Obedience is The Foundation of Order in a Chaotic World

When we read God’s Word, specifically the account of Samuel and Saul, we encounter a pivotal moment where Saul, entrusted with a specific command from God, failed. Despite being instructed to utterly destroy the Amalekites and their livestock, Saul disobeyed the command of God by sparing their king and the choicest of the livestock (1 Samuel 15:3, 9)1. Yet, when confronted by Samuel, Saul’s response was a false representation: “I have carried out the command of the LORD” (v. 13)2. This statement, whether born of ignorance or deceit, reveals Saul’s attempt to escape accountability for his actions (15:20)3. Moreover, Saul shifts blame onto others, echoing a pattern of excuse-making that had presented earlier in his reign (vv. 11-12)4. He further endeavors to rationalize his disobedience by suggesting that the spared animals were intended for sacrifice to the God of Samuel—a feeble attempt to justify his transgression. Saul’s flagrant disregard for God’s command not only troubled his conscience but also severed his connection with God, as he could no longer rightfully claim allegiance to Him. Instead of humbling himself, confessing his wrongdoing, and seeking repentance, Saul persistently clung to self-justification, ultimately deepening his disobedience and estrangement from the divine.

“Behold,” Samuel communicated to Saul, “to obey is better than sacrifice” (v. 22)5. This fundamental truth from the Old Testament resonates deeply (Psalm 51:16; Isaiah 1:10-17)6. Samuel emphasized that what God truly seeks is heartfelt obedience, prioritizing genuine devotion over mere adherence to ritualistic sacrifices, as reiterated throughout various scriptures (Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:21-27; Micah 6:6-8)7.

When we observe Saul’s actions, it becomes apparent that true worship isn’t merely a matter of ritual or outward display but is intimately tied to one’s conduct. It’s a lesson Saul tragically failed to grasp. Instead of honoring God with his obedience, he revealed himself as an idolater, his own ego becoming his deity. His disobedience (12:13-15)8, amounted to a rejection by God, aligning him with sins as grave as witchcraft and idolatry, offenses punishable by death according to biblical standards (v. 23)9. The consequences were severe; Saul’s disregard for God’s commands led to his removal from the throne, an irrevocable sentence extending to his descendants. This account underscores a timeless truth: those who persist in defiance against God ultimately face His rejection.

How do we show obedience to God, in this chaotic world?

Amidst the chaotic downfall of Saul, there shines a beacon of hope, illuminating God’s gracious provision of leadership. We encounter this figure in the subsequent chapter (1 Samuel 16), a “neighbor” surpassing Saul in every measure. Yet, our apex of contentment rests not in earthly leaders, but in the unwavering guidance of the Leader descended from David. Unlike even the noblest of rulers, Jesus Christ flawlessly and sinlessly champions His people, guiding them through the chaos of this world (Acts 5:31; Hebrews 2:10; 12:2)10.

  1. 3Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey. 9But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed. (1 Samuel 15:3, 9 NASB95)
  2. Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the LORD! I have carried out the command of the LORD.” (1 Samuel 15:13 NASB95)
  3. Then Saul said to Samuel, “I did obey the voice of the LORD, and went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. (1 Samuel 15:20 NASB95)
  4. 11“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all night. 12Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul; and it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, then turned and proceeded on down to Gilgal.” (1 Samuel 15:11-12 NASB95)
  5. Samuel said, “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22 NASB95)
  6. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; you are not pleased with burnt offering. (Psalms 51:16 NASB95)
    Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; give ear to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah. “What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?” Says the LORD. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle; and I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats. When you come to appear before Me, who requires of you this trampling of My courts? Bring your worthless offerings no longer, incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies—I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, they have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. (Isaiah 1:10-17 NASB95)
  7. For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6 NASB95)
    “I hate, I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; and I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Did you present Me with sacrifices and grain offerings in the wilderness for forty years, O house of Israel? You also carried along Sikkuth your king and Kiyyun, your images, the star of your gods which you made for yourselves. Therefore, I will make you go into exile beyond Damascus,” says the LORD, whose name is the God of hosts. (Amos 5:21-27 NASB95)
    With what shall I come to the LORD and bow myself before the God on high? Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings, with yearling calves? Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams, in ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:6-8 NASB95)
  8. 13Now therefore, here is the king whom you have chosen, whom you have asked for, and behold, the LORD has set a king over you. 14If you will fear the LORD and serve Him, and listen to His voice and not rebel against the command of the LORD, then both you and also the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God. 15If you will not listen to the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the command of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you, as it was against your fathers. (1 Samuel 12:13-15 NASB95)
  9. “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:23 NASB95)
  10. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 5:31 NASB95)
    For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10 NASB95)
    fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NASB95)

Do you have a Bible?

If not, contact me and I will mail you one.

Hear and Understand

In the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a remarkable moment where Jesus imparts a profound lesson to a multitude eagerly gathered around Him. As committed Christians with a fervent hunger for a deeper comprehension of God’s Word, we are drawn to this parable as a wellspring of invaluable insights into the very essence of our faith and the condition of our hearts. In this passage, we venture on a transformative journey, peeling back the layers of our spiritual lives and inviting a divine revelation to stir our souls. It beckons us to explore the depths of our faith walk and consider the fertile soil of our hearts, ripe for God’s transformative work.

In Mark 4:1-9, we encounter the loving and compassionate heart of Jesus as He shares a powerful parable. In this narrative, Jesus portrays a sower who generously scatters seed upon diverse types of soil: the path, rocky ground, thorny soil, and good soil. These various soil conditions serve as a tender reflection of the different states of the human heart, highlighting the depth of Christ’s understanding of our spiritual journey.

In this parable, the sower becomes a moving symbol of Christ Himself, representing His unwavering commitment to sharing the life-giving Gospel with all. Moreover, it embodies the tireless efforts of His devoted followers who carry His message to the world. The seed signifies the precious Word of God—a divine gift of love and truth, meant to transform lives and bring forth abundant fruit in the hearts of those who receive it.

A heart closed to God’s message is a heart poised for spiritual peril.

The seed landing on the path serves as an unmistakable symbol for those with hearts unyielding to God’s message. Just as the path obstructs the seed from penetrating the soil, a hardened heart adamantly shuts itself off from God’s Word. It serves as an urgent and unyielding warning against hearts that stand in defiance, indifference, and rejection of the profound truths God offers us. This is a call to action, a resounding challenge to confront and overcome the hardness within us, for a heart closed to God’s message is a heart poised for spiritual peril.

Jesus confronts those with shallow hearts, depicting them as the rocky ground. These individuals may display initial enthusiasm for the Word, yet their faith remains superficial, lacking depth. When the storms of trials and tribulations inevitably arise, they stumble and falter, revealing the shallowness of their commitment. This passage serves as an unapologetic warning about the dire consequences of a faith lacking a rock-solid foundation. It implores us to take our faith seriously, emphasizing that a firm, unshakable commitment to Christ is not optional but essential for enduring the challenges that life brings.

The thorny soil reveals hearts ensnared by the cares of this world, the treacherous lure of wealth, and the insatiable cravings for worldly pursuits. These all-consuming distractions ruthlessly strangle the life-giving Word, rendering it barren and ineffectual. This stern depiction serves as an uncompromising call to action, a stark warning demanding that we relentlessly prioritize our unwavering devotion to God above all other trivial concerns. It is a clarion call to ruthlessly uproot the thorns that threaten to overrun our hearts and choke the life out of the transformative message of Christ, compelling us to choose the narrow path of true discipleship with unwavering resolve.

God’s desire for our heart, is to be fertile ground, where His truth can flourish and bear fruit. Bringing glory to His name.

Finally, we encounter the beautiful image of the fertile heart. Here, the good soil serves as a symbol of hearts open and receptive to God’s Word. In this receptive state, individuals not only hear the Word but also joyfully accept and deeply understand it. As a result, the transformative power of God’s Word takes root within them, producing an abundant harvest of spiritual fruit. This passage reminds us of the gracious nature of God’s message, which has the potential to flourish within those who welcome it with open hearts. It encourages us to embrace the Word with humility and eagerness, allowing it to shape and mold our lives. Ultimately, this parable highlights God’s desire for our hearts to be fertile ground, where His truth can flourish and bear fruit, bringing glory to His name.

In reflecting upon Mark 4:1-9, we find a timeless and gracious lesson that resonates with all believers. This parable invites us to lovingly examine the condition of our hearts and the openness with which we receive God’s Word. It gently prompts us to consider whether we are allowing God’s life-transforming message to take root within us or if we are inadvertently permitting the cares of the world to divert our spiritual growth. As followers of Jesus Christ, let us earnestly strive, with a heart full of grace, to nurture receptive hearts that eagerly embrace, deeply understand, and joyfully bear fruit for the glory of our loving God.

Do you have a Bible?

If not, contact me and I will mail you one.

The Power of Surrender: Trusting Your Capacity as a Mom to Jesus

Hey there, moms!

Being a mom is hard, isn’t it? You’ve got a million things to do, and it feels like you’re always running on fumes. Some days it feels like you’re just not cut out for this mom thing, and that can be really discouraging.

May I tell you something? The best thing you can do for your kids is love Jesus well and trust your value, identity, purpose, and capacity to be a mom into His hands. I know, it might sound cheesy or cliche, but stick with me here.

First of all, when you love Jesus well, you’re tapping into a source of love and strength that goes beyond anything you could muster up on your own. Jesus loves you fiercely, and when you’re connected to Him, that love overflows into every area of your life. That includes your role as a mom. You’ll find yourself more patient, more kind, and more forgiving. You’ll be able to offer your kids the same grace and mercy that Jesus offers you.

And when it comes to trusting your value, identity, purpose, and capacity as a mom to Jesus, it’s all about letting go of the pressure to be perfect. We live in a culture that tells us we need to have it all together, all the time. But that’s just not realistic. You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to have days where you feel like you’re failing. But when you trust that Jesus sees you as valuable, no matter what, it takes the pressure off. You can rest in the knowledge that you don’t have to earn your worth – it’s already been given to you.

Same goes for your identity. Being a mom is a huge part of who you are, but it’s not the only thing that defines you. When you trust Jesus with your identity, you can lean into the other parts of yourself that make you unique and interesting. You can pursue hobbies or passions that bring you joy, knowing that those things are a reflection of the creativity and beauty that God has put inside of you.

As for purpose, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day tasks of motherhood and wonder if you’re really making a difference. But when you trust Jesus with your purpose, you can rest in the knowledge that He has a plan for your life – and that includes your role as a mom. Even the small things you do, like reading a book with your child or playing a game together, can have a huge impact on their lives.

Finally, when you trust Jesus with your capacity as a mom, you’re acknowledging that you can’t do it all on your own. And that’s okay! God has given you the strength and ability to be a mom, but He doesn’t expect you to do it perfectly. When you surrender your limitations to Him, you’ll find that He is able to do more through you than you ever thought possible.

So, moms, take heart. You don’t have to be perfect to be a good mom. Just love Jesus well, and trust that He’s got you and your kids in the palm of His hand. And who knows? Maybe by doing so, you’ll be able to show your kids a little bit of Jesus’ love along the way.

P.S. Thank you, Mom for trusting Jesus well and trusting your value, identity, purpose, and capacity to be a mom into His hands.

P.P.S. Thank you, Lauren for trusting Jesus with your purpose. Resting in the knowledge that He has a plan for your life, including your role as a mom. Even the small things that you do, like reading a book with our 4 (sometimes more) kids or playing a game with them, can have a huge impact on their lives.

The Power of God’s Word: How It Shapes Our Understanding of God and Ourselves

As a Christian, I believe that the Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God. It is not just a collection of stories or moral teachings, but rather it is the very words of God Himself. And yet, there are some who reject certain parts of Scripture, claiming that they are outdated or not relevant to our modern times. But I believe that to reject any part of Scripture is to reject God Himself, because it is His Word that we are rejecting.

Think about it for a moment. If you were to receive a letter from someone you love, would you pick and choose which parts of the letter to read and which parts to ignore? Of course not. You would read the entire letter, because it is a communication from someone you care about. The same is true of the Bible. It is God’s communication to us, and to reject any part of it is to reject His message.

Now, I understand that there are some parts of Scripture that can be difficult to understand or that seem to contradict our modern sensibilities. But we must remember that the Bible was written in a different time and culture than our own. We must approach it with humility and seek to understand it in its original context. We must also rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our interpretation.

But even if we struggle to understand certain parts of Scripture, we must not reject them. Instead, we should seek to learn from them and allow them to shape our understanding of who God is and how He relates to us. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16-17,

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB95)

To reject any part of Scripture is to reject God Himself, because it is His Word that we are rejecting. As Christians, we must be willing to submit ourselves to the authority of Scripture, even when it challenges us or goes against our cultural norms. We must trust that God’s Word is true and that it will lead us into a deeper understanding of who He is and what He desires for us.

In conclusion, I urge you to take the Bible seriously as the Word of God. Don’t pick and choose which parts of it to believe or reject. Instead, approach it with humility and a willingness to learn. Allow it to shape your understanding of who God is and how He relates to us. And above all, trust that God’s Word is true and that it will lead you into a deeper relationship with Him.

Are You Focused on the Wrong Church? The Temptations of Social Media for Christians

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it has transformed the way we interact with the world around us. However, social media can also be a double-edged sword. While it has enabled us to connect with people from all over the world, it can also tempt us to focus more on the state of the church in the world than what God may be doing in our own local church – the church to which He has specifically called us.

As Christians, it is essential to remember that God has called us to be a part of a local church community.

Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27 (NASB95)

This means that we are all called to be an integral part of a local church, and God has a specific purpose for us in that community.

However, with the rise of social media, it can be easy to get caught up in what is happening in other churches around the world. We may find ourselves scrolling through social media feeds, reading about the latest megachurch, or following popular Christian influencers. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, it can be a distraction from what God may be doing in our own local church.

When we focus too much on the state of the church in the world, we can become critical of our own local church community. We may compare our church to others, feeling as though our church is not doing enough or is not as exciting as others. This can lead to feelings of discontentment and disillusionment, and it can ultimately hinder our ability to fully engage in the community God has called us to.

Furthermore, when we focus too much on what is happening in other churches, we can miss out on the blessings that God has for us in our own church. We may miss out on opportunities to serve and love our brothers and sisters in Christ, and we may miss out on the ways that God is working in our own community.

As parents and teenagers, it is especially important to recognize the value of our local church community. Our church should be a place where we can grow in our faith, connect with others who share our beliefs, and serve others in our community. We should encourage our children and teens to get involved in the life of the church, whether it be through youth group, volunteering, or attending services regularly.

In conclusion, while social media can be a great tool for connecting with others and staying informed about what is happening in the world, it can also be a distraction from what God may be doing in our own local church community. As Christians, we must remember that God has called us to be a part of a local church and to serve and love our brothers and sisters in Christ. By focusing on our own local church, we can fully engage in the community God has called us to and experience the blessings that come with being a part of a vibrant, Christ-centered community.

The Praise Trap: Why We Should Embrace Criticism for Personal Growth

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you received some criticism, and instead of taking it as an opportunity to grow, you felt attacked or belittled? If so, you’re not alone. The truth is, most of us would rather be praised than criticized, even if that praise isn’t necessarily deserved.

But why is that? Why do we have such a hard time accepting criticism, even when it’s given with good intentions? I believe it’s because we’re afraid. We’re afraid of being wrong, of failing, of not being good enough. And when someone points out our flaws or mistakes, it’s a harsh reminder that we’re not perfect.

But here’s the thing: nobody is perfect. Every single one of us has flaws and makes mistakes. And the only way we can improve ourselves is by acknowledging those flaws and working to overcome them. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary if we want to grow and become the best version of ourselves.

So why do we resist criticism so strongly? I think it’s because we often tie our self-worth to external validation. We want people to like us, to think we’re smart and talented and capable. And when someone criticizes us, it feels like a personal attack on our worth as a person. But the truth is, our worth isn’t determined by what other people think of us.

I know it’s easier said than done, but the next time someone criticizes you, try to view it as an opportunity for growth. Instead of getting defensive or hurt, take a step back and evaluate what they’re saying. Is there some truth to their criticism? Is there something you could do better next time? Use their feedback to improve yourself and your work.

It’s also important to remember that not all criticism is constructive. Some people will criticize you just for the sake of being mean or to make themselves feel better. In those cases, it’s okay to ignore their criticism and move on. But when you receive feedback from someone who genuinely wants to help you improve, don’t let your fear of failure hold you back. Embrace the criticism, learn from it, and use it to become a better version of yourself.

In conclusion, the trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined with praise than saved by criticism. But if we want to grow and improve, we need to learn to accept criticism as a necessary part of the process. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. So the next time you receive some feedback, try to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Who knows? It might just be the thing that helps you reach your full potential.

The Cost of Silence: What Happens When We Don’t Share the Gospel with Unbelievers

Have you ever stopped to consider how much you really care about your unbelieving friends? Do you truly believe that they are headed for an eternity in hell if they do not accept Christ, and if so, how much does that concern you?

It’s a tough question to ask ourselves, but it’s an important one. If we claim to love our friends, but never share with them the message of salvation, are we really showing them the love and care that they deserve?

As believers, we have a responsibility to share the gospel with those who do not yet know Christ. We are called to be his ambassadors, sharing his love and message of hope with a world that desperately needs it.

But all too often, we hesitate to share the message of salvation with our friends. We worry about offending them, or being seen as pushy or judgmental. We convince ourselves that we are showing them love by simply accepting them as they are, rather than risking the discomfort of sharing our faith.

But the truth is, if we truly believe that our friends are headed for hell without Christ, how much do we really love them if we never share that message with them? How much do we have to hate them to withhold the very thing that could save them from an eternity of suffering?

Of course, sharing our faith is not always easy. It can be uncomfortable, awkward, and even scary at times. But if we truly care about our friends, if we truly believe in the message of salvation, then we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and share that message with them.

And we must do so with love and compassion, not judgment or condemnation. We must seek to understand their doubts and questions, to listen to their perspectives and concerns, and to offer them the hope and peace that comes from knowing Christ.

In the end, the choice to accept Christ is theirs alone. But if we truly care about our friends, if we truly believe in the message of salvation, then we cannot sit idly by and watch them continue down a path that we know leads to destruction.

So let us love our friends enough to share with them the message of salvation. Let us be bold in our faith, compassionate in our approach, and trusting in the power of God to change hearts and lives. For in doing so, we may just help to save a soul from an eternity of suffering.

The Power of Positive Peer Pressure: How Good Friends Keep Us on the Right Path

Good friends are among the most valuable treasures that we can have in our lives. They are the ones who stand by us through thick and thin, who offer us support and encouragement, and who help us to become the best versions of ourselves. In short, good friends are among our greatest blessings.

One of the ways in which good friends enrich our lives is by keeping us from falling into harmful or negative patterns. Whether it is avoiding bad habits, staying away from toxic relationships, or simply making better choices, good friends can provide us with the guidance and accountability that we need to stay on track.

But it is not just about keeping us on the straight and narrow. Good friends can also inspire us to do more, to be better, and to reach for our dreams. They can motivate us to take risks, to push ourselves out of our comfort zones, and to seize opportunities that we might otherwise miss.

In addition to these practical benefits, good friends can also provide us with emotional and spiritual support. They can listen to us when we need to vent, offer comfort when we are going through difficult times, and share in our joys and successes.

Perhaps most importantly, good friends can speak a word in season, offering us wisdom and perspective when we need it most. Whether it is a piece of advice, a thoughtful observation, or a word of encouragement, the right words at the right time can have a powerful impact on our lives.

Of course, all of these benefits depend on having the right kind of friendships. True friends are those who are committed to our well-being, who have our best interests at heart, and who are willing to invest time and effort in building a meaningful relationship with us. These friendships are not always easy to find, but they are worth pursuing with diligence and care.

In conclusion, good friends are among our greatest blessings in life. They can keep us from much evil, quicken us in our course, and speak a word in season that can change the course of our lives. So if you have good friends in your life, be sure to cherish them and invest in those relationships. And if you are still searching for those kinds of friendships, keep looking – the effort will be worth it.

What is The Bible?

The Bible is without a doubt one of the most important and mysterious books in human history. With billions of copies in print, it is the most translated and widely distributed book. However, despite its vastness, understanding it without being affected by its teachings is insufficient.

Many people read the Bible as a form of academic or intellectual exercise, hoping to comprehend its mysteries, prophecies, and historical context. They read and study the text objectively, without allowing it to affect their soul. They may gain extensive knowledge and insights into the Bible, but they miss the most important aspect of its teachings: heart and mind transformation.

The Bible is more than just ancient texts, stories, and laws. It is God’s Word in which He reveals His nature, purpose, and plan for humanity. It invites us to have a personal relationship with God, to get to know Him, and to live according to His will. This, however, can only occur if we allow the message of the Bible to penetrate our hearts and minds, transforming us from the inside out.

Learning about the Bible’s mysteries is insufficient if it does not result in a personal encounter with God. The knowledge of the Bible is useful for a variety of endeavors, including scholarly investigation, theological discussion, and cultural studies. The ultimate goal of the Bible, however, is to reveal to humanity God’s love, mercy, and grace and to call us to a life of obedience and faith.

The Bible warns us against seeking knowledge without being transformed by it. The Apostle Paul writes,

Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (NASB95)

This passage reminds us that knowledge can lead to arrogance and pride, whereas love for God and others leads to humility and service.

To truly comprehend the Bible’s mysteries, we must approach it with a humble and teachable spirit, seeking not only knowledge but also transformation. Allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate the text and reveal its deeper meanings and implications for our lives is essential. We must also apply its teachings in our daily lives, embodying its principles and values in all aspects of our lives.

It is possible to learn everything there is to know about the mysteries of the Bible and never be affected by it in the soul. Great knowledge is insufficient unless it results in a personal encounter with God and a transformation of the heart and mind. Therefore, let us approach the Bible with humility, openness, and faith, seeking to know God intimately and to live in accordance with His will. Only then will we be able to truly comprehend its mysteries and be transformed by its teachings.

Do you have a Bible?

If not, contact me and I will mail you one.

Can I Fool An All-Seeing God?

Being authentic is being true to oneself and not pretending to be someone else or living a life that contradicts one’s principles and views. It entails accepting one’s own strengths and flaws, admitting mistakes and failings and being open and honest with oneself and others. Authenticity necessitates vulnerability, bravery, and self-awareness, but it also results in increased self-confidence, personal growth, and stronger relationships with others. Being authentic allows one to have a satisfying and meaningful life that is true to oneself and what one stands for.

Christ’s followers must stay true and sincere in their faith. We cannot fool an all-seeing God and striving to do so simply leads to self-deception and stifles our spiritual growth. As a result, we must endeavor to be authentic, honest, and true to our Christian faith.

Being authentic in our Christian faith means admitting our flaws and weaknesses. It implies that we do not pretend to be perfect, but rather accept our flaws and seek God’s grace in overcoming them. It entails being upfront and truthful with people about our challenges, rather than hiding them or putting on a show of being better than we are.

Being honest in our Christianity includes not compromising our ideals or convictions. That means we are fearless in speaking the truth, even if it is difficult or unpopular. It means being honest with ourselves, others, and God, rather than pretending to be someone we are not. Honesty necessitates sticking to our principles even in the face of opposition or criticism.

Being sincere in our Christianity implies genuine love and compassion for others. It means that we do not pretend to care for others to obtain anything from them, but that we genuinely love and serve people in the same way that Christ did. It signifies that our intentions are pure, and we do not strive to manipulate or exploit people.

Finally, as Christians, we cannot fool an all-seeing God. As a result, we must seek to be authentic, honest, and sincere in our Christian faith. It demands that we be open about our flaws, truthful about our views, and genuine in our love for others. By doing so, we will become closer to God and the persons He wants us to be.