Deception + Fraud = Failure

Rebekah and Jacob are not the kind of people you would choose as role models. Have you ever questioned why God allows such characters to be included in Holy Scripture? This mother and son combination is the epitome of deception and fraud driven by greed to get the best of what belongs to someone else.

The blessing Isaac was to give Esau was a prize that’s hard for us to comprehend. What would be the most exceptional gift you could receive? The blessing was an honorable, prestigious gift that set you apart from others in your family. No one else could rise above you. Rebekah and Jacob stole that prize from Esau.

God gave us this story for a purpose. God wants us build bridges of integrity as strongholds to prevent lusting after what belongs to others and using deception to get what we want. God enlightens our conscience with the Holy Spirit to guide us in setting boundaries to keep us within God’s approval. Be thankful for God’s faithfulness.  

Insight: God's Light for Values - Part 1

One task of a counselor is to help clients gain insight for effective change. One of my psychology professors described insight simply as enlightenment. You now understand what was beyond comprehension. Insight is understanding, fused to wisdom, so that what you believe and the way you behave can be altered.

True, healthy insight is transforming because as it merges with your heart and soul, it changes how you live. Insight discovers at every age and stage of life new clues that identify who you are and what you can do. The pathway to ethical decisions and wiser choices comes from insight, as facts and truth are discovered about yourself and others.

Jesus said the true pathway to freedom is knowing the truth, accepting it and then finding ways of applying this knowledge to everyday life. Jesus promised to send the Counselor, whose role is to make known to every believer the truths of everything he taught. Isn't that exciting? Open your heart and mind and receive this promise.

Golden Opportunities: Hard Choices - Part 2

When Jesus said, "Whatsoever you wish men would do to you, do so to them," he was teaching that the essence of righteousness is constructively doing good, not just avoiding sin. It means to create opportunities to do good by being proactive, earnestly seeking to incorporate this command into everyday life. It may require stretching to the limits of your sincerity, faith and patience.

Don't be fooled into thinking you can achieve this command in your own strength. It’s the presence of the Holy Spirit reminding, enabling and encouraging you to seize the moment. "Whatsoever you wish men would do to you," demands a desire to see good things happen to others.

The statement, "You never know what life is like for others until you have walked in their shoes," involves imagining yourself in that person’s position regardless of who that person happens to be. How about that? Would you even consider it? This is what the Golden Rule is asking you to practice each day.  

Choose God's Way: Resist Evil - Part 2

No one lives a perfect Christian life. Temptation abounds and must be faced and rejected. God makes sure we are not alone in our fight against evil by sending help so we will not be overtaken by wickedness. The Apostle Paul instructs us to put on the full armor of God so we will be able to stand our ground against Satan. Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to counsel and instruct us.

God wants us to be single-minded and resolve to serve him and him alone. Jesus reminds us that we cannot serve two masters - either God or whatever the world offers. Being single-minded requires knowing where you’re going and to whom you are committed. Have you chosen God’s way?

It's appropriate to closely examine yourself to see if you’re in line with God's purpose and direction. The unexamined life is subject to faltering. Remember, it pleases God when you constantly press on toward the high calling in Christ Jesus. God created you to choose his way, so why not make that choice now?  

Choice and Destiny - Part 2

An ancient wise man said, “Choice, not chance, determines destiny.” Our choices determine success or failure, happiness or discouragement. Romans 6:23 validates how our destiny can be altered: “For sin pays its wage which is death; but God’s free gift, to all who believe, is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Jesus promised in John 14:26 to help us with our decision-making so there could be positive change.  “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said.” This may be difficult to believe for those who feel stuck or who feel abandoned, but it's true.

Rearranging and altering an old destiny is possible. While it may seem impossible at first, determine to explore what God puts in your heart to do. The guidance of the Holy Spirit, our Counselor sent to instruct us when faced with difficult choices, is always present. Determine to listen to this voice, for all things are possible with God.