Posts Tagged ‘Christ’

Killing them with Kindness – Part 2

Posted: December 26, 2024 in Inspirational
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OK Guys, so last time I posted a blog about kindness that talked about the “why” we should choose to respond with compassion versus the alternative. In my previous post, I promised you how to execute this kindness response proposition into real action. 

If you are like me, talking about a big topic like this without giving me practical ideas of how to apply is like sitting down at the dinner table with a HUGE meal and no utensils. I may ultimately figure out how to eat, but the process could have been far easier with a fork.

Take a look at these 4 bullet points below and see:

  • Listen More, Judge Less: This is SO hard to do because sometimes, people lash out because they feel unheard or misunderstood. Focus on trying to listen with understanding can help diffuse tension and show that you value what they are saying.
  • Respond, Don’t React: Again, take a deep breath; when you are confronted with negativity, take a moment to pause. Think first, then respond. A calm, kind response can completely change the tone of a conversation.
  • Be Generous in Small Ways: A smile,  a thoughtful comment, or a small gesture of help can brighten someone’s day—even if they don’t deserve it.
  • Lead by Example: Guys, this is where it should hit the mark for you. If you demonstrate that kindness is a strength and not a weakness, your actions will inspire those around you (even your kids) to act with compassion as well. This is our goal.

Why all of this Matters

Finally, I have written 25 posts in 2024, and most centered on being a better Father, or I tried to inspire you to be better dudes. Why? Because the world doesn’t need any more arguments, any more grudges, or any more division. It needs men and women who are willing to rise above all the clattering noise of this crazy world and choose kindness, even when it’s hard. Christ, right before He was crucified gave us this simple, life-changing verse that all of us should apply. He said, Love your neighbor as yourself. Matt 22:39

Again, not easy. I get that…But when have you ever backed down from a challenge? What I am asking will require effort which is my charge to you in this new year.

Focus your responses with a “killing them with kindness” mindset. Remember that you don’t just “win” at the moment— rather you are planting seeds of positivity that can grow far beyond what you see.

Guys…so the next time someone tries to bring you down, remember this: you don’t have to meet them on their level. Instead, rise above and respond with kindness. You might just change their day—or even their life.

Think of it this way, kindness isn’t just an action. It’s a superpower.

Until next time Guys-

Is Good Enough, Good Enough to Get into Heaven?

Posted: January 28, 2024 in Heaven Bound
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Over the last year, I have found myself in conversations with different friends discussing Heaven and the different journeys we are taking to get there. What is clear to me is each of them has a very different viewpoint on how to get there and the direction we each are going is also very different. I think the most concerning takeaway I have gleaned from these conversations is the fact that many of them have a diluted idea of what God says in His word about this very topic. They believe strongly in the idea that being Good Enough, is good enough, to get to Heaven. 

You have probably heard this a thousand times but how could God send a good person to Hell?

If you live your life well, meaning you haven’t killed anyone or you haven’t wronged anyone, and although you are apart from Christ, why would living “that kind of life” sentence you to Hell?

Let’s begin this short blog by ensuring we are all on the same page with this one fact. You, me, Billy Graham, even Mother Teresa; there is absolutely no path available for any human being to earn their way into Heaven. With ALL of the amazing things that Mother Teresa did, literally saving thousands of children’s lives through her efforts…those actions were not good enough to get her into Heaven.

Billy Graham preached for over 50 years and I would say millions of people came to know Christ through his many years of ministry. Do you think that punched his ticket into eternity?

Think of it this way…No matter how amazing of a person you are on this Earth, there is NO version of a “better me” or a “better you” where we can achieve something that earns our gift of Heaven. All of us are born into this sinful, unclean world with no way of saving ourselves, and people who rely on “goodness only” as their life plan are going to be disappointed. Trust me.

Paul said, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” He also said, the wages of sin is death” Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23

The bottom line is, that is why Christ came. God knew we couldn’t do this on our own, so He sent Christ to pay the price we couldn’t pay. When we think that just being good enough is enough, there is an arrogance to that mindset which is the opposite of what is needed. God requires humility from us. We need Him, He doesn’t need us. But, He loves us and that is the difference.

If you hear just one thing from me today, please hear this, our human version of “good enough” is NOT good enough. Being just a good person is NOT good enough.

You and I need rescuing from this world but we can’t simply go along in life thinking good enough is good enough, because it isn’t. 

You are probably NOT hearing this from many people but please hear me today-

The key is, recognizing that you can’t get to Heaven on your own and that you need to receive forgiveness from Christ first…if you do, it will help ensure your stay at God’s Heavenly Hilton…and your own eternal life. I know these are hard words, but please know they are the truth.

Until next time Guys-

The Story of Satan – part 3

Posted: January 15, 2022 in Something to think about
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Satans Kingdom 

Let’s jump right back into this as we pick up from part 2 of the story of Satan. If you recall, we learned that Satan is the god of this age on earth and is the one responsible for bringing sin to the human race when Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the tree. In part three, we are going to learn more about the Kingdom of Satan. Yes…you heard me, Satan has a Kingdom and that is highly organized and functional towards its purpose.

And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?

Matthew 12:26 (Christ speaking)

To begin, it is EXTREMELY important that you recognize that Satan runs a highly systemized empire of evil. He is not a poor leader without a plan but rather…he has a focused destructive purpose and he is directing his entire empire towards his goal of winning against both God almighty…and you.

While he is the prince of this earth, Satan has authority over the following: 

Kingdom of the Air – in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. [Eph 2:2 NIV]

The “air” in this verse refers to the invisible realm above the earth where Satan and his demons move and exist and this space is the location of the earth’s atmosphere or “air.” He can move anywhere he wants in and through this earth…The entire world is his domain…remember that.

Fallen Angels – “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. [Mat 25:41 NIV]

-Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. Rev 12:7 NIV

Guys…when Satan fell from grace out of heaven, I mentioned in part 1 that he brought a whole slew of fallen angels with him. Those angels are his demons and completely under his control. Without a doubt, they are a HUGE part of fulfilling his destructive purpose on earth. Remember that too.

Unrepentant Humanity  – Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. [Jhn 12:31 NIV]

…the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. [Eph 2:2 NIV]

The people who absolutely resist God in all ways and will not repent. Those folks, whether consciously or not, are ruled and report to Satan.

The World –  In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. [2Co 4:4 ESV] 

As mentioned before, Satan has limited control over the earth at this time.

Things to know about Satan in his Kingdom

Satan has power: And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. Luk 4:6 NIV

Satan has a throne: I know where you live–where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city–where Satan lives. Rev 2:13 NIV

Guys, the WORST mistake you could ever make with knowing this is to underestimate this opponent. He does have certain powers but is completely limited by God. It is like he is a COO of a huge corporation with the only issue being…his ONLY business is yours and my destruction…and that is pretty much all he wants. 

Another set of important points to recognize is that Satan is NOT:

Omni-present – present everywhere at the same time.

Omnipotent –  having unlimited power; able to do anything

Omniscient – Knowing everything

What does this mean? Our biggest adversary cannot read your mind…Only God knows your thoughts.

Does that change anything knowing that particular point about our enemy?

Moreover, because Satan is limited in his power, much of his earthly activity is delegated to his demon horde who also have power. He has to use his team to tempt and defeat you as evidenced by the verses below-

-And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. Matt: 8:28 

-For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. Rev 16:14

Guys, let me leave you with this…If you think you have nothing to fear from this enemy, then he has you. 

He is extremely powerful and again, not to be underestimated. One more point to consider is that even though Satan knows the word of God (scripture) better than anyone on this earth, he still refuses to recognize that God wins in the end. He is 100% in denial about his own destruction.

Part 4 is next –

Until next time guys-

Are you really Watching?

Posted: January 16, 2016 in Something to think about
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32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.

36 If he comes suddenly do not let him find you sleeping.

37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch’!   (Mark 13:32-37 NIV)

As you may or may not know, Christ is coming back for his people and the scriptures are full of references to that very fact. But the reality is that NO ONE knows when…not even Christ himself as told to us in the verses above in the book of Mark. So what does that mean for you and me?

We must wait faithfully for His return.

In my last blog post, I told you there were three things that God requests us to do while we are waiting and today, I am going to focus on the first one on the list.

Christ revealed this to His disciples in the form of a parable and in fact, Jesus gave all 3 of them as parables in order to help the disciples better understand and apply them to their lives. Here is the first one:

45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?

46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’

49 and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.

50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.

51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.   (Matthew 24:45-51 NIV)

Jesus paints this picture using words of 2 extremes; 1 servant who was faithful and carried out what his master had asked him to do, and the other servant who saw the masters absence as a chance to enjoy himself to the fullest and just party.

The Faithful Servant

Because this servant was faithful the entire time the master was away, he was rewarded beyond any expectation imaginable. He is promoted and given privileges that are almost to the level of the master himself.

Guys, this is a peak inside to the eternal rewards that all faithful Christians will be able to share in.

The Evil Servant

This servant represents a self-deceived doubter who simply pretends to be serving his master. The truth be told, he doesn’t love the master or even look forward to his return and I think he actually believes he isn’t coming back and therefore he can do anything he wants. Moreover, he convinces himself of this idea and seemingly justifies it to himself and then continues down his evil path.

When the master does return, the evil servant is uncovered and punished to the other complete negative extreme, as the faithful servant reward was positive. He is sent to a place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth…which represents hell.

So this is not a very difficult parable to understand or how it applies to all of us. Christ represents the master and has left for a while but He expects us, his faithful servants, to watch for Him because He is coming back…

So which servant are you?

This is not a difficult question to answer if you’re honest with yourself. But as a simple friendly reminder, you need to figure this question out sooner rather than later and begin to live your life accordingly because Christ’s return is imminent.

 

For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”

And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” (Hebrews 10:37-38 NIV)

 

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.   (Matthew 24:42 NIV)

Guys, if you haven’t figured it out already, the first thing God requests of us is to watch. I encourage you to be the faithful servant Christ spoke about in His parable rather than the evil one who thought he could outsmart his master. Fundamentally, he paid the ultimate price by going to a horrific place and I don’t want that to be you…

So please…keep a close watch…

Until next time guys…