Won’t work in theory, only in practice ∙

Won’t work in theory, only in practice ∙

With people, it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God. – Mark 10:27

Hebrews 11:1-6

 1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

 3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Faith, Innovation, and the Impossible

David Boggs, a brilliant thinker at the Xerox PARC laboratory, faced a challenging task: solving a complex and seemingly impossible problem. His solution would not only succeed but would also revolutionize the world. Over two years, Boggs created the technology that let electrical pulses move from a computer to other devices, like printers, using cables. This revolutionary invention was Ethernet, which later formed the base for Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity).

Boggs didn’t stop there. He continued to develop other transformative technologies, including the mouse, the word processor, and the laser. However, his journey was not easy. He faced skepticism and ongoing criticism from naysayers who argued that Ethernet could never connect with most machines. Boggs’s response was both clever and profound: “Ethernet does not work in theory, only in practice.”

Faith and Miracles: The Ultimate “Impossible”

Boggs’s story serves as a metaphor for faith. Without God, in theory, miracles cannot happen. But, in practice, they do anyway. The Bible is filled with examples of the impossible becoming possible through God’s power:

  • The Red Sea parted for the Israelites to escape Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 14).
  • The sun stood still during Joshua’s battle (Joshua 10:12-14).
  • Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:25).
  • The blind and lame were healed (John 9:1-7).
  • The dead were raised to life, including Jesus Himself (John 11:43-44; Matthew 28:6).

The Lord Jesus Christ emphasized the power of faith in Matthew 17:20: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible to you.”

Through faith, the children of the King can see the impossible become possible with the Father. This power is not random or self-serving; it must align with the Father’s will and purpose.

Aligning with the Father’s Will

To achieve what seems impossible, we must first understand and align ourselves with the Father’s will. This understanding develops from a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As we pray effectively and seek His guidance, the Father often discloses His will and purpose.

However, effective prayer requires:

As James reminds us in James 5:16-18: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.”

Elijah’s prayers were remarkably effective because they perfectly coincided with God’s will. How did this happen?

REFLECT & PRAY

When was the last time you moved a mountain, caused it to rain, or made the rain stop through prayer?

Father, thank You that the impossible is possible with You. Teach me to pray as the Lord Jesus Christ prayed, so that Your will is done, even when it seems impossible. Help me to trust in Your power and align my heart with Your purpose.

INSIGHT

How to Pray Effectively

How did Elisha know what to pray? The answer is simple: the Father told him. Effective prayer is not a random act or wishful thinking. Instead, it is a spiritual science with laws that can be learned and applied. To pray effectively, we must understand what the Father wants to accomplish and pray in alignment with His purpose. Effective prayer arises from a divine conversation rooted in our personal relationship with God. We seek to discover God’s will on a matter and pray it into existence.

Elijah’s Example: Hearing and Obeying God’s Word

Elijah’s prayers and actions were based not on his own desires, but on a direct word of the Lord. Consider these moments from Elijah’s life:

1 Kings 17:1, “Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the LORD, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there will be no dew or rain in the years ahead unless I give the command.’”

1 Kings 17:2, “The word of the LORD came to him, saying . . .”

1 Kings 18:1, “Now it happened after many days that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, ‘Go, show yourself to Ahab, and tell him that I will soon send rain!’”

Elijah’s prayers were powerful because they expressed God’s will. He followed God’s instructions and prayed in accordance with them. This demonstrates that prayer is not about altering God’s will to match ours, but about aligning our hearts with His divine plans.

The Purpose of Prayer: Relationship, Not Requests

Prayer is not simply ordering from a restaurant menu or rubbing a magic lamp to make our wishes come true. Its primary purpose is to develop a closer, more personal relationship with the Father. The disciples recognized this when they saw the Lord Jesus Christ praying. They observed the power and results of His prayers and made a simple yet profound request, Luke 11:1: “Lord, teach us to pray.”

Jesus’ Model for Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer

In response, Jesus provided a model for prayer that emphasizes both intimacy and reverence in Luke 11:2-4: “This is how you should pray: ‘Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.’”

Addressing God as Father (Abba, Pater)

The Greek term pater is equivalent to the Aramaic term Abba, which conveys an intimate, warm, and close relationship. In English, it is akin to saying “Daddy” or “Poppa.” This term reflects the deep, personal connection we are invited to have with the Father. The Lord Jesus Christ used this term in His agonizing prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Mark 14:36: “‘Abba, Father,’ He cried out.”

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of addressing God as Abba in his letters.

Paul declares in Galatians 4:6: “And because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.’”

Paul writes in Romans 8:15: “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, ‘Abba, Father.’”

Honoring God’s Name (Hagiazo)

The phrase “hallowed be your name” comes from the Greek word hagiazo, meaning “to make holy, consecrate, or sanctify.” This is a request that God’s name, His reputation, and all that is said about Him be treated with reverence and honor. It reflects the balance between intimacy and sacredness in our relationship with the Father.

Forgiveness is Proportional

Jesus teaches us to ask for forgiveness, but adds a critical condition: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”

He introduces an unexpected idea: we will be forgiven to the extent that we forgive others. In other words, the forgiveness we receive from the Father is directly proportional to our willingness to forgive others. This concept carries significant and practical implications for our lives.

Pause and reflect: “If I do not forgive others, how much will we be forgiven?”

Trials and Temptations

Jesus concludes the prayer with: “And don’t let us yield to temptation.”

This does not mean that God tempts us, as He is holy. However, the Father often allows His children to face trials, hardships, and tests to refine their faith, purge sin, and prepare them for greater service. Consider the example of Jesus Himself, Matthew 4:1: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

The trials that Jesus faced were not intended to defeat Him but to showcase His readiness for service. By successfully overcoming these challenges, He was affirmed as the Messiah and Savior of the world. In the same way, our own trials serve as opportunities for growth and preparation for God’s purposes.

Effective Prayer: The Key to the Impossible

David Boggs’s journey of innovation teaches us that what seems impossible in theory can become reality in practice. Similarly, faith enables us to see the unseen and trust in God’s power to accomplish the impossible. Through prayer, obedience, and aligning with the Father’s will, we can take part in His miraculous work and see challenges that seem insurmountable overcome.

With effective prayer, the children of the King can accomplish the impossible. However, such prayer requires a right heart, free from selfish motives and unforgiveness. We must know what God wants to do and pray it into existence, even when it seems impossible.

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© Dr. H 2025

Faith is unwavering confidence in God’s promises ∙

Faith is unwavering confidence in God’s promises ∙

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19

Hebrews 11:1-6

 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

 3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

The Power of Role Models: Shaping Beliefs and Behaviors

Almost anyone can become a role model, but visibility is essential in achieving that status. In Western culture, the most common role models are public figures such as athletes, actors, musicians, and celebrities due to their prominence and reach.

A role model is someone who inspires others to adopt their beliefs, values, and behaviors. Through their actions, achievements, and sensitivity, they shape how others perceive and navigate the world.

Positive vs. Negative Role Models

Role models can have either a positive or negative influence, each leaving a different impact on those who look up to them. Positive Role Models exhibit helpful attitudes and behaviors, inspiring others to lead lives filled with integrity, optimism, and compassion. Negative Role Models display harmful or disruptive behaviors, serving as examples of what to avoid.

The Impact of Positive Role Models

Positive role models have a significant impact on shaping the lives of others, as they exemplify how to live with:

  • Integrity: Acting in accordance with one’s values and principles.
  • Optimism: Maintaining hope and a positive outlook even in challenging circumstances.
  • Confidence: Believing in oneself and inspiring others to do the same.
  • Compassion: Showing care and concern for others.
  • Determination: Persevering through obstacles to achieve success.

When parents and mentors demonstrate these qualities, they provide a compelling example for young individuals, motivating them to seek and emulate positive influences.

Qualities of Positive Role Models

(Adapted from Marilyn Price-Mitchell)

  • Passion and the Ability to Inspire: Positive role models are deeply passionate about their work, motivating others to share in their enthusiasm.
  • Clear Set of Values: They consistently live out their beliefs and values, serving as examples of integrity and authenticity.
  • Commitment to Community: Role models prioritize others over themselves, dedicating their time and talents to benefit their communities.
  • Selflessness and Acceptance of Others: They recognize and respond to the needs of others, accepting people who are different from themselves.
  • Ability to Overcome Obstacles: Positive role models demonstrate resilience, proving that success is possible even when facing challenges.
  • Optimism: They find opportunities where others see limitations, maintaining a hopeful outlook regardless of the circumstances.
  • Confidence: Their boldness and self-assurance motivate others to believe in themselves and pursue their own dreams..

Ultimately, the most essential quality of a positive role model is their ability to inspire others to pursue greatness.

REFLECT & PRAY

David Allen explains, “Faith is the objective grounds upon which subjective confidence may be based.”

Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and care. Help me to trust You by faith and to live in a way that inspires others to do the same.

INSIGHT

Reassessing Our Role Models

It is time for the children of the King to reevaluate who we look up to as role models. The Scriptures in Hebrews 11 provide us with extraordinary examples to emulate, offering guidance and inspiration for living a life of faith and purpose. These role models fall into two categories:

  • Heroes of the Faith: These are the men and women of long ago, celebrated in Hebrews 11, who demonstrated unwavering faith in God despite immense challenges.
  • Godly Spiritual Leaders: These are the faithful leaders in our lives today, who guide us with wisdom, humility, and a Christlike example.

The Call to Lead by Example

The Apostle Peter offers a clear directive for spiritual leaders in 1 Peter 5:2-3: “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly, not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.”

This passage highlights that leadership is not about wielding power or seeking personal gain; rather, it is about serving others with humility and setting a positive example. True leaders inspire those around them by authentically living out their faith and demonstrating Christ-like qualities in their daily lives.

Faith: The Foundation of Confidence

Faith is not wishful thinking or blind optimism. As Charles Stanley explains, faith is the conviction that God will always fulfill His promises, no matter the circumstances. It is the assurance that unseen realities are as tangible as the visible world.

The Scriptures provide a working definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” The Father Himself is the unwavering foundation for our confidence. He is always faithful and fully committed to keeping His promises.

Understanding Faith Through Greek Terms

In Hebrews 11:1, there are two Greek terms of great significance, typically translated as “confidence” and “conviction.” In the first clause, the Greek word translated as “confidence, assurance, or being sure” is hypostasis. Hypostasis conveys the idea that “faith gives substance to our hopes.” “Faith makes God’s promises real and tangible, before they are fulfilled.

Faith is not just a personal feeling; it serves as the “objective foundation for the things we hope for.” Faith leads to hope, which is the “confident, unwavering expectation that what God has promised will ultimately be fulfilled.” In essence, “faith allows us to ‘grasp’ those promises, making them feel real and tangible, even if we haven’t yet seen them. It makes God’s promises feel solid and credible, even before they come to fruition.”

The second Greek term is “elenchos,” which is translated as “conviction,” “evidence,” or “proof.” Elenchos refers to the “evidence that convinces or persuades us of the truth of unseen realities.” Faith generates the conviction that empowers us to fully trust in God’s promises.

As F.F. Bruce explains, “Faith is the organ which enables people to see the invisible.” Faith is not wishful thinking or a leap in the dark but a settled confidence in the eternal, all-powerful, and trustworthy God.

Heroes of the Faith: Examples to Follow

The Scriptures highlight the lives of faithful men and women who stood firm in their trust in God. These heroes of the faith, found in Hebrews 11, serve as role models for the children of the King. Their lives demonstrate that faith is essential to pleasing God and that it empowers us to overcome obstacles and achieve what seems impossible.

Hebrews 11:6, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

These individuals, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and others, lived lives of faith that were marked by courage, perseverance, and trust in God’s promises. They remind us that in the kingdom of God, success is not measured by worldly achievements but by the obstacles we overcome through faith.

Faith in Action: A Biblical Perspective

Faith is not passive; it is active and transformative. As the ESV Study Notes explain,

“Biblical faith is not a vague hope grounded in imaginary, wishful thinking. Instead, faith is a settled confidence that something in the future – something that is not yet seen but has been promised by God – will actually come to pass because God will bring it about. Thus, biblical faith is not blind trust in the face of contrary evidence, not an unknowable “‘leap in the dark;’ rather, biblical faith is a confident trust in the eternal God who is all-powerful, infinitely wise, eternally trustworthy . . .”

Faith empowers us to trust in God’s eternal wisdom and power, even when the path ahead is unclear. It is the foundation for living a life that pleases God and inspires others.

A Measure of True Success

As Booker T. Washington wisely said, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has overcome.”

The heroes of faith illustrate this truth: their lives were not characterized by comfort or ease, but by their ability to trust God during trials and challenges. They inspire us to live with the same unwavering faith, confident that God’s promises are reliable.

Conclusion: Reflect and Reassess

The Scriptures call us to reassess our role models and look to those who exemplify faith, humility, and godly leadership. Whether it is the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 or the spiritual leaders in our lives today, these role models inspire us to live with confidence in God’s promises and to lead others by example.

Let us strive to emulate their faith, courage, and commitment, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect time.

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© Dr. H 2025

From foe to follower ∙∙

From foe to follower ∙∙

The thieves who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words. – Matthew 27:44

Luke 23:39-41

 39 One of the thieves who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!”

 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?”

 41 “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”

Shifting Perspectives: The Power of Transformation

How can we alter our perspectives? What is needed to change our beliefs? Our perspectives are not static; they are subject to change. We can let go of even our most deeply-held views. In fact, opposition can transform into acceptance.

The Nature of Belief and Change

For years, studies on confirmation bias have shown that we tend to recognize and remember information that aligns with our pre-existing beliefs. This tendency reinforces our views, making them feel unchangeable. However, while we may hold tightly to our perspectives, they are not always fixed.

Often, we justify situations in which we feel trapped, not just by adapting to them, but by changing our mindset. As Claudia Hammond notes, we subconsciously seek reasons to convince ourselves that a particular stance or viewpoint is acceptable.  

Perspective Transformation at the Crucifixion

Imagine the scene at the crucifixion. A crowd gathers, filled with smug satisfaction, gloating, and hurling insults at the Lord Jesus Christ. The soldiers gamble for His clothes, casting dice to divide them, fulfilling the prophecy of Psalms 22:18. The air is thick with denial, animosity, and hatred.

During these moments, people o scream in anguish, cry out in overwhelming pain, or lash out at their tormentors. Words full of anger, hatred, or despair fill the air. Some may curse God in their pain, while others might desperately beg for mercy in their last moments.

But the Lord Jesus Christ responds in a way that defies all human expectations. He does not cry out for rescue or revenge. Instead, He prays, not for Himself, but for others. His focus remains on the needs of those around Him, including those who are tormenting Him.

A Prayer of Forgiveness

In the midst of unimaginable pain and suffering, Jesus prays for mercy and forgiveness for His enemies. He recognizes their ignorance and pleads with the Father on their behalf, Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

This act of selfless love and grace profoundly demonstrates the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.

The Thief’s Transformation

Among the onlookers and scoffers, one thief crucified alongside Jesus begins to insult Him. However, something miraculous happens. The other thief, who had also been mocking Jesus, suddenly stops, and his heart is transformed. Luke records his amazing words, Luke 23:40-41: “But the other answered, and rebuking him said, ‘Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’”

In an instant, the thief shifts from being an accuser to a defender, from a skeptic to a believer, from a foe to a follower. He recognizes his own guilt and acknowledges the innocence of Jesus. What caused this sudden change?

The Power of Christ’s Love

The love and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ sparked the thief’s transformation. Even in His final moments, Jesus displayed a calm, noble demeanor, focused on the salvation of others. His prayer for forgiveness and His divine presence opened the thief’s eyes to the truth: Jesus was not an ordinary man. He was the Messiah, the Son of God.

The thief’s newfound faith led him to reach out to Jesus in repentance and hope. He boldly requests in Luke 23:42, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!”

Faith That Saves

The thief had no opportunity to carry out good deeds or demonstrate his faith through actions. However, his faith was sufficient. Faith is the response of the human heart to the truth we recognize. The thief acknowledged and believed that Jesus was the Messiah, and in that moment, he entrusted his future destiny to the Savior.

As Geldenhuys explains, “Undoubtedly, Jesus’ prayer that the Father should forgive His enemies had made a tremendous impression on this man. Observing Jesus’ demeanor and personality, he realized that He was no ordinary man but the Holy One. Faith was born in his heart.”

A Lesson in Perspective

The story of the thief serves as a reminder that transformation is always possible. Even in our darkest moments, God’s grace can open our eyes and change our hearts. It’s never too late to turn to Him in faith and repentance.

REFLECT & PRAY

Are there beliefs or perspectives in your life that need to change? Is it possible to open your heart to the truth of God’s love and grace? Consider the words of Job, Job 42:5-6: “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore, I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes.”

Father, encourage and strengthen me to accept Your truth. Remove my stubborn heart and the erroneous beliefs it harbors. Help me to see You clearly and to trust in Your love and guidance. I want to be Your servant.

INSIGHT

The Thief’s Faith: Small but Sufficient

The thief’s faith was limited. Some might even call it inadequate by human standards. Yet, as small as it was, it was enough. Faith the size of a mustard seed is all it takes to move mountains, and, in this case, to secure eternal salvation.

A Faith Rooted in the Promise of the Kingdom

What was the thief thinking in those final moments? His thoughts were likely influenced by the promises of the coming King and the kingdom of God described in the Old Testament. For centuries, the Jewish people had been awaiting the Messiah, who would establish His kingdom.

Now, as he hung on the cross beside Jesus, the thief confidently believed that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah. He recognized Jesus as the King of the Jews and longed to be part of His coming kingdom.

A Promise of Paradise

The Lord Jesus Christ, in His infinite grace, responded to the thief’s faith with words of reassurance and promise, Luke 23:43, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The Lord Jesus Christ assured the thief that he would join Him in paradise that very day, not just in some distant future. As Geldenhuys explains, “He will not only remember him one day at His second coming but that he would, on that very day, be with Him in paradise and would partake with Him in the heavenly joy as a redeemed one.”

What Is Paradise?

Paradise is a term that describes the unseen realm where the righteous dead reside after death. It is a place of peace, joy, and rest for those who have trusted in God. In the gospel of Luke, it is called the Bosom of Abraham.

The descriptor Abraham’s Bosom suggests a sense of closeness to the patriarch Abraham. It is a place where the faithful, like Abraham, the father of the faithful, wait for their final destination in the presence of the Father. Jesus states in Luke 16:22, “Now the poor man [Lazarus] died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.”

Paradise is not the final destination but a temporary dwelling for the righteous until the full realization of God’s kingdom. It is a place of comfort and fellowship, where believers are united in the hope of eternal life.

The Savior of Souls

Who else but the Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God, could save someone from the depths of hell? The thief’s transformation and salvation on the cross stand as a testament to the power of Jesus’ grace and mercy.

In his final moments, the thief recognized Jesus for who He truly was, the Savior of the world. His faith, though small, was genuine. He placed his trust in Jesus, and that trust was enough to secure his place in paradise.

A Lesson in Grace

The story of the thief on the cross reminds us that salvation is not about the quantity of our faith or the works we perform. It is about the object of our faith, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even the smallest amount of faith, when placed in Him, is sufficient for salvation. This is the essence of grace: unearned, undeserved, and freely given by the Savior.

The thief’s story is a powerful reminder that no heart is too hardened for God’s grace. Transformation begins when we open ourselves to His truth and respond in faith. It is never too late to turn to Jesus. His grace is sufficient, His promises are sure, and His love is boundless. Even in our weakest moments, He is ready to welcome us into His kingdom.

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© Dr. H 2025

Speak smooth things – prophesy illusions ∙

Speak smooth things – prophesy illusions ∙

[They] say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions.” – Isaiah 30:10 – ESV

They tell the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” They tell the prophets, “Don’t tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies.” – Isaiah 30:10 – NLT.

2 Timothy 4:1-5

 1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom:

 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

 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.

 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

The Risk of Prophetic Warnings

Those who predict disaster have always faced the risk of ridicule and humiliation. Throughout history, society often dismisses “prophets of doom” as alarmists or eccentrics, unwilling to face the uncomfortable truths they proclaim. You know the type, standing on a busy street corner, holding a sign that boldly proclaims, “The End Is Near.”

The crowd’s reaction is predictable: laughter, mockery, and maybe some heckling. Many would compare the doomsayer to the fabled Chicken Little, a symbol of exaggerated fear and baseless alarm, who ran around panicked, shouting, “The sky is falling!” Still, beneath the ridicule is a deeper truth: humanity has long feared the end, a fear that spans time, cultures, and belief systems.

A Universal Fear of the End

For centuries, people from all walks of life have speculated about the end of the world. Those familiar with Scripture are especially aware of end-time prophecies, such as those concerning Armageddon. Many of us have encountered individuals, sometimes dismissed as “end of the worlders,” who boldly proclaim these warnings, often to the amusement or disdain of others.

Such messages, dark and foreboding, are rarely welcomed. They are often ridiculed and dismissed as alarmist. Yet, in times of great despair or uncertainty, these warnings can resonate more deeply, forcing people to face uncomfortable truths about their lives and the world around them.

The Unwelcome Voice of the Prophet

This rejection of prophetic warnings is not merely a modern phenomenon. In ancient Israel, during the time of the Assyrian invasion and conquest, the prophetic message was equally unwelcome. The prophet Isaiah faced opposition, ridicule, and even violence. As the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (ZIBBC) notes, “The prophetic message was frequently unwelcome, so prophets were often silenced by force or coercion. The view that a prophet predicted the future could easily morph to seeing the prophet as speaking the future into being, so silencing them could be seen as averting their dire predictions.”

The people of Israel, in their rebellion, sought to suppress the word of the Lord. They believed that silencing the prophet could somehow prevent the fulfillment of his warnings. But the truth of God’s word cannot be silenced, and the consequences of ignoring it are unavoidable.

A Stubborn and Rebellious People

Isaiah, the prophet, evaluates the heart and attitude of the people of Israel, who had turned away from God. He describes them in Isaiah 30:9 as “Stubborn rebels who refuse to pay attention to the LORD’s instructions.”

The people’s rejection of God’s truth was not passive; it was willful ignorance leading to active rebellion. They despised the Lord’s instructions and chose instead to trust in lies and oppression.

The Father’s Warning Through Isaiah

Through His prophet, Isaiah, the Lord delivers a sobering message in Isaiah 30:12-14 to His people, “Because you despise what I tell you and trust instead in oppression and lies, calamity will come upon you suddenly, like a bulging wall that bursts and falls. In an instant, it will collapse and come crashing down. You will be smashed like a piece of pottery, shattered so completely that there won’t be a piece big enough to carry coals from a fireplace or a little water from the well.”

The imagery is vivid and devastating. The people’s rejection of God’s truth leads to their own destruction, sudden and complete. Yet, even in the midst of judgment, in Isaiah 30:15, God offers a way out, “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.”

A Rejection of Truth

The people of Israel did not want to hear the truth. They preferred messages that left their lives undisturbed, that allowed them to continue in their rebellion without apparent consequence. Motyer asserts that they wanted only small, superficial changes that in no way would disturb their way of life, “a ministry of trifles.” They wanted no challenge to lifestyle choices or direction. But most of all, they didn’t want to hear about a holy God living among them and making demands on them.

Rejection of truth is prevalent in the 21st century. Indeed, so many people prefer messages of comfort and prosperity over the difficult truths requiring repentance and obedience. As Barry and Mangum note: “Smooth or pleasant things are equated with illusions and contrasted with what is right. The people only want to hear of blessing and prosperity, fantasy instead of reality.”

REFLECT & PRAY

The story of Israel’s rebellion and rejection of God’s truth is timeless. It challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we open to hearing the truth, even when it is uncomfortable? Are we willing to return to God, rest in Him, and find our strength in quietness and confidence?

Father, please grant me the strength and openness to hear the Truth and follow it. In this world, we will face challenges, but I find comfort in knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). Help me to trust in You, rest in Your promises, and walk in obedience to Your Word.

INSIGHT

The Danger of Smooth Words and Deceptive Illusions

The prophet Isaiah records a sad message of a rebellious, defiant people in Isaiah 30:10, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions.” This verse reveals the heart of a people who no longer desired truth but instead sought comfort in deceitful words.

The Hebrew word chelqah, translated as “smooth,” refers to speech that is “flattering, pleasant, or intentionally deceitful.” It is the kind of speech that “soothes the ears but twists reality.” Similarly, the Hebrew word mahathalloth, translated as “illusions,” comes from the Hebrew verb talal, meaning “to mock, deceive, or trifle with.” The noun conveys a sense of “lies, fallacies, or delusions.”

The people of Israel, in their rebellion, demanded to hear “false assurances and faulty fantasies” rather than the “sobering truth from the Holy One of Israel.” Rather than hearing about the reality of their circumstances, they “preferred deceitful delusions” (NIDOTTE).

Desire for Deception

Motyer writes that, “They did not ask that preaching cease; only that it be innocuous, and without the absolutes of truth and morality which derive from the character of God.” The people no longer wished to hear the truth. Instead, they sought pleasant words and illusions, willingly accepted from false prophets who prioritized pleasing man over pleasing God.

As Briley notes, “What they prefer are the pleasant things and the illusions that the false prophets (those who seek to please man rather than God) willingly offer (cf. Jeremiah 6:13-14; Micah 3:5).”

How ironic that these people, in effect, “demanded to be deceived.” As Gary V. Smith observes, “This desire to optimistically believe that the love and grace of God will somehow make everything work out well in the end” led them to reject the truth.

Spin Doctors of Deception

The false prophets of Israel were “smooth talkers,” modern-day equivalents of “spin doctors.” They distorted the truth to make it more acceptable, providing a biased and skewed interpretation of reality.

The term “spin doctor” was first used in 1984 in a New York Times editorial about the aftermath of a televised debate between U.S. presidential candidates Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale. In politics, “spin” refers to “the interpretation or bias placed on information to make it more acceptable.”

The people of Israel asked Isaiah to “spin” his words, seeking a more pleasant and acceptable message. They resembled the classic cliché of the three monkeys who hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil, choosing willful ignorance and shutting out the truth.

Subtle Ways of Blocking the Truth

While some people literally cover their ears to block out a message, others do so in more subtle, unconscious ways. As PsychMechanics notes, adults may touch, pull, or rub their ears, or even fiddle with earrings, to unconsciously block what they hear.

This behavior reflects a deeper unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Sadly, nothing has changed. Modern times are also characterized by people unwilling to hear the truth.

A Warning for Today: Itching Ears and Rejected Truth

Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 are a sobering reminder of this reality, “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. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.”

This passage describes a culture that mirrors the one Isaiah faced, a culture that rejects absolute truth in favor of comforting lies.

The Call to Proclaim the Truth

Despite the rejection of truth, the children of the King are called to continue proclaiming His message. Paul exhorts Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2,5: “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching . . .. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”

The seal of Dallas Theological Seminary bears the Greek words Kerusson ton logon, “Preach the Word.” This is the unchanging charge for all who follow Christ.

Biblical Truth: Absolute and Uncompromising

Biblical truth is absolute. It cannot be synthesized, softened, or compromised to suit the preferences of the audience. The Word of God is not subject to spin or reinterpretation. It stands as the ultimate standard of truth, calling us to repentance and faith.

In a world that often prefers smooth words and illusions, may we hunger for the truth, even when it is uncomfortable.

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© Dr. H 20

Loveliness not forgetfulness ∙∙

Loveliness not forgetfulness ∙∙

They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them. – Psalms 78:11

Psalms 78:1-32

 1 O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying,

 2 for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past –

 3 stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us.

 4 We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders.

 6 so the next generation might know them – even the children not yet born – and they, in turn, will teach their own children.

 7 So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.

 8 Then they will not be like their ancestors – stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.

 13 For he divided the sea and led them through, making the water stand up like walls

 14 In the daytime, he led them by a cloud and all night by a pillar of fire.

 17 Yet they kept on sinning against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert.

 22 for they did not believe God or trust him to care for them.

 32 But in spite of this, the people kept sinning. Despite his wonders, they refused to trust him.

A Loveliness of Ladybugs and the Father’s Care

On the evening of Tuesday, June 4, 2019, forecasters at the National Weather Service’s San Diego office faced a puzzling mystery. Their weather radar indicated what appeared to be heavy rainfall over the San Gabriel Mountains near Wrightwood, California. But when they looked at the sky, no clouds were visible.

What was this unrecognized phenomenon? With closer examination, the extraordinary puzzle was solved: a swarm of ladybugs extending 15 miles long, flying at altitudes between 5,000 and 9,000 feet. This wasn’t just a handful of insects; the swarm covered an area roughly 80 miles wide.

This mass of ladybugs was part of an annual migration burst. While they didn’t have an air traffic control plan, their flight was entirely consistent with the Father’s eternal plan, demonstrating His provision for even the smallest creatures.

A Flight Planned by the Father

The imagery of the ladybug migration reminds us of the Father’s attention to detail in caring for His creation. Just as He cares for the lilies of the fields and the birds of the air, so too does He care for these tiny creatures. Interestingly, a large gathering of ladybugs is called a “loveliness,” a fitting term for such a marvel of nature.

If He cares for a loveliness of ladybugs, how much more does He care for us, His children?

When We Feel Unlovely

Many of us struggle with self-doubt, low self-esteem, or a poor self-image. This can lead to the false belief that we are unlovable or unworthy of the Father’s care. We may even convince ourselves that He has forgotten or overlooked us. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Father sees us as completely lovely and precious. His love for us is unwavering, even when we forget Him or fail to trust in His faithfulness.

Lessons from Israel’s Forgetfulness

This forgetfulness is not new to mankind. The ancient Israelites experienced some of the greatest miracles recorded in the Scriptures, yet time and again, they turned away from the Father. Despite witnessing His wonders firsthand, their lack of trust was their downfall.

The psalmist reflects on their struggles in Psalms 78:32-33, “But in spite of this, the people kept sinning. Despite his wonders, they refused to trust him. So he ended their lives in failure, their years in terror.”

This reflects our natural tendency to forget the faithfulness of the Father.

REFLECT & PRAY

For many of us, it’s easy to forget the Father’s love and faithfulness in our busy and chaotic lives. However, He graciously provides reminders of His care, whether through the beauty of the natural world or the promises found in His Word. Take a moment to reflect on how He has shown His love for you, even in unexpected ways, such as the migration of a cluster of ladybugs.

Father, I recognize my own forgetfulness and doubts. Thank You for constantly reminding me of Your love and care, even when I stumble. Thank You for the natural world, with all its beauty, and for the enduring truth of the Scriptures that point me back to You. Help me trust in Your faithfulness and rest in the knowledge that I am valuable to You.

INSIGHT

The Father and the Goldilocks Zone

The Father operates within the very fabric of the space-time continuum. He is the designer and architect behind the natural order, a masterpiece that governs everything in the universe. While humanity strives to uncover the mysteries of creation through scientific discoveries, it is easy to overlook the divine hand that set it all into motion.

One of the most remarkable illustrations of this is Earth’s position as a Goldilocks planet, a term borrowed from the childhood fairy tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” Just as Goldilocks sought things that were “just right,” Earth occupies a perfect location in the cosmos, designed for life as we know it.

A Planet Positioned for Life

The Goldilocks Zone, also known as the habitable zone, is the ideal range of distances from a star where temperatures are just right for liquid water to exist. Earth is located in this “sweet spot,” positioned neither too close nor too far from the Sun. This positioning allows water, which is essential for life, to remain in liquid form on the planet’s surface.

Long before scientists observed and categorized this phenomenon, God created and positioned a planet ideally suited for sustaining life. Earth’s presence in the Goldilocks Zone is not merely a coincidence; it is an intentional act of intelligent design that reflects knowledge, care, and purpose.

Supernatural Interventions in Human History

While the Father established the natural order, He has also intervened supernaturally at key moments in human history. The Bible records many such events, especially in the story of Israel, the nation chosen as the stage for His miraculous works.

The Book of Hebrews captures the scope of His involvement in creation and His ultimate revelation through His Son in Hebrews 1:1-3: “Long ago, God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now, in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son, he created the universe. 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.”

Despite numerous acts of divine intervention, the people of Israel often forgot the One who cared for and delivered them in their time of need.

Forgetfulness in the Face of Miracles

The tragedy of Israel’s story is their repeated forgetfulness of the Father’s power and providence. Their experiences, as described in Psalms 78:34-37, reveal the depths of human inconsistency: “They finally sought him. They repented and took God seriously. Then they remembered that God was their rock, that God Most High was their redeemer. But all they gave him was lip service; they lied to him with their tongues. Their hearts were not loyal to him. They did not keep his covenant.”

Despite witnessing His mighty signs and miracles and experiencing redemption from Egyptian bondage, their hearts remained unfaithful. Yet, the Father demonstrated incredible mercy time and again as seen in Psalms 78:38-39: “Yet he was merciful and forgave their sins and did not destroy them all…He remembered that they were merely mortal, gone like a breath of wind that never returns.”

This pattern of rebellion, repentance, and redemption highlights the Father’s enduring patience.

A Reminder of His Love

The Father’s care for creation is clear not only in grand miracles but also in small moments of provision, like the migration of a loveliness of ladybugs. These tiny creatures, guided by His plan, demonstrate the same loving attention with which He sustains humanity.

When we feel forgotten, unlovable, or lost in a chaotic world, we should remember the Father’s providence. Just as He placed Earth in the Goldilocks Zone and guides the migration of ladybugs, He cares deeply for each of us.

The beauty of creation and the vastness of the Father’s care serve as constant reminders of His love and faithfulness.

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© Dr. H 2025