The Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness

I am not sure Christians know what gentleness is.  I have written comments on Facebook, where Christians who I know and respect, have become vile and angry in their replies.  The subjects of the matter are not the issue, but the response.   Our response in all cases should reflect the Fruit of the Spirit.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."  Galatians 5:22-23

All people, non-Christian as well as Christian, should behave in this manner simply out of politeness, but Christians should because The Holy Spirit dwells within us and His fruit should be shining forth from us.

I have a sister in the Lord who wrote a post about Obama and got many nasty replies.  The vileness of them was threatening.  What are we becoming when we shun the fruit of the Spirit for angry words which display hate and evil?  We are to be Children of the light, Children of God, but we sink to become Children of the darkness and Children who speak the words of Satan himself.

Matthew 10:16 says that Jesus is sending us out like sheep among wolves.  The Christian is to be like a harmless sheep among vicious wolves.  The world wants to tear us apart.  Let us not help the world by tearing each other apart as well.

We also are not to stop speaking the truth of God or against people, laws, or anything else which is a Godless abomination against the will of God.  Matthew says Jesus is sending us out.  He is not keeping us in a safe barn but sending us out among the wolves to proclaim what is true and good.

Speak forth the truth Christians.  Speak the truth with love and gentleness and shine forth the light of God.  You are not called to be silent, but to tell the world about righteousness and salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Photo Credit: Fruit of the Spirit Graphics by Sapphire Dream Photography

The Arch of Titus

The background of this blog is a picture of the carvings on the Arch of Titus in Rome.  It was an arch built to honor Titus' victory over the Jews and taking Jerusalem and capturing the temple.  On the arch, you can see the seven-branch menorah taken as part of the spoils of war.  It was a trophy that stood out from all others to show that the Jews were utterly conquered.

There were many nations conquered by Rome who never came back into power.  After almost two thousand years Israel became a nation again.  Their national seal for Israel is the Menorah and where did they find a picture of the Menorah?  The Roman Empire, who sought to wipe out the Jewish nation actually helped to preserve an image of Israel's precious sacred golden Menorah.  Even when nations try to destroy God's people, God uses them to help preserve them.

You can never stop the plans of God.  What He purposes, He fulfills.  God turns destruction into victories and death into life.  Curses become blessings and darkness becomes light.  The things which man designs to destroy and kill, God can turn around to bless His people and destroy His enemies.

Never doubt God.  He is always faithful.  When the mountains before you look too great, look to Jesus instead.

Merry Christmas

Today is Christmas Day.  It is very unlikely that Jesus was born on this day, but that is alright because it is simply a day to remember the greatest gift that was ever given to man.  The gift of the Son of God who came to this world to live and to die so that Man could be reconciled to God.

This Christmas Season I have been looking for Christmas displays and decorations that had Jesus in them.  I rarely found such a display.  Mostly it is about Santa Clause, snowmen, Christmas trees, presents, and snow.   The greater part any designs or displays were of Santa and presents.  Christ is being quickly silenced from the day which was to recognize the gift of God to man.

It is a great mystery how God could love us so much that He would give His son to us, but the even greater mystery is why we would ignore such a gift.  Instead of glorifying God for His gift, we glorify a mythical man in a red suit.

Please remember that Jesus Christ is Christmas.  Merry Christmas to you and may the Lord our God bless you with His presence.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

An Angel's View of the First Christmas

Seth looked at the figures with satisfaction.  The numbers all added up correctly.  Of course for the last four thousand years the numbers had always added up, but the angel still took satisfaction in a job well done.  Other angels thought his job was boring but to Seth numbers were the key to the universe.

"Seth!" The voice of Seth's friend Uriah drifted through the book stacks and boxes of archived papers. "Seth, you're going to earth with me."

Seth peeked around a book case to see Uriah trying to keep his wings tight into his body so he didn't disturb any of the boxes and books around him.  "Uriah?  Why would you think I am going with you to earth?  I have never been there.  I don't want to go there and only God Almighty could make me leave my work to go to that filthy place.  You know that."

Uriah smiled at his grouchy friend.  "And God Almighty has ordered me to take you to earth to see The King."

"The King? What are you talking about?"

Uriah shook his head good naturally and smiled. "You never do read The Angelic Herald do you?  You have no idea what is going on outside of your books."

Seth shook his head vigorously. "No! No! This is where I am happy.  What terrible news and sins are happening in the world are not for me.  What the angels do concerning Earth is of no concern of mine."

"Well you better brace yourself then Seth. God has gone down to Earth to live."

"WHAT?!"  Seth found himself gasping for air as his mind reeled with this preposterous news. "Why would God ever do such a thing?  Did he take an army of warrior angels to clean up that rabble?"

Uriah grinned.  "I think you better come with me and see for yourself."

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As Uriah and Seth landed in a small village laying beneath the night sky, Seth's eyes searched the surrounding area.

"I don't see God here!  Where is His Palace?  Where are His armies?  The only thing here is a bunch of common rabble and their ramshackled homes.  Is this some kind of Joke Uriah?"

Uriah simply took Seth's hand. "Come and see."

Uriah led Seth into a stable which stunk of sheep.  No one could see them as they quietly entered. In one corner Seth saw a young girl holding a bundle.  Her face glowed with love.  A man, apparently her husband, was looking down into the bundle with her.  He seemed very happy and relieved.

The two angels walked over closer and when Seth saw the baby's face he gasped. "It's Him!"

Uriah nodded as he gazed in amazement at the tiny baby boy.

Seth fell down with his face to the ground.  "OH LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!"

After a few moments Uriah helped Seth back up to his feet.  "The King has come down to earth as a baby."

Seth couldn't tear his eyes from the face of the baby king.  "But why?  Why would God, the King do such a foolish thing."

Immediately Seth slapped his hand over his mouth.  "I... I didn't mean that God is foolish.  I...uh I meant it seems foolish.  I don't understand."

Uriah put his arm comfortingly over Seth's shoulder. "Do not fear my friend.  It is a foolish thing for God to do in the eyes of everyone except God's.  I do not think there is an angel alive who fully understands this, but let me try to explain."

"For God so loves all the people of this world that He has given His one and only Son to be born of a virgin named Mary, who fully agreed to carry and give birth to The King.  She knew of the shame she would endure and yet because she trusted God and obeyed Him, She gave birth to this baby which God told her to name Jesus.

"Her husband Joseph knew the child was not his even though Mary was to marry him.  He was going put her away quietly and never marry her until God told him that the Child was of God and not of Man.  He obeyed God immediately and finalized the marriage.  He knew his reputation would be ruined with people thinking he had gotten Mary pregnant, but he obeyed God."

"But why would God do such a thing as lower himself from Heaven down here to a smelly barn as a helpless baby?  He is going to grow up and live in the squalor of this world?  How utterly barbaric!"

Uriah nodded, "That my dear friend is the biggest mystery of all."

While the world is still full of sin and rebellion against God, God sends The King to this world in order to save the very ones who hate Him.  God's love is so great that The King will live here and eventually die here so that the world will have the opportunity to turn from their wicked ways and come to live in Heaven with Him."

"I do not understand." Seth said with tears starting to flow down his cheeks.  "God has come to earth and will die for these people?  They do not derserve such love."

Uriah nodded in agreement.  "No.  They do not and there is where the foolishness of God is found, but the love of God is greater than any foolishness and compells God to give the most precious gift of all to this world.  Jesus who is the Christ."

Uriah turned to Seth.  "Come now.  We are to join with a chorus of other angels to announce this wonderful birth to some sheperds in the area."

Photo Credit: Nino Jesus by Jacinta Iluch valero

Peace on Earth

This year there were over 45 armed conflicts with at least 100 people killed.  The Middle East is a powder keg about ready to blow.  North Korea is making threats and testing ICBMs.  Terrorist are everywhere trying to kill innocent people.  The world is becoming more and more deadly every day.

Christmas is a time when we sing about peace on earth but there is none.  A verse in the Christmas carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" says it best.

And in despair I bowed my head
there is no peace on Earth I said
for hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

That verse could have been written today about this world at this time.  I live in a small town in Iowa, far from any violence, but there are people here who worry about the events in the world.  They worry about war and hatred reaching even small-town Iowa.  Where can peace be found?

Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Peace, true peace, is found in Jesus.  It is not found in the world.  Even if there were no wars there would still be worries and trials in peoples' lives. The peace of God is not an outward peace but a peace found deep inside the very soul of the person.  It is knowing that God is in control and He has already overcome the world.

Peace is found in trusting Christ; knowing that He is in control of all that happens. Nothing can touch you without His knowledge and permission.  Does that mean nothing harmful will ever come to you? Read Foxe's Book of Martyrs and you will find people who were tortured and murdered because of their trusting in Christ.  They died with peaceful hearts because they knew who they trusted and loved. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.

Peace is found only by resting in the arms of God.

Photo Credit: peace by raj

False Prophets in Your Neighborhood

When you look around the area you live in most people do not think of there being false prophets in their neighborhood.  They are not a crazy man with a long beard and dressed in sackcloth yelling at the top of his voice some lie of Satan.  False prophets are very distinguished and respected people in our communities.

A biblical prophet is not a person who tells what the future hold.  Although they can do that, a prophet simply is someone who communicates the message of God.  A prophet speaks the message which God has given to him for others to hear.  A good example is a preacher.

A preacher stands up before the people to speak forth what God has directed to be given to a congregation for that week.  He is to speak for God to the people so that they might know better what God desires of them.  His words are not to be his opinion, but the opinion of God as confirmed by Scripture.

A false prophet will give false messages from God.  There are many pastors and priest in churches around the world who are false prophets.  They tell falsely a message from God such as good works will save you, there is no Hell, all people will go to Heaven, and the Bible is not the inerrant word of God.

There are false prophets not only in the pulpits and everywhere else in the world.  Anyone who speaks against what is written in the Bible is a false prophet.  Teachers, politicians, and even your next door neighbor could be giving false prophecies.

The only method of confirming if a person is a false prophet or not is to compare their words to the words of Scripture. 

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Photo Credit: Priest in Union by Danny Hammontree

Who is Telling You the Truth?

I think one of the most destructive things a Christian can do is to believe what others say and never check it out. We are so lazy that when a preacher gives a sermon we just nod our heads and believe him.  I have heard good, Bible-believing preachers say nonbiblical 'truths' or use Scripture out of context.  Every Christian is human and can make mistakes, and every Christian has a sin nature and can deceive others. 

Many times people will say something that sounds deep but is actually pretty shallow.  For example:

   "I have hope in hope."

   "When you care what is outside, what is inside cares for you."

   "No matter where you go, there you are."

And quotes that are simply unbiblical:

   "God helps those who help themselves."

   "God wants me to be happy."

   "We are all God's children."

   "Cleanliness is next to Godliness."

   "God won't give you more than you can handle."

   "When you die, God gains another angel."

What do you do when you hear something said about God and His Word?  Do you just accept it as true?  That is the road to deception and death.  Never take what a pastor, friend, Bible teacher or famous Christian has to say at face value.  Never believe what I say in this post, this blog or in real life without making sure it is scriptural.

The Bible is the only source of God's truth that we have to compare 'truths' told to us by others.  If anything is counter to scripture it is not of God.  Some things the Bible is silent on, but that does not mean it is right or wrong. 

The unbiblical quotes I gave, you might think come for the Bible or sound like they are Biblical.  Do not trust what I have said about them.  Check it out yourself.  Do not put your life in danger and accept what I or anyone else says.

"Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11

Photo Credit: Chruch (Portfolio) by Jake Guild