Our Highest Authority

Last week I shared a quote from A. W. Tozer on my Facebook page because it spoke a word of truth into the volatile week. This quote was shared often, so it seemed to resonate with many. A. W. Tozer said, “While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who has not surrendered his authority.”

I’m pretty sure that however you vote, you would consider last week’s news to be difficult to comprehend. I think the only one who was not surprised and shocked by the news from Afghanistan was God. It gave me comfort to remember that God has “not surrendered his authority.” 

The righteous live by faith

The righteous have always lived by faith. Last week I read a plea from a missionary who is hiding in Kabul. She wrote that she didn’t think she would be alive in two weeks because she was being hunted by the Taliban. She is a missionary who teaches Muslim women to read and teaches them they have a God who loves them and finds them worthy in every way.  

In a couple of weeks, the Bible study I spent most of my summer working on will begin. I spent months learning how to understand and teach the book of Romans. I often call Romans “Paul’s masterpiece.” He wrote it near the end of his life and ministry after decades of missionary work. Paul spent his life establishing churches in parts of the world that were antagonistic to his teaching. 

The theme of the book of Romans is found in chapter 1 and is a theme I believe God is calling all of us to consider for our own lives and ministries. Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” (Romans 1:16–17). 

Christians like this missionary define what it means to live by faith, unashamed of the gospel. They know the gospel is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes. Those who have been made righteous will live by faith now, and eternally. Join me in asking the Lord to miraculously save the missionaries and enable their work to continue. 

Unashamed 

I believe in the power of the gospel too. But, I am blessed to accomplish my ministry safely. I can openly teach every verse of the book of Romans without fear of harm. In Afghanistan, those missionaries can be killed for doing what I am free to do in America.  

Teaching God’s word is my greatest privilege, and I am not ashamed to teach others what the Bible says is true. Not everything I teach this year will be considered “politically or socially” correct. But, I’m not ashamed to believe the Bible is the truth our culture most needs to hear. 

The righteous, in every country, live by faith. I will teach each word of Paul’s letter because in it Paul reveals the gospel message, which is the message of salvation for everyone. Next spring, I fully expect that Paul’s letter will have brought others to salvation in Christ, just as it has for more than two thousand years.  

A. W. Tozer said it well: “God has not surrendered his authority.” I am unashamed of the gospel message. I will not surrender God’s authoritative word to cultural opinions. 

You are invited

I recognize that I have been called to teach the Bible. It isn’t what I do; it is what the Spirit of God has chosen to do through me. Some will think that last statement sounds a bit arrogant, but the truth is exactly the opposite. The reason I teach is that when I get it right, I’m not the one teaching—the Spirit of Jesus is teaching. I can’t describe it any other way.  

I want to invite you to join our group in the study of Romans in a couple of weeks. You can sign up for the videos, and they are free. The book has a suggested price because we need to repay the ministry for the cost of producing, printing, and shipping it. It is our goal to give Bible study to as many as possible, even in places of the world that don’t encourage or support Christianity. 

I can’t think of a more important time to study Paul’s letter to Rome. We all need to remember we were called to be a holy people, made righteous through our faith in Jesus Christ. 

Trained in God’s authoritative word

I’m not sure how many of the Afghan refugees will live near you, but I know that Dallas, my home city, is scheduled to receive a crowd. In addition, our southern border has been a crossing ground for tens of thousands. 

Many despair that fact. At times, I have too. But, then I think about Paul and the missionaries who will likely die for teaching their faith. I imagine any of them would look at the comfort I enjoy as I teach God’s word to others and consider me blessed. I can hear Paul saying, “You mean God is bringing them to you?”  

Paul wrote, “I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power for salvation to everyone who believes.” I am privileged to teach Paul’s masterpiece, the book of Romans this year. I can honestly say that if you will study his letter, you will know what to believe and why to believe it. 

Are we willing to be God’s missionaries to the world, especially to the ones who are arriving in our own country, even our own neighborhoods? God is on his throne and has allowed things to happen as they have. Why? How does God plan to accomplish Romans 8:28 through your life? 

Who are His missionaries?

How could this country change the world? I think it’s important to remember God didn’t give a country that job.  

How could God’s people change the world? Just like Paul did—one soul at a time. 

We aren’t responsible for the thousands, but we are responsible to God for each person he calls us to. Some will be Americans and some will not. But, that isn’t the point. God didn’t call us to make more Americans; he did call us to make disciples of all nations. 

Do you feel unable to share your faith? Are you afraid you can’t answer people’s questions? Then come study the book of Romans. Paul answers almost every faith question in his letter. None of us are able to be missionaries apart from his Spirit. But remember: every Christian has the same Holy Spirit that God has given to those brave missionaries in Afghanistan and other parts of this world. Every Christian has the same Holy Spirit that empowered Paul’s ministry. 

Paul would say we are lucky to be able to share God’s word and still sleep safely in our beds each night.  

I pray that when next April ends and we have studied the final lesson from Romans, there will be an army of the faithful who are unashamed of God’s truth and ready to teach it when called. I pray that God will bless and protect the teaching of his word. The gospel message is the power of salvation to everyone who believes.  

It may look like things are out of control, but God has not surrendered his authority. Let’s not surrender our calling either. You are a missionary, and the need is growing. Choose today whom you are going to serve. Join with God’s people across the centuries who have said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lᴏʀᴅ” (Joshua 24:15). 

God is our highest authority. 

Why don’t oil and water mix?

We were recently in Hawaii and revisited the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. To this day, oil seeps from the wreckage of the USS Arizona and floats on the water above. It is profoundly moving because so many American soldiers remain buried below. 

It’s important to honor those who sacrificed their lives for this nation. We should. But, it’s even more important to honor the One who sacrificed himself for every human soul in the world.

I love my country, but I am called to worship the Lord.

A PARABLE FOR TODAY 

I stood above the sunken USS Arizona, moved by the memorial message from the guide. I looked at the oil stains on the surface of the water and thought it was a parable for our Christian faith. Thirty or forty years ago, pastors were encouraged to make their churches more “seeker-friendly.” Churches changed their priorities by changing the music, the dress codes, and often the sermon topics. 

Now, thirty years later, has the culture benefitted from those changes?

Did the changes make it easier for non-Christians to enter, or make it easier for Christians to leave unchanged?

Often, we try to mix faith with our culture. But oil and water naturally separate. The word holy literally means “to be separate, set apart.” Do your values seem increasingly different from the world’s? Good! Then you are likely obeying Christ’s command to be in the world but not of it.

Oil floats above the memorial, but, even after all of these years, it remains separate from the surrounding waters.

THE KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

Our culture is good about lauding those who entertain us. I watched some of the Kennedy Center Honors on television. I only watched a small portion of the program. I like Garth Brooks, and I enjoyed watching those who honored him. 

But, there was a LOT of the program I found distasteful. I can’t honor a lot of what is happening in our culture today. It seems like our culture is increasingly drawn to appreciate and accept thoughts and ideas the Bible rejects. But, I also have to remember what Jesus taught. Jesus said that if you love him, you will “feed my sheep” (John 21:17). 

How do we honor the Lord’s sacrifice in a culture that labels our faith narrow-minded or prejudiced? 

The answer: we feed his sheep.

OUR PRIORITY IS GOD’S PROMISE 

I’ve not enjoyed June very much and it’s not because of all the rain. In fact, I’ve thought several times that the clouds are like God’s commentary on what our culture is honoring this month. I’m getting very tired of the little rainbow symbols that are attached to the different emails in my inbox. I just hit delete and move on. 

For me, the rainbow will always be a symbol of God’s promise to redeem the world. I’m saddened it is now used as a symbol for perverse behaviors. I can’t encourage people to think a lifestyle the Bible calls “detestable” is acceptable. I don’t “hate” them as some might accuse. In fact, it’s the opposite. I truly want God’s best for them. I want their lives to have his eternal blessings. 

All of us sin, and all of us try to explain, justify, or describe our sins as “normal.” But, we should be very careful not to “honor” sin or teach it as acceptable. Our sins cost God an unspeakable sacrifice: Jesus. If we say sin is “okay,” then we’ve just said, “Jesus didn’t really need to die.” I think most of the time we accept sin because we don’t care, not because we do. 

I’ve heard people say things like, “It’s my life,” “I’m free to be who I want to be,” or “You can’t tell me what to believe.” And those people are right. It is their life; God gave it to them. They are free to make their choices because God created them with the freedom to choose. And, I shouldn’t force anyone to agree with my preferences; God has always made certain we could know his. And God’s preferences for our lives should be our highest priorities. 

God didn’t leave us alone to make random, personal choices. He gave us guidance, answers, solutions, forgiveness, grace, and his “one and only Son” (John 3:16). Our priority isn’t to help people enjoy their earthly lives, living any way they choose. Our priority is to love God and honor his word, by walking in the truth. We are called to live with biblical priorities. 

Jesus said, if you love him, “feed my sheep” (John 21:17). The question for today is this: What are we feeding those around us?

SPEAKING TRUTH IN LOVE 

How do we honor the Lord’s sacrifice in a culture that increasingly ignores the Savior? 

The answer is for God’s people to love others so much that we want them to live sanctified, eternal lives.

  • Love people enough to want their salvation.
  • Value their eternal lives more than their temporary lives on earth.
  • Teach God’s truth with love. We aren’t imposing our personal truth; we are offering God’s perfect truth.
  • Live with bold, compassionate confidence that Jesus is Lord.
  • Refuse to accept a sinful choice as a “personal preference.” People deserve to know how to be right with God and others. If necessary, love them enough to let them hate you. That is the sacrifice Christ made for each of us.

OIL AND LIVING WATER 

Oil has been floating to the water above the USS Arizona for many years. If it was going to mix with the water, it would have by now. But, we know it never will. The stain serves as a strong reminder that people died in that place, sacrificing themselves for our country.

Let the “rainbow” messages in your inbox this month remind you that Christ died for everyone. Sin and faith don’t mix eternally and can’t mix now. Thankfully, the biblical meaning of the rainbow still holds. God provided redemption for sin. But, people need to choose their redemption in Christ. Our job is to teach them how.

OUR PRIORITIES ARE OUR CHOICES 

Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, a woman living in sexual sin. He offered her the chance to drink from the living water and never thirst again. She was saved that day and changed. She chose to believe Christ, and she chose to go back to her home and live differently. 

The Samaritan woman went back to her village and told others how to find Jesus. Scripture says, “Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’ So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word” (John 4:39–41). 

Our Christian priority isn’t to accept sin; it is to help people separate from it. We can offer them a better way to live on earth and the promise of eternity. But knowing that is a priority isn’t the same thing as living with that priority. 

Will we love people enough to let them hate us? 

Will we care enough to offer them truth? 

Everyone has choices.

Our priority is to be in the world but not of it. 

Oil and water naturally separate. God made them to do just that.

Look backward to move ahead

I worked at a toy store during my first years of college. 

One day, I watched a little boy stray from his dad. Dad was feeding baby sister, and big brother was asked to wait on the bench with him. He promised his son they would go into the toy store as soon as sister was done eating. 

Suffice it to say that waiting was just too tough for the four-year-old. 

Eventually, he found his way to the Matchbox cars, just inside the door of the toy store. (Yes, we put them there to be a temptation.) The boy would glance back at his dad, then inch closer to the display. Once he got to the rack of cars, Dad was quickly forgotten. 

I watched to see what the man would do. He picked up baby sister and moved to the side of the store where he could see his son, but his son didn’t see him. 

A few minutes later, the boy glanced up to find he was alone. He stepped out of the store, looked around, and was scared. The little boy was about to burst into tears when Dad stepped around the corner. The boy rushed to his side. 

The dad hugged his son, then promptly told him he wouldn’t be getting a new Matchbox car that day. 

The little boy knew why. 

Smart dad. 

In just a few moments, he’d taught his son a lesson about patience, self-control, temptation, and what it means to feel lost. He’d also taught him that his choices have consequences. 

I thought, “I need to remember this for the time I have kids someday.” 

Truthfully, I still need that lesson each day. 

WE GET LOST

I love hiking—as long as there is a well-marked path. I want to know there is a beginning to the journey and, if I stay on the path, I will be able to get home. 

I wish I were as careful with my spiritual journey as I am with my hikes. 

I’ve taught the Bible for more than thirty years. I know the path is well-marked, but for some reason I don’t mind wandering occasionally. 

Thankfully, one of the things I have learned is that when I realize I’m lost, I need to start looking for Dad. 

He is ready to be found. 

GOD’S ADVICE FOR THE JOURNEY 

I found a verse in Scripture when I was a young Christian. It has literally come to my mind hundreds of times during my adult years. I have used it for making important decisions and for parenting. Now the words provide perspective for our changing culture. I want to remind all of us of that verse again today. 

The verse is Jeremiah 6:16, and it is some of the best advice Scripture has ever provided my spiritual journey.

JEREMIAH 6:16 

Jeremiah is one of my favorite prophets. That seems a funny thing to say given that Jeremiah is often called “the prophet of doom.” I like Jeremiah because he was blunt and honest with his preaching. He knew God, and he knew God’s word. But, more than that, he was a man who was able to discern God’s voice. 

I always teach my classes that when you read words like “Thus says the LORD” pay careful attention. The words that follow are God speaking. If you want to learn to discern God’s voice, learn to hear these verses as you read. 

Jeremiah told the people of Judah, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not walk in it’” (Jeremiah 6:16). 

JEREMIAH 6:16 FOR TODAY 

If Jeremiah preached today, I think he would repeat this same message. 

Jeremiah knew what God could bless and what God would judge. Jeremiah knew God has always wanted his people to know his will, his direction, and his warnings. 

What did God speak to the lost culture of Jeremiah’s day? 

“Stand by the roads, and look, ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is.” 

God wants his people to stop and assess their journey. God wants us to ask where the good way is. It is an ancient path. The good way is the truth that has always been truth. 

God’s word hasn’t changed. The interpretation of God’s word, the importance of God’s word, and the perception of God’s word are what is changing. 

His word is an ancient path, and it is a path that has been well-marked. A lot of people have walked it for a long time. If we walk it, we find our way home. The ancient way is the good way. There is only one path, because one is enough. 

God said to ask where the good way is and walk in it. God wanted us to find rest for our souls. The only time I’ve ever been afraid on a hike is when I couldn’t find the path and felt lost. 

All of us have been that little boy, looking around a crowded mall, unable to find our dad. Thankfully, Dad is always watching and quick to find us. But, those are the times I missed the blessings I could have owned. There are consequences to making wrong choices. 

God doesn’t want us to worry. God doesn’t want us to live with the anxiety that comes from feeling lost. He wants us to rest in the fact that the ancient path has always led people home. That path always will. 

I teach this often: If it was biblical truth one hundred years ago, two hundred years ago, two thousand years ago—it is still truth today. 

God’s word describes some behaviors and prescribes others. It’s important to study the totality of God’s word to understand that difference. 

There was a time when a lot of people thought God’s word endorsed slavery. God’s word described slavery as a reality of our fallen world. Some people say that God’s plan for a sexual relationship has changed. From Genesis to Revelation, across thousands of years and many cultures, God only endorsed one sexual relationship. A lot of churches have left the ancient path of truth to adapt to the opinions of the culture. Those of us who teach the Bible know that there will be consequences. God has always judged those who “misrepresented” him to the world. 

THE LAST FEW WORDS ARE THE POINT 

Most of the time, when Jeremiah 6:16 is quoted, the last few words are omitted. But, the last few words make the point. 

Jeremiah told his people that God wanted them to ask for the ancient path, the good way. God wanted them to walk that path and find rest for their souls. But, Jeremiah’s people said what a lot of God’s people are saying today: “We will not walk in it.” 

The little boy didn’t get the car because he wandered off. His dad wanted to bless him, but teaching him was more important. His dad wanted to keep him safe, so he allowed him to experience what lost felt like. 

In many ways, that describes our culture today, but it doesn’t have to describe you. 

Ask for the ancient path, the good way. 

Walk in the truth that has always been truth and you will find rest for your soul. 

The next time you feel lost, look backward and you will know how to move ahead. 

Our chance to speak requires a choice

Two events you should know about 

  1. The Bible study, Foundations of Faith, begins this week. You may view the teaching video here: https://www.janetdenisonbiblestudy.com/.
  2. Tomorrow is North Texas Giving Day. Denison Ministries is a donor-based ministry, and your gift would be a blessing to our work. You can give now or tomorrow, and we will use your gift to share Christ with our culture. Thank you for helping us provide a biblical perspective to our world.

Eloquent or efficient?

My husband and I were talking about some amazing quotes from theologians Charles Spurgeon and Dwight L. Moody, who lived almost two hundred years ago. 

There is something to be said about the theology and sermons that were written when a person had to use a jar of ink and a blotter to carefully apply a pen to a piece of paper. People used to think carefully before pouring words into the world. 

Has eloquence been exchanged for efficiency? 

Prolific or profound? 

I think the era of computers has enabled Christians to be prolific, but not always profound. I can produce a few hundred words in a short amount of time, and my written mistakes can be corrected by quickly highlighting them and hitting a delete button. 

I have often wished my spoken words had that same function. 

It seems like our lives are filled with constant programming. Words and opinions fly 24/7 on hundreds of channels and streaming possibilities. I still remember when a person could turn on a television and hear a humming sound while the screen said something like, “We are off the air and will return at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.” 

What if our most important and needed thoughts were only discovered in the quiet? 

King Solomon said, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19). The New Living Translation of that verse says, “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” 

Most of the people I consider wise are also quiet. Most of the words I have wished to take back were spoken or written in the heat of the moment. And that is the real clue. 

Profound thoughts are rarely prolific. 

Wisdom has one source

The book of Proverbs begins by stating its purpose: “To know wisdom and instruction . . . to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance” (Proverbs 1:2–5). 

The book of Ecclesiastes closes by saying, “The words of the wise are like goads . . . they are given by One Shepherd. . . . beware of anything beyond these” (Ecclesiastes 12:11–12). 

We have an ocean of information available to us now, and that is wonderful. 

Unless what you really need is that one important grain of truth. 

Pastor Rick Warren said, “Many of our troubles occur because we base our choices on unreliable authorities: culture (‘everyone is doing it’), tradition (‘we’ve always done it’), reason (‘it seems logical’), or emotion (‘it just felt right’).” 

The reliable authority is God, our “One Shepherd.” 

In other words, Google is not God. 

Culture is rarely Christian. 

Wisdom is rarely wordy or worldly. 

Get wisdom

Proverbs 4:5 is a command of Scripture, not a suggestion. That verse says, “Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.” 

God preserved and provided his word so we could “get wisdom” and know how to make godly choices. We have been commanded to speak God’s wisdom over opinions. We have been invited to live in heaven so we should live like heaven is where we belong. We should get wisdom and speak wisely. 

It’s our best option today, and, one day in heaven, it will be our only option. 

Isn’t that an amazing thought? 

In heaven, we will always speak and hear wisdom! 

Until heaven, our chance requires a choice

According to an NPR report, you will speak about 16,000 words today. I couldn’t find a study that revealed how many words we hear—but just imagine. We live in a noisy culture. 

Every chance we have to speak requires us to choose our words wisely. How many times today will we choose to speak like our “One Shepherd?” How do we make that choice? 

Start with this thought from God, through the Apostle Paul: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). 

Let’s turn off the noise and think more often. 

Think about the things Paul said. 

Most importantly, just give yourself a lot of time, and a lot of quiet, to think. 

The chance to speak requires a choice. 

I close this blog with one of my favorite verses in Scripture. Isaiah told God’s people how to listen for his voice. The prophet said, “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). 

This blogger would also suggest, “Think about God’s way and then talk in it.” 

Thank you for reading, and, if you are led to, for giving.

If St. Peter wrote to California

I was cruising through Facebook the other day, enjoying the many “I just left my child at college” posts. Then I ran across an ad for a T-shirt that made me grin. 

Etsy is selling a T-shirt with the Texas flag emblazoned on the back with the words “Don’t California my Texas.” 

I grinned because I grew up in California and understood the sentiment.

Peter wrote his letters to people who had left Jerusalem and the surrounding areas to relocate in Asia Minor, or modern-day Turkey. The people in Asia Minor were probably saying, “Don’t Christian up our pagan culture.” 

Peter wrote his letters, which we know as 1 and 2 Peter, so that the Christians would know how to live as missionaries. His lessons are important truth for all of us today. 

All Christians, whether we live in California or Texas, are missionaries to our culture.

California to Texas

I love my home state for many reasons. 

But Texans only think they have a beach. Galveston has dirty sand, and salt water, and the waves barely lap onto the shore, often carrying those nasty, stinging jellyfish. 

Announcement: That is not a beach. 

California has the most amazing sunsets over the water. Much of the time, evenings on the beach require a sweatshirt, even in the summer months. The beaches have volleyball nets, bathrooms, and nice restaurants or food trucks. And, the waves will take you out if you aren’t paying attention and allow you to ride them if you are. 

That, in my humble opinion, is a day at the beach. 

California has Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Sea World, Hollywood, Silicon Valley, the Golden Gate Bridge, Carmel, San Diego, beaches, mountains, redwoods, lakes, deserts, and temperate weather. (Except for this week!) 

So, why did about 660 companies relocate 765 facilities out of California in the past two years, mostly to Texas? 

And what should Christians be thinking about as all those people arrive?

Texas to California 

I was nineteen years old when I moved with my family to Houston, Texas. 

Honestly, it felt like I had moved to a different country. I still remember driving the wrong way on a “feeder” road, trying to get on the freeway. 

I remember being honked at by a Cadillac convertible with longhorns on the hood. The horn played a few bars of “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” 

And I remember leaving for a vacation road trip at 4:30 a.m., and it was still at least eighty-five degrees outside. 

I told my friends back in California that my parents had moved me to hell, literally. 

Interestingly, I never moved back to California. I never wanted to. 

(Except for the times I was visiting Galveston “Beach.”) 

If I did move back . . . 

I’ve been back to California several times, and I always enjoy it. But, I think I would feel differently if I were actually moving there. 

I think I would feel like an outsider in their culture now. 

I was a Christian when I lived there, but what I didn’t realize at the age of nineteen is that I was already a lot different than much of the culture. Now, fast-forward forty-five years. 

I realize things have changed even more. I honestly think that, if I lived in California, I would feel like those early Christians Peter wrote his letters to in Asia Minor. 

Are we cultural missionaries? 

Regardless of where you live, with the current cultural trends, Christians are going to begin to feel more and more like missionaries in the American culture. 

For those who live in Texas, several changes are becoming more apparent. 

  • For the first time in a long time, Texas is actually considered a political swing state. 
  • Our homes are becoming more valuable and more sellable. 
  • Our schools’ curricula are changing. 
  • Traditional churches are declining or are on a plateau.
  • There are a lot more “non-church” activities scheduled on a Sunday morning. 

What would St. Peter want us to know? 

Peter wrote to churches filled with Christian exiles from Jerusalem, but those churches were quickly filling with converts from the region. Those early Christians had moved to a region known for the pagan worship of multiple gods. 

But those “pagans” were also moms, dads, grandparents, friends, co-workers, and neighbors who were curious about the Christian families moving in. That curiosity often led to a shared faith in Christ. That has always been the best, most natural evangelism. 

Peter had good advice for those first-century Christians. He told them to live “holy” lives, set apart from their culture. In other words, they were not to be influenced by the culture but were to live as influencers to the culture. 

Peter wrote, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11–12). 

Peter said to those early Christians, and to us today, that we are called to be missionaries to our culture. We are sojourners, just passing through. We are exiles because we aren’t “at home” in the world. Home is heaven. But, while we are here, wherever we live, we are to set a godly example to those around us. 

Peter reminds us that we really aren’t at home in Texas or California. Both cultures have strengths and weaknesses, but there is only one culture we are to strive for. When people look at our lives, they should see good deeds. When they get to know us, they should understand our “goodness” is because of God. 

Jesus is going to come back for us. It will either be when he finally returns at the second coming or when he comes at the end of our earthly lives to take us to heaven. 

When people attend our memorial service, what are the good deeds they will be speaking about? 

The deeds that made them believe and understand that we belonged to God? 

The day of visitation 

We don’t get to know when Jesus will return. 

My “temperate” California is going to find itself in a heatwave next week, with temps over 100 degrees. Californians are going to suffer. They have three major fires in the state, rolling power outages, and an economic crisis to deal with. 

I love my home state of California. I wish I could tell them that the Bible teaches God’s early judgment is almost always indicated by a lack of his protective blessings. Is California experiencing that judgment today? Will Texas be there eventually, if not now? 

As a Bible teacher, I want to remind people we need to be watchful and aware of how God has worked in the past. That is our best indicator of how the Lord will work in the world today. God is unchanging. 

What are the things like weather, natural disasters, trends, viruses, and miraculous events that only God can ordain and allow? What does God want us to notice? Do Christians feel more at home on this planet than we should? 

God wants to bless our lives. Are we aware of an abundance of blessings or find ourselves wanting them? 

Wherever you are a missionary today, live like the “day of visitation” is tomorrow. 

That is what St. Peter would want people in California, people in Texas, and people throughout the world to understand. 

No matter where Christians live today, we aren’t home yet. 

But, we are one day closer to perfection right now! 

I wonder what the beaches in heaven will look like? 

(Not Galveston, that’s for sure!) 

The pursuit of peace

The best conclusion to a good argument is arriving at a place of understanding, knowing how each person involved is somewhat right and somehow wrong.

Our country is probably better off than any of us think, but, right now, it just seems like a mess. It’s the truth that will bring about permanent change, but the truth is that every side is partly right and partly wrong. 

Until all are able to speak honestly and rationally about facts, the problems will continue. 

Conflict is a normal part of life

The good news is that, throughout our history, some of the best adjustments in our thinking have taken place after arguments. 

God already has a plan to redeem the hurt, for a greater good, if we will be called to his good purpose. (Romans 8:28). 

So what is God’s purpose? 

Romans 14:19 says, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” 

I often teach that one of the most important words of a verse is the verb. Romans 14:19 teaches that we are to pursue those things that bring about peace and the mutual good of everyone. 

I expect that our country will heal—if we can recognize that everyone involved is somewhat right and somehow wrong. 

If we pursue those things that bring peace and mutual upbuilding, we can arrive at a place of change that will be based on truth. Truth will likely humble and help everyone involved. 

Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32). 

What is the truth?

In that same passage, Jesus tells us why complete truth evades most of us at times. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). 

Every human being is enslaved by, or controlled by, our sin natures. Our salvation gifted us with the indwelling of Christ, through his Holy Spirit. We are able to be filled with, or controlled by, his Spirit, but that is a free-will choice. 

We live in a culture that was quick to believe Oprah when she used the phrase “personal truth.” In other words, truth can be what seems right, or feels right, personally. 

It will just take a minute to think about those words and realize that “personal truth” is just another way of saying “personal opinion.” 

Truth isn’t based on what seems true or feels true to a person. Truth is not personal because it transcends opinions. 

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). 

That’s why Jesus could tell those disciples, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). 

Our daily choices are because we are enslaved to the Holy Spirit of Christ or because we are enslaved to our human nature in the moment. None of us is completely free, yet. 

As Christians, we are completely saved, but we don’t enjoy the full benefits of our salvation until heaven. 

Choose truth; choose freedom

I hope that when tempers calm, truth will be spoken by people who realize its high value. Everyone is right and everyone is wrong—because everyone is an imperfect human being. 

We are free to speak, but if we are enslaved to Christ, we are not to speak freely. If we are enslaved to Christ, we allow him to speak his words of truth, peace, and mutual upbuilding through us. 

God’s word has been changing people’s lives since the beginning of time. The freedom we all need is the freedom to live enslaved by God’s thoughts, which are the truths, spoken by his Holy Spirit, in agreement with Scripture. 

Why do people still suffer?

One of my life verses is from the book of Hosea. God spoke to the prophet Hosea during one of the darkest times in human and church history. I’ve often said that God’s words to Hosea have been the reason I keep teaching and writing. 

God told Hosea, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). 

People are being destroyed by opinions because they have rejected the knowledge of God. Jesus is their Messiah. He is the way, the truth, and the eternal life they need. And there is suffering in our world because they have forgotten the God who created and redeemed it through his Son. 

People suffer now, and will suffer eternally, if we don’t help them know God through salvation in Christ. 

The thought that prompts

If you are like me, words fail. I don’t know how to speak my thoughts well. I don’t know who to speak them to. I don’t know if I should speak at all. 

But the thought that prompts me today is the knowledge that I know the One who will always speak the truth—and the truth will set us all free from sinful thoughts, words, and actions. His word is truth and is therefore the solution to our struggles. 

People suffer when they lack knowledge of God’s truth. May the Lord help all of us quiet our opinions so Jesus can speak his truth through us. 

Let’s take time to pray Samuel’s prayer, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:9). God speaks to servants who take time to listen. 

Maybe our words need to fail right now so we will take the time to listen for his words. 

It’s his truth that matters and his truth that will help. 

Let’s live consistently aware that we have a high calling. We are to be enslaved to God for his good purpose. 

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” 

Let’s be servants who listen.

Everyone Needs This Marriage

I was going to write about marriage this week. Jim and I will celebrate our fortieth wedding anniversary on Sunday, and that is a big deal. God created the concept of marriage for a reason. 

During the important times, the joyful times, and the difficult times, marriage is the best earthly example of the way God loves us. In a good marriage, love sustains. 

But talking about my anniversary seemed “inconsiderate” when the news was consumed with video of chaos and destruction only a few miles away. I shouldn’t write words that are “inconsiderate” in a blog post. 

And then I realized that a good marriage actually has a lot to do with those videos. 

Godless people 

I was watching the news on Saturday night when a preacher, referring to the violence, said, “They are a godless people. They don’t know Jesus. They don’t know they are loved.” 

That preacher wasn’t describing the race of the people who were rioting; he was describing their spiritual condition. They weren’t godless; they were God-less. 

Everyone has false gods, but not everyone is God-less. 

It is “inconsiderate” to refuse to consider God-lessness as a real problem in our world. 

Racist people 

Everyone has idols or false gods. Everyone struggles with racism. Everyone thinks they are better, or more deserving, than someone else: worthier of respect; worthier of possessions; worthier of safety; worthier of opportunity; worthier of truth; or worthier of love. 

Every person is conditioned from birth to think certain ways because every person has a sin nature that needs redemption. Did those words offend you? 

When I said I was watching the news on Saturday night and a preacher said, “They are a godless people,” what race was the preacher in your mind? 

Were you right, wrong, or just conditioned to think a certain way? 

Racism isn’t an exclusive sin. Everyone born is conditioned from birth because of their experiences. Everyone struggles with racism of some kind. 

None of us are godless, but many are God-less. 

What does marriage have to do with racism? 

The Brookings Institute did a study hoping to produce a method to escape poverty. Some refer to it as the “steps to success.” 

The article states: “Let politicians, schoolteachers and administrators, community leaders, ministers and parents drill into children the message that in a free society, they enter adulthood with three major responsibilities: at least finish high school, get a full-time job and wait until age 21 to get married and have children.” 

The study continued, “Our research shows that of American adults who followed these three simple rules, only about 2 percent are in poverty and nearly 75 percent have joined the middle class (defined as earning around $55,000 or more per year).”  

Those facts are interesting, but the study mostly reveals that God’s plan was a good one. 

God provided us with a plan for success. It wasn’t a plan for a certain race of people; it was a plan for his creation. That plan included a behavior that our culture has chosen to set aside: God’s people were supposed to find a person and then share a strong, lifelong relationship of love. 

From that relationship, children would be born and raised with love, discipline, and direction. From that relationship, children would come to know God’s love. A loving family was God’s plan. 

Did the Brookings Institute report create a picture in your mind? 

Allow me to create a biblical picture: Cain and Abel. 

Marriage wasn’t a rule for a certain race of people; it was the rule for God’s people. The people who obey God’s rules are his family, and those rules transcend physical genetics. Everyone is born God-less, needing his love. Family was God’s plan to teach that lesson. 

But all of us know that family and marriage don’t guarantee a person’s choices. 

What did the preacher look like? 

When the preacher described the rioters looting the stores and throwing things at the police, he said they were “godless people.” He wasn’t describing the people; he was describing their spiritual condition. 

His comment wasn’t racist; it was truth. 

What did the preacher look like? 

He probably looks like whatever you were conditioned to think he looks like. In the end, it doesn’t matter what he looked like. He spoke truth. 

He wanted those people to know God, love God, and be loved by God. 

That is what matters because that is what will help. 

What did the rioters look like? 

What did the rioters look like to that preacher? 

Lost kids who were in trouble. And yes, they looked like his brothers. 

The important point of the evening for me was this: I agreed with every word that preacher said that evening. He was angry and so was I. He was outraged and so was I. He was sad and so was I. 

But the real point of my blog is this: That preacher wanted those rioters to be his brothers and sisters. 

I do too.

The marriage that matters most 

If you are reading this blog, you are probably a child of God. You are the church, the bride of Christ. Why does Scripture refer to us in this way? 

Because the marriage relationship was the closest understanding people could have of the way they are completely loved by God. 

Whatever is happening in our world, we need to stand with that preacher and see others as God-less or as a person who is already a brother or sister. Those are the only two races of people that exist in our world and the only biblical point of view we are allowed. Everyone is either lost or found. 

Does your salvation cause you to feel arrogant or humbly grateful? 

That is the taproot of both blessings and sin, and the first place to address the racism in our lives. We draw in God’s love, but other things can creep in as well. 

Everyone deserves to have God’s love in their life. The marriage that matters most is described in the book of Revelation: “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). Christians are the bride of Christ; everyone else still needs that marriage. 

Whom do you know who needs to get married? 

It is “inconsiderate” not to consider their greatest need. 

I’m glad to be married 

Jim and I were married on June 7, 1980. We have chosen to love, honor, and obey—God. 

Therefore, we work hard to love, honor, and obey in our marriage. For everyone, marriage is hard work. But that love is worth it. 

I love my family, and I’m grateful for the blessings they bring. I would wish this or something better for everyone. But earthly marriage was just supposed to be an example of the most important marriage. 

Jim and I chose to get married, and every day we choose to stay happily married. Christians choose to get married too. 

We are the bride of Christ. The question is, how will you choose to stay happily married to your groom today? 

That is the relationship Jesus wants because that choice will help make the changes many in our world need today.

Temper TV with Truth

I’ve decided the best way to temporarily treat my temper is to temper the television and totally take in truth instead. I need to take time for my temperament.

“Fake TV” has political implications, but, let’s face it: TV has more fake than fact these days. 

Let’s take the Monday morning news as Example A. 

One hour of Tabloid TV 

The coronavirus has spread to Italy, and, sadly, there have been two related deaths. The morning news showed an empty store shelf, a person wearing a mask, and a check station at the border. 

The coronavirus is, without a doubt, scary. But, did the media accurately reflect Italy’s reaction? Are people truly in a state of panic, or did most of the Italian population get up this morning and go to work as usual? Is the coronavirus an apocalyptic threat or just this year’s dangerous virus? 

If the television is the only news, we should all be moving to a cave in Colorado to avoid the impending dangers and doom of the virus.  

JLo (a.k.a. Jennifer Lopez) has issued a “bikini challenge,” which is going viral. Apparently, we are all supposed to take selfies while wearing a bathing suit and then post them on social media. This is supposed to make us feel better about ourselves. 

JLo looks good in a bikini, and she should be proud. That said, is that really what should make her feel great about herself? She is working hard to look good for her upcoming wedding. But there is more to the story. This will be JLo’s fourth wedding. The other three didn’t work out too well. Yet, the morning news raved over the positive message that her “bikini challenge” was having on the internet.  

Donald Trump drew large crowds in India. The news anchor issued the report in front of gigantic images of Joe Biden that had been erected near the stadium. Again, this isn’t a political message. I just think we need to be aware of the fact that if people only watch TV for their news, they are missing a lot of truth. 

And it was reported that the entire cast of the show Friends has been signed to do a one-hour reunion program. Each cast member will be paid in excess of $2.5 million. The reporter was giddy at the prospect of watching that show, which will need to be streamed/paid for by viewers. Because, after all, $2.5 million for each actor has to come from somewhere. 

But, should that show reflect what friendship means to our culture, or is there a more truthful example? 

Truth transcends 

For most of us, today is just another day of our lives. But that truth isn’t on TV because it just doesn’t sell a lot of ads. 

We are addicted to rumors, suggestions, and temporary trivia. Facts are free, and, most of the time, aren’t found on the television these days. If you have a few reputable websites, you can know those facts in a short amount of time and move on with your day. That isn’t good news for network TV. 

Our culture used to gather the news in an hour of evening viewing. Now, the news appears differently on each channel. A lot of it is called “breaking news,” even if we’ve already heard about it. There isn’t a lot of time for accurate details because about half of every news broadcast’s time slot is used for commercial messages. 

And, for those of us living in Texas, there is no reason for a ten-day weather forecast. If the meteorologist were completely truthful, they would put a question mark on everything past the third day. Reporting weather in this state should be done by saying, “My best guess is . . . .” 

Scripture provides an important message for everyone in our culture. Truth transcends television tabloid trivia every time. Our temperament is impacted by the way we consume our information. 

Shouldn’t we be careful to consume truth? 

Temper trivia with Truth 

Paul told his protégé, Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). 

Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” 

And Jesus appeared to John on the island of Patmos and said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:5). 

We own the apocalyptic truth. Jesus told John to write it down for us. 

I will continue to listen to the news but not as often as I have in the past. I actually dread the “ugly” of the upcoming campaign season. So why should we listen to those ads when we have a mute button on our remotes? Why should we care about the body image of the JLo’s in this world? 

We need to care about their souls. 

Why should we worry about a virus when we know that life in this world is just a temporary journey home? 

Do we care more about the disease causing death, or about the fact that some of those dying might not live forever? 

Temper the TV with Truth 

Do you believe that TV has more fake than fact these days? The television networks can’t survive on truth because it isn’t titillating. 

Or is it? 

  • “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
  • “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
  • “Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 24:14).

A timely temperament 

Paul told Timothy, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3). 

Scripture always tells the truth. That “time” Paul was talking about has come. We are living his words every day. So it is time to take time for our temperament. 

Does the news cause us concern for ourselves or for those who don’t know the truth?  

Let’s temper the TV with truth. 

Equally important will be tending to our temperaments. We have the “sound teaching” that Paul was talking about. But, do our lives and temperaments earn us the chance to speak it? 

Paul told us the time was coming, and it came. All Scriptures, including that one, are true. That’s good news! 

Who will you be able to share the truth of God’s word with this week? The word gospel means good news. 

I’m praying that all of us will look forward to our opportunities to share truth with our culture that isn’t getting it from their TVs. But then, God always intended for that job to belong to his kids anyway. 

Have a great week! 

Even Rated R, “Unplanned” is a must-see movie

Why would I recommend that you and your sixth graders see Unplanned, an R-rated movie?

I have to admit, this is a first. But, I think anyone who is twelve years old or older should go see Unplanned.

The movie opens this weekend. And it will change the way you think and improve the way you speak about abortion.

Why is a faith-based movie rated R?

One scene caused the R rating, and the producers chose to leave that scene in the movie. Why?

Because that one scene tells the truth that Hollywood and a lot of our politicians would rather we not be aware of. It isn’t graphic truth; it is touching truth.

I saw a preview of this movie, and I can picture the moment right now. I hope I always will.

The “buzz” calls this movie controversial. I call this movie effective.

Cathy Schiffer, a Catholic blogger, put it well: “The Motion Picture Association of America gave the film an ‘R’ rating. That means that a 15-year-old girl can, without her parents’ consent, choose to have an abortion—but that same girl cannot see this film about abortion.”  

The reason I think you and your older children should see this movie is that it accurately and honestly reveals the truth about abortion, with grace for everyone involved.  

Abortion is the decision to take a child’s life. It is legal because the law assumes the mother of that baby has the right to make that decision. There are times when the decision to abort is about the life of the baby or the life of the mother. At other times, a woman becomes pregnant because of incest or rape.

Abortion is a horrible choice to have to make, but sometimes life presents us with horrible choices. But those abortion choices amount to a minuscule, almost imperceptible percentage of abortions that actually take place in this country.

Most of the time, when a mother chooses to take the life of her child, the decision to abort is about convenience or cover-up. For many, abortion is seen as another form of birth control rather than a homicide.

Why do I want you to take your kids to Unplanned?

If your kids see that one scene, they will probably never consider abortion an option for their lives. This movie may just make our kids more responsible with their dating lives and more likely to understand— and strongly consider making—a biblical choice about sex and marriage.

It will, at the very least, offer parents the chance to talk about some really important topics.  

That is why I want people, especially Christians, to see this movie.

We need to restart our conversations about abortion, and we need to present the truth to the world as this movie does. This movie slams those who shout at and shame people about abortion. This movie presents the power of the other side, who use temporary compassion to convince a desperate, scared woman that abortion is her right to choose. This movie also presents the compassionate appeal that includes forgiveness from those who stand for the sanctity of life.

Ultimately, Unplanned teaches that compassion wins and that real compassion is always grounded in truth. There is power in compassionate truth. That is the theme of this movie, and it has a powerful influence.

The big-screen power of compassionate truth

Compassionate truth should be the theme of our lives as well.  

Paul taught the early church, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). It is time for Christians to “grow up” in our conversations about abortion. Seeing Unplanned will help. I know it helped my thinking.

Those of us who write for Denison Ministries understand that our mission field is quite literally the hearts and minds of God’s people. If Christians will witness from a biblical understanding with biblical compassion, we can have the same impact on the culture that Paul’s disciples had.

The early Christians changed their world. So can we.

Of course, it wasn’t really the people who changed their culture. Only God can change people’s hearts. But God has chosen to work through us. Spirit-led Christians are God’s plan to reach the world.  

There are people reading this blog post today who’ve had an abortion. Some of the people you attend church with have had an abortion. They deserve compassionate truth. This movie will cause hurt to them—and then offer healing for that hurt.

They need to experience both.

We have to keep speaking about the topic, even knowing it will hurt and offend some people around us.

We have to keep speaking because, if we don’t, babies are going to die. They matter just as much as the people sitting next to us in the pew.

In some ways, they matter more: they don’t have a voice yet.

We do.

Plan to see Unplanned

Consider these two commitments:

  1. See this movie and encourage others to do the same. Pray before you go and ask God to speak his truth to everyone in the theatre.
  2. Be brave and speak God’s truth with love. So many in the Christian world have gone silent on the subject because it is just too controversial. Sadly, that gives the wrong voices—on both sides—greater power to influence. Women who have had an abortion only heal naturally from the procedure. Their souls get ripped up as well. They need forgiveness to heal spiritually, and so few ever receive that truth.

I hope you will choose to see Unplanned. You will have a stronger, godlier witness on abortion if you do.

Life really is about the choices we make, especially the tough choices. God knows all about tough choices. He loved us so much he chose to give us his Son. Let’s honor God with what we choose to give back.

An important message from Joyce Meyer and King Solomon

It might seem strange to mention Joyce Meyer and King Solomon in the same sentence, but keep reading. Both people came to similar conclusions in their later years about the subject of prosperity. All of us can benefit from their words.

Recently, Joyce Meyer announced she had come to believe the Bible teaches a different message than what she had previously believed and taught. The Christian Post reported, “Popular televangelist Joyce Meyer has admitted that her beliefs in prosperity and faith were at times ‘out of balance.’ When bad things happen to people, such as the death of a child, Meyer said she now understands that it’s not because they didn’t have enough faith.”

What is the balance between faith and blessings?

King David said, “For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).

King Solomon wrote, “The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).

Jesus was preaching the Sermon on the Mount when he said, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).

David was offering a psalm of praise to God. His words speak of all that God is able to do, not all that God has obligated himself to do. We should define “good thing” as God intends, not as something we want it to be.

A proverb in Scripture is a word of general truth, not a promise. King Solomon was not saying that if God is blessing our faith, he will make us rich and without sorrows. Solomon was saying that God’s blessings are our wealth, whatever those blessings may be.

All of us can know the peace of God’s presence in our sorrow, but sorrow does not mean that God is not with us. And Jesus was not saying that whatever we give or do, God is obligated to return that gift or blessing to us.

If that were true, then why did Jesus, who treated others with perfect love, suffer persecution and death?

I appreciated Joyce Meyer’s recent words admitting that at times her message of prosperity was “out of balance.” It was a good reminder that we should all be cautious about the words we teach as well.

What is the prosperity gospel?

An article in Christianity Today provides this definition: “An aberrant theology that teaches God rewards faith—and hefty tithing—with financial blessings, the prosperity gospel was closely associated with prominent 1980s televangelists Jimmy Swaggart and Jim and Tammy Bakker, and is part and parcel of many of today’s charismatic movements in the Global South.”

The prosperity gospel has always been popular because it is a message we enjoy hearing. Those who preach that gospel are often popular and, quite frankly, wealthy. If a preacher/teacher wants to own a private jet and a mansion, it is probably a good idea to call it a “blessing.”

We want to believe that, if we follow their message, we will always be blessed with health, wealth, and happiness. And it is possible to use God’s word to create a prosperity gospel. But God’s word cannot be accurately taught using snippets of truth. Theology requires wisdom and knowledge of God’s entire Scripture.

Theologian John Piper provided this caution about the prosperity gospel and those who teach it. He said, “Look for the absence of a serious doctrine of the biblical necessity and normalcy of suffering, the absence of a doctrine of suffering; the absence of a clear and prominent doctrine of self-denial; the absence of serious exposition of Scripture; the absence of dealing with tensions in Scripture; exorbitant lifestyles of church leaders; and preachers’ prominence of self and a marginalization of the greatness of God.”

Each of us needs to listen to sermons and biblical teaching with a Berean church mentality. Scripture speaks of those believers saying, “They received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). None of us will be able to stand before the Lord in judgment and say, “Well, the preacher said . . . .”

What do Joyce Meyer and King Solomon have in common?

Joyce Meyer and King Solomon both achieved great wealth and popularity in their lives. Both teach God’s word. Both are flawed human beings God used to bless others. But the strongest similarity is found in the wisdom each gained toward the end of their lives.

King Solomon amassed greater wealth than anyone in Scripture but, at the end of his life, he said, “I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).

Joyce Meyer said, “I’m glad for what I learned about prosperity, but it got out of balance. I’m glad for what I’ve learned about faith, but it got out of balance.”

The truth about prosperity

I hope Joyce Meyer will focus on teaching the entire truth of God’s word. Biblical theology is crucial to teaching others, and the so-called prosperity gospel does not prosper and is not the gospel truth.

King Solomon’s perfect teaching is found in Scripture and therefore reliable truth. I try to remember Solomon’s closing words in Ecclesiastes as a “north on the compass” lesson. At the end of his life, Solomon provided us with a message of wisdom that should benefit anyone who will take it to heart.

He said, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).

If we live with Solomon’s wisdom, we will prosper in whatever circumstances God allows for our earthly lives. The gospel truth about prosperity is found in Romans 10:13: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

In other words, if you are a Christian, you are blessed.