God Knows Our Heart? But Do We?

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” [Jeremiah 17.9-10] 

I have come to believe that man's industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology are the leading idols of our day. In the last few years I have provided thorough, context-accurate, Scriptural arguments to support this belief but people still refuse to see it. I have spoken to more than one person about this subject of idolatry obvious throughout the Bible and, have met with varying degrees of negative response - from reluctant concession to bold disagreement. I had one "Christian" man seemingly agree with the implications that the human industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology were, in principle, idols, but flatly stated he was unwilling to risk living without them. On the other hand, I have had other "Christians" somewhat agree with the implications against these man-made industries while helplessly defending their unwillingness to reject them by saying, "God knows my heart..."

The fact is, God indeed knows our hearts! And, what He knows about them, we should know about them too - that they are the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked.

While many sermons and teachings have found their basis in Jeremiah 17.9-10, few have explored the full context in which this passage is found. Unironically, that context is idolatry. One only has to skim over what precedes Jeremiah 17.9-10 to see this truth.

This is what the LORD says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land. “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. [Jeremiah 17.5-8]

What are the man-made industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology if indeed they are not bold displays of human strength? It is only natural that non-Christians vehemently defend these idols. But why then, do "Christians" so defend them?

Compared to non-Christians, "Christians" today are indeed the stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future that God spoke of above. They are cursed and powerless - a vivid and accurate description of most of the Church today (and, especially so in western civilization). No one is even questioning why the modern western Church carries virtually none of the distinguishing, indisputable power of God that Jesus both demonstrated and commanded of His true followers. It is no wonder the world sees western "Christianity" as laughable.

Okay, so enough about the problem, what is the solution? 

The solution is found in verses 7-8 of Jeremiah 17 above:

“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. [Jeremiah 17.7-8]

God however jealously demands a literal observance of trusting in Him. He was not at all abstract when He laid out for all eternity what trusting in Him - trusting in Him ALONE - looks like:

“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. “You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. “You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. [Exodus 20.2-7]

We are left with no option but to reject and turn away from our idols - the world-trusted idol-industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology. But all we can think about is how devastated such a radical act would leave us, giving no consideration whatsoever of God's abundant promises for provision if only we trust Him...

Keeping with the context of Jeremiah 17, verse 11 continues:

Like a partridge that hatches eggs she has not laid, so are those who get their wealth by unjust means. At midlife they will lose their riches; in the end, they will become poor old fools. [Jeremiah 17.11]

The unjust means above are the means and ways of idolatry! The Bible teaches that idolaters are ultimately the losers!

For those who seem to think the New Testament puts "believers" on a different page today, let's just quote Jesus, Who talked about man's "way," shall we?

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)] 

Our "own way" is one and the same as the "unjust means" Jeremiah spoke of. Trusting in anything other than, or in addition to, God is highly "unjust" according to Exodus 20.2-7.

Oh, but we are far from done with this subject!

Just as Jesus was introduced above as relevant to this conversation, guess what Jeremiah finishes chapter 17 with! God has something to say about the Sabbath in the Jeremiah 17 context of idolatry!

This is what the LORD said to me: “Go and stand in the gates of Jerusalem, first in the gate where the king goes in and out, and then in each of the other gates. Say to all the people, ‘Listen to this message from the LORD, you kings of Judah and all you people of Judah and everyone living in Jerusalem. This is what the LORD says: Listen to my warning! Stop carrying on your trade at Jerusalem’s gates on the Sabbath day. Do not do your work on the Sabbath, but make it a holy day. I gave this command to your ancestors, but they did not listen or obey. They stubbornly refused to pay attention or accept my discipline. “‘But if you obey me, says the LORD, and do not carry on your trade at the gates or work on the Sabbath day, and if you keep it holy, then kings and their officials will go in and out of these gates forever. There will always be a descendant of David sitting on the throne here in Jerusalem. Kings and their officials will always ride in and out among the people of Judah in chariots and on horses, and this city will remain forever. And from all around Jerusalem, from the towns of Judah and Benjamin, from the western foothills and the hill country and the Negev, the people will come with their burnt offerings and sacrifices. They will bring their grain offerings, frankincense, and thanksgiving offerings to the LORD’s Temple. “‘But if you do not listen to me and refuse to keep the Sabbath holy, and if on the Sabbath day you bring loads of merchandise through the gates of Jerusalem just as on other days, then I will set fire to these gates. The fire will spread to the palaces, and no one will be able to put out the roaring flames.’” [Jeremiah 17.19-27]

Why did God bring up the Sabbath in this context of idolatry? For the same reason He brought up the Sabbath in the Ten Commandments right after the context of idolatry:

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. [Exodus 20.8-11]

Jesus, Who said, "...give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me," IS THE SABBATH!

So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. [Colossians 2.16-17 bold added]

The Sabbath is the shadow of Jesus Christ! AND SO: the Ten Commandments point us to Jesus (the Sabbath) following the discussion of idolatry AND Jeremiah 17 points us to Jesus (the Sabbath) following the discussion of idolatry!

NOW! It can be perfectly understood, as we are effectively pointed to Jesus, why Jesus said "...give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me," He was very aware of just how infused idolatry would forever be in mankind and how devastating it would be to reject it - just like a death-wish - like giving up every self-preservation effort (man's way) and taking up a cross to follow Him! And, what did Jesus do? He walked out of His tomb in the same resurrection power He bestows on all who truly believe (trust in) Him! Oh, wow! Oh, wow! Oh, wow!

BUT! Man's deceitful heart will forever suggest otherwise... Will we believe our deceitful heart or will we believe God's Word about idolatry and Jesus Christ Who leads us out of idolatry?

Father, may these words strike a chord in all who read them as they are ringing true to me. May we find the courage to give up our own way (our idols), take up our cross (fearlessly pursuing resurrection life), and follow Jesus! So be it.

A Little Smack In The Face

And if these nations truly learn the ways of my people, and if they learn to swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the LORD lives’ (just as they taught my people to swear by the name of Baal), then they will be given a place among my people. But any nation who refuses to obey me will be uprooted and destroyed. I, the LORD, have spoken!” [Jeremiah 12.16-17]

What does it mean to swear by the name of the LORD?

Our clue is found in the statement in parenthesis in Jeremiah 12.16-17 above. Swearing by the name of the LORD is the antithesis of swearing by the name of Baal, an idol. This would apply to any idol. With this in mind then, and because we know from the Word of God that swearing by the name of Baal means to trust in Baal instead of God, we can be sure that to swear by the name of the LORD means to trust in God ALONE.

Swearing however denotes a deeper meaning of the word "trust" than most people today comprehend. Swearing by the name of the LORD is a declaration of everything God is and wills over any given circumstance. It carries the distinguishing idea that God ALONE will be trusted irrespective of the circumstances of the one doing the trusting.

To swear by the name of the LORD is to give unreserved and undiluted allegiance to the first three of the Ten Commandments (in particular):

“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. “You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. “You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. [Exodus 20.2-7]

To swear by the name of Baal, in contrast, is to disregard everything the first three Commandments say about God. For this reason, trusting a little in God and a little in Baal is simply not possible. In this very regard, Jesus' words herald crystal clear principle on the topic of singular trust:

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. [Matthew 6.24] 

Swearing by the name of the LORD carries with it a commitment beyond convenience - even a commitment unto death. Nowhere is this more profoundly declared than in Jesus' words to His would-be followers:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)] 

In today's One Year Chronological Bible reading we find a damning description of those who claim to be committed to God, but are not:

Your name is on their lips, but you are far from their hearts. [Jeremiah 12.2b]

This is indeed the condition of idol-laden "believers" today. 

To swear by the name of the LORD is an all-in commitment to God and God ALONE. This level of commitment allows not even the chance of misunderstanding one's true devotion... And, this is where modern "believers" who claim that God uses man's industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology get smacked right in the face! To be sure, modern "believers" simply cannot defend or justify their idolatry when looking at all the Scriptures noted heretofore together. God's Word clearly calls His people to undivided trust in Him ALONE - anything else is idolatry (remember, God is a jealous God).

Father, as Your Word reveals, the subject of "our trust" is a serious matter to You. Help us to stop justifying our idolatry and instead start methodically rejecting it. May we be found giving up our own way, taking up our cross, and following Jesus. So be it.

Is The Bible Outdated?

“Jeremiah, say to the people, ‘This is what the LORD says: “‘When people fall down, don’t they get up again? When they discover they’re on the wrong road, don’t they turn back? Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path? Why do the people of Jerusalem refuse to turn back? They cling tightly to their lies and will not turn around. I listen to their conversations and don’t hear a word of truth. Is anyone sorry for doing wrong? Does anyone say, “What a terrible thing I have done”? No! All are running down the path of sin as swiftly as a horse galloping into battle! Even the stork that flies across the sky knows the time of her migration, as do the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane. They all return at the proper time each year. But not my people! They do not know the LORD’s laws. [Jeremiah 8.4-7] 

While God's Word was indeed written to address issues contemporary to the time in which it was written, it MUST be understood that it was, by God's intentional design, actually written to be progressively more relevant with every passing generation - even up to this present day and beyond! Frankly, it is hardly possible that a person can progress in relationship with God without understanding this. Yes, they might know about God, but they cannot actually know God.

To know about God starts with knowing His Word. To know God is the progressive understanding that His Word is actually about me, for today, and requires my response to Him. This is true for the plurality of humanity as well: To know God is the progressive understanding that His Word is actually about us, for today, and requires our response to Him. Those who know God are His people.

Having established this, it is remarkable that God's people could read His Word without recognizing the glaring ancient and therefore contemporary warning against idolatry - placing trust in anything or anyone instead of, or in addition to, God ALONE. To deny this ancient and therefore contemporary warning against idolatry in the Bible can be associated with one error: not knowing God's Word (not knowing about God) which is foundational to knowing God. Proud rejection of God is revealed in the context of today's One Year Chronological Bible reading from Jeremiah:

“My people bend their tongues like bows to shoot out lies. They refuse to stand up for the truth. They only go from bad to worse. They do not know me,” says the LORD. [Jeremiah 9.3]

Actually, speaking for God, Jeremiah, explained the verse above immediately following this article's subject passage (Jeremiah 8.4-7): 

“‘How can you say, “We are wise because we have the word of the LORD,” when your teachers have twisted it by writing lies? These wise teachers will fall into the trap of their own foolishness, for they have rejected the word of the LORD. Are they so wise after all? I will give their wives to others and their farms to strangers. From the least to the greatest, their lives are ruled by greed. Yes, even my prophets and priests are like that. They are all frauds. They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace. Are they ashamed of these disgusting actions? Not at all—they don’t even know how to blush! Therefore, they will lie among the slaughtered. They will be brought down when I punish them, says the LORD. I will surely consume them. There will be no more harvests of figs and grapes. Their fruit trees will all die. Whatever I gave them will soon be gone. I, the LORD, have spoken!’ [Jeremiah 8.8-13]

Jeremiah 8.8-13 reveals the ancient and therefore contemporary denial of idolatry. Idolatry is not only found in ignorance of God's Word, but, as seen above, even more so in the outright proud rejection of God's Word that originates with proud teachers twisting God's Word into lies. One only has to give a moment's thought to the myriads of books written today erroneously attempting to defend the Biblically inaccurate lie that 'bad things happen to good people' - They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound without even a mention of idolatry.

Who is wise enough to understand all this? Who has been instructed by the LORD and can explain it to others? Why has the land been so ruined that no one dares to travel through it? [Jeremiah 9.12] 

Only one who not only knows about God, but more importantly knows God understands that God's Word is very much about us, for today, and requires our response to Him.

Again, knowing about God is the start. Notice His undeniable and ageless warning against idolatry:

“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. “You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. “You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. [Exodus 20.2-7]

But knowing God is the timeless practice of responding to Him. And here is where, in His magnificently patient and enduring love for mankind, God sent His Son Jesus, Who, in perfect step with His Father defined all of God's Word with "bottom-line" clarity:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

Idols have forever been self-destructive substitutes for God that unsurprisingly mask themselves as self-preserving alternatives to God. They have forever been man's way of taking care of himself independent of God. Idols have forever been man's way of rejecting God. Whether they look like the ancient idols of man's making or like the modern industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology, idols are man's way of trusting something other than, or in addition to, God.

Idolatry is everything that infectiously prevents one from following Jesus, Who is the Way to God. If we will see it, the whole Bible consistently and timelessly teaches this truth. 

Indeed, the Bible is not outdated as some suggest.

Father, Your Word is as true and relevant today as ever. In fact, Your Word is very much more relevant today than at any other time in history. May we recognize and confront our own idolatry today by giving up our own way, taking up our cross, and following Jesus. So be it.

Wow. Just Wow

This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “‘Even now, if you quit your evil ways, I will let you stay in your own land. But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the LORD’s Temple is here. They chant, “The LORD’s Temple is here! The LORD’s Temple is here!” But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols. Then I will let you stay in this land that I gave to your ancestors to keep forever. “‘Don’t be fooled into thinking that you will never suffer because the Temple is here. It’s a lie! Do you really think you can steal, murder, commit adultery, lie, and burn incense to Baal and all those other new gods of yours, and then come here and stand before me in my Temple and chant, “We are safe!”—only to go right back to all those evils again? Don’t you yourselves admit that this Temple, which bears my name, has become a den of thieves? Surely I see all the evil going on there. I, the LORD, have spoken! [Jeremiah 7.3-11 bold added] 

Wow. Just wow.

God's people today proclaim, "We are the Church! We are the Church!" But they will not enjoy God's distinct power until they are distinguished as God's people...

Among all the other sinful things God's people continued to do in Jeremiah's day, they continued to worship idols. And, God said, those idols only brought harm to the people. It is no different today among those who chant, "We are the Church! We are the Church!" Unchecked sin, traceable to gross idolatry, exists in the very Church we claim to be. The Church embraces all the same idols of the world - man's self-made idols of finance, insurance, medicine and technology - idols that involve inordinate amounts of money - idols men trust instead of, or in addition to, God.

Should we not wonder why Jesus quoted this passage found in Jeremiah?

Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. [Matthew 21.12-14 bold added]

I cannot even grasp all the thoughts that come to mind comparing Matthew 21.12-14 with Jeremiah 7.3-11! The money exchanged in the Temple caused Jesus to quote Jeremiah whose context was about idolatry!

THINK! If Jesus went ballistic over the money-changers in the Temple for marketing sacrificial animals (supposedly for 'man's good'), how much more angry does it make Him today for the Church's unashamed embrace of finance, insurance, medicine and technology that also are for man's good? These industries of man are SUBSTITUTES (like the sacrifices) for the miracle-working power of God Jesus displayed and demanded of His followers! 

The Church should, based on God's Word, only engage God in fully-trusting prayer for its own good!

Prayer to God is man's refusal to act on his own behalf!

Dependence on idols (and the exchange of money involved with them) is everything God's Temple today (the hearts of believing men - the Church) should stand AGAINST! And still, God's people today come to God saturated with their idol substitutes bought with money declaring, "We are the Church! We are the Church!" not realizing that their idols are actually harming them. They don't see that God has abandoned them to their idols. They don't see their own powerlessness because they believe their substitutes are 'God's way' when, in fact, they are 'the way of man '...which should give alarming meaning to Jesus' demand:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

Understand that Jesus' "den of thieves" quote from Jeremiah brings crystal clarity to why Jesus was so passionate (angry - jealous!) over the exchange of money-for-substitutes in the very place where distinguishing faith-filled prayer in God ALONE should be occurring. It was at this time and place that Jesus physically re-directed all of history to His authority as God to fulfill the Old Covenant with the New. Religion had transformed the Holy Old Covenant way into the 'way of man' evidenced by the money-changers setting up in the Temple. Sadly today, religion embraces the way of man evidenced by the exchange of money for substitutes for God's all-encompassing provisions.

Our substitutes - our idols - are only harming us. By virtue of our trust in them, the mighty miracle-working power of God's Holy Spirit within us is handicapped. God is not handicapped - but we are when we insist on our idol substitutes - man's way - the idol industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology (and there may well be more). As long as God's people hold to these idols, there is no distinction between them and the world. And so, God's name - the name of Jesus - is not revered HOLY in the lives and prayers of His people because they refuse to give up their own way, take up their cross, and follow Him.

Wow. Just wow.

Father, Your Word is true. May we see the connection between Jeremiah 7.3-11 and Jesus' cleansing of the Temple. May we see 'the way of man' in our exchange of money for substitute provision, protection, health and convenience that all Your Word says we should depend only on You for. May we give up our own way, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. So be it.

Never Before Acknowledged

“‘For Israel has forsaken me and turned this valley into a place of wickedness. The people burn incense to foreign gods—idols never before acknowledged by this generation, by their ancestors, or by the kings of Judah. And they have filled this place with the blood of innocent children. [Jeremiah 19.4] 

There is a phrase in the passage above that tells a great deal about the nature of idols that few understand today. The phrase idols never before acknowledged by this generation, by their ancestors, or by the kings of Judah reveals that idols are ever-changing. In other words, our understanding of idols should never be limited to the ancient depictions of them.

When discussing idols, one of the earliest presentations of an idol in the Bible is when Israel made the gold calf in the wilderness. Jeremiah 19.4 alerts (warns) us that modern idols will not remain identifiable by old definitions. They will, in fact, be something never before acknowledged. We should never take comfort that idolatry is not a problem today just because we don't have gold calves to worship!

The relevance of what is said up to this point is that, while idols are ever changing, there is one specific identifier of idols that remains unchanged throughout the span of history as we know it: killing innocent children. The modern word for this act is abortion.

Abortion (or, killing innocent children) does not reveal any specific idol but rather the presence of idolatry in general. It is up to the astute student of the Bible to determine what those ever-changing idols are (the likelihood of them being a gold calf is nil).

So, if unchecked abortion tells us there is an idol problem, how then do we identify those idols specifically? What are the specific identifiers of idols? There are several idol "identifiers" but mankind today (sadly including the Church) is not prepared to give them up based on their identification. Four identifiers are listed below:

The first identifier of an idol is that it is something man trusts instead of, or in addition to, God. The fact that God is indeed "God" and, as a rule, deserves undivided trust and adoration for that fact alone is one thing, but, the fact that God defined Himself as man's source for particular named facets of man's life is another altogether. God said, "I am your Healer" and is just one of those specific facets. For man to trust anything instead of, or in addition to, God for healing and health is idolatry. The Bible contains many other facets of man's life that God claims authority over...

The second identifier of an idol is that it is something valuable. In other words, although not exclusively so, money, more often than not, can lead us right to our idols. Ancient idols involved expensive materials (gold & silver) in their manufacture and maintenance, and modern idols involve money in their manufacture and maintenance. Along with this identifier, in the "manufacture" of idols, it must be recognized that idols don't create themselves - modern idols are identified by the fact that man makes them for himself and money is always involved.

The third identifier of an idol is its propensity toward sexual sin. This an identifier that no idol can escape. Idols ever so subtly (at first) entice man with seemingly harmless self-gratification for needs that eventually lures man into full-blown sexual sin and perversion. Among other things, unchecked sex leads to unwanted pregnancies. And here is where, in general application, the killing of innocent children becomes the ultimate tell-tale sign that idolatry is afoot. The astute Bible student will recognize that idols employ the market strategy of self-gratification that, more times than not, ends up as "sex sells" and then babies die.

The fourth, and most dangerous identifier of an idol, is that it attempts to attach itself to "God" thus cloaking its true identity. If an idol can convince people that it is an extension of God (a gift from God, etc...), it can effectively secure its existence undetected for what it truly is.

Jeremiah's timeless description of idols, idols never before acknowledged, is indeed a warning to God's people today that idols have advanced in step with mankind in their complexity. It should be no surprise to us that idols have crept into our daily lives undetected. This author challenges every reader to consider for himself or herself whether or not man's industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology indeed all display the identifiers listed above. They all exist to turn man away from trusting God ALONE. They all involve money. They all employ self-gratification to secure their victims. And, they are believed by God's people to be gifts from God. The implications of this are HUGE!

Before God, our only option, in light of the implications above, is found in Jesus' directives:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [Matthew 6.33]

And, 

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

These directives identify a true believer. Any explanation of these two directives that begins with, "Yes, but..." or "Now, God knows..." is a proud religious defense of man's idolatry.

The Bible effectively describes idols contemporary to its writing. It is up to us to recognize and acknowledge idols never before acknowledged that are contemporary to our lives.

Father, ignorance of Your Word has left us helpless and vulnerable to idols never before acknowledged... while the lives of innocent children are being snuffed out in appalling numbers. May we Your people passionately return to Your Word - to You - giving up our own way (idols never before acknowledged), taking up our cross, and following Jesus. So be it.

No Repentance = No Forgiveness

Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again all the terrible things I have planned for them. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings.” [Jeremiah 36.3] 

God's forgiveness is blocked by man's unrepentance.

No repentance = no forgiveness.

Jesus was clear about it too:

“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” [Mark 1.15]

Father in heaven, we need Your forgiveness. Help us to see from Your Word that the pride we display in refusing to repent is the wall that prevents Your forgiveness from reaching us. So be it.

God Is Speaking, We're Just Not Listening

“Again and again the LORD has sent you his servants, the prophets, but you have not listened or even paid attention. Each time the message was this: ‘Turn from the evil road you are traveling and from the evil things you are doing. Only then will I let you live in this land that the LORD gave to you and your ancestors forever. Do not provoke my anger by worshiping idols you made with your own hands. Then I will not harm you.’ “But you would not listen to me,” says the LORD. “You made me furious by worshiping idols you made with your own hands, bringing on yourselves all the disasters you now suffer. [Jeremiah 25.4-7] 

Just because God's people were not listening did not mean God was not speaking.

Let's make this contemporary:

Just because you are not listening does not mean God is not speaking.

Or, let's make it a little more in-your-face:

God is speaking, we're just not listening.

What is God speaking about? He is speaking about His people not trusting in Him ALONE. He is speaking about idolatry - about any and every idol man trusts in that he has made for himself. The Bible would be content-less without the repeated subject of idolatry and God's jealousy provoked by it all under the promise of redemption - Jesus Christ.

An idol is not an idol because it is called an idol. It is an idol because of its function. The function of an idol is to do for man anything (real or perceived) that God specifically said He would do for man. 

The most undetected, and therefore the most dangerous, idols are those man makes with his own hands - those industries man has made for himself and justified by the fact that God gave man knowledge. The fallacy of this line of reasoning is revealed when we reason that God also gave man the knowledge of murder... but that is not God's endorsement to do it!

Cover to cover, the Bible is speaking still today - God is speaking RIGHT NOW. Even though His own Son walked the earth in the flesh revealing God's miraculous intentions toward those who simply believe, followed by eternal life, people today, just like God's ancient people, would rather trust the idols they make for themselves. And, so they do. And no one even questions why God's people today suffer all the same disasters the world suffers. God is speaking - we're just not listening.

Father, pierce our hard hearts with the truth of Your Word today. Show us our gross unbelief - our idolatry - that is provoking Your jealousy by our completely ignoring Your Son's call for undivided faith. Show us how we are indistinguishable from the world. May we be found turning away from our idols - giving up our own way, taking up our cross, and following Jesus. So be it.

Consider Your Choices

After Josiah had finished restoring the Temple, King Neco of Egypt led his army up from Egypt to do battle at Carchemish on the Euphrates River, and Josiah and his army marched out to fight him. But King Neco sent messengers to Josiah with this message: “What do you want with me, king of Judah? I have no quarrel with you today! I am on my way to fight another nation, and God has told me to hurry! Do not interfere with God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.” But Josiah refused to listen to Neco, to whom God had indeed spoken, and he would not turn back. Instead, he disguised himself and led his army into battle on the plain of Megiddo. But the enemy archers hit King Josiah with their arrows and wounded him. He cried out to his men, “Take me from the battle, for I am badly wounded!” So they lifted Josiah out of his chariot and placed him in another chariot. Then they brought him back to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried there in the royal cemetery. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him. [2 Chronicles 35.20-24]

Only of late, as Bible history goes, have God's people adopted the Biblically unsubstantiated idea that bad things happen to good people.

As 2 Chronicles reveals in today's One Year Chronological Bible reading, Josiah, good as he was up to this point, made a bad choice. He simply did not consult or follow God in his decision to fight King Neco.

We might think that Josiah would have at least consulted God once King Neco announced that he was sent by God to fight Carchemish. But Josiah did not. It would seem that Josiah let pride get the best of him. Josiah died for his choice. End of story.

Father, help me to consider every choice I make today. So be it.

What Are We Paying For? II

Your silver and gold will not save you on that day of the LORD’s anger. For the whole land will be  devoured by the fire of his jealousy. He will make a terrifying end of all the people on earth. [Zephaniah 1.18] 

Two years ago, I wrote the article What Are We Paying For? It is an unfiltered and powerful (albeit unpopular) look at idolatry and what it actually looks like today.

Today however, I wish to explore Zephaniah 1.18 just a little deeper. To do so, we should first consider another passage included in today's One Year Chronological Bible reading:

“What good is an idol carved by man, or a cast image that deceives you? How foolish to trust in your own creation—a god that can’t even talk! [Habakkuk 2.18]

Most people comfort themselves that they are not worshiping idols today simply because they don't have little dolls or large statues to whom they bow down in worship. But the little dolls or large statues are NOT the problem - they never were. The problem lies with who made the little dolls or large statues! Habakkuk rightly pointed this out: your own creation. This warrants a review of God's commandment about idolatry:

“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. [Exodus 20.4-6]

The key phrase most people ignore in God's 2nd Commandment is the phrase make for yourself. The sin of idolatry is not the manufactured object of idolatry (the idol itself), but instead the motivation behind the manufacture of the idol: to make for ourselves something to mitigate vulnerability and fear in ourselves or the world around us.

The best way to digest what is said in the previous paragraph is to go straight to God's Word. There we will see exactly how idols work. We need only to look back in the Garden of Eden:

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. [Genesis 3.6-7]

Instead of "going to God" in repentance, Adam and Eve made for themselves a covering of fig leaves in attempt to mitigate their vulnerability and fear. What follows next is nothing short of profound. In His jealousy, God rejected Adam and Eve's pathetic solution and provided a solution of His own design: and in that solution we find an early prophecy of Jesus Christ:

And the LORD God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife. [Genesis 3.21]

Blood was shed by animals symbolic of the blood of Jesus Christ that would be shed to mitigate the vulnerability and fear Adam and Eve had brought upon themselves and all mankind through disobedience.

What about man's worship of the sun, moon, and stars (and the likes)? Man did not make those, right? Right! But what man did do was make for himself the decision to worship those instead of God. So, you see, make for himself, whether idol or decision, is consistent in that God is excluded as God ALONE (man's source for everything). The motivation for both is independence of God (to any degree: partial or complete).

So, it's one thing for man to worship something (through his trust) that costs him nothing (the sun, moon, stars, etc.) but another altogether to pay (silver and gold: money) to do so! If it makes God jealous for us to worship that which is found freely in nature, how much more jealous does it make Him when we pay to worship? The Bible warns against both spiritual adultery and spiritual prostitution (see Hosea in the Bible)! And, here is where, again, Zephaniah brings reality:

Your silver and gold will not save you on that day of the LORD’s anger. For the whole land will be  devoured by the fire of his jealousy. He will make a terrifying end of all the people on earth. [Zephaniah 1.18] 

What does man trust (depend on) today that he pays for? The industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology are very much man's "fig leaves" today.

To be clear: Not waiting for God's provision by repeatedly paying interest payments is the idolatry of finance. Not waiting for God's protection by repeatedly paying insurance premiums is the idolatry of insurance. Not waiting for God's health by repeatedly paying for prescriptions to stay alive is the idolatry of medicine. Not waiting for God's solutions by repeatedly paying for tools designed to wear out prematurely is the idolatry of technology.

Just to stir the pot a little deeper... The institutional church as a business (industry) might just as easily fit the description of something man made for himself that costs him money. We have to consider everything, right?

The very thought of giving up the industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology that man made for himself - let alone, the thought of giving up institutionalized "church" as a business - is ludicrous! Right?

For all that the man-made industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology promise to provide, Jesus simply said this:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [Matthew 6.33]

And, as we consider the idea of trusting Jesus alone (God's mitigation for the curses of sin upon the world), should we not understand what He demands?

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

If it makes God jealous for man to make for himself industries (that, by the way, he has to pay for), how much more jealous does it make God for man to do so rejecting His Son? 

Your silver and gold will not save you on that day of the LORD’s anger. For the whole land will be  devoured by the fire of his jealousy. He will make a terrifying end of all the people on earth. [Zephaniah 1.18]

If giving up our man-made idol industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology (and possibly even institutional "church" as we know it) seems impossible, then and only then, might we begin to calculate the price Jesus paid with His own blood to make it possible.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [John 3.16]

In total consistency with God, Jesus calls us to complete dependence upon Him, free from the encumbrance of idols. Sadly, our money repeatedly spent on man-made solutions out of vulnerability and fear points straight to our idols.

Father, Your Word is overwhelmingly biased against idolatry. Help us to see that if we truly trusted in You ALONE, as Your 1st Commandment demands, not a single idol would even appeal to us. Help us to see Jesus as Your mitigation for ALL our vulnerabilities and fears. Help us give up our own way of making for ourselves solutions for these vulnerabilities and fears, completely and thoroughly fearless even to the point of death, and follow Jesus. So be it.

Shrine Prostitutes And God's People Today

He also tore down the living quarters of the male and female shrine prostitutes that were inside the Temple of the LORD, where the women wove coverings for the Asherah pole. [2 Kings 23.7] 

I can imagine there is much more to this story than meets the eye.

We should explore the implications of 2 Kings 23.7 because, only when we do will we understand just how relevant it is to our current circumstances today.

The "state of the union" Josiah set out to reform was one of wanton idolatry. The problem, as seen above, was not that God's people had abandoned God altogether, but had, instead, included idolatry with their worship of God.

As appalling as the paragraph above is, God's people today should not be so quick to judge...

Idolatry is trusting anything other than, or in addition to God. As the Bible goes, this problem is THE problem of God's people that is repeatedly addressed throughout their history. In the case of 2 Kings 23.7, man's idolatry involved sex (big surprise, right?). Be that as it may however, the story is not about the sex, but about the brazen act of bringing that particular idol-practice (in this case, sex AND weaving coverings for the Asherah pole) into God's Temple. The prostitutes were literally living in the Temple!

Now we are getting somewhere.

In God's eyes, spiritual prostitution (idolatry) is the same whether it involves sex or not. When Israel depended on ally nations, God saw it as spiritual prostitution. When Israel called on Baal, God saw it as spiritual prostitution. In fact, anything or anyone Israel went to, trusted in, or called upon instead of, or simply in addition to God, was viewed by God as an idol. What we MUST understand is that God STILL views it that way.

“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. “You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. “You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. [Exodus 20.2-7]

It should be noted here that in the context of today's One Year Chronological Bible reading we find Nahum's words:

The LORD is a jealous God... [Nahum 1.2] 

What have God's people "brought into the Temple" today? What have God's people included in and with their worship of God invoking His jealousy? It will come as no surprise that this author will quickly reply: finance, insurance, medicine and technology. These are all idols by virtue of man's trust in them instead of, or in addition to God. The fact that these idol industries ALL employ "sex" to varying degrees in their advertisements only further makes 2 Kings 23.7 highly relevant to us today!

As uncomfortable as it makes us, Jesus' words should always be taken literal:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [Matthew 6.33]

Every need of man, including those allegedly met by finance, insurance, medicine and technology, are NOT the concern of a true Kingdom-Seeker as they are all provided exclusively by the King of the Kingdom.

Furthermore, Jesus more clearly indicated that for His followers to 'care for themselves' (understandably the way of man) is something that MUST be given up (even to the point of death):

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

Any religious interpretation of Jesus' words that is less than literal is the same religious spirit found in those who hated and crucified Jesus.

Until we understand that even our simplest, most justifiable (in our eyes) idols are no different than the shrine prostitutes of 2 Kings 23.7, we effectively look upon Jesus as did the hyper-religious spiritual leaders who cried out for His crucifixion (thinking they knew more than God).

Father, may our eyes be opened to the spiritual adultery we justify every day as part of our "trust" in You. May we be found repentant - giving up our own way, taking up our cross, and following Jesus. So be it. 

No, That's Not The Road We Want!

This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.[Jeremiah 6.16] 

Eleven years ago today, I wrote the article Rest For Your Soul. As simple as the message of that article in 2015 was then, it rings even more true today in 2026.

In my journey through the Word of God year upon year, I have become quite vocal about the subject of idolatry found throughout the Bible as it contrasts simple undivided trust in God alone. In fact, Jeremiah addresses this over and over in stern language. I have become emboldened by the Word to begin to decry man's industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology. Of late, I have also seen how the institutionalized church has played a role not only in facilitating this idolatry among God's people, but even in promoting it (and certainly not speaking out against it).

So, what do we do?

This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. [Jeremiah 6.16] 

God's people today have become just as embroiled in the self-centered endless pursuit of "more" as is the godless world. All the while, an old godly way with timeless relevance is clearly revealed in the Bible. This old godly way is the simple way of trusting God ALONE as opposed to trusting in man's way (himself) and his plethora of man-made idols for life's "essentials." 

Not ironically, man's estimation of "essentials" is molded by the clever advertisements of the idols of finance, insurance, medicine and technology. The institutional church as we know it has succumbed to the effective advertising of these idol industries and sadly, most even promote it. This occurs without a moment's recognition that these idols' advertisements not only invite people to trust in them (as opposed to trusting only in God), but do so with increasingly less subtle, and even glaring depictions of godless hedonistic and perverted lifestyles. But as long as the church is growing, God is in it, right? WRONG!

There are more every day, like myself, who are questioning the current chaos we call "life." They are beginning to see and question the real motivation behind the industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology. Ultimately, they are asking, "What do we do?"

This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. [Jeremiah 6.16] 

Jesus said it like this:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

In fact, Jesus' words above effectively sum up all of the Ten Commandments: 

“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. “You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. “You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you. “You must not murder. “You must not commit adultery. “You must not steal. “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor. “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.” [Exodus 20.2-17]

All ten of these old godly way commandments are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. However! Not a one of them is fulfilled for us unless we believe in Jesus. 

Jesus (Who existed before Creation) IS the old godly way.

This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. [Jeremiah 6.16] 

Jesus, the old godly way, requires our full investment in Him. 

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. [John 14.6]

We are to give up our own way, take up our cross, and follow Him. We are allowed no baggage. The way of the world - man's way - is idolatry and we are given no exception to trust in a single idol. Although misunderstood through the ages and certainly so today in the age of highly advanced and covert idolatry, Jesus' words have simple but profound meaning:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [Matthew 6.33]

The world's idols and all who are controlled by them (including the institutional church) make all manner of exceptions to Jesus' red-letter demands above going so far as to deceive themselves that "God understands..." their non-compliance. The "crowds" don't get it. And, for this reason, Jesus gave the hauntingly true look at the condition of mankind today:

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [Matthew 7.13-14]

So, again, what do we do?

I am afraid many have already decided what to do and, their decision is revealed in the full version of Jeremiah 6.16:

This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’ [Jeremiah 6.16] 

Father in heaven, You must be highly grieved by our excuses and self-justifications which are nothing more than us replying, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’  May Your people return to Your Word with a passion that yields their giving up their own way, taking up their cross, and following Jesus. May Your people reciprocate a jealousy to trust You alone that matches Your jealousy to be trusted alone. So be it.

Where Is God's Power Today?

“O Israel,” says the LORD, “if you wanted to return to me, you could. You could throw away your  detestable idols and stray away no more. Then when you swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ you could do so with truth, justice, and righteousness. Then you would be a blessing to the nations of the world, and all people would come and praise my name.” [Jeremiah 4.1-2] 

All of today's One Year Chronological Bible reading is about the idolatry of God's people then, in Jeremiah's time, and has application for God's people today.

One question that should haunt God's people is: "Where is God's power today?" Any comparison of the power of God seen today to the ancient Biblical accounts of His power should cause great alarm among the those who claim to be God's people today.

Christian libraries today would be effectively empty if it weren't for desperate attempts of ignorant (deceived? stubborn?) people trying to defend their baseless beliefs in answer to the question, "Where is God's power today?" There are countless writings that argue that God's power is very much present today, but that those blessings "...do not look the same as they did in the Bible." And, in contrast, there are countless writings that, while they believe that God's power looks the same today as in ancient times, argue that all God's people need is "...more faith" for those blessings, but, year after year, God's powerful manifestation (as recorded in the Bible) remains an unreachable "carrot on a stick."

All the while, the "miracles-have-passed" and "miracles-are-for-today" proponents both completely ignore the Bible in its clear implications that the result of powerlessness is due to the cause of idolatry. Both sides see idols only in their ancient "form" refusing to translate their existence forward into their modern deadly reality. 

The grave mistake the Church consistently makes today is to ignore the fact that idols are man-made. "God's people" absolutely check their brains at the door regarding the modern man-made industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology. God's people consequently, blindly, but eagerly, pay precious homage to all these industries in compound interest, premiums, prescriptions, and planned obsolescence, and then wonder why God's power does not manifest.

Jeremiah says, "you would be a blessing to the nations of the world, and all people would come and praise my name" if God's people would "throw away your detestable idols and stray away no more."

God's truth, justice and righteousness, the trifecta of His power, will have nothing to do with idols. For all the clever human knowledge and wisdom behind the man-made industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology, by Biblical definition, they are wrong - they are idols. It is right on the other hand for God's people to directly trust ONLY God for the miracles of wealth, protection, health and conveniences.

“My people are foolish and do not know me,” says the LORD. “They are stupid children who have no understanding. They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do right!” [Jeremiah 4.22]

Further on in Jeremiah, God says:

“And when your people ask, ‘Why did the LORD our God do all this to us?’ you must reply, ‘You rejected him and gave yourselves to foreign gods in your own land. [Jeremiah 5.19] 

Bad things don't happen to good people. Bad things happen to people who do not trust the LORD. Bad things happen to people who refuse to discard the idols they trust and continue to stray away from God's truth, justice and righteousness (without which, there is no power).

Just to be perfectly clear... "life" as we know it is not the embodiment of God's power. This temporal "life" as we know it is where God's people are deceived every day. No child of God who has followed Jesus Christ has any "business" (think, industries of man) preserving his or her own "life." Jesus said two things to support this:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [Matthew 6.33]

and,

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

Physical death is not a "bad thing" (as previously mentioned) for a child of God. In fact, embracing physical death in complete obedience to God and His Kingdom, as Jesus did on His Cross, may be the highest and purest form of faith. Idols, on the other hand, will NEVER promote embracing physical death and, inadvertently, self-identify as idols because they don't. 

Everything said here disrupts all the religious nonsense we have come to believe about the Bible and our lives. God wants to be powerful in our life AND in our death (whenever that might come). But our self-preservation interests make us firmly attached to the idols that promote such. To say "it isn't true..." is just wishful thinking. If we take the Bible for what it actually says as opposed to what we want it to say (religion, theology), we KNOW what is said here is correct.

As long as we selfishly persist (assisted by idols) to preserve our own lives, we will only see the power of man and never the power of God. We will, in no way, be a blessing to the nations of the world until we operate in the power of God. The power of man ends at physical death, The power of God is just beginning at physical death... 

Indeed, where is God's power today?

Father, oh, help me to be a blessing to the nations! I can only resolve to give up my own way, take up my cross, and follow Jesus to do so. Anything else is idolatry. May Your Word prevail in truth, righteousness and justice - in Your power - wherever it is spoken or read. So be it.

What's In A Name?

He built pagan altars in the Temple of the LORD, the place where the LORD had said, “My name will remain in Jerusalem forever.” [2 Kings 21.4 bold added] 

The verse above is about Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, king of Judah.

For the purpose of this article, another verse should be included here:

Manasseh even made a carved image of Asherah and set it up in the Temple, the very place where the LORD had told David and his son Solomon: “My name will be honored forever in this Temple and in Jerusalem—the city I have chosen from among all the tribes of Israel. [2 Kings 21.7 bold added]

2 Kings 21.4 and 2 Kings 21.7 mention God's name. In the context of these two passages, God's name stands in particular contrast to idolatry. Idolatry is a direct affront to the name of the LORD.

As the Word of God is timeless in its relevance to humanity, we should understand how God's name and idolatry are in contrast to one another even today. But first, we should understand that Jesus, even though we have no record of Him ever using the word "idol," unmistakably taught us, through the Model Prayer (aka The Lord's Prayer) the importance of God's name:

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. [Matthew 6.9 bold added]

Why, do you suppose, the first item of the prayer Jesus taught was that we should keep God's name holy? The significance is most profoundly explained in the first three of the Ten Commandments:

“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. “You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. “You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. [Exodus 20.2-7 bold added]

What should be recognized in all the passages of Scripture noted herein is the word, "name."

God's name is to be distinctly revered and kept separate from idols. The Old Testament taught this truth and Jesus also taught it for New Testament believers.

However, New Testament "believers," just like Manasseh have intermingled God's name with idols in their worship of Him. This is on blatant display every time a "believer" says, "God (by name) uses finance, insurance, medicine, or technology (all idols by definition of being man-made and having many various names)."

Today's One Year Chronological Bible reading further confirms the glaring offense of mingling God's name with idols in Jeremiah's writing:

Listen to the word of the LORD, people of Jacob—all you families of Israel! This is what the LORD says: “What did your ancestors find wrong with me that led them to stray so far from me? They worshiped worthless idols, only to become worthless themselves. They did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD who brought us safely out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness—a land of deserts and pits, a land of drought and death, where no one lives or even travels?’ “And when I brought you into a fruitful land to enjoy its bounty and goodness, you defiled my land and corrupted the possession I had promised you. The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ Those who taught my word ignored me, the rulers turned against me, and the prophets spoke in the name of Baal, wasting their time on worthless idols. Therefore, I will bring my case against you,” says the LORD. “I will even bring charges against your children’s children in the years to come. [Jeremiah 2.4-9 bold added]

We might as easily ask ourselves, "What do we find wrong with God that leads us to finance, insurance, medicine and technology?" Likewise, we do not ask, "Where is the LORD, the miracle-working God of the Bible?" Instead, we ignore God's Word and turn to the named idols of man's making: finance, insurance, medicine and technology leaving us hopelessly damned to curses (God's charges against us) for our unbelief. And still we wonder why the Church today is so overwhelmingly powerless!

It should be understood here that Jesus' atoning work ONLY applies to those who believe in Him calling upon His name. Just as Jesus taught us to pray, we must keep the name of God AND therefore the name of His Son holy. Faith in God through Jesus Christ allows no mingling of His name with the name of any idol (here is a good place to reflect on all the various names of man's industries of finance, insurance, medicine and technology).

While it is humanly argued that finance, insurance, medicine and technology are not "idols," the Bible teaches otherwise. But, if people don't know the Bible, they simply join the masses in gross idolatry. 

Idols are the way of man without God. Unironically, Jesus addressed the way of man:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

The way of man, with all its named idols, is an affront to the name of the LORD. To insist upon retaining the way of man is to reject Jesus Christ.

The Bible leads us to ask, "What's in a name?"

Father in heaven, help us to review our lives for named idols. Help us then to give them up, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. So be it.

Who Should I Believe?

For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! [Isaiah 64.4] 

Five years ago today, I wrote the article Wait For God (God Alone). In that article, I was transparent about a physical infirmity in my body for which I had committed to trust God alone to heal. The physical infirmity I referred to is a chronically stiff and painful neck. 

Since writing the abovementioned 2021 article, my neck has become even less moveable and more painful - I am effectively disabled as far as being able to turn my head in normal movement. I am in great pain even as I write this article today. I am in a deep struggle not to feel sorry for myself. 

I want so much to lash out at someone or something. I am constantly fighting off thoughts that the Bible is a lie and that God doesn't give a rat's ass about my condition even though everything I read in the Bible says otherwise. Yes, I have struggled with all manner of sin, unforgiveness, selfishness, lust, hate, and pride - but I persist to confess my faithlessness to God in repentance taking hope that He is indeed merciful and gracious and has given Jesus on my behalf. I have purposefully tried to focus on praying and interceding for others, trusting that God knows my own condition and wills me well.

By insisting that I will trust God alone as my Healer, I have "put off" many a sincere well-wisher who has encouraged me instead that 'God uses medicine' and that I should "see a doctor." However, if the Bible suggests that God indeed uses anything else, my eyes are completely blind to it. All I can see is that God wants my undivided trust in Him alone. I have been as jealous to defend His name in that regard as much as the Bible says He is jealous for my undivided faith. And yet, my disability worsens.

I feel alone, but the Bible says God is with me. I feel like a fool, but the Bible says God seeks those who trust Him alone. I feel more incapacitated daily, but the Bible says I am an overcomer. I feel unworthy and dirty, but the Bible says I am forgiven.

Am I indeed a fool to keep waiting on God? The Bible says I am not... The alternative is to do something for myself...

Who should I believe? I will believe in God through His Son, Jesus Christ. My help comes from Him.

Father in heaven, as Jesus hung naked on the Cross on my behalf, I bare myself before You today on my own cross - I am vulnerable and have nothing to hide. I just want to wait for You. I want Your Word to be proven true in my life. I want Your Word to be proven true in my death. I want Your Word to be proven true in my resurrection. I just want You. Be glorified in me. So be it.

Religious Pretense - Powerless Actuality

“Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins! [Isaiah 58.1]

What the rest of Isaiah 58 describes are the selfish and therefore powerless conditions of those who are "His people" who are "religious" in pretense, but are, in actuality, powerless.

When God's people are immersed in sin, He doesn't send comforters to softly soothe their ears with words of gentle encouragement. Instead, He makes a big and loud deal of it calling them out on their sin.

If however, God's people turn from their selfish deception, there is an easily-identifiable, quantifiable, and qualifiable promise attached:

“Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the LORD will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. [Isaiah 58.8-9]

Father, may Your spokesmen clearly declare Your call to repentance in the earth today and may Your people hear and turn from their powerless ways. May then Your glorious power manifest in Your people. So be it.

It Was Just A Dream, Right?

“I have created the blacksmith who fans the coals beneath the forge and makes the weapons of destruction. And I have created the armies that destroy. But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken! [Isaiah 54.16-17] 

I had a dream before waking today. It was unlike any dream I can ever recall...

I was in a place with people all around. I don't recall knowing any of them.

At one point a group of people presented weapons, started shouting demands, and everyone else began to panic (as would be expected) most of them falling to the ground. I don't know what the intention of the armed people was. I distinctly remember feeling compelled to simply walk away whether they shot me or not - which I did - down a long hallway - fully aware that at any moment, a shot could ring out and I could take a bullet in the back and it would all be over. I could hear the perpetrators shouting asking what I was doing, but no shot was fired. I remember that my walking away was not at all in their plan evidenced by their disbelief at my actions. Why they did not shoot me, only God knows. Everyone else was paralyzed in fear for their lives.

Once I reached the end of the hall and turned the corner into what felt like was "safety," I was compelled once again to turn around and walk right back into the place where the gun-wielding perpetrators were. And so, I did, much to their disbelief. By this time, I felt I was safe and that the LORD's hand was upon what I was doing and that He had a purpose in it.

A woman, the ring-leader of the perpetrators, came straight up to me and we began to talk. Although I was aware that she could simply kill me, I was unafraid - and she knew it. By this time I was keenly aware that God had kept me safe thus far, and so I spoke to her from that confidence. I knew this was an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with this woman.

My mind began racing to try to think about what I should say to her. I wondered about the Romans Road, I wondered if there was any other scripture..., I regretted not having a plan of my own... By this time, she had laid her own weapon down and was knelt down beside a bench (or something) and ready to hear whatever I had to say. I told her that I believe the Bible and almost simultaneously, one of her cohorts came to her and told her none of that was true. But she kept listening to me even though, unknown to her, I was struggling to know what to say.

And then, I believe the Holy Spirit made clear to me that I had already "said" everything I needed to say when I, at first, simply walked away from the danger she and her group presented, and then turned and purposefully walked right back to them. My actions had already spoken clearly to them what my words were struggling to say. 

And, just as I recall my eyes opening to the reality that it was all a dream, my final "dream thought" was that my actionate testimony to the lady and her group was that I had no fear... As my eyes opened to the dim light of dawn creeping around the curtains into my bedroom, I lay there in extraordinary peace. I don't recall ever waking from any kind of dream without some kind of anxiety, expectation, or some sense of let-down... But this dream was different...

As is my custom, I started my day in my office reading the One Year Chronological Bible reading of the day. I was fully expecting that something I would read today would relate to the dream I had just awakened from. And, the passage above met that expectation.

My takeaway from it all today is that I should have no fear. As my life is hid with Christ in God, what should cause me to fear? The correct answer is: absolutely nothing.

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8.31-39]

Over the last few years, my life and writing has spoken much to the subject of idolatry. Without beating that worthy drum again today, suffice it to say that every idol man has made for himself was made out of fear that God would not provide or care for him. Finance, insurance, medicine and technology have no foothold at all on a person who fears nothing but takes God entirely at His Word.

For many, even institutional church holds a 'fear foothold' keeping them from walking in pure Spirit-led fellowship with God and man.

So, in my dream, was I being foolish or 'tempting God' to leave my place of "safety" and walk back down the hall in the midst of certain death?

Our lives serve a purpose on earth. Fear stands between us and that purpose just as idols stand between us and God. In fact, idols employ fear.

The question today is not, "Who will walk down the hall away from danger?" but instead, "Who will walk back down that same hall away from safety and straight into danger?"

Jesus said it best:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

It was just a dream, right? If this article turns out to be my "swan song," I am at perfect peace with it.

Father, help us all to be at peace because our lives are hid with Christ in You. Help us to face every day and every situation with only one goal - to follow Jesus - understanding that He at once walked out of danger and then ultimately walked right into it - all for Your purpose and for Your glory. So be it. Yes, so be it.