Buddy is 16.5 years old and his eyesight has weakened, so his depth perception is off. He cannot climb down a staircase without risk of a misstep and tumbling down the stairs. He’s fine with me carrying him down the exterior stairs which must be scary looking to him, being pebbles set into concrete.
But he sure gets quite upset when I pick him up to carry him down the interior stairs. The photo above shows how it must look to him. But unless he permits me to carry him, Buddy is not guaranteed a safe journey to the lower floor.
After the arrest, merciless beating, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus Christ, his apostles were terrified of the future. The man they thought would establish God’s kingdom on earth and rescue them from oppression under the Roman Empire seemed utterly powerless to protect Himself from death.
They went into hiding, fearing the same, brutal death.
The future looked terrifying!
Maybe they wondered if they were wrong to believe He was the Christ. He died just like anybody else. Those who hated Him “without a cause (John 15:25)” had won!
“Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’”—John 20:19
Although Jesus had told the disciples on multiple occasions that He had to suffer but would rise again, they either didn’t believe or understand what He was really saying.
Even after His resurrection, the apostles still didn’t get that Jesus was establishing a heavenly kingdom, not an earthly one (per my Pastor Jon Bjorgaard this AM, thank you).
“Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’”—Acts 1:6
Just as Buddy gets scared and doesn’t trust me to carry him safely down the interior staircase, so, too, we often get terrified at what lies before us. The unknown future looks frightening! We don’t realize that Jesus has total control, not only over our lives, but over history and the universe!
“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.”—Psalm 103:19
The apostles were afraid of the future because they didn’t understand God’s plan.
Just as you and I can be fearful when we look around at our deteriorating culture and the evil in our world.
But even though we don’t always understand how His plan is unfolding, we don’t need to be afraid.
Just as I won’t let go of Buddy and will get him safely down the staircase…
…God will carry you safely through the unknown future into Heaven.
He’s got this!
God bless you.
“You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.”—Psalm 139:5
Much love from Dawn and Buddy
***
PS. I’m human just like you. I get scared as I see prophetic events unfolding, so I recall the psalms above to calm myself, remembering God’s power.
Buddy wasn’t too thrilled to get a bath this afternoon, but he was starting to get stinky. No one wants to be around a stinker.
Sometimes I have a stinky attitude; the only thing that can wash it away is to remind myself about God’s love and power toward me.
“But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from His holy hill.”—King David, Psalm 3:3-4
Reminding myself to call out to my Lord when I feel distressed or sad gives the Holy Spirit the opportunity to work on my attitude.
And He will lift my attitude skyward, to rise above my circumstances, to remember that He is with (me) always, even to the end of the age,*” to grant me the courage to face the day.
Nobody enjoys the company of someone with a stinky attitude. Instead of wallowing in self pity, it’s best to call out to Jesus, just like the ancient King David did.
Is Buddy still haunted by memories of the abusive behavior of his prior owners? He’s much more relaxed and demanding than he used to be, but when he’s whimpering and twitching during sleep, is he having normal doggie dreams or bad memories? Only God knows what’s in his mind.
Asaph begins Psalm 73 by reassuring himself that the Lord loves his nation and blesses the righteous:
“Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart (verse 1).”
But then his focus shifts to lamenting that the wicked and selfish seem to prosper, are able to bless their children with an inheritance, and suffer no punishment for their wicked behavior (verses 2-12).
What possibly could God have in mind by allowing the wicked to have happy lives yet continue cause so much harm to others?
I can relate. When I focus on world events and on US politics, it seems that wicked people are blessed: They continue to prosper although they murder the innocent, feather their beds with corruption, and spew lies and hatred. It seems their evil is not restrained at all. It’s easy to become angry and discouraged.
It’s as if I’m living in a haunted house, filled with ghouls and angry spirits and I cannot escape. The wicked appear to have free rein in this world, and there’s seemingly nothing good people can do about it.
And then I shift the focus to my own life and realize that God doesn’t give me what I deserve for my sin, but, instead, is gracious to me and permits me the time to grow and become a better person.
Asaph shifts the focus to himself, also, but wonders what’s the use of being a good person, when it seems evil people have blessed lives while he, trying to serve the Lord, suffers misfortune (verses 13-16, 21-22). He became embittered and angry.
And then he enters God’s house, which was the ancient Jewish temple where the Spirit of God rested above the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies:
“Then I perceived their end (verse 17).”
Entering into the Lord’s house reminded him that his service ultimately was not in vain. As Christians, we need to keep an eternal perspective. This world and its material blessings are temporary. The haunted house that we currently live in will one day crumble in decay and be destroyed. People who refuse to acknowledge the Lord are choosing to spend eternity with the enemy of our souls.
Unbelievers will one day discover, to their dismay, that there is an eternal price to pay for their temporary happiness.
“For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You (verse 27).”
Asaph comes to his senses and stops feeling bitter for his suffering. He shifts his focus from his present circumstances to the future:
“With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory…My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (verses 25-26).”
Like Asaph, it’s easy to get dismayed at the present state of this world and wonder where God is. Why is He allowing evil to triumph while good people with the courage to stand for God and what’s right keep losing ground? It seems like America—and Western Civilization—continues its downhill slide into nihilism and self-destruction, while privileged elites prosper from corruption and oppression.
But Asaph reminds us to shift our view from our present time to the future. Jesus has already won the victory over sin and the devil at the Cross. And was resurrected to prove that He is God and can give eternal life to those who ask for it, desiring to be in His kingdom under His authority.
Jesus promised to return (John 14:1-3). Evil will not continue to prosper. God has a plan and will fulfill it.
“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”—the Apostle Peter, 2 Peter 3:9
God is working events to bring as many people to repentance as possible. And, unfortunately, it appears that many won’t repent till He allows the full expression of human evil to prevail to demonstrate our world’s need for Jesus to rule.
Stay strong. Jesus is returning.
Evil will be punished when God determines the time is right.
God bless.
Much love from Dawn and Buddy.
PS. I often feel unworthy to minister to you. Daily I fail and fall short, and am reminded that I am still Jesus’ work in progress. Failure reminds me to be humble and how blessed I am to be a child of the Great King.
***
Do you want to live forever in God’s house in heaven?
You see, many people believe that they can rebel against God’s rules their entire life and then knock on heaven’s door and demand entrance.
Heaven would be hell for them, as they don’t want to live under His rules.
The truth is, Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart, asking you to give Him permission to enter (Revelation 3:20). He wants you to voluntarily enter into His kingdom under His rule—because He’s the King! The Lord God Almighty!
Which side of the door Jesus stands on is decided in this lifetime.
If you’ve read this far, you hear God knocking on your heart asking permission for His Holy Spirit to enter. Will you ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior right now?
Please don’t delay.
I’ve never regretted asking Jesus to be my Lord.
If you’re ready, please say the below prayer, out loud if possible:
Dear Heavenly Father, I open the door to my heart and invite Jesus to enter. I’m sorry for my sin and ask for Your forgiveness and a new heart. I ask Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Please grant me Your Holy Spirit. I want to live for You. Teach me how much You love me and how precious and valuable I am to you. Thank you for hearing my prayer and that Jesus gave His life on the Cross so that I could have new life. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
If you prayed sincerely, congratulations, you’re born again. Please start reading the Bible daily as it’s your soul food. Just as your body needs daily nourishment to be healthy, so does your soul.
Also, please join a Bible believing church or Bible study. And get baptized. If that’s not possible right now, I suggest these two ministries, which also have apps, if that’s your preference: http://www.LTW.org (Leading The Way) and http://www.AndrewFarley.org (The Grace Message). There are many other godly ministries, but it’s easy to be misled by legalism or false teaching till you know the Bible fairly well.
God bless you. May Buddy and I meet you in heaven one day.
When Buddy and I visit my parents, they have to hide the bag of paper slices produced by their paper shredder. When Buddy got upset, he’d head into their den and tear open the bag of shredding, then spread it all over the room. It was cute, watching him “go to town” in the pile of shredded paper—yet quite inconvenient to clean up. Fortunately, there was no permanent damage to anything but the black garbage bags.
We are living in scary times. I’m often realizing that I’m thinking SPOOKY thoughts; I’m imagining conversations that are not real, like transparent ghosts, because I’m fretting over foolish, ungodly, or ignorant attitudes of people I know.
And I imagine discussing with them why these attitudes are wrong.
But what does the Bible say?
“Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.”—King David, Psalm 37:8
What I’m engaging in are imaginary thoughts with imaginary people. Just like Buddy playing in the pile of shredded paper, I’m prancing around in shredded thinking. My imaginings are NOT changing anybody’s minds or attitudes, because my conversations are not real. I’m engaged in wishful thinking of what I might have the courage to say and speculating about what the other person might say.
I’m fretting.
And the Bible proclaims that it “only leads to evildoing.”
Firstly, I’m disrupting my thinking which could be focused, instead, on praying or whatever task is at hand. I’m wasting valuable mental energy that could be better engaged elsewhere.
I’m also damaging my body, causing stress reactions in my brain and, particularly, my shoulders and back which begin to clench up, creating soreness.
Secondly, I’m not only sinning against myself, but others.
I’m unintentionally thinking haughtily toward others. I know they’re deceived by the media and our culture. They’re not bad people. But I can treat them arrogantly if I don’t guard my attitudes.
Also, the wrong thinking can create the “simmering teapot” effect, where I can become impatient with others, and perhaps even explode in anger, because my internal pressure is already near the boiling point. Just one or two more degrees of aggravation and off blows the whistle.
So, if you’re struggling like me with spooky thinking, please read Psalm 37. Because David reassures us that evil does not last forever, nor evildoers. At least, not in their earthly existence.
I have to remind myself about Palm 37:8 and that, no matter what happens in this world, God’s got this. Nothing that’s occurring has caught Him by surprise.
“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.”—King David, Psalm 103:19
God bless you.
Much love from Dawn and Buddy
***
Do you want to have confidence that God is with you?
Yes, we cannot see God. The Father is spirit and His Son Jesus, Who came in the flesh (Matthew 1:23) over 2,000 years ago is at the Father’s right hand (Mark 16:19) till it’s time for His return.
But we can see the effect of His presence. Like the wind, we cannot see the Holy Spirit of God Himself, but we witness His impact on our lives and this world.
Jesus changed my life for the better, and I want that same blessing for you.
If you’ve read this far, I believe that the Lord is calling to you. Please accept His invitation to enter His kingdom and into a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ.
You don’t have to “clean up your act” firstly. God knows you cannot meet His perfect standards. Jesus came to earth to take the punishment all our sins deserve. As the only perfect God in human form (John 10:30), He didn’t have to be punished for sin as He had known. So He was qualified to take it for us.
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”—Apostle Paul, Romans 8:1
Are you ready to accept Jesus as Lord, Who has the authority to define right and wrong, and as your savior from punishment for your sin?
If so, please pray the following, out loud if possible:
Dear Heavenly Father, Please forgive my sin. Jesus died for me so that I can be forgiven forever and have eternal life. I call on Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. And fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Because Jesus was resurrected bodily from the dead, I am able to receive Your resurrection life. I give my life to You. Please help me understand how much You love me. In the marvelous name of Jesus, Your Son, amen.
If you prayed sincerely, congratulations, you’re born again. Please start reading the Bible daily. Just as your body needs daily nourishment to be healthy, so does your soul; the Bible is your soul food. I suggest starting with the Book of Matthew, as it’s easy to understand, and reading forward.
Also, please join a Bible believing church or Bible study. And get baptized. If that’s not possible right now, I suggest these two ministries, which also have apps, if that’s your preference: http://www.LTW.org (Leading The Way) and http://www.AndrewFarley.org (The Grace Message). There are other godly ministries, but it’s easy to be misled by bad teaching or legalism till you know the Bible fairly well. Sadly, I’m speaking from experience.
God bless you as you begin your journey in life with Jesus as your companion.
I’ve never tested this out, but I’d guess that if I called out “Buddy!” to a crowd of dogs, only my Buddy would respond, even though the name is common. (I didn’t get to name him as he was adopted as a three-year-old.) The other Buddys would be listening for the unique voice of their own master.
I was hoping that my dad’s neighbor would lead him to Christ one day, as they get along so well that you’d swear it was the same guy talking but duplicated. They have a great, budding friendship.
But when speaking to this neighbor a week ago, I was distressed that he claimed to be a Christian, yet likely is not.
Jesus spoke about people who believed they would enter heaven but would be surprised to be denied entrance, as His disciple Matthew recorded in Matthew 7:21:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.’”
Sadly, there are going to be many people who will have an unpleasant surprise on Judgment Day.
Now, it’s between a person and Jesus to know what’s in their heart.
And what is the Father’s will in order to be saved? Jesus explained this, also, as recorded by the Apostle John in John 6:28-29:
“Therefore, they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’”
The people denied entrance into heaven, as described by Jesus in Matthew, protested that they had done good deeds and performed many wonderful works in His name (Matthew 7:22). They deserved to enter heaven!
How did Jesus respond to their protestations and justifications of good works?
“I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”—Matthew 7:23
God is so holy, there is not one person who can meet His standard to enter His presence in Heaven, which is perfection (Matthew 5:48).
God doesn’t grade on a curve. The cutoff point is perfection to enter heaven or not perfect to go to Hell.
Pretty harsh, right?
But think how unfair it’d be if He did grade on a curve? For instance, say a person lies 99 times and is admitted into Heaven, but another lies 100 times but is sent to everlasting Hell. Is that fair? Out by one lie?
My dad’s friend alarmed me because he believes there are other ways to heaven than through Jesus; you just have to be a good person.
But that’s not what Jesus taught.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.”—John 14:6
If you could earn your way into Heaven by being good, then how good do you need to be? How do you know where the cutoff point is? How can you ever have the peace Jesus promises to give His followers (John 14:27) that eliminates fear?
You couldn’t.
And if you could earn your way into Heaven, then why would Jesus need to die for our sins? He could’ve avoided the excruciatingly painful death on the Cross and just let us try to be good, with His guiding principles.
Jesus declared Himself to be “the life,” because it’s only through Jesus that your dead, sinful spirit can be resurrected to supernatural life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit alone is your ticket into Heaven.
And He gives His supernatural resurrection life to those who ask.
Because it’s impossible to be good enough to meet the Father’s standard of perfection.
“For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;”—the prophet Isaiah, Isaiah 64:6
One ticket to enter Heaven.
And freely available to everyone who is humble enough to ask, whether a toddler or a man dying and gasping out his last breaths.
As the thief on his own cross, crucified next to Jesus, who acknowledged his sin and declared his faith in Jesus as he was dying. And Jesus promised he would be in Paradise that day with Him (Luke 23:43).
If you’re running on the hamster wheel of good works, trying to earn God’s love: relax. You already have it if you’ve confessed your sins and acknowledged Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Rest and rejoice in His love as one of His children.
If you think you can earn your way into heaven—you’re deceived. You can never be good enough. Which is good news, because you don’t have to clean up your act first to get saved. Just pray the prayer below the ***.
Don’t cross that great divide thinking you’re good enough. Not even Job met the standard, and God declared him to be the most righteous man on the earth (Job 1:8). When Job tried to justify himself before God, claiming that he didn’t deserve such punishment, the Almighty rebuked him.
In summary: There is only one ticket to heaven.
Not good deeds.
But the Holy Spirit, given freely to those who ask.
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”—Jesus, Luke 11:13
God bless.
Much love from Dawn and Buddy
***
To receive resurrection life you must:
Admit you are a sinner.
God is the boss, not you.
Jesus is your Lord, God in the flesh, who died for your sins and was resurrected bodily from the grave on the third day to give you life.
If you’re ready to start a new path in life, please pray the following, out loud if possible:
Dear Heavenly Father, Please forgive my sin. Thank you for sending Jesus to take the punishment that my sin deserves. I call on Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit. I give my life to you. Show me how much You love me. Thank you for hearing my prayer. In the name of Jesus, amen.
If you prayed sincerely, congratulations, you’re born again. Please start reading the Bible daily; it’s your soul food. Just as your body needs daily nourishment to be healthy, so does your soul.
Also, please join a Bible-believing church or Bible study. And get baptized. If that’s not possible right now, I recommend these two ministries, which also have apps, if that’s your preference: http://www.LTW.org (Leading The Way) and http://www.AndrewFarley.org (The Grace Message). There are other godly ministries, but it’s easy to get misled by bad teaching or legalism if you don’t know what the Bible teaches fairly well.
Buddy and I love the Pacific Ocean beach. After walking along the marvelous boardwalk at Longbeach, Washington, Buddy and I found rest, lying in the cool sand amongst the beachgrass, allowing the salty breeze to flow over us.
We live in frightening times. The West is increasingly self-destructing, the citizenry no longer appreciative of their Christian heritage: individual rights, property rights, animal rights, archeological preservation, women’s rights, the abolition of slavery, conservation; and marvelous cathedrals, symphonies, and paintings, etc. Led by ungodly intellectuals and other elites, who don’t acknowledge that their talent and intelligence are gifts from the Almighty Creator, the accomplishments of Western Civilization are increasingly disdained, ignored or denigrated.
People who reject Jesus usually believe that people are basically good, yet reject the positive attributes of Western Society and focus only on the negative.
Basically, many elites believe Western Culture should be dismantled, burned to the ground, in favor of erecting a new society…
Made in their own image, divorced from the West’s Christian roots.
If you’ve read this far, you likely identify with the king of the ancient, united kingdom of Israel, King David, who prayed the following to the Lord:
“Give heed to me and answer me…Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the pressure of the wicked;…My heart is in anguish within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
“Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me.”—Psalm 55:2-5
Over three thousand years ago King David also felt overwhelmed by the evil of his day. Which goes to demonstrate that technology may change and customs, but not human nature.
I often feel exactly as David did in response to the wicked times he lived in:
“I said, ‘Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
“‘Behold, I would wander far away, I would lodge in the wilderness.
“‘I would hasten to my place of refuge from the stormy wind and tempest.’”—Psalm 55:6-8
I don’t know about you, but I often wish I could run away with Buddy to some quiet cabin in the wilderness, nestled amongst pine and fir trees, far away from evil people. Buddy could race after squirrels and I could sit on a checkered blanket, eating a tuna fish sandwich while listening to, and watching, a burbling brook meander by.
But then I’m reminded of several things:
One: I often fight evil within myself. I’ve had to pray many times not to hate the people trying to destroy my country, my faith, and my family. Not to despise those who are increasingly pushing our nation toward tyranny and denying the existence of their Creator.
I can flee to the wilderness, but am still bringing evil with me. There’s days some people would love to flee from me, too!
Two: “Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”—Jesus, Matthew 6:9-10
We all have an advantage that King David didn’t have: the prophecies in the Book of Daniel, in the Book of Revelation, and other Biblical prophecies after his time.
I have to remind myself that God has a plan to bring human history to a close. Jesus is coming (possibly in our lifetimes) to claim this world, purchased with His blood, as His own and end the reign of evil.
As Jesus taught, it’s His will, not mine. Although I live in troubled times, Jesus did forewarn in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 that scary times will come. I need to accept it’s His plan in play, not mine.
Three: There is a place to run to when I’m scared. I’m never alone nor unprotected.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea…
“The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted.
“The Lord of Hosts is with us…”—Psalm 46:1-2, 6-7
Yes, there is good cause today to be fearful and angry.
But God has a plan.
And we can find refuge through coming to Him, admitting our fears and seeking His comfort, a comfort this deteriorating world cannot give.
Hang in there, my friend. Jesus knows every hair on your head (Matthew 10:30). He’s in control.
God bless you.
Much love from Dawn and Buddy
***
Jesus is our rock and our fortress, “a very present help in trouble.” But if you don’t acknowledge God exists, loves you, and is the King, then your confidence is in feeble, changing people or your own ability to control the events of your life.
That you have ultimate control is only an illusion. The recent pandemic proved that most of life is beyond our control.
But nothing is beyond the power of The Almighty God Who is unlimited in power, knowledge and presence (omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent).
Jesus promises to answer prayer. But only for His children Who accept that He died for their sins and was raised bodily from the grave to give eternal life to those who acknowledge Him as Lord and God.
If you don’t know Jesus, the only prayer you can be confident He’ll answer is a prayer of repentance, asking Jesus into your heart as Your Lord and God.
God us gracious and does answer prayers at times for those who don’t know Him, in order to show His love and care. But you cannot have any confidence that He will listen, only a hope.
Why not ask Jesus into your life to bring you comfort and peace?
“My peace I give to you…”—Jesus, John 14:27
Peace is a gift from God to those who ask for it.
No earning. No grunting it out.
Just asking.
Won’t you invite God into your life right now?
I’m so glad that I did, years ago.
If you’re willing, please repeat the following, out loud if possible:
Dear Heavenly Father, I’m tired of feeling afraid. You are God Almighty, in control of the universe and Creator of all life. Please forgive my sins. I ask Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. I acknowledge He died for my sins and rose bodily from the dead, proving that He is God. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I give my life to You. Please teach me how much You love me. Thank you for answering my prayer. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, amen.
If you prayed sincerely, congratulations, you’re born again. Please start reading the Bible daily as it’s your spiritual food. Just as your body needs daily nourishment to be healthy, so does your soul. The Bible is your soul food.
Also, please join a Bible believing church or Bible study. And get baptized. If that’s not possible right now, I suggest these two ministries, which also have apps, if that’s your preference: http://www.LTW.org (Leading The Way) and http://www.AndrewFarley.org (The Grace Message).
There are other godly ministries, but it’s easy to get misled by legalism or false teaching till you know the Bible fairly well. Ask God to guide you as you read and seek godly information.
If you’ve read last week’s blog, you know that I spent a week in New Orleans, Louisiana, visiting my brother. My parents took care of Buddy while I was away. They love my furry pal and took good care of him, but, unhappily, Buddy spent quite a lot of time staring at the front door, anxiously awaiting my return, instead of enjoying frolicking around a one-level home.
One one hand, I’m glad that Buddy is attached to me and wasn’t happy about my leaving him. But on the other hand, I love my pal and wished he’d enjoyed himself more.
I recently listened to a podcast by the fiction writer and book coach, Sophie Hannah, who has found fame by writing a new series of books featuring Agatha Christie’s iconic detective, Hercule Poirot. Fortunately, I stumbled upon her website, when searching for something else. (https://dreamauthorcoaching.com/)
She discussed the concept of cognitive bias, as to how we search for information that already confirms what we believe, whether our current beliefs are true or not. As a book coach who enjoys encouraging writers to be persistent in pursuing their publishing dreams, she mentions that if someone believes their goals are too difficult to achieve, then they focus on facts and thoughts that confirm that belief. But if a person believes their goals are worthy and achievable, they’ll interpret events and setbacks more positively and continue pursuing their publishing dreams.
There’s more to her particular application of the concept, as the discussion lasts a little more than an hour, but it got me thinking about whether the modern Christian Church also has a cognitive bias that is preventing us from winning the culture war and advancing Christ’s kingdom on earth.
We must admit that something seems seriously wrong in today’s Western culture: corruption appears to suffuse all aspects of government, corporations and media, and there no longer seems to be a cultural consensus where the line is drawn between being strange or being downright perverted, to defining what moral degradation is nowadays.
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”—Psalm 11:3
But does the Christian Church have a negative cognitive bias?
I know many Christians who are wringing their hands in despair, that is, when they aren’t clutching the handles of their suitcases, waiting for Jesus “to be me up.”
“And He (Jesus) did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief.”—Matthew 13:58
Was it because Jesus lacked power?
Certainly not. God is the source of all life and energy in the universe. And Christ was “God in the flesh (Matthew 1:23).”
But one insidious aspect of cognitive bias is that you act on your beliefs. If you believe Jesus can work miracles, then you’ll take the time to ask for miracles, to pray that the Holy Spirit would work in might and power to claim souls. If you don’t, then you’ll be busy with some other activity than prayer, or wringing your hands with anxiety and earning a massive stomach ache.
I do believe we’re in the Last Days before Christ’s Return. But does that mean we should just consider advancing Christian faith in the world a waste of time? That Satan holds all the cards and we should just accept that Armageddon and God’s Judgment is just around the corner?
Or can we decide to look at our current spiritual malaise and cultural rot as a great opportunity to hope for, and earnestly pray for, a spiritual revival?
Is today’s world morally more depraved than Ancient Rome? Babies were exposed* to the elements if they weren’t perfect or wanted, false gods were worshipped everywhere, gladiators provided murderous entertainment, and perversion abounded.
But what did Jesus see?
A great opportunity to save the lost!!!
“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest?’ I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest.”—John 4:35
Where the apostles could only see the visible world, Jesus saw the invisible reality that souls were ready for harvesting. Where some may despair, seeing degradation and chaos, Jesus saw opportunity.
So, what is your spiritual cognitive bias?
Because what you believe, will determine your feelings, which then leads to action— or inaction.
To earnest prayers for salvation and wielding the mighty sword in spiritual warfare.
Or to binge watching television and hoping you’ll survive till the rapture.
This wicked world cannot truly offer you hope. Life is unpredictable. But there is an immovable Rock, a North Star that you can guide the ship of your life by that is true and honorable. His name is Jesus Christ of Nazareth and He died to take the punishment our sins deserve to reconcile us to God (Roman’s 5:10).
Adam and Eve rejected God’s moral authority in their lives and died spiritually, as the Holy Spirit left the human race. When you confess you’re a sinner who needs God’s moral guidance in your life, you’re doing the reverse of rebelling against God like our first ancestors. And you become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) by the power of the Holy Spirit, indwelling and giving supernatural life to your formerly sin dead spirit.
God hates sin and must punish it. But Jesus His Son took that punishment instead, so that whoever invites Him to be their Lord and Savior can have eternal fellowship with Him.
Are you ready to repent of your sin and ask God into your life? I’ve never regretted making that decision. I only wish I’d invited Christ into my life 15 years sooner; I’d have avoided a lot of unnecessary heartache.
Nobody can earn God’s love—it’s freely given. Don’t believe the lie that you’ve sinned too much and cannot be saved. Apostle Paul helped round up Christians to be jailed and executed, before Jesus confronted him and changed the direction of his life.
If you’re ready, please repeat the below prayer, out loud if possible:
Dear Heavenly Father, Please forgive my sin. I ask Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I give my life to You. Please teach me how much You love me. And help me to know You. I ask in the mighty name of Your Son Jesus, amen.
If you prayed sincerely, congratulations, you’re born again. Please start reading the Bible. Just as your body needs daily nourishment to be healthy, so does your soul need daily food—soul food. I suggest starting with the Book of Matthew as it’s easy to understand.
And join a Bible believing church or Bible Study. And get baptized. If that’s not possible right now, I suggest these two ministries, which also have apps, if that’s your preference: http://www.LTW.org (Leading The Way) or http://www.AndrewFarley.org. There are other godly ministries, but it’s easy to be misled till you know the Bible fairly well.
God bless. May Buddy and I meet you in heaven one day.
Who says that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
Wrong!
I adopted Buddy over twelve years ago and he’s been a fairly quiet dog—till recently. He learned that when he barked at my dad, my dad would give him a treat.
Now he barks at me till I give in to his demands. There is no peace in the household till Buddy gets his way!
My dad, unintentionally, created a little monster!
(My dad is starting to squirt Buddy with water from a spray bottle if he becomes too insistent. It usually works.)
During the eighth century BC, the Jewish prophet Isaiah made this prediction about the coming Messiah, whom we now know is Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Isaiah 9:6-7:
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,…”
Yet, the Christian group, Casting Crowns, so beautifully sings “I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day,” with the famous line: “There is no peace on earth, they say…” https://youtu.be/M7670CXvPX0
In fact, Jesus told His followers in Matthew 10:34-36:
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be members of his household.”
In fact, Isaiah said that “There would be no end to the increase of…His peace.” Yet Jesus was crucified almost two thousand years ago and there has been no increase of peace throughout the past two millennia on the earth. In fact, over 100 million people were killed in during the world wars and by Communists during the 20th century—the low end figure. And 70 million Christians have been killed for their faith since Christ walked on the earth. For example, the Ottoman Turks murdered over 1.6 million Christians in Armenia and Turkey in the 1820s. (Source: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/christian-persecution-21st-century/)
So we’re not experiencing the world peace Isaiah seemed to prophecy that the Messiah would usher in.
So what the heck kind of peace was being referred to by the prophet?
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”—John 14:27
A few comments regarding this promised peace:
1. Firstly, Jesus gives it. It’s a gift. You cannot earn it.
2. It’s a peace different from the kind that the world gives.
3. If you receive this peace from Jesus, you will not feel fear or anxiety.
Sounds great, right? What is this peace that only Jesus can give to you?
Three things:
1. Peace with God. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…”—Apostle Paul, Romans 5:1
God hates sin and must punish it; the whole world is under His wrath. “Jesus, Who rescues us from the wrath to come.”—Apostle Paul, 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Because Jesus died for the sins of all humanity, “once for all” Hebrews 9:12), we are no longer enemies of God and are at peace with Him—if we “confess with our mouths Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; (Romans 10:9)”
But please note: This peace with God comes only through Jesus.
2. Peace within your heart.
After I became born again, the Holy Spirit has been revealing to me how much unnecessary conflict and anger there is in my mind and heart. I’ve learned to forgive and become free of bitterness and resentment (Romans 5:5); freed from jealousy and envy, because God promises to meet all my needs and cares for me, even to the point of knowing how many hairs I have on my head at any given moment (Matthew 6:25-34); freed of worrying about what people think of me or may do to me. (OK, that last one the Lord and I are still working on.)
Isaiah prophesied that our Lord is a “Wonderful Counselor.” But too few seek the wisdom in the Bible or the help of the Holy Spirit, through prayer and submission; but seek worldly wisdom, then wonder why they are in endless therapy. (I’m not referring to emotional issues caused by physical problems or chemical imbalances, although I think too few don’t look at how their diets or potential allergies may be causing mental problems.)
3. Peace through hope in the future.
Jesus said: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33
The peace we can have as Christians is that, no matter what life throws at us, we know Jesus is walking alongside us and leading us as our Good Shepherd (Psalm 23, Psalm 139, John 10:14-18). He gave His life to buy us eternal life in heaven with Him:
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.”—Jesus, John 11:25-26
Because Jesus died for our sins and then was resurrected from the dead, proving that His blameless life was sufficient payment for our sins, and that He was (and is) “God in the flesh” (Matthew 1:23), we can be assured of having eternal life—if we’re born again through faith in Jesus Christ.
So the peace Isaiah foretold was: Peace with God, peace within our souls, and peace despite suffering because we’re destined for paradise in heaven.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,…”—Apostle Peter, 1 Peter 1:3-5
God bless you this Christmas Season.
Much love from Dawn and Buddy
PS. Buddy fussed continuously throughout my composing this blog tonight. First I stopped to take him for a walkie. Then he fussed for attention. What a little monster! And he’s still fussing at these very moment!
***
Jesus stated that peace with God comes only through Him. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”—John 14:6
Now, you cannot judge by the lives of other Christians if that peace is truly available. You don’t know where a person started from in their walk with God and how much progress they have made. Or what is in their heart. As long as we walk this earth, we’ll all struggle with our own personal sins and flaws.
But the question is: Are you ready to begin that journey right now? And be reassured of a future in Heaven? For Jesus told the thief dying on the cross next to Him, that because of his confession of his sin and faith, he would join Jesus in paradise that very day after his death (Luke 23:39-43).
If you’re ready to experience the peace that Jesus gives, instead of the uncertain peace of a broken world, please repeat the following prayer, out loud if possible:
Dear Father, I’m tired of the false peace this changeable world promises and want the peace in my life that only Jesus can give. Please forgive all my sins. I ask Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit. I give my life to You. I ask the Great Shepherd to fill my heart with the peace He freely gives. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
If you prayed sincerely, congratulations, you’re born again. Please start reading the Bible. Just as your body needs daily nourishment, so does your soul; the Bible is your soul food. I suggest starting with the Book of Luke as it details the Christmas story.
And join a Bible believing church or Bible study. And get baptized. If that’s not possible right now, I suggest these two ministries, which also have apps, if that’s your preference: http://www.AndrewFarley.org and http://www.LTW.org (Leading The Way). There are other godly ministries out there, but it’s easy to be misled by legalism or false teaching till you know the Bible fairly well.
God bless you. Thanks for reading my blog post. May Buddy and I meet you in heaven one day. Enjoy the journey you’ve begun as a new believer in Christ.
Somehow Buddy senses whether I’m leaving for a long or a short time. If it’s a short trip, he thinks I’m obligated to take him along. He gets angry when I don’t.
He starts barking as soon as he spots me returning across the courtyard. Then he gives me a good chewing out once I enter our home. Oddly, he doesn’t bark otherwise.
When I’m with him, Buddy feels safe and at peace. He’s distressed when I’m not around.
When you become born again, the Holy Spirit comes and takes residence within your spirit. You are made alive, because your heart is circumcised and made new by the indwelling power of God’s presence (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 2:29, Ezekiel 36:26-27).
As a result, the Lord promises “‘I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you’, so that “we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, what will man do to me?’Hebrews 13:5-6)”
God also promises that anyplace we go, He has us in His grasp: “You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me (Psalm 139:5).”
The dictionary defines “forsake” as “to abandon in time of need.”
I cannot promise never to leave nor forsake Buddy. I’m human, so it’s not always possible to be with him nor foresee all potential dangers. And there’s also the possibility that I could die suddenly and he’d come into my family’s care.
People who do not know Jesus don’t have the guarantee of His help or presence in time of need. Therefore, it’s not possible for their hearts and minds to remain at peace. Jesus says that peace s a GIFT that He gives to His followers:
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27).”
People of the world find all sorts of ways to seek peace and freedom from anxiety: pharmaceuticals, drugs, alcohol, parties and sex, camping, vacations, reading, political activism, binging TV programs—and many other ways to forget their anxiety. The world is unsteady. Evil never rests so needless wars, corruption and economies erupt, with unanticipated gusts of rest. But all attempts to escape the anxiety of an uncertain world and future are only temporary fixes.
As Jesus said, His peace is not like the world’s. Because He is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent, He is always involved in our lives and aware of our circumstances. He loves each child of His and has each one in His embrace.
God promises a peace that is not based on circumstances:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea (Psalm 46:1-2).”
A Christian’s peace comes from keeping our focus on the Lord. Anytime I or you turn our attention to what’s going on in the world, we become anxious because it’s really out of our control. We can do the best with what’s in our control—eat healthy, work hard, be kind—but even then, eating healthy becomes meaningless when a car accident takes our life, or a layoff in an economic downturn renders our efforts moot, and being kind can be misinterpreted or not appreciated by the recipient.
We know that this world and its evil and problems are temporary, a mere vapor of time (James 4:14). Each Christian is destined for heaven, an eternity of joy. Even Jesus kept His focus on the future, on the innumerable people who would benefit from His sacrificial death for our sins:
“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).”
So, my dear friends, when you feel anxious, remember:
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).”
Because only God does not change, for He alone is a firm foundation, a solid rock to stand upon (Psalm 62:5). Our future is secure only in His hands. Cry out to Jesus when you’re anxious and worry, and find your rest in Him.
God bless you.
Much love from Dawn and Buddy
***
“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28)” is an invitation that Jesus offers to everyone who is willing to accept Him as their Lord and God.
Jesus gives His rest from trying to prove you’re good enough to earn His love and freely GIVES His love to those willing to admit they can never be good enough to earn His love. Salvation is a gift earned for us by Jesus: He lived a perfect life so that He could suffer the punishment our sins deserved. If He had sinned, He could never have died for our sins, having to die for His own.
Thank goodness Jesus was the perfect God-Man (Matthew 1:23), so He met the standard FOR US to enter Heaven.
But God wants us to love Him freely, without force.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20).”
Are you willing to open that door and permit Jesus to be your God, to advise what’s right and wrong, how your life should be lived?
His ways are the best ways!
If you’re willing, please pray:
Heavenly Father, I want the rest from worry and anxiety that You give, the peace Jesus gives that’s not dependent upon the circumstances of life. Please forgive my sin. I ask Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. And fill me with the Holy Spirit. I give my life to You. Please help me enter your rest. In the name of Your holy son, Jesus, amen.
If you prayed with sincerity, congratulations, you are born again. Please start reading the Bible. Just as your body needs daily food to be healthy, your soul needs the daily nourishment of soul food—the Bible. I suggest starting with the Book of Matthew as it’s easy to understand.
Also, please find a Bible-based church and get baptized. Ask the Lord to guide you to the right church for you. If that’s not possible right now, I suggest these three ministries, which are my favorites: http://www.InTouch.org, http://www.LTW.org and http://www.AndrewFarley.org. All three also have apps, if that’s your preference. There are other godly ministries, but it’s easy to be misled when you’re a new believer till you know the Bible well enough to know if someone is teaching you correctly.
Good bless you. May Buddy and I see you in heaven.
Buddy laying on makeshift bed in the kitchen, keeping me company.
Sometimes I become keenly aware how dependent Buddy is upon me. He was lying next to me on my bed tonight while I was doing my Bible study, moving his legs and whimpering, caught in a dream. I realized that I am his only support and comfort in our new home in Arizona. If I don’t take good care of him, physically and emotionally, he is left without any comfort.
I’ve been distressed lately because of the rioting and blatant lies being spread by media personalities and politicians. I’ve been allowing it to affect my sleep. I’m not trusting God when I’ve worrying. Jesus clearly said in His Sermon On The Mount (Matthew 5:25-34) that His children don’t need to worry because He’s in control, cares about us and has our backs.
So I confessed my sin of wanting to be in control instead of trusting Him to work things out. He states that “all souls are Mine (Ezekiel 18:4)”, that “God is King over all the earth…God reigns over all the nations (Psalm 47:7-8)”, and is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named (Ephesians 1:27)”. He’s omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent.
I know all of this–and yet I still fret and worry.
My Bible study directed me to read Psalm 62 and then it hit me what my root problem is: I’m trusting in sources, other than God, to be my refuge and comfort.
“For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken…God is a refuge for us.” King David, Psalm 62:5-8
Jesus warned about trusting anything in this world, that it was sifting sand. If a person’s life is built upon anything less than God and His Word will crumble when the strong wind and floods came against it. (Matthew 7:24-27)
I realized I was putting my hope on who does or does not win the next election, upon convincing my friends that they are deceived, on how many people are trusting in God or fighting to preserve our freedom, on encouragement from friends or fellow patriots–in people and not in God.
God does not change: He is “the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8)”. God is frequently referenced as a rock: immoveable, secure and strong. When I take comfort and refuge in Him, I can remain calm and steady in my emotions.
But when I am trusting in fickle and sinful humanity, who can be deceived by Satan or follow their lusts, I will never find secure ground to stand on, to find peace and rest and safety. The same crowd that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with great joy on Sunday, only days later on Friday enthusiastically called for His death.
I’m struggling with this tonight but at least God helped me pinpoint the issue. He’s got my back: We’ll work through this together.
Hope you sleep well tonight.
Love from Dawn and Buddy
***
We live in tough times. This year has not played out at all as I’d planned. It’s likely been tough for you too.
So where, or in whom, are you seeking your refuge?
God through Jesus Christ can give you a refuge to run to, because He cares for you. He encourages you to find comfort in Him (1 Peter 5:7).
But when you are not in fellowship with God, He does not guarantee to hear your prayers. We are all born separated from God, because Adam and Eve rejected God’s moral authority; therefore, all of their descendants are born spiritually dead. If you’re willing to accept Jesus as your Lord and His moral authority, as detailed in the Biblical scriptures, He comes into fellowship with you and accepts you into His kingdom as His beloved child.
You don’t do anything to earn salvation or fellowship with Him. You just need the humility to admit that you’re a sinner and accept His authority in your life. If you’re willing to do so, please pray the prayer below:
Dear Lord, I admit that I’ve sinned and done things that grieve your holiness. You love me and want the best for me and those around me. I accept that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, taking the punishment I deserve, because He loves me. He rose bodily from the grave, demonstrating that death cannot hold Him and that I too will be resurrected into eternal life. Please be my good Shepherd and give me life through the Holy Spirit. I don’t understand it all right now, but trust You to lead me and help me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you’ve prayed that prayer, congratulations. You’re a child of God. Please find a Bible-based church or Bible study to attend. If that’s not possible right now, these ministries are wonderful and will help you to grow in your faith till the pandemic is over: http://www.ltw.org, http://www.InTouchMinistries.org and http://www.BasicGospel.net
God bless you. May this be the beginning of a journey to bring hope and comfort into your life. But as you read in my blog, it’s a journey. Don’t get hard on yourself: only God is perfect. Change takes time, but God the Father through Christ and the Holy Spirit will be with you every step of the way.
Meditations About God and Buddy 