Do something great ∙∙

Do something great ∙∙

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” – Acts 2:37

Philippians 4:8-13

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

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

President Abraham Lincoln, renowned for his powerful communication skills, was known during the Civil War to attend a nearby church on Wednesday evenings. To avoid causing a disruption, the preacher, Dr. Gurley, accommodated the president by allowing him to sit in the pastor’s study with the door open, where he could listen to the sermon without impacting the congregation.

One particular Wednesday night, after the sermon concluded, Lincoln and a companion walked back to the White House. On the way, the companion asked, “What did you think of tonight’s sermon?”

Lincoln thoughtfully replied, “It was brilliantly crafted—biblical, relevant, and eloquently delivered.”

“Then it was a great sermon?” the companion asked, expecting confirmation.

“No,” Lincoln replied. “It failed. It failed because Dr. Gurley did not ask us to do something great.”

Great communicators know how to challenge their audience. They don’t just inform or inspire—they prompt action. Their message leaves listeners asking themselves, “What’s my next step? What am I being called to do?”

Similarly, we must ask ourselves, “What does the Father expect from me? And how do I fulfill His purpose for my life?” It remains true that the Father loves each each child of the King and has a wonderful plan for us. But those plans often unfold step by step, requiring our faith and obedience.

Paul’s life offers a powerful example. Unlike most, Paul was specifically told what the Father expected of him—he was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles. While he didn’t know every detail of how his mission would unfold, he trusted God to guide him. Through every trial and triumph, Paul leaned on the strength of Jesus Christ. He knew that nothing could be accomplished apart from Him.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Far and away, the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing” (Theodore Roosevelt).

Father, when it comes to Your plan and purpose, my vision is so limited—it’s like trying to see through a dim and cloudy glass. Yet, I ask You to encourage me to act on what I already know to be true. You are a marvelous and loving Father, worthy of the very best that Your children can offer You. Help me to give You my best.

INSIGHT

2 Peter 1:4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

The Father’s “great and precious promises” aren’t insignificant or trivial; they are treasures that serve as the foundation for a life of faith, hope, and spiritual growth.

When Peter speaks of God’s promises, he refers to everything the Father has guaranteed for us as children of the King—salvation, eternal life, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, His unchanging love, and His presence in every season of life. These promises are “great” because they come from a great and perfect God, the Creator of all things. His wisdom, power, and love are beyond measure. They are “precious” because they hold immeasurable value, providing peace, purpose, and assurance.

For the children of the King, these promises are a pathway to escape the corruption of the world and share in the Father’s divine nature. They invite us to grow spiritually and shed the harmful desires and patterns we once followed while allowing God’s Spirit to shape and refine us. God’s promises are not just words to inspire us—they are tools He uses to change us, strengthen our faith, and help us reflect His character.

2 Peter 1:4 reminds us of the treasure we possess through God’s glory and goodness: “Because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises.”

They are priceless, beyond any human measure, and irreplaceable. As Wiersbe puts it, “If we lost the Word of God, there would be no way to replace it.”

The Greek word for “precious,” timios, carries profound meaning. It conveys the sense of being esteemed, honored, and cherished. It also reflects immense value, something treasured and priceless—so valuable that no amount could estimate its worth. Interestingly, the name Timothy derives from this same term, embodying the idea of honor and value.

2 Peter 1:4-5 further expands on these promises, saying,

4 “These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises.”

When we spend time dwelling on and trusting in the Father’s promises, a transformation begins. Just as people take on the traits of those they surround themselves with, responding to God’s promises allows us to share in His divine nature. By doing so, we break free from the corruption of the world and begin the beautiful process of becoming more like Him. His promises don’t just inspire—they equip us to live in alignment with His character.

“‘I came,’ said Jesus, ‘that they may have life, and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10). As one of the great early fathers said, ‘He became what we are to make us what he is.’ We have it in us to share the nature of God – but only in Jesus Christ can that potentiality be brought to fruition” (Barclay).

“Desire, burning desire, is basic to achieving anything beyond the ordinary” (Joseph B. Wirthlin).

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us” (Wilma Rudolph).

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts” (Winston Churchill).

Peter encourages us to “do something great!”

¯_(ツ)_/¯10-28-2

© Dr. H 2024

Disdainful sniffing ∙∙

Disdainful sniffing ∙∙

“You also say, ‘My, how tiresome it is!’ And you disdainfully sniff at it,” says the LORD of Heaven’s armies. – Malachi 1:13

Jeremiah 29:12-13

12 In those days when you pray, I will listen.
13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

Anhedonia is a rare and unusual word. What does it mean? It refers to the inability to find joy or satisfaction in activities that once brought pleasure. It’s as if the brain’s pleasure center has switched off. Or has it? Perhaps it is more like a rheostat light switch, indicating a reduced capacity for pleasurable experiences. Regardless, the result is often a sense of boredom and indifference where there once was enthusiasm and passion.

David, a man cherished by God, was passionate about spending personal time with the Father. He yearned for it like a thirsty deer (Psalms 42:1). However, determined, defiant disobedience entered his heart, and the wind was knocked out of his sails, leaving him deflated.

In our fast-paced, distraction-rich lives, it’s all too easy to lose connection with our limitless, magnificent, and delightful Father God. We can turn away and dismissively turn up our noses and disdainfully sniff at Him and the things that matter most to Him (Malachi 1:13).

When this occurs, which sadly is far too frequently, how do we reconnect? Merely wishing for a better situation or making superficial displays of interest won’t suffice. The issue is never with the Father. He is always there and accessible, longing for closeness with His children. What’s required is diligence, determination, and wholehearted focus. As Jeremiah puts it,

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

The book of Jeremiah was written against the background of the Babylonian captivity of the nation of Israel and the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple (586 BC).

Regrettably, the history of Israel is sadly replete with rebellion and defiance against the Father. Time and time again, the Father dispatched His prophets to warn the people. Jeremiah himself prophesied impending doom for decades. Eventually, judgment arrived, and the Babylonians invaded Israel in three consecutive waves: 605 BC, 597 BC, and 586 BC. A large portion of the Israelite people was slaughtered, and thousands were taken as captives. These were grim, bleak, and somber times. All hope for that generation seemed extinguished. It was the dark night of Israel’s collective soul. Anhedonia dominated their consciousness.

REFLECT & PRAY

The judgment of God may come slowly, but it will come! Yet, judgment is seldom the final chapter; often, it is only the beginning.

Father, thank You for Your plans for me and those dear to me. Our future is secure because of You.

INSIGHT

For an exhausting 28 chapters, the Book of Jeremiah echoes with prophecies of destruction and despair. But after the judgment arrived, God completely transformed the message. He flipped 180°, an astonishing reversal.

Out of the suffocating darkness and gloom, a radiant light of hope broke through. God began speaking of renewal, grace, joy, and an extraordinary New Covenant, overflowing with promises that stood in stark contrast to those given through Moses. It was as if Plan M (M for Moses) had run its course. It was tried, and the results were always the same: failure. The people’s failures showed it was time for a new way forward. It was time to switch to Plan N (N for New).

Jeremiah, the seasoned prophet, once the bearer of solemn warnings, came to voice some of the most beautiful and cherished promises found in the entire Old Testament. Undoubtedly, even Jeremiah himself must’ve been awestruck by the wonderful assurances uttered through his lips at the Father’s direction.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Nothing that had transpired was unexpected or ambiguous. Every event unfolded as part of the Father’s perfect, eternal plan. He has always known how things would unfold and turn out. The Father’s purpose has always been the ultimate good for His people. He has no desire for endless calamity, loss, heartbreak, or failure.

This is Who the Father is. This is the Father’s way. It clearly demonstrates the essence of His heart. The problem has never been with Him—He consistently desires the very best for the children of the King. The real issue arises when His children do not want the best for themselves. Instead, they settle for far less. Trading the abundant good He offers for fleeting and shallow pursuits. As long as name maintain this mindset, they will never fully step into the goodness He longs to give.

The same holds true for every child of the King today. The struggle lies in surrendering our limited, paltry, shortsighted desires and choosing to hunger for and seek after His magnificent best. Only then can we experience the fullness of what He has prepared for us.

The story of Israel is a collective reflection of the struggles we all face. It mirrors our individual personal life experiences. Their missteps and triumphs serve as profound, valuable life lessons for those who seek to walk in the Father’s will.

As 1 Corinthians 10:11 reminds us, “These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn those of us who live at the close of the age.”

When the period of exile drew to a close, not everyone longed to return to the land of promise. Many had grown comfortable with their lives as they were, finding satisfaction in their current circumstances. Because of this, they didn’t pursue the Father with their whole hearts. Only some made it back to the land, and the prophecies were fulfilled only in part.

Have you, too, settled for something less than God’s best? Have you disdainfully sniffed at the Father and halfheartedly pursued Him with lukewarm devotion? What blessings might have you overlooked and left on the table?

How do we cultivate a hunger for the Father’s best? How do we move from our present state to the fullness of what He offers? How do we transition from where we are now to where we could be? The answer is simple yet deeply challenging. We must seek Him with everything we have. We must be all in. Half measures won’t do. We must hold nothing back, no compromises, no reservations. When we seek Him with all our hearts, He will hear us. And when we find Him, He will lovingly restore us.

Jeremiah reminds us in 29:13-14:

13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
14 I will be found by you, says the LORD.

Our fallen nature so often distorts our priorities, leaving them out of sync with the Father’s will. But He remains both a loving Father and a sovereign King. He desires an intimate connection with every child of the King, but it is our responsibility to draw near to Him. The invitation is always open—He calls us to come closer.

Isaiah 55:6 urges us: “Seek the Lord while you can find him; call on him now while he is near.”

The question isn’t whether He is ready to meet us; the question is whether we have the courage to seek Him with our whole hearts.

If we learn from these lessons, we can avoid the common mistakes made by ancient Israel and receive the blessings the Father desires to give us.

¯_(ツ)_/¯ 12-02-1

What makes something holy? ∙

What makes something holy? ∙

I, the LORD, am holy. – Leviticus 20:26

Deuteronomy 26:18-19

18 The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands.
19 And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nations he has made. Then you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the LORD your God, just as he promised.”

What does it mean to label something as sacred? At its core, sacredness refers to something that holds profound importance and significance for a group of people, often linked to religious or spiritual beliefs. It is something that is set apart, revered, or consecrated. Popular culture frequently explores the idea of sacredness. For instance, in the movie “Avatar,” the Na’vi—a species of 10-foot-tall sapient humanoids living on Pandora—reverence Eywa, a deity connected to all life. Their most sacred object is the Tree of Souls, which represents a profound link to their ancestors and the collective spirit of their world.

Similarly, countless Western films reference the sacred hunting grounds or burial sites of Native American tribes, emphasizing the deep spiritual connection these communities have with their land. Religious artifacts, buildings, and symbols, like temples or crosses, are often deemed sacred because they represent something much greater than their physical forms.

The Bible introduces a similar but distinctive perspective on sacredness. It ties the concept of holiness directly to God. God alone is absolutely holy, possessing intrinsic and unparalleled holiness that describes both His essence and character. His holiness is unique, incorporating purity, faultlessness, righteousness, and moral perfection. It stands in stark contrast to anything defiled or unclean, as highlighted in passages like Leviticus 11:44.

The Hebrew word translated as holy is qadosh. Qadosh has a sense of being “set apart,” “dedicated,” or “consecrated.” Holiness extends beyond righteousness and moral excellence. It involves being distinct and dedicated to God. Theologian Wayne Grudem stated, “God’s holiness means that he is separated from sin and devoted to seeking his own honor.”

The Father unequivocally states that He is holy, emphasizing that He is utterly unique, distinct from all creation, different than all else, and in a class of His own. Apart from God, there is nothing inherently holy.

However, holiness is one of the Father’s communicable attributes, which He shares with people, things, places, and objects. Holiness, bestowed by God, means being set apart for His purposes.

An example of this is the Nation of Israel. God declares in Deuteronomy 14:2, “You have been set apart as holy to the LORD your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.” The Israelites were chosen to be a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding cultures. They were to reflect God’s holiness in how they lived, showing that they belonged to Him and were dedicated to serving His purposes.

The Israelites were commanded to embody holiness as a sign of their unique relationship with the Creator. They were called to mirror His holiness, remaining distinct and dedicated to Him. At the core of this idea is the ultimate source of sacredness: God Himself. His holiness has the power to transform everything He designates as set apart.

Leviticus 19:2 Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.

What makes something holy?

Holiness is not something inherent to a person, place, or thing—God confers it. Take the burning bush on Mount Sinai as an example. The ground surrounding the bush was just ordinary dirt—plain, unremarkable, and mundane. But when God’s presence rested there, everything changed. The Lord declared, “Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). His words alone transformed an ordinary patch of desert. He proclaimed it holy, and it became holy and set apart.

God imputes all holiness; nothing in creation starts as holy. What we now see as sacred—locations, objects, or people—was once common or profane. For example, Israel began as enslaved people, and the temple’s elements were once just raw materials. When God chooses something for His purpose, He makes it holy.

Holiness, then, is not a quality we can attain or possess on our own. It is a gift from God, a mark of His presence and purpose. By His decree, the mundane becomes meaningful, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the profane becomes sacred. The Father Himself brings purpose and significance to anything He chooses.

REFLECT & PRAY

Matthew 5:13-14

13 You are the salt of the earth
14 You are the light of the world

Father, You alone are intrinsically Holy. Yet by Your word, You have declared many things holy that were common and profane. Through Your transforming power, You bring purpose and significance to what was once mundane, including Your children, the sons and daughters of the King.

INSIGHT

Throughout Scripture, we see that holiness is often conferred when something is set apart for God’s service. What begins as ordinary is transformed for a divine purpose. Think of it like clay—nothing more than common dirt—being shaped by a skilled potter into something beautiful and valuable. “The Lord uses ordinary objects to do extraordinary things so that it can be plainly seen that the power is from God” (MacDonald).

Take Moses’ staff, for instance. It was just a simple piece of wood, a tool of a shepherd. But after God’s call, it became the rod of God (Exodus 4:2, 4:20 KJV). This ordinary shepherd’s staff was used to perform spectacular miracles, from the plagues in Egypt to the parting of the Red Sea. Of course, the staff itself held no innate power—the power came from God alone. Yet, God chose to use this simple object as an instrument of His divine will, demonstrating His ability to work wonders through the seemingly insignificant.

Another fascinating example is the Hebrew alphabet. At the time of Moses, the cultures surrounding the Hebrews used their alphabets to record myths, rituals, and practices, many of which were deeply rooted in the Canaanite religion and were often obscene, even pornographic. Yet, God took these ordinary symbols—letters formed for common and even profane uses—and repurposed them for the sacred. The Hebrew alphabet became the means through which God revealed Himself to humanity. Written in Hebrew, the Old Testament includes the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings of the nation of Israel.

What is been labeled as the Despoiling the Egyptians is another example. When the Israelites left Egypt, they carried out an extraordinary treasure trove of gold, silver, precious gems, and fine cloth. These items were not gifts of goodwill but rather a form of payment—compensation for the backbreaking labor they had endured as slaves. The treasure included jewelry, pagan relics, and likely even household idols from Egyptian homes.

What was God’s purpose for these spoils of Egypt? They were repurposed for religious worship. Under God’s instruction, the gold and silver were melted down and used to craft the sacred articles for the Tabernacle, as described in (Exodus 25-28). Items that had once adorned idols or served profane purposes were now dedicated to the worship of the one true God. Scandalous and idolatrous objects were reimagined and consecrated.

Throughout history, the Father has repurposed things of the world for sacred purposes. During the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther exemplified this principle by transforming secular songs into sacred hymns. He famously asked, “Why should the Devil have all the good music?” Luther pioneered the practice of contrafacta, borrowing popular tunes and setting them to sacred texts, making them suitable for worship. Luther’s well-known hymn tune, “Ein’ Feste Burg,” might be based on a drinking song (http://everything2.com/title/contrafacta).

Many beloved hymns were initially composed for secular or classical purposes. For instance, the hymn “Be Still, My Soul” borrows its melody from Finlandia, composed by Jean Sibelius. Similarly, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” finds its roots in Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” the climactic movement of his majestic Ninth Symphony.

Gospel music, as we know it today, began to take shape in the 1930s, though its roots run much deeper into history. Its origins can be traced to the African American communities of the southern United States in the late 19th century. These communities would gather in their churches, singing heartfelt spirituals and hymns that carried both the weight of their struggles and the hope of deliverance.

The rhythm and power of these songs were palpable, expressed through the hand-clapping and foot-stomping that still resonate in gospel music today. These gatherings were not just acts of worship—they were acts of transformation, where ordinary moments and melodies were made sacred.

God specializes in transformation. He takes what is ordinary, flawed, or even profane and repurposes it for His glory. Pagan idols are melted down to form sacred tabernacle vessels. Secular music is infused with a sacred meaning. Time and again, what the world sees as common or corrupt is redeemed and sanctified, becoming holy and eternal.

This reveals a profound truth about God’s nature. He doesn’t see us for what we are—ordinary, broken, or sinful—but for what we can become. God imparts His holiness to us, shaping us into vessels of His glory. Just as gospel music turns everyday rhythms into powerful praise, we, too, are called to redeem and sanctify the world around us.

God’s redemption is not diminished by the secular. Instead, He brings holiness where it was absent, renewing and transforming everything for His divine purpose, including us.

¯_(ツ)_/¯3-22-2

© Dr. H 2024

Seeing the unseen ∙∙

Seeing the unseen ∙∙

From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth, sky, and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. – Romans 1:20

Psalms 33:6-9

6 The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars in the sky were made.
7 He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.
8 Let the whole world fear the LORD and let everyone stand in awe of him.
9 For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.

“The theory of intelligent design holds that certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause” (https://intelligentdesign.org/).

On Earth, some things are the result of chance and natural processes, while others are obviously not. For instance, if you found a piece of driftwood floating near a beach, you wouldn’t consider it extraordinary. But imagine finding a functioning smartphone half-buried in the sand at the same beach. You would immediately recognize it as designed—its complexity could only come from an intelligent source.

How do we know God exists? Evidence in the natural world points to an intelligent designer. The idea that random chance plus time alone could create the world is far less convincing than the possibility of an intelligent mind behind it all.

Whether we examine the vastness of the universe, from galaxies seemingly without end in the distant recesses of space to black holes, or the intricacy of quantum physics on the smallest subatomic level, there is overwhelming evidence of intelligent design everywhere.

Romans 1:20 tells us that the natural world attests to the existence of an intelligent designer, revealing the Father’s invisible qualities and attributes. It speaks of His eternal nature and limitless power. Like any great work of art—whether a painting, sculpture, or piece of music—creation reflects the brilliance and creativity of its Maker. What we see in the natural world points to a fertile mind with unlimited imagination and creativity. Consider this: how can the irreducible complexity of the natural world happen by chance? Reflect on this a bit.

Irreducible complexity is a key argument used by the Intelligent Design movement. It serves as both positive evidence for the existence of intelligence and purposeful planning in certain biological systems, and as a direct challenge to the traditional evolutionary narrative. In essence, irreducible complexity refers to a system or structure that is not only complex but complex in a specific manner. Every component of such a system must be present and positioned correctly for it to function. It’s essentially an all-or-nothing proposition (Luke Wayne, https://carm.org).

Romans 1:20 presents four clear observations of what the natural world reveals. First, anyone can observe the evidence that nature provides; it is visible and accessible to all. Second, people are capable of understanding this evidence and drawing reasonable conclusions from it. The more we explore the complexity of creation, the less it seems to be the product of random chance, pointing instead to intelligent design. Third, the information offered by nature is limited; it shows that the existence of God is a reasonable conclusion but does not provide all the details we need to understand Him or His character. Finally, because of this clear evidence of intelligent design, individuals are responsible for what they observe and for the choices they make about the Creator of all things.

The natural world calls for a response to the One behind it all.

“Napoleon, on a warship in the Mediterranean on a star-lit night, passed a group of his officers who were mocking at the idea of a God. He stopped, and sweeping his hand toward the stars, said, Gentlemen, you must get rid of those first!’” (Zane C. Hodges). His remark captures the testimony of creation to the existence of a Creator.

REFLECT & PRAY

Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)

Father, I remember a time when I did not believe in You. I had no faith in my heart because I had not yet heard the Truth. Faith is the response of the human heart to that Truth. Thank You for the people You brought into my life who shared it with me.

INSIGHT

Hebrews 11:3 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.

What we believe is possible has a profound impact on what we accept as real. In other words, What we believe could happen determines what we believe did happen.

Put simply, if you choose not to believe that God exists or that He intervenes within the time-space continuum, then you can’t believe in miracles. They are inconceivable. Events like the resurrection of Jesus Christ or the extraordinary parting of the Red Sea, where the Israelites crossed safely on dry ground, appear to be impossibilities, dismissed as mere embellishments or myths that could never have happened.

But have you ever paused to contemplate this? Perhaps there was a chapter in your life where belief in God seemed out of reach. Did you ask yourself, “What would it take for me to believe that God exists?”

The miracles of the Bible cry out for explanation, and the only plausible answer is the existence and action of a divine Creator who operates within the time and space continuum. Without God, the dramatic accounts of the Red Sea parting in Exodus or the resurrection of Jesus lose their foundation and dissolve into the realm of legends. Yet for those who believe in God, these events are not only possible—they are logical expressions of His nature and power. When faith enters, the supernatural aligns perfectly with the events in the Scriptures.

Consider this deeply: if God does not engage with human history, if He does not have the power or willingness to act, then the resurrection of Jesus Christ could not have occurred. Such an event demands supernatural intervention—something only possible with God. Without divine power, even the heart of Christianity crumbles into nothing more than an inspiring tale devoid of reality.

But if you believe in God—if you truly open your heart to the idea of a Creator who moves mountains and splits waters—then you see His fingerprints everywhere. You come to recognize that what seems impossible to human eyes is far from impossible for Him. Faith transforms how we view the miraculous, showing us not myths but profound moments where heaven touches earth.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Psalms 33:6 The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.

Faith, described in Hebrews 11:1 as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” and affirmed in Psalms 33:6, where “The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created,” has profoundly shaped the trajectory of untold millions through the millennia.

Faith is the intangible influence that has inspired generations to dream of what could be, driven by the belief in what cannot yet be seen but is deeply felt. Faith channels hope into action and transforms the intangible into something tangible and enduring.

From the beginning of time, faith in the unseen God has guided human understanding of creation and the mysteries of the cosmos. A simple truth—that the Lord spoke, and the heavens were born—has provided understanding and sparked awe and reverence for the living God, the Creator of all that is.

Faith whispers that there is reason to hope, to build, to love, and to try again, even when the outcome remains unseen. Faith transforms the void of the unknown into fertile ground for possibility. It is the force that bridges the gap between the present and the future, between human intention and divine will.

Faith does not guarantee an easy path—it often requires persistence in the face of adversity. Yet, it empowers people to stand firm when logic says to give up, to create beauty in the midst of chaos, and to see infinite possibilities in finite situations. It inspires martyrs to give their lives for truth and artists to craft masterpieces that point beyond human experience to divine glory.

Seeing the unseen reminds us that we do not walk alone, for the God who spoke the stars into existence walks with us still, guiding those with open hearts to achieve the extraordinary. Faith shapes our past, directs our present, and opens the door to a future full of hope and wonder.

¯_(ツ)_/¯10-11-2

© Dr. H 2024

Heart calluses ∙∙

Heart calluses ∙∙

I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. – Romans 11:25

Ephesians 4:18-19

18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.
19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

The most common calluses are those we get on our feet and hands. These external calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop from repeated friction, irritation, or pressure on the skin.

These hardened skin layers or calluses are your body’s way of protecting the underlying skin from irritation and pressure. For most people, eliminating the source of friction or pressure makes calluses disappear.

Internally, calluses are chalklike concretions that form in the tissues or small joints. They can slow or completely paralyze movement. When a bone is broken, set, and recovered, the area becomes thicker and harder than the original bone. The healed area is also called a callus (Barclay).

Ephesians 4:18 Due to the hardness of their hearts.

The Greek word translated as “hardness,” “callousness,” or “insensitivity” is porosis. Porosis is derived from the Greek verb poroo to harden, petrify, render insensitive (Mark 3:5, Romans 11:25, Ephesians 4:18). Poros originally meant a stone that was harder than marble. Finally, the word came to represent the loss of all power of sensation; it described something that had become so hardened and petrified that it could not feel at all (Barclay). Metaphorically, it meant the stubborn unwillingness to learn (Louw-Nida).

Physical calluses are rarely a problem. But spiritual calluses are quite a different thing. It is a state devoid of feeling and mental awareness (Zodhiates). Such hardening is one of the primary characteristics of soulishness, fleshliness, or unbelief.

Before we became children of the King, our lives were often mired in pursuit of superficial, empty things that did not matter. Our minds, shrouded in ignorance, became darkened, leaving us blind to the deeper truths of life. The result was grim and terrible: our hearts were petrified and turned to cold, unyielding stone. Our ability to feel genuine compassion was greatly diminished. We allowed our minds to grow rigid, losing the ability to adapt to new ideas and perspectives (Barclay).

Sadly, even among those who are children of the King, many continue to carry the burden of these hardened hearts. This inner struggle often manifests as a reluctance to embrace change or to connect empathetically with others, holding back the transformative love and grace that our faith calls us to embody.

Spiritual petrification or dullness is the heart’s response to the irritation of sin and its consequences. Repeated sin has a petrifying effect. At first, people may regard sin with concern. When they sin, remorse and regret enter their hearts. But, if people continue to sin, there comes a time when they lose all sensation and can do the most shameful things without any feeling at all. Their consciences have become petrified (Barclay)

REFLECT & PRAY

To eliminate heart calluses, it is necessary to remove what causes them, or they re-form.

Father, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part, You will make me know wisdom. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow (Psalms 51:6, 7).

INSIGHT

The heart describes the root of our unconscious and conscious motivation (Constable). Hardening of the heart is an expression found in both the Old and New Testaments. It occurs many times in the book of Exodus concerning the stubbornness of Pharaoh. Upon closer inspection, sometimes the Pharaoh hardened his own heart. At other times, the God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. In each instance, one of two different Hebrew words is used to describe Pharaoh’s heart: qashah (difficult) or chazaq – (strong). However, in each case, it refers to the Pharaoh’s stubbornness and inflexibility (UBS).

The outward signs of heart calluses include stubbornness, willfulness, obstinacy, and rigidity. When we become set in our ways, we become unwilling to change. We make up our minds and refuse to budge.

In the case of physical calluses, removing the source of irritation is necessary to prevent them from recurring. The same principle applies to the calluses of the heart. However, this creates a practical challenge for each child of the King, as we often do not understand our own hearts as well as we may think we do.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?

Yet we are assured that the Father Himself knows the condition of each person’s heart and the source of every callous.

Jeremiah 17:10 I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives.

David carried the weight of calluses on his heart, formed through the hardening that came when he contemplated and pursued his sin with Bathsheba. Yet, out of this brokenness, we receive a powerful example of spiritual introspection and healing. David offers us a heartfelt prayer—a guide to uncover what lies deep within our hearts. Through his example, we learn how to identify and remove the sources of spiritual “heart disease,” allowing us to seek restoration and renewed intimacy with the Father.

Psalms 139:23-24

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

The word “wicked” signifies more than just outwardly sinful actions; it also refers to patterns of thinking, attitudes, or desires that lead one away from God’s truth and holiness. It implies behaviors that can be hurtful, causing pain or sorrow to oneself, others, or even to God.

David is not satisfied with mere surface-level obedience; he desires God to reveal anything hidden in his heart that could lead him astray. This verse illustrates David’s humility and his willingness to surrender his life to God’s guidance. It emphasizes a longing for a life free from sin and focused on eternal matters, described here as “the way everlasting.”

A teachable spirit goes a long way.

Proverbs 12:1 To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

“When we cannot understand ourselves or comprehend our feelings, God invites us to take our internal struggles to Him and ask Him for insight. He understands what we do not, and knows what to do when we don’t” (Stanley).

¯_(ツ)_/¯12-11-2

© Dr. H 2024