It’s About Time

August 27, 2024.

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

-2 Peter 3:8-13 (NIV)

Perhaps one of the hardest things to deal with is God’s time.  How many times have we prayed for something and the request doesn’t get answered quickly?  How many times have we cried out for a miracle or for God’s favour to be made known and it doesn’t happen when we want it?  Sometimes for a  specific request, God may not grant our request at all.  Really this begs the question: How receptive and appreciative are we of God’s sovereignty?

I have an unbelieving friend from high school that I had lunch with a while back and he once said to me, “David, when we get older we just turn into bigger versions of what we always were.”  Biblically I think he’s incorrect in that Romans 12:2 tells us we can be transformed and 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells me that I am a new creation, and any positive changes come only from Jesus Christ.  However there may be some tendencies or personality quirks that have not changed to the levels we would like - take patience for instance (one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23).  If you’ve been around young children enough, you probably know how impatient they can be.  All it takes is one road trip and you probably lost track of how many times a child asks, “Are we there yet?”  A child can get quite impatient and a child seems to have an innate and unique ability to test your own patience at the same time.  However and as we get older, do we really gain more patience?  Sometimes yes, and sometimes no, but I find we still struggle with God’s timing.  It’s almost as if from God’s perspective on timing, we revert back to childhood when it comes to our lack of patience.

I don’t know about you, but I start to feel guilty about God’s timing when I realize that God has every right to strike me down for any number of wrongs I’ve committed, and yet he’s extremely patient with me.  Is God slow to act?  2 Peter 3:9 tells us that God is not slow at all and his perfect timing is constantly in motion, choosing his prescribed method to save and sanctify me – and in so doing, I repent.  Sometimes I wish I was smart enough to repent sooner.  In the end I realize, I’m slow, but God is not.  I’m impatient, but God is gracious.  But even this period will soon come to an end.  There will be a time when Jesus Christ comes back, not as a shepherd but as a conqueror.  Our text tells us that this day will be marked not with continual patience, but with fire and destruction.  God is not slow in keeping his promises, but he is definitely gracious in keeping them.

Listen, you may have unwanted habits still.  You may know someone is not coming to faith and/or displaying unwanted habits.  Trust God in the process, but please keep turning to God in the process.  Nothing happens without his divine blessing and approval, and nothing happens contrary to God’s timing.  If you can spare 5 minutes of your day, you got time to pray, and it’s about time we pray more!

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About Suffering

August 20, 2024.

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.  4 Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” 5 When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”  6 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”
-John 19:1-6 (NIV)

Lately I’ve been reflecting on the role of suffering.  What does it mean to suffer?  Yes, suffering means pain and yes, prolonged suffering may lead to agony – but why does God allow it?  I know Rom. 5:3-5 describes suffering as producing perseverance, character and hope, and ultimately directs us to Christ, but I have to tell you that I struggle with this.  Why do I struggle?  Because I hate suffering and I hate pain!  At the same time I realize that I’m very stubborn and I’m completely fallen as a person and I believe we’re all like this (unless you’re some kind of sadistic, which is another psychological category altogether).

I realize that if we didn’t have suffering, we wouldn’t place all our hope upon the redemptive, saving and sanctifying work of Jesus Christ.  If we didn’t have suffering, we’d be stuck in our set ways and we’d go on in life rejecting Jesus at every turn, because we’d be too comfortable!  More and more I’m realizing that suffering leads to Godliness whether I like it or not!  In God’s wisdom, suffering reveals God’s nature and God’s grace more than we could ever realize!  It’s ironic because in times of suffering we often question where God is and if he cares.  And it’s in these moments we can either dive into God’s presence, surrendering everything to him, or we can turn our backs on him completely.  Why did I mention that suffering reveals God’s nature and God’s grace?  Because if suffering produces Godliness, God wants to bless you through these painful moments.  If suffering produces Godliness, then God invites you to be more like Him.  If suffering is so painful, then it should trigger in us a giant reminder that our home is not in this temporal and sinful world, but with Jesus Christ in eternity.

Think about this:  Even Jesus Christ suffered until death!  In John 19:1-6, God revealed that suffering is God’s prescribed method to coronate Jesus as king to the world!  Instead of a crown of jewels, Jesus was fixed with a painful crown of thorns.  Instead of being clothed with majesty, Jesus was given a purple robe in mockery whereby purple is a royal colour.  After being reduced in a courtroom of corrupt leaders and lawmakers where he should’ve been elevated, he was metaphorically brought down by being slapped in the face.  His own chosen people (Israelite Jews) rejected him, and he was insulted as they said, “Hail, king of the Jews!”

Here's another amazing fact:  As God’s prescribed method of coronation is suffering, God doesn’t just prescribe this method for Jesus Christ, but also prescribes it for us, giving ultimately meaning for our suffering while on this earth.  In other words, our royal welcome into God’s royal family is also marked with suffering.  There’s also something else we must realize with regards to the role of suffering:  our entire lives are not for our own glory, but for God’s glory!  The latter is a tough pill to swallow, because it’s the ultimate humbling statement!  Our lives are not our own and we were purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ and all for God’s glory.  The story of our lives is a part of the larger story of Yahweh.  Pain now, glory tomorrow…..and forevermore!

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The True and Bright Morning Star

August 13, 2024.

12 How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn!  You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!  13 You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. 14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”  15 But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.

-Isaiah 14:12-15 (NIV)

Anyone got time for another Olympics rant?  Keep scrolling and ignore this devotional message if you don’t.  In my last devotional message and while I did comment on a number of demonic and satanic references in the opening Olympic ceremonies, looking back I still missed a ton of things and too numerous to count.  I can’t believe that hip hop personality Snoop Dogg wore a Baphomet, satanic goat necklace at one point during the Olympic festivities (he also carried the torch in Paris this year too, which shows how popular he is to many people).  He claims it’s just a necklace to describe himself as the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time), a casual term used to describe the best of the best in any category among younger crowds nowadays (think about Wayne Gretzky or Michael Jordan).  However and if you ask me, he’s covering up the truth!  I encourage you to research the typical image of the Baphomet (a satanic and occult figure) and Snoop Dogg’s necklace and you’ll see what I mean.  By the way, I really encourage readers to stay away from his music.  He’s gotten a pass by the media over the last few years, but I find his overall body of work is anti-Christian – and as a personal confession (believe it or not), I was HEAVY into all kinds of music at one point and especially hip hop, so I think I know a thing or two about his music.

I also can’t believe we have boxing scandals where the IOC let two men with XY chromosomes (Imane Khelif from Algeria and Lin Yu-Ting from Taiwan) beat-up women with XX chromosomes in the ring and both claiming gold medals in different weight classes, in women’s boxing).  I thought the western world promoted women’s rights and here the Olympics are, taking that away and putting women’s lives in danger! 

Moreover though, I want to spend some time to think about the closing ceremonies of the Olympics.  Did anyone see that?  Once again and for all of these Olympics happenings, I’ve only seen short video clips on the internet.  However, I know during the closing ceremonies there was a scene with a shimmering, horned, gold figure raised down from a great height, descending upon a dark globe map of the world, and what appeared to be humanoid figures worshipping the gold figure in a ritual.  Some of these humanoid figures wore dark cloaks and at some point, a headless and armless statue was raised of what appeared to be either an angel or the Greek goddess Niké (the goddess of victory, that the sneakers brand is named after, with the iconic swoosh symbol).  Some say the closing ceremony was a nod to NASA’s Golden Record Voyager (a golden phonograph record said to compile sounds and images portraying diversity of life on earth).  Others see direct symbols to go back to either worshipping or being like the ancient Greco-Roman gods like Jupiter.  Here’s a posting from a random twitter/X user on the latter: https://x.com/PFKHealth/status/1822824657676062862

Either way, in my humble opinion and if you’re a Christian, this is not good and not Jesus honouring!

In my mind, I think about the description of Satan being cast out of heaven.  In Isaiah 14:12, Satan is described as a morning star.  Have you ever realized that Jesus is also described as the morning star in Revelation 22:16?  Often times in scripture, celestial bodies (planets, moon, sun, stars, etc.) are a reference to supernatural entities.  The morning star is the description of a star brighter than other stars.  As Satan (or Lucifer) is described as a morning star (not THE morning star), Lucifer means “shining one” or “light bearer” or “morning star” interchangeably.  Being brighter than other stars may also be a reference to how Satan was at a different level compared to other angels upon creation, before he rebelled and fell – described as being “the seal of perfection” in Eze. 28:12.

The difference with Jesus is that Jesus is described as being THE MORNING STAR, and not just the REAL light bearer, but the actual and REAL light himself (John 8:12).  Let’s also not forget that Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14).  Knowing this now, are you surprised that the entire 33rd Olympic Games at Paris has been a complete mockery of Jesus Christ and Christianity?  More and more, I’m surprised that it’s all out there in the open now.  Instead of showcasing all the achievements and gifts to society that Paris and France brought in history, they choose to glorify a demonic mockery of Jesus.  Be warned!  Satan is real and he prowls around like a roaring lion (1 Pe. 5:8).  Dear Christians we must endure!  Contend for the gospel!
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Momentary Troubles

August 6, 2024

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
-2 Corinthians 4:16-18  (NIV)

“This too shall pass away” is a famous saying people think is found in scripture, but it’s not!  That being said, 2 Cor. 4:17 says we will face momentary troubles.  If you’ve been following the news, there seems to be a lot of momentary troubles lately.  There’s certainly unrest in parts of Europe.  Elon Musk on Twitter/x.com mentioned that a “civil war is inevitable.”  This is in response to the riots happening all over the UK.  It’s my humble, personal opinion, but I believe CTV news much like many mainstream Western media news outlets has been corrupted, and I believe they’re falsely spinning the narrative to blame the riot uprisings on “far right groups.”

Far-right groups and anti-immigration protesters riot in wake of a mass stabbing at a U.K. dance class.[1]

Here’s the CTV News version of the UK riot uprisings (click the link):

https://www.ctvnews.ca/video/c2971913-ctv-national-news--riots-erupt-in-the-u-k-?playlistId=1.6989002

By the way and in case anyone is wondering, x.com (formerly known as Twitter) is now reportedly the #1 frequented social media platform (topping Facebook, Instagram, etc.) and is designed to be a platform for freedom of speech.  Multiple times Elon Musk has shown evidence of other news and social media sites distorting and showing false narratives, which is why he took over Twitter/x.com in the first place (to promote freedom of speech). Many and I mean many x.com users are reporting extreme Muslim groups armed with axes, hammers, swords and knives causing the UK uproar.  I’ll let you make your own decision on which version of the news is truthful.  I won’t post this side of the story because much of it is very graphic.

Momentary troubles are not just happening in the UK.  The Bangladesh Prime Minister has reportedly resigned and flees in the midst of anti-government protests.  Not just that, but the world of finances are showing signs of extreme turmoil too.  The market has suddenly turned and it’s not looking good.  Here’s some surprising headline news statements:    

Global equities suffered heavy losses on Monday as Wall Street joined a global stock rout that started in Japan while the dollar tumbled against the yen and U.S. Treasury yields dropped on concerns about a recession in the United States.[i]

The value of Japan’s currency has tumbled so much that for a moment on Monday it took 160 yen to equal $1. A few years ago, it took closer to 100 yen to make a U.S. dollar. The yen has been so weak that it’s back to where it was in 1990, shortly after Japan’s famous ‘bubble economy’ burst.[ii]

Warren Buffett dumped 55.8% of Berkshire Hathaway’s holdings of Apple stock in the first six months of 2024, according to Reuters.[iii]

With all of this happening in the world, “Lockheed Martin shares reach all-time high amid geopolitical tensions.”[iv]

In addition, there’s something called, “The Pizza Meter — the number of pizzas ordered out because people at the Pentagon can’t leave their desks — suggests that war between Iran and Israel is upon us.”[v]  

As crazy as it sounds and not completely verified, this Pizza Meter reportedly tracks the amount of pizzas ordered at a Papa John’s pizzeria near the Pentagon and there’s suddenly an uptick of pizza orders suggesting that a potential war is immanent.

I will pause here and tell everyone – DON’T PANIC, DON’T BE ALARMED and WORRY-PAS!  These are all momentary troubles.  We do not lose heart, because our eternal salvation and joy is found in Jesus Christ and eternal life spent with him.  We are all wasting away outwardly, just like the world and its troubles, but inwardly the Holy Spirit gives us new found joy, hope and strength.  This joy, hope and strength is renewed daily, so while others place their hope on things that will be diminished, tarnished, ruined, lost and destroyed, we place our hope on Jesus Christ and his gospel which can never fail!  These momentary troubles refine us, sharpen our gaze and make known our position in the heavenly realms with Jesus Christ.

If you think  that’s the end of these troubles, think again!  If you think it can’t get any worse, think again!  If you think many of these other troubles you hear of are effecting others and not you, making you immune, think again!  You want sainthood and not just salvation right?  You want eternal joy right?  Find it at the feet of Jesus and look to the cross and empty tomb!  This is all just external noise that will one day be silence…FOREVER! – What is unseen is eternal!

[1] CTV News. (2024, August 4). CTV National News: Riots Erupt in the U.K. Riots erupt in the U.K. after mass stabbing. https://www.ctvnews.ca/video/c2971913-ctv-national-news--riots-erupt-in-the-u-k-?playlistId=1.6989002

[i] Carew and Mackenzie, S. and N. (2024b, August 5). Stocks plunge: Nikkei down 13%, European shares near six-month lows. Stocks sink with bond yield and dollar on recession fears. https://www.reuters.com/markets/global-markets-wrapup-1-2024-08-04/

[ii] AP News. (2024, April 29). Japan’s currency falls to its weakest since 1990 against the dollar as the yen keeps yelping. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/japanese-yen-dollar-currency-exchange-rate-2226ed50c429c6faf76da05bcab77c0c#:~:text=The%20value%20of%20Japan’s%20currency,famous%20%E2%80%9Cbubble%20economy%E2%80%9D%20burst.

[iii] Cohan, P. (2024, August 4). Why Warren Buffett’s Berkshire dumped 55.8% of its Apple Stock. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2024/08/03/why-warren-buffett-dumped-56-of-berkshires-apple-stock/

[iv] Mayadeen, A. (n.d.). Lockheed Martin shares reach all-time high amid geopolitical tensions | Al Mayadeen english. https://english.almayadeen.net/news/Economy/lockheed-martin-shares-reach-all-time-high-amid-geopolitical

[v] X.com. X (formerly Twitter). (n.d.). https://x.com/Doranimated/status/1819752322727067696

 
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