he has indeed saved us.

So when we come into conflict (which I find happens most often in marriage, work, and family), and especially when the conflict seems to be of the toxic or abusive kind--rather it seems to come from biased, unfair, or misconstrued perception of our own actions--in kindness, we should decide whether the criticism is warranted. We do this by being "swift to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry" (James 1:19). After, we should employ kindness in our response. If the criticism is warranted, we should acknowledge our faults, "with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:2-3). If the criticism is unwarranted? As I see it, you cannot do anything with unwarranted criticism, as you cannot pretend to apologize, or simply say "I'm sorry you feel that way." My wife has many times reminded me that saying "I'm sorry you feel that way," is not a real apology. But in keeping with kindness, "a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). Perhaps the kindest thing to do in a situation where conflict arises from false criticism or unfair assumptions about your actions, is to agree to disagree, and lovingly set boundaries between yourself and the person in question.

Kindness doesn't always resolve conflict. And a sort of false kindness in which one always capitulates and admits to wrongdoing not really done, can lead to resentment and bitterness on the part of the one admitting wrong. But keeping an attitude of kindness in response to conflict will most always, at best, diffuse an angry situation, and at worse set a Holy, loving boundary between the conflicting people. Both promote peace and growth in a Believer's life, and both are a God-honoring way to seek resolution.

Championship Mentality

Andy Reid and the KC Chiefs have inspired me and turned on a switch in my brain. I’ve started to develop a Championship Mentality. One that doesn’t get deflated by circumstances, mistakes, deadly distractions, addiction to substances, and pity parties. Gone is gossip, bitterness, laziness, apathy, and fear of structure. I’m welcoming mentoring, authority, discipline, accountability, and goals. Every day I am setting achievable goals, incremental steps toward realizing my Mission Statement: “Become the type of man you would look up to. Behave like a champion.”

God has based a solid foundation in my life, which is Jesus and his cross and resurrection. When I look and see that I’ve never been properly educated or given a strong foundation in my youth, I remember that God has given me a solid foundation to build on. Aside from that, he’s loaded all of us with so much potential and talent, and I’ve failed to fully tap and expose mine to the world. From today I’m sharing my gifts, mercy, love, talent, and time with anyone who might need it. The ultimate prize is waiting for anyone who believes in Jesus Christ. But there are other rewards to be had, which benefit in this life first...then result in the Champions’ Victory party in the end. 

If you enjoyed seeing the confetti fall and the Lombardi trophy being hoisted, reach out and grasp the ultimate prize of a life well lived, for yourself! Kingdom of God or just Chiefs Kingdom, let every day be practice, and let every Sunday be your game day.

if you’re on this journey already, I’d love to hear your story. If I can, let me know how I can help you in writing your story through your life and your faith. I’ve been to the bottom of the world, and I’m aiming to make it to the top. If we trust in each other, surround ourselves with giving people, and ask for help when we need it, we can accomplish the same level of victory our Chiefs have. We may not be able to perform physical feats of amazement, but we can find what we do best and maximize it, and realize our potential. The goal is being reputable, loyal, trustworthy, achieving people, and winning at life. All in the name of God or just for your family and friends. A life well lived is worth the sacrifice and the effort. GO CHIEFS!!!!

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

These were words spoken by John the Baptist when he was told that Jesus was baptizing in another place, and that more people were coming to Jesus than to John to be baptized. Remember, John's initial cause for baptizing people was so that they would confess their sins, and be prepared for the Messiah's arrival. His role in history will be remembered forever because he was “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight’” (Matthew 3:3, quoting Isaiah 40:3).

Jesus himself said that "among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist." John had a role that no other person born would ever be able to fulfill, as he ushered in the Kingdom of God and his Christ. So if Jesus's miracles and his own testimony wasn't enough for you to believe, consider the words of John. His role was predicted hundreds of years prior, and even Jesus said he was the greatest among men. And John said that if you believe, you will be saved.

Belief in Jesus is not just a mental assent, or an intellectual agreement that Jesus saves. A childlike faith in the truth of John's words is what makes for saving faith. If you have ever believed with all your heart the words of John, or the words of many other biblical figures, about Jesus, then you are going to Heaven and your many flaws and sins have been washed away...never to be remembered by God. Furthermore, any present and future sins are also washed away: thrown into the sea of God's forgetfulness.

Be of good cheer, especially you who have the worst sins. You have cause to love Jesus even more than those who sin little, and Jesus commended such people with a parable he told at the home of a very religious man. This man was a Pharisee, the strictest of the strict. Pharisees were known for constant prayer, giving very exact and well-planned gifts to God, and for following the bible even down to the uttermost letter. Or so they thought.

Jesus was dining with the Pharisee, and a woman of ill-repute (possibly a prostitute) came in and washed Jesus's feet with her tears. The Pharisee swore that if Jesus was really a prophet, he would know what kind of woman was touching him and he would shove her away. Jesus, being divine, knew what the Pharisee was thinking. And he said this to him: “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

A man said to me, "I am not religious." Good. This means it will be much easier for you to believe in Jesus and be saved. Religious people trust in their own works and righteousness to save them, and they are not saved because salvation is not to be earned. It's a free gift, given only to those who have childlike faith in the one who saves. So if you have many sins, remember that the Doctor comes to heal those who are sick, not those who are well.

 

If God Be For Us: Fighting the Shame of Past Sins

"What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

If you're a believer who suffers from guilt or shame about your past, know that since you accepted Christ and believed in his death and resurrection for your sins, God is now for you. Though your conscience may hound you about a sin long after you've confessed it to God and forsaken it, when the accuser brings that sin before God, God is hearing nothing of it. It doesn't matter how wicked the action or thought was, if it is confessed and forsaken, you've found mercy, and no one in this world can lay that thought or action to your charge.


In Romans, Paul puts it this way: "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifies." (Romans 8:33) Since the bible says we are saved by grace through faith, it also says that  God is just, AND the justifier of the ungodly. The "ungodly" here is you and me. If God justifies you because of the finished work of the cross, then indeed "if God be for us, who can be against us?"


The bible says that the devil is the accuser of the brethren before God in Heaven. He comes to God and accuses believers of sins. He also comes to our minds and plants seeds of guilt and condemnation. "Did you do that? Who does that? How can you call yourself a Christian? God has rejected you. You've gone too far."


But thank God, Romans 8:34 says this: "Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died, yes rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us."


We have to understand that not only did Christ's death and burial erase the penalty of our sins, his rising from the dead did even more for us. Because he lives and has risen into Heaven, he stands before God as our mediator (imagine a lawyer before a judge) and never stops praying for us, that God will forgive us, bless us, cleanse us, make us holy, sanctify us, and finish the good work he began in us. Imagine the devil trying to get God's attention to make an accusation about us while Christ is standing before the throne interceding for us! Which person do you think God will pay attention to? The devil (who is a liar and the father of lies), or Christ the Righteous?


With good reason does the scripture ask "if God be for us, who can be against us?"

"For their hearts were hardend." The Disciples Reaction to a Miracle

"For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their hearts were hardened." Mark 6:52

The disciples of Jesus saw two astonishing miracles in one day. First, Jesus was able to feed 5000 people with a mere care package of two fish and five loaves of bread. He miraculously multiplied the food so much, afterward they collected 12 very large baskets of fragments, or leftovers. Second, they saw him walk on water.


Upon seeing this second miracle, the disciples were beside themselves with amazement. But the scripture implies they shouldn't have been. They should've understood from the miracle of the loaves the power of the one they served, but our verse says their hearts were hardened. They didn't even consider, or ponder, the miracle.


Speaking from experience, I know it is possible to see God do a powerful work in your life, but still be hardened in heart enough to be SURPRISED that he can do even greater works than before. What can harden your heart enough to make you forget what you've seen God do? What can make you not consider what he has clearly and miraculously done for you? Routine!


I suspect the disciples by now had gotten used to miracles. In Mark 6:12-13 it says this: "And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them."


Perhaps they'd become fixated on their own powerful ministry and taken their eyes off Jesus, God in the Flesh. Perhaps the miracles had become business as usual, and they'd already forgotten the slimy nets they sat mending by the Sea of Galilee before Jesus called them. Whatever the case, from the time of the feeding of the loaves to the five thousand, to the moment Jesus walked on water, the disciples were "over" the first miracle. They didn't take time to consider, to ponder its meaning.


The life application for this verse is painfully obvious to me because I've seen God do great things, only to later question or disregard them. I am so concerned with seeking new things from God I don't stop to consider, to ponder, the things he's done. Like the disciples, I need an astonishing wake-up call in the form of a move of God.


But since God in Flesh is no longer here to "wow" us, we must do what the disciples failed to do. We must consider his miracles. Ponder them, meditate on them, exult in them. Only then will we, like the disciples at Jesus's miraculous approach on the water, be "sore amazed in [ourselves] beyond measure..." (Mark 6:51)