Arguing with God ∙∙

Arguing with God ∙∙

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me if you know so much. – Job 38:4

Job 40:1-5

 1 Then the LORD said to Job,

 2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”

 3 Then Job replied to the LORD,

 4 “I am nothing – how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand.”

 5 “I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”

“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be” (Thomas Jefferson).

“People used to say, ‘Ignorance is no excuse.’ Today, ignorance is no problem. After all, you have ‘a right to your own opinion’ – and self-esteem to boot” (Thomas Sowell).

Job argued with God (Job 38-42). Job honestly thought of himself as being qualified to do so. But he soon discovered how misguided he was. It is almost as though the Father interrupted Job while he was still thinking about what to say, and He spoke to him and said, “Hold that thought!” Then the Lord gets serious, very serious. He asked,

Job 38:1-4

 1 Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind:

 2 Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?

 3 Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.

 4 Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much.

The Father said to him, “Who do you think you are? Of all that there is to know, how much do you think you know? Before we go any further, I require that you answer some questions for Me. First of all, where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me if you know so much” (Job 38:4).

When it comes to the creation of planets, stars, and the entire cosmos, which exists in perfect harmony and balance, or maintaining and controlling the powerful forces of planet Earth such as the wind, the waters, night and day, hot and cold, or the trembling of the earth how are you doing? And then there is that matter, the existence of all matter, energy, and life itself; what part did you play? And from there, the Father begins a rather stern interrogation. He asks a series of questions that Job could not possibly know the answer to. He is doing this to make it abundantly clear to even the most casual observer that Job does not have a clue regarding the Father’s knowledge, authority, or creative power.

We might say today, “That’s above my pay grade.”

The Father’s response to Job’s questioning could be summarized as follows.

In essence, you speak in ignorance, not from knowledge. You think yourself righteous, but you are arrogant and proud. Compared to Me, you know practically nothing and are almost powerless. I am all-knowing and all-powerful. I have an eternal plan. I created everything to achieve My eternal purposes. Everything is working exactly as I planned.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Instead of weeping when a tragedy occurs in a songbird’s life, it sings away its grief. I believe we could well follow the pattern of our feathered friends” (Shakespeare).

Father I know that You can do anything, and no one can stop You. So often, I have spoken confidently about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. I take back everything foolish I ever said. I repent!

INSIGHT

“Job was sure that his speeches had been filled with wisdom and knowledge, but God’s first question put an end to that delusion: ‘Who is this that darkens My counsel with words without knowledge?’ (Job 38:2, NIV) The Living Bible paraphrases it, ‘Why are you using your ignorance to deny My providence?’ (TLB)”

“God didn’t question Job’s integrity or sincerity; He only questioned Job’s ability to explain the ways of God in the world. Job had spoken the truth about God (Job 42:7), but his speeches had lacked humility. Job thought he knew about God but didn’t realize how much he didn’t know about God. Knowledge of our own ignorance is the first step toward true wisdom” (Wiersbe).

Job gets the message loud and clear.

Job 40:1-5

 1 Then the LORD said to Job,

 2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”

 3 Then Job replied to the LORD,

 4 “I am nothing – how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand.”

 5 “I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”

Job repents and submits to the Father’s authority and wisdom.

Job 42:1-6

 1 Then Job replied to the LORD:

 2 “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.

 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I, and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.

 4 You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’

 5 I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

 6 I take back everything I said and sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”

We are living in challenging times. Our minds and emotions are heated up, and every now and then, they boil over. Rather than arguing and challenging the Father out of ignorance and limited understanding, we need to recognize the error of our ways, repent, and entrust ourselves to Him.

1 Timothy 1:5-11

 5 The aim of our instruction is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions.

 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.

 8 We know that the law is good when used correctly.

 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders.

 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching

 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.

2 Timothy 4:3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

Perhaps that time has now come!

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© Dr. H 2024

The best part of wakin’ up ∙

The best part of wakin’ up ∙

Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. – Psalms 5:3

Psalms 92:1-8

 1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High.

 2 It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening.

 4 You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.

 5 O LORD, what great works you do! And how deep are your thoughts.

 6 Only a simpleton would not know, and only a fool would not understand this:

 7 Though the wicked sprout like weeds and evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.

 8 But you, O LORD, will be exalted forever.

Whether you’re a fan of Folgers coffee or not, you undoubtedly know the jingle: “The best part of wakin’ up is Folgers in your cup!” 

This iconic jingle from Folgers Coffee was first heard in 1984 and has since become a staple in American pop culture. Each time it’s played or used, Folgers receives a royalty payment.

Well, times change. The future royalties for this tune were auctioned for $90,500 to a man identified only as Josh C. From now on, he will reap lifetime royalties every time the jingle is aired on television, radio, or online.

But was it a wise investment for Josh C.? From October 2020 to October 2021, the song raked in $11,746 in royalties. It amassed a total of $38,164 between 2011 and 2021. Hence, his investment should be recovered in a few years, and the subsequent royalties would be pure profit.

This begs the question, “Is the best part of wakin’ up, Folgers in your cup?” Many children of the King say No! They contend that the best part of waking up is a morning quiet time with the Father. It was the epicenter, the foundation of his daily life for George Washington Carver. “I have made it a rule to go out and sit . . . at four o’clock every morning and ask the good Lord what I am to do that day. Then I go ahead and do it.” (Scientists of Faith, books, google.com).

Over the centuries, many children of the King have cultivated a deep prayer life. They were thoroughly committed to prayer. They prayed extensively, frequently, and effectively.

John Hyde earned the title of the “Apostle of Prayer.” His dedication to prayer placed him amongst a select few known for their prayer lives, including Andrew Murray, George Mueller, Charles Finney, Rees Howells, EM Bounds, AW Tozer, and Leonard Ravenhill, to name a few.

One of the beautiful things about prayer is that it can be done at any time, anywhere, under any circumstances, and may address any topic. No limits are set regarding times, locations, traditions, or rituals. There is no designated time for prayer. The Scriptures open a window into the prayer habits of many righteous people.

The prophet Daniel made it a habit to pray three times daily: morning, noon, and night (Daniel 6:10). King David did the same (Psalm 55:17).

Paul urged the children of the King to engage in prayer as frequently as possible.

Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Paul exhorted every child of the King to have “a mental attitude of prayerfulness, continual personal fellowship with God, and consciousness of being in his presence throughout each day” (ESV notes).

REFLECT & PRAY

Romans 12:12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Father thank You for being accessible and willing to spend time with each one of your children. It’s truly magnificent to have fellowship with You and Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

INSIGHT

When the Lord Jesus Christ was physically present with them on planet Earth, the apostles had a remarkable opportunity. They got to hang out with the Lord Jesus Christ, spending time and rubbing shoulders with Him. That is how they came to know Him and develop a deep personal relationship with Him.

John 3:22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing.

The Greek verb, which is translated as spending time, is diatribo. It literally meant to rub continually, to wear away, to be worn smooth, to wear out by rubbing. In modern times, many wear worn-out jeans due to constant use, often intentionally torn to speed up the process. In the New Testament, diatribo is connotes spending or passing time. Today’s modern equivalent would be hanging out, rubbing shoulders, or perhaps even burning daylight.

Spending time with the Lord Jesus Christ is akin to rubbing shoulders with Him. What a remarkable, transformative experience. We are the ones who become worn down, our rough edges smoothed out by Him, resulting in us becoming different, more like Him. Every child of the King can experience this when they have a quiet time of prayer, reading the Scriptures, and reflection. We speak to Him, and He “speaks” to us. Communication is two ways.

Near the end of Apostle John’s life, he reminisced about the joy and wonder he felt spending time with the Lord Jesus Christ. Any child of the King can do the same.

1 John 1:1-4

 1 We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life.

 2 This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us.

 3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

 4 We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.

How is this possible? The Lord Jesus Christ is no longer on planet Earth; He has returned to heaven. The story of “doubting” Thomas provides some insight.

John 20:24-29

 24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came.

 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”

 26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said.

 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

 28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

 29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Though we do not see Him with our physical eyes, we see Him with the eyes of faith.

George Washington Carver made it a daily practice to set aside time to meet and commune with Him. Every morning, he would spend time with the Father and seek the Father’s game plan for the day. He had great success. His life is well worth emulating.

The best time to pray is anytime, and we should always be praying.

Are you seeing a return on your investment?

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© Dr. H 2024

Chimeras are coming ∙

Chimeras are coming ∙

In my vision that night, I saw a fourth beast – terrifying, dreadful, and very strong. It devoured and crushed its victims with huge iron teeth and trampled their remains beneath its feet. It was different from any of the other beasts, and it had ten horns. – Daniel 7:7

Revelation 13:2 This beast looked like a leopard, but it had the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion! And the dragon gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority.

In ancient Greek mythology, the Chimera was a fictitious beast with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a snake’s tail. Various types of such composite creatures, composed of mismatched parts, appear throughout the Ancient Near East’s mythology. Once considered mere products of human imagination, these chimeras are gradually becoming a reality.

Chimeras are hybrids formed from distinct species. In experimental embryology, hybrids are created by grafting an embryonic part of one animal onto another. Scientists achieved a significant breakthrough in 2017 when they created the first human-pig hybrid (Journal Cell, January 26, 2017). By 2021, both China and the US had produced embryos containing both human and monkey cells. But why this research? The intention isn’t to create new mixed-species beings but to develop a method for growing human organs for transplantation.

The Scriptures contain a plethora of fantastic composite beasts seen in dreams and visions. These accounts often portray angelic entities or servants of darkness. They are often supersized, wild-looking chimeras of creatures that do not exist on planet Earth. Their uniqueness pushes them beyond our experience and the limits of our imagination, making them indescribable.

These intimidating, frequently terrifying images seem to leap off the pages of Scripture. But what is their purpose? Why are they included?

These imposing, often terrifying images seem to jump out of the pages of Scripture. Why are they present?

Pause momentarily and think about how we emphasize things when we write. We use hyperbole, underlining, capital letters, italics, or bold characters. People in ancient times understood ethereal, abstract concepts such as omnipotence and omniscience. However, they were limited in their ability to express metaphysical ideas.

So, they used concrete images of things known to them in the natural world, such as eagles, lions, leopards, bears, or dragon-like creatures, to express the inexpressible. For example, a leopard represented speed, a bull represented strength, and a lion majesty. The Ancient Near East was replete with composite creatures: part human, part angel, and part beast. Consider the cherubim described in Ezekiel 1:14.

These extraordinary creatures are intended to provoke the reader to pause, stop, and reflect on what is written.

“In the absence of abstract philosophical tools, these images expressed the transcendent divine attributes of omnipotence and omniscience. Carrying the divine throne, the four-headed cherubim declare that Yahweh has the strength and majesty of the lion, the swiftness and mobility of the eagle, the procreative power of the bull, and the wisdom and reason of humankind” (Daniel Isaac Block).

REFLECT & PRAY

1 Thessalonians 5:3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

Father thank You for communicating to us in ways that we can begin to understand the inexplicable.

INSIGHT

Revelation 13:1-2

 1 Then I saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, with ten crowns on its horns. And written on each head were names that blasphemed God.

 2 This beast looked like a leopard, but it had the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion! And the dragon gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority.

Picture in your mind the chimera John described in his vision in Revelation 14. John was on the shore, and he saw a strange, unusual beast begin to emerge from the sea, lumbering towards him. First, he saw the ten horns bursting through the water’s surface. Soon, a head emerged with ten horns. What a bizarre image. Then, the first head was followed by a second, a third, etc., until seven heads appeared.

“John saw the body emerge as this beast came ever nearer to the shore; this body was lithe and strong, shaped like that of a leopard and with a leopard’s spots. Then, as the beast continued to wade ashore, he saw its feet, but these were not feline feet but the feet of a bear. Finally, when this strange composite beast was on dry land, it opened its mouth and roared like a lion” (M. S. Mills).

Such a composite creature is purely fictional. What does it symbolize? For believers who interpret the biblical prophecy of the end times literally, this beast signifies the Antichrist, also known as the Beast. The evil one empowers the Antichrist to carry out their apocalyptic plans for planet Earth.

Revelation 13:2 The dragon [Satan] gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority.

The inhabitants of Earth were beguiled, enamored, and captivated. They fell into a state of infatuation and fascination. They were seduced into worshipping the Beast and the Dragon. This had been the adversary’s scheme from the beginning. And now, for a brief period, he will have his way.

Revelation 13:4-8

 4 They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?”

 5 Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months.

 6 And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling – that is, those who dwell in heaven.

 7 And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation.

 8 And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast.

How does the Antichrist carry this off?

In 1953, Arnold Toynbee, an English historian, wrote, “By forcing on mankind more and more lethal weapons, and at the same time making the world more and more interdependent economically, technology has brought mankind to such a degree of distress that we are ripe for deifying any new Caesar who might succeed in bringing the world unity and peace.”

“That is all Antichrist will need to offer the world when he comes. He will say, “I am going to give you peace,” and the people will say, “Hallelujah!” and put him into office. That is the way we do it in the United States, where we are supposed to be a very cultured, educated, sophisticated, and civilized nation. The world will put Antichrist into power.”

Bishop Fulton J. Sheen wrote, “The Antichrist will come disguised as the great humanitarian. He will talk peace, prosperity, and plenty, not as a means to lead us to God, but as ends in themselves. He will explain guilt away psychologically . . ., make men shrink in shame if their fellowmen say they are not broad-minded and liberal. He will spread the lie that men will never be better until they make society better;”

“He will identify tolerance with indifference to right and wrong, truth and error; he will spread the lie that men will never be better until they make society better and thus have selfishness to provide fuel for the next revolution . . .; he will invoke religion to destroy religion; he will even speak of Christ and say that he was the greatest man who ever lived; his mission, he will say, will be to liberate men from the servitudes of superstition and Fascism, which he will never define. . ..”

“In the midst of all his seeming love for humanity and his glib talk of freedom and equality, he will have one great secret which he will tell to no one: he will not believe in God. Because his religion will be brotherhood without the fatherhood of God, he will deceive even the elect. . ..”

“In desperate need for God, he will induce modern man in his loneliness and frustration to hunger more and more for membership in a community that will give man enlargement of purpose, without any need of personal amendment and without admission of personal guilt. . . (Time magazine, Feb. 03, 1947).

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5

 4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.

 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.

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© Dr. H 2024

Sustainable power ∙∙

Sustainable power ∙∙

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” – John 7:38

John 7:37-39

 37 Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!

 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”

 39 (When he said, “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

NASA’s Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have both successfully reached “Interstellar space” and continue their cosmic journey through the Universe. Voyager 1 is a space probe launched by NASA on September 5, 1977. Voyager 2 was launched on August 20, 1977. These spacecraft have been operating for over four decades. As of January 2024, Voyager 1 was over 15 billion miles from Earth, and Voyager 2 was 12 billion miles from Earth.

How have they managed to function continuously for such a prolonged period? The answer lies in their power source.

Mankind learned to harness wind power to create sailing ships and, later, windmills. They discovered steam power for engines, motors, and tools. Similarly, internal combustion and diesel engines were developed. They require fossil fuels. Electrical energy was used to run tools, machines, appliances, cell phones, and computers.

All these power sources, including the one used by the Voyager probes, can only function as long as the energy powering them remains available.

The Father had a better idea. He created atomic energy and the sun. They will not run out of energy or turn off any time soon. As long as the sun is shining, energy is available. More recently, solar-powered cells that run off the sun’s energy were created. Solar cells allow space probes and satellites to run continuously as long as the cells face the sun. Atomic power was understood and harnessed, and radioisotope thermoelectric generators, or RTGs, were invented. The RTGs have powered Voyager 1 and 2 since their launch in 1967.

What energy source do you depend upon to live a life pleasing to the Father? Regrettably, many of the children of the King try to renew their spirits as though they were internal spiritual batteries that keep running down. They repetitively seek new “energy fixes.” They are reminiscent of a hamster on a wheel. There is lots of motion but no real progress and certainly no permanence. Whatever power or enthusiasm they tap into does not last.

Once again, the Father had a better idea. The Father supplied a power source that never runs down or wears out. It belongs to every child of the King. We need only to understand it, actualize it, and live it out in their daily lives.

REFLECT & PRAY

It is almost incredible to think that the Father would provide a sustainable, self-contained power supply for each child of the King. Yet our everlasting Father, the Almighty God, intelligently designed and created nuclear fusion and uses it to power the sun and the stars every day, everywhere, wherever they are found.

Father how I long to serve You. But on my own, I lack the power and ability to do so. Thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit when I believed. Encourage me to rely upon and utilize the Spirit’s power each day.

INSIGHT

The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has provided an internal, permanent, constantly self-generating, sustainable power source for every child of the King.

The Lord Jesus Christ exclaimed, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:38). The apostle John explains, “When he said, ‘living water,’ he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him” (John 7:39).

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would anoint and empower people. But in most cases, the empowerment was temporary. For example, this occurred in Ezekiel’s life and service as a prophet. He stated, “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon me, and he told me to say . . .” (Ezekiel 11:5). During the Old Testament era, only a chosen few of the Creator’s children had the honor of having the Holy Spirit reside within them. After confessing his wrongdoing, he pleaded, “Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalms 51:11).

During the Old Testament epoch, the Holy Spirit was with the Father’s children but did not live in them. When the Lord Jesus Christ came on the scene, all that changed. He promised to ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit as another helper. The Holy Spirit would remain in each believer forever.

During the Old Testament epoch, the Holy Spirit was with the Father’s children, but He did not live in them. When the Lord Jesus Christ came on the scene, all that changed. He promised to ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit as another helper. The Holy Spirit would remain in each believer forever.

John 14:17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth . . . he lives with you now and later will be in you.

John 14:16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.

Following His resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ assured His disciples that the arrival of the Holy Spirit was imminent. They were instructed to remain in Jerusalem and await the Holy Spirit’s coming. Upon His arrival, they would receive the ultimate power source that would never deplete or exhaust – the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 24:49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.

Acts 2:1-4

 1 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.

 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.

 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit.

There was a period of time required between the promise in the Gospels and the fulfillment in the book of Acts. This is no longer the case. We accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord; we are adopted into the Father’s Forever Family and given the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:15 You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him “Abba, Father.”

The power and energy of the Holy Spirit dwell within every child of the King. Do you enjoy and benefit from the overflow of the Holy Spirit from within, or are you like a hamster on a wheel?

How is your power source working out for you?

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© Dr. H 2024