Good Morning, Meetpastordan Readers…I know I have opened with this statement – or something of the same ilk before, but it is so real, so clear, and so true that I can’t help repeating it right now. I don’t ever want this message to sound cliché-like, so here it is: “In this crazy mixed-up world (oh yes, and also this spiritually and morally bankrupt world) in which we are living today, how can we know who, or what to trust? Is it this expert or that expert; is it a particular celebrity turned prophet; is it a particular politician espousing his/her agenda; or is it the universal truth (whatever that is), is it one of the many gods that are popular today, or is it God Jehovah of the Old and New Testament? The sad truth about that question is…there are probably as many answers as there are people answering it. The unfortunate result of that state of existence is a preponderance of uneasiness, doubt, fear, depression, anxiety or even hopelessness. The statistics relating to addictions, divorces, psychosomatic illnesses and suicides substantiate that last statement.
What is your source of joy? Where do you turn for peace and serenity? Who can you turn to for safety and security, knowing without a doubt that they will never let you down? Take a moment to ponder those questions, because in a world where truth is relative and deceit is plentiful, counterfeit solutions, which titillate our flesh and/or our intellect, more often than not enhance the downward spiral.
Do you ever fantasize about waking up tomorrow and discovering that you’re in a sane world where people aren’t wearing masks, they’re smiling, they’re looking you in the eye as they pass by, and negativity has been replaced with anticipation of a brighter future? That sounds good, right? Well…here is a wonderful roadmap to that destination, and it is found in that musty, old, outdated book called the Holy Bible. “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by changing the way you think! Then you will know how good, pleasing and perfect God’s will is for your life.”
The awesome truth of that Scripture convicts our culture at its core. “How is that”, you ask? Because God’s standard, contrary to worldly thinking, is not a list of “do’s and don’ts”, but a guideline for honoring Him and avoiding unintentional consequences. When God gave the commandments to Moses on Mt. Sanai, the Israelites were in a state of chaos in the wilderness. Our culture today is in its own state of chaos, and like the Israelites of old, the world is offering us its own versions of the “golden calf” (false gods, or idols) to fulfill our fundamental needs. Only God can fill that proverbial hole in our soul, because that’s the way He created us. Nothing short of a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ can make us whole. John 15:7-8 substantiates that statement: “But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you will produce much fruit, showing that you are My true disciples. This brings great glory to My Father!
God is described in 1John 4:7 with one word: “God IS Love!” It doesn’t say He is loving, or that He loved, but that He IS Love; His very essence is LOVE! (You can look up the definition of agape love in 1Corinthians 13:4-7) Therefore, if the very essence of God is Love, nothing can emanate from Him that is not rooted in Love: forgiveness, mercy, grace, compassion, faithfulness, goodness, kindness, acceptance, joy, fulfillment, peace, serenity, safety and security. (list 1) Those qualities portray the very nature of God. So, my question to you is… “How many of those words would you use to describe the nature of our culture right now?
In the first paragraph of this blog, I used some pretty harsh words to describe our “state of being”: “crazy-mixed up world” and “morally and spiritually bankrupt world.” I don’t believe any of the words listed in the paragraph above (list 1) are appropriate when describing our culture today. Do you? If not, what words would be appropriate? Let me help you: hatred, anger, frustration, guilt, shame, depression, anxiety, sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasure, idolatry, satanic influence, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, and addictions. (list 2) Compare these two lists. One reflects the nature of God. What is the source of the other list? (list 2)
I know that even before I write the next word, there are many who are not going to like what I have to say. I know that, because there was a time in my previous life when I too was an intellectual skeptic. As an Atheist, I obviously didn’t believe in God, but I got particularly wound up when I heard people talking about satan or the devil. “How can they be so ignorant? That’s even more outlandish than believing in God!” But when I experienced my own a radical encounter with THE TRUTH, I came to realize that the ignorant one was me.
Jesus talked extensively about satan, or the devil. He referred to him as “the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” (Ephesians 2: 2) He went on to say that, “satan is the father of lies, and there is no truth in him.” (John 8:44) Satan is the puppeteer behind the dark domain, and those who are under his power don’t even realize it. His tactics include lies and deception, schemes, and condemnation. His sole purpose is to shipwreck YOUR best effort to break-free of his grip and become a follower of Jesus Christ. Trust me when I tell you, YOU are NO match for his shenanigans! He knows YOU intimately, because you too were once part of his domain. Therefore, HE IS RELENTLESS in his pursuit of YOU!
Now that you have this important information about our adversary, satan, it should provide you with enough ammunition to answer the last question three paragraphs above; “What is the source of the other list?” (list2) You just learned that “he is the puppeteer behind the dark domain, and that he is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God”. The ugliness of the words in list 2 can only be brought to life by a heart that is filled with, hatred, anger, disgust, jealousy, greed, etc. All of the words in the second list reflect satan’s nature. He is the one who comes “to steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10)
As long as satan is the ruling power of this world, ugliness will prevail and evil will appear to be the victor. That’s why it is so important for people to learn The Truth of God’s Word. The only way to decimate satan’s lies, deceptions, schemes, and condemnations is by proclaiming the truth of God’s Word, just like Jesus did in the wilderness when He encountered satan. The more hearts that are filled with the love of God, the more our world will change. We have a challenge! The harvest is ready, but the workers are few. For those who are called by His name, the time is NOW. Political correctness and extreme tolerance must end in the church.
Feel free to respond to this message, and please share this with social media friends.
May God Bless You abundantly,
Dan Presgrave (a.k.a. Pastor Dan)
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