The New You ∙

The New You ∙

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. – Galatians 5:16

John 3:3-7

 7 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.

 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’

The New You Plan: A Path to a Healthier Lifestyle

In October 2009, Julie-Ann Muldoon introduced The New You Plan in Northern Ireland. This program has since transformed the lives of thousands by helping them embrace healthier lifestyles and achieve personal goals. This innovative approach to health and wellness combines nutrition, mindset, and support to create lasting change.

A Nutritionally Complete Approach

The New You Plan is built around a Total Food Replacement (TFR) diet, offering a nutritionally complete solution for weight loss and health improvement. However, achieving a healthy lifestyle goes beyond just food choices. It requires a shift in mindset and intentional decision-making. Many people mistakenly believe that being unhealthy is a natural state, but in reality, it often stems from a lack of knowledge about proper nutrition and poor life habits.

The Five Core Areas of The New You Plan

The program is structured around five essential pillars, each designed to support participants in their journey toward health and wellness:

  1. Meals: With over 40 nutritionally complete diet meals available, participants have a variety of options to suit their tastes and needs.
  2. Motivation: A vibrant online support group provides encouragement and accountability throughout the process.
  3. Mindset: Professional life coaching is available to help individuals reshape their relationship with food and develop a healthier perspective.
  4. Maintenance: After reaching a healthy target weight, participants can join the Momentum Maintainers group for lifelong support to sustain their progress.
  5. Move: Gentle movement, such as stretching and mild exercise, is encouraged to complement the dietary and mental aspects of the plan.

The Inner You: A Parallel to Spiritual Formation

As John Ortberg aptly states, “Just as there is an ‘outer you’ that is being formed and shaped all the time, like it or not, by accident or on purpose, so there is an ‘inner you.’ You have a spirit. And it’s constantly being shaped and tugged at: by what you hear and watch and say and read and think and experience.”

While the outer self can be transformed through diet and exercise, the inner self requires spiritual formation. Unfortunately, the inner self is born in an unhealthy state, physically alive but spiritually dead. To achieve spiritual health, one must undergo a process of renewal and alignment with God’s purpose.

REFLECT & PRAY

Spiritual Formation: Aligning with God’s Goals

Spiritual formation mirrors the journey of developing a healthy lifestyle. It involves intentional focus on the spirit, mind, and choices. This transformation begins with being born again through the Spirit of God, allowing individuals to live in alignment with the Father’s goals for their lives.

As Romans 13:14 reminds us, “Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And do not let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”

Father, thank You for giving me a new nature and the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower and motivate better life choices.

INSIGHT

The Inner Conflict: A Spiritual Civil War

 

Before becoming children of the King, we were controlled entirely by our sinful nature. It was the only option available to us. However, when we were born again through the work of the Holy Spirit, we became spiritually alive. This transformation opened the door for the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. Yet, the sinful nature remains, creating an ongoing internal struggle, a spiritual civil war.

The Struggle Within: A Battle of Opposites

 

The Apostle Paul vividly describes this inner conflict in Romans 7:14-23: “So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate . . . I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway . . . I have discovered a principle of life: when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.”

This passage highlights the spiritual schizophrenia we experience. Within us exists the desire to do good, driven by the Spirit of God, and the desire to do evil, fueled by the sinful nature. These opposing forces are in constant conflict.

The Spiritual Parallel to Dieting

 

Anyone who has ever attempted to diet understands this tension. The desire to indulge in unhealthy habits clashes with the aspiration to live out “the new you.” Similarly, in the spiritual realm, we face competing cravings: the Spirit’s guidance versus the flesh’s temptations.

Paul addresses this struggle in Galatians 5:16-17: “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you will not be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.”

The Cherokee Legend of the Two Wolves

 

The Cherokee legend of the Two Wolves beautifully illustrates this internal battle. An elder tells his grandson about a fight raging within him: “One wolf is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.”

When the grandson asks, “Which wolf will win?” the elder replies, “The one you feed.”

This wisdom aligns with Paul’s teaching in Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” The choice of which “wolf” to feed determines the direction of our lives.

The Fruit of the Spirit vs. The Works of the Flesh

 

The Cherokee legend parallels the contrast between the output of the sinful nature’s production and the fruit of the Spirit. Paul outlines these opposing outcomes in Galatians 5:19-23: “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

The works of the flesh represent the “evil wolf,” while the fruit of the Spirit embodies the “good wolf.” Every day, we face the choice of which to nurture.

Living Out the New You

 

Spiritual formation is the process of living out the “new you” while starving the “old you.” It requires intentionality, discipline, support, a willingness to change, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Just as a healthy lifestyle involves consistent effort and wise choices, so does spiritual growth.

By focusing on both the outer and inner self, we can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. Consider how you can align your daily life with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, feeding the “good wolf” and allowing the fruit of the Spirit to flourish.

What would the five core areas of your personal “New You Plan” for living in the Spirit be?

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© Dr. H 2025

Who has your back? ∙

Who has your back? ∙

I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, LORD, for you are a faithful God. – Psalms 31:5

Psalms 31:1-10

 1 O LORD, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me, for you do what is right.

 2 Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe.

 3 You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.

 5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit. Rescue me, LORD, for you are a faithful God.

 7 I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.

 8 You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place.

 9 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away.

 10 I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within.

The Demands of Gymnastics

Modern gymnastics is a sport that demands a unique blend of physical strength, mental focus, and unwavering dedication. Gymnasts must develop strength, agility, coordination, endurance, and balance to succeed. These qualities are not innate but are developed through years of disciplined practice and steadfast commitment.

Gymnasts dedicate themselves to mastering complex techniques, enabling them to perform at elite levels. Their skills are displayed on various apparatuses, each presenting its own challenges. From the rings and balance beam to the pommel horse, high bar, parallel bars, and uneven bars, gymnasts must adapt to the specific demands of each event. The uneven bars, in particular, highlight the difficulty of maintaining balance and control in an unstable setting. Just as gymnasts depend on their training and resilience to handle this apparatus, we too must rely on faith and trust to navigate the uneven circumstances of life.

David’s Uneven Ground in Psalm 31

In Psalm 31, David expresses profound exhaustion and despair. Feeling fatigued and overwhelmed, he turns to the Father for comfort and rescue. David remembers God’s past faithfulness and confidently expects His involvement again. This trust is not based on David’s merit but on the steadfast character of God. Jacobson and Tanner emphasize this idea, stating, “The key words refuge, deliver, rescue, a rock of refuge, fortified dwelling, save, cave, and fortification. God is seen as a place of safety in troubled times, and God is called upon to save and rescue, not because of the one praying, but because of God’s own character.”

David’s life was filled with uneven ground, moments of triumph and failure, safety and danger, joy and sorrow. Yet, he stood firmly and securely, trusting in the Father to guide and protect him.

The Uneven Ground of Life

As children of the King, we often find ourselves facing uneven circumstances in our walk with Him. These challenges can come from our own sins and poor decisions, as David himself acknowledges:  Psalms 31:10: “Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within.”

At other times, difficulties come through no fault of our own, as we face persecution or harassment from others: Psalms 31:8: “You have not handed me over to my enemies.”

Why does the Father allow His children to face such trials? These moments of instability are opportunities for growth, teaching us to live by faith and depend on Him to maintain balance: Psalms 119:67: “Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I closely follow your word.”

David’s Faith and Trust in the Father

Both major victories and deep struggles defined David’s life. He was a skilled warrior and known as a man after God’s own heart, but he was also vulnerable and imperfect. His character flaws and personal failures often mirrored the scandals we see in our own times. Despite these difficulties, David fully depended on God, trusting Him to protect and guard him.

David unequivocally declares in Psalms 31:3-7: “You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger. Into Your hand I commit my spirit. Rescue me, LORD, for you are a faithful God. I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.”

David’s example teaches us how to face life’s most challenging moments. By trusting in the Father, he found strength, comfort, and rescue. His declaration, “Into Your hand I commit my spirit,” shows a deep and lasting faith in God’s sovereignty and care.

Stanley captures this truth, stating, “When we place our trust in God through Christ, He becomes our stronghold and identifies us with Him forever. Our destiny is bound up with His future.”

Trusting the Father on Uneven Ground

Life is often uneven, presenting challenges that test our faith and resilience. While we cannot always change the circumstances in which the Father has placed us, we can control how we respond. Like David, we can commit our spirit into His hands, trusting Him to guide and sustain us through every trial.

REFLECT & PRAY

The uneven ground of life is not meant to defeat us but to strengthen our faith and increase our dependence on the Father. Just as a gymnast relies on training and focus to navigate the uneven bars, we must depend on God’s Word and His faithfulness to keep our balance in the face of life’s challenges.

Father, I have spent much of my life searching in vain for someone I could trust and depend on. Finally, I realized that it was You! Time and again, You have rescued me and helped me through. I commit my spirit into Your hands.

INSIGHT

David – A Life Rooted in Faith

David’s life was deeply centered on God, grounded in his strong faith. He fully trusted the Father fully and sought to honor and glorify Him in everything he did. This trust was not just passive acceptance of life’s challenges but a conscious choice to entrust his life to the Father.

David refused to be defeated by life’s unpredictable and often tough realities. Instead, he consciously chose to entrust his spirit to the Father. This act of surrender was not half-hearted or hesitant; David was fully committed, holding nothing back. His deep trust naturally grew from his close relationship with the Father.

David’s Affection for the Father

One defining characteristic of David’s life was his deep affection for the Father. He wasn’t just obedient or reverent; he was truly in love with Him. This love stemmed from personal experiences. David had felt the closeness and intimacy of God’s presence. He had witnessed the Father’s marvelous and wondrous acts in his life, and he knew what it meant to be truly loved by Him.

Because David understood the depth of the Father’s love, he was confident that God was fully aware of his struggles. This confidence provided him with the assurance that the Father would guide him through any hardship. As 1 John 4:16-18 reminds us: “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”

David’s trust in the Father was grounded in perfect love, a love that drives out fear and offers a foundation of security and peace.

Committing His Spirit to the Father

In Psalms 31:5, David declares, “Into Your hand I commit my spirit.” The Hebrew verb translated as “commit” is paqad, which carries a rich and profound meaning. Paqad means “to entrust, to turn over for safekeeping, to leave in the care of, and to leave in custody.” It also conveys the idea of “allowing someone to carefully examine and take note of your circumstances, then respond appropriately.”

David’s enemies were against him, but he knew he was safe in the Father’s hands. As he states in Psalms 31:8: “You have not handed me over to my enemies.” And again in Psalms 31:15: “My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.”

David’s act of committing his spirit to the Father was an expression of absolute trust. He entrusted his life to the Father for safety, confident that God’s hands were much more secure than the hands of his enemies.

A Prayer of Trust Echoed by Christ

The Lord Jesus Christ later echoed David’s prayer of trust in Psalms 31:5 during His crucifixion. In Luke 23:46, Jesus prayed, “Into your hands, I commit my spirit.” This parallel highlights the ultimate example of surrender and trust in the Father’s care.

Both David and Christ demonstrate that true faith means trusting the Father with every part of our lives, even when facing danger, uncertainty, or death.

The Question of Trust

When we find ourselves on uneven ground, facing challenges and uncertainties, the question comes up: into whose hands do we commit our spirit? David’s example reminds us that the safest place to entrust our lives is in the hands of the Father. His hands are strong, secure, and guided by perfect love.

The Hebrew concept of paqad encourages us to surrender our lives to the Father, trusting Him to examine our circumstances and respond with wisdom and compassion. Just as David and Christ entrusted their spirits to the Father, we too can find peace and security in His hands, regardless of how unstable the ground beneath us might feel.

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© Dr. H 2025

False Prophets – Ravenous Swindlers

False Prophets – Ravenous Swindlers

I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. – Acts 20:29

Matthew 7:15-20

 15 Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.

 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by how they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?

 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.

 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.

 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire.

 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit so that you can identify people by their actions.

Camouflage in the Natural and Spiritual Realms

In the natural world, creatures use camouflage to conceal their location, identity, and movements. This survival tactic is not limited to animals; soldiers and hunters also use camouflage to blend into their surroundings and stay unseen. Likewise, false prophets employ a spiritual form of camouflage, presenting themselves as righteous and trustworthy while hiding their true nature. On the outside, they seem good, but inside, their hearts are corrupt and self-serving.

False prophets are often compared to wolves in sheep’s clothing, a metaphor that vividly illustrates their deceptive nature. A shepherd, tending his flock on a hillside, traditionally wore a sheepskin garment with the fleece turned inward. However, wearing a shepherd’s attire does not make one a shepherd. In the same way, false prophets may adopt the outward appearance of a prophet, but their lives and actions reveal their true character.

In biblical times, prophets were distinguished by their unique appearance. For example, they wore a hairy mantle (1 Kings 19:13, 19; 2 Kings 1:8). As Barclay explains, the sheepskin mantle became a symbol of prophets, much like how the philosophers’ robe represented Greek philosophers. However, some people wore the prophet’s cloak without truly deserving it.

Zechariah foresaw a time when such deception would be exposed. He writes in Zechariah 13:4: “On that day, people will be ashamed to claim the prophetic gift. No one will pretend to be a prophet by wearing a prophet’s clothes.”

The Role of True Prophets and the Rise of False Ones

Since the time of Moses, God has sent prophets as His messengers to deliver His words to the people. A true prophet delivered messages directly from God, often starting with the phrase, “Thus says the Lord.” However, the authority and respect given to prophets created a temptation for some to falsely claim divine inspiration. As Leon Morris notes: “False prophets were people who claimed falsely to speak in the name of God.”

Throughout Israel’s history, false prophets were a persistent problem. Figures like Balaam, a prophet for hire (Numbers 22-24), and others such as Ahab, Zedekiah, and Shemaiah (Jeremiah 29:21, 31) exemplify the deceit and self-interest that characterized these individuals.

False prophets often told the people what they wanted to hear, offering messages of comfort and hope even when judgment was imminent. Why? Sad to say, but it didn’t matter whether or not the messages of the false prophets were genuine or a word from the Father. All that mattered was that it made the people feel good.

Jeremiah lamented this tragic reality, Jeremiah 5:31: “The prophets give false prophecies, and the priests rule with an iron hand. Worse yet, my people like it that way!” Their words were not from God but were crafted to please the people, often at the expense of truth.

Jeremiah warned in Jeremiah 23:16: “Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They do not speak for the LORD!”

In Jeremiah 14:14, Jeremiah adds, “These prophets are telling lies in my name. I neither sent them nor told them to speak. I did not give them any messages. They prophesy of visions and revelations they have never seen or heard. They speak foolishness made up in their own lying hearts.”

Has there been any significant change in the 21st century? Not really, except that the situation seems to be deteriorating, going from bad to worse as the Lord Jesus Christ predicted.

REFLECT & PRAY

How tragic Isaiah writes, Isaiah 30:10 “[The people] tell the seers, ‘Stop seeing visions!’ They tell the prophets, ‘Don’t tell us what is right. Tell us pleasant things. Tell us lies.’”

Father, what a bleak and pathetic situation we face. Throughout the ages, Your people have turned their backs on the messages of Your servants, the prophets. They prefer lies and comforting words that make them feel good rather than confronting the truth. Deep down, am I any different? Father, save me from myself.

INSIGHT

The Persistence of Deception in the Modern Age

The problem of false prophets is not confined to the past. Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 24:24 that in the last days, they would arise: “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.”

In the 21st century, the situation has only worsened. False teachers and prophets continue to exploit people’s desires for comfort, success, and affirmation, often putting personal gain above truth.

Recognizing False Prophets: The Test of Fruit

How can believers identify false prophets? Jesus provides the answer: by examining their fruit. While their words may sound convincing, their actions and lives reveal their true nature.

The words of false religious teachers and prophets may not easily give them away except to the most discerning. What does? The fruit of their lives. The fruit of a person is shown in how they live and behave. Sometimes, the disguise and camouflage are so perfect that a person’s real character stays hidden. But eventually, it comes to light. Actually, their fruit is rotten.

The Greek word harpax, translated as “ravenous” or “vicious,” describes their “destructive greed and self-interest.” Harpax is often translated as robber or swindler. It refers to someone who is rapacious, excessively greedy, grasping, or destructive. The English word harpoon comes from harpax.

As Barclay explains: “The basic fault of false prophets is self-interest. True shepherds care for the flock more than they care for their own lives; wolves care for nothing but to satisfy their own gluttony and greed.”

False prophets often exhibit three key characteristics:

  1. The desire for personal gain: They focus on wealth and material success more than helping others.
  2. The desire for Prestige: They seek recognition and power, using their position to elevate themselves rather than honor God.
  3. Commitment to Self-Promotion: They promote their own ideas instead of faithfully teaching the Word of God.

In 1 John 2:16, John warns against these worldly desires: “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father but are from this world.”

The True Prophet: A Servant of God

In contrast to false prophets, true prophets are humble servants of God who faithfully deliver His message. John Brown, an 18th-century minister in Scotland, exemplified this humility. He was known to pause during his sermons, as if listening for God’s voice. Barclay describes the true prophet’s role: “True prophets listen to God before they speak. They never forget that they are nothing more than voices to speak for God and channels through which God’s grace can come to men and women.”

The great privilege of a true prophet is the opportunity to open others’ minds to the truth of the Word of God.

The Narrow Path and the Danger of Wolves

Walking the narrow path of faith is challenging, and few manage to find it. Along this path, dangers do not always present themselves as roaring lions. Sometimes, they come disguised as fellow travelers or guides, only to reveal themselves as wolves seeking to devour.

Children of the King must remain vigilant and discerning regarding the words and actions of those who claim to speak for God. By staying rooted in Scripture and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the children of the King can navigate this narrow path and avoid the traps set by false prophets.

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© Dr. H 2025

Turn to the Lord and see ∙

Turn to the Lord and see ∙

Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. – Jeremiah 5:21

Jeremiah 5:21-23

 21 Listen, you foolish and senseless people, with eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear.

 22 Have you no respect for me? Why don’t you tremble in my presence? I, the LORD, define the ocean’s sandy shoreline as an everlasting boundary that the waters cannot cross. The waves may toss and roar, but they can never pass the boundaries I set.

 23 But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and abandoned me.

What is Myopia?

Myopia,often called near-sightedness or short-sightedness, is a vision disorder where distant objects look blurry, but close objects stay clear. This condition happens when light entering the eye is refracted incorrectly, causing images to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. Myopia is common and can greatly affect daily life, but it is easily treatable.

Correcting Myopia

The most common solutions for myopia include corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, and surgical procedures. Among surgical options, LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is the most popular. This advanced procedure uses a computer-controlled cold laser to reshape the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. LASIK has become a reliable and effective method for restoring clear vision.

Spiritual Myopia: A Deeper Blindness

While physical myopia affects our ability to see the world around us, spiritual myopia is a far more profound condition. It is a characteristic of fallen humanity, rooted in our sinful nature. Just as physical myopia distorts our vision, spiritual myopia limits our perception of truth and reality, leaving us blind to the things of God.

Burton L. Goddard draws a parallel between physical and spiritual blindness, stating: “Although we have much sympathy for a man who cannot read because his eyes are sightless, our attitude is much different toward one who has never learned to read because of laziness or stubbornness. In a country where everyone has an opportunity to learn to read and write, illiteracy is regarded as an inexcusable tragedy. Spiritual illiteracy is a little different. God is not sparing in His denunciation of those who have had a chance to know Him and His salvation but have despised the opportunity.”

This spiritual blindness is not just a lack of knowledge but a stubborn resistance to God’s truth. It creates a veil that veils the mind and heart, preventing individuals from grasping the reality of God’s salvation.

The Veil of Spiritual Blindness

The Apostle Paul addresses this condition in 2 Corinthians 3:14-16, where he describes the spiritual veil that blinds humanity: “But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Yes, even today, when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”

This passage reveals that spiritual blindness is not permanent. The veil can be removed when people turn to Christ in faith. Through Him, the truth becomes clear, and spiritual reality is revealed.

REFLECT & PRAY

God is actively engaged in human history, shaping His redemptive plans and inviting His people to join in His purposes. As Henry Blackaby notes, “The Father is always working on earth to accomplish His divine purposes. God is orchestrating history. He is present and in the middle of human activity, and He chooses to involve His servants in carrying out His redemptive plans.”

Father, You are always speaking and working to fulfill Your purposes. Forgive my stubbornness and my tendency to rely on my own understanding. Open my eyes to see Your truth and my ears to hear Your voice. Remove the veil from my heart so I can fully embrace Your redemptive plans. 

INSIGHT

The Tragedy of Spiritual Blindness and Deafness

The Father continually reaches out to those who do not know Him, inviting them to see and hear His truth. Yet, many remain resistant, obtuse, and spiritually blind. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God delivers a sharp indictment against the people of Judah, accusing them of refusing to use their eyes to see or their ears to hear His voice. This reminds us that God is not distant or detached but deeply committed to revealing His truth and restoring humanity’s spiritual sight. Jeremiah 5:21: “Listen, you foolish and senseless people, with eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear.”

Jeremiah’s words are straightforward and unyielding, calling the people “foolish and senseless” for their hardened hearts and reluctance to heed God’s warnings. Their spiritual blindness left them unaware of their dire condition, as they worshipped lifeless idols that could offer no help or hope.

The Futility of Idolatry

Judah’s worship of idols revealed how little they understood spiritually. They trusted in man-made objects, wooden and stone idols, that could not save them. The prophets Habakkuk and Isaiah clearly describe the foolishness of idol worship. Habakkuk 2:18 states: “What good is an idol carved by man, or a cast image that deceives you? How foolish to trust in your own creation, a god that can’t even talk!”

Isaiah 44:19-20 concurs: “The person who made the idol never stops to reflect, ‘Why, it’s just a block of wood! … How can the rest of it be a god?’”

These idols, regardless of how splendidly decorated with gold or silver, were lifeless and unable to move. Jeremiah 10:5 mocks their helplessness, comparing them to scarecrows in a field: “Their gods are like helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field! They cannot speak, and they need to be carried because they cannot walk.”

Despite witnessing God’s mighty works, His deliverance from Egypt, His provision in the wilderness, and His ongoing care, the people of Judah remained spiritually dull, unable to comprehend the greatness of the living God.

The Root of Spiritual Blindness

The spiritual blindness of Judah was not just a failure of perception; it reflected a deep-rooted condition of the heart. As Moses lamented in Deuteronomy 29:4, at the end of Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness: “But to this day the LORD has not given you minds that understand, nor eyes that see, nor ears that hear!”

The spiritual blindness of Judah was not just a failure of perception; it revealed a deep-rooted condition of the heart, as Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 3:14-15: “But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth.”

Without divine intervention, humanity remains trapped in spiritual ignorance and cannot grasp the truth of God’s saving works.

The Antidote to Spiritual Blindness

While the condition of spiritual blindness is dire, the Scriptures also provide the solution. Paul reveals the antidote in 2 Corinthians 3:16-17: “But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

When individuals turn to the Lord in faith, the veil that obscures their hearts and minds is lifted. Through Christ, their spiritual vision is restored, revealing the truth of God’s glory. This transformation brings freedom, as the Spirit of the Lord illuminates their hearts and minds.

A Marvelous Hope

Despite humanity’s resistance and spiritual blindness, God’s grace offers a way out of this tragic state. His call remains unwavering, and His power to lift the veil is available to all who seek Him. The Father’s redemptive plan, fulfilled in Christ, not only diagnoses humanity’s spiritual ailment but also provides a cure. Through faith in Christ, the blind can see, the deaf can hear, and those spiritually enslaved can find true freedom.

This truth reminds us that God is not distant or uninvolved; He is deeply committed to revealing His truth and restoring humanity’s spiritual sight.

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© Dr. H 2025         

Payday Someday

Payday Someday

For the day of the LORD is approaching for all the nations! Just as you have done, so it will be done to you. You will get exactly what your deeds deserve. – Obadiah 1:15

1 Kings 21:1-13

There was a man named Naboth from Jezreel who owned a vineyard located next to the palace of King Ahab of Samaria. One day, Ahab approached Naboth and said, “Your vineyard is conveniently located near my palace. I’d like to buy it so I can use it as a vegetable garden. I’ll give you a better vineyard in exchange, or if you prefer, I’ll pay you for it.”

Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance passed down from my ancestors.”

Ahab returned home angry and upset because of Naboth’s refusal. He went to bed, turned his face to the wall, and refused to eat. Jezebel, his wife, noticed his behavior and asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you so upset that you won’t eat?”

Ahab explained, “I asked Naboth to sell me his vineyard or trade it, but he refused!”

Jezebel responded, “Aren’t you the king of Israel? Get up, eat something, and stop worrying. I’ll get you Naboth’s vineyard!”

She then wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and leaders of Naboth’s town. In the letters, she instructed them to call a public assembly, proclaim a fast, and give Naboth a place of honor. She also ordered them to seat two scoundrels across from Naboth, who would accuse him of cursing God and the king. Afterward, they were to take him outside the town and stone him to death.

The elders and leaders of the town followed Jezebel’s instructions. They called for a fast and placed Naboth in a prominent position before the people. Two scoundrels came forward, sat across from Naboth, and accused him in front of everyone, claiming, “He cursed God and the king.” As a result, Naboth was dragged outside the town and stoned to death.

The Wheels of Justice – A Timeless Truth

Sun Tzu stated that, “The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine.” This old proverb reminds us that justice, even if delayed, is certain. Similarly, Robert G. Lee’s famous sermon title, “Payday Someday,” echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the certainty of divine retribution.

Naboth’s Murder

The biblical account in 1 Kings 21:1-27 is a vivid narrative of greed, corruption, and divine justice. It tells the tragic tale of Naboth, a righteous man who becomes the victim of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel’s insatiable lust for power and land. This story is full of themes that resonate across generations: the abuse of authority, the corruption of justice, and the violence inflicted upon innocent people.

Ahab, the king of Israel, coveted Naboth’s vineyard. When Naboth refused to sell his ancestral land, Jezebel orchestrated a malicious plot to accuse Naboth, which led to his wrongful execution. This act of premeditated murder epitomizes the depths of human wickedness. But the story doesn’t stop there. God, in His justice, sends the prophet Elijah to confront Ahab and pronounce judgment on both him and Jezebel.

Injustice: A Universal Struggle

The injustices shown in this ancient story are not just part of the past. In 21st-century America, we still deal with the legacy of systemic wrongs that have troubled our country since it was founded. How could such terrible acts happen in a land that celebrates freedom and bravery? The answer is found within the human heart. As the Bible warns in Genesis 4:7, “Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you.” Injustice and savagery are not external forces but manifestations of the sin that resides within us all.

Robert G. Lee’s “Payday Someday”

First preached in 1926, Robert G. Lee’s sermon “Payday Someday” became a classic, delivered 1,275 times. Lee’s vivid characterizations bring the story of 1 Kings 21 to life. He describes Ahab as “the vile human toad who squatted upon the throne of Israel” and Jezebel as “the snake coiled upon the throne.” Naboth, on the other hand, is depicted as a righteous man who endures suffering for his faithfulness, while Elijah serves as God’s prophetic messenger, delivering a message of judgment.

Divine Justice: The Confrontation and Prophecy

The encounter between Elijah and Ahab represents a significant turning point in the story. God instructs Elijah to deliver a message of judgment to Ahab: 1 Kings 21:19: “Wasn’t it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!”

In 1 Kings 21:23: Elijah also foretells Jezebel’s gruesome fate: “Dogs will eat Jezebel’s body at the plot of land in Jezreel.” These prophecies are fulfilled precisely as Elijah declared, demonstrating that no act of wickedness escapes God’s notice.

The Certainty of Judgment

The story of Naboth and Ahab serves as a sobering reminder that while injustice may seem to prevail temporarily, it will not endure forever. God is just, and He will hold all accountable. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 2:6-9: “He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But He will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.”

A Timeless Warning

The story of Naboth and Ahab is not merely a historical account but a timeless warning. It reminds us that God sees the hidden motives of the heart and will ultimately bring justice to all. While Naboth lost his life for his righteousness, his story assures us that this life is not the end. God promises to set all accounts right, for “Payday is coming, someday.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Robert G. Lee’s poignant words encapsulate the consequences of sin: “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay, Sin will cost you more than you want to pay.”

Father, I am so grateful that I have passed from judgment to life. But I also feel sad that my efforts to serve You are so modest.

INSIGHT

The Universal Reality of Judgment

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 2:1-6, delivers a stark reminder of the impartiality of God’s justice: “You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.”  

This passage emphasizes the universal nature of sin and the certainty of judgment. No one is above accountability, and God’s justice will be meted out on everyone. Yet, Paul also emphasizes God’s kindness and patience, which are meant to lead people to repentance. Romans 2:4: “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”

Ultimately, God will judge everyone according to their deeds, as stated in Romans 2:6. This truth sets the stage for understanding the two distinct judgments described in Scripture.

Eternal Security for Believers

For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, the question of eternal security is settled. As Jesus Himself declares in John 5:24: “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.”

This assurance is a fundamental element of the Christian faith. Believers are no longer under the threat of eternal condemnation because they have been justified through their faith in Christ. Nevertheless, this does not mean their actions are without consequences. The Scriptures clearly state that everyone’s works will be judged, but the nature and purpose of this judgment vary depending on a person’s relationship with God.

The Two Judgments: A Distinction of Purpose

1. The Great White Throne Judgment

The Great White Throne Judgment, described in Revelation 20:11-13, is reserved solely for those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. This judgment is final and leads to eternal separation from God. Those who stand before the Lord at this judgment will face the consequences of rejecting Him: “And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books.”  

This judgment is a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of unbelief.

2. The Bema Seat Judgment

In contrast, the Bema Seat Judgment is exclusively for believers. The term “bema” originates from the Greek word for a “judgment seat,” typically the platform where rewards were handed out in athletic competitions. This judgment is not about punishment but about recognizing faithful service and obedience.

As Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, Paul describes how the quality of each believer’s works will be tested by fire. While the believer’s salvation is secure, their rewards will depend on the enduring value of their deeds: “But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.”

This judgment emphasizes the importance of living a life that honors God. As delineated in 1 Corinthians 4:5, hidden motives of the heart will be revealed. “For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.”

A Final Reminder: Payday Is Coming

The reality of divine judgment serves as both a warning and an encouragement. For unbelievers, it is a call to repentance and faith in Christ. For believers, it is a reminder to live faithfully, knowing that their works will be evaluated and rewarded. As Robert G. Lee famously declared, “Payday is coming someday.”

This truth underscores the justice and mercy of God, who holds all accountable while offering eternal life to those who trust in Him.

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© Dr. H 2025