Everyone has some gifts

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen .1 Peter 4:10-11    


Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at all. Peter addresses both groups in these verses.  


Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them. All our abilities should be used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Peter mentions speaking and serving.

God Wants To Be Found

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Luke 2:16

GOD STILL PERFORMS MIRACLES

 

Mark 16:20 "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." 

The Lord confirmed the preaching of His Word with miracles. If Jesus and the first century Christians needed the Word confirmed with the miraculous (Heb. 2:4), then we do too. There is no scripture that says these miraculous signs have passed away.

Some people have interpreted "that which is perfect" in 1 Corinthians 13:10, as being the complete Bible. This has led them to believe that the gifts of the Spirit have ceased. Although God's Word is perfect (Ps. 19:7), it is not the "perfect thing" that is referred to here. 1 Corinthians 13:8 does say that tongues shall cease, but it will not happen until "that which is perfect is come."

In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul says, "when that which is perfect is come, we shall see face to face." This speaks of seeing the Lord face to face, instead of vaguely, as through a dark glass, as it is now. Some might argue that this is speaking in a symbolic sense, instead of literally face to face. But the next comparison in this verse says that then, "when that which is perfect is come," we shall know all things even as we are also known. There is no other way to interpret this, except as a description of when we will stand before the Lord, after this life. Then we will be face to face, and know all things even as also we are known.

Verse eight says that at the time prophecies fail and tongues cease, knowledge will vanish away. This is talking about the next life, or the new heavens and earth, because one of the signs of the end times is that knowledge shall increase (Dan. 12:4).

So the "that which is perfect" that Paul speaks of, cannot be the Bible. It has to be either our glorified body, or Jesus at His second coming. Either way, these verses establish that until "that which is perfect is come," tongues and prophecy will remain. They are still valid gifts, and even today, it is God's will to accompany the preaching of His Word with miracles.

CHRIST IS ALIVE IN US

John 19:30 "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." 


When Jesus cried, "It is finished," He was not referring to the whole plan of salvation as being completed. He still had to descend into the lower parts of the earth and lead the captives out (Eph. 4:8-9), as well as come back from the dead and ascend to the Father to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25).

Paul made it very clear in 1 Corinthians 15:14 and 17, that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our faith is vain and we are yet in our sins.

Why is the resurrection so important? The resurrection of Jesus makes Christianity different from religion because we are dealing with a real, live person, not just principles. Christianity is fellowship with a real person who is alive.

Also, forgiveness of sins is not obtained by a doctrine, but by Christ Himself. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, He can not give salvation to us. However, He did rise from the dead and now He lives forever to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25).

It is Christ living in us that gives us power to live a victorious life. If there was no resurrection, there would be no power.

The resurrected life of Jesus is the guarantee of our physical regeneration.

Because Jesus conquered death, the fear and sting of death have been removed for us. This produces great comfort for those who believe.

So, faith in the present ministry of Jesus is essential to true Christianity, and would be impossible if Jesus was not alive. Without Jesus being alive, Christianity would be just another dead religion.

BE PATIENT AS YOU WAIT FOR THE LORD'S RETURN

Dear brothers and sisters,* be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

James 5:7-8

The farmer must wait patiently for his crops to grow; he cannot hurry the process. But he does not take the summer off and hope that all goes well in the fields. There is much work to do to ensure a good harvest. In the same way, we must wait patiently for Christ's return. We cannot make him come back any sooner. But while we wait, there is much work that we can do to advance God's kingdom. Both the farmer and the Christian must live by faith, looking toward the future reward for their labors.

Don't live as if Christ will never come. Work faithfully to build his kingdom--the King will come when the time is right.

"THE BOOK OF PSALMS"

 Psalms For Living And Worship 

Like the skilled fingers on the strings of a harp, the Psalms touch and
move the hearts of those individuals who will read and meditate upon
them.  Every emotion known to man is expressed in the Psalms, including
fear and faith, hope and doubt, trust and anxiety, as inspired men of
God shared their personal spiritual journeys in the service of God.  The
Psalms should be a constant resource to help the Christian learn how to
praise and pray, to meditate and contemplate, to face life and death.

In an attempt to illustrate the value of the Psalms and encourage their
frequent reading, I offer the following sampling of what Psalms might be
read at different times in your life.

Are you remorseful and penitent for your sins?  Read Psalms 51, 32

Are you experiencing affliction, and remain comfortless?  Read Psalm 22

Are you steadfast in times of distress, and want encouragement?  Read
Psalms 27, 31

Are you under various mental strains?  Read Psalms 41, 70

Are you falsely accused?  Read Psalm 7

Are you in trouble?  Read Psalms 54, 63

Are you tempted?  Read Psalm 130

Are you wanting in confidence?  Read Psalms 61, 91

Are you envious of the wicked?  Read Psalm 73

Are you in a position of authority and need to be reminded of your
responsibilities?  Read Psalms 82, 101

Do you need to be reminded of the importance of humility?  Read Psalm
131

Do you need to be reminded of the futility of this life?  Read Psalms
39, 49, 90

Do you desire to pray for others?  Read Psalm 20

Do you wish to praise God for His mercies in helping people through
adverse circumstances?  Read Psalms 34, 40

Do you wish to praise God for common blessings He has bestowed upon
people?  Read Psalm 46, 48, 66, 67

Do you desire to meditate upon the characteristics of God and praise Him
especially for His grace and mercy?  Read Psalms 23, 103, 121, 145, 146

Do you desire to meditate upon the attributes of God, such as His power?
Read Psalms 8, 19, 65, 66, 97, 99, 104, 111, 139

Do you desire to mediate upon the magnificence of the Scriptures?  Read
Psalms 19, 119

Do you wish to gain instruction regarding the contrast between the
righteous and the wicked?  Read Psalms 1, 15, 25, 32, 34, 36, 37,
52, 127, 128

Do you wish to reflect upon the Messiah and His kingdom?  Read Psalms 2,
16, 22, 40, 45, 72, 110

Do you desire to review the history of Israel?  Read Psalms 78, 105, 106

To Accompany Morning Prayer - Read Psalms 5, 94, 95

To Accompany Evening Prayer - Read Psalms 4, 90, 139, 141

To Prepare For Private Devotion - Read Psalms 23, 27, 91, 103, 104, 138,
146

To Prepare For Public Worship - Read Psalms 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100,
122, 133, 134, 145, 147, 148

To Enhance The Observance Of The Lord's Supper - Read Psalm 22

To Enhance The Collection For The Saints - Read Psalms 41, 112

Obedient to the Word

"He arose and went into the house, and he poured the oil on his head and said to him, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, "I have anointed you king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel."'"  - 2 Kings 9:6 


Throughout the Bible, anointing confirmed that a person had been set apart for God's service, called to accomplish a special task. Anointing also symbolized the presence of the Holy Spirit to provide God's power and gifts.
      We see this anointing at work in the life of Jehu. God sent the prophet Elisha to find Jehu and anoint him as king. After the anointing, Elisha told Jehu that his assignment was to "strike the house of Ahab," so God could "avenge the blood of My servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD" (v. 7).
      Jehu took his task seriously and completed his assignment. He eliminated not only Ahab's family, but also Baal worship in Israel. What a promising beginning!
      But though he had been called and anointed by God, Jehu later gave himself to idol worship, worshiping "the golden calves that were at Bethel and that were at Dan" (2 Kings 10:29). He even led Israel into further idol worship.
      In the end, Jehu "was not careful to walk in the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart" (2 Kings 10:31). Yes, he was zealous. And for a time he faithfully focused on God's call. But in spite of being anointed, he turned aside, straying from full devotion to God.
      Jehu's example is a warning to all of us. Everyone can be tempted. No one is immune from the possibility of compromising in their obedience to God-even those who know Him, serve Him, and are anointed to serve Him.
      Make sure to base your life on God's Word. Be alert to temptation. Cultivate an intimate relationship with Him, and stay sensitive to His Spirit. 

Manipulation

"As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming." - Ephesians 4:14 

Declaring Thanks

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy." - Psalm 107:1-2  

Every day, it can be easy to focus on our problems. We think about issues we face, trials we’re going through, difficulties in our families or jobs. The future can seem uncertain. Our challenges and obstacles can seem overwhelming. We can feel hopeless or depressed, confused or afraid.

But the Bible tells us that, in every situation, we are to be thankful! We are constantly to declare our thanks to God. We need to realize just how much we have to be thankful for. God is good, and we can trust Him. His mercy endures forever. No matter what we’ve done or what we face, He never runs out of mercy.

As we read Psalm 107, we find many reasons to give Him thanks. He delivers us from our distresses, helps us when we’re hungry and thirsty, and leads us to shelter. He satisfies us when our souls are “longing” (v. 9). He breaks our“chains in pieces” if we face “darkness and the shadow of death” (v. 14). If we’re sick, He sends His Word and heals us. He protects us. And, if we need peace, He calms the storm.

Many times, we may struggle when we focus on our problems or needs. But the Psalmist commands us to give thanks to God…at all times. In fact, he gives this order: “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” By declaring our thankfulness, we entrust our lives and what we face into God’s hands.

Today, reflect on your life and think about all that God has done for you. Think about His promises. Then start thanking Him, and continue to thank Him. He is worthy! And He is good!

LOYALTY AND FAITHFULNESS

Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, 'This is what Ahithophel counseled...Now therefore, send quickly and tell David.'"2 Samuel 17:15-16 

 King David's own son, Absalom, stole the hearts of Israel and led a revolt against his father. Taking control of Jerusalem, he declared himself the new king.
      As many shifted allegiance to Absalom, David felt compelled to flee. But some remained loyal to David, including Hushai, his friend, who returned to Jerusalem at David's request, offering his services to Absalom. David told Hushai to relay any important news to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, and they would relay the message through their sons.
      The system worked perfectly. David learned of Absalom's strategy and was spared because of the loyalty and faithfulness of these friends and followers. 
      Faithfulness is important to God. The Bible describes how He rewards loyalty and looks for people who are faithful: "He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor" (Proverbs 21:21)..."I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6:6).
      Jesus described how, at the end of the age, God will reward those who are "faithful and sensible," and tell them, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21).
      How can we prove our faithfulness? By being faithful in everything-particularly the little things. May we be righteous and dependable in every task, and trustworthy even with the "unrighteous wealth" of the world and the things that belong to others (Luke 16:10-12). 
      Ask God to help you to be loyal and faithful-the kind of person He and others can count upon and trust.

Slave To Sin (MASTURBATION)

 
First of all, masturbation will not truly relieve the sexual pressure that one may feel. It may for a short moment, but in the long run it only creates a deeper desire and capacity for sex, which will lead to more masturbation. If you let yourself become enslaved to a sexual high, you will find that you need to go to increasingly extreme acts to maintain the same degree of excitement. There are even ungodly sex therapists who recommend masturbation as a way of increasing sexual desire, not lessening it. This creates a vicious circle, like the junkie who craves a "fix," but is only temporarily satisfied. The more he indulges in his dependency, the more ensnared by addiction he becomes. This is the nature of all sin. That is why Jesus declared that all who sin become a slave to sin (John 8:34).

Furthermore, masturbation usually involves fantasy, visualization, and often pornography. The Bible is very clear as to what God expects of us in these areas of fantasy and lust. It teaches that we must not look lustfully at each other nor should we behave in such a manner as to entice others to lust after us. 

DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE

 One of the most controversial subjects in the body of Messiah is divorce and remarriage.  Is it a sin to get a divorce?  If not, is it a sin to re-marry?  Are you living in adultery if you re-marry after you are divorced?
     There has been, and is, much misleading teaching concerning this issue.  Many people needlessly feel guilty about their marital status.  Marriages have broken up because of false teaching.  People have been led to go contrary to Yahweh's law, only to end up committing suicide, because of wrong (according to the word) council.  Obviously there is a definite need for an in depth study of this topic.  The following is the author's attempt to harmonize all scriptures concerning this very controversial issue.
     Any study of divorce/re-marriage must be based on the law of Yahweh.  If it is based on anything else, it's not even worth considering.  With that in mind, we must define all of the key words in this study.  These words will be defined as we come to them.  The law concerning divorce and re-marriage can be found in Deuteronomy, the book of the law.  Please note that Deuteronomy is Yahweh's law, not the law of Moses.  Moses was merely the instrument of Yahweh (His servant).  Yahweh gave the law to all of Israel.  He delivered it to Moses, who was responsible to give it to all of Israel.
 Now, let's turn to Deut. 24:1-4.  All scripture will be quoted from the King James translation, unless otherwise stated.
     Deut. 24:1-4  1) "When a man hath taken a wife and marries her, and it comes to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her, then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.  2) And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife.  3) And if the latter husband hate her, and write  her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house, if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; 4) Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled, for that is abomination before Yahweh, and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which Yahweh thy Elohim giveth thee for an inheritance."
     In verse 1, the words "bill of divorcement" are from one Hebrew word, #3748 in Strong's concordance, meaning a cutting of the matrimonial bond.  The words "send her out" are #7971 in Strong's, meaning to send away.  Please note that, in verse 2, after the woman has a bill of divorcement and is departed, she may go and re-marry.  Both qualifications must be met before she may be another man's wife.  This will be important to remember later on in the study.
     In verses 3 and 4, note that if a woman's second husband divorces her and sends her away, she may not re-marry her former husband!  I find it interesting that many of those who say that it is adultery to re-marry after being divorced, also say that one should divorce her second spouse and get back with their first.  Both statements are contrary to the law of Yahweh, and the second statement is an abomination.
      Deut. 24:1-4 is the law concerning divorce/re-marriage.  There are exceptions to that law.  I'll address those later, but for now, let's look at the various New Testament scriptures pertaining to this subject.
     Matt.5:31-32   31) "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32) But I say to you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery:  and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."
     If we take the King James version as it is written here, it definitely says that anyone who marries a woman that is divorced is committing adultery.   However, this is inconsistent with  Deut. 24:1-4, the law of Yahweh concerning divorce  and re-marriage.  I refuse to believe that Yahshua taught contrary to the law.  Therefore, let's take a closer look at this.
     Verse 31 is consistent with the law; therefore we can let it stand as is.  In verse 32 however, where it says "and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery", the word "divorced" is #630 in Strong's.  It means to free fully, i.e. literally relieve, release, dismiss.  The primary meaning here is not divorce, but to put away, as in a separation.  There are two specific words for divorce in the New Testament. In Strong's concordance, #647 means something separative, specifically divorce; #3084 means a loosening, i.e.  specifically divorce.  Yahshua did not speak contrary to the law here.  Most of our translations, though, are not accurate.  I believe that George Lamsa's translation is accurate in this case, that is the last part of Matt. 5:32.  Matt 5:32b (Lamsa)  "and whoever marries a woman who is separated, but not divorced, commits adultery."   Lamsa is correct here, because he is in agreement with the torah.  However, in the first part of this verse, he uses the word "divorces" where he should have used "put away".  Check your concordance.  The word is #630 in Strong's, meaning to put away! And so, correctly translated  Matt. 5:32  should read: "But I say to you that whoever puts away his wife, except for fornication, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is separated but not divorced, commits adultery."   I hope this clears up a very controversial new testament verse.
     Now, let's look at Matt. 19:3-9.  (3) "The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?  (4) And He answered and said unto them, have you not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, (5) and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife:  and the twain shall be one flesh; (6) Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.  What therefore Yahweh hath joined together, let no man put asunder."
If Yahweh brings a couple together, they won't have to worry about separation or divorce.  Yahweh is not going to bring two people together that are not compatable.
Matt. 19:7  "They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?  (8) He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives:  but from the beginning it was not so."
If a man does not diligently seek Yahweh's will in whom he will marry, he is likely to make the wrong choice.  Not consulting Yahweh is hard hearted.  Because men were, and are, making the wrong choice for their mates, Yahweh allowed for divorce and re-marriage (Deut. 24:1-4).
Verse 9: And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commiteth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.  No bill of divorcement is mentioned here.  If a man marries a woman that is put away, but not divorced, he is committing adultery.
     Now, let's turn to Romans 7:2-3.  "For a woman which hath a husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.  So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress:  but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be marrried to another man.
This is a favorite passage of those that say that it is adultery to be re-married if you are legally divorced.  If you ignore the law of Yahweh, these verses seem to say that a woman could not re-marry after a divorce, otherwise she would be an adulteress.  However, the simple fact is that if she be legally divorced, she no longer has a husband!  These verses only apply to someone who is married.  If you are divorced, you are not married!
     Paul was well versed in the torah (Gal. 1:14), and in his first epistle to the Corinthians, he wrote a passage that should leave no doubt in your mind, if you simply look up the meaning of the key word.  1 Cor. 7:25-28.  V. 25 "Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of Yahweh:  yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of Yahweh to be faithful."  The intended meaning of the word "virgins" is celibacy, and Paul writes that there is no commandment of Yahweh concerning this.  V. 26 "I suppose therefore that it is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.  (27) Art thou bound to a wife?  Seek not to be loosed.  Art thou loosed from a wife?  Seek not a wife."  If you believe that it is adultery to re-marry after a legal divorce, then it is convenient to assume that the word "loosed" refers to separation by death!  However the Greek word here is #3080 in Strong's concordance, and it has only one very specific meaning.  The word means divorced!  With that in mind, now let's put the last part of V. 27 with the first part of V. 28.  "Art thou divorced from a wife?  Seek not a wife.  But and if thou marry, thou hast not
sinned;"  Paul can only be addressing those who have been divorced here, and he says that if you marry you have not sinned!
     Isn't that amazing?  Paul, an expert in the law, says exactly the opposite of what many are teaching today.  Yahweh is merciful.  His mercy endures forever.  He doesn't expect us to live the rest of our lives with someone who may be totally incompatible, because we didn't seek Yahweh's will in the first place.  He does expect us to be firm if we do decide on divorce.  We cannot divorce our 2nd spouse in order to go back to our 1st.  Yahweh says this is an abomination (Deut. 24:4).  Yet, that's exactly what many people were taught.  I've heard of cases where people actually ended up committing suicide when they returned to their first spouse, and again it did not work out.  What a tragedy!  And yet, it could have been avoided, had they only sought Yahweh's will.
     I mentioned that there are exceptions to the law of divorce and re-marriage.  Let's examine those now.
Deut. 22:13-19 describes a case where a man takes a woman to be his wife.  He then finds out that he hates this woman.  He calls her a whore and says that she is not the virgin that she claimed to be.  If the woman's parents prove that she was a virgin when she got married, and that the husband is lying, then the
husband is bound to his wife for life.  He may not put her away all his days.
     The other exception is described in  Deut. 22:28-29.  It's short and simple, so I'll just quote it.  "If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found, then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife, because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days."
     Now, let's turn to Jer.  3:1-15.  You can read the entire passage at your leisure.  I'll just pick out the key verses for now.  Verse 8, "And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery, I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce, yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.  Now verse 14, "Turn, O backsliding children, saith Yahweh: for I am married unto you:  and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion.  In verse 8, Yahweh says that He gave Israel a bill of divorcement, but in verse 14 He says that He is married to her!  Either the translation is inconsistent here, or my whole thesis does not hold water.  I believe that the King James translation is inconsistent again here.  The word "married" in verse 14 is #1166 in Strong's.  It means to be master, hence to marry.  I think that's a little ambiguous.  Therefore, I looked the word up in the Brown, Driver, and Briggs Hebrew lexicon. Here the meaning becomes clear as "to be lord over".  The Revised Standard version of the scriptures more accurately translates this verse as: "Return, O faithless children, says Yahweh, for I am your master;".
Obviously, Israel could not return to Yahweh if she were spiritually re-married, otherwise Yahweh would be breaking His own law (Deut. 24:3-4).
Anyone can come to Yahweh through Yahushua the Messiah.  When you accept Yahushua as your savior, and obey His law (Yahweh's law), you become a part of the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians chapter 2).  This is how Israel returns to Yahweh.  It's the only way.  Yahshua is the door (John 10:9).  No man comes to the Father except by Him.  Yahushua is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:16).
     There is another area of the law that applies to divorce and re-marriage.  Most people want to ignore this part of the law, but that does not nullify it.  The law that I am referring to is found in Deut. 22, starting in verse 23.  "If a damsel [that is] a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; 24 Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, [being] in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you."  Did you notice why Yahweh says the man in this case is to be stoned?  He was to die according to the law because he "humbled his neighbour's wife"!  A betrothed bride was considered the same as married.  In this example from the torah, both the man that lay with a betrothed virgin and also the virgin were guilty of adultery.
     I ask those who would condemn someone who has been re-married after being divorced, isn't being engaged to be married the same as being betrothed?  I would say that it most certainly is the same.  If getting re-married after divorce is not acceptable, then neither is marrying after splitting up from being engaged acceptable.  Let's be consistent with Yahweh's law.  "Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?..." (Romans 2:22)
     We have seen thus far in this study that re-marriage after a divorce is in fact consistent with Yahweh's law.  A man can exact the law and divorce his wife, unless his case is one of the exceptions that was discussed.  "And now I will show you the most excellent way." (1 Corinthians 12:31) Colossians 3:18-19 NIV 18. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in Yahushua.  19  Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Ephesians 5:22-33 NIV  22  Wives, submit to your husbands as to Yahushua.  23  For the husband is the head of the wife as Messiah is the head of the assembly, His body, of which He is the Savior.  24 Now as the assembly submits to Messiah, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.  25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Messiah loved the assembly and gave Himself up for her  26 to make her holy, cleansing {Or having cleansed} her by the washing with water through the word,  27 and to present her to Himself as a radiant assembly, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.  28  In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.  29 After all, no-one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Messiah does the assembly--30  for we are members of His body.  31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." {Gen. 2:24} 32 This is a profound mystery--but I am talking about Messiah and the assembly.  33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
     If people would only take these words seriously, there would be no such problem as broken families.  Wives need to submit to their husbands, and husbands need to love their wives.  This is easier said than done.  Yahweh did not include any qualifiers in the above quoted scriptures.  That makes it real hard for a wife to submit to a husband that is not living as he should be.  Yet Yahweh did not say "wives submit to your husbands as long as he is totally righteous."  He simply says "wives submit to your husbands."  By the same token, husbands are to "love your wives, just as Messiah loved the assembly and gave Himself up for her.....husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.  After all, no-one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Messiah does the assembly."  It's all about headship.  No woman who is seeking Yahushua is going to have a problem submitting to a man who submits himself to Yahushua and His word.  No man who is following the example of Yahushua is going to have a problem with giving of himself to his wife.
     However, we do not live in an ideal world yet.  People do not do a perfect job of living by the word of Yahweh.  Therefore, most marriages are not perfect.  We run into problems.  Are we supposed to end a marriage the first time we get frustrated?  No!  We need to follow the example of Yahushua in all things.  "To this you were called, because Messiah suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.  He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth." {Isaiah 53:9}  When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.  He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness;" (1 Peter 2:21-24 NIV).
     Perhaps your spouse is ignoring the word of Yahweh, and you are being mis-treated, abused, neglected.  If you really believe the words of our Savior, if you consider yourself to be a believer, then you must respond as Yahushua would.  Do not retaliate.  Do not make threats.  Entrust yourself to Him who judges justly.  Remember these words of apostle Paul:  "If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her.  And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.  For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband.  Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are set apart.  But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so.  A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; Yahweh has called us to live in peace." (1 Cor. 7:12-15)
     Why are there so many divorces/remarriages today?  One reason, I believe, is that we condition our young people for it by promoting the whole idea of dating!  Our teenagers date, get emotionally involved with someone, then split up and start the cycle over again.  There is no such precedent in the scriptures.  Yahweh's way has been forgotten and replaced by man's way.  The bottom line is that people are not living according to the word of Yahweh.  The physical is a shadow of the spiritual.  If unhealthy marriages are commonplace, then it follows that it is commonplace that our relationship with our spiritual husband, Yahushua, is unhealthy.  Look around you.  It is obvious that we need to return to Yahweh.
     Yahweh divorced Israel.  He is calling her back.  Yah is again going to marry Israel.  This time His bride will be submissive.  The bride that Yahushua is going to marry is a different Israel.  She has the same name, but this is a different person.  The Israel that Yahweh divorced had a heart of stone.  She would not submit to Yahweh.  This Israel was from a very specific blood line.  The Israel that Yahweh is going to marry this time comes from any and all blood lines.  This Israel does not have a heart of stone.  She has Yahweh's way of life written on her heart.  This is an entirely different person than the one that Yahweh divorced.  A new covenant has been drawn up.  This time the covenant has been sealed with Yah's own blood.  Let's be a part of that perfect marriage, and let's let our own marriages be a shadow of what is to come.

The Fruit of Your Words

“From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hands shall come back to him.” - Proverbs 12:14

Over and over again, the Bible teaches that we Reap what we Sow (Galatians 6:7). This principle applies to every area of our lives—to our finances, our relationships, our marriages and families, and our jobs. And Proverbs specifically tells us that this applies to the words we speak.

The Bible tells us we can find satisfaction from the words we speak, provided they are “good” words. Put another way, we will Reap the reward of great fulfillment and fruitfulness when we speak the right words, with the right spirit. This is such a practical principle, but we constantly need to be reminded of its truth.

This also applies to the work of our hands—what we do on our jobs, in our homes, with our friends and family members, in our churches and communities. We Reap a reward in our lives to the degree we invest ourselves in others and God’s Kingdom.

While this applies in a positive way, it also applies negatively. As we invest good things and make a positive contribution, we will Reap a positive reward. But for every negative Seed we Sow, for every negative investment, we will Reapnegative rewards.

Yes, in every way, the work of our hands will come back to us.

Today, think about all the “Seeds” you have: your talents and abilities, your resources, your time (and how you spend it), your thoughts, your words. In fact,everything in your life can be a Seed.

Seek to Sow your Seeds into “good soil.” Don’t hoard your Seeds or hold back. Be a Sower who invests all of your resources in God’s Kingdom and in the lives of others. Let Him multiply your Seed and give you a rich Harvest.

Stumbling Blocks

“Ner became the father of Kish, and Kish became the father of Saul, and Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab and Eshbaal. The son of Jonathan was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal became the father of Micah.” - 1 Chronicles 8:33-34 

Here, in the official genealogy of Saul’s family, we read how one of his sons was named “Eshbaal.” But in another account this son was called “Ish-bosheth”(2 Samuel 2:8). We also read how Saul’s grandson was named “Merib-baal.”However, in another account, this boy’s name was “Mephibosheth” (2 Samuel 4:4).

Why would these same people have different names? For one thing, both names in 1 Chronicles included “baal.” In ordinary speech, the word meant “lord.” However, it came to be associated with the Phoenician god Baal. This “god” and the religion associated with him became snares to God’s people.

It has been suggested that the names of these men were changed because they included the word “baal”—changed to eliminate any association between God’s people and foreign gods.

The fact is that everything about our lives is part of our testimony—the people we associate with, the places we go, the things we allow into our minds, the words we speak, the clothes we wear. In fact, our lives can impact others in surprising and subtle ways. All of these things either confirm or contradict the values we say we live by. They can strengthen or destroy our testimony.

The Bible tells us that we are not to “put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way” (Romans 14:13). Therefore, we need to be sensitive to anything that might be a stumbling block.

Today, seek to live in such a way that you point people to Jesus. Avoid being a stumbling block through the things you do, the words you speak, or the places you go.

DESTROYING THE DEVIL'S WORKS

"The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8 

Jesus did not come to tolerate the work of the devil or just make a dent in the works of darkness. No. He came to destroy these works!
      Just what did He come to destroy? The Greek words John used suggest that the devil can attack and disrupt any part of life, anything we can do-our work, our relationships, our marriages and families, our children and businesses, our churches and countries, our thoughts and emotions, our words and deeds.
      In other words, the devil and his demonic forces are constantly at work, disrupting people throughout the world in all of these areas. Whether you realize it or not, they are at work in your life. They seek to spread confusion, deceive you into believing lies, and prevent you from receiving God's richest blessings. 
      But Jesus came to destroy anything the devil might do. He offers to eliminate any influence the devil has in our lives, to loosen any grip the enemy has on us, to free us from bondage, to dissolve any shackles, and to release us into fruitfulness for God's Kingdom.
      Every day, we must turn our hearts and minds toward God and consider any ways the devil might be influencing our lives. Then, we must believe that God sent Jesus to destroy the works of the devil in each and every one of these areas. We must receive the complete and total victory we have through Christ.
      Today, don't tolerate any form of evil in your life. Don't allow Satan to have any control or influence. Don't give up or accept any compromises! 
      With Jesus, you have dominion over every demonic force. You can live in His victory! 

Loving Others like Family

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10

The apostle Paul wrote, "Love each other with genuine love" (Romans 12:10). The terms he used convey a love that is "full of tenderness" or "affectionate." Actually, his first term "love" translates a compound Greek word that literally means, "love of the family." The word translated genuine affection is a familiar Greek word, philadelphia. It means literally "love of the brethren." I find it quite intriguing that Paul employs two words--love of family and love of brothers--to communicate the need for commitment in loving.
The deep affection and abiding commitment made between natural family members, like the Chicago mother toward her children, should be expressed in the spiritual family as well. We are to love our brothers and sisters of faith, as we love our brothers and sisters of blood. Brotherly kindness is an affection that family members have for one another 


Jesus has given authority to the entire world to judge whether or not we are genuine believers on the basis of our love for fellow believers. Love is the badge that identifies us as followers of Jesus Christ. Any time we do not show love toward fellow believers, we forfeit our right to proudly represent Jesus Christ in the world.

People around us who are bored by doctrine and can't fathom theology instinctively understand love. People look at Christians before they look at our creed. They form their opinions about our religion when they see how we behave. If they like the melody, they will listen to our words. If what they hear is discord, then the lyrics of our faith seldom register in their lives.

As believers in Jesus Christ we need to make a clear, unequivocal commitment to loving each other as a family, for our own sake and for our witness to a watching world.

Taking God Seriously

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. . . . But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:6, 9-11

During the Exodus, the ancient Hebrews escaped the slavery and punishment of Egyptian rule. On their journey home to Israel, they witnessed the miracle of God parting the water at the Red Sea that brought doom to their Egyptian pursuers. These people had everything. God guided them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God's leader, Moses, was out in front of them. God provided nourishment with manna from heaven and water from the rock. They were surrounded by unparalleled privileges. God's presence was constant. His workings were evident. In fact, one would think that these people would be the epitome of godliness, if for no other reason than out of gratitude for what God had done for them. But they were not. The apostle Paul wrote of these people, "Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness" (1 Corinthians 10:5). As they journeyed from Egypt, they played games with their lives and with their God. 

That is dangerous business. 


What happened to these potential saints? What caused their demise? Paul, again, surmises their tragedy and demise, "The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry" (1 Corinthians 10:7). It sounded like a fraternity party. The supernatural became commonplace. God-talk abounded. But they lacked a reverence and awe for God. They became calloused to the divine. They became nonchalant in their values. They forgot their heritage. Apathy ran rampant. They did not mean business with God. The relationship with him became a farce. 

Sound familiar? Never in the history of the world has one country been so blessed. We are inundated with churches, Christian radio and television, Christian magazines and books, Christian schools, Christian conferences and seminars. Never has the potential for religious instruction been so paramount. Our churches should be overflowing with godly men and women. Are they? All too often, we walk down the same paths of carnality as these ancient Hebrews. We make light of what we should honor. We wink at what we should weep about. We play with what we should take quite seriously. And our families suffer the effects of our lax faith 


The children of Israel serve as a warning to every believer. Heed the warning. Take God seriously.

WORSHIPPING YOUR VICTORY

Elijah had just won a great victory over the prophets of Baal. He had turned the hearts of the Israelites back to God. He was about to rest when report came that Jezebel had sworn to kill him within 24 hours. One thing to note here is that you are prone to the enemy’s attack after a major victory. He knows at such a time you will feel relaxed. “Wherefore take unto you the whole amour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).

Having done all, you are to stand. Christians must never rest on their oars. After winning souls to Christ, stand. When you have just had your baby, stand. After your promotion, stand. The more things are changing for the better in your life, the more you should stand. InJudges 8:22-27, after Gideon had a great victory, Satan moved to the second round. He suggested to the people to ask Gideon to become their leader. Gideon refused. In round three, Satan suggested that he should make a unique golden ephod and place it in his city, in commemoration of his victory over Midianites. Gideon fell for this. He immediately asked for gold from the people and they gave him. With this, he made the golden ephod and placed it in the city of Ophrah. It became a monumental masterpiece, a tourist attraction which the Israelites soon turned into an object of worship. His victory had become an idol, luring Israelites from the living God.

God gives you victory to turn people’s heart to Him and for Him to receive the glory. But when you celebrate the victory to the point of idolizing it, you rob God of His glory, turn people’s heart to idolize the victory instead of serving God, and end up defeated by Satan. Believers must be very careful. There is a snare concealed in the call to celebrate your victory. If care is not taken, you will fall into it. Celebrate your victory within limits. The best way to celebrate that victory, success and blessing is by going before God in humility. By giving Him 100% credit for the victory. By thanking Him and praising Hiss name. By testifying to the victory, giving God the credit. And having done all, stand in prayer and watchfulness. 

Prayer

 FATHER, we pray that unless Your Plan is for some of Your saints to remain single, You will send the perfect marriage partner for them. Please send them the right husband or wife at the perfect time, and give them a clear leading from You as to who it is! We pray that Your sons and daughters will be submissive enough to hear Your Voice when it comes time to make a marriage decision, and that they will make that decision based on what You are saying and not just fleshly desire! We pray that single Christians will TRUST You with all their heart and lean not on their own understanding, but acknowledge You in all their ways so that You will direct their path (PROV 3:5-6)! May they have a wonderful and blessed mate for life! In JESUS Name - Amen!!!  

Keep It Simple

At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman's wife as a maid. One day the girl said to her mistress, "I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy." 2 Kings 5:2-3

Simple requests require simple answers. Simple directions require simple adherence. Still, we like to complicate the simple, adding unnecessary baggage to straightforward problems.  


A young girl, taken captive out of Israel, had been made a slave to an influential man with leprosy. This girl, out of remarkable compassion, offered a simple solution to Naaman's problem: She suggested that he go and ask the prophet of her people to heal him. What an astoundingly simple solution to Naaman's suffering! However, between Naaman, his king, and the king of Israel, the simplicity of these directions became quickly muddled. 


Piled high with silver, gold, clothing, and a neatly written note, Naaman approached the king of Israel with his request. Simple directions had turned into a very complicated bribe that was misinterpreted by the king of Israel as a threat of war.

Fortunately, Elisha settled the king down and offered Naaman some surprising directions for his healing: Wash seven times in the river Jordan. The directions were simple and straightforward, but somehow Naaman managed to be insulted, "So Naaman turned and went away in a rage" (v. 12). 


In the end, all ended well, but it is worthwhile to examine the causes of all the barriers to healthy communication. Doubt and fear led Naaman to believe he had to earn his healing even though the slave girl simply directed him to ask. Suspicion and insecurity caused the king of Israel to distrust Naaman's request of healing. He was suspicious of Naaman and doubted God's power in Elisha. Pride caused Naaman to insist on his own terms even though he desperately needed healing.

We certainly can complicate our lives by adding a pinch of doubt and fear, a touch of suspicion and insecurity, and topping it all off with pride. God asks us to follow him, obey him, and love him. The directions are really very simple. The challenge is to keep perspective, remember the directions, and keep it simple. With God's help, we can do it.

A Prayer for Healing

Use the following prayer as your own confession of health and healing. As you do, remember Jeremiah 1:12 says that God watches over His Word to perform it.

Father, in the Name of Jesus, I confess Your Word concerning health and healing. As I do, I believe that Your Word will not return to You void, but it will accomplish what it says.

In the Name of Jesus, I believe that I am healed according to 1 Peter 2:24. Your Word says that Jesus Himself took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses (Matthew 8:17). Therefore, with great boldness and confidence, I stand on the authority of Your Word and declare that I am redeemed from the curse of sickness. I refuse to tolerate its symptoms.

Satan, I speak to you in Jesus' Name and I proclaim that your principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places are bound from operating against me in any way. I am loosed from your assignment. I am the property of Almighty God and I give you no place in me. I dwell in the secret place of the Most High God and I abide under the shadow of the Almighty, whose power no foe can withstand.

Now, Father, I believe Your Word says that the angel of the Lord encamps round about me and delivers me from every evil work. No evil shall befall me, no plague or calamity shall come near my dwelling.

I confess that the Word abides in me and it is life and medicine to my flesh. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus operates in me, making me free from the law of sin and death.

I hold fast to my confession of Your Word and I stand immovable, knowing that health and healing are mine now, in Jesus' Name. 

Amen 

What Does the Bible Say about Drugs and Drinking Alcohol?

 What does the Bible say about using drugs and alcohol, other than for diseases and cooking?

In English translations, there is no verse of Scripture that clearly and specifically addresses the use of recreational or hallucinogenic drugs, but we will see that the Greek word pharmakeia does refer to this. There are, however, quite a few verses that speak to the wrong use of alcoholic beverages, which produces a similarly altered mental state. Let us look at a few of them to give us a framework to examine this topic.

Ephesians 5:18 (NKJ) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation [the Greek word for “dissipation” means “an abandoned, dissolute life; profligacy; prodigality”].

Proverbs 23:21a (NKJ) For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty.

1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

Despite what some Christians teach, there is no prohibition in God’s Word against drinking alcoholic beverages. It is not a sin to drink beer, or even whiskey. There is, however, a clear prohibition against getting drunk. A Christian might then conclude that drinking no alcohol at all would surely eliminate the possibility of abusing it, and choose never to partake. Each of us must choose for ourselves how we relate to “booze,” but we have no biblical basis to think less of our brethren in Christ who enjoy a drink once in a while, but do not get drunk.

Why does God tell us not to get drunk? Because life is a spiritual battle, and we must be self-controlled and alert (1 Thess. 5:6). First, we need to be alert in order to serve God. God wants us constantly tuned into Him, and people have needs at very unexpected times. The servant of God is always “on call,” and must be ready and willing to serve. Second, our enemy, the Devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:8 NIV). Satan’s evil spirits usually infiltrate people through their minds, and Scripture is replete with instructions about properly managing our minds by controlling our thoughts and making them godly thoughts. For example:

1 Peter 1:13 (NKJ) Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober [self-controlled], and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 (6) So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled [KJV=sober]. (7) For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. (8) But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled [KJV=sober], putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) says that as one thinks, so he is. That is because thoughts are the seeds of our words and deeds. The way we “renew our minds,” and “be sober” is by choosing to think what the Word of God tells us to think. 2 Corinthians 10:5 calls this “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” That is how we steel our minds against our enemy, Satan, who is constantly bombarding us with stimuli designed to hijack our thoughts in an ungodly direction, cause us to act in an ungodly fashion, and eventually open our minds to evil spirit influence.

In Scripture, God uses the word “heart” to refer to the inner core of one’s being, the depths of the mind where either true faith or unbelief resides. He admonishes believers to guard our hearts so that we allow no evil influences to come in, because if they do get in, they may have devastating consequences.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

When one is drunk, he is, in reality, out of his mind. He cannot guard his heart, and it is difficult or impossible for him to serve God or God’s people in an effective way. A person who is drunk is not effective in praying for, or ministering to, others. Furthermore, a drunk opens himself up to the possibility of evil spirits entering his mind and causing confusion or harm to himself or others.

The Bible puts using drugs in the same category as getting drunk (Gal. 5:19-21): both are forbidden by God because of what they do to the individual personally, and how they make him unfit to minister to others. However, before we go into the specific verses that mention drugs, we need to understand something about God’s Word. The Bible is written in such a way that people who are seeking God’s will are able to find it. It is impossible for God to write a book that covers every sin—we can sin in ways today that no one in the biblical world would have even conceived of, such as child pornography on the Internet. The Word of God is “instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16 KJV), general instruction that can be applied by wise people. LSD, crystal meth, crack, crank, etc., did not exist in biblical times, so God did not mention them in the Bible. What God does say, in many different ways, is that the Christian is a minister of God to His people, and should be alert and prepared to serve at all times, even if that is just being alone praying for people. Being drunk or high on drugs renders one incapable of being effective for God.

Drugs used to alter one’s mental state and thus “escape reality” do the same thing that excess alcohol does, that is, they render a person “out of control” of his mind. As with alcohol, the individual who is “high” on drugs is in no position to fulfill the command to “be alert and self-controlled.” Many drugs are hallucinogenic, and a hallucination is “a false notion, belief, or impression; illusion; or delusion.” In the Bible, the Greek word for “truth” means “reality.” Satan’s goal is to get people to act upon a false reality.

Scripture does indirectly address the illicit use of drugs, and connects it to drunkenness, as per the following verses, where the Greek word for “witchcraft” is pharmakeia, which includes “the use or the administering of drugs,” “poisoning [by drugs]” (Thayer’s Lexicon), and the variant, pharmakon, in Revelation 9:2 focuses upon “the use of certain potions or drugs” and the casting of spells (Louw Nida Greek Lexicon).This same root word is also translated as “sorcerer” and “sorceries” (see Rev. 9:21, 18:23, 21:8, 22:15). The translation “witchcraft” is used in most English versions because pharmakeia also referred to the witchcraft or sorcery in which drugs were used for potions, spells, etc. Understanding that pharmakeia is related to the use of drugs, notice how it appears, along with drunkenness, in the list of the “works of the flesh” in Galatians.

Galatians 5:19-21 (19) The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; (20) idolatry and witchcraft [pharmakeia]; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions (21) and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Recreational and hallucinogenic drugs were not invented in Haight-Asbury in the 1960s. They have been weapons in Satan’s arsenal for thousands of years, and they have contributed significantly to the destruction of millions of people’s lives, as both Scripture and history confirm.

There are other biblical truths that make it clear that the use of recreational and hallucinogenic drugs is harmful. We are to take care of our bodies so as to be able to serve God for many years, and drugs are physically debilitating. Also, we are to steward the financial resources that God gives us, and using our money to buy such drugs is hardly good stewardship. Beyond that, many drug users turn to crime to support their habit, and those crimes range from stealing from other addicts to murdering innocent people to get their “fix.” Thus, beyond the sin of the drunkenness or drug use itself are the sins of lying, stealing, and murder to which such a lifestyle leads. In short, using drugs robs us of “the life that is truly life.”

Many users say they are looking for peace, joy, and the “high” that such drugs give them. How sad. Anything someone categorizes as something good that a drug does for him is something only God, our heavenly Father, can give us through Jesus Christ. God designed us to enjoy life and be engaged in it, and the so-called benefits of drugs and alcohol are a counterfeit at best. Recreational drug use and getting drunk is selfish and dangerous, and addiction is not an escape from pain, it is pain in the worst way, as countless thousands of ex-addicts sadly testify. In contrast, an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus brings us all those things, and more. Thus we need not despair and grope for artificial means of altering that mental state. We will be so full of joy and peace that anything that alters it would be “a downer.”