Adaptation, Not Evolution
As you know, I keep a few bees. I try not to write too much about them because I know you would get
bored of me going on and about them. But I was reading an article on honeybees the other day and for
some reason the author decided to jump into the “evolution” of bees. She was speaking about the
effects on the planet if there were no bees. Bees pollinate 70 of the around 100 crop species that feed
90% of the world. If bees were to die off, it would be disastrous for the planet. She then made this
statement: “Many have coevolved with flowers.”
You see, I’ve always pointed to bees as proof that things can’t evolve; they either work perfectly or they
don’t work. So, in that line of thinking, I wondered how flowers would grow and prosper if there was a
time when bees didn’t do what they do. So this person’s logic is that at some point (millions or billions
of years ago) an almost bee-like insect of sorts, kind of almost pollinated flowers but that was ok
because flowers hadn’t evolved to the point of needing pollination. That is a convoluted stretch of the
imagination. But…it is what must have happened (with no proof whatsoever) if people want to believe in
evolution.
It takes a lot of faith to believe that improbable scenario. I believe the simplest, and most rational,
answer is that God created bees and flowers to perfectly complement and sustain each other. One
wouldn’t survive without the other and their presence and purpose in the ecosystem sustains other life.
It is an amazing world of nature that God created to perfectly work together to sustain life. If we evolved
we evolved into perfection then evolution has done its thing and we are perfect…we will not evolve into
anything else that works or functions better.
However, a study from England claims that we are still evolving. Why do they believe that? Because
every generation is getting, as a group, taller. We are smarter and we are physically stronger. That isn’t
evolution, that is adaptation. We understand nutrition and so we eat better. We understand how the
body works so we have better medicines and vitamins, etc. but…understand this…we were humans
when we were created and if mankind survives another billion years, we will be humans when we die.
Bro. Tony
bored of me going on and about them. But I was reading an article on honeybees the other day and for
some reason the author decided to jump into the “evolution” of bees. She was speaking about the
effects on the planet if there were no bees. Bees pollinate 70 of the around 100 crop species that feed
90% of the world. If bees were to die off, it would be disastrous for the planet. She then made this
statement: “Many have coevolved with flowers.”
You see, I’ve always pointed to bees as proof that things can’t evolve; they either work perfectly or they
don’t work. So, in that line of thinking, I wondered how flowers would grow and prosper if there was a
time when bees didn’t do what they do. So this person’s logic is that at some point (millions or billions
of years ago) an almost bee-like insect of sorts, kind of almost pollinated flowers but that was ok
because flowers hadn’t evolved to the point of needing pollination. That is a convoluted stretch of the
imagination. But…it is what must have happened (with no proof whatsoever) if people want to believe in
evolution.
It takes a lot of faith to believe that improbable scenario. I believe the simplest, and most rational,
answer is that God created bees and flowers to perfectly complement and sustain each other. One
wouldn’t survive without the other and their presence and purpose in the ecosystem sustains other life.
It is an amazing world of nature that God created to perfectly work together to sustain life. If we evolved
we evolved into perfection then evolution has done its thing and we are perfect…we will not evolve into
anything else that works or functions better.
However, a study from England claims that we are still evolving. Why do they believe that? Because
every generation is getting, as a group, taller. We are smarter and we are physically stronger. That isn’t
evolution, that is adaptation. We understand nutrition and so we eat better. We understand how the
body works so we have better medicines and vitamins, etc. but…understand this…we were humans
when we were created and if mankind survives another billion years, we will be humans when we die.
Bro. Tony
Read more...
Christians and War
Should a Christian support war? Should a Christian be willing to serve in the military and fight in a war?
Those questions came up as I was reading the account of the bombing of Afghanistan. There are several
ways of looking at that, as seen in religious doctrines. One way is a straight up activist. When called up,
Christians are to honor the call. The pacifist view is that Christians should not kill, period. Then comes
the selective view that if there is a just cause, Christians should take up arms. All three views reference
the Bible in their defense.
In World War 1 a young man named Alvin York was a new Christian who was drafted. He tried to get a
conscientious exemption from fighting due to his religious beliefs. He failed and went to basic training.
There, he again said he did not feel that a Christian should take a life. He was given a pass to go home
and think it over. After much prayer and Bible study, he found peace in agreeing to fight for his
country. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions in a battle where he killed 25 of the enemy and
took over 135 prisoners.
In WW2 Desmond Doss also objected to war because of his religious beliefs but was drafted anyway. He
refused to take up arms to the point they were considering a court martial. It was worked out that he
would be a medic and not carry any weapon. He received a Medal of Honor for saving more than 75
soldiers during the bloody battle called Hacksaw Ridge.
I personally agree with the selectivist view and that God would want us to take up arms to protect the
innocent and preserve our precious freedom. I’ve known many brave Christians who have served, each
one willing to fight for his/her country. I believe that the Lord blessed their time in the service and
honored their faith and courage. As seen in the two instances above, God can, and will, use those of
either persuasion.
Thank you to the men and women who have served. God bless America and happy Independence day!
Bro. Tony
Those questions came up as I was reading the account of the bombing of Afghanistan. There are several
ways of looking at that, as seen in religious doctrines. One way is a straight up activist. When called up,
Christians are to honor the call. The pacifist view is that Christians should not kill, period. Then comes
the selective view that if there is a just cause, Christians should take up arms. All three views reference
the Bible in their defense.
In World War 1 a young man named Alvin York was a new Christian who was drafted. He tried to get a
conscientious exemption from fighting due to his religious beliefs. He failed and went to basic training.
There, he again said he did not feel that a Christian should take a life. He was given a pass to go home
and think it over. After much prayer and Bible study, he found peace in agreeing to fight for his
country. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions in a battle where he killed 25 of the enemy and
took over 135 prisoners.
In WW2 Desmond Doss also objected to war because of his religious beliefs but was drafted anyway. He
refused to take up arms to the point they were considering a court martial. It was worked out that he
would be a medic and not carry any weapon. He received a Medal of Honor for saving more than 75
soldiers during the bloody battle called Hacksaw Ridge.
I personally agree with the selectivist view and that God would want us to take up arms to protect the
innocent and preserve our precious freedom. I’ve known many brave Christians who have served, each
one willing to fight for his/her country. I believe that the Lord blessed their time in the service and
honored their faith and courage. As seen in the two instances above, God can, and will, use those of
either persuasion.
Thank you to the men and women who have served. God bless America and happy Independence day!
Bro. Tony
Read more...
Make No Comparison
Over six million men, women, and children were systematically slaughtered in a tortuous ethnic
cleansing known as the Holocaust. God’s chosen people were singled out and imprisoned. Some starved
to death, some were shot, and many died in the inhumane gas chambers. Some were even used as lab
rats in “scientific” studies and experiments. I’m sure there were equally barbaric purges in the
uncivilized and immoral societies in ancient history…but nothing can compare to the attempted
annihilation of the Jews during Adolf Hitler’s reign of terror.
So, when I hear people try to equate President Trump to Hitler, it causes me much concern. To do so
trivializes and demeans the hell that was the Holocaust. I really don’t care if you voted for Kamala
Harris, or if you agree with the democratic political platform. If people want to stand around with signs
proclaiming a “No Kings Day” go right ahead. It’s cute and it does no harm to history. I can understand
that if you lean to the left politically, you could see him as the “bad orange man”. That doesn’t erase the
atrocities of a murderous megalomaniac.
But the Holocaust. Please don’t lessen the horrors of what God’s nation endured. Don’t tell folks that
Hitler and the Holocaust are no worse than deporting illegal aliens or bringing in the National Guard to
quiet destructive rebellion equals Germany’s infamous Gestapo. People do a great disservice to
memories of those who were brutally murdered by the Nazis by wielding that unparalleled abomination
as a political whip.
Bro. Tony
cleansing known as the Holocaust. God’s chosen people were singled out and imprisoned. Some starved
to death, some were shot, and many died in the inhumane gas chambers. Some were even used as lab
rats in “scientific” studies and experiments. I’m sure there were equally barbaric purges in the
uncivilized and immoral societies in ancient history…but nothing can compare to the attempted
annihilation of the Jews during Adolf Hitler’s reign of terror.
So, when I hear people try to equate President Trump to Hitler, it causes me much concern. To do so
trivializes and demeans the hell that was the Holocaust. I really don’t care if you voted for Kamala
Harris, or if you agree with the democratic political platform. If people want to stand around with signs
proclaiming a “No Kings Day” go right ahead. It’s cute and it does no harm to history. I can understand
that if you lean to the left politically, you could see him as the “bad orange man”. That doesn’t erase the
atrocities of a murderous megalomaniac.
But the Holocaust. Please don’t lessen the horrors of what God’s nation endured. Don’t tell folks that
Hitler and the Holocaust are no worse than deporting illegal aliens or bringing in the National Guard to
quiet destructive rebellion equals Germany’s infamous Gestapo. People do a great disservice to
memories of those who were brutally murdered by the Nazis by wielding that unparalleled abomination
as a political whip.
Bro. Tony
Read more...
Slow, Steady Decline
I had an interesting discussion with a group of people who are fervent, conservative Christians. They
were saying that the United States needed to turn back to God, citing 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV “if my
people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from
their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” I
asked them when did our nation turn away from God? Of course they couldn’t pinpoint a particular
time, only agreeing that it had been a slow, yet steady, decline.
I asked if they would advocate only electing Christian politicians and governing by the Bible. That’s when
things began to get confusing. What brand of Christianity? Are liberal Christians okay, or should we just
vote for conservative Christians? Would there be a Christian advisor to the president so that he would
correctly interpret scripture and insert it into the political mainstream? And who would choose this
person? Things get sticky when you get down to it.
Remember, also, that Christian leaders were complicit (or at best silent) when Native Americans were
forced onto reservations and when slavery was legal, as well as when segregation was the law. Christian
leaders do not guarantee a Christian nation. While our scriptural beliefs should, indeed, shape our vote,
remember that we are electing people to represent us in our government. Christianity isn’t about God
directing the government. In the past, popes have held more authority than kings. It didn’t work out
that well…for the church or the government.
So…is 2 Chronicles 7:14 instruction for a God-fearing nation turning back to God? No. Absolutely not.
Read the first part slowly: “if my people (the church) who are called by my name (the church)”. God is
calling His church to repentance. I’m not nearly as concerned with a government as I am with God’s
church. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that watered down, people-pleasing, faint-hearted, wishy-washy
doctrine has turned out leaders that are so prevalent in our government today…leading our nation into
the depravity and foolishness we see today.
The nation repent and turn from wicked ways? Not until the church does.
were saying that the United States needed to turn back to God, citing 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV “if my
people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from
their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” I
asked them when did our nation turn away from God? Of course they couldn’t pinpoint a particular
time, only agreeing that it had been a slow, yet steady, decline.
I asked if they would advocate only electing Christian politicians and governing by the Bible. That’s when
things began to get confusing. What brand of Christianity? Are liberal Christians okay, or should we just
vote for conservative Christians? Would there be a Christian advisor to the president so that he would
correctly interpret scripture and insert it into the political mainstream? And who would choose this
person? Things get sticky when you get down to it.
Remember, also, that Christian leaders were complicit (or at best silent) when Native Americans were
forced onto reservations and when slavery was legal, as well as when segregation was the law. Christian
leaders do not guarantee a Christian nation. While our scriptural beliefs should, indeed, shape our vote,
remember that we are electing people to represent us in our government. Christianity isn’t about God
directing the government. In the past, popes have held more authority than kings. It didn’t work out
that well…for the church or the government.
So…is 2 Chronicles 7:14 instruction for a God-fearing nation turning back to God? No. Absolutely not.
Read the first part slowly: “if my people (the church) who are called by my name (the church)”. God is
calling His church to repentance. I’m not nearly as concerned with a government as I am with God’s
church. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that watered down, people-pleasing, faint-hearted, wishy-washy
doctrine has turned out leaders that are so prevalent in our government today…leading our nation into
the depravity and foolishness we see today.
The nation repent and turn from wicked ways? Not until the church does.
Read more...
He Sees the Heart
As I stood in line to pay for gas at a local convenience store, I couldn’t help but notice
that the lady in front of me was covered in tattoos … tattoos everywhere … all kinds of
tattoos, with no particular theme. She had a young boy with her who was no more than
four or five and as she paid for her gas, the clerk pulled out a jar of lollipops and asked
the boy if he wanted one. The youngster glanced back at his mom, eyes wide and a big
smile and he asked, “Can I?” She nodded and the boy eagerly reached inside and took
a red one. “Thank you!” He said. As they exited the store he turned and let out an
enthusiastic “Thank you” to the clerk.
“That,” I thought to myself, “Is because his mom is a good mother.” Then I had a pang
of guilt. I have nothing against tattoos. I have family with tattoos. If I think this thing with
Angie is going to work out, I may even get her name tattooed on my arm. Then why did
it surprise me that this lady’s little boy was not running around in the store like a little
demon, talking back to his mother, and grabbing a handful of the coveted suckers?
It’s because I don’t always look at people through God’s eyes. I forget that he doesn’t
see what I see when I look at the young goth girl with pink hair, or the grizzled
motorcycle rider. I forget that God doesn’t care about pigmented skin, dyed hair, or
leather vests. He sees the heart. That’s all. We would do well … I would do well … to
remember that.
that the lady in front of me was covered in tattoos … tattoos everywhere … all kinds of
tattoos, with no particular theme. She had a young boy with her who was no more than
four or five and as she paid for her gas, the clerk pulled out a jar of lollipops and asked
the boy if he wanted one. The youngster glanced back at his mom, eyes wide and a big
smile and he asked, “Can I?” She nodded and the boy eagerly reached inside and took
a red one. “Thank you!” He said. As they exited the store he turned and let out an
enthusiastic “Thank you” to the clerk.
“That,” I thought to myself, “Is because his mom is a good mother.” Then I had a pang
of guilt. I have nothing against tattoos. I have family with tattoos. If I think this thing with
Angie is going to work out, I may even get her name tattooed on my arm. Then why did
it surprise me that this lady’s little boy was not running around in the store like a little
demon, talking back to his mother, and grabbing a handful of the coveted suckers?
It’s because I don’t always look at people through God’s eyes. I forget that he doesn’t
see what I see when I look at the young goth girl with pink hair, or the grizzled
motorcycle rider. I forget that God doesn’t care about pigmented skin, dyed hair, or
leather vests. He sees the heart. That’s all. We would do well … I would do well … to
remember that.
Read more...
Apply Biblical Truth
According to my email for just today, I have won two tool sets, an expensive cooler, a Nintendo, and a
Coleman hot tub. Not only that, I also have three different packages out for delivery, but they were
unable to deliver them for some reason and need my name and address. Am I a fortunate man, or
what?
Well, I have won nothing and there are no undeliverable packages en route to my home. This sort of
attempt to get personal mail is called “phishing”. When I give them the information they want, I will not
hear from them again. At best, they will sell my address and email address to folks, or, if I give them any
financial information, they could steal money from me.
There are evil, unscrupulous, thieves in this world, aren’t there? There are folks out there who are
unethical and have no sense of morals, outside of their own conniving minds and selfishness. As I said
last week, that is why the Bible is, and always will be, relevant. But…let me take that a step further and
give the reason.
Proverbs 29:18 (NIV) tells us: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint”. The revelation
spoken of is the Word of God. Without the Word of God, there will be nothing to restrain the evil hearts
of humankind. Think about it: who says there should be a family unit consisting of one man and one
woman? What authority tells us that there are only two sexes? Where do we get the idea that sex
outside of marriage is wrong? I could go on with a large list of things that the Bible tells us that calls for
restraint. To take the Bible out of the collective consciousness will result in chaos and disorder.
We can certainly see that in the actions of people today. You can’t believe the Bible and say that same
sex relationships are good. You can’t believe it and say that transgenderism is normal and healthy. You
can’t apply Biblical truth and say that abortion is just another method of contraception. So what does a
society do? They just disregard the Bible and the accompanying Christian beliefs. You don’t have to
look very hard to see that in our nation.
Coleman hot tub. Not only that, I also have three different packages out for delivery, but they were
unable to deliver them for some reason and need my name and address. Am I a fortunate man, or
what?
Well, I have won nothing and there are no undeliverable packages en route to my home. This sort of
attempt to get personal mail is called “phishing”. When I give them the information they want, I will not
hear from them again. At best, they will sell my address and email address to folks, or, if I give them any
financial information, they could steal money from me.
There are evil, unscrupulous, thieves in this world, aren’t there? There are folks out there who are
unethical and have no sense of morals, outside of their own conniving minds and selfishness. As I said
last week, that is why the Bible is, and always will be, relevant. But…let me take that a step further and
give the reason.
Proverbs 29:18 (NIV) tells us: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint”. The revelation
spoken of is the Word of God. Without the Word of God, there will be nothing to restrain the evil hearts
of humankind. Think about it: who says there should be a family unit consisting of one man and one
woman? What authority tells us that there are only two sexes? Where do we get the idea that sex
outside of marriage is wrong? I could go on with a large list of things that the Bible tells us that calls for
restraint. To take the Bible out of the collective consciousness will result in chaos and disorder.
We can certainly see that in the actions of people today. You can’t believe the Bible and say that same
sex relationships are good. You can’t believe it and say that transgenderism is normal and healthy. You
can’t apply Biblical truth and say that abortion is just another method of contraception. So what does a
society do? They just disregard the Bible and the accompanying Christian beliefs. You don’t have to
look very hard to see that in our nation.
Read more...
Nothing Has Changed
The cycle has begun: A new pope and a call for a more “progressive” church. Society cries out again for a
church that changes with the times. “Things have changed,” they shout, “we know more now than they
did thousands of years ago. The church needs to catch up.” My question is: what do we know now that
we didn’t know then that would change the doctrine of churches?
What do we know about homosexuality that enlightened us about same sex desires? We do not know
what causes same sex attraction. Is it nature? Are we born that way? Is it nurture? Does culture mold us
to be like that? The fact is that the brightest of true scientists have no idea. All we truly know is that
carnal minds are accepting and tend to be supportive of that lifestyle…Just like they were two thousand
years ago. Nothing has changed.
The same goes for transgenderism and abortion. A fallen and depraved world wants the church to
approve of such and just move on. But we can’t. The Bible doesn’t need to change. Why? Because it
was a perfect book when written and it is still that perfect book. You see, people haven’t changed in
these thousands of years. Sure, we may be smarter about some things, able to do rocket stuff, and
certainly the 1965 Mustang is prettier than the rough wagons pulled by donkeys…but the Bible wasn’t
written to give us those things. The Bible was given to us so that the corrupt heart of fallen man could
be made into a heart that reflected the character and purpose of a holy God. And the heart of mankind
has not changed. Not one bit.
The lust of the heart today is exactly like the lustful heart of people thousands of years ago. Our hearts
and lifestyles still harbor hate, greed, anger, selfishness, and jealousies as we seek power and authority.
And, yes, people still want to act on deviant sexual desires. That's what the Bible addresses. That’s what
the Bible seeks to change. Every one of those carnal yearnings dishonor the character and purpose of
God. And they bring pain, heartache, troubles, and darkness into the lives of His creation.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
church that changes with the times. “Things have changed,” they shout, “we know more now than they
did thousands of years ago. The church needs to catch up.” My question is: what do we know now that
we didn’t know then that would change the doctrine of churches?
What do we know about homosexuality that enlightened us about same sex desires? We do not know
what causes same sex attraction. Is it nature? Are we born that way? Is it nurture? Does culture mold us
to be like that? The fact is that the brightest of true scientists have no idea. All we truly know is that
carnal minds are accepting and tend to be supportive of that lifestyle…Just like they were two thousand
years ago. Nothing has changed.
The same goes for transgenderism and abortion. A fallen and depraved world wants the church to
approve of such and just move on. But we can’t. The Bible doesn’t need to change. Why? Because it
was a perfect book when written and it is still that perfect book. You see, people haven’t changed in
these thousands of years. Sure, we may be smarter about some things, able to do rocket stuff, and
certainly the 1965 Mustang is prettier than the rough wagons pulled by donkeys…but the Bible wasn’t
written to give us those things. The Bible was given to us so that the corrupt heart of fallen man could
be made into a heart that reflected the character and purpose of a holy God. And the heart of mankind
has not changed. Not one bit.
The lust of the heart today is exactly like the lustful heart of people thousands of years ago. Our hearts
and lifestyles still harbor hate, greed, anger, selfishness, and jealousies as we seek power and authority.
And, yes, people still want to act on deviant sexual desires. That's what the Bible addresses. That’s what
the Bible seeks to change. Every one of those carnal yearnings dishonor the character and purpose of
God. And they bring pain, heartache, troubles, and darkness into the lives of His creation.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
Read more...
Thoughts on Evolution
I recently joined a Facebook group dedicated to Bigfoot sightings. Do I believe that Bigfoot exists? I
believe it could be possible that a big, hairy woodland creature can be roaming the deep wilderness of
isolated forests. However, I have not seen any convincing evidence of that. Every photo is grainy and
out of focus. And now, with the popularity of artificial intelligence, it can be easily faked.
I don’t, however, believe that if such an animal were discovered it would be what most people want it to
be: the “missing link”. Folks seem to think that Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch, Yeti, Windigo, etc)
would prove that evolution is a fact and the walking fur-balls would link man to monkeys. That’s
laughable because the theory of evolution is laughable. Something (we don’t know what) exploded (we
don’t know how) and life began (we don’t know why). That’s a great explanation of the beginning of all
life, isn’t it?
I heard three respected scientists talk about the many reasons that living things can’t evolve. It boiled
down to the fact that perfection can’t evolve from imperfection. They spoke at length about how
conception disproves evolution. So many things have to be perfect for conception to occur. From
ovulation to fertilization to implantation…it all happens perfectly or it doesn’t happen at all. In order for
a species to reproduce, everything must work perfectly. Therefore, there was never a time when
conception worked differently and then evolved into how it works now.
The same goes for the entire body. The heart pumps blood to all parts of the body at specific rates and
volume. The lungs operate a certain way. The eyes operate a certain way. Liver, kidneys, and intestines
have to operate perfectly for a body to survive. Am I to believe that there was a time when an
incomplete heart, or lungs, or brain functioned in a way to sustain life?
God created us in the form it takes to be alive. Have we adapted in certain ways? Sure. We’ve grown
smarter, stronger, and taller. But we didn’t evolve into a certain species.
Bro. Tony
believe it could be possible that a big, hairy woodland creature can be roaming the deep wilderness of
isolated forests. However, I have not seen any convincing evidence of that. Every photo is grainy and
out of focus. And now, with the popularity of artificial intelligence, it can be easily faked.
I don’t, however, believe that if such an animal were discovered it would be what most people want it to
be: the “missing link”. Folks seem to think that Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch, Yeti, Windigo, etc)
would prove that evolution is a fact and the walking fur-balls would link man to monkeys. That’s
laughable because the theory of evolution is laughable. Something (we don’t know what) exploded (we
don’t know how) and life began (we don’t know why). That’s a great explanation of the beginning of all
life, isn’t it?
I heard three respected scientists talk about the many reasons that living things can’t evolve. It boiled
down to the fact that perfection can’t evolve from imperfection. They spoke at length about how
conception disproves evolution. So many things have to be perfect for conception to occur. From
ovulation to fertilization to implantation…it all happens perfectly or it doesn’t happen at all. In order for
a species to reproduce, everything must work perfectly. Therefore, there was never a time when
conception worked differently and then evolved into how it works now.
The same goes for the entire body. The heart pumps blood to all parts of the body at specific rates and
volume. The lungs operate a certain way. The eyes operate a certain way. Liver, kidneys, and intestines
have to operate perfectly for a body to survive. Am I to believe that there was a time when an
incomplete heart, or lungs, or brain functioned in a way to sustain life?
God created us in the form it takes to be alive. Have we adapted in certain ways? Sure. We’ve grown
smarter, stronger, and taller. But we didn’t evolve into a certain species.
Bro. Tony
Read more...
It Takes Faith
I heard a good analogy about faith. It seems a man had stretched a tightrope across a huge waterfall.
He stood beside it with a wheelbarrow as a crowd gathered. When it had grown quite large, he asked
the people who believed he could push the wheelbarrow across the tightrope to the other side. A few
cautiously raided their hand, but the rest were doubting. The man threw the wheelbarrow onto the
rope and got behind it. Slowly, but surely made the long journey across and back. The people cheered
and clapped upon his return. He stood before them and asked who believed he could do it again. Every
person raised their hand. He fixed his eyes on a young boy and asked him if he truly believed…without a
doubt…that he could do it again and the boy grinned and shook his head up and down. “Then get in the
wheelbarrow,” he said.
Needless to say, the boy changed his mind. You see, true faith means we must climb into that
wheelbarrow from time to time. But faith…strong, obedient faith will allow us to do that. Yes, faith may
take us out of our comfort zone, and it may call for us to take a risk occasionally. But that is the way
faith works. When the Lord speaks to us, especially through His word, we must have faith that He will do
what He says He will. If we truly believe that He can and will work…we will get into that metaphorical
wheelbarrow.
But think on this: If the boy had enough faith in that man’s ability and he climbed into that wagon, what
a unique and exciting thing he would have experienced. Would he be scared a little? You bet! But he
would have done something very few people had done…or would do. I suppose he wouldn’t even know
how to describe what he felt. It would be an event that would live with him a lifetime.
Do you really want to miss the things God has in store for you as you are obedient? Don’t you want to
live in the excitement of serving God? You can. But it takes faith to get up in that wheelbarrow.
He stood beside it with a wheelbarrow as a crowd gathered. When it had grown quite large, he asked
the people who believed he could push the wheelbarrow across the tightrope to the other side. A few
cautiously raided their hand, but the rest were doubting. The man threw the wheelbarrow onto the
rope and got behind it. Slowly, but surely made the long journey across and back. The people cheered
and clapped upon his return. He stood before them and asked who believed he could do it again. Every
person raised their hand. He fixed his eyes on a young boy and asked him if he truly believed…without a
doubt…that he could do it again and the boy grinned and shook his head up and down. “Then get in the
wheelbarrow,” he said.
Needless to say, the boy changed his mind. You see, true faith means we must climb into that
wheelbarrow from time to time. But faith…strong, obedient faith will allow us to do that. Yes, faith may
take us out of our comfort zone, and it may call for us to take a risk occasionally. But that is the way
faith works. When the Lord speaks to us, especially through His word, we must have faith that He will do
what He says He will. If we truly believe that He can and will work…we will get into that metaphorical
wheelbarrow.
But think on this: If the boy had enough faith in that man’s ability and he climbed into that wagon, what
a unique and exciting thing he would have experienced. Would he be scared a little? You bet! But he
would have done something very few people had done…or would do. I suppose he wouldn’t even know
how to describe what he felt. It would be an event that would live with him a lifetime.
Do you really want to miss the things God has in store for you as you are obedient? Don’t you want to
live in the excitement of serving God? You can. But it takes faith to get up in that wheelbarrow.
Read more...
Worship Him for Who He Is
I received a call recently from someone who claimed to be with the “Illinois Gaming Commission” and
he told me I had won a large cash prize. I told him I wasn’t interested, and I hung up. I knew it would
end up with going to buy gift cards from Walmart and telling him the numbers on the back of the card.
It was a scam.
I really do not like people that steal. Especially if they steal from me. They should be ashamed to do
what they do. Imagine lying and deceiving people to rob them of their hard-earned money. It really
takes a rotten soul to do that, along with terrible character and extremely low morals. It is even worse if
they try to do it to senior citizens who they hope have somewhat diminished capacity. (Like me). My
disdain and lack of respect for that kind of person is doubled (at the least) for someone who does that in
the name of Jesus.
Imagine what kind of heart one must have to lie and steal in Jesus’ name. There is one thing I know:
Such a person is lost. In fact I’d say that person is an atheist. There is no way someone could believe in
God and preach what he or she knows is a straight up lie. I believe that is one of the groups that Jesus
was referring to when he said: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to
anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a
millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” (Luke 17:1-2 NIV)
It is not only the shysters who tell you to send in “seed” money and the Lord will multiply back to you. It
is also the prosperity preachers who tell people that if their faith is strong enough God will bless them
with material wealth. What God promises to believers is not material, it is spiritual. He promises us love,
joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. (Galatians 5:22 NIV)
Have you ever thought about the hearts that are easily deceived by the immoral hucksters, though?
What are their desires? What are they seeking? I mean, really, are they looking for a relationship with
God or are they seeking the riches of man? Don’t get me wrong, I believe God has blessed me with
everything I have…but I never asked for any of it specifically. When there is a necessity (like when our
refrigerator died) I do ask the Lord to lead me to the right thing and to let me know which is the right
thing. But I do not serve Him so that I can live a more extravagant life.
In the book of Job, the Devil asks God if Job would fear God if all riches were taken away. That’s a good
question for us to ask of ourselves. Would we still love and fear God if we had less than what we have
now? I’ve said it plenty of times: we do not worship God for what he gives us. We worship Him because
of who He is…the one, true, living God.
he told me I had won a large cash prize. I told him I wasn’t interested, and I hung up. I knew it would
end up with going to buy gift cards from Walmart and telling him the numbers on the back of the card.
It was a scam.
I really do not like people that steal. Especially if they steal from me. They should be ashamed to do
what they do. Imagine lying and deceiving people to rob them of their hard-earned money. It really
takes a rotten soul to do that, along with terrible character and extremely low morals. It is even worse if
they try to do it to senior citizens who they hope have somewhat diminished capacity. (Like me). My
disdain and lack of respect for that kind of person is doubled (at the least) for someone who does that in
the name of Jesus.
Imagine what kind of heart one must have to lie and steal in Jesus’ name. There is one thing I know:
Such a person is lost. In fact I’d say that person is an atheist. There is no way someone could believe in
God and preach what he or she knows is a straight up lie. I believe that is one of the groups that Jesus
was referring to when he said: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to
anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a
millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” (Luke 17:1-2 NIV)
It is not only the shysters who tell you to send in “seed” money and the Lord will multiply back to you. It
is also the prosperity preachers who tell people that if their faith is strong enough God will bless them
with material wealth. What God promises to believers is not material, it is spiritual. He promises us love,
joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. (Galatians 5:22 NIV)
Have you ever thought about the hearts that are easily deceived by the immoral hucksters, though?
What are their desires? What are they seeking? I mean, really, are they looking for a relationship with
God or are they seeking the riches of man? Don’t get me wrong, I believe God has blessed me with
everything I have…but I never asked for any of it specifically. When there is a necessity (like when our
refrigerator died) I do ask the Lord to lead me to the right thing and to let me know which is the right
thing. But I do not serve Him so that I can live a more extravagant life.
In the book of Job, the Devil asks God if Job would fear God if all riches were taken away. That’s a good
question for us to ask of ourselves. Would we still love and fear God if we had less than what we have
now? I’ve said it plenty of times: we do not worship God for what he gives us. We worship Him because
of who He is…the one, true, living God.
Read more...