Good decision-making ∙

Good decision-making

Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding. – Proverbs 14:33

Proverbs 2:2-11

 2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.

 3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.

 4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.

 5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.

 6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

 7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

 8 He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.

 9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.

 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.

 11 Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

Consistently making good decisions is a critical skill we can cultivate. Understanding the factors that lead to poor choices is key to improving this skill. Studies have pinpointed several factors that can hinder effective decision-making: decision fatigue (lack of mental energy, tiredness), distraction and lack of focus, lack of input (often 30% of the people give 70% of input), multitasking (lack of focus), emotions (distractive positive or negative), analysis paralysis (TMI) (Harvard Business Review). 

“How many times have we made bad decisions that cause great agitation and turmoil and cost us deeply? How often have we experienced regret, remorse, humiliation, and embarrassment because of our folly? All our fret and worry is caused by calculating without God” (Oswald Chambers).

How can we learn to make better decisions? The Father has a simple, straightforward answer: seek, acquire, and master wisdom.

Solomon set his mind to use wisdom to seek and explore all that has been done under heaven (Ecclesiastes 1:13).

Wisdom begins by coming to respect and know our Father God.

Proverbs 9:10 Respect and awe for the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

Proverbs 19:8 The one who acquires wisdom loves himself; the one who preserves understanding will prosper.

Our hearts and minds are to be shaped and ultimately ruled by the wisdom our Father so graciously imparts us (Proverbs 14:29-30, 33).

REFLECT & PRAY

How frequently do we make poor choices that result in significant losses and then experience unintended consequences of frustration, turmoil, or worse?

Father, I seek wisdom that You so generously provide without reproach. Please grant me wisdom so that I might make better decisions, grow in discernment, and live without regret.

INSIGHT

What is wisdom, and how vital is wisdom to a successful and fruitful life? A simple, handy definition of wisdom is skill for living. The Hebrew word translated as wisdom is hokmah. Hokmah originally had a sense of technical skill or aptitude. It was the word used to describe skilled craftspeople (Exodus 35:35). It came to mean the ability to apply knowledge or experience, understanding or common sense, and insight to everyday situations. Wisdom includes knowledge. However, wisdom has more to do with the practical and effective application of knowledge than knowledge itself.

Wisdom is the special capacity to intuitively understand, discern, and make sagacious decisions. Wisdom can be acquired by applying our minds to learning, comprehending, and applying the Word of God. 

Wisdom encompasses far more than mere intellectual knowledge. It transcends the realm of factual understanding and delves into the realm of practical application. Wisdom is not solely about acquiring information; it entails navigating life skillfully. It is a valuable inheritance passed from one generation to another, originating from God, the ultimate source of wisdom (Gary Holloway).

The Father intended for wisdom to reign in our hearts and minds.

 “A growing number of people in our world fail to seek God for His wisdom. Instead, they strive to satisfy their passions and desires without regard to their futures or the consequences of their decisions. This is a spiritually dangerous way to live. When we try to live apart from the counsel of God’s wisdom, we suffer disillusionment, fear, doubt, worry, and frustration. Our lives fall apart . . .” (Stanley).

As we face life’s complex challenges, what is the wisest approach to decision-making? The Scriptures are clear: seek the Father to discover His guidance and direction to fulfill His dream and purpose for our lives.

How do we acquire spiritual insight?

  • Seek Him – ask Him. Take time to pray – but in your times of prayer, don’t do all the talking. Listen for God’s still, small voice.
  • Meditate on God’s Word – You will gain insight into God’s mind and heart. 
  • Obey the principles of Scripture – Set your heart on obeying the Father and He will teach you how to apply His truth in your life. 
  • Remember the faithfulness of God – The Father has never failed to keep a single promise He has made. 
  • Seek godly counsel – share your needs and fears with those who love the Lord and you.
  • Associate with wise people – Choose your friends wisely and include the Father in every relationship (Stanley).

James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

While the Bible does not explicitly answer every intricate problem that emerges in life, it offers general principles to guide us. It doesn’t solve every problem directly with precise instructions, but God’s word equips us with foundational truths. Spiritual wisdom encompasses the practical application of knowledge to navigate everyday situations effectively. “That is why we need wisdom. Spiritual wisdom is the practical application of our Lord’s teachings to everyday situations” (MacDonald).

¯\_()_/¯ 3-30-1

© Dr. H 2023

Family resemblance ∙∙

Family resemblance ∙

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son. – Romans 8:29

1 Peter 2:21-23

 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.

 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

Family resemblance is the tendency for children or members within a collective family unit to resemble each other through various attributes, from physical looks to personality. “There is normally a degree of family resemblance between family members, where there is multiple siblings, they usually share some attributes” (Psychology Dictionary).

To varying extents, individuals exhibit the qualities and attributes of their family of origin. These encompass physical aspects like body type, facial features, eye color, and even the way they walk, as well as more abstract traits such as temperament, talents, and intelligence. It is all about genetics, DNA, and socialization.

If we act like the devil, there is probably a good reason.

When we were born into this world, we find ourselves naturally aligned with a particular spiritual family. To whose spiritual family did we belong? The answer is tragic. There are only two spiritual families on earth, the Father’s and the enemy’s (John 8:44). At one level, this is startling. It is shocking, implausible, if not seemingly unbelievable. Until something changes, every human is born into Satan’s family. The only answer to this dilemma is adoption. When we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Father adopts us into His Forever Family. We become children of the King. But there’s more.

The Father’s intended purpose is to transform us from the inside out. He desires that we lose the traits of our old family and exchange them for the characteristics of our new family traits, Father’s family. He desires that we be conformed to the qualities and attributes of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Father wants us to become like his Son (Romans 8:29). He works toward that end.

Take a moment to contemplate the profound significance of having the Lord God Almighty as our Father. What an immense privilege it is to be part of His family. How remarkable is that!

Why would we ever entertain the thought of resisting His authority and guidance in our lives? Our heavenly Father extends to us the gift of freedom under His loving authority. On the other hand, the adversary tempts us with a false notion of freedom devoid of any authority. It has not worked well for the last 6000 years of human history. 

The tremendous social and cultural upheavals of the 21st century illustrate what happens when everyone does what is right in their own eyes. They manifest the characteristics of their family of origin.

REFLECT & PRAY

What is the secret of not getting angry, not getting even, and not seeking revenge?

Father thank You for giving us such a wonderful example in Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. I want to be just like Him. Keep working on me until I possess and exhibit His characteristics and qualities.

INSIGHT

It is only natural to ask a question that lurks within our hearts. What are the characteristics of the Father’s Forever Family? What is the Father like as a person, and how does He act? The Father has answered that question magnificently. He left us a perfect example in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 1:3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.

It is God’s design and purpose that every child of the King become like His Son. He has a unique way of causing this to come to pass.

1 Peter 2:21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

In what way is the Lord Jesus Christ our example? Paul used a special Greek word to illustrate and elaborate on the concept.

The Greek word translated example is hupogrammos from hupo under and grapho write. It literally means to write under. We must know how Greek children learned the alphabet to understand its significance. They were presented with a model or pattern, an example for imitation, a master copy to imitate. Faint outlines of letters are often made on their writing materials. Then young pupils traced over them as they learned to write the letters.

The master copy was called the hupogrammos. They would practice forming the letters of the master copy until theirs were identical to it.

But there is more.

Many of us as children probably remember a particular handicraft activity. We were given a thin sheet of copper. We placed the copper over an object we wanted to make an impression of, perhaps a metal object or ceramic. We laid the copper foil over the image and gently tapped it. As we did, the image of the object below began to form in the copper foil. The impression closely resembled the object below.

In the Father’s hands, we are the copper foil. The Lord Jesus Christ is the image to be copied. When we became children of the King, the Father gently laid each of us over the pattern of His Son and began to tap. Over time, as He hammers away, the image of the Lord Jesus Christ slowly forms in us.

When the Lord Jesus Christ experienced harsh, unfair treatment, how did He respond?

1 Peter 2:22-23

 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.

 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

The Lord Jesus Christ was reviled, insulted, scorned, and despised, particularly those in authority, during His earthly ministry. He never lost control. He was a patient sufferer.

Imagine the wounds His gentle spirit and tender heart as He endured a barrage of ugly, abusive speech, rudeness, and haughty contempt. Despite this relentless onslaught, the Lord Jesus Christ remained unwavering. He never succumbed to anger, retaliated, or engaged in a tit-for-tat exchange of insults. He harbored no desire for retribution or vengeance. He frequently confronted mean-spirited accusers and hypocrites, but He was not in the business of getting even (John 8).

How was he able He do it? He kept entrusting Himself to the Father. He gave over His care and preservation entirely to His Father. He committed the outcome of the life experiences to His Father. Situations and people were continually and repeatedly handed over to His Life Coach. Consequently, the Father had complete control and direction of His life.

No matter what, His attitude was always the same: “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).

¯\_()_/¯ 7-10-1

© Dr. H 2023

I have learned to be content ∙

I have learned to be content

I have learned to be content in any circumstance. – Philippians 4:11

Philippians 4:10-13

 10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me.

 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

We’ve all been there at one time or another. Our consumer-driven society encourages the acquisition of things, activities, gadgets, and the latest and greatest in ever-increasing amounts. Consequently, we experience a nagging feeling that what we have is not quite enough. If only we had just a little bit more. We have so much to be thankful for, yet it is never enough.

But more externals do not provide lasting contentment.

Of course, we can experience greater satisfaction by making some life changes, but the easiest way to be content with our life is to modify our perspective and transform our reactions. We can learn to appreciate what we have.

Reflect upon the times when you have felt truly satisfied. What caused you to feel that way? A sense of well-being often comes when your environment is just how you want it. But that was not the case with Paul. He learned to be content in every circumstance, good or bad.

None of us can avoid every problematic situation. Paul certainly did not. However, he discovered how to face hardship and difficulty with a tranquil and settled spirit. He overcame his natural propensity to be frustrated and anxious. Here are some key lessons.

Contentment is not governed by external circumstances. Changing the situation may bring temporary relief, but satisfaction based on circumstances will always be sporadic and fleeting. It is a matter of how you think, not what you have.

Contentment flows from an inward attitude. The apostle’s inner calm came from the mindset of the Lord Jesus Christ. Choosing to trust the Savior no matter what, Paul allowed the Holy Spirit within him to rule his emotions and shape his responses.

Contentment is learned experientially. You cannot acquire this from a book or sermon because it’s a process that must be lived out. Paul learned contentment in persecution, suffering, and prison. The Father used every difficulty to transform him (Stanley).

Many situations in life can easily cause irritation, disappointment, and anxiety. Ironically, these are the very things the Father uses to develop contentment in us. Discontentment is like a lawnmower. Eventually, it runs out of gas. Sooner or later, we finally become fed up with grumbling, discontent, and dissatisfaction. At that point, we are ready to let the Father teach us His new way of living “in joyous trust” (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

Contentment flows from an inward attitude. It is not based on outward circumstances.

Father grant me the wisdom to learn to respond with tranquility and calmness to the vagaries of life. Teach me the secret of undergoing life’s difficulties entrusting myself to You for the inner strength, peace, and contentment that only You provide.

INSIGHT

What is contentment, and how do we acquire it?

Contentment is not automatic. It does not just happen. It is a skill for living that is learned. It begins with our response to the vicissitudes of life. We choose to accept and be satisfied with whatever comes our way.

The Greek word translated as content is autarkes. Autarkes means to be satisfied or to show satisfaction with things just as they are. It means to find contentment independent of external circumstances. For Paul, contentment comes from complete readiness to accept whatever the Father gives without complaining, becoming upset, or angry (NIDNTT).

When starting a new job or project, various skills, techniques, activities, and procedures must be learned. Once we master the basics, we know how to apply them effectively across multiple circumstances. The more circumstances we face, the more proficient we become, and our skill set grows. Contentment develops in much the same way. It is our “on-the-job” reactions to the ebb and flow of everyday life.

Oh, how difficult it is to be content no matter what. Yet, that is precisely what Paul had achieved.

“Paul had learned to be content and to rejoice regardless of his physical circumstances. Such contentment is not a natural gift” (Constable). 

An excellent illustration of contentment is the difference between a thermostat and a thermometer. “A thermometer doesn’t change anything around it – it just registers the temperature. It’s always going up and down. But a thermostat regulates the surroundings and changes them when they need to be changed.”

“The Apostle Paul was a thermostat. Instead of having spiritual ups and downs as the situation changed, he went right on, steadily doing his work and serving . . .. he was not the victim of circumstances but the victor over circumstances” (Wiersbe).

What a great attitude Paul developed. Paul found his contentment in the spiritual resources abundantly provided by the Lord Jesus Christ. He had learned the secret of allowing the Father to energize and empower him from within. As a result, Paul’s remarkable attitude was that I can accept all things, I can do all things, I have all things (Philippians 4:11, 13, 18) (Wiersbe).

¯\_()_/¯ 3-29-1

© Dr. H 2023

At the crossroads ∙∙

At the crossroads ∙

Ask where the old, reliable paths are. Ask where the path is that leads to blessing and follow it. If you do, you will find rest for your souls. – Jeremiah 6:16

Jeremiah 6:16-19

 16 This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’”

 17 “I posted watchmen over you who said, ‘Listen for the sound of the alarm.’ But you replied, ‘No! We won’t pay attention!’”

 18 “Therefore, listen to this, all you nations. Take note of my people’s situation.”

 19 “Listen, all the earth! I will bring disaster on my people. It is the fruit of their own schemes because they refuse to listen to me. They have rejected my word.”

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” (Edmund Burke).

“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer).

The Father God is patient and long-suffering. He graciously gives His people ample opportunities to assess their circumstances and make righteous decisions. The narrative of Israel, beginning around 1400 BC when they first entered the promised land, and extending through the era of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah, spans approximately 800 years. Throughout this extensive period, a distinct pattern emerges, characterized by repeated cycles of obedience, disobedience, warning, judgment, repentance, and restoration to obedience.

The Father God is also righteous, holy, and just.

Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!

Jeremiah warns that the Father’s patience has run its course, and now judgment is at hand. He foretells the imminent invasion of Judah, the conquest of Jerusalem, and the captivity of its inhabitants by Babylon. As Jeremiah conveys this message, his heart is heavy with sorrow, grieving deeply, and tears streaming down his face.

Jeremiah 13:17 If you still refuse to listen, I will weep alone because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears because the LORD’s flock will be led away into exile.

Lamentations 3:48 Tears stream from my eyes because of the destruction of my people!

One may assume that another opportunity would be granted or that fervent prayers could move the Father to reconsider. Ezekiel anticipated this question and answered it unequivocally.  Even if mighty champions of faith interceded on behalf of the people, the impending judgment would not be averted.

Ezekiel 14:14 Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were there, their righteousness would save no one but themselves, says the Sovereign LORD.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little” (Edmund Burke).

Father, we live in troubled times. Most of us can do little but reveal what little we must do according to Your will.

INSIGHT

Warning after warning was issued, but nobody was listening.

Jeremiah 6:10 To whom can I give warning? Who will listen when I speak? Their ears are closed, and they cannot hear. They scorn the word of the LORD. They don’t want to listen at all.

It is easy to ask how they could be so stupid and dull. Are they guilty of disobedience and an unwillingness to follow the Father’s way? The answer is regrettably yes!

The Father asked them to do two things.

Jeremiah 6:16 “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.”

They were to remember “the old ways,” that is, the Father’s truth as revealed in His Word. They were to “stand in the old ways” and “walk in the good way” (Wiersbe).

But their reply was, absolutely not!

Jeremiah 6:16 But you reply, “No, that’s not the road we want!”

They chose poorly.

Jeremiah 6:17-19

 17 I posted watchmen over you who said, ‘Listen for the sound of the alarm.’ But you replied, ‘No! We won’t pay attention!’

 18 “Therefore, listen to this, all you nations. Take note of my people’s situation.

 19 Listen, all the earth! I will bring disaster on my people. It is the fruit of their own schemes because they refuse to listen to me. They have rejected my word.

But the children of Israel are a valuable object lesson for us. It is not intended to discourage us but rather to encourage us to do what is right and have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

Romans 15:4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

The Father has called all His children to “stand in the old ways” and “walk in a good way.” Choosing His path will prove challenging because an unbelieving world may subject us to ridicule, mistreatment, and even more severe hardships. Nevertheless, the decision ultimately rests in our hands alone. It is a lonely path, but it is the right path. Therefore, choose wisely.

“Always remember, you cannot carry a cross in company. Though a man was surrounded by a vast crowd, his cross is his alone, and his carrying of it marks him as a man apart” (A. W. Tozer).

“Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever” (Thomas Jefferson).

¯\_()_/¯ 3-31-1

© Dr. H 2023

The patron saint of mediocrity ∙∙

The patron saint of mediocrity ∙

But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for the light makes everything visible. – Ephesians 5:13-14

John 3:19-21

 19 God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.

 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.

 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

Einstein was able to discover and extract secrets from the Father’s intelligently designed, created universe. From within the intricately crafted cosmos, Einstein discerned and extracted concealed truth from the structured tapestry of the universe. Einstein propelled modern physics forward with quantum leaps powered by his extraordinary insights.

Albert Einstein possessed a profound connection to Mozart, greatly admiring the composer’s work. Einstein sensed that Mozart had discovered and extracted his music in a very similar fashion. “Mozart’s music is so pure and beautiful that I see it as a reflection of the inner beauty of the universe” (Einstein). Einstein suggested that, whereas Beethoven “created” his music, Mozart’s music “seemed to have been ever-present in the universe, waiting to be discovered by the master” (Einstein).

The ethereal beauty yet sublime simplicity of Mozart’s music is depicted in the 1984 film Amadeus. In the movie, Antonio Salieri is Mozart’s antagonist. Salieri was a man of modest musical talent. But he could recognize the magnificent, unmatched talent of Mozart. Salieri adored Mozart’s music but hated Mozart himself due to his seething envy and resentment.

Salieri glances at some of Mozart’s complete handwritten, original compositions. He recognizes the sublime genius and beauty of his music. The autographs were written in one sitting without edits or errors. Salieri exclaims, “Music, finished as no music is ever finished. Displace one note, and there would be diminishment. Displace one phrase, and the structure would fall.”

Under the guise of faux friendship, Salieri “assists” Mozart in writing the composer’s final work, the Requiem Mass in D minor. Salieri desperately desires to be the equal of Mozart in the composition of music but recognizes he could never be. He acknowledges his own mediocrity. Salieri dubs himself “The Patron Saint of Mediocrity.”

The Lord Jesus Christ perceives mediocrity as a manifestation of evil, albeit with a specific aspect in mind. His focus is not on mere lack of skill or capability, as individuals naturally possess varying degrees of proficiency across different areas. Every person has a continuum of skill sets. Some of their skills are excellent, others not so much. The mediocrity that Christ deems as evil encompasses a particular kind of inadequacy or insufficiency which individuals are fully aware of yet consciously choose to deny or disregard.

Rather than working to overcome their weaknesses and improve their skills, they hide their inadequacy and incompetence and put up a false face. The hallmark of this type of mediocrity is resentment. These folks resent the capability, skill, and talent of others that engender their success and achievement. In the presence of greatness, the mediocre experience internal tremors as they fear the potential exposure of their limitations. So, it was with the religious leaders at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 3:19-20

 19 God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.

 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius” (Arthur Conan Doyle).

Father the idea of living in paltry mediocrity should be appalling to the children of the King. Convict our hearts regarding this form of evil.

INSIGHT

Two different Greek words are translated as evil in John 3:19-20. In John 3:19, the Greek term translated as evil is poneros. The semantic domain of poneros covers a broad spectrum of evil. It has the connotation of being wicked, malicious, bad, harmful, morally wrong, corrupt, vicious, or degenerate.The English word pornography is derived from this term.

In John 3:20, the Greek term translated as evil is phaulos. Phaulos does not connote something which is overtly evil or wicked. But instead, it consists of something far more subtle yet insidious: paltry mediocrity. The English word paltry is derived from phaulos. It can be translated as mediocre, insignificant, meager, worthless, good–for–nothing, depraved, or base. That which is mediocre is relatively inferior in quality, ordinary, substandard, or inadequate.

The religious leaders avoided the light because they did not want their mediocrity revealed. They refused to consider or even recognize their own inadequacies. Perhaps they had become numb or blind to them. The Lord Jesus Christ called them blind guides. They were blindly leading the people astray.

Light exposes the thoughts and deeds of darkness. One tiny candlelight illumines the darkest darkness. The world hated the Lord Jesus Christ because He accused it of doing evil (John 7:7).

People living in darkness learn to love the darkness. That is all they know. When the true light of the world comes, they reject it. They avoid the piercing light of exposure and humiliation at all costs.

The Greek word translated as exposed is elegcho. Elegcho means to scrutinize or examine carefully, bring to light, convince, convince, or bring someone to the point of recognizing wrongdoing.

What differentiates the children of the King from those who are not? “The difference between the believer and the unbeliever does not lie in the guilt or innocence of either; it lies in the different attitudes they take toward the ‘light.’ The unbeliever shrinks from the light because it exposes his sin; the believer willingly comes to the light so that his real motives may be revealed” (Tenney, EBC).

When a light is turned on in a dark room where cockroaches are present, the roaches scurry into the darkness to hide from and avoid the light. The life, words, and actions of the Lord Jesus Christ are the light of the world. They expose the evil and mediocrity of people. Their darkened souls are unmasked and laid bare. They are threatened. It is very difficult to admit their limitations. It is hard for anyone to acknowledge and accept that others might outshine them.

The fallen world is enveloped in profound darkness. It is a very dark place. Darkness is a spiritual reality, a kingdom under the domination of the enemy of our souls. Within this realm, mediocrity and degenerate wickedness emerge as the two prevailing forces, propelling the shadows deeper and perpetuating the darkness surrounding us.

“The men who followed Him were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same” (Billy Graham).

¯\_()_/¯ 10-29-1

© Dr. H 2023

%d bloggers like this: