Injustice and Forgiveness

Injustice. Trauma. It seems today we are more likely to encounter reckless and even rage-filled people. If we’re unfortunate enough to have repeated traumatic situations, then C-PTSD can develop. Painful, at times shattering events in our lives have real potential to tempt us to never turn to the one true living God and even if we are Believers, then to damage our faith can slowly but surely lure us away from our life-giving source. Jesus.

Jesus makes it clear that those through whom sin comes will suffer — at some point.

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6

Often when we read this passage we think of those who have hurt us; at times unintentional offenses and other times outright reckless thoughtlessness. There are likely wounds that have caused deep emotional pain that have never been acknowledged or accounted for by the offender.

God tells us that vengeance belongs to Him, and that He will repay. For the most egregious of sins that may have even changed the course of our lives, maybe this brings a level of comfort and peace. God’s message is one declaring His authority to exact retribution on His terms, and in His timing because the grievance was not primarily against us but again Him and Jesus. Those of us who may want to take matters into our own hands need to first and foremost consider His mercy toward us.

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

How can we seriously contemplate His unfathomable love and forgiveness toward us and yet not turn around and offer it to the next person who hurts us, in time — no rushing it. There are plenty of scriptures to back up letting it go, turning the other cheek, praying for our enemies, picking up our Cross and following Him — to our death even. Much of how we respond when others’ hurt or offend us will depend on how close we are to Jesus. If we’re connected and abiding in Him we won’t be rattled too much; easier to brush the grievance aside.

Consider the story of Joseph. The son of Jacob who was thrown into a well and then sold into slavery by his own jealous brothers. Eventually, God works everything out for Joseph and because he was humble and obedient, decades later when his brothers are hungry and come to him for food rations, Joseph looks back and can see the hand of God in all of it.

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people[a] should be kept alive, as they are today. GE 50:20

God redeems all our pain and injustices against us for His purposes. We’re here for God. For our King.

In these uncertain days, where people seem more anxious than ever before, let’s be the calm waters, the gentle word, the embodiment of the One who forgives.

Trusting Him with our very lives.

Jesus — Our Friend

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9

It sure can be a lonely, lonely world out there. Here we sit on a Friday night and the whole world seems like it has somewhere to go, something to do and someone to be with, but here we are. All by ourselves.

How did we, committed followers, get to this place where we really don’t have many, if any, people calling us or dropping by to see us? No invitations within the Body of Christ? When did we go from having a circle that we moved in to not having much of one at all?

Here’s what happened.

You likely outgrew the crowd. The type of crowd where eventually, if you were following Jesus, you were flushed out. You just weren’t one of them. You didn’t think, talk or act like them. At least not anymore. You drew close to Jesus in your heart. He granted you repentance, gave you understanding, wisdom, and a relationship with Him. The one, true, living God. You may have tried to even talk with a few of them and the clergy, to share what you’ve learned — in hopes of —only to be accused and have your words twisted, judged for being critical, and made out to be a liar.

And it’s precisely at that point of recognition where you knew you just couldn’t fit in anymore, and those in charge of the groups weren’t going to make it easy for you to stay because your very presence caused them to be angry, and so, rather than them repenting, just like you had to do, what do they do? They twist the scripture against you that warns Church leaders to make sure no one grows up bitter and defiles many and they

Run. You. Out.

One way or another they make it impossible for you to be a part of the group. Supposedly Jesus’ group.

And so, after accepting the oppression and friendlessness for as long as possible just to have people in your life, including your closet friend of years, decades even, you leave with tears streaming down your face. Tears for the loss of all the years spent loving and serving – even if some days were better than others — you were striving to love them; tears for them, too, because they can’t or won’t understand, and for God. This is His Church after all.

His Son.

Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were. – Psalm 39:12

Then one day it dawns on you that it’s good to be alone for a bit. There’s been too many years filled with noise of one sort or another. The quiet is good. It’s comforting. It’s healing. It’s rejuvenating and that’s what’s needed deep down in your bones, deep in your soul right now.

Rest with the friendship of God.

“…In this world you will have many tribulations. But take heart; I have overcome the world”. John 16:33

You’re not alone.

The Steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases

While the professing Church in America sickeningly celebrates its perceived victory of helping to re-elect one of thee most corrupt and sleazy US candidates for POTUS, try to remember dear sisters and brothers, God has not abandoned us. He is on His throne and He loves us.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

While it’s true that America, which has always been a painful ordeal for minorities has taken a giant leap backward, and the trials that many of us are about to go through are at our doorstep, take heart. Take heart.

 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go“. Joshua 1:9

We have to accept and embrace the inevitable. Christ is coming back to claim his own. The first time he came was for salvation but when He returns, it’s for judgement. We must accept it, and recognize this entire political madness here and abroad is just the closing scene(s) before his triumphal return.

How long and what trials await any of us is anyone’s guess, but by the Extremist choices being made for the highest positions in the land, it’s clear it’s not long. And even if we ourselves aren’t suffering, we need to think about those in war-torn Gaza, those in Ukraine, North Korean soldiers sent to die in Russia, women in Afghanistan, and on and on. We need to consider the centuries-long fight Blacks and other ethnic and minority groups continue to suffer in North America. And so we pray!

 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20

As Believers, we must acknowledge and come to terms with Christ’s return. It’s real. God’s Kingdom is not the USA or Canada. We must repent and see His return, establishing the heavenly Jerusalem, as good news and we need to be able to spread the hope of our salvation to a lost and hurting world that is growing ever darker by the hour. We cannot stick our head in the sand for even one more day, wishing this nightmare and its very real implications would go away.

13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise Ephesians 5:13-15

Be wise.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end.

Making Time Count for Eternity

It’s a struggle to be disciplined with our time, and even more so to do so in such a way that the things we are doing are the most important to be doing year after year.

Paul wrote

“So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Cor 9:26-27

A warning. For us not to become disqualified by becoming lazy. So hard and yet by His grace we believe all things are possible.

One of the best ways to getting and staying disciplined is through prayer. Every day. Every morning. And bible study.

If we strictly study the bible and don’t learn to pray, there’s just no life — no Spirit. If we pray and don’t read the scriptures, our prayers have no structure.

Another way is to spend time alone. Let’s learn to talk less. It calms our minds. It helps free us from anxiety. It helps us to consider others and hear that still small whisper.

1 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.[a] 1 Kings 19:11-12

Last, let’s consider where we are 4 years after the pandemic. Maybe you’ve struggled to return to church and maybe you have your reasons for not attending but again from Paul

25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

It’s not over yet. We haven’t received our cue from Heaven to stop going, as much as many of us may have all but given up. Let’s keep going.

Wherever God has placed us.

Keep being broken bread.

Keep being poured out wine.

Help to pick up the fallen.

By abiding in Him in all ways possible, we will be making our time count for eternity. It will help us to serve Him with strength, joy, love and boldness. It will bless the name of Jesus, His church and the world.

Preparing for Battle

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place[a] of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people,[b] and God himself will be with them as their God.[c] 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. Rev 21: 1 -6

Let’s face it. Many of us are tired and starting to get restless. We’re ready for something. Something more than we’re experiencing. Less world, more Kingdom.

If that describes you, consider this. It may be better to think of our trials and tribulations as necessary to being refined by the fire in order to become the men or women of God that can withstand the persecution that’s coming our way.

Your humble, lowly and difficult position that has created an utter dependence on God, may have been just what it takes for you to become that tree planted by the water that will help you, along with your brothers and sisters make it to the finish line.

You’re clear-eyed with a steady gaze, and you talk less.

You’ve accepted your thorn and you recognize it’s doing it’s job to keep you humble.

You’ve learned to entrust all to Jesus.

You are surrendered. Your validation comes from Jesus.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phil 1:21

You’re ready and you feel it. In your heart and in your head.

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Pe 1:13

Are We Ready?

Yes, it’s been more than 2000 years and likely too many of us weren’t brought up with any seriousness about Jesus’ return and how that should have impacted our lives as professing Christians, but if we are living out our salvation then we need to live in that readiness.

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.” Matt 25:1-5

The signs of Jesus’ return are increasing and it’s imperative that believers not be lulled into some false sense of security — especially the misinformation or lack of Heavenly fire coming from the pulpit — nor become caught up in an agenda nor cling too tightly to relationships. In the days to come Believers will have their faith tested even further.

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matt 24:6-13

To live with a mind set on things above has always required faith with actions that back it up; praying, serving each other and the forgotten.

“…Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:8

So daily we lay down our lives, picking up our Cross, holding to His promises.

 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”  John 14:3

Rejection No More

Medical research has discovered that one of the 3 defining characteristics of ADHD is called Rejection Sensitivity, but it’s unclear how much of this sensitivity is due to genetics and how much is triggered by the environment (i.e. bullying, being misunderstood, high-conflict homes, etc) Regardless of its origins or if one has ADHD, rejection — of all kinds — can hurt real bad. And the pain of the accompanying loss usually cuts deep and if we find ourselves in a pattern of getting rejected, we likely need greater wisdom as to the people we let into our lives or possibly even professional support to figure out why, but ultimately what can underpin our resiliency is knowing Jesus.

For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,
         And like a root out of parched ground;
         He has no stately form or majesty
         That we should look upon Him,
         Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.

He was despised and forsaken of men,
         A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
         And like one from whom men hide their face
         He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

Isaiah 53:2-3

Let’s not waste our tears for long on those who are just as flawed if not more so than we are, or on those who are compromised and corrupt.

The Holy One –who willingly became the epitome of rejection –the King of the universe — suffered a horrible death being deserted by his friends, taunted, ridiculed, sham of judicial hearing, crown of thorns, nailed to a wooden cross, given vinegar to drink, and died and then they broke his legs just to make sure. He finished it. He conquered death, Satan, on that cross. Then He descended into Hell, before He rose three days later, to let the demons know He finished it. It’s over. Satan and his thugs were forever doomed. He had made the only way for Believers to be with Him in all glory forever and ever someday. For all eternity. He gave his own life on Calvary for our eternal salvation.

How’s that for love?

Never again can we ultimately be accepted or rejected by man because the only one whose love and acceptance matters is the one who proved His love once and for all.

His death validates us.

” And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? … 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?…” Romans 8:28-29, 31-32, 35

Let us all take heart. We belong to Him.

It’s Between Us and Jesus Now

Just how many Believers are stumbling around in the tepid waters of compromised and corrupted religion called Christianity today?

Despite the thousands of Churches littering the land, it’s not likely that Believers are going to find integrity-filled and rightly interpreted preaching anymore. Not on any large scale anyhow and it’s more likely that anything resembling solid preaching is a “do as they say and not as they do” scenario. (Matt 23:3)

It’s important that we recognize these days are reflective of the days of the prophet Isaiah.

Israel’s watchmen are blind,
    they all lack knowledge;
they are all mute dogs,
    they cannot bark;
they lie around and dream,
    they love to sleep.
11 They are dogs with mighty appetites;
    they never have enough.
They are shepherds who lack understanding;
    they all turn to their own way,
    they seek their own gain. Isaiah 56:10-11

Such similarities and yet, even despite leaders with good intentions, those leaders that lack understanding — still lead the masses to a pit.

This critical time and place in our world’s history requires acceptance and resolve; the former when a humble, honest, wise voice cannot be heard, and the later to pick up our cross daily and follow Him all the way to our death — if that’s what it’ll take.

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut 31:6

It’s just between us and Jesus now.

 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The Single Eye

In dedication to my dear friend. With eternal gratitude.

The early Church obviously lived a simpler life then we do today but it was still filled with hardships and struggles, and they still had to face the same emotions in order to press through whatever the troubles of those days were. Yet, we’re told that when they were called by Jesus, immediately they left their everyday lives in order to do so.

16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:16-20

Jesus early followers were “ordinary and unschooled” men (Acts 4:13) whom, once hearing the Master’s call, didn’t hesitate. And that’s how we all need to be. No hemming and hawing. No last fling with the world. No trying to have the world with a little bit of Jesus thrown in the mix.

If we hope to have a single eye, and follow Jesus into the unknown, then we’re going to have train our mind to put Jesus at the center of everything.

We hold everything up to His light. How we spend our time, our resources — everything that’s from Him anyway. We pay attention to the words, and sermons even, that we’re taking in and what exactly it is that’s influencing us and influencing those we’re listening to. Is it money, fame, power, respect?

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. Proverbs 17

…the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. Hebrews 11:38

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 1 Cor: 18-19

Therefore, let it all go. Forget about what the world has to offer, except for how it can be used only to serve God and man.

The single eye looks like all-out devotion. It looks like a mind at work always thinking about what will please and glorify God the most in every situation. It brings peace, healing, comfort. To others and yourself.

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be  single, thy whole body shall be full of light. Matt 6:22

There’s nothing in this world that can compare to the hope of our eternal salvation and nothing worth devoting ourselves to greater than knowing Jesus and the cause of Christ. The cause that is taking as many souls with you along your journey – helping to light the path whose sight is dim or can’t see yet.

“ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” Phillipians 3:7-8

The early Church had their struggles. They followed Him with a single eye, all the way to the Cross, and so can we.

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be  single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! Matt 6:22-23

My Sheep Hear My Voice

From the 1970’s until the early 2000’s there was a zealous international Church. It rose up during an actual movement of God that swept across the country in the 70’s and because of the power of the Spirit, also flowing through the living and active Word, people repented and strived to live out the scriptures. In some ways it was truly beautiful and amazing, with all kinds of people from many different backgrounds and cultures worshipping Jesus altogether. It was powerful. Unfortunately, it was also a mess because the church’s leadership went off halfcocked and weren’t able to teach nor train the people in the righteousness of God beyond the rudimentary. Subsequently, and to be expected, severe control of the people became the standard method of operation to advance what ultimately proved to be its own agenda. Eventually, the corruption, legalistic, and over-the-top practices of the Church were exposed, and it was disastrous for thousands of peoples’ faith. For many of these folks, this church was their last attempt at trying to hang in there with “church”, and when this place also ultimately proved compromised, if not corrupt, (and that last fact could be debated) and too far off-the-mark, while they once loved Jesus, now crushed-in-spirit and disillusioned, they simply gave up on Church. To them, church and God were so enmeshed that leaving the church meant leaving God. They simply didn’t understand the difference between the 501(c)(3) church and the body of Christ and because of spiritual train-wreck many took a metaphorical bullet to the brain, never to recover. Due to the twisting of scriptures, and breakdown in reasoning, these people missed learning the true meaning of the Body and the Kingdom in the Scriptures.

Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. Prov 19:2

Sadly, we’ve all seen Church leaders and their congregations become seduced by power, money, fame, and/or getting caught up in a religious-political agenda. Too, there are even some men and women, who start non-denominational churches based upon their own twisted meanings of scriptures that are in reality far from God’s own heart.

For whatever reason(s), intentional or not, the hierarchical Church is and has been off the mark, except for a smattering of honest Clergy — and how incredibly blessed you are if you’ve been led to one! But profoundly, a competent Church leader, one who can rightly proclaim the Word of God is not the norm, resulting in the people either following suit, scattering, or left clinging to the Cross alone in that place!

“Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” Matthew 15:14


“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15

These very words of Jesus were spoken about the religious leaders 2000 years ago and here we are today. Blind guide or false prophets, disciples of Jesus need to be aware! And it may not even be for the best nor even the right thing to do to simply up and physically leave, though at times perhaps unavoidable, because it appears the majority of what we once thought of as options have not turned out to be a better option after all.

But you, Israel, my servant,
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
    and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
    I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
10 fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. IS 41:8-10

Presently, if we’re stymied in your church, surrender the reality of it all and the fact that you’re not likely able to change it. In humility seek forgiveness and make amends wherever possible because it’s likely we’ve not only become infected with the religious hypocrisy and misguided teachings that are found all too easily in today’s church, but also guilty ourselves of the whole ugly matter, at one time or another and to one degree or another.

But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Eph 5:13-14

Once we actually do start walking in the Light, it can be unsettling as our eyes and ears start to adjust, perhaps seeing and hearing more clearly for the very first time. It takes a little time to process. Don’t be dismayed. God is and has always been in control. In order to maintain peace of mind (or to regain it) and to hear the Shepherd’s voice, it’s necessary to slow down and draw close to Him; paying attention. The answers will come. Possibly even from within that church.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  John 10:27