Jesus Loves Me (Just the Way I Am. Right?)

These days you are much more likely to hear 'Jesus loves you just the way you are, no matter what you believe' (random people) than 'For judgment I have come into this world' (John 9:39).

We've all had to endure hearing people who have clearly not read the Word of God presuming to tell us who Christ is.

Just about anyone living outside God's design and will for their lives have become fond of the 'Jesus loves me just the way I am' remark. It suggests that God doesn't have a will for their life, and that He does not stand behind His commands.They stand in the paths of sin and claim to love God, but scripture clearly proves them liars: '(1 John 2:3 and 5:2-3). We show our love of God by obeying His commands.

Yes, Jesus loves us, God is love, but those who have actually read the Bible know that Jesus also took a hard line on sin. 'The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life' (Romans 6:23). Why did the Son of God spend time teaching on such a thorny topic that no one really wants to hear about? He did it because it is only in acknowledgment and repentance of our sins that we will be forgiven. People are fond of saying that Jesus has forgiven us. This is vital to our faith, but it is also an incomplete teaching. Jesus died to forgive our sins, that forgiveness is freely (and miraculously) offered; it is available--all we have to do to receive it is repent.

You see, without repentance we are not forgiven. For people to repent they must first be made aware of their sin, and so we as fellow believers and sinners are commanded to call each other out on sin, to rebuke the sin (not the sinner, though!), Luke 17:3-4. To close our eyes to the sin in ourselves and in those around us is to risk eternity (James 4:17).

If you notice, I back up what I say with scripture. The things I share here are not my personal opinions, but Biblical commands and guidelines, and hopefully encouraging. After all, once we acknowledge and confess, we are forgiven, and our hearts become right with God. And that is a very good thing. God bless!

Depression and the Believer

When it comes to the believer, does the Bible have anything to say concerning worry and depression?

You bet your best socks it does. Among many passages, Psalm 112:4-8 offers an uplifting message: 'Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man deals graciously and lends; he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; he will not be afraid.'

Wow. That's a lot to take in. It is interesting to note that this passage does not address the source of depression or acknowledge its power over a believer. Rather, these wonderful verses act as a guide to the one sitting in darkness. They exhort us, explaining that darkness (depression) is combated by righteousness, by focusing on and displaying Christian fruits: graciousness, compassion, generosity, and by stating that the person who is doing these things (combating depression involves a very active Christian life) he/she will not worry or doubt, but trust fully in the Lord's goodness to provide.

In many other Psalms we are urged to meditate on past blessings God has given us. This action will provide further encouragement, as it will remind us that He has always provided before, even in times of deepest darkness.

Remember, God feeds the birds and the mountain goats and the cattle on a thousand hills; you are of much greater value to Him than these creatures (Matthew 10:31).

 

'Twitter On' but Fear the Lord

'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding' Proverbs 9:19.

In this age of armchair critics, trolls, and political chatter, it is difficult to know what is right and who is righteous. Much is said but little is done by the chatterers. True wisdom comes not from finding someone on Twitter whose posts seem wise simply because they are pretty or philosophical, and following them, but in fearing our Creator.

But what does it mean to fear Him?

This fear is is displayed (lived out) through reverence. And how do we show reverence? By obeying the Word of the Holy One. We do this by first learning of Him and then living by Him so that His love will shine through us and out to the world.

Remember, you will not find wisdom by following people, but in delving into the bible. 'Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls' Matthew 11:29. 

Perilous Plans

When we are foolish enough to think we are good and powerful enough to control our own destiny ('Power of Thought' philosophy) we prove 2 Timothy 3:5. We can and should make plans, but in those plans the wise man leaves room for God’s direction. Put more aptly: ‘A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs His steps’ (Proverbs 16:9).

God has blessed us with free will, but He has also given us commands to obey—and a warning for what will happen if we disobey. Don’t let the I-can-have-and-be-whatever-I-want mentality of modern culture steer you from the truth of God’s word, that He is in control, and even if you choose not to serve His will, you can still suffer by it. He has given us commands out of love, to keep us on the right path that leads to heaven.

Wander off that path at your own peril.