​Believing then acting on our belief is something you and I do.
Luke 17:11-19 records the amazing, inspiring, healing miracle of ten people with leprosy.
Scenario.
Jesus and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem. Entering a “certain village” along the way, ten people with leprosy “stood at a distance from Him.”    
Leprosy was and is a horribly debilitating, disfiguring disease. A person with leprosy in Jesus’ day was socially isolated, ex-communicated from the community. A leper had to announce they were “unclean, unclean” whenever they were in public.

1. THE LEPERS HAD A SERIOUS NEED. (Verses 12-13) Though unclean outcasts, they were not embarrassed. The leprous men were desperately determined to ask for healing. From a distance they raised their voices. Loudly so Jesus could hear.
2. THEY ASKED JESUS TO HAVE MERCY ON THEM. (Verse 13). The Jewish Law and societal expectations showed them no mercy. In concert, the ten called on the “Master” to show them mercy. It was obvious to everyone observing that the mercy they sought was cleansing, healing, relief from leprosy. The ten needed a miracle.
3. THEY OBEYED WHAT JESUS TOLD THEM TO DO. (Verse 14a). They did not debate. No questions. No hesitation. They went to the Temple to report to the priests according to Jesus’ instructions. They did what Jesus told them to do.
4. AS THEY WENT, THEY WERE CLEANSED! (Verse 14b). Imagine! You are one of the lepers. Having suffered with leprosy most of your life. As you are walking to the Temple you gaze upon your flesh. The leprous skin is gone! Disappeared. In an instance. Ten lifelong lepers…unclean to clean! A healing miracle happened!!!
5. ONE OF THE TEN RETURNED, GLORIFYING GOD AND THANKING JESUS. (Verse15-16). He was a Samaritan. The Jews looked down on the Samaritans. Not Jesus. His heart was stirred with compassion as ten leprous men cried out for mercy. With His word, mercy is granted. Go. See the priests. Show them your miracle.
   •  I wonder what the priests thought when they heard the lepers story. Probably had not seen this before in their priestly duties.

 

• One healed guy came back to Jesus. One. Only one. Where were the other nine? Cleansed and shamefully ungrateful.

 

1. JESUS TOLD THE GRATEGUL, FORMER LEPER: “RISE, GO YOUR WAY, YOUR FAITH HAS MADE YOU WELL.” (Verse 19). I can only imagine how thankful and joyful the one healed leper was. I can see him leaping, dancing and praising God! Jesus said to him “Your faith has made you well.” Go your way as a former leper who has a testimony of God’s miraculous, healing power!

Note: Jesus told the ten to go to the priests. Now He tells the one thankful man to go his way as a healed man. FAITH GOES!
TRUTH: Healing was in the going because going was an act of faith in Jesus.

• Faith is active. It believes. Confesses. Obeys God’s directions. Cleansing, healing and miracles happen in the going to do what Jesus directs us to do. Then gratefully and joyously returns to give God glory and Jesus thanks for the received miracle.

Friends. Sometimes when we need cleansing, or healing or some miracle from Jesus, we sit when the Lord tells us to get up. Get off your spiritual fanny (my words, not Jesus’), do what I direct you to do. Go with faith. Believe then receive what you have asked for.
Worth Thinking About

• Are you telling Jesus specifically what you need?
• Are you obeying without questioning what Jesus tells you to do?
• Are you giving God the glory for what He has done?
• Are you thanking Jesus for what He has done?
• Are you rejoicing that your faith in Christ has made you well?
• Are you sharing with others what Jesus did for you as you were going?

Personal note: the more I walk by faith with Jesus, the more I realize faith is demonstrated by obedience to the Lord’s directions. Saying I believe is proven by taking action on that belief. To say I have faith and not act on it borders on unbelief in my book.
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST, DO YOU NEED JESUS TO HEAL YOU? RESTORE YOU? FORGIVE YOU? PROVIDE FOR YOU? PROTECT YOU? IF SO, GET UP. GET GOING TO HIM. GET GOING TO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU TO DO.
Mary, mother of Jesus “Whatever He says to you, do it.” John 2:5
A Word For Your Week: With faith-filled obedience to Jesus, RECEIVE YOUR MIRACLE AS YOU GO.
 

I do know this about His whereabouts. The Almighty One, your and my Creator and Redeemer is not hiding out in some galaxy far, far away. According to His Word, through His Son Jesus Christ, He is right here. Right now.
 
Almighty God makes His home in the hearts of Christians through the Holy Spirit.
 
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price’ therefore, glorify God in your body.”                       I Corinthians 6:19-20
 
Think with me for a moment. If as a Christian, my body is God’s temple where He resides, then why have I heard some Christians use phrases like “When God shows up”
” I am waiting for the Lord to show up.” “God hasn’t shown up yet.” “I sure hope God shows up soon.” I even heard a preacher say from the pulpit in a message recently that “God finally showed up.”
 
Sounds like God has a showing up problem, doesn’t it? I am sorry. This does not line up with scripture.
           
Our verse for this week tells us that God, speaking through Moses, assured Israel that they need not fear the opposing Canaanites in the Promised Land.
 
“You shall not dread them, for the Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.”  Deuteronomy 7:21
 
Hey, My people, listen up. No reason to fear anyone or anything. Why? Because their Lord and God, who is a “great and awesome God” would be in their midst. “In your midst” means with you. Right in the middle of things. Not somewhere out there, out of touch with your life. But right here with you every step of the way.
           
God would show up for Israel because He was there with them. Israel did not have to look for God to show up. The show was in town. God was the main attraction. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God is the God who always showed (shows)up.
 
The way I read God’s Word, the God of the Bible is a sovereign God who does show up. Because He is God who does not have to check in with anybody else before He acts, God can show up in any way He wants to.
 
 How God shows up is up to Him, not me!
 
Well-meaning, sincere people of faith can become frustrated when God does not seem to be working on their behalf. It is hard for all of us at times to wait for the Lord to work. Isaiah 64: 5 states “When You didst awesome things which we did not expect, You did come down, the mountains quaked at Your presence. For from of old they have not heard nor perceived by ear, neither has the eye seen a God besides You, WHO ACTS ON BEHALF OF THE ONE WHO WAITS FOR HIM.”
 
Could it be that God shows up on our behalf when we show up to wait on Him?
 
Maybe, just maybe this showing up thing is more about me, than God. What about daily fellowship with the God who is with us? How about worship, prayer, Bible reading, meditation, listening for God’s voice, obedience to His direction and fellowship with fellow believers in Jesus?
 
 I have a feeling if I show up to meet with Him, He will show up because He waits for me to show up!
 
Truth: God does not need to show up. I do.
 
Why We Sometimes Think God Has Not Shown Up
 

• We do not feel God’s presence. We think we must “feel” God.
• God did not show up the way we thought He should show up.
• God did not show up the way He did the last time He showed up.
• God did not show up for me the way He did for another person.
• God did not manifest Himself in some spectacular, miraculous way.
• Our theology regarding a sovereign, merciful God is messed up.
• We have erroneously followed some teaching that you must wait for God to show up.
• We do not know our Bibles well enough to know that God always shows up!!!

 
God cannot not show up. It is not possible for the God who is with us to not show up.
 
 God shows up because He has already shown up! God came to earth as Jesus. Jesus Christ is Immanuel which means “God with us.” God shows up through Jesus in our lives.
 
I have a word for any of you, who like me, like to sense God’s presence every moment of the day. I have learned and continue to learn that the Lord Jesus is with me every moment of everyday. His Word says so. Faith does not have to feel God’s presence. Faith trusts in the promise of God’s presence, especially when we do not feel like He is near.
 
Be encouraged my fellow Christian. No matter what you may be facing at this moment, God is here and near to help you victoriously overcome your challenges.
 
 GOD IS WITH YOU. HE IS FOR YOU. HE IS WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF THIS VERY MOMENT.
 
Just a thought: you and I need to rethink this “showing up” thing.
 

• Could it be that you and I are the ones that need to show up, not God? Pretty good thought huh?

 
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8
 

• If you struggle with God showing up, confess that what you think is not true. It is not biblical. Give it up. Once and for all. Immerse yourself in the Word, studying scriptures that reveal God’s omni-presence in the lives of those who choose to believe in Him.

 
My brothers and sisters in Christ have a great day because GOD IS WITH YOU!!!!!!  
                
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20b
 
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”    Joshua 1:9
 
“For He Himself has said,” I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.”                                                                                                                           Hebrews 13:5
 
A Word For Your Week: When looking for God to show up, you show up first.

​Last weekend, all over the world, Christians joyously celebrated Christ’s powerful, glorious resurrection from the dead. My heart was stirred deeply once again as I focused on the Cross and empty tomb. What a Savior!
What is incredible to me, as a follower of Christ, is that the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead resides in little old me. See Romans 8:9-11.
 Resurrection life and power is mine. Glory to God!
As I reflect on Easter 2024, I am pondering what resurrection life means for me and what my responsibility is to share my life in Christ with people who do not know Him.
I would like to share some personal thoughts about my Christian witness to America.
I love my country. I am a citizen patriot who proudly flies the Stars and Stripe at my home every day. I served as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy during the Viet Nam War.
 I firmly believe in the foundational principles of our nation that our forefathers, most who believed in God and His Word the Bible, established in our Constitution and Bill of Rights almost two hundred and fifty years ago.
Without question, the world has never known a country like ours. America has been an exceptionally great nation, a beacon of light, life and hope, bringing untold blessing to the world when it has adhered to its Judeo-Christian roots. But sadly, our spiritual/moral light has dimmed, our hope is waning, and life, the way our Maker designed it, is slowly but surely slipping into an abyss of death.
America is fast becoming a culture of death.
A spirit of darkness and Satanic evil hovers over our nation. If you do not believe me, what about the thousands of babies’ lives we terminate in their mother’s wombs every single day? What about the fact that the United States has one of, if not the highest, murder rates per capita of civilized nations? How “civilized” is that?
What about the multitudes of Americans who die agonizing, horrible deaths from drug overdoses? What about our embarrassingly high divorce rate, in our “enlightened” society? A divorce decree delivers death to family relationships. Walking out on loved ones, instead working out issues is far too commonplace.
Do I need to tell you about violent home invasions? Terrorism in our churches, malls, schools, hospitals, places of employment. Foul, filthy, profane language, which is becoming the norm, demeans people and speaks death into the lives of all of us made in the image of a Holy God.
Domestic violence, perversion of sexual relationships, sexual abuse and assault, corruption of power, disrespect for lawful authority, ambushing and killing of police officers, evil-based blockbuster movies and entertainment venues, anti-Christian talk shows, pop culture music, and video games focus on death, not life.
What troubles my heart most is that so many people, who have bought into the deceptive, death producing lies of the evil one, participate in the above. What is really disturbing, and grieves my spirit, is that some “professing” Christians behave no differently. This should not be.

• The root of a death culture is sin.

Yes, sin. Plain old defiance of God. See Romans 3:10-18, 23.  Individually and corporately shaking our arrogant fists in His holy face, willfully choosing to reject His standards for our lives. Rebellion against our Creator and defiance of His Word, instead of reverence and respect, distances men and women from life.
Death and dying is the new normal in America. Breaks my heart. What can be done?
The Bible, God’s Word, has the answer. Jesus removed the distance between death and life when He sacrificed Himself on a cruel Roman cross for our sins.
Before His death and resurrection, Jesus’ friend Lazarus had died. Standing at the foot of Lazarus’s tomb, weeping with his sisters Mary and Martha, Jesus declared to Martha “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).
What a word for grieving, hurting hearts. Death is not the end. Life is. Resurrection life. It comes through believing in Jesus who said “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6). Jesus paved the way to eternal life through His resurrection.
My friends, all of us must answer Jesus’ pivotal question to Martha “Do you believe this?”

• Steve Roll believes this. How about you?

If you are alive in Him, do not hide or hoard it. Boldly, unashamedly, unapologetically declare it. Lovingly share your faith in Jesus Christ. People are dying in the darkness. Headed for hell. Folks for whom Jesus died need to see His light in you and me because the Lord said you and I are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14-16).
May the resurrection life of Christ in you and me shed bright, redeeming light into the hearts of precious people who, though they are stumbling in the darkness and confusion, are searching for lasting answers in these evil days.
Truth is: You and me are Christ’s Goof News ambassadors sharing eternal life through faith in God’s Son.
May we be found faithful in these challenging days.
 “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to his death, in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11
A Word For Your Week: Share resurrection life in Christ with those who have lost their way.

​If you know me, you are aware that I am passionate about restoration. The Lord has given me a compassionate, tender heart and a wise, discerning spirit. Watching God work in the lives of people who are experiencing a life crisis is priceless!
Miracles happen in the hearts of broken people as the Lord mends and binds up their heartache. (See Jeremiah 30:17, Psalm 147:3, Psalm 34:18, Psalm 23:1-3, Psalm 30:11, and Matthew 11:28-30).
Over many years of restoration counseling, I have observed that certain behaviors prevent good-intentioned people from being emotionally healthy and establishing long-lasting, fulfilling, mutually satisfying relationships. As I thought about this in my study today, the Lord put on my heart to share with you ten things you and I can do to have a healthier emotional life.
I must give you a heads up. This list is not for the faint of heart. You may well see yourself in one or some of these tips. Do not be offended. Refuse to become defensive. I am not your enemy. As your brother in Christ, I am in your corner with the Lord. Choose to open your heart and allow God to search you like David did.
“Search me O God and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:23-24
When we permit the Holy Spirit to point out hurtful ways in our life, healing and health is on its way!

• Let God search your heart. Lord, here I am. Warts and all. You know what is on my flops, fumbles and failure list. You know where I fall short. Where I am not healthy emotionally. I need your help to manage my emotional life better. I surrender and submit to You. Go ahead. Examine me. Search me with the light of the Holy Spirit. Heal and restore me with the sword of the Spirit.

You have my unconditional permission to check me out. I promise no more denial, excuses, justification or rationalization on my part.

• Get off the guilt trip train. Why walk around in shame and feeling guilty when God declares you Not Guilty in Christ? (Romans 8:1-2). The blood of Jesus covers your sin and shame. Stop condemning yourself. Lay down that beat stick. Build yourself up.

 

• Stop acting like a control freak. Controllers drive away the very people they want to have in their life. No one wakes up in the morning and declares “I hope someone controls me today.” Controllers are insecure. Surrender your insecurities and trade them in for security in who you are in Christ.

 

• Stop playing the victim card. Stop sucking your thumb and dragging your emotional blankie around! No one likes adult thumb suckers. Take your thumb out of your mouth. Stop pouting. Then burn your I-am-a-victim blankie. Do it right away.

 

• Quit throwing pity-poor-me-parties. Poor me. Woe is me. Nobody cares for me. Everybody hates me. I might as well jump off a cliff. No one would miss me. Oh hogwash! Clean up your self-pity-party pig pen! Get off the pity poor me potty! Stand tall as to who the Bible says you are in Christ!

 

• Stop blame-shifting. If you want your hurt to be healed, stop pointing your finger (Isaiah 58:8-9). Oh, how you and I like to point our finger at others. Somehow, we think finger pointing will make us feel better about ourselves. Blame-shifting shows us how small and emotionally insecure we really are. With the Holy Spirit’s help, take a hard, honest look at yourself. Then adjust your attitudes and behavior accordingly. It is not everybody else’s fault. Maybe it is your fault. Ever thought of that?

 

• Stop pushing the panic button. The sky is not falling every day. Life happens. Good days and not so good ones come and go. People in perpetual crisis drive others crazy! No one wants to come running when you panic and cry wolf over and over again. Prescription for not panicking: Grow up. Get over it. Get on with it.

 

• Relinquish your drama king or queen crown. Leave the drama for the beauty pageants, soap operas and reality shows. Stop exaggerating, over thinking, over generalizing and expecting people to jump and keep adjusting your drama crown.

 

• Give up your whining about entitlement. No one owes you anything. Period. You and I brought nothing into this world and will surely exit without even our birthday suit. Whiners are not winners. You cannot build healthy relationships with emotional losers. Quit whining…. and throw away the Kleenex!

 

• Step off the stupid train. Forrest Gump said “What stupid is, stupid does.” Good line in a movie, but not an effective way to live life. Why stay stupid, doing the same dumb

thing over and over and over again? Why keep stumbling into the same emotional pothole? For goodness sake, drive around the hole in the road. Find a better way to manage your emotions.
Maybe you can add another tip or two for yourself. Get alone with the Lord and run this list by Him. Be quiet. Patient. Listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit. God loves you and will point out what you need to change in the coming days.
Please take care of yourself emotionally every day. You, your family and friends will be glad you did!
A Word For Your Week: Search my heart Lord, heal my hurts and make me emotionally healthy.

​A spirit of demonic, ever-darkening fear stalks our world, nation and people everywhere.
Frightening scenarios…troubling circumstances…unanswered questions…beyond our control tempt us to be terrified, anxiously wondering if there is hope for the future.
Satan, the enemy of our souls, along with his hell-bent minions, who pledge blind allegiance to the Evil One, work relentlessly and tirelessly to deceive, divide and destroy humanity. Through lies, falsehood, hatred, division, violence and perversion of what is pure, our spiritual enemy’s end game goal is to eradicate all that is holy, righteous, just, good and true in humanity.
Sounds depressive huh?
My friend, do not be disheartened, discouraged or depressed.
Our word for this week from Psalm 46 is God’s remedy for times like these. Read the eleven verses as a unit. I will highlight the truths revealed for our encouragement.
THEME OF THIS PSALM: God is our refuge even though the world is falling apart.

• GOD IS NEAR.

 
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Verse 1). “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.” (Verse 11)
“Very present help in trouble” means Johnny on the spot. Right with us. Near as near can     be. God is with us as our refuge, shelter. Our stronghold. Our fortress. Our strength. Our Heavenly Father has never taken a hike on us when life heats up. He cannot forsake His blood-bought sons and daughters, It is not in His holy character to abandon His children.

• Do you believe Almighty God is present, near you no matter what?

 

• DO NOT FEAR.

 
“Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.”  (Verses 2-3.)
 
Today’s fear producing issues. Economic collapse. Political upheaval. Anarchy. Terrorism. Riots. Wars and rumors of wars. Sexual perversion. Moral implosion. Eco-system disasters. Disrespect for authority. Racism and bigotry. Worldwide pandemics. Food shortages. Cataclysmic natural disasters. Christian persecution. The world without Jesus is rapidly hurtling in a handbasket toward a fiery, eternal hell.
 
The above sounds like mountains crashing into the sea to me!
 

• The word is clear: DO NOT FEAR “even though” everything falls apart around us.

 

• BE STILL AND KNOW GOD.

 
“Be still (cease striving, let go, relax) and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” Verse 10
 
My friends, cease striving. Stop trying to figure things out. Relax. Chill a little bit in God’s presence. Let Go… Let God. Hand off your anxiety, fear, and the uncertainty you feel to the Lord. As our helper and stronghold, God has got it.
 

• “Even though,” no matter what happens, God is on the spot, beside us and inside us, to take care of us! Believe it.

 

• “Even though” is no reason to fear because God is near! A very present help in trouble.

 “Even though” means life’s disasters do not rattle the Lord! Never have. Never will. Bottom line:  If God be for us, and He is, what can any human being on the earth do to us? Nothing folks!
Paul writes in Romans 8:31 “If God be for us, who can be against us.”  I heard a pastor say “If God is for us, everybody else might as well be” I say amen and amen to that!
Personal Application

• Does “Breaking News” trouble and terrify you? Leaving you discouraged, depressed, saddened and feeling hopeless?
• Do you push the proverbial panic button when unwelcome news knocks on your mind’s door?
• Are you listening to dysfunctional folks who are not managing life well currently?
• Are you dwelling on the lies of the Evil One who hates you and wants to destroy you?
• REJECT THE ABOVE! TOSS IT OUT! Resist the lies of the evil one. In Jesus’ mighty name command Satan to go back to hell where he belongs!

 

• My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, NEVER FEAR. THE GOD YOU SERVE IS NEAR.

No matter what is going on in life, be still. Know deep down in your spirit, without any doubt, that God is God. The Almighty One can and will manage any and everything life sends your way.
As long as you and I live on this fallen earth, “even though” will be part of our life. The question we must answer: will we overcome “even though” with resolute, immovable faith in the One who overcomes on our behalf?
I dare myself and you to live like that every day!
“For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken, says the Lord who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15:58
A Word For Your Week: “Even though” is a call for Christians to stand firm with confident faith in the Lord Jesus Christ no matter what is happening.

There is so much “noise” and “clutter” today in our culture, clamoring for our faith. Think about it. Political personalities, celebrities, pollsters, media darlings, elitists professors, religious superstars, military power, slick salespeople, master marketers, economic forecasts, “trending” products and services ad nauseum, in your face infomercials and more seek your and my trust.
 
 I cannot speak for you, but trust is a big, huge deal to me.
 
LIFE IS ABOUT TRUST.
 
 According to Webster trust means “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something, dependence on something future or contingent, hope, one in which confidence is placed.” 
 
My friends, trust and faith are foundational to success and satisfaction in life. Relationships with God and people must be built upon trust if they are to be healthy, productive and satisfying.
 
At seventy plus years I am convinced that as humans we must trust someone or something to make sense of life on earth.
 
When people, things, or systems break my trust, it is extremely disappointing. Generally, I am a trusting person. I want to put my faith in others and be able to rely and depend on them. But not everyone nor everything is worthy of trust. I have had trust broken by people more than once. Each time was very disheartening and disillusioning.
 
Looking around today, only the God of the Bible fits Webster’s definition to a tee.
 
Reliability based on character, strength, and truth describes God. We can put our hope and faith in our Creator because He alone can be counted on to be who He says He is and do what He says he will do.
 
Our Creator put the ability to trust within our souls. Trust originates and ends with Him. Being a God of goodness and grace, He entrusts us to decide where to put our trust.
 
Trust is up to us. Who we trust is our choice.
People, even well-meaning ones, often fall short of this standard of trust. Anyone or anything less than God is not to be our primary place of trust. That is why the Word warns us not to trust in men, or money, or military might, or anything but God Himself.
 
The psalmist knew where to put his trust. According to Psalm 143:8, Davide knew who to rely on.
 
“Let me hear Thy loving-kindness in the morning, FOR I TRUST IN THEE.” Teach me the way in which I should walk; FOR TO THEE I LIFT UP MY SOUL.” Psalm 143:8                                                                   
David believed that God alone was worthy of trust.
 
He looked and listened for God’s loving-kindness every single morning. David began the day depending on God because God was dependable. David put His faith in God because God was faithful. David trusted God to take care of every need because God was trustworthy.
 
Note that David lifted his soul up to God. Why? BECAUSE HE TRUSTED IN HIM. David put his personal faith and confidence in the Lord. It is a sad commentary on our day that so many people in our secularized society lift up and sell their souls to almost anyone or anything except the Living God who can save their soul.
 

• Have you had your heart broken because you misplaced your trust? Are you reeling from a life blow because you sold your soul to an untrustworthy person? Have you broken trust with yourself in some area of your life? Do you feel like checking out on humanity because it is hard to find someone you can truly trust?

 
Before you throw in the towel on trust, I have good news for you. Turn your eyes toward God and trust in Him.
 
With David, we can confess with confidence, “I TRUST IN THEE” because:
 

• God will never revoke His everlasting covenant with His people. (Psalm 105:8-10)
• God will never break His promises found in His Word. (I Kings 8:56)
• God will never change His mind concerning His love for us. (Micah 7:18-20)
• God will never take a hike when we are hurting. (Psalm 34:18)
• God will never abandon or forsake His faithful followers. (Hebrews 13:5-6)
• God can be trusted to meet our every need, every time. (Philippians 4:19-20)
• God can be trusted to send Jesus back to take us home to heaven! (John 14:1-6)

 
The question of the hour and every hour is: Who are you trusting in today?
 
Paul writes in Romans 10:13“Whoever believes in Him (puts their trust in Jesus Christ) will never be disappointed.” Throughout my life, people, institutions, services, products material stuff, and myself have disappointed me.
 
Because of His divine nature and holy character, God cannot and will not ever disappoint those who trust in him. If you do not want to be disappointed, trust in God.
 
I have decided to trust in the Lord who can be trusted. Trust will always be tested. With God’s help, I desire to pass the trust test.
 
I ask you once again “Who do you trust?”
 
“The steadfast of mind Thou will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee.” 
                                                                                                                        Isaiah 26:3
 
 “The fear of a man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.”                                                                                                                               Proverbs 29:25
 
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”       Proverbs 3:5-6
 
A Word For Your Week: Trust in the One who can be trusted.
 

​“From now on” is one of those attention grabbing, jump all over you phrases.
SCENARIO. John 8:1-11. Before you read on, take your Bible. Review this passage. Read it as if you were there in real time observing what happened.
OBSERVATIONS

• Jesus is teaching in the Temple. The religious police (Scribes and Pharisees) cast an adulterous woman before Him. John 8:1-2
• Who caught the woman? How did they catch her? John 8:1-4
• Where was the male offender? It takes two to tango (commit adultery).
• Could it have been one of her accusers? Just asking?
• The accusers wanted her put to death according to the Law of Moses. John 8:5-6a
• The gathered crowd is watching intently, wondering what Jesus will do with the woman. John 8:2
• The accusers tested Jesus. What a dumb thing to do you religious hypocrites. The Son of God always passes the test! John 8:6-7.
• Jesus tested the accusers. He wrote on the ground twice. Probably about sin. Maybe He wrote down each accuser’s specific sins. Hey guys, if you are sinless, cast the first stone. John 8:7-8
• Confronted and convicted, the self-righteous accusers filed out, one by one, the eldest first. John 8:9
• The woman was left alone with Jesus. John 8:9

Personally, I get a kick out of how Jesus blew the religious hypocrites away. The Lord told the bigots to stick it and go away. Pardon my French!
Now. To the significance of this biblical story.
The gathered crowd watching from the gallery, the accused woman and Jesus were alone. (Verse 9). The publicly disgraced, embarrassed, humiliated woman is one-on-one with Jesus. What was she thinking? What is Jesus going to say to me? What will happen to me?
“And straightening up, Jesus said to her “Woman, where they? Did no one condemn you? And she said “No one Lord.” And Jesus said “Neither do I condemn you.” Go your way; from now on sin no more. “ John 11:10-11
Oh my! Takes my spiritual breath away every time I think about this scenario. Do we understand what just happened to this adulterous woman? She could have been stoned to death. Life over.
Enter Jesus. The Son of God, full of love and compassion, peered into her eyes and her heart.
Woman, where are those religious bigots, accusers who dragged you in here? “No one Lord” is here. This dear woman’s accusers could not in good conscience condemn her because they are sinners too! “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.
Jesus “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way; FROM NOW ON sin no more.”
What do you think that precious woman thought? What did the assembled audience think?
Probably most of them thought who is this guy? Who forgives sin. Who gives a sinner a second chance.
 What is this lady going to do?
Here are my observations.

• I think it was eerily quiet in the Temple. I believe you could hear a pin drop. What just happened? A miracle of grace? Who is this Jesus? What is this woman going to do about her life from now on?
• The woman was emotionally blown away by Jesus’ merciful words. No condemnation. Can it be I am not condemned? The Son of God said so. My sin is forgiven. I just received a new lease on life. A second chance.
• When this redeemed, restored lady exited the Temple, new lease on life in hand, she joyfully and thankfully danced in her heart (possibly in the streets!), singing and shouting the praises of God! I think I would have.
• Personally, though we do not have any more information about this woman, I believe she went out and lived a better life! How could she not? Down the road she would learn that this Jesus shed His blood on a Cross for her and all our sins.

My friend, what do you think about Jesus’ words “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. FROM NOW ON sin no more.” The Lord’s words are for you and me.
I know what I think. Steve Roll has sinned in his life. More than once. Thankfully, I am a sinner saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). How? On October 6, 1972. I repented of my sins, asked Jesus to forgive me, received Him into my heart and chose from that day forward to trust Him, walking by faith, eternally grateful for a new life free from the condemnation of sin.

• My friend and fellow forgiven sinner, how are you and I going to live our lives from now on?

FROM NOW ON. Daily decisions. Choices. Behavior. Live life free from sin. Walk triumphantly and joyfully by faith in Jesus Christ.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. “ I John 1:9
A Word For Your Week:  From now on sin no more.

​(Author’s note. This was first written in 2017).
Maggie.
Sweet. Steal your heart smile. Spontaneous. Strong willed. Energetic. Enthusiastic. In love with life. Like a beautiful butterfly in flight, my three-year-old, free-floating granddaughter, glides into a room on a wind of innocence and purity.
While visiting with her Doodah and Grandma this past weekend, I looked at her precious face and everything in me said “innocence.”
Maggie’s take on life is simple: enjoy what God has put in front of her. And I mean enjoy! Life to Maggie is for the taking. Get after it, no matter who or what is in the way. Oftentimes baby brother Evan (nine months old) is run over when Maggie takes flight on her next adventure.
I love her innocent spirit. Like all of us, Maggie has a sinful nature which comes out in various forms from time to time. Parents and grandparents know what I mean! But, oh what I love about her is she is pure, uncorrupt, unassuming, and uncomplicated. She takes life at face value and trusts. In her little innocent heart, she believes to the best of her ability that life is good.
How refreshing to this Doodah’s heart who has lived almost seven decades and honestly needs an injection from her innocent spirit.
It is no wonder to me that Jesus said the Kingdom of God is like a child.
“And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them saying “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all. “Luke 18:15-17
The spirit of a humble, innocent child is what the spirit of God’s Kingdom is like.
I can see Jesus hugging up and playing with little ones. Laughing with them as they giggle. Having plain, old, pure fun with kids. Maybe loving the spirit of children kept Christ’s spirit young while he fulfilled His mission to be the Savior of the world.
Innocence lost is something that humanity cannot afford to lose.
 
The Spirit Of Innocence

• Innocence and purity reflect the spirit of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.
• Innocence sees life with eyes of spontaneity, curiosity and discovery.
• Innocence keeps life simple, carefree and uncomplicated.
• Innocence believes the best, shuns the worst and enjoys the moment.
• Innocence does not overthink, overanalyze or stress because life cannot always be figured out.
• Innocence looks at life with an unbiased, unprejudiced, nonjudgmental, trusting spirit.
• Innocence sees life as a day at a time and lets us milk it for all its worth!

Whatever happened to innocence? Our culture, including the church, has lost sight of innocence before the Lord. We have corrupted so much of life. Perverted what is pure. Complicated what is simple. Lost sight of what really matters.
No matter what age or stage you at are as an adult, chill out a little bit. Uncomplicate your life. Step back a step or two to days of innocence, purity and spontaneity. Too many of us “mature” people are stressed out. Wrinkles and worry fissures dot the landscape of our aging faces. Some of us look like we were baptized in lemon juice! Cranky. Negative. Uptight. Even cynical.
When was the last time you acted like a little child? (I know wives think husbands act like kids all the time!).
 I mean, how long has it been since you threw caution, not commonsense or wisdom, to the wind and unwound with a little innocent spontaneity? Who gives a rip what someone else thinks. Let innocence overwhelm.
 Life is too short and eternity too long to miss the joys and satisfaction of spontaneous innocence.
Oh, Doodah, to be like Maggie occasionally. She challenges me to get out of my old man comfort zone and enjoy life for a moment. Really enjoy the life that I have in Christ.
Maybe a dose of childlike innocence is what you need today. Ask the Lord to make your heart trust, leap, fly and run like a child. That is His will for us.
Maggie. Thank you little one for blessing dear old Doodah’s heart.
A Word For Your Week: Lighten up your life with a little innocent behavior.

​Give every aspect of my life a thorough going over. Send the search light of the Holy Spirit into the deepest recesses of my mind, heart and spirit. Examine my thoughts and actions. Let me know if they line up with the Word of God. 
 
You can only do this if you are a man or woman of INTEGRITY.
 
People with integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Their lives are an open book. The word integrity according to the dictionary means “wholeness,” “entireness” or “completeness.” The root word means untouched, intact and entire. A person of integrity is whole and has their act together. There is no division between conviction, character and conduct.
 
Someone said “What you see is what they be” applies to integrity minded people.
 
Integrity is BEING WHO YOU SAY YOU ARE and DOING WHAT YOU SAY YOU DO.
 
Does integrity matter? You bet it does. Integrity mattered to David. In Psalm 26. David is experiencing serious heat from evil men.
 
“Vindicate me O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity; and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Examine me, O Lord, and try me; Test my mind and my heart” Psalm 26:1-2
 
As the malicious assault on his character and conduct rages, the psalmist turns to the Lord. He invites God to examine His life with the purpose of vindicating and justifying him. Men are lying about him. Slinging mud. Assassinating his character. Destroying his credibility. Dead set on ruining his reputation and life.
 
But David knows who he is and knows that God knows who he is.
 
He is not afraid to look to the Lord to set the record straight. With sincerity and confidence he says, “Lord, I have trusted you without flinching or shrinking back. I have walked in my integrity. My daily life has not been hidden. Everyone has seen who I am and what I do.”
 
I love verse four where he declares “I have not walked with PRETENDERS.” David is the real deal. No pretense. No deception. No secret or double life. No duplicity. No hypocrisy for him. God’s response? He backs David up and puts the detractors down.
 
Integrity equals credibility.
 
Society is long on hypocrisy and short on integrity. Our culture promotes charlatans while pummeling and penalizing godly character. I am afraid this insidious moral infection has invaded the church of Jesus Christ.
 
Christians and the church are in an integrity crisis.
 
Ever wonder why the unbelieving world mocks us and turns their back on us? Lack of integrity. Sadly, too often, we are not who we say we are and do not do what we say we will do. It is that simple. Too often I have heard people say I will never do business with a Christian again. I will not listen to Christians because so many are so hypocritical.
 
This lost world will not listen to the Gospel if God’s people are phony.
 
Life may be short, but it gives most people time to outlive their intentions. Integrity has nothing to do with good intentions. It has everything to do with good behavior.
 
I have known a businessman for fourteen years. I love him as a brother in Christ, call him friend, but have no respect for him as an integrity minded person. Repeatedly, he tells me what he is going to do, and he never comes through. Good intentions. Bad integrity. I will never trust him to assist me with something that is significant because he is not who he says he is and does not do what he says he will do.
 
Lack of integrity is inner dishonesty.
 
Is it any wonder some Christians have trouble living in a Christlike, healthy, wholesome and productive manner with themselves and others. They are not honest. Bless their hearts--they are not who they say they are and do not do what they say they do.
 
 INTEGRITY MEANS…
 

• You are a person of your word.
• You deliver what you promise.
• You can be counted on to come through.
• You are credible and trustworthy.
• You are a person who righteous men stand up and declare” There goes a person of integrity.”
• INTEGRITY means you are not PHONY BOLOGNA!!!

 
INTEGRITY CHECK: Do you keep your word? Do you keep appointments? Arrive on time? Pay your bills? Deliver promised products and services? Honor your prices? Do your wife and kids believe your words? Do they respect your behavior? Are they proud of who you are at home and in public?
 
This devotional is tough. Why? Because we know who we are and what we do or do not do better than anyone else except for Almighty God who knows and sees all things.
 
JUST A THOUGHT WORTH THINKING ABOUT.
 
Why not start today and help turn the tide of integrity? THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD ARE IN DESPERATE NEED IN THESE LAST DAYS TO BE INFLUENCED BY PEOPLE OF INTEGRITY.  
 
Integrity matters if you desire to be Christlike and win lost souls to Jesus.
 
“But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity….”   Psalm 26:11
 
“Vindicate me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me.” Psalm 7:8
 

• BE WHO YOU SAY YOU ARE AND DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU DO!!!

 
A Word For Your Week: If you want God to stand up for you, stand up for Him with a life of biblical integrity.

Accountability. Transparency.
Two very familiar, over-used, increasingly empty words many people in our culture use as an expectation of others. But seldom of themselves. Of course, I did not mean me or you!​​

• To be accountable means to give an account, record, be answerable, responsible for our life.
• To be transparent means to appear, show oneself, an open book, non-secretive.

Certainly, there should be transparency and accountability in our personal and corporate lives.
But, and it is a BIG BUT, where can you find it today? Seems to me everybody wants everyone else to be accountable and transparent. Truth be told: those who call, clamor for, and demand accountability and transparency, are often those arrogant, stuck-on- themselves folks who refuse to be transparent and give an account of their life.
Sad. But oh, so true.
General negative attitude to being accountable and transparent. Me? Accountable? You must be kidding. I do not have to give an account to anybody for anything. Not God. Not any person. My life is nobody else’s business. But others must give an account and be transparent with me.
May I ask? When did each of us become a deserted island bordered by I, me, mine and myself? The fact is all of us share space with eight billion fellow human beings on earth while we live the life our Creator gave us.
In the United States, we have entered an election season. (Oh, happy days!). Politicians running for office declare” I will be the most accountable and transparent servant of the people our nation has ever seen.”  (GAG!!!). You and I have heard that song and dance before. Then scratched our head in disbelief about certain candidates!
Fellow Christians, let us be biblical during this time and every day of our lives. You and I who profess Jesus as our Lord and Savior are accountable to Him, to fellow Christians and to the unsaved. Our life should be an open book of God’s Good News!!!  
Jesus taught about giving an account and transparent living. Read Matthew 12:26, Matthew 18:23, Luke 16:2. The Lord was an open book to the disciples. He hid nothing. He told them the truth and lived truth in their presence for three years.
The Apostle Paul writes about accountability in Romans 14:12-13.
“So then, each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore; but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or stumbling block in a brother’s way.”
After reading those words, you and I need to get on our faces before the Lord, take care of our business and repent of judging another brother’s life.
Paul pointed out two important truths.

1. Each of us, you and me, will give an account to God. We will stand before His holy presence one day. The book or our life and testimony will be opened. The transparent light of glory will shine on how we represented and honored the Lord Jesus Christ.

Steve Roll will give an open book account of Steve Roll’s life.

1. Because we give an account of our own life, we do not get to judge a brother’s life. Brothers and sisters in Christ will answer for themselves. Jesus made it crystal clear not to judge others. (Matthew 7:1-5).

Just a thought my friends. Politicians should be accountable to voters, physicians accountable to patients, lawyers to clients, CEOs to employees and customers, teachers to students and their parents, bosses to employees, employees to bosses, Pastors to church members, church members to fellow members and church leaders, husbands and wives to one another and to their children.
On, and on and on. You and I should be accountable and transparent with our Creator and our fellow human creatures.

• PARENTS: please teach your children Biblical accountability and transparency. The world will not. Instruct your kids from the Word of God and by your personal example.

The Bible is a book about accountability. From Genesis (Adam and Eve) to Revelation (all of us before God’s throne), we human beings, created by Almighty God in His image are accountable to answer to Him. God created us to be accountable and transparent to Him, others and ourselves.
 Blessings/Benefits of accountability and transparency.

• Being accountable and transparent is a mark of personal growth and maturity.
• Being an accountable, transparent person means you can be trusted.
• Being accountable and transparent results in others respecting you.
• Being accountable and transparent means you do not have to hide anything.
• Being accountable and transparent makes you pleasing to God and the people you care about.
• Being accountable and transparent produces a good, clear conscience night’s sleep.

My friend, how about you? Personally accountable? Transparent? If God called you home to heaven today, what would your life account look like?
A Word For Your Week: Christlike accountability and transparency make for a conscience clear life….and a peacef