Deception!

I came to the revelation last night while watching one of my favorite news reporting and commentary shows on the Fox News Network, that I was either laughing or getting upset throughout the majority of the program!  This behavior would ensue whenever they reported on something that a spokesperson from the party that lost our recent Presidential Campaign would say regarding why they thought they lost the election or made a comment on the new President-Elect.

What keeps coming to mind is the amount of deception that they are spewing forth.  I am amazed at how they continually can turn the truth around to fit their purposes without any sense of shame or concern to the damage that their words are doing.  I found myself on multiple occasions throughout the show turning to my wife and saying “They’re doing it again… and they still just don’t get it!”  It is almost like they are talking out of both sides of their mouths at the same time!  

Then when the frustration begins to set in and I want to shake my head in defeat, I am continually reminded of 2 Corinthians 4:4 where Paul told Christians that “the god of this world hath blinded the eyes of them which believe not…” (KJV) and I am brought back around to the understanding that it is simply the work of the deceiver, Satan, whom Jesus showed the Apostle John in the midst of the revelation He gave to him while in exile on the isle of Patmos, to be “the deceiver of the whole world…” (KJV)  

I am not sure if I am just more aware of what is happening around us at this juncture in my life or if things are really getting worse and more pronounced, but I don’t recall a time in my life where the deception of the devil has been more evident, more bold and more accepted by society than it is in today’s world.  I can recall back in the late 1980’s and early ‘90’s when the meaning of certain words got turned around and declaring something bad meant it was good!  But now, practices that were always deemed inappropriate according to society’s standards (much less God’s standards) are now widely accepted as the norm and those of us who still stand in the truth of God’s Word are labeled as bigots and racist!

Suddenly our President –Elect who doesn’t agree with the turned-about worldly standards is seen as someone to be afraid of and people in major cities across the country are protesting in the streets as they blindly follow a lie that was preached during the campaign… while those responsible utter a few half-hearted words espousing unity and then disappear off the national stage.

So what do we do?  We do the best and most powerful thing we can do!  We continue to live for Christ, walk in love and turn the world on its ear through diligent, faith-filled prayer!  2 Corinthians 2:11 tells us that as Christians “we are not ignorant of his (the Deceiver’s) devices.” (KJV)  The Apostle of Love, John, wrote to the church and told them that “Nothing makes me happier than to hear that my children are living according to the truth” (3 John 1:4 God’s Word ©).  Jesus defined that truth as God’s Word in John 17:17.

So, we continue to make Papa God happy by living in His truth!  Prior to explaining that God’s Word was the truth, Jesus asked the Father just hours before He would go to the cross to “Sanctify them (us Believers) in Thy truth…”  In other words, Jesus knew what was ahead for us and for our protection and power, He asked the Father to separate His family of Believers from the deceit of the world and encase them in the love, the wisdom, the deliverance, the healing, the provision and the overcoming power of His Word!

So, I had to stop and make a decision last night while I was preparing dinner and watching the news… whether I was going to get angry from the fear of what was being reported from across the globe, or laugh as I was trusting in and very expectant of the Word of the all-powerful God working in my behalf.  Guess What?  I’m still laughing this morning!

You know…it really doesn’t matter how bad or twisted things get… what should matter most to us is what the truth of God’s Word says about it!  So that’s the truth I am continuing to live… no matter what others say or do!  What about you?  

Have a great weekend.  I’m gonna celebrate… for after living for 2 weeks with a refrigerator that isn’t keeping things cold or frozen, the appliance repair man is in our kitchen as I write this post replacing some parts and we get to go shopping this afternoon and fill it up again!  Yea!… Ice for my soft drinks and frozen ice-cream again!

So… enjoy your weekend no matter what you hear on the news and keep asking yourself… “What TRUTH am I expecting to live today?”

Opinions...

I had an experience the other night that got me to thinking… I was awakened in the wee hours of the night by my wife who seemed to be experiencing some difficulties.  It turned out to be nothing and she slept comfortably through the night.  But after I got back into bed after checking on her, I began to think about my response to the potential situation.

In a moments time I seemed to have gone through a while mired of emotions.  At first I was concerned and then I found myself getting annoyed because I had just fallen back asleep after getting up at 2:30 AM to give her a dosage of one of her medicines and my sleep was being disturbed.  But as I laid there in bed I began to consider whose “OPINION” I was going to listen to concerning the event.  In my sleepy state I was annoyed because according to the Word she should be getting better and not worse… right?  

Well once I allowed that question to meander in my head, the enemy of our souls was quick to take the opportunity and torment me with all kinds of “What If?” thoughts!  That attack didn’t last too long though, as I have been around that block a few times!  It was almost like someone came up from behind me and shut that door with a noisy “SLAM!” that shook me back into a place of spiritual discernment!

And that’s when the idea of “OPINIONS” came to mind and I was immediately faced with the decision of whose “OPINION” I was going to listen to at that particular time and place.  Would it be the negative thoughts of what could happen if this incident should escalate, or to refocus my trust and expectations back on God’s “OPINION” of my wife’s condition?  Hummm… well even though I was tired (and a bit cranky) it didn’t take a rocket scientist to decide on the best course of action!

I quickly re-affirmed that God’s “OPINION” was the only one that mattered!  His “OPINION” is how He spoke through the Apostle John in 3 John 3:2 declaring that “in regard to all things I pray that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers” (MKJV) or as Peter confirmed the completed prophecy of Isaiah concerning Jesus’ work on the cross stating that “He himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that dying to sins, we might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.” (I Peter 2:24 MKJV)

I noticed while studying the Word this morning that Paul gave his “OPINION” to the Corinthian Church three times in his first two letters to them. (See: I Cor 7:25, 40 and 2 Cor 8:10)  In the King James version the word “OPINION” is translated twice as judgment and once as advice.  But all three of them come from the same Greek word which according to Thayer’s means “one’s mind concerning what ought to be done.”  

What’s interesting though is that this word comes from the Greek word “ginosko” which just happens to be the same word used, among other places, in Ephesians 3:19 where Paul was praying that his readers would have an increasingly intimate knowing of God’s love.  The word “ginosko” being the Jewish idiom for the act of intimacy between a husband and wife.

So for my understanding, Paul’s “OPINION” given to the church at Corinth was that which was based on his increasingly intimate knowledge of God’s will.  It wasn’t just an expression of what he thought.  

 A quick review of Philippians 3:4-8 will verify this conclusion.  In this portion of scripture we find out that Paul had an impeccable heritage, an “Ivy League” level of education, practical experience second to none, and was considered to be a Jew’s Jew for his perfection in keeping the Jewish Law.  But yet in verse eight he matter-of-factually declares that “I threw it all away in order to gain Christ.” (God’s Word ©)  As far as Paul was concerned… the only “OPINION” that really mattered was God’s “OPINION!”

And that… was the “OPINION” that I also matter-of-factually decided was the ONLY “OPINION” that matters to my wife and I concerning her recovery… or on any other subject for that matter!  How about You?

Have a great rest of the week!  I challenge you to be aware of all the different “OPINIONS” floating around as you traverse through your daily activities.  Proverbs 18:2 makes an interesting point concerning this discussion saying: “A fool does not find joy in understanding but only in expressing his own “OPINION.” (God’s Word ©)

With that in mind I’ll let you mull over this thought: “Who’s ‘OPINION’ am I expecting to depend on today?”

Large Experiences!

I realized after Piper and I drove our new SUV into town for sort of a test run with Piper’s custom tilt chair perfectly fitting in the rear cargo area, that I was really enjoying this car!  I thought that I would miss the power, handling, roar of the exhaust and the over-all pizazz of the Mustang, but you know… it was great for then… but this new vehicle is just perfect for us now!

All I need to do with Piper’s chair is to fold the back of the seat down and place it in the car.  Of course it’s heavier than the little transport chair, but I’ll get used to that!  The passenger side door is fairly large and offers easy access for me to help Piper into her new comfy seat!  I can’t tell you how good it felt to me (and I am sure to my wife as well) that she could sit back and actually look around the store wherever we go to shop!  Due to the upright positioning of the little chair, all Piper could see were her legs!  Now, I love to look at her legs… (did I just write that publically?), but enough is enough!  It isn’t good for her neck and shoulders to be bent over like a pretzel when we go out!

Yesterday as we traversed the aisles at our local CVS, I was able to tilt her chair back and she got to enjoy the views that unfolded around us.  I was so excited that I had to tell the cashier (whom we’ve gotten to know over the last year since we’re in there on a weekly basis to pick up prescriptions) all about it.  He even stopped what he was doing so he could come out with us and check out our new wheels!

After we returned home and I stepped out of the driver’s side door, I couldn’t help but pause and look over the vehicle and utter the revelation that “God Knew!”  He “KNEW” that this was the particular vehicle that we needed at this time in our lives.  He “KNEW” that it would be one of the tools that He would provide for us in order to complete each of the tasks that He would have for us to accomplish.

Joshua 1:9 in the Contemporary English Version declares of the Lord, “I’ve commanded you (Jim & Piper… put your name here!), to be strong and brave.  Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged!  (For) I am the Lord YOUR God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.”  John Wesley’s side notes for this particular verse seemed to put it  into the best perspective for our new adventures with our new vehicle.  He described the Lord’s statement that “I commanded thee” as “I whom thou art obliged to obey.  I who can carry thee through everything I put thee upon (ie; whatever I call or direct you to do): I of whose faithfulness and almighty power thou hast had large experience.”

Before I stepped into the kitchen from the garage, I paused and took one final peek at the amazing gift with its shiny rims and metallic black paint that the Lord had directed and provided for and I had to take a moment to simply thank Him and acknowledge this entire transaction as another of our “Large Experiences” that we’ve had with Him.

He “KNEW” what we needed just as He “KNOWS” what you may need and desire for the adventures ahead that He has planned for you!  Are you ready for a “Large Experience” of God in your life?  Are you ready to step out as you follow His leading with a strong and brave attitude that is determined to trust Him with everything you’ve got?  Are you ready to push on through and put aside any thoughts of fear or discouragement?

Then let’s go… for His best is yet to come…  remember He “KNOWS” you better than anybody else, He “KNOWS” your strengths and your dreams as well as the areas in your life that may need a little support.  But most of all, He “KNOWS” that you want to have another “Large Experience” with Him!

I spent some time yesterday afternoon wiping down the car, waxing a few scratches out, removing the front license place holder (since NC only requires a rear plate and I think the ugly square frame detracts from the front lines of the vehicle) and learning the infotainment system.  In the process of it all, I mentioned to my wife that you really don’t get to know a vehicle until you wash and wax it!  Then when I was done, I looked proudly at the finished results sitting there in our driveway and couldn’t help but smile and rejoice!  I figured that I LIKE being a part of Papa God’s “Large Experiences!”  Wouldn’t you agree?

Have a great and large week, and as you do, keep asking yourself… “Whose ‘LARGE EXPERIENCES’ am I expecting to be the recipient of today?”

Options and Changes...

Do you remember in the last post I wrote about “Change is in the Air?”  Well… that includes changes for my wife and I as well.  After a fair amount of prayer and soul-searching, I gave in to the press I was sensing from the Lord and did it… What did I do?  I changed the decor of our garage… Huh?  You what?  I changed the Vapor Silver theme to Metallic Black.  In other words, I did what I thought was best for my wife and traded in my fun Mustang GT convertible for a 2015 Chevy Equinox 1LT SUV.

It really wasn’t as hard as I would like to think it could have been because as the Lord began to float the idea in my head a few weeks back, I realized that it was the natural progression of things for where we are in our lives at this time.  The clincher came for me after we spent an hour and a half at the local Ford dealership a few weeks back, as they were servicing the GT.  It is not that the time was unexpected, but that I could not put up any longer with my wonderful wife having to sit unsupported and bent over in her transport chair because we didn’t have a car large enough to carry her new custom fit tilt chair!

So when we drove down to Lillington after voting on Tuesday with the simple idea of measuring the lift gate and back storage area of a Equinox to see if this vehicle would even work for us, and the salesman said: “Go ahead and take it home and see if the chair fits – no pressure,” things began to fall into place rather quickly!  

So here we sit today with a comfortable, sharp looking vehicle (although the four cylinder engine will take some getting used to…) with a center console infotainment system that looks a little like the control center of the Starship Enterprise.  And to be perfectly honest, this vehicle not only meets Piper’s needs, but it is also a more practical tool for our home and property needs!  So… after we sell the Buick we should come out just about even in this transaction… Like Hannibal Smith of the TV series the A TEAM always said: “I love it when a plan comes together!”

And speaking of plans… I had one fretful night’s rest a few days ago as I found myself unable to get back to sleep after giving Piper her 2:30 AM medication.  I had spent the previous day formulating different scenarios for our vehicle situation, and in the early morning hours I found myself dealing with many fear-induced anxieties over it and questioning the entire transaction.  After playing around with all these thoughts for a while, I suddenly had a revelation of II Timothy 1:7 as I heard a voice in my head clearly taking control and saying: “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (MKJV)

Within an instant of time I sat up in bed and realized that those thoughts and questions were NOT of God.  I was beginning to think that the anxiety that I was feeling was the leading of God toward the big decision I was about to make.  But I also remembered Paul’s distinct words to us in Philippians 4:6 were he stated rather manner of factly: “In NOTHING be anxious…” (American Standard Version)  And then I heard that voice again reaffirming what I really should have known in the first place, gently reminding me that: “God does not lead His children by fear and anxiety!”

I mean, after all, He can’t give us something that He doesn’t have and He sure enough isn’t going to borrow tools from the devil in order to teach His family members!  Well, I admit that I felt a little dumb at that particular moment!  I am glad it was the middle of the night and I was laying in the dark with my wife and dog fast asleep!

So, as it turns out, the devil’s little foray into our decision making process actually helped cement our decision to go with the soft and gentle leading that the good Lord had recently given me about the need and perfect timing to change vehicles and continue to move on with Him in this current chapter in our lives!  

You know… I like it when I feel in sync with the plans of God.  How about you?  I’ve discovered that our being in sync with Him makes the sometimes difficult process of change, no matter how big or small, dramatic or not, easy to facilitate and live with.  I realized pretty quickly that something was up when the Lord first began to impress me with the idea of a different vehicle.  It was similar to the “feeling” I talked about in the last blog, as well as with many of the other dramatic changes we’ve made over the last three years (including our move out here.)

This may come as a shock to some of you who may have been taught that some anxiety or worry is a good and natural emotion that we have in the tool box of our lives.  But my Bible sure seems to say something different about that!  I guess when the Lord tells us that at salvation we become a new creation, He meant it!  As Christians we have a whole new owner’s manual… similar to the three thick ones that we just got with the new Equinox!  I thought that the Mustang had a lot of options, but this six years newer vehicle makes it look like a Model T!

If I want to fully appreciate and utilize every option it has to offer then I have a lot of reading and experimenting to do.  I think it may take a while to become the Star Commander of our new vehicle… but I have every intention to accomplish the task before me… just like I do in my Christian faith!  How ‘bout you, Captain?

Have a great weekend, and as you do, keep asking yourself… “Am I expecting to learn and utilize all the options available to me in God’s Word?”