Maybe you’ve heard or read about Situation Ethics.

It refers to people doing whatever they perceive is “the right thing to do” according to the situation they are in at the time.

Those who practice situation ethics generally believe that there are no absolute rules concerning right or wrong — that you just have to kind of go with the flow of the times and determine what you do based upon those with whom you are with and the situation in which you find yourself.

This seems to be a growing trend in our society. It is also beginning to creep into our churches and the lives of those who claim to be Christians.

This is especially evident in the lives of our children and young people because of their tendency to emulate the adults around them.

What kind of example is this setting?

How consistent is our daily life with what the Word teaches?

Do we ever find it necessary to act differently around different people so as to be accepted?

Could it be that we are practicing “Situational Religion”?

That is trying to be as much of a Christian as we need to be so we are acceptable to whomever we happen to be with at the time?

God expects consistency in our lives as Christians. We are supposed to live changed lives and concentrate on pleasing God, not people.

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11(NIV)

Some people believe that there are different rules for different places — one set of rules for home, one set for work, one set for our associations with friends and yet another for when we are with other Christians. Those folks are practicing situational religion and that is not acceptable to God. God expects us to live for him all of the time in every situation. If we are not doing that, then we are not serving him the way he wants.

Grace and Peace

This week I celebrated the birthdays of three of the most important people in my life – my wife, my middle daughter and my handsome grandson.

It made me appreciate the love of God in my life.

As far as I understand when reading the Word, we are to celebrate, not just special occasions like birthdays, marriages and graduations, but  everyday.

This is the day the LORD has made;  let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NIV

We are to celebrate continually in God’s love, His healing  and His provision every day.

In that day the people will proclaim, “This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!” Isaiah 25:9 NLT

Every day that God gives us is a  day of  life, of grace and of  forgiveness!

We don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to be joyous.

Grace and Peace

With all the news of Michael Jackson’s death being broadcasted on every stem of the media tree, it’s easy to get caught up in the world and it’s concerns – “was he in debt?”, “was he sick”, “did his doctor have something to do with MJ’s early demise?”

Here’s the question I propose – did he get a chance to repent of his sins and ask Jesus to be his Savior?

Who among us is privy to a person’s final thoughts?

Who knows what transpires in those last moments?

Are we sure that no prayer was offered?

Eternity can bend the proudest knees.

Could anyone really stare into the wide canyon of death without whispering a plea for mercy?

And could our God, who is partial to the humble, resist it?

He couldn’t on Calvary.

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:40-43

The confession of the thief on the cross was both a first and final one.

But Christ heard it. Christ received it.

We don’t know if Michael cried out to God because we didn’t hear him.

But maybe Jesus heard him.

Grace and Peace

God is good… all the time.

Easier said than done.

Do we really mean what we say when we say that God is good? Can we say that God is good all the time?
What about those times when the flaming arrows of the enemy come against you from all angles?
Remember Jesus said we would suffer for His name’s sake. So don’t act surprised when you encounter difficulty. He never said it would be easy to be His follower, but He did promise to hold our hand.
When the attacks come keep declaring the goodness of God. It won’t be easy, but you can do it.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

Pray for strength to do so and the Holy Spirit will empower you. With all of your wounds–grief, disappointment and bad luck–you will be able to say (like Job), “though He slay me, yet will I trust Him”.
During your darkest hour, you will still be able to proclaim:
Even though I’m being laid off from my job and God knows I have four mouths to feed, a mortgage, and a car lien to pay… God is still good.
Even though I fasted and prayed for seven days about my son’s case, yet he was convicted and sent to prison for a crime he did not commit… God is still good.
Even though I thought I had dental insurance and my daughter needs to have a root canal… God is still good.
Even though I begged God for justice while I was being lied about and mistreated on my job, yet, in the end, I was unjustly fired… God is still good.
Even though I don’t have any children and probably will never be able to have children… God is still good.
Even though I have been diagnosed with cancer and was told I have six months to live… God is still good.
Even though I lost my arm in a car accident… God is still good.
Even though my car won’t start and my bank account is in overdraft… God is still good.
Even if I never get married… God is still good
Even though I studied and studied, and took the exam twice and still failed… God is still good.
Even though the Bank finally foreclosed on my home and I am now a topic of discussion among my friends and neighbors… God is still good.
Even though God does not make sense to me… God is still good.
Be strong and mean every word as you proclaim God’s goodness in your time of distress.

Do all you can do to stand and remain standing.

Make it known to satan that you are not an easy target.
When you declare the goodness of God during your trials, you defeat the enemy and, in due course, the enemy will fear you.
 

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

God is still good from the beginning of time, and He will still be good to the end of time. Regardless of the difficult challenges, hindrances, disappointments and hurt we experience in life, God is always good. We must believe that. We must learn to trust God.

Grace and Peace

EL… strength, might and power.

That’s one of the many names of our God.

It may not be neccessary for our salvation to know all the names of God but in His infinite wisdom,  Adonai El Elyon, The Lord Most High God (Genesis 14:22, Psalm 7:17, Psalm 47:2)  tells us who He is in His Word.

All His names describe who He is; speaks of His character and proclaim His power.

Adonai Elohim, The Lord God (Genesis 2:4) invites us to call upon His name.

Not because He is unaware of who He is. Not because He needs our accolades. Not because He needs us to acknowledge Him in order to be.

But because when we know who Ha-El Hakkadosh, The Holy God (Isaiah 5:16) is, when we utter  His mighty  identity, our spirit is quickened.

His “strength, might and power” enriches our prayer and our faith in Elah Elahin, The God Of Gods (Daniel 2:47)  is bolstered.  

Regardless what name you call Jehovah, He is faithful to answer.

Grace and Peace

On Sunday morning ask 10 people what they think spiritual maturity is and you’ll most likely get 10 differant answers.

I was recently confronted by a respected friend to examine the question of spiritual maturity in the church today. Furthermore he challenged that there is a significant decline in mature churchgoers.

Does participating in a lot of programs, ministries and or church activities equal spiritual maturity?

I think not.

It doesn’t happen automatically  when we become believers.

It doesn’t happen  after we are baptized. 

It will happen because we pursue  after Christ and allow  God’s Holy Spirit to work in us.

“…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 (NIV)

If we are indeed to mature in Christ,  it needs to be an intentional effort.

It is not the amount of knowledge or wisdom we obtain but the extent to which we allow the Holy Spirit to use whatever we’ve  been given. 

Spiritual maturity is the differance between surviving and  thriving; mediocrity and victory; how we see ourselves  and how God sees us.

Spiritual maturity is a life long pursuit  and cannot be obtained lightly. 

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV).

Even the Apostle Paul had not arrived, yet he continually pressed toward the prize.

 Grace and Peace

Holy Father, I want to thank you for godly mothers today.

I thank you for the way they sacrifice to give life to their children along with the gifts of blessing, hope, and faith.

I ask you to bless each of them now and for all eternity with your love, grace, and reward.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Grace and Peace

My favorite muse, P. Trixie Modeste, tuned me in to this video.

It’s a cover of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” performed by musicians around the world (who never even met each other) adding their part as the song traveled the globe.

This song, as well as other covers, is part of the award-winning documentary, “Playing For Change: Peace Through Music”.

The film soundtrack and DVD will be available in stores on 04/28/09.

Hope you dig as much as I did.

Grace and Peace.

“What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself or waste your life? If you are ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in his glory and in the glory of his Father and the holy angels.” Luke 9:25,26 (CEV) 

Many of us live in a culture that ridicules faith.

Oh sure, some people give passing reference to Jesus, but their hearts don’t belong to him and they might as easily use his name in vain as they do in honor.

I don’t know about you, but I sure don’t want to make the Lord ashamed because of my behavior.

However, my bigger concern is that I don’t want to dishonor him, whether by things I do and say or things I do not do or say.

I want to be bold and courageous like little Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean.

Last Sunday, Carrie did the unthinkable when answering her final question of the Miss USA competition: she told the truth and it wasn’t politically correct.

I for one am grateful to the Lord for her unashamed conviction on this issue – especially in that arena.

Lord, give me the same courage that I might always demonstrate my allegiance and my love for you; because you left heaven and went to the Cross to boldly identify with me!

Grace and Peace

Here’s a teaching from my most favorite author, Patricia D. Modeste. It’s called “Getting Focused for the Journey… Setting our sights on God” and it blessed me immensely. I hope it blesses you too…

As Christians, we all know our time here on Earth, in these modest shells we call bodies, is temporary. We know that we are just pilgrims passing through this life to get to our eternity.

We are on a journey to glory… His Glory.

If you have ever read the book “Pilgrim’s Progress” (“ The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World to That Which is to Come”) by John Bunyon, you’ll know what I’m talking about. It is an excellent story and prime example of our journey and the problems we face along the way.

**The main character, Christian, burdened by the weight of his sins, seeks salvation and must travel from his hometown – the City of Destruction (the world) to the Celestial City (Heaven). 

** Along the way he faces many obstacles, hindrances and foes, who either try to “help” him but only lead him astray, try to get him to turn back, or seek to destroy him outright.

** But in the midst of all this, come many friends and allies – they are those who guide, direct, advise and step in to help him. Some he recognizes, others go unnoticed and unused.

Isn’t that just like us in our own journeys?

Our Heavenly Father knows this life He has called us to is not easy. He knows this world (this neighborhood) has changed – that it has gone downhill since He first got here. He knows this world is not the kind of place you want your kids hanging around in. That’s why He has called us out. He knows the many trials and tribulations we face -the enemies, the obstacles, the dangers we face as we travel (race) toward Him.

He has supplied us with all the essentials for our journey … and so much more.

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (New King James Version)

He has given us the map and guidebook – The Bible; the compass to navigate by – Himself (God); the vessel to take us to where we are going – Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; and the power or fuel to keep us going – the Holy Spirit.

Yet with all these things, why do we still get lost? Why do so many perish along the way? 

Because we lose focus. We shift our eyes from our destination and concentrate on the bad weather we encounter, or the twists and turns of the roads along the way. We’re so preoccupied by the obstacles in front of our faces, that our vision becomes obscured, and the  “the evidence of things not seen (faith)” becomes lost to us.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3 (NKJV)

 Like the sailors or travelers of old, we have to constantly and consistently, readjust our focus. They shifted their gaze from the course ahead of them, lifted their eyes, searched the heavens, set their sights on the North Star, and found direction. We have to do the same.  Look to our guiding light, set our sights on the Father, and receive His direction.

Very often the direction we receive depends on how we view God; on how we hear His Words; or how we feel His hands– in our circumstances.

A.     Some of us tend to view God, as an “ in spite of” God. He is our Father, who steps in to rescue us from the clutches of the Big Bad Devil. He is our Father, who steps in to clean up our messes. He is our Father who steps in to smooth out all the wrinkles and rough spots of our lives. He works all things for good, “in spite of” the enemy or ourselves.

Doesn’t His Word say;

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28, NKJV)

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20, NIV)

B.     Some others view God as a “because of” God. He is our Father, who envisioned our whole life before we even born; Our Father who promised (to Himself), to give His all for us; A Father who planned a life of every good blessing, lacking for nothing, for His children.  He planned for the best college, provided the ideal job, made the perfect mate. He even knew exactly what our first car would be, or picked just the right dress for our prom. Nothing is too good for His own.

He is the Father who would (and actually could) move heaven and earth to make sure not a single hair on His child’s head is harmed. He is the Father who poured His own strength into a young teenager and caused him to bring down a bear, a lion and a giant that had the mighty army of Israel, shaking in their “sandals” (1Samuel 17). He is the Father who heard the heartfelt prayer of one of His and “turned back the hands of time”, as a sign of His promise (Isaiah 38). He is the God who became the most helpless form of His own needy creation, so that He could be what we most needed – salvation. He took upon Himself that which He hated most (sin), for us, whom He loves most. He gave up His perfect Son, as the greatest gift imaginable to redeem His prodigal children.   

Doesn’t our Father promise in Psalm 91: 14-16; 

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
       I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

¹⁵ He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
       I will be with him in trouble,
       I will deliver him and honor him.

 ¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

 How we get through our journey in this life depends largely on what we see. There are roadblocks and detours, friends and foes, dangers to avoid and obstacles to overcome, blessings and consequences

      What we see before us depends on how much we trust God and His love for us.

How much we trust God depends on what we know of God. Is He the God of Damage Control or Jehovah Adonai (the God who is the Master), who is in control? Is He like Glinda, good witch of the North, who can only work good if not hampered by the bad, or is He Jehovah El Shaddai – the All Sufficient, Almighty God, whose works are evident in all things?

So which is He ? Is He the God of “in spite of” or “because of”?  Does He have to be one or the other? 

Grace and Peace