Hollywood’s Harvest!

“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” (Galatians 6:7,8 NLT)

My daughter recently got upset over the fact that there was nothing on television worth watching on a Thursday night–she was so disgusted that she started using the hastag #justunplug. Now, she’s thinking about starting a crusade against all the “junk” on television and of course, I’ll join her.

What junk? All of the shows that revel in revealing all manner of sexual promiscuity—Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Modern Family, all the soap operas (left), the seamy reality shows that are not real at all and many, many more. With all of this junk on television (with no real story-lines or plots, just a promotion of ungodly behavior), why are we amazed at the moral decay we see on a regular basis in our homes and communities?

Teens are “exploring” their sexuality because of the junk they see on television and then everyone is complaining about the rise in sexually transmitted diseases. But then–we celebrate teen-motherhood by promoting people–specifically Bristol Palin–as a “star” simply because she had a baby as a teenager! What is this world coming to–the pathway of destruction and we will all reap the harvest planted by Hollywood.

Toddlers and pre-schoolers (encouraged by their godless parents and psychologists) are claiming to want to be another gender and the world is standing by applauding because the babies and their parents are riding into the limelight on television.

We glorify same-sex relationships and demonize anyone who opposes them and because Believers won’t take a firm stand on Gods Word–the opposition’s harvest is abundantly covering the planet. Hollywood would not be so successful if they did not have willing, demoralized people–waiting with baited breath to see what else they (Hollywood) can do to take us further into degradation.

And the other junk that has absolutely mesmerized people--werewolves, vampires, and walking dead (now there’s an oxymoron). We have truly become a universe of walking dead–dead to the leading of the Holy Spirit and anything remotely promoting Godly living. We sit back and complain and criticize all the young people who get caught in drugs, sexual promiscuity, deadly games to get attention, wife-swapping (like that’s supposed to be normal) and raising children in environments that are not conducive to “norms” and yet we get upset when they act out what they see on television.

Hollywood–its writers and producers and directors–will have to stand before the Lord one day, just as we will and give an account of their actions. The only way we will ever see a change in what we see on the news is to “unplug” from the decadent godlessness we see on television and in the movies, and “plug” into The Word and allow Holy Spirit to lead us back to a path of righteousness. If we, as Believers, won’t stand up for what is right, we will all reap from the harvest of decay that Hollywood has planted!

Father, create us in a renewed spirit and mind to want to serve You in all Godliness, setting aside any desire to promote Satan’s agenda. Lead us in tearing down the harvest of decay and planting the seeds of righteousness so the world will indeed become a better place. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

Advertisement

Smooth Path Ahead!

“But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them” (Isaiah 26:7 NLT).

Trying to do what is right all the time can sometimes be a challenge for most of us. We’re humans–subject to err and as such–subject to do really dumb things. While the things we do may be dumb, they don’t have to be wrong. We must endeavor at all times to stay in right standing with God–not because we’re so good, but because He is.

Many people often confuse being in right standing with God (righteous) as being “self-righteous” and miss the mark when others are completely turned off by their attitudes. We have no righteousness we can claim of our own–the only righteousness we have is His and it is because of Him that we can–when in right relationship with Him–be in right standing with Him, because of Him–not us.

So why bother to do right? When we do the right thing for the right reasons, our journey through life–is not “steep or rough” (no mountains to overcome) and He smooths our path ahead of us so we won’t trip and fall over any obstacles the enemy may put in our way. That’s our loving Father, always looking out for us–making sure we can make it to our destiny–fulfilling the plans He has made for us–to prosper, be in good health, and in promoting the Gospel! Hallelujah to our Risen King and Loving Father!

When the way gets tough (not of your own doing), don’t despair–the way gets smoother just ahead–believe and achieve it to His glory and don’t you dare try taking another path that He has not prepared for you! (Hmmm. Maybe the rocky paths we experience are because we are not on the paths He set before us).

Contemplate deeply about the path you’re travelling and know with certainty that if the path has been rocky, you’re on the wrong path. Allow Him to guide you to the path He has smoothed and removed anything that is not of Him!

As always, I welcome your comments and pray that you are indeed on the right path–the one He chose for you!

 

Surrounded With His Favor!

“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12 NIV)

The fact that being in right-standing with God puts one in position to be a recipient of His favor should not surprise or amaze anyone. Everyone wants to walk in His favor, but how many are willing to do what is right in order to be in right-standing with God? The amazing fact is that so many either do not have a clue as to what it means to be in right-standing with God or they do not care and refuse to do what is right.

Let’s face it–there are a lot of people who believe they are in right-standing with God because of their own “self-righteousness.” These are the people who take it upon themselves to judge (unjustly) everyone else who is not living according to their standards. For some reason, they feel they have the right to set standards for others when in fact–their own relationship with God is non-existent–they have a relationship with religion, not with God. The real problem is–they do not know the difference.

When people are in right-standing with God and have an established, maintained relationship with God–not only do they know and understand The Word–they live it. They are loving, forgiving, full of mercy and compassion and yet they tell people the Truth about God’s Word without condemning them. When people only know how to spew The Word at others because of what “they see” they are extremely judgmental and quick to send people to hell, without realizing the danger which they put themselves of ending up there.

Not one of us walking on the face of the earth can “send anyone to hell.” If a person ends up in hell it is because of their choices, not our decisions. If those “hell-senders” really had a relationship with God and not religion, they would know that God doesn’t intend for anyone to be in hell other than Satan, but the provision was made for those who “choose” to follow Satan.

Okay–so there are consequences for our behavior–that determine where we spend eternity–heaven or hell. While I cannot speak for others, I can say with assurance that I am heaven-bound; not because of any righteousness that I have attained, but because of my relationship with God and being in right-standing with Him. I have received His love, know how to give love and to love all, forgive, have mercy and compassion for others and can and do teach the uncompromised Word of Truth. Whether people receive The Word of Truth is up to them–it is my responsibility to teach it, not to make others receive it and live it. That is being in right-standing with God.

Therefore, I am surrounded with His favor because of my willingness to be in right-standing with Him. Glory to God! I pray all get into the position to know–with assurance–what their standing is with God.

Getting into The Word for yourself puts you into good position to know and receive all God has for you!

New Release!

New release on Smashwords–Futuristic Christian Fiction-short read, powerful punch!

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/390877

Something to think about!

The Righteous Delivered!

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).

Throughout the bible we see how those who God chose to be His are treated. They were ridiculed, enslaved, mistreated, mocked, and killed–just because they chose to obey God.

That was then and it is still the unfolding story of those who choose to live a life that is pleasing to God. We are ridiculed, mistreated, mocked, and persecuted and some are still being killed, simply because we choose to obey God.

God has said, “obedience is better than sacrifice” in reference to the sacrifices mandated to atone for sins. If we were living according to The Law and had to make animal sacrifices to seek forgiveness, we would all be in trouble.  Some of us again, wouldn’t be able to afford the elements used for the sacrifice and would be prohibited from being forgiven. Some of us would become so discouraged that we would cave and give into the status quo for living–serving idols, instead of the Living God. Only a remnant would remain strong enough in their faith in God to know that even though the enemy influences persecution, God will deliver us out of them all.

Some things may never change with regards to those choosing to live in disobedience. Unfortunately, some attitudes towards those who do obey may never change. Regardless of all the stuff that may never change, we can count on God to “never change” His mind or intent for how we live and He will deliver us from all the afflictions that we encounter. He will deliver! He has done it in the past, He is doing it now, and He will forever be–our deliverer! Hallelujah!

Deliverance is near–whether that comes in the form of people changing their minds about living for God or whether we see God’s wrath poured out on all the land, deliverance will come.

Be encouraged today! Stay in faith–knowing that God will never forget those who are His and He will deliver us from the fiery furnace! There is nothing too hard for our God! With Him, all things are possible that give Him glory; without Him–whatever we do is a waste of time!

The Praising Dead!

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1 NIV).

Without belaboring any discussion about John’s vision, I would like to move forward to the last part of this verse–“God knows our deeds, we have a reputation of being “alive,” but are dead.”

There is absolutely nothing we can hide from God. He looks upon our hearts and knows our thoughts from afar, so our deeds–cannot escape Him. Whatever consumes our thoughts will dictate what we do–and God already knows what that will be.

In spite of the fact that God knows all, we attempt to fool people with acts of holiness and piety, when in reality, we are living what we want others to think we are living. Other people think we are such spiritual Christians–when we: constantly quote scripture (but no idea what they mean), always have a word of prophecy for others (but never hear God’s voice), sing louder, pray louder, and dance longer than others (moved by our emotions rather than guidance by Holy Spirit), and always quick to tell others what they need to do to be saved (but living saved has not been accomplished)–Oh yes, we have a reputation of being alive, but are dead. People think we are “all that,” because of what “they see” not what they know. God knows!

When given an opportunity to show compassion, the response is anything but compassionate and often more judgmental. When given an opportunity to show mercy, we instead condemn others for the same things from which we have yet to be delivered. When given an opportunity to show the love of Jesus Christ, we attempt to show our superiority over others in knowledge and in holiness. God knows, which is why He showed these things to John in the vision. Not everyone is guilty, but so many are.

We are not righteous of our own accord or by what we do. We have been declared righteous because of His righteousness when we are living in right relationship with God. That right-relationship involves hearing God’s voice, following His directions, and living before all men as God would have us to live–even when they cannot see us–God can. Having a right relationship with God brings humility–total submission and awe about His love and leaves no room for superiority, judgment, or condemnation of others. Being religious and not having a relationship with God brings us no closer to Him and will actually widen the gap of understanding.

Our God is an awesome God! He gives us chance after chance to get it right before Him and others. He loved us enough to come down from glory in the person and likeness of Jesus Christ, showed us how to live, then showed us what real love will do–sacrifice self–so others can be saved. That’s the God I serve! I pray every day that my life (how I live) is a praise unto Him and I will not need to expect to hear anything other than, “well done” on that day. I do not want to be, the praising (loud but saying nothing) dead!

Lord Jesus, help us to be all that You would have us to be and to do all things well in Your sight.

Follow The Leader!

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).

In today’s society it is often difficult to find a truly “Godly leader” in any venue. When we see no hint of godly righteousness displayed by political leaders, business leaders, church leaders, or parents, why are we surprised or stunned by what we see on the news?

Now we know that all leaders should be example for others to follow. All leaders should be mindful of the influence and impact they have on others. And everyone is supposed to be praying for anyone in a position of authority. Is everyone on track? Are leaders leading by the precepts of God? Are parents teaching by the precepts of God? Are church leaders leading by The Word of God? Are we praying for those in positions of leadership?

If we truly want to see change in the world, we must pray for the leaders to be led by God. We must pray that the leaders are receptive to hearing the Word of God. We must pray for those who look to their leadership in churches, to follow those who follow Christ.

If the leadership is not following God, we are not obligated to honor them in any way. How will we know if they are following God? Their actions will align with The Word of God. Of course, if we don’t know the Word of God for ourselves, we won’t be able to determine whether the leaders are doing what they are supposed to be doing.

Here’s the solution to the world’s problems: everyone needs to know and live the Word of God, everyone needs to pray for the leaders to receive and live the Word of God, and everyone should only support and honor those who demonstrate they are living the Word of God. Simple solutions, but many won’t even try. As for me and my house, we will follow those who follow Christ–to the letter–of The Word of God and another, we will not serve.

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to embed The Word in our hearts so we will recognize others living by it. Help us to know when to follow and when to not follow any person in a position of leadership who is not following You. Help us all to be better in whatever position we have so that You are glorified and not us. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!

Beginning To Understand!

Trying to find something worthwhile on television these days is an exercise in futility, unless a person likes watching people being killed, autopsied, betrayals, conspiracies, no integrity, and celebrations of sin.  I’m beginning to understand why many older citizens prefer not to watch television at all. These shows are really debilitating to the spirit.

Reality shows that have no basis whatever in “reality.”

Sex, adultery, backstabbing, mothers sleeping with daughter’s husbands and boyfriends. Fathers sleeping with anyone they can get their hands on.

New murders, old murders, incest, rape, ridicule of real life situations by writers intent on keeping wounds bleeding.

Women exposed for their inability to know who their baby’s father is.

Young people thinking it’s okay to sleep with as many people as possible and teenage parenting celebrated on television.

Celebrities and their offspring get national attention for being vulgar and undisciplined with their use of drugs and alcohol, and many sit glued to a television set, just waiting for the next episode of the stupid and inane, watching their parents applaud their lewdness.

Is there one program on television that is truly geared for viewing by families with morals and values that are based on a wholesome relationship with God (not televangelism)? Now, if the one program is found, is it on local networks or cable? Does a person have to watch the same show over and over again or is there any variety available?

I’m beginning to understand that our society has become so amoral that we need to re-define morals and values.  In the midst of all this “ungodliness” portrayed on television, is there any wonder that many people don’t understand that not having a relationship with God is the reason we’re at this crossroad?  On the television, for all to see, we celebrate the worthlessness (as they see it) of life by repeatedly showing kids how to steal, kill, and destroy.  We teach them to not value their bodies or the bodies of others. Where is the outrage? Do the writers of these shows care? Do they have children of their own?  Do the actors allow their children to watch the smutty shows in which they perform?

I’m beginning to understand and pray others do as well.  It’s time to make a change, but will we do it or just complain?

Lord, help us to not invite the spirit of evil into our minds by what we watch on television, in the movies, and listen to on radios. Help us to maintain our focus on You and in doing good for all people.

Call On Him in Truth!

“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18 NIV).

Sometimes, those of us who teach/preach The Word, mislead people by what we see The Word say, not having a full revelation or insight as to what it says. I’m not sure if the misleading is intentional or unintentional, but when we discover we have been teaching in error, we must acknowledge it and back-track to get it right.

Specifically, I’ve heard many people say, “The Lord is near all who call on Him,” or “Just call on The Lord,” and He will be right there! Looking at this passage of scripture, I glean better understanding of what the psalmist is saying.

God is near all who call upon Him, in truth! Whose truth? His Truth, according to His Word! Why is it that we think we can hoodwink God? The One who looks upon the “heart” of a man and knows all things is not fooled by us.  When we attempt to act contrite, He knows.  When we attempt to act like we love others, He knows. When we act like we are anointed and appointed for the season to provide reason to all mankind, He knows. The problem is, do we know?

Have we become so delusional in thinking we know all there is to know that we forget that God knows? We cannot fool God, but we can certainly deceive ourselves into believing something that is not true.  If we cannot be truthful with ourselves, what makes us think that God is “near us” or that we can “call upon Him” and expect Him to act on our behalf?

God is not a magician! He is not a man that He should lie! His eyes are in every place, seeing the good and the evil! When He responds to our faith in Him, it is because of His love for us and He knows our heart!

The bottom line for me is this:  We have to do more than “call on Him” in order for Him to respond to our needs, desires, requests.  We have to call on Him with a pure heart, knowing we have done everything we can to be obedient to Him and in living His Word.  This is calling on Him in truth! When we know and realize that He knows–everything about us, then we can expect Him to be near and to honor His Word, not ours. So stop telling people that they only have to call upon The Lord; tell them the rest–get their hearts right with God, call upon Him and they will know, He’s right there with them.

If people call upon God and are determined to live ungodly, He hears them, but won’t respond and then they tell people; there is no God. When children don’t get what they want from their parents because they have not earned the privilege of getting (whatever it is), do they say,” I have no parents?” How foolish we are to manipulate people into believing something because we didn’t get what we wanted.  Keep in mind, “the fool has said in his heart, there is no God!”

Live The Word, Teach The Word, and Honor God in all things and He will be right there when you call on Him–in truth!

God Is Still Right!

“There is a way that seems right unto men, but that way leads to death” (Proverbs 16:25 Paraphrased)

No matter what men/women do or what office they hold, they are still–men–fallible human beings.

Those men/women are not God and God will not uphold those who proclaim what He has said is wrong to be right.

For anyone who can oppose God and see nothing wrong–be very afraid–of the chaos that is bound to reign. Men/women are fickle and are constantly changing their minds, but God is and always will be a constant in our lives and He shall have the final say.

“If my people, who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then would I hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal the land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 Paraphrased).

 

Father, in the name of Jesus–hear the cries of those who know You and understand Your ways that are not the ways of man–speak to our hearts and cut away the hardness that we will hear You, and repent, while we yet have a chance. Amen!