JESUS CHRIST: THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER. Lamentations 3:25-33; Hebrews 13:8; 1 John 4:8; Hebrews 1:9.

Homer Simpson is confused about God: “He’s always happy. No wait. He’s always mad.”

Which is it? Have you heard people argue God is always mad in the Old Testament, but always loving in the New?

God never changes. God judges sin. You reap what you sow—both the good and the bad. He judges sin, rewards good, and salvation is only possible by faith in His grace. But He does not change.

Lamentations is an entire book lamenting disaster. During a seige, Israel is so starved the book actually includes cannibalism, including two prostitutes fighting over whose baby they will boil and eat first. But even in the midst of suffering, we are reminded that God is a God of love and mercy:

“Because of the Lord’s faithful love, we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning: great is Your faithfulness! I say, the Lord is my portion, therefore, I will put my hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. It is good to quietly wait for deliverance from the Lord…. For the Lord will not reject us forever. Even if He causes suffering, He will show compassion according to His abundant, faithful love. For He does not enjoy bringing affliction or suffering on mankind. “ Lamentations 3:25-33.

So how would you answer Homer Simpson? What can you say to one who thinks God is angry in the Old Testament, but happy in the New?

God loves you. He will judge sin—but even His judgment is done in love, and it teaches us to live better. It also reveals our sin and reminds us to repent and seek forgiveness. But in the end, remember 1 John 4:8 “God is love.” And remember the joy of Jesus as explained in Hebrews 1:9 “God has anointed You [Jesus] with the oil of joy above all Your brethren.” That is, no one has more joy than Jesus.

So, in the end, no matter how much judgment is included the Old Testament (and the New!) God is LOVE, and God is JOY.

Embrace Him today.

ΑΩ

Is the Bible Too Long for You?

There’s a fascinating verse at the end of the Gospel of John:

And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they were written one by one, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written. John 21:25.

What a way to end the story! It’s as though John writes, well, my story ends here, but there’s so much more that I could never tell it all.

Doesn’t that make you wonder what he left out? What are we missing? What did Jesus preach about that was never recorded? What miracles do we not know about? What did He say to the Pharisees or Sadducees? Or to the lost or hurting? What did He say to all those children He loved to be around? Imagine it: the world itself might not contain the books that could be written … wow.

The gospels, a unique new genre, are the only four books in the world in that category. And they’re not that long—all four are not as long as some of the Old Testament books. Yet, those short books have revolutionized life on earth for centuries, bringing repentance, forgiveness, hope, and eternal life to millions and millions.

And the other 62 books of the Bible have continued to bless people, transforming individuals, families, and nations, for two thousand years. The Bible, not one book, but an amazing collection of 66 different books written by over 40 different people, writers separated from each other by as much as 2,000 years—is amazingly, miraculously consistent.

The Bible seems long when you are young. But as you study it, it becomes a familiar, rich place, a destination you love to visit, a land full of life and truth and grace and peace and HOPE.

God put everything we need in those pages. Do you need wisdom? Forgiveness? Encouragement? Hope? Love? Joy? Read the Bible. Sure, God could have said more. He could have filled the world with books about His glory and power and holiness (not to mention the unreported words and actions of Jesus). But 66 books were enough. In fact, God was efficient and economical: no writer ever said more with fewer words. Bible scholars spend their lives studying the Word and never stop learning. I know that I always get something out of it. “God’s mercies are new every morning” Lamentations 3:23. Every morning the Word blesses me, no matter how many times I may have read it.

The power of the Bible is not because it is long, but because “the Word of God is living and active … able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” (Hebrews 4:12) and because the Holy Spirit comes to you and speaks to you EVERY TIME you read it. Sure, Jesus lived an amazing life, filled with power and miracles, many of which were not recorded. But God gave us enough.

Pray. Ask God to fill you with a love for scripture, a hunger for His Word, to make it more interesting to you every day. Ask Him to help you love it, revere it, read it, study it, and memorize it. Ask God to help you submit yourself to the authority of God’s Word. He loves you. He can’t wait to bless you the next time you open up those pages….

And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they were written one by one, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written. John 21:25.

ΑΩ

Every Morning: New Mercy from God! Lamentations 3:22-23

Because of the Lord’s faithful love, we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness! Lamentations 3:22-23.

—Great promise after pages and pages about God’s judgment. He will punish sin. We do reap what we sow. But He is merciful too. Praise the Lord for that!

ΑΩ

 A PARENT’S PRAYER FOR GREATER FAITH. Mark 9:24.

One of my favorite verses on prayer has always been, “Lord, I believe; please help my unbelief.” Mark 9:24. 

I love this verse because the speaker tells Jesus, “Yes, I believe!” and immediately admits he is also struggling with doubt: “help my unbelief!” I love that honesty—and I think God loves it too.

Have you ever felt that way about a prayer? Have you believed and doubted at the same time? I bet everyone has.

And reading this today I noticed the context. This is the prayer of a parent desperate to help his demon-possessed son. He has told Jesus how bad it is, that “ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire and into the waters to destroy him,” and the father has run out of options. No one has been able to help the boy, not even Jesus’s disciples.

Jesus answered “If you believe, all things are possible.”

That sounds hopeful, but the father knows his own heart.  He knows that his faith is shaky at best and it grieves him.  “And straightway the father cried out with tears and said, ‘Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief!’”

And Jesus rebuked the evil spirit and rescued the boy. And that’s a big deal. Why? Because this father did NOT have perfect faith. He knew it, he agonized over it, and when Jesus said, ‘If you believe…’ the father cried out because of his own doubts. He was struggling. The father’s hopes had been dashed so many times before. He wanted to believe now, but he was struggling. 

Yet, Jesus gave him what he asked for anyway. You can be honest with God. You can pray saying, ‘Lord, I believe, please help my unbelief!’ I have prayed those words many times. God loves you. “He is mindful that we are but dust” Psalm 103:14. You don’t have to be perfect. Seek him. Pray honestly—pray hard—and be real. God will bless you and those you pray for. Even when you have doubts.

PRAY: Lord, I believe! Please help my unbelief.

ΑΩ

“DON’T LET THE WORLD SQUEEZE YOU INTO ITS MOLD.” Romans 12:1-2.

This is good advice:

Do not be confirmed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind [through God’s Word], so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good, and acceptable, and perfect. Romans 12:1-2.

Does your mind conform to the mind of the world? Have you been molded into the same shape as everyone else? If you think not, then how exactly are you different?

Young people want to rebel, to take a stand, to be INDEPENDENT. 

Well the greatest independence you may ever assert is your independence from the culture, values, and morals of the world around you. That kind of independence requires true courage.

And God insists on it. Consider His words in Old Testament language:

“Come out from among her, My people! Save your lives from the Lord’s burning anger!” Jeremiah 51:45.

“DON’T LET THE WORLD SQUEEZE YOU INTO ITS MOLD” Romans 12:1 (Phillips).

The desire to rebel is natural and seems born into every young person. But rather than rebelling against all the things that are good for you, why not rebel against the world that seeks your destruction? Jesus says “the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy,” John 10:10. REBEL against him! Rebel against the one who would destroy you! Rebel against your own laziness, your stubborn-ness, your selfish or childish ways. Rebel and fight the deception that makes you think good habits are a waste of time and authority figures are only trying to control you and take away your fun. REBEL and prove to yourself that you can change.

You won’t regret it.

ΑΩ

STEP BACK. Jeremiah 51:6,45.

Have you ever heard someone say, “Well, God might strike me down for saying this, but, I think the Yankees might lose,” and then everyone listening steps back, as if there’s a chance God might actually send a lightning bolt? The old cliché always strikes me as silly and a bit irreverent.

God will not strike you down for insulting the New York Yankees.

But think about this: Are you surrounded by people who make bad choices and dishonor God? Do your peers, friends, or coworkers break God’s law? Step back.

No, seriously. STEP BACK. People who continually sin against God are storing up judgment for themselves and will be punished. It will come. They will reap what they sow—but the harvest is delayed. They may appear to be getting away with it. But the punishment will come later.

So step back. You do not want to be on their ship when it sinks. Or in their car when it crashes. Or in business with them when the company goes bankrupt. STEP BACK.

God warns the Jews to leave Babylon before His punishment falls on the evil nation:

“Leave Babylon; save your lives, each one of you! Don’t perish because of her guilt!…. Come out from among her, My people! Save your lives, each of you, from the Lord’s burning anger.” Jeremiah 51:6,45.

God WILL judge the sinner for His sins. Step back. If you are deeply entangled with the serious sinner (even if he is born again), God’s judgment may take you down too.

For example, two men I know were successful business partners. The two of them designed and built one of Houston’s largest master-planned communities. One day Bob told Joe that Bob was getting divorced. He had been cheating on his wife for years. Joe shocked Bob by immediately ending their partnership. Bob asked why, and Joe said, “If you’d cheat on her, you’d cheat on me.”

Joe showed wisdom. Do NOT be too deeply entangled with sin or sinners. Love them. Help them. Encourage them. Pray for them. Share your life and faith with them. But don’t put your future in their hands. Don’t let their sin destroy your dreams, business, achievements, or plans. STEP BACK. 

Pray for God’s wisdom and God’s discernment in all your relationships.

ΑΩ

*Painting by Graig Kreindler, the Painter of the National Pastime, http://www.graigkreindler.com


SOWING AND REAPING. Jeremiah 50:29; 51:63-64; Galatians 6:9.

Do you know much about sowing and reaping? Remember: plant good seeds, and you will have a good harvest, and don’t forget there is a delay between planting season and harvesting season—don’t let the delay discourage you.

As Jeremiah nears the end of his lengthy message, he pronounces God’s judgment not only on Israel, but on all her neighbors. God used the neighboring nations to punish Israel, but a generation or two later, God brings punishment on the punisher. So as the book winds up, judgment is pronounced on Babylon—and sowing and reaping comes up again:

“Repay her according to her deeds; just as she has done, do the same to her.” Jeremiah 50:29.

Babylon is in big trouble—because they have done so much harm to so many. And they did that harm many, many years ago. But the reaping—the harvest—always comes after the sowing.

LET THAT BE A WARNING: sins you commit today, that you think you are “getting away with”—may create consequences that will arrive later. God is patient, giving you plenty of time to repent and change.

LET THIS ALSO BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT: the good that you are doing today may not appear to make a difference, but it does. Keep planting good seeds. Keep using self-control. Keep working hard, studying hard, pushing yourself, getting up early, reading your Bible, going to church. God WILL bless you. He will reward you. The HARVEST ALWAYS COMES LATER. So keep planting good seeds! Don’t get discouraged.

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time, we shall REAP if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9.

Finally, Jeremiah hits Babylon with the BIG FINISH—more great writing in God’s word. First, Seraiah is going to read the scroll to the people of Babylon:

“When you have finished reading this scroll, tie a stone to it and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates River. Then say, ‘in the same way, Babylon will sink and never rise again because of the disaster God is bringing on her.’ “ Jer. 51:63-64.

ΑΩ

MERCY. Jeremiah 46:28.

God is the ideal Father, so in-love with His children. He delights in them, enjoys them. Nothing makes Him happier. He is patient, forgiving, long-suffering even. But at some point, God has suffered our arrogance and effrontery long enough. Is there a limit, a line you can cross after which God must take action? Yes. People reach that point every day, and groups, cultures, and nations are forever crossing that line, forcing God’s Hand.

Of course, the first thing your Loving Father does is move the line. He forgives, He is patient, and He offers yet one more chance. But then we push again and finally He must take a stand on behalf of holiness. And is it a hard stand? Oh, don’t you know it. But no harder than it must be. My advice? Humble yourself. Never let there be a moment when you discover you are fighting God—that is a fight you can NEVER win.

“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” James 4:6.

God will not always tolerate rebellion against Himself. “Moab will be devoured as a people BECAUSE HE EXALTED HIMSELF AGAINST THE LORD.” Jeremiah 48:42-43. God destroyed Moab not because of perversion, but because of arrogance.

But God remains merciful with His own—even when they sin: “But you, My servant Jacob… I will NOT bring destruction on you. I WILL discipline you with justice, and I will by no means leave you unpunished” 46:28.

God, show us how to pray for arrogant, lost sinners, and for believers who have gone astray.

ΑΩ

THE SWORD WILL DRINK. Jeremiah 46:10;48:42-44; 1 Peter 5:5.

Jeremiah was an announcer of God’s judgment. He carried the burden of difficult messages. Why did God need an announcer? Why not just destroy the bad guys? Because God is merciful; He warns us so we can change. Most don’t—but some do, and God forgives.

One of those messages of judgment was for Egypt:

“The sword will devour and be satisfied; it will drink its fill of their blood.” Jeremiah 46:10.

What powerful imagery! The sword will drink its fill of their blood? That kind of memorable writing ranks the Bible among the world’s greatest literature.

Then Jeremiah announces judgment on Moab, the nation descended from Lot. They are cousins to the Jews. Like the Edomites (descendants of Esau), the Moabites once knew the One True God. But they sinned:

“Moab will be destroyed … because he has EXALTED HIMSELF against the Lord. Panic, Pit, and Trap await you, resident of Moab…. He who flees from the panic will fall in the pit, and he who climbs from the pit will be captured in the trap.” Jeremiah 48:42-44.

Moab will be destroyed because of PRIDE.

But what about us? Is pride that harmful? What does the New Testament say? James says, “God is OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, but gives grace to the humble” 4:6. And Peter writes, “you younger men, be subject to your elders; … for God is OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, but gives grace to the humble” 1 Peter 5:5.

Be humble. OR? Or be prepared for God to be opposed to you. I don’t know about you, but I do NOT need the God who created the universe to be OPPOSED to me! There is enough working against me. I need God to be FOR me! I do not want to see His sword waiting to drink its fill.

God, make us humble. We want to be on your side, not opposed to you. Change our hearts and fill them with humility toward everyone, especially toward YOU. Give us a humble and teachable spirit.

ΑΩ

Are You a Slacker?

Once several of us in a singing group were loading speakers and other equipment into a trailer. I teased one of the guys for being a slacker.

“Slacker? Don’t call me that—that’s my nickname at work!”

He was serious.  I was embarrassed for him, to be honest. What an awful reputation to have on the job!

Fill in the Blank: GOD HAS CALLED ME TO ___________________________.

Has God called you to something? Not everyone can say yes to this question. As a child, most of us are called to obey our parents and teachers and generally try to stay out of trouble.  Life for kids can be something like speeding down a mountain in a bobsled—you go as fast as possible, trying not to tumble over the side of the bobsled run.

But as you grow up, life slows down. You exchange the bobsled for a dog sled. Now that you are an adult, you can deliver freight and accomplish things.  Life brings divine responsibilities. Marriage is a calling. Parenting is a calling. And God calls people to specific careers, both in the ministry and out of the ministry. God might call you to teach, preach, or to practice medicine. And these are sacred callings—whether you are certain you heard the voice of God or not. 

Let me repeat that: if you are a spouse, parent, teacher, doctor, and any of a hundred other things, you bear a set of duties so critical they can only be described as SACRED.  To put it another way, maybe you never wanted to be a doctor, and only went to medical school to please your parents. But no matter how you got there, if today you find yourself responsible for the health of patients, then you bear a sacred duty. As long as you continue in the field, you must execute that duty to the best of your abilities.

And what is ‘the best of your abilities’? Are you a hard worker or slacker? What would your coworkers say about you? Do you pursue excellence in all things? 

Some of us give everything a half effort. It is a bad habit. We clean house, but only the things we like to clean. We diet, but every day is a “cheat day.” We do our job, but never thoroughly. Some employees think completing 8 tasks out of 10 is good enough (80% is a B, right?).  But when God gives you an assignment, you MUST give it your all.

“The one who does the work of the Lord with slackness is cursed” Jeremiah 48:10.   

(Cursed?  Sounds like God expects you to roll up your sleeves and give it some elbow grease.  Work hard!) Consider other translations: 

“Cursed is he who does the work of Yahweh negligently.”

“Cursed is he who is doing the work of Jehovah slothfully.”

“The one who does the Lord’s work without care is cursed.”

“A curse on anyone who is lax or lazy in doing the Lord’s work.” 

God expects you to complete the task He gave you!

When God blesses you with the gift of a calling—a challenge He chose for you personally—DO YOUR BEST!

ΑΩ