The Father finishes what He starts ∙∙

The Father finishes what He starts ∙∙

He who calls you is faithful, and He also will bring it to pass. – 1 Thessalonians 5:24

1 Thessalonians 5:21-24

21 Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.
22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

23 Now, may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.

Bend and Bent

Two words in the English language, “bend” and “bent,” may sound similar, but their meanings diverge significantly.

Bend is a verb that refers to physically altering the shape of something using force. It can also describe turning or directing something toward a particular path.
Bent, on the other hand, is a noun that conveys inclination, interest, or preference. While inherently neutral, “bent” often carries a negative connotation, implying corruption or moral distortion.

This contrast becomes especially relevant when understood through the lens of humanity’s spiritual condition. After the Fall in the Garden of Eden, humanity inherited a “bent” nature, a condition that inclines us away from walking with God and towards serving ourselves.

Humanity’s Natural Bent

Stanley writes, “Humans are born ‘bent away’ from the Lord. Our natural inclination is to please and serve ourselves. This is diametrically opposed to a lifestyle that serves and honors the Father. When we become believers, our Father begins to bend our will and ways back towards Him. But we must cooperate and yield to the process; otherwise, we are of little use to the kingdom.” This self-centered behavior is utterly contradictory to the God-honoring life that our Creator intends for us.

Reclaiming a Right Perspective

The Father seeks to transform every area of our lives. This includes breaking down thought patterns, habits, and behaviors that promote reliance on anything or anyone other than Him.

Stanley further emphasizes, “The Lord wants to eradicate every thought pattern and activity promoting dependency on anything other than Him. This means that relying on oneself for security, salvation, or physical and emotional comfort is outside His will. Actions that advance a person at the expense of others are also ungodly.”

The Apostle Paul encourages us to understand and gain the proper perspective on what the Father desires for us. He strongly urges us to align our desires with the Father’s will, which requires a radical paradigm shift. Our natural tendency is toward selfishness and sin; inwardly, we can be twisted and warped. The Father wants to restore us to spiritual wholeness so that we can choose to live a life that honors, obeys, and relies solely on Him.

How Does the Father Bend Us Back Toward Him

The journey of returning to God starts with His living and powerful Word. The Scriptures reveal the deepest inclinations of our hearts, illustrating who we are and how far we fall short of God’s perfect standard.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

The Father uses the Scriptures as a spiritual scalpel, carefully removing misconceptions, pride, and sin. Like a skilled surgeon, He works within us. His goal is not just to reveal our flaws; He desires to transform us into a reflection of His righteousness.

REFLECT & PRAY

Isaiah states in Isaiah 55:8-9: “My thoughts are nothing like yours,” declares the Lord, “and My ways are beyond anything you can comprehend. Just as the heavens stretch far above the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts beyond your understanding.”

Father, help me to understand Your ways and align my thoughts with Yours. Teach me to see as You see.

INSIGHT

The Covenant Between Israel and the Father

Around 1400 BC, the nation of Israel entered into a covenant with God through Moses. This covenant, detailed in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, outlined both blessings and curses. The blessings would become a reality if the people obeyed the law of Moses. However, disobedience would bring the curses upon them.

A Choice to Obey or Disobey

It was up to the people to decide which path to follow. Tragically, for the next 800 years, from 1400 BC to 600 BC, the nation repeatedly chose disobedience. The consequences of these decisions were devastating and far-reaching.

Prophetic Warnings Ignored

Throughout this period, Old Testament prophets were sent by God to warn the nation of the impending judgment for their rebellious actions. Despite these repeated warnings, the people refused to listen and continued pursuing their own ways.

Their defiance led to disaster. In 722 BC, the Assyrians conquered the ten northern tribes, known as the Kingdom of Israel, and exiled them into captivity. Later, between 605 BC and 586 BC, the two southern tribes, the Kingdom of Judah, faced a similar fate. Jerusalem and its Temple were destroyed, and the people were taken into captivity in Babylon.

Exile and the Promise of Hope

Now living as exiles in a foreign land, the Israelites were without hope. Yet, the Father, true to His word, had not abandoned them. He had promised that the captivity would last for only 70 years and that He would bring them back home.

Jeremiah 29:10 reminds us of this promise, where the Lord says, “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do all the good things I promised, and I will bring you home again.”

Jeremiah 31:9 declares, “Tears of joy will stream down their faces, and I will lead them home with great care. They will walk beside quiet streams and on smooth paths where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my oldest child.”

The Faithful Father Who Keeps His Promises

The Father always fulfills His promises, no matter how impossible they may seem. This unwavering reliability reassures every child of the King that He will complete what He has started in their lives.

The apostle Paul affirms this in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “He who calls you is faithful, and He also will bring it to pass.”

Even in the midst of chaos and brokenness, the Father works to straighten what has been bent. His children are called to choose obedience and strive to live according to His will, trusting Him with the results.

Choosing His Path

When we align our perspective with the Father’s and see things as He does, we can respond to Him appropriately. This is the outcome the Father desires for each child of the King, and He remains committed to bringing it to completion.

Proverbs 3:6 encourages us, “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

The Father’s faithfulness is unchanging, and He continues to work, preparing His children to walk the paths He has intended for them with confidence and grace.

¯_(ツ)_/¯2-22-2

© Dr. H 2025

Intolerance ∙∙

Intolerance ∙∙

Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. – 1 Timothy 6:4-5

2 Timothy 4:2-5

2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, regardless of the time. 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 seek out 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 sharing the Good News with others and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

Intolerance and the Struggle for Truth

Intolerance can be understood as the refusal to accept ideas, beliefs, or behaviors that differ from our own. This rigid mindset is nothing new. It seems to have been embedded in humanity’s DNA since the Fall. History is filled with examples of how people groups have displayed intolerance toward those who are different. This tribal tendency leads us to elevate what makes us unique while wrongly concluding that these differences make us superior.

The consequences of intolerance have been devastating throughout history, manifesting in oppression, violence, and destruction. The following quotes reflect a dangerous master plan of domination, fueled by intolerance, which led to untold destruction, thuggery, and death.

The Words that Shaped Destruction

“The streets of our country are in turmoil. The Universities are filled with students rebelling and rioting. Communists are seeking to destroy our country . . . Without law and order, our nation cannot survive.”

“The state must declare the child to be the most precious treasure of the people. As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily endure almost any curtailment of liberty and almost any deprivation.”

“If you wish the sympathy of the broad masses, you must tell them the crudest and most stupid things.”

“Tell a lie loud enough and long enough, and people will believe it.”

“It is a quite special secret pleasure how the people around us fail to realize what is really happening to them.”

“By means of shrewd lies, unremittingly repeated, it is possible to make people believe that heaven is hell – and hell heaven. The greater the lie, the more readily it will be believed.”

“The greater the crime perpetrated by the leadership, the less likely it is that the people will ever believe their leaders to be capable of perpetrating such an event.”

“It is not truth that matters, but victory.”

“Let me control the textbooks, and I will control the state.”

“The one means that wins the easiest victory over reason is terror and force.”

“Terrorism is the best political weapon for nothing drives people harder than a fear of sudden death.”

“The receptivity of the masses is very limited, their intelligence is small, but their power of forgetting is enormous. In consequence of these facts, all effective propaganda must be limited to a very few points and must harp on these in slogans until the last member of the public understands what you want him to understand by your slogan.”

“We have to put a stop to the idea that it is a part of everybody’s civil rights to say whatever he pleases.”

“I don’t see much future for the Americans . . . it’s a decayed country. And they have their racial problem, and the problem of social inequalities . . . my feelings against Americanism are feelings of hatred and deep repugnance . . . How can one expect a State like that to hold together?”

These chilling words reveal how intolerance, propaganda, and fear have been employed as tools of oppression and manipulation, with dire consequences for societies throughout history.

A Nation Founded on Freedom

The United States of America was built upon the belief in the plurality of ideas, freedom of expression, and freedom of speech. Yet, despite their differing backgrounds and opinions, the Founding Fathers shared a commonality that was unwavering: a belief in Absolute Truth.

This foundational truth, they believed, came from a Creator God. It was not relative or shifting but solid and enduring. It provided a moral compass on which society, government, and civilization could be built.

This commitment to Absolute Truth is beautifully articulated in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

However, alongside this declaration lies a tension. For Thomas Jefferson, these truths were “self-evident.” But others might strongly disagree. It seems as though almost everyone has their own opinion. This invites a critical distinction:
• Everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
• No one is entitled to their own truth.

The Father God has opinions. The difference between His opinions and all other opinions is that His opinions are the Truth! God’s Truth stands apart as absolute and unchanging. His divine opinions are not mere suggestions; they are the Truth.

The Difference Between Truth and Opinion

Truth is an undeniable fact. It aligns with reality, is supported by evidence, and remains consistent regardless of one’s beliefs, feelings, or perspectives. Truth is objective; it does not bend to personal preference or societal trends.

For example, if someone states, “The Earth revolves around the Sun,” that is a scientific truth supported by overwhelming evidence. Regardless of how someone may feel or insist otherwise, this fact remains unchanged.

Truth is unyielding and universal, serving as a foundation for accurate understanding of the world.

An opinion, on the other hand, is a personal belief, thought, or feeling about a subject. Opinions are subjective, meaning they vary from person to person, based on individual experiences, values, or preferences.

For instance, if someone says, “Chocolate is the best flavor of ice cream,” that’s an opinion. Others might agree or disagree, but there’s no definitive way to prove which flavor is “best” in an objective sense.

While opinions are important for self-expression and diversity of thought, they do not carry the same weight as truth in establishing what is real or factual. Understanding the distinction between truth and opinion is essential. Mistaking opinions for truths can lead to confusion, misinformation, animus, and conflict.

Navigating Truth and Opinion

Here are some helpful tips for differentiating between truth and opinion and for navigating the distinction:

• Identify the Source – Ask yourself if the statement is backed by evidence or simply reflects personal beliefs. Reliable sources often provide data or citations to support their claims.

• Separate Emotion from Evidence – Just because something feels true doesn’t mean it is. Emotional responses can cloud judgment, so look for facts to ground your understanding.

• Respect Opinions, but Value Truth – While everyone is entitled to their opinions. True truths are universal and remain constant.

• Ask Questions – When presented with a claim, ask, “How do we know this?” or “What evidence supports this?” Truth bears scrutiny and will hold up when tested.

• Seek Growth, Not Confirmation – Be willing to adjust your opinions in light of new information. For example, learning new scientific findings may challenge your previous views, and that’s okay. Growth comes from understanding truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Jesus Christ and Absolute Truth

The Lord Jesus Christ upheld and embodied the Absolute Truth. His teachings were accessible to everyone, yet He clearly asserted the exclusivity of His message. He welcomed all to come to Him and believe, but He did not tolerate other paths that claimed to lead to salvation. There was no synthesis and no compromise.

The Lord Jesus Christ made this crystal clear in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

Wiersbe eloquently reflects on this verse, “Jesus does not simply teach the way or point the way; He is the way . . . Our Lord’s statement, ‘No man comes unto the Father but by Me,’ wipes away any other proposed way to heaven – good works, religious ceremonies, costly gifts, etc. There is only one way, and that way is Jesus Christ.”

Wiersbe comments, “The Lord made it clear that He was going to the Father, and that He was the only way to the Father. Heaven is a real place, a loving place, and an exclusive place. Not everybody is going to heaven, but rather only those who have trusted Jesus Christ.”

Other Scriptures affirm the exclusivity of Christ:

  1. Acts 4:12 confirms this: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
  2. 1 Timothy 2:4-6 emphasizes His role, “He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity – the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone.”

Finding Hope in Truth

Throughout history, humanity’s inclination toward intolerance and tribalism has wrought immense suffering and division. Yet, amid this turmoil, a glimmer of hope persists. True unity and lasting peace are not born from the shifting sands of human ideologies but rather from the steadfast and unchanging truth of God. At the heart of this truth stands the Lord Jesus Christ, the embodiment of the Way, the Truth, and the Life, offering a profound path to reconciliation, salvation, and the promise of eternal life that transcends understanding.

REFLECT & PRAY

As children of the King living in America, we find ourselves navigating uncharted waters today more than ever. We believe in absolute truth and cannot compromise on it, but we must also be tolerant and respectful of those who disagree with us.

Father, what would You have us do? We seek Your guidance and will. We live as sheep among wolves. Please encourage us to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16).

INSIGHT

A Warning from Scripture

2 Timothy 4:3 warns, “For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.”

That time, sadly, is here. This passage sounds a great deal like our own age, doesn’t it? Today, we live in an era of what might be called “designer doctrine.” People choose their beliefs based on personal desires and preferences. People aren’t seeking absolute truth; instead, they gravitate toward teachings and ideologies that suit their lifestyles or validate their choices.

Truth in Love

Despite this troubling cultural shift, God’s Word gives us clear instructions on how to respond during these challenging times. Paul exhorts us through Ephesians 4:15 to continue “speaking the truth in love.” Effectively, we are to uphold the truth boldly yet compassionately, without compromising or watering it down to suit the world’s preferences.

The Apostle Paul provides a roadmap for how we should live and serve during these tumultuous times in 2 Timothy 4:2-5:

• Preach the Word
• Be ready in all seasons.
• Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage others with sound teaching.
• Keep a clear mind in every situation.
• Don’t fear suffering for the Lord.
• Fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

These are timeless instructions for every child of the King and an urgent call to stay grounded in the unshakable truth of the Gospel.

Why does This Matter?

Why should we keep proclaiming the truth, especially when so few seem willing to hear it? The answer lies in an unshakable reality that Paul reminds us of again and again throughout his letters: The Lord Jesus Christ is coming back.

Matthew 24:8 describes the tumultuous signs of the age as “birth pangs” leading up to Christ’s return. Could it be that the events and challenges of our time signal that the Second Coming of Jesus might be near. Children of the King have the immense privilege and responsibility of preparing the way for His appearance.

Preparing for Christ’s Epiphaneia

Paul emphasizes this in 2 Timothy 4:1, stating that Jesus will appear to “set up His Kingdom.” The Greek word Paul uses for “appearance” is epiphaneia, which carries profound cultural and historical significance.

Barclay explains the term epiphaneia within the context of Roman culture. It was often used to describe an official visit to a province or town by the emperor. Before the emperor’s arrival, the town would undergo meticulous preparation. Streets would be cleaned, buildings would be adorned, and everything would be made spotless to reflect the honor and significance of the emperor’s presence.

Paul uses this imagery to communicate an essential truth to Timothy and to us today. If people can go to such great lengths to prepare for a human king, how much more should the children of the King prepare their hearts and lives for the epiphaneia of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Here’s how Barclay captures Paul’s words beautifully: “You know what happens when any town is expecting the epiphaneia of the emperor; you are expecting the epiphaneia of Jesus Christ. Do your work so that all things will be ready whenever He appears. Christians should order their lives in such a way that at any moment they are ready for the coming of Christ.”

Imagine the joy of living in constant readiness, with lives so ordered and focused on the Lord Jesus Christ that His return would find us fully prepared and unashamed.

A Sobering Reminder

All quotes regarding the master plan came from one man, Adolf Hitler. His master plan of domination, underpinned by the lie “it is not truth that matters, but victory,” illustrates the deadly power of relativism and the rejection of absolute truth. The danger of designer doctrines and cultural intolerance has wreaked havoc throughout the ages.

Final Thoughts

Paul’s exhortation to Timothy reverberates across time as a message for all Christians. The return of Jesus Christ is imminent, and we are called to prepare the way for His Kingdom. This means speaking the truth in love, remaining steadfast in sound doctrine, and being constantly ready for His appearance.

The world is in spiritual turmoil, but those who place their hope in Christ rest on an unshakable foundation. May we align our lives with His truth, working diligently and faithfully until that glorious epiphaneia.

¯_(ツ)_/¯8-11-2

© Dr. H 2025

Truth for now ∙∙

Truth for now ∙∙

The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. – Habakkuk 1:4

Isaiah 59:14-16

14 Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed.
15 Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The LORD looked and was displeased to find there was no justice.
16 He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. So he himself stepped in to save them with his strong arm, and his justice sustained him.

Should We Then Live?

In 1976, Francis Schaeffer published an influential work titled “How Should We Then Live? – The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture.” This book provides a comprehensive overview of Western civilization, tracing its development from the Roman Empire to the 1970s. Schaeffer’s analysis now prompts a sobering question for us today: Is what we’re witnessing the fall of Western civilization before our very eyes?

One of the key themes in his book is the development of philosophy and the shifting understanding of truth. At the heart of his critique lies the contrast between Absolute Truth, as defined in Scripture, and the notion of relative truth.

Hegel’s Dialectics and the Transformation of Truth

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, a German philosopher who lived from 1770 to 1831, introduced a revolutionary approach to how truth is understood. He referred to this process as “dialectics.”

Hegel’s dialectics proposed that truth is not fixed but constantly evolving. He argued that truth at any given moment begins as a Thesis – a statement or belief reflecting the current understanding or worldview. In contrast to the current Thesis, an Antithesis or a new point of view is inevitably put forward. The two viewpoints, after reflection and debate, are combined and blended to form a new Synthesis, representing a revised understanding. The Synthesis becomes the “truth for now.”

This Synthesis becomes the new Thesis. However, does not mark the end of the process. Eventually, a new Antithesis is put forward, leading to yet another Synthesis. Truth, under this framework, becomes a series of temporary agreements rather than an unchanging absolute. The progression looks something like this:

Thesis ⟷ Antithesis → Synthesis
Synthesis → New Thesis
New Thesis ⟷ New Antithesis → Newer Synthesis

This process transforms truth into what could be called “truth for now,” a concept that is always subject to change.

truth for now ⟷ other truth for now → new truth for now
new truth for now → truth for now

truth for now ⟷ other truth for now → newer truth for now

Thus began the transformation of Absolute Truth to relative truth, that is, truth for now.

The Impact of Dialectics on Absolute Truth

Hegel’s perspective marked a significant departure from the historical belief in Absolute Truth. It reframed truth as something malleable, constantly redefined by societal and philosophical developments. What was once accepted as fixed and eternal became fluid, adaptable, and, ultimately, relative.

For children of the King, this shift challenges a core tenet of faith: Absolute Truth. Absolute Truth, as revealed in Scripture, cannot be reshaped or synthesized into something else. It stands apart as unchanging and eternal.

John 17:17 reminds us of this unalterable standard: “Your word is truth.”

The Firm Foundation of Absolute Truth

The Lord Jesus Christ illustrated the consequences of ignoring Absolute Truth through the parable of the wise and foolish builders. This analogy underscores the importance of building one’s life on a foundation that will endure through challenges and storms: Matthew 7:26-27: “But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

The parable makes it clear that only a solid foundation, rooted in God’s unchanging truth, can withstand the onslaught of cultural shifts and pressures.

The Contrasts Between Absolute and Relative Truth

On the one hand, the Absolute Truth is eternal, grounded in the Word of God, and provides a foundation for faith and life. On the other hand, Relative truth, shaped by societal trends and philosophical shifts like Hegel’s dialectics, changes over time and lacks stability.

When truth becomes relative, it loses its grounding power, as an unmovable foundation. It resembles a house built on sand, vulnerable to collapse in adversity.

The Firm Foundation of Absolute Truth

For children of the King, the rise of relative truth serves as a wake-up call to hold fast to the Absolute Truth found in Scripture. We cannot afford to compromise or synthesize the foundational truths of the Bible with the shifting ideologies of the world. God’s Truth is not just relevant; it is the only Truth.

Matthew 7:28 describes the reaction to Jesus’ teachings: “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching.”

Like the crowds who marveled at Jesus’ words, we too should remain amazed and steadfast in following the unchanging truth of the Word of God.

Final Reflections

The ideas presented by Schaeffer and the challenges introduced by philosophies like Hegel’s dialectics remind us that the cultural decline we witness today isn’t accidental. It’s rooted in the abandonment of Absolute Truth.

As followers of Christ, we have something far greater than the opinions and philosophies of humanity. We have the solid foundation of God’s eternal truth to guide us. The question is not just how we should live, but how we should stand firm in a world where truth is often seen as expendable.

REFLECT & PRAY

Ephesians 3:6 beautifully articulates God’s divine plan: “And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.”

Father, thank You for the remarkable power of Your love, which can bridge divides among individuals and entire groups, reconciling them to one another and bringing them together through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ.

INSIGHT

The “Great Awokening”

The year 2020 marked a seismic cultural and social awokening in America, triggered by the grotesque, inhumane, and vulgar murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. It was hideous, and people could no longer deny what their own eyes had seen and ears had heard. The brutality of his death exposed the undeniable reality of racial injustice in America, forcing the nation to confront truths that could no longer be ignored. Racism, alive and well, became the issue that no one could look away from.

The ripple effects of this awakening brought an overhaul in societal dialogues. A new “truth for now” began to emerge within progressive circles. This massive perturbation quickly became a source of upheaval and controversy.

From Progressivism to Successor Ideology

What began as a push toward “political correctness” and “identity politics” eventually transformed into something entirely different. Progressivism evolved into what some have termed “successor ideology.” Racism was challenged by anti-racism. Anti-racism sought to combat the ugliness of racism head-on. But as anti-racism gained momentum, a troubling question arose: How much anti-racism is enough? And who gets to decide?

The standards for social virtue shifted seemingly overnight. Insufficient anti-racism was labeled as “anti-blackness.” Progressivism, once rooted in liberal frameworks, has given way to a successor ideology, a new cultural force that enforces a single narrative of morality and truth. This “truth for now” demanded unwavering compliance.

Erosion of Fundamental Freedoms

America, founded on the principles of free thought, speech, and debate, finds itself at a crossroads. The “marketplace of ideas,” where opposing viewpoints once clashed and refined one another, is now supplanted by a totalitarian mindset that stifles disagreement.

The idea of “respectful disagreement” has all but vanished; those who diverge from the prevailing cultural narrative are met not with dialogue but condemnation. Dissenting voices are punished, censored, or ostracized in a climate where alignment with the current truth is paramount. All points of view no longer deserve an airing in a healthy debate in the “marketplace of ideas.”

George Orwell’s timeless insight warns us of these dangers: “The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.”

We see this reality mirrored in the words of Isaiah 59:14-16 (NLT): “Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The LORD looked and was displeased to find there was no justice. He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. So He Himself stepped in to save them with His strong arm, and His justice sustained Him.”

This prophetic passage resonates eerily with the moral and cultural struggles facing society today.

The Roots of Division

Prejudice and hatred, unfortunately, are not new problems. Humanity’s fractured relationships go back to the dawn of history, beginning with the very first family. The hostility between Cain and Abel set the stage for the generations of enmity that followed.

Sin has always been the barrier that divides people, fueling racism, prejudice, and division across cultures and history. It’s easy to look at society’s problems and feel despair. But is there hope? The Answer Lies in Christ

Yes, there is hope. The answer to the divisions that separate people lies in the unifying work of Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection offer a peace that transcends the divisions of race, ethnicity, and ideology. The apostle Paul describes this beautifully in his letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 2:14-18: “For Christ Himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when He broke down the wall of hostility that separated us in His own body on the Cross. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in Himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of His death on the Cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.”

“He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from Him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.”

These verses remind us that in Christ, hostility is replaced with unity, and division gives way to reconciliation. Through His body, Jesus created one unified people, bound not by law but by love and grace.

Moving Forward

The events of 2020 and the ongoing cultural shifts have exposed the brokenness of humanity and highlighted the need for solutions that extend beyond traditional political movements and social ideologies. Progressivism and successor ideologies may strive for justice, but they fall short by relying solely on human wisdom.

True reconciliation, freedom, and peace can only be achieved by waking up to the Lord Jesus Christ. He breaks down every barrier and sets the standard for real justice and unity. While cultural and societal narratives may change, the eternal truth of the Gospel remains steadfast.

May we, as followers of Christ, hold fast to His truth and be beacons of love and reconciliation in a divided world. And may we never lose sight of the hope we have in Him, a hope that transcends all earthly divisions.

¯_(ツ)_/¯8-19-2

© Dr. H 2025

Much is required ∙∙

Much is required ∙∙

When someone has been given much, much will be required in return, and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. – Luke 12:48

Nehemiah 2:1-8

1 I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence.
2 So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Then I was terrified,
3 but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
The king asked, “How can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven,

5 I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.”

6 The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request.
7 I also said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah.
8 And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to provide me with timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.” And the king granted these requests because the gracious hand of God was on me.

The Designated Survivor

The Presidential Succession Act was established in 1947 to guarantee the continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic emergency, such as a nuclear attack. Central to this plan is the concept of a designated survivor. This individual is chosen from the presidential line of succession and safeguarded in a distant, undisclosed location whenever the President and other high-ranking officials gather in a single location. Should a tragedy occur that eliminates the President and others in the line of succession, the designated survivor steps into the role of President of the United States, ensuring continuity of leadership.

This critical mechanism gained public attention through the TV series “Designated Survivor” (2016–2019). Kiefer Sutherland played Thomas Kirkman, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, who unexpectedly ascends to the presidency after a devastating attack wipes out the government’s leadership. Thrust into the most pivotal role in the world, Kirkman must rise to the challenge and fulfill the immense responsibilities of the presidency.

Growing into Responsibility

How does the Father prepare us for significant responsibilities? Simple. He entrusts us with responsibility and allows us to grow through the process. By learning to fulfill small duties faithfully, we develop the skills and character needed to handle greater challenges. Jesus illustrates this principle in Luke 16:10, “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much.”

The Father has a master plan for each of our lives. He equips us with the natural talents, life experiences, and spiritual gifts necessary to accomplish the tasks He sets before us.

God’s Strategy for His Children

The Father’s approach is not one-size-fits-all. Some of His children come with limited resources, talents, or social standing, yet He calls them for His purposes. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:26, “Think about the circumstances of your call, brothers and sisters. Not many were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position.”

The other children of the King are given abundant abilities, insights, and resources to fulfill their calling. Paul, for example, possessed intellectual brilliance, spiritual depth, wisdom, and revelation. He had tremendous perseverance, that is, an unrelenting determination to complete every task the Father placed before him. Through God’s grace, he was empowered and accomplished much. His life was a testament to using God-given strengths for the Father’s glory.

Paul’s words in Philippians 3:4-6 highlight his qualifications: “I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason to be confident in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin. … And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.”

Yet, Paul recognized that all his achievements and abilities ultimately came from God’s grace. He stated in 1 Corinthians 15:10, “But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out His special favor on me, and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by His grace.”

The Power of Weakness

How is Paul enabled to fulfill his calling despite the hardships he faced? He discovered the powerful connection between weakness and dependence on the Father. Instead of focusing on his strengths, Paul embraced his weaknesses as an opportunity to experience God’s strength working through him.

Paul explains this “open secret” in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where the Lord assured him,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. … For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

The Father often works most powerfully during our moments of inadequacy. In doing so, he demonstrates that our strength comes from Him.

Our success depends not on our abilities, status, or resources, but on God’s perfect provision and strategy. He prepares each child of the King to rise to their calling and fulfill all He has planned.

REFLECT & PRAY

What allowed Paul to achieve his remarkable successes? He realized a profound truth. Rather than concentrating on his strengths, Paul chose to focus on his weaknesses. In embracing his weaknesses, he became strong through the power and authority of the God (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Father, thank You for making me weak so that I would find strength in You. Thank You for the grace and strength only You can provide.

INSIGHT

Nehemiah’s Role in the Persian Court

Nehemiah, a trusted cupbearer to Artaxerxes, the king of Persia, held a position that required him to be in the king’s presence daily. This unique role allowed him to build trust with the king while presenting opportunities for meaningful dialogue. When travelers from Judah brought news of Jerusalem’s dire state, Nehemiah’s heart ached. The city’s walls were decimated, leaving it vulnerable and in ruins.

Burdened by this knowledge, Nehemiah turned to the Father in fervent prayer, seeking the Father’s favor and guidance to restore Jerusalem and its walls. His prayer, as recorded in Nehemiah 1:5-11, serves as a powerful model for every child of the King, demonstrating humility, dependence, and a clear vision.

A Bold Plan is Born

Nehemiah prayed for four months, asking for wisdom and favor. During this period, the Father heard Nehemiah’s cries and, in His perfect timing, responded. He placed a detailed plan in his heart. He clearly declared in Nehemiah 2:12, “I told no one what my God had put into my mind to do for Jerusalem.” Nehemiah undoubtedly thought through the steps of action that were needed to carry out the Father’s plan.

Finally, the big day came, and after four months, Nehemiah got his chance. One day, while serving in the king’s court, Nehemiah’s sadness was evident. King Artaxerxes noticed his gloomy demeanor and asked what troubled him. This was the opening Nehemiah had been waiting for.

Nehemiah poured out his heart to the king, explaining his grief over the state of Jerusalem. Then came the pivotal moment. He boldly requested permission to leave Susa and rebuild Jerusalem, along with the necessary resources to complete the task. The king granted everything Nehemiah asked for without hesitation. Artaxerxes even went further, providing letters of safe passage, materials from the royal forests, and protection for Nehemiah’s travels to Jerusalem.

Insights from Nehemiah’s Journey

Nehemiah’s story offers two key lessons for us to remember when seeking the Father’s strength and favor.

First, although he had been praying for months, when it came time to answer the king’s question, Nehemiah responded with a flash prayer, a quick prayer for insight and the words to speak before he answered. As recorded in Nehemiah 2:4, “So I prayed to the God of heaven.” Nehemiah remained connected to the Father moment by moment.

Second, Nehemiah humbly acknowledged that his prayers were answered because of the Father’s gracious hand upon him. His faith and trust were rooted in the understanding that all success came from the Father’s provision, as he notes in Nehemiah 2:8, “The king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.”

Preparation and Faithfulness

From a human perspective, Nehemiah was given an overwhelming assignment. He had no formal training for rebuilding walls or leading such a massive undertaking. He didn’t attend a “wall reconstruction seminar.” Yet, Nehemiah was uniquely prepared through his personal relationship with the Father, a faithful heart, and years of consistent service.

His preparation wasn’t found in technical skills but in living a life that pleased the Father. Proverbs 16:7 reminds us of this principle: “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Nehemiah rose to the challenge one brick at a time, propelled by faith.

Learning from Biblical Leaders

In the Father’s kingdom, on-the-job training may take a significant portion of a person’s life. Some servants of God undergo years, even decades, of preparation before stepping into their calling. Leaders like Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David each spent extended periods in isolation, hardship, unproductiveness, or even life-threatening dilemmas. These experiences prepared them for their roles in God’s greater plan.

On the other hand, someone like Daniel appeared to be “born-ready,” stepping into a place of leadership and influence with immediate strength and wisdom.

When the Father entrusts His children with extraordinary abilities and responsibilities, greater expectations and standards are placed upon them. Every high calling comes with high accountability. They were held to a higher standard.

Addressing Excuses

Too often, we resist the Father’s call and offer the Father excuses for our unwillingness to respond in faith borne out of self-doubt, inadequacy, lack of skill or preparation, and fear. But the Father anticipates these excuses and already has an answer prepared to encourage each child of the King to follow His lead.

Proverbs 21:1 illustrates His control over every situation: “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.”

This assurance reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, capable of moving even the hearts of kings.

Takeaway

Nehemiah’s story teaches us a powerful truth, beautifully captured in the words of Hudson Taylor: “It is possible to move men through God by prayer alone.”

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© Dr. H 2025

Lifetime plans ∙∙

Lifetime plans ∙∙

I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. – John 11:25

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.

1 John 5:11-13

11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.

The Irony of Lifetime Plans

The following online marketing ad was seen on the web in various locations. Upon closer examination, it seems a bit ironic, does it not? Imagine encountering an ad that reads like this:

“Annual plans, starting at just $12 + tax, or Lifetime plans, available for a limited time!”

At first glance, this sounds enticing, but a closer look exposes a glaring contradiction. Is a lifetime plan really a lifetime plan if it’s only available for a fleeting moment? What does this say about the actual longevity of the plan? If the commitment behind it is so short-lived, can we trust it to last?

Lessons from the Past

To make sense of these so-called lifetime promises, we can look back at history. Praenumeration was a practice widespread in the 18th-century German book trade. Back then, publishers offered books for sale before they had even been printed. Readers could preorder these books in the planning stages, and the funds raised were used to cover the costs of publication.

Fast forward to the present day, and we see this concept reimagined through crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is frequently used by startups seeking to finance innovative ideas they plan to implement. Modern businesses utilize this approach to raise funding from online communities, bringing creative projects, such as books, to life.

Lifetime Plans in Crowdfunding

The concept of crowdfunding often revolves around enticing pledges of a “lifetime” offer. These investments promise significant discounts or “lifetime access” to future products. At first glance, it appears to be an incredible opportunity offering value to eager backers.

However, this optimism is often at odds with reality. Startups, unfortunately, face a high risk of failure. They are fragile, and unfortunately, most do not survive. Many projects don’t come to fruition, and when a company folds, those alluring “lifetime” plans become worthless. “The best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray.”

Consequently, lifetime plans are often sunsetted (derived from the idiomatic expression “Ride off into the sunset”), and the original investors do not get what they were promised.

It’s a poignant reminder that lifetime plans in human ventures rarely last a lifetime.

When life presents us with challenges, temporary solutions are often a stopgap but are insufficient in the long run. This is especially true when it comes to life’s ultimate challenge, death. At that moment, you won’t need a book about salvation or an abstract doctrine to comfort you. Instead, you’ll need the Savior Himself.

REFLECT & PRAY

Warren Wiersbe said it beautifully, “When you belong to Him, you have all that you will ever need in life, death, time, or eternity.”

The apostle Paul confirms this timeless truth in 1 Corinthians 1:30, reminding us that Jesus is everything we could hope for.

Father, thank You for providing a paid-in-full, eternal lifetime plan. Thank You for the confidence and certainty this provides for every child of the King.

INSIGHT

Seeking the Best Plan for Eternity

What about eternal lifetime plans? When it comes to preparing for eternity, choosing the best plan available is one of the most important decisions we can make. Being ready for life after death is a primal concern of humanity, and the quality and reliability of such a plan hinge on the nature of the one offering it.

What should we consider? Character, integrity, and reliability are critical. Are there satisfied beneficiaries? Is the provider trustworthy with an impeccable reputation? Each of us bears the responsibility of conducting thorough research and exercising due diligence to ensure we make a wisdom-driven decision.

The Divine Plan of Redemption

The Father is deeply invested in the business of redemption. His divine enterprise wasn’t an afterthought; it was conceived before the foundations of the earth existed (2 Timothy 1:9). It was born in eternity, crafted in the eternal realm of God’s consciousness long before anything else came into being.

When we wholeheartedly place our trust in the eternal plan God has extended to the children of the King, we discover an unshakable foundation. The Father’s “company” is unmatched. It is eternal, immune to collapse or failure, and every promise He makes is fulfilled without exception.

The beauty of this eternal lifetime plan is that those who invest in it will never suffer loss or risk being cast out. The Lord Jesus Christ confirms this in John 10:29, “My Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.”

The Cost and Guarantee of the Eternal Plan

How is the Father’s eternal lifetime plan made possible? It was for this very purpose that Jesus Christ came. The Father sent His Son into the world to provide eternal life for all who would believe.

John 3:16 explains, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Additionally, Jesus offers reassurance in John 5:24, “I tell you the solemn truth, the one who hears my message and believes the one who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, but has crossed over from death to life.”

The Unmatched Authority of Christ

Such claims from just anyone else would sound ludicrous. Without evidence, these promises could easily be dismissed as the ramblings of a liar, lunatic, or a fool. But the Lord Jesus Christ’s extraordinary claims are backed by exceptional credentials.

His life, teaching, miracles, sacrificial death, victorious resurrection, and triumphant ascension prove He has the authority to offer eternal life. Consider His words in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”

This statement goes far beyond hope. “Jesus does not merely say that he will bring about the resurrection or that he will be the cause of the resurrection (both of which are true), but something much stronger: I am the resurrection and the life” (ESV Notes).

The Light Out of the Shadows

The work of the Lord Jesus Christ brings the doctrine of resurrection into clear focus. While the Old Testament contained hints of resurrection truths, they remained incomplete and a bit shadowy. Jesus, however, illuminated this truth for everyone to see.

By His teaching, miracles, and resurrection, He established once and for all the certainty of life after death. He declared that death is real, yet eternal life and bodily resurrection await those who trust in Him (Wiersbe).

Warren Wiersbe explains it this way, “He took it out of a book and put it into a person, Himself. ‘I am the resurrection and the life!’ We are saved by the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and not by a doctrine written in a book. When we know Him by faith, we need not fear the shadow of death.”

When Does Eternal Life Begin?

Do we have to wait until death to experience the benefits of this eternal plan? Absolutely not! Eternal life begins the moment faith is placed in the Lord Jesus Christ.

This life is not merely a future hope but a present possession for every child of the King. The apostle John makes it abundantly clear in 1 John 5:12, “Whoever has the Son has life.”

From the moment we acknowledge and receive Christ as our personal savior and Lord, we step into the blessings of eternal life. This promise is not theoretical or distant but real and immediate for all who believe.

Eternal security isn’t about fleeting human promises; it stands on the character, authority, and love of God Himself. There is no greater plan. Through Jesus Christ, we have life, security, and a hope that will never fade.

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© Dr. H 2025