Good Shepherd, Overseer - Pastor

God's Word has not changed over the millennia. The same words are on the same pages and should carry the same meaning. People are the ones who change and believers specifically attempt to adjust or modify God's Word to fit their situation or the culture of the day.

Speaking to the Head Position of a Church - the Shepherd, Overseer or Pastor -

"God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. This does not imply men are better teachers or that women are inferior or less intelligent. It is simply the way God designed the church to function. Men are to set the example in spiritual leadership—in their lives and through their words. Women are also to set an example in their lives, but in a different way (1 Peter 3:1-6). Women are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3–5). The Bible also does not restrict women from teaching children. The only activity women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority over men [or the Church]. This bars women from serving as pastors to men [1 Timothy 2:11-12]. This does not make women less important, by any means; rather, it gives them a ministry focus more in agreement with God’s design."
[https://www.gotquestions.org/women-pastors.html] For a more detailed look at this subject visit the link provided.

Having established who a Pastor should not be, let us address the qualifications of the office. He is to be -

1. "above reproach,
2. faithful to his wife,
3. temperate,
4. self-controlled,
5. respectable,
6. hospitable,
7. able to teach,
8. not given to drunkenness,
9. not violent but gentle,
10. not quarrelsome,
11. not a lover of money.
12. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
13. He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
14. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap." (1 Tim. 3:2-7)

Paul re-emphasizes and adds some requirements in his letter to Titus -

"he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." (Titus 1:7-9)

There are two huge qualifications I personally look for in a Pastor when deciding what leadership I desire for my marriage to learn under - teaching ability and personal one-on-one attention.

There have been Pastors in my past and our past that were heavy on one qualification and completely missed the other. In addition, there were others that did not have either a teaching/preaching ministry or a personal touch - those days were rough.

I realize Pastors have an extremely busy schedule, but for them to reach out to me or us and squirrel away an hour of personal time is priceless. To have lunch or dinner and get to know each other while talking on all concerns is a whole other level of ministering that I fully enjoy from a Pastor. Dare I would dream that lunch or dinner become a regular weekly event, I would be on another plateau of gratefulness and happiness.

In addition to this, if you or I have this kind of Pastor and he is a good speaker - what a blessing from God. I was raised to not only know your material when you publicly or privately speak, but deliver it correctly with the right grammar. I hear so many Pastors misuse the "you and I"/"you and me" phrase it is nauseating. Here is the rule for that - take the other person out of the equation/phrase/sentence - "you or whomever" - and how would you normally say the sentence?

One final aspect of the Pastor I observe is his attire. I come from a traditional view of wearing your Sunday Best. Even though my body is called the temple of the Lord and I meet with Him daily, Sunday I dress-up because I'm attending another "temple" where many others will be honoring God - hopefully the Pastor will be doing likewise.

This is all about excellence and Pastors striving for it through leadership, Godly character, personal outreach, speaking ability and appearance. This office is a huge responsibility and will be dealt strictly upon Judgement Day (1 Peter 5:1-4). So if you are personally looking for a church with a good Pastor or your church is looking for their next Pastor, consider what I have researched in The Word of God and pursue that Good Shepherd, Overseer - Pastor.

The Hope

The New King James version of the Bible uses the word "appointed" in Hebrews 9:27 to describe the last day that each individual has on earth, no matter how short or long the duration. The verse reads - "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,".

God has many record-keeping books in Heaven according to Revelation 20:12. In addition, this Hebrews 9:27 verse alludes to an Appointment Book that has documented everyone's detailed information of death - who, what (cause), when, where, why and how of their expiration. 

However, there is an exception to this appointment with physical death and this is called The Rapture.

The Rapture, described beautifully in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, is the snatching away of the dead in Christ and living believers by Jesus, who has descended from Heaven to mid-air, to bring them all back to live with Him forever via a glorified body.

This "mid-air" coming is FOR His saints. The word "for" is meant to picture acquisition of something betrothed. Christ's believers, church or bride was paid with the very highest price - the life of Jesus (Galatians 3:13; Colossians 1:14; and Isaiah 53:5-6). Belief in eternal life secured by the life, death, resurrection and return of Christ is the believer's hope.

After this retrieval there is another return of Christ. After seven years in Heaven, Christ Jesus travels to earth from Heaven WITH His saints/believers/church behind Him according to Revelation 19:14-16 to establish His Millennial Reign on Earth.

Interestingly enough, one does not have to wait until the New Testament to witness someone with Godly, prophetic inspiration about this Hope. David stated in Psalm 27:13-14 - "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Then in the New Testament, long before humanity had to concern itself with environmental issues, Paul writes there is a future glory with Christ that will far surpass all sufferings believers endure in the here and now. To witness to this, creation has been "groaning" in different ways throughout history, waiting "in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed." (Romans 8:19) 

In fact, creation itself - "was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God." (Romans 8:20-21)

Here is where The Hope is birthed and fostered. "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:22-25)

Humanity was saved into The Hope, the great expectation that will manifest one day of a tremendously better, eternal tomorrow. This is not a fantasy or wishful thinking on the believer's part. Every three hundred plus prophecy of Christ that concerned His first visitation was perfectly fulfilled. And every believer can take as fact not manifested yet, the prophecies made of Christ's Return. 

Paul speaks about The Day that The Hope is manifested. He leads in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 by stating the order of a few key players and their actions. First, the Lord will descend with a shout. Second, the archangel will declare "amen" probably. Lastly, the trumpet will signal the transformation.

Now observe how 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 marries nicely with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, especially after The Trumpet blast.

"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"

This is The Hope.

When God Says, "No"

Reading the events of Scripture and experiencing them are two different animals. My father and family can empathize with Mary and Martha when they lost Lazarus. We echoed their words in prayers to Jesus when they said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (Jn. 11:32)

At this writing, my Mom recently passed away. The sudden-ness of her leaving was just like the sting spoken of in Scripture that Death possesses. This sting haunts all those that have lost loved ones.

The family had three churches, not three individuals, and a host of people on social media - praying and petitioning God for a miracle recovery. God said, "No". This answer almost stung more than death's sting. However, there was no doubt of the answer because every direction we turned - mentally, physically and spiritually for Mom - God was saying, "No". Mom's appointed time to be with The Lord had come on October 6, 2025 at 2:07 p.m.

But God's "No's" not only have a silver lining, they have an eternal golden lining as well. Jesus replied to Martha upon arriving and hearing her anguish - "I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, will live, even if he dies; and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (Jn. 11:25)

Ever since Jesus spoke these words, every true believer places their faith and hope in them - including my Mom. Therefore, according to The Word of God in flesh - Christ Jesus - my mother is still living. Her essence was masquerading in the shell we call the body. Now she is with the Lord and in Paradise. Again according to Christ's own words to the thief while on the cross, Jesus said - "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Lk. 23:43) As for "the rest of mankind", 1 Thessalonians 4:13 blatantly states they "have no hope".

Life becomes more challenging and extremely different without my Mom in it. Like I mentioned before, these types of experiences are easier to read about in Scripture than walk through. But many of these Biblical events are documented to show believers - (1) we are not alone in our struggles and (2) what to do next - eagerly and patiently await His return as you "turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His Glory and Grace"; even - When God Says, "No". 

Big Words, Simple Truth

 

Jesus said, "Do to others, what you would have done to yourself." (Matthew 7:12)

If I may be so bold as to add some words for emphasis that are already implied - first and before having. So, Christ's instruction would read,

"Do to others [first], [before having] what you would have done to yourself."

I call this Unconditional Considerate Initiative. The phrase means to take the first step for a person or in a situation in being considerate without seeking reward or payment of any kind. 

As an example, many people look at chivalry as a Southern behavior, locked into a geographical area of the United States. This is a behavior that contains more than opening doors for ladies that should transcend not only the South, but the nation. Then it needs to be triggered by those who love to love on others.

The first thought in these kind of people would be - "I'm going to help this person out with..." or "I'm going to make this situation better by..." right at the outset of the challenge or issue, if the resources are available or can be attained. When observing a person in need or challenging situation, try to place yourself in their shoes and ask - what might I need? Then try to supply that need for them first or at least quickly.

All this effort is for the joy and peace that you know the resolution will bring to the people and/or situation. Unconditional Considerate Initiative - just some serious consideration, on a daily basis, that makes it into your lifestyle to make life better for others. Big Words, Simple Truth.

His Plan For His Own

Hindsight is always 20/20 or perfect vision. So, when the decision comes for God to share or not to share any part of His Plan for my life with me, I plead with Him to grant me a break every now-and-then and allow me to see and understand His upcoming events.

Every time I pray this, I am reminded He may or may not choose to answer in the positive, but realize this is the age of Faith. Scripture says of faith - 

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1). 

So, from this confidence, hope and assurance I stand and inquire about His Plan For His Own.

I would like to think and believe that many people and believers accept the idea of the all-knowingness of God. Some individuals, like those who ascribe to Deism, believe God created everything then stepped back and has watched everything unfold ever since with little to no involvement.

This is not who Christians worship. When joining the concepts of God's supreme knowledge, His design of all things and humanity's feeble minds - many Christians will recall Isaiah 55:8-10 -

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

God has a design, a plan for the history of humanity and creation. However, He also has a detailed, purposeful, individualistic plan for each of us, especially His own. God's knowledge and involvement on everybody's individual plan is seen in Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 139:13.

Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Psalm 139:13 states, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb."

All this foreknowledge by God of His plans for creation, history and our personal lives places believers in the position to ask - what are your plans for me God?

To begin answering this question we must first address another question - what are our plans, especially concerning a relationship with God?

David or whoever is writing the Psalms between 20:4 and 94:11 must have had a change of mind and heart about the quality of human planning. Psalm 20:4 prays for “all your plans to succeed”, while Psalm 94:11 attests to the faultiness of our plans by stating – “He [God] knows they are futile.”

Proverbs 16:1 declares, "To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue." Notice that for humanity, our source of planning from the start is our own heart. This is dangerous. Remember what Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"

However, if the Lord is our source of understanding and planning, then what finally flows from our mouths is pure, holy and true.

In addition, Proverbs 19:21 states, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." All of us can be busy-bodies at times. Our minds can race a million miles per hour about additional things even when we just checked off all things on our current agenda. Know that God is going to have His way, so yielding to His Plan up front is wise.

Since we walk by faith and not by sight, not having His plan for our lives revealed beforehand, what can we grasp from Scripture about His Plan For His Own?

One of the most well-known and beloved passages of The Bible assists believers in this regard, Jeremiah 29:11 - 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

Plans = the original word for plan is machashabah (makh-ash-aw-baw). This word means intention, imagination, invention, purpose or thought.

Prosper = the original word for prosper is shalom meaning to not only “bless with peace”, but with safety, welfare, prosperity, and wholeness.

Hope = the original word hope is tiqvah (tik-vah), meaning “an assured expectation”, a cord to hold on to; expectation, yearning or person/place/thing that we long for or look forward to.

My paraphrase of this Scripture is as follows - For I know the thoughts I have toward you, thoughts, intentions and purposes that are designed to deliver safety, welfare, prosperity, peace and wholeness to you, not any sort of harm and intentions to instill in your lives more than just a sense of getting by, but an assured expectation that is promised manifestation from the Creator, which will surely bless your future now and later.

Something that I would like to stress or magnify here that James does so beautifully is -

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17) 

With God's grand design, His individual plans or thoughts that are infinitely higher than ours - comes nothing but perfect goodness and love toward His own. So, while we live our lives, how do we execute His Plan?

Micah 6:8 gets right to the points on this question. One translation says - do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. This is great, but I really like the New International Version of this verse, which reads - 

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Acting justly shows the development of God's integrity in the Christian's life. Loving mercy is to display God's heart to all and to receive mercy because we chose to give it. Walking humbly with God is the opposite of a prideful life - to always live in a state of ascribing credit where credit is due. 

To live like this means the believer accepts his/her original "wiring" that was rejected but now is activated and in full operation with the acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior and the help of the Holy Spirit.

The instruction Jesus gave on the lifestyle of living out God's Plan was - 

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40).

However, besides Micah's contribution and the instruction of Jesus, what take-home handles can the Christian implement in their daily faith journey to assure God's plan is honored in our lives? 

First, "commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:3). This means verbalize or pray your list or agenda for each day to the Lord. For example, "Lord, today I have much on my plate. I have...." You are praying not just to show Him your list but to include Him first thing in everything.

Secondly, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-7). Within this passage there are three challenging instructions - (1) trust in the Lord with everything you have, (2) do not depend on your own smarts and (3) in the small things, big things and everything in between submit how you would do it to Him. The result is He will align your plans and ways with His because you consulted Him first and followed these directions.

Now that the believer has committed his/her day to the Lord at the onset, the Christian needs to submit his/her agenda. This submitting is equal to signing your name at the bottom of the paper with the list of things that need accomplishing, praying over them, then sliding it across the table to God and going about your day in a surrendered spirit, trusting in Him.

Lastly, obey. Obedience will cover a multitude of efforts toward knowing and living out God's Plan for our lives. Within His call for obedience I believe forgiveness is a huge player. Speaking to His followers and believers, Jesus said,

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:14-15)

The Christian's salvation is not in question here if the believer does not forgive someone. However, there is a loss, the Christian loses the daily forgiveness of mistakes and favor or the graces of God until the believer forgives the original offense. Obedience in every area, especially this one will go a long way in providing a daily handle for executing His Plan for the believer's life.

Jesus did guarantee that following Him would not be easy. But He also promised that He has overcome the world (John 16:33). In addition, Jesus has made some other promises that Christians world-wide hang their hopeful hats upon. These promises and the arrival of Christ's first visit itself has all been part of His Plan from "go". God had Isaiah say it like this -

"I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do." (Isa. 46:10-11)

The personal involvement of Yahweh proves God's plan has never been reactive but always preemptive, harkening back to the words of Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 139:13. This means every unborn child is not an accident, but a precious creation of The Creator, who desires a relationship with that person for eternity and has a plan for their life should they accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior.

What a joy to know that like a builder that sits down before he constructs his house or structure and determines the worth of the labor involved, so too did God count the cost before creation and salvation and deemed worthy His Plan For His Own (Luke 14:28-33; John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20).

Whose I Am

Legacy. Mom always taught me to leave a place better than how you found it. Accomplishing this, people will think highly of me and possibly invite me back. Why should I care about the thoughts and perception of other people? Because of whose I am.

My first reflection I desire to leave on people is my best impression of a Christ-like life. My second impression I hope to attain is a great projection of my blood family's values they have instilled in my character.

I know I have messed up in both arenas, in my representation of God and my representation of my family, but thank God, both are forgiving. This is the huge key in continuing to acquire forgiveness in life - you have to give it first.

However, after getting right one with the other - What would my Mom and Dad say about me if they were to testify of my person, my character? 

How would God tackle that same endeavor? Do I make Him proud? I know God is faithful and just to forgive me as long as I confess and forgive others (1 Jn. 1:9; Matt. 6:6:14-15) Do I put a smile on His face? Do I walk in forgiveness and the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)?

When I reflect on my youth, I find it interesting that Mom and Dad did not push, force, or even direct me toward a life-goal or certain hobby. I entertained sports, piano, chorus, even thought about the Navy. However, I was not the next All-Star in any sport, famous singer on any stage or actor in any movie.

I have lived what I consider a "normal" life and am grateful. However, with this normal life has come two written books, a written and video blog I maintain, teachings in the church I have been honored to give, mission trips I have traveled on, choir participation and solo performances - all while attempting to share God's Light to my friends around me.

Many times I feel like there is so much more to do and what I have done already is simply - Standard. Perhaps none of my actions in-and-of-themselves are "special", but when I begin feeling this way I remember who I do this for and why and it carries me through till the next time I can show Whose I Am.

The Kingdom of Imperfect Fishermen

Someone once said, "God still uses cracked pots." - referring to the utilization of broken people to accomplish His will. I believe this with all my heart.

To acknowledge we are not perfect I think is one of the major steps of great wisdom in life. The next step is ascribing who is perfect and lived the perfect life - God in the flesh, Christ Jesus, Father God's only Son.

Because of Christ and His life, believers are victorious in and through the many challenges that life presents, even when death arrives. Because of His perfection, our striving for perfection is not necessary. Christians find their everything, their perfection in Christ, The King of The Kingdom of Imperfect People.

However, within this imperfection and in spite of it - God uses His believers. Writing in his second letter to the believers in Corinth, Paul stated the idea like this - 

"But he [Christ] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." - 2 Cor. 12:9

When anyone performs a study on Team Jesus, commonly known as the disciples, they will discover many of these cracked pots, these people with weaknesses or imperfect individuals. 

The twelve disciples that Jesus called to be close to Him during His ministry were not top notch scholars of Scripture with great insight on the signs of the time and full disclosure on who Jesus was and what His plan would entail. The individuals Jesus selected were normal, flawed people with regular jobs. 

The Disciples had all kinds of differing personalities and occupations ranging from fisherman to businessman to tax collector to zealot or political revolutionary and treasurer.

However, one particular job attracted Jesus in His pool of selection. At least seven out of the twelve belonged to the Guild of Fisherman. Among these fishermen were Andrew, Peter, James and John, the sons of Zebedee according to Matthew 4:18-22. After the resurrection of Jesus - Thomas, Nathaniel and Philip were found fishing, so they also may have been fishermen (John 21:2-8). At least they knew how to fish.

Why fishermen as a focus trade to pull from the possible candidates of disciples? Recall the Lord's summoning of Simon and Andrew in Matthew 4:18-20 -

"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'And I will send out you out to fish for people.' At once they left their nets and followed Him."

Why would Jesus need people with a fishing mindset? Because when Jesus used this occupation in a spiritually metaphorical manner, the true disciple of Christ and his duties comes to life and can be understood. 

Disciples are active believers of Christ Jesus, living out the lifestyle of Jesus and spreading His good news of His kingdom to the uninformed while helping equip the saints for better living. 

As Christ Jesus ascended to the right hand of Father God in Heaven, His believers, His disciples became His hands, feet, voice and ministry - His Fishermen. Said another way, Jesus is the Carpenter King who is building a Kingdom of Imperfect Fishermen. These fishermen then fish for or recruit more souls into the Kingdom, who in turn get added to the Guild and Kingdom of Imperfect Fishermen.

Let us place one of these imperfect fishermen, one of the disciples under the microscope to examine. Let us observe Peter. This disciple struck me as a bold person who always wanted to experience the new thing with Jesus.

He tried walking on water with Jesus and was successful for a bit, but failed when fear took over. He declared Jesus, the Son of God and the next minute was influenced by Satan trying to stop Jesus' plan of salvation. Peter was one of the three men who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus but then suggested three booths of honor for - Moses, Elijah and Jesus - instead of just one for Jesus. He denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus restored him.

All this from a disciple who was a major role in the Jerusalem church, wrote new testament letters and requested to be crucified upside-down. This was certainly a tried, true and beloved cracked pot.

Jesus used a bunch of imperfect people whose majority occupation was fisherman to change the type of bait, type of tackle, type of waters and fish to that of human souls.

Christ's heart has always been for the next person to come into an intimate relationship with Him. This happens through the disciples of Christ. The power in the sacrificial blood of Christ and the testimony of the believer are the main instruments the Imperfect Fisherman for Christ will use (Revelation 12:11). Whether you like or dislike physical fishing, disciples must spiritually apply this fishing imagery process for more men and women of the Lord.

Similar to the motif of farming (the planter, waterer and reaper) the duties of fishing can be divided up. Some can carry the fishing pole. Some can carry the bait. Some can bait the hook. Some can cast the line into the waters. Some can scoop up the fish with a net. All of us, from all walks of life, inadequate as we come, have a role to play alongside the perfect King in The Kingdom of Imperfect Fishermen.

Consult The Coach (The Holy Spirit)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I find that as I age, along with the world beside me, not only do the problems that are guaranteed in life come but they seem to transform or at least jump a level to that of "Woes".

The results of the "Woes" of life are a very bad attitude and even worse perspective on everything. Our focus, my focus, is not only turned from the "silver lining" in people, places and things, but God is missing from the beginning in the picture also.

Like a batter in baseball who has gone into a slump and finally emerges from that slump with the realization that all along he was not consulting his coach on the third-base line who was there throughout the slump - so should Christians turn to the Holy Spirit all the time, but especially during their "woes".

"Woes" in life, like slumps in baseball, have a powerful influence, they place us in a "woe is me funk". There is that negative turn of perspective and attitude again. Remember, before this occurs and anytime the slump begins or you start to really feel the woes of life - Consult The Coach (The Holy Spirit).

His Creative Mind

In Job's life the devil was a major influence, but God was sovereign over all the details. God used the Behemoth and the Leviathan in His discussion with Job to display His power over everything. Pointing out the incredible, descriptive details about those creatures, God naturally asked Job and all of humanity - Who then can compare to me as The Creator and Sustainer? If humans cannot stand against such fearsome and awesome creatures as the Behemoth and Leviathan, what success does one think he/she might have with The Creator and Sustainer of these beasts and all creation?

Later in the New Testament, Paul would echo this strong declaration of Creator and Sustainer-God when he said -

"For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:16-17)

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." - Genesis 1:27

Only Yahweh is Omni or All. But God has always been and still is personally invested and involved with His creation. He was so invested He made us in His image, originally like Him in character and desire to create.

The human has been doing this throughout history up to the present - they create. There have been Christians and non-believers that have made major contributions to inventions throughout history that have not brought God any glory. There have been others that do give God the credit for their inspiration and creativity of the idea. 

Whether acknowledged or not, humanity cannot escape the evidence of God in the details of creation and life. Scripture speaks to God being in the details of nature and humanity when it says -

"In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." - Job 12:10

"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." - Romans 1:20

And ever since God placed man in the Garden of Eden, He has been guiding humanity visibly or invisibly, audibly or by inspiration to bless us with the inventions that have changed and made such an impact on the entire world throughout the ages.

Just some of the areas of jumps in creativity that we have made are - travel, cooking, city/home plumbing, washing and making of clothes, electricity and the lightbulb, the phone, trains, flight and automobiles.

Much of this has come in a rush of time - the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. I believe Daniel was told about the times we are living in now when the angel said to him - "But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge." (Daniel 12:4)

Everything can always be improved upon. People, places and things are in an eternal state of a work-in-progress. The moment we believe we have plateaued or arrived, that is the moment we have lost. The question is - what will humanity now use their creativity to make?

For the believer in Christ, we have a helper - the Holy Spirit. He was sent after Christ ascended to the right hand of Father God to be our advocate, counselor and help. He is the one that will continue to develop the inventions in us and bring out His Creative Mind.

Healing Process

When belief in healing for what seems to be the "normal things humans battle with" comes before God, I do not observe His direct involvement. I believe I can safely say, in most cases, God allows the natural healing process to occur like medicines, doctors, rest, fluids in addition to our request to be healed totally by God in prayer.

At this point in my walk with King Jesus and His Holy Spirit, I believe Christians should use their God-given common sense when sicknesses arrive or a major disease attacks or surgeries are required. Wellness has been practiced for a very long time. Luke was a physician and even the Lord goes by the title Great Physician as depicted in Luke 5:31.

I see healing as two fold - (1) a gift God has available to give according to His purpose and (2) an act of faith on our part whether it be as small as a mustard seed or a leap of faith to acquire the healing.

But alongside common sense should be the believer's faith. In Mark 10:52 a blind man sees due to faith in Jesus as the miracle-worker. 

In Matthew 9:22, the woman with the issue of blood simply desired to touch Jesus for her healing to manifest. Her faith was married to her action but Jesus credited her faith. 

In Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26, on either side of the event of the woman with the issue of blood is a father who reaches out to Jesus in faith, fame of Jesus and fear of losing his daughter. However, Faith moves him to seek and ask Jesus for the miraculous.

In Matthew 9:27-30, two blind men were asked by Jesus concerning their healing - "Do you believe I am able to do this?" They replied, "Yes, Lord." Jesus said, "According to your faith let it be done to you." Their faith was enough and their sight was restored.

In addition, there were times in Scripture when Jesus rebuked His disciples because they did not have enough faith. One such instance is found in Matthew 17:14-21. 

There was a father whose son by all appearances had epilepsy because of the terrible, physical fits that he would display. Apparently at this point in time the disciples were out on their own and could not heal the boy. When the boy was brought before Jesus, the condition was revealed to be worse than epilepsy, the boy was demon possessed and Jesus rebuked the demon and it fled, returning the boy to his right mind and the boy to his father. 

After finding out it was a demon, the disciples ask Jesus, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" - in essence, why could we not heal this boy? 

Jesus instructed his disciples - "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

I can hear some say at this point, but if you tell someone they don't have enough faith you are condemning them and scripture says there is "now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This is a mis-applied verse and concept.

Romans 8:1 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." - needs to be read and understood in context. This verse and idea of condemnation must be followed by the remaining paragraph of Paul - 

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."

This "condemnation" therefore is speaking to the sin humans are under until they accept God's love-gift of Christ's life, death and resurrection for their eternal security with Him. This "condemnation" is not talking about, nor should it be applied to - the amount of faith for healing.

This being said, the amount of faith someone has is not the sole criteria for the healing needed. Sure, the measure of faith in Christ will influence a needed healing, but I believe the most important aspect is The Will of the Lord.

Some people believe the second that you vocalize an issue you give birth or more energy to it. This is nonsense. The problem was already there waiting for you to recognize it and do something about it. Speaking about it is not going to make it worse, it is going to aid in the healing process and provide steps for overcoming your condition or situation. Acknowledgement of a physical, mental or spiritual ailment or challenge is not the same as surrendering to it.

This fact of recognizing the issue then doing something about it is what makes seeking out God's Will during our dilemma so important. What do you think confessing our needs and shortcomings one to another within the family of believers is all about in James 5:16? Healing. Also 1 John 5:14 states - "This is the confidence we have in approaching God:  that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us."

Notice a few things here. Because of our relationship with Christ, believers are privileged to boldly come before God's throne in prayer. 

Secondly, no request is unreasonable, but the petitions that really get His attention are the one's that align with His will. 

Finally, "he hears us". Our request has been heard, now the answer and the timing thereof must be totally entrusted in the hands of The King.

"Paul himself had a physical ailment that the Lord declined to heal (2 Corinthians 12:7–9).
The twelve apostles did not heal everyone, either. Often, there were Christians left unwell in spite of the apostolic power. Paul says to Timothy, “Use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (1 Timothy 5:23). Why didn’t Paul just lay hands on Timothy and heal him? It wasn’t because Timothy didn’t have enough faith; it was because it was not God’s will to heal Timothy that way. The healing ministry was not for anyone’s personal convenience; rather, it was a sign from God—to the Jews of the Old Covenant primarily—of the validity of the apostles’ message."
[https://www.gotquestions.org/God-heal-everyone.html]

In conclusion, mental, physical and spiritual healing is helped tremendously by -

1. Seeking God first and His will; petition Him about it. There is no name it and claim it, otherwise we all would be well all the time.
2. Use your God-give common sense to utilize God's aids or helps He has given us at our fingertips. In other words, take your medicine.
3. Surround yourself with faith bolstering people, music, places and things. 

We all live in a fallen, imperfect world with imperfect bodies, demanding more attention as we age. For me, I have no issue of trusting God. My struggle is God withholding wisdom and understanding many times concerning the "why" of my experience or delay in healing. 

I whole-heartedly believe if I had a grasp of this why part to the equation I could make sense of my suffering and accept it more. But I look at Job's life and I am in awe at his response to all that happened to him. He lived before Christ and Christ's promises and yet said, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." (Job 1:21)

The matter boils down to acceptance of God's sovereignty despite what challenges we all are in the middle of and outcome we may be praying for. This reverts back to a trust in God's will and His healing plan. His plan and trust in it must be center to our prayer-life.

Until that healing comes, whether it is this side of Heaven or the other, I find myself, like the father with the convulsing boy doing what I can in the here and now and seeking Jesus, as the dad did, saying to Christ - "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief." (Mark 9:24)

Moving Day

Moving Day, this is a stressful time and a joyful time - at the same time. Whether you are applying this title to Saturday of a golf tournament or moving from one house or work location to another, Moving Day can quickly test you in a lot of different areas. Change tends to do that.

While I am certain of other Biblical testimonies of moving days, the biggest of which is The Exodus, in reading chapters 34 and 35 of Genesis recently, I witnessed the specifics of another Moving Day unfold. The difference in all these moving accounts was not the devil in the details, it was God in the details and Holy decisions by the lead character.

There is usually a catalyst to Moving Day. In golf, if you have made it to Saturday for a tournament that begins on Thursday and ends on Sunday, Saturday means you better make your move to position yourself for the win on Sunday.

The stimulant that drove Jacob and his family to move was an attack on his family - a daughter was raped. The fathers met and the offending father pleaded for anything to be done so that the daughter and other daughters of Jacob might be married to their family and community. The sons of Jacob demanded circumcision from the community. The town council agreed and all males of the area were circumcised. For three days the newly circumcised were in great pain and Jacob's furious sons took advantage of this time and killed every male in the town, including the offending family.

Not only did they kill every male, they looted many precious possessions and brought back women into their camp as well. This did not sit well with Jacob and he told his sons what they had done was way over the top and because of this, the family now has a target on their backs, from the surrounding rulers because of their reaction. 

The good news is God was watching, intervened and reminded Jacob of His promise to watch over him in a previous encounter (Gen.28:15). The Lord actually appeared to Jacob as before and instructed him to move to Bethel. Jacob obeyed. 

Incentives to move have a story as I have just retold from Genesis 34. However, the actual moving, the journey has plenty of stories to tell also.

Some highlights about this trip to Bethel were that Oak trees were important. Jacob instructed that idol gods that were being kept in secret be buried at the base of an oak tree before they left. Then upon arrival at Bethel, Rachel's nurse died and they buried her at the base of an oak tree.

Jacob's obedience was rewarded by God personally visiting him, giving him a name change to Israel, and blessing him with the birth of his last son Benjamin. This meeting with God was a confirmation from Him of the Abrahamic Covenant continuing to pass through Israel's descendants. The Lord also blessed him personally. "Then God went up from him at the place where he had talked with him." (Gen.35:13)

However, there were losses on the journey and at the end of it. Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin. Rachel's nurse, as mentioned earlier, also died. In addition, after getting to spend some time with his father Isaac, Israel and Esau buried their father at the ripe old age of one hundred and eighty.

To my friends, family and strangers - I encourage you if any sort of Moving Day is upon you. God is in the details, especially if you "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matt. 6:33) Just like Israel and others like Joshua and Caleb, be strong and courageous, trust in the Lord as you tackle Moving Day.

Prison Break

God is "funny". He takes a life that had been persecuting, imprisoning and killing believers in Christ and has him taste imprisonment and torture for Christ's sake as a converted believer - Paul. 

Prepositions are important so when I read Paul's letters to fellow believers from usually a prison cell, the words he selects to describe himself are interesting. In Ephesians 3:1 and 4:1, Paul portrays himself as "a prisoner of Christ Jesus" and "a prisoner for the Lord" - respectfully. In his second letter to his protege, Timothy, Paul deems himself "His [God's] prisoner" (2 Tim. 1:8). Then again in a letter to Philemon, he states - "a prisoner for Christ".

Although Paul writes from prison in many, if not all of these verses I have documented, as stated before, the prepositions "of" and "for" should be considered.

A "prisoner OF Christ" declares that you are somehow in some fashion imprisoned by Christ. The word "of" gives the sense of ownership and being imprisoned to the owner, Christ, gives the picture of being bound to one person and location.

A "prisoner FOR the Lord" describes one's life or behavior as captivated to His will, every moment of every day. To me this preposition implies a choice made by the prisoner to come under the The Lord in submission to His will and His plan for the prisoner's life.

Paul's life in particular was declared by God an imprisonment of suffering. When Paul was being converted, God spoke to Ananias concerning this very lifestyle Paul must live - 

"But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.'" (Acts 9:15-16)

Paul is not alone. There are many who have suffered, been imprisoned and been martyred for the cause of spreading the Good News of Christ. The suffering has occurred in many different ways, remaining in their own type of prison, but kept on being "a prisoner for the Lord". 

However, ever since man and woman disobeyed God the world has been imprisoned. Not only has sin or disobedience captivated humanity in general, but we have found and created multiple prisons to call our own whether they be mental, physical or spiritual in nature.

Enslaved by entrapping words of the enemy of our souls, humanity chose to accept a substitute concept from another source, we believed and acted on a lie from The Father of Lies to birth our Prison of Lies - sin.

Therefore, people are captivated by what can possibly bring them freedom next via self effort in any shape, form or fashion. The enemy's prideful nature has moved this agenda along throughout history sometimes injecting us with destructive ideas and other times nudging us as our own worst enemy.

The arrival of Jesus changed this captivity - or did it? The way Paul described his faith journey one might view going from the enemy's side to Christ is simply stepping out of one prison and into another. But Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

With the death, burial, resurrection and ascension to Heaven of Christ Jesus - Jesus has paid the full ransom price, His life, for everyone. Going forward, every human has the choice to come out of prison because "God so loved the world" (John 3:16).

In doing this, "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son." (Col. 1:13)

Notice the Prison of Lies or humanity's captivated status without Christ is what Scripture deems "the domain of darkness". Placing your faith in Christ, His sacrifice and lifestyle grants you deliverance from this domain and transference into citizens of His Son's kingdom.

One's salvation from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of light is immediate upon the authentic prayer of accepting Christ as personal Lord and Savior. The timing or full manifestation of one's freedom from other enemy induced or self-made prisons might be immediate or it could be lengthy, but there is no shadow of a doubt that God has planned for all believers a Prison Break -

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Don't Go To Hell

The Concept

Hell is sung about, seen in movies and heard in most everyone's everyday vernacular. Hell, one would think as much as we see the concept and use the word (1) everyone would believe in an afterlife and (2) most people would desire to go to Hell and/or if they don't, they would send their unlikables to the place.

The popularity of Hell makes me think that those that sing about it in their rock songs, watch it in their movies and exclaim it in their speech are the same who believe in a literal place that nobody should desire to finish this life and begin their next. But I find that those same individuals shun the notion of it and with that discarding they throw away the truth of a Just God.

However, according to a 2023 Pew Research Study - 71% of Americans believe in Heaven and 61% of Americans believe in Hell. As you can well deduce from those percentages this means there are people that reside in the non-believing camp.

If people truly understood and believed in Hell and the Lake of Fire and their conditions, there would be no more usage of the phrase - "Go to Hell!" Therefore, the thrust of this study today is to educate all, believers but especially non-believers, on this idea of the afterlife, particularly Hell and encourage all that Hell is avoidable and should be avoided through faith in Christ Jesus only. 

The Warning

Did Jesus speak about Hell more than Heaven? This is debatable. However, if Jesus mentioned it one time then the subject warrants the Christian's utmost attention but especially the non-believer's. 

"Perhaps it would be prudent to focus on the undeniable reality that Jesus indeed discussed hell. Many modern congregations are discomfited by the mere mention of judgment. 

However, justice is a good thing; it is, in fact, one of God’s attributes. We call God less than good if we regard Him as perfectly loving but not perfectly just. Given the reality of evil, it would be terrible if God had no plan to deal with it justly.

To illustrate the reality of hell, Jesus used the Valley of Hinnom, also called Gehenna (Mark 9:47–48), a detestable place near Jerusalem. In the Old Testament, the Jews rebelled against God by performing child sacrifice in this valley, particularly to the god Molech. Prophets like Jeremiah condemned the valley for the idolatrous practices (Jeremiah 7:31–32; 19:2–6), and it was also defiled by King Josiah (2 Kings 23:10). During Jesus’ time on earth, the valley was a public dump, a place where refuse was burned and the corpses of animals and criminals were thrown. Like Gehenna, hell is where all uncleanliness and death will remain. Jesus also referred to hell as “outer darkness” and as “fire” (see Matthew 5:22; 8:12).

Envision a realm devoid of good, a reality stripped of joy, goodness, and love—the outcome of persisting in self-rule and rejecting reconciliation with God." (https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-talk-more-hell-than-heaven.html)

The conditions of Hell, spoken of by Jesus are far from a pleasant, party-going, dreamworld where we are gods with our loved ones. Jesus describes Hell as -  being full of fire (Matt. 5:22), people-eating-worms that do not die (Mk. 9:47-48), plus "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matt. 24:48-51).

Matthew records Jesus warning everyone of a coming judgement entrusted to Him where the next destination after Hell is ordered for the "cursed", the ones who gave nothing to the hungry, nothing to the thirsty, provided no shelter for the down-trodden, provided no clothes for the poor and did not visit the sick and imprisoned. This next location is the Lake of Fire. Jesus states through Matthew 25:41 that this Lake of Fire was originally "prepared" for the devil and his demons and 2 Peter 2:4 concurs with this original intent. 

Therefore, comply with the line of thinking and living of the devil, which is rebellion, disobedience or sin toward God (Matt. 25:41-46) and all are bound for both Hell and eventually The Lake of Fire. 

The Falls

God's image, human male and female, (Genesis 1:26) was injected with the virus of pride by the devil speaking through God's creation as a serpent to communicate and seduce them to believe and act on a lie. This disobedience of God is commonly referred to as The Fall. 

However, Genesis 2:8-9 documents an original fall that came earlier than The Fall of Humanity because the knowledge of good and evil was known before man was created. This order is established in verse eight and the knowledge is found in the next verse.

"Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."

In order to place on display the True Fall, and therefore the terrible eternal place non-believers are destined for - allow me to share Scripture about the Original Fall of Lucifer. All of the descriptions of Lucifer before his mistake, his fall and consequences, unless otherwise cited, are voiced by God in Ezekiel 28:11-19.

Before The Fall

This special, created angelic being has only been designated by his pre-fall name of Lucifer once in Scripture in Isaiah 14:12. Even in this passage his demise is being mentioned.

Before his unwise decision, Lucifer, the light-bearer was in perfect relationship with God. God deemed him during this time "the seal of perfection", probably referring to him as a created being that was none better. 

He was viewed as "full of wisdom". Notice he was not all-knowing, but for his part Lucifer's being was full of wisdom. 

He was "perfect in beauty" is not hard to understand. He had no blemish to complain about. In addition, God commented, "every precious stone adorned you", speaking to Lucifer wearing the best heavenly fashion all the time. 

Lucifer was honored and privileged to be located in the Heavenly Eden, God's garden - "you were in Eden, the garden of God;". 

He was also granted extreme close dwelling to God in Heaven "on the holy mount of God" and "among the fiery stones".

God anointed him with a position of authority as a Guardian Cherub, an angelic being that attended to God's desires in God's presence or at God's side. This led God to say Lucifer's character was therefore "blameless" or full of integrity "until wickedness was found in you."

The Mistake

The Mistake was Lucifer, by his own volition developed wickedness and it was found in him. Lucifer's fall was harder and permanent because as he founded this rebellion there was no one to tempt him. The original word for "wickedness" translates to evil, iniquity, perverseness, unjust, unrighteousness - all of which now define Lucifer as a morally distorted being.

Ezekiel 28:16 states that Lucifer was so convinced of his own wisdom that he became a solicitor of his cause, consumed so much that he wrongfully damaged or used violence as he rebelled and disobeyed God. The verse reads -

"Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence and you sinned."

As God elaborates on the description of Lucifer's crime, it worsens - 

"By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries." (Eze. 28:18) 

Not only did he originate the wrong, but he kept on severely self-inflicting dishonor upon himself and anybody or anything he touched. He was addicted to his own counsel or "koolaid".

God explains why Lucifer acted this way in Ezekiel 28:17 by saying, "Your heart became proud on account of your beauty and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor." Because his focus turned completely on himself - his beauty and splendor - incorrect thinking, speech and actions followed.

Mirroring his father Satan, there is a prophecy concerning the coming world leader known as the Anti-Christ in Isaiah 14:12-15, that showcases both Lucifer's original words and goals and now his son's. The motor that keeps this family of evil running is Pride. This notion is plain to see with the amount of times the pronoun "I" is used.

"How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!

You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”

But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit."

The Consequence(s) - The True Fall

The result of this attempt-fail usurp of God's throne is a casting out of Lucifer in stages, now Satan or "stupid".

Both the Mount of God and fiery stones are descriptive locations that have meant to many Biblical scholars to be the immediate, intimate presence and powerful, governing seat of God. The first stage of casting is a disgraceful driving from the privileged Mount of God and an expulsion from the fiery stones - "So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones."

This driving and expulsion places the devil in his current role of Accuser (Revelation 12:10) before God's Throne until he is cast to earth to indwell his prodigy, the Anti-Christ, wreak havoc on the planet and kill as many as possible, especially God's chosen at the mid mark of The Tribulation Period (Revelation 12:8-11).

Then the next casting occurs - The Abyss. God instructs an angel to seize the devil, wrap him in chains, throw him into a bottom-less pit and place a seal over it for a thousand years.

The last casting happens when The Abyss is opened after The Millennial Reign of Christ has concluded. Satan attempts one last solicitation and usurp/attack on God's Throne at Jerusalem, but Satan's followers are melted by Holy fire and he is thrown into The Lake of Fire where the Anti-Christ and False Prophet had been thrown earlier (Revelation 20:7-10).

Before all of heaven, before the whole earth, even before all of the underworld - before all of history, Christ Jesus has made a spectacle of the devil through His prophetic word in the beginning, sacrifice and victory over death, Hell and the grave.

The Answer And Encouragement

There seems to be a depiction that has been put forth of Jesus verses the devil - as if they are equals. This is a lie. There is no balancing to be done here. Lucifer is a created being by Jesus that thought himself a replacement for God. The creation challenged The Creator and lost. In fact, History is loaded with constant, living and breathing screams to the present and the future NOT to make Satan's mistake. There is a clear winner every time in this scenario and twice on Sunday - Jesus, because He is Creator King.

The price, for Christ, to secure humanity, His image, for all eternity was His life, death and resurrection. This price was too high for there not to be a judgment on everybody's decision to accept or deny Christ.

Christ Jesus implores all who have not made the decision yet to consider Him as the "narrow gate" and enter eternal life through Him - 

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14).

C. S. Lewis, in his book The Great Divorce, had this to say add - 

"There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, in the end, "Thy will be done." All that are in Hell, choose it."

Paradise, Heaven, Hell and the Lake of Fire are not ethereal or some literary device meant to scare society into good behavior. These locations are real and are eternal destinations for all people. 

Jesus of Nazareth is a real person. The Gospel, meaning Good News, is built solely on one's faith in Jesus as their personal Messiah or Savior. This Savior, Christ Jesus, died for all strife and disobedience between humanity and God, conquered death, Hell and the grave, then ascended to the right hand of Father God to make intercession for those who accept Him through faith. However, this faith, this relationship and your destination is your choice.

C. S. Lewis aids our decision-making, from his book Mere Christianity, by stating - 

"You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to."

Making the decision For Christ is not only The Way to miss Hell and gain Heaven, but to begin a new relationship with The King of all creation and allow Him to develop you into the image He had in mind from the beginning. In choosing that God-like lifestyle, that Christlike lifestyle, Blaise Pascal submits - 

"I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live as if there isn't and to die to find out that there is."

There is an afterlife. You are bound for one out of two eternal destinations based on your decision about Christ. I praise God for all my fellow brothers and sister in Christ and pray those considering faith in Christ accept Jesus, live for Him, exclaim like the famous Stryper song - "To Hell With The Devil" and Don't Go To Hell.