Jesus is terrifying?

“King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.”

Matthew 2:3 NLT. (http://bible.com/116/mat.2.3.nlt)

I can understand why King Herod was deeply disturbed about the birth of the Messiah. But what about everyone else in Jerusalem? Why would the coming of the leader of the Jews be so frightening?

Well, if those people were anything like we are today, just the unknown would be enough to send an entire community into a tizzy. But they also had a vision of their savior being a "militant" leader who would rule with an iron hand. Boy, were they surprised!

What about today? Why are so many people intimidated and fearful of Christianity? Christians are under attack. How does my faith intimidate so much? The answer comes directly from the father of lies. Satan himself perpetuates the fear. He replays over and over the sins of our fathers as mean, cruel, and ruthless people. Yes, all the way back during the crusades we sinned greatly against man kind. It is brought up in every argument against Christianity. Many believe the crusades were completely necessary to keep faith alive and not be snuffed out by militant Muslims. Even so, look at our record since that time. Look at the church and the mission. Look at the servant heart that has served so many places around the world. We feed the hungry, we house the poor, we heal the sick. The power to do good in the world is fueled by the power of Jesus. It is a lie to fear Jesus. Jesus is love. Jesus is a servants heart. 

Dear Lord, I am distraught by the constant attack on our faith. I am dismayed with the depiction of Christians as mean, bigoted, and unloving. Help me Lord, to not dwell on the lies spread about my faith. Help me to constantly show my love, your love, to those around me. Help me to be above the fray and serve, even those that hate me. I praise you for your love and support through all the trials I face on this earth. You are an amazing and wonderful God of Love. Amen!

Be careful little tongue what you say!

Psalm 59 (New International Version, ©2011)

¹² For the sins of their mouths,
   for the words of their lips,
   let them be caught in their pride.
For the curses and lies they utter,
 ¹³ consume them in your wrath,
   consume them till they are no more.
Then it will be known to the ends of the earth
   that God rules over Jacob.

The tongue is a powerful tool or a powerful weapon. I guess it depends on the user. The Bible agrees:

Proverbs 18:21 (New International Version, ©2011)

 ²¹ The tongue has the power of life and death,
   and those who love it will eat its fruit.


It may seem odd that we can sin just by what we say. The obvious is a lie, or as the ten commandments state, bearing false witness. The other is also obvious, using the name of the Lord in vain. But, these verses talk about other sins of the mouth. Don't forget about curses and words of pride in ourselves.

I have to admit I can curse when I really get mad and I like it when I am recognized for my accomplishments. When is that we cross the line between inappropriate language and stating our accomplishments, to sins of pride and cursing?

Our lies, our pride, and our cursing can be damaging to others and even damaging to God. When we cross over the line with our tongue to hurt others, we will suffer the wrath of God. Those sins will not be forgotten. We, myself included, need to guard our tongue. It can do more to damage our witness and damage the kingdom than nearly any other sin we commit. We cut other down, build ourselves up to the expense of others. We lie for many reasons. We curse!

Lord, Forgive our sins. Out sins are many. We ask your help in controlling what we say. We ask your strength and grace in our sinfulness. We love you and thank you for sacrificing your son for our sins. Praise God you loved us that much! Amen!

Liar! Liar!

1 Timothy 4 (The Message)

 ^1-5The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. These liars have lied so well and for so long that they've lost their capacity for truth.

I have a strange sense of humor.  I love the recent Geico commercial with Abe Lincoln.  He is so honest that he can't even tell a little white lie to Mary about how she looks in a dress.  I think I'm weird because I can't get enough of this commercial.  I just bust out laughing. (It's apparently not that funny because Stephanie never laughs and she always looks at me strange.)

On the other hand, do you know any professional liars? I have met a few. I am amazed at their capacity to believe their own lies.  I have had students who have lied to me too. I had one situation where I even had video evidence.  This particular student stuck with their lie even though the evidence was overwhelming.

I also know a large number of people who are so gullible.  They would believe anything and often do.  They are so susceptible to the lies of the enemy. Paul says it is inevitable that some will fall away for their faith because of the lies of satan.  The lies seem so convincing.  They seem so real.  There are so many different religions today and so many people who fall for those religions as being the TRUTH.  There is only one truth.  That truth is Jesus, who was God in flesh came to Earth, walked among us, healed many, and loved us.  He loved us so much that he took it upon himself to suffer death on a cross so we could be saved.  He rose 3 days later and has gone to prepare a magnificent place for those who believe.  He will come again and all other religions and beliefs will be exposed as lies.  The followers of those lies will not survive.  Believers will live forever in eternity. Praise God!  Don't lose our capacity for truth.  Examine your heart and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free!

Dear Father in Heaven, protect me from the deceptions of this world.  Reveal to me the real truth. Help me to stay focused on THE TRUTH.  Help me to accept the truth of the Love of your son and the forgiveness of my sins! Amen.