On just about any given day, news channels and social media show images of people making demands of some sort. Often, demands are made toward government, or by the government especially in an election year. And then, there are the annoying self-serving demands of “canceling” someone over a perceived insult. In fact, “demands” are heard and seen in every arena of life, and this is nothing new. All we need to do is reflect on the demeanor of people since the beginning of time. In the Book of Exodus when God told Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt into the land God was giving them, the Israelites complained about God’s provision of manna, lamenting they were better off in slavery and demanded “meat” (Numbers 11).

So, what is the difference between the two terms, demand, often coming from people and command as seen throughout the Bible commonly by God? The question and answer may seem trivial but seems worth exploring. According to the dictionary, demand is “an insistent and peremptory request, made as if by right.” And command is defined as “an authoritative order.” How fitting that when God makes a command, He speaks with authority; when humans demand, we speak from a sense of entitlement.

God is so very gracious when dealing with His creation. From the Garden of Eden when humankind failed to acknowledge God’s authority and sinned by demanding the right to do things his own way, yet God has made every effort to forgive us, provide for us, and to bless us. He never gives up on us. In 1 John 5:14, Jesus’ disciple writes, “Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (NKJV). My prayer is that when we approach the throne of God, that we come with humility and a tender heart, knowing that it is by the blood of Jesus we have been granted an audience before the King of Kings.

For deeper blessing and understanding, please read 1 John 5.

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die’” Genesis 2:16-17, NKJV, emphasis mine.

When I was growing up, a popular phrase went something like this: “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never harm me.” Most children and adults alike understand the meaning behind this childish saying, and that what is not said aloud is the true meaning, which is I don’t care what you think or say about me! Of course, we have all probably been on the receiving end of someone’s hurtful words, and though no bones were broken in the process, hearts were broken and spirits crushed.

For those of us who follow Jesus Christ, we should try hard to watch what we say and uplift those around us rather than tear them down with our very powerful words; however, this requires self-governing, not government governing. But I digress…

As with many catch words, or phrases, “hate speech” seems to echo throughout the modern culture. A recent newsletter article heading reads: “We Protect Kids, So Now We’re a Hate Group” (The Clarion Caller, 2024). Without getting into the gist of the article, please consider what the Bible tells us about God. Proverbs 6 acknowledges that, “God hates…” What does He hate? “Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, [and] a person who sows discord in a family.” Would that the human standard for “hate speech” were set so high.

Friend, let us seek to look above our delicate carnal human nature to learn how to hate what God hates. As we read and perhaps re-read the list in Proverbs 6, about what God hates, may it guide you and me toward biblical truth, rather than being influenced by a culture that has highjacked God’s “Dictionary.”

For deeper understanding, please read, John 3.

Cushman, Candi. The Clarion Caller. Patrick Henry Advisory Council Newsletter. The Family Foundation, Volume 5, Issue 2, 2024.

“There are six things the Lord hates, no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family” (Proverbs 6:16-19, NLT).

Social media sites have created a phenomenon around the world. Depending on one’s platform and content, overnight stardom is possible. However, stardom comes with a stark warning: Be careful what you say! Lives have been ruined as quickly as popularity grows. Putting oneself onto the stage of popularity is like intentionally asking to stand before a jury of one’s peers for judgement in the court of public opinion. Facts rarely matter in this court; judgement is quick, subjective, and final. Children creating content on the internet is giving them access to one of the most dangerous places in the world and giving that same world access to them. Even in our homes with doors locked and the alarm set, online predators have no barriers.

The younger generation and some not so young spend hours every day working solely on becoming “influencers.” Lucrative income is possible. Subscribe and click the ‘Like’ button below. Instantly, hundreds, sometimes millions of eyes are watching everything you write, and the “jurors” are deliberating.

Someone else knows you and me Who transcends time, space, technology, and cultures; His name is Yahweh, God. The psalmist wrote thousands of years ago, before humans developed internet technology, that before you were born, God knew you. Before you “were made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth…” (vs. 15). God knew you. You, my friend, are an “Influencer” of the highest order. Unlike the world, God loves you and desires only His best for your life. He sees not only what you write, God knows what you think. He wants you to succeed, not in worldly popularity, rather in becoming who He created you to be.

When the sun, stars, and moon no longer exist; when the internet shuts down after the final curtain call, only One will remain Who matters. Jesus Christ will be “high and lifted up” for all to see: The Ultimate Influencer.

For deeper understanding and blessing, please read Psalm 139.

“O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways” (Psalm 139:1-3. NKJV).

Martha and her sister, Mary, along with their brother, Lazarus were like family to Jesus. Throughout Scripture, several stories are written about their tender relationship. In John’s writing about the death of Lazarus, Martha and Mary are understandably grieving the loss of their brother. Anyone who has lost a loved one can feel the pain death brings with it. Knowing Jesus, Martha and Mary are puzzled by the perceived lackadaisical response of Jesus upon hearing their brother, His dear friend, Lazarus was ill, and now, he is dead. We also might wonder when reading about this incident why Jesus did not go be with Lazarus in his time of need? However, if we fast-forward through the passage, we read that the story has not only a happy but miraculous ending when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead…at least for a time.

Sometimes, as we experience difficult situations we might wonder, where is Jesus in all of this? Our story does not always have a happy ending like the family of Lazarus, and if by a miracle it did happen, the ultimate result is the same for everyone, including Lazarus—sooner or later physical death still happens with 100% accuracy. So, is our purpose in this world to be happy? Healthy? Successful? Wealthy? What if our lives are riddled with sadness, disappointment, sickness, or poverty? Is our perception of God that He does not care about us because He does not meet our expectations when we need Him?

When He stood in the center of Martha’s and Mary’s grief, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Knowing He would raise Lazarus in only a matter of moments, and all would end well, why did Jesus weep? We can speculate about the answer, as have scholars down through the ages, but I wonder if Jesus knew that His presence alone was just not enough. Today, as I calculate my life with all the ups and downs, the long goodbyes with the people I loved most in this world, do I continue to mourn my losses, or is Jesus enough for me?

God’s Word is filled with His eternal promises that transcend our brief time on earth. Lord, let my heart and mind know beyond any doubt, that You are more than enough for me.

For deeper understanding, please read Ephesians 3.

“Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. And even now, I know whatever you ask from God, God will give you.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’” John 11:21-22, RSV.

In the United States current political scene, we hear what always seems to motivate citizens to vote—promises and more promises. One candidate vows to do something that they hope attracts voters, while another candidate takes a completely opposite stand to garner more votes than his or her opponent. However, as most generations have learned, “promises” are not reliable for the simple reason, that promises are much easier to make than to keep. However, before we throw too many stones at politicians for their failure to keep promises, one need only consider the statistics that sadly, closer to home, promises made in marriages fail by fifty percent; a topic for another day.

While humanity has an unreliable record of keeping promises, thankfully for us God never fails to fulfil His promises. The writer, Jude, in the Bible reminds us that, God our Savior “is able to keep [us, you and me] from stumbling…” At first glance, this announcement may get brushed over too quickly. What does Jude mean when using the word “stumbling?” The thought that comes to mind is how easy it is to trip over the smallest obstacle, such as an uneven sidewalk, a miscalculated step, a small stone, or any object that gets in one’s way. In the life of every person, the “stumble” is any temptation that threatens to interrupt our progress. Sometimes the little things lead to the devastating fall, or sin, that often follows the stumble. As followers of Jesus Christ, God promises to catch us, if we do not push Him away.

Then, God promises “to present [us, you and me] faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior…” Not only does God keep us from stumbling, He welcomes us into His presence “with exceeding joy.” Friend, I hope this Scripture passage and this writing bless you, not only today but each day. God is faithful. Trust Him to walk alongside you because He loves you. Even if your stumble causes you to fall, Jesus will pick you up, if you let Him.

For deeper understanding, read the Book of Jude (Jude is only one chapter, but it is a treasure of God’s amazing promises. Find it right before the Book of Revelation).

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24 & 25.

When I was about ten years old, my parents put a key to our house on a rudimentary chain and hung it around my neck. They were frustrated by the number of keys I lost and had yet to find. Assured that as long as my neck remained intact, I would always be able to find my key. Lost keys are a universal problem. We designate specific places in our houses for keys—cubbies, hooks, even boxes hanging on the wall labeling keys for the various treasured places or objects in our lives.

Peter, a hot-head and one of the rag tag followers of Jesus, struggled to understand the mission for which he had been called. Of course, Peter was not alone in his lack of understanding. Eleven other men, chosen by Jesus, also struggled. Three years they followed Jesus, but knowing His time on earth was coming to an end, Jesus wanted to prepare them for His departure. Like the chain with the key my parents hung around my neck, Jesus told Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…” Although I am quite certain Peter had no earthly idea the value of what Jesus was telling him at the time, “the keys of the kingdom of heaven” would unlock the mystery of the Law of Moses, the Messiah, Savior of the world.

Today, I wear a cross on a simple chain around my neck, symbol of the “key” to the kingdom of heaven. The cross and the blood that poured from it provided the dynamite power unleashing the angels who with heavens might rolled the gravestone away. As promised, Jesus will return to the earth. With the same power He dismantled the stronghold of sin and death setting the captives free, He will open heaven’s door by which those who believe will enter our eternal home.

Have you found the Key?

For deeper understanding, read Matthew 16.

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19, NKJV.

Whether keeping up with the day-to-day news, or simply living out my personal daily life, getting tangled up in the weeds of chaos and confusion is hard to avoid. Gone are the days of Walter Cronkite, American journalist beginning his career in 1950 and someone I remember well growing up at that time. According to the online Biography website, Cronkite’s “Hallmarks of style were honesty, impartiality, and level-headedness,” and signed off every evening with the words, “And that’s the way it is.” Oh, how I miss those days!

Today, “news” is sent across the airways, intruding into our lives minute by minute, dinging our phones that rarely leave our hands, while partisan politics pits neighbor against neighbor. “Journalism,” no longer honest, impartial, or level-headed by design (compliments of our learning institutions), can only be captured in part by one’s “surfing the channels” to obtain even a glimpse of truth of the day’s events. My head is spinning.

What is one to do to keep one’s sanity? When Paul wrote his letter to the church of Colossi, life must have looked somewhat like that of our modern-day world. Distraction has always been a part of the human experience and a single trait Satan uses with alarming success. Eve was distracted by Satan in the Garden of Eden to focus on God’s one restriction rather than on her abundance. A more current illustration is that in 2022, 3,308 lives were lost on roads in America because of distracted drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Distraction is deadly!

For those of us who follow Jesus Christ, we must be diligent to keep our eyes on Him alone. As the days of Jesus’ return quicken, distractions will pop up all around us. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6, NKJV). “Set your mind on things above” (Col. 3:2). “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15, emphasis mine).

God’s Word is truth. Remain in it. “And that’s the way it is!”

For deeper understanding, read Ephesians 5.

Work Cited
Biography.com Editors. “Walter Cronkite Biography.” Biography, A&E Television Networks, April 19, 2021, https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/walter-cronkite.

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:2-4, NKJV).

Author, Vance Havner is known for one of my favorite quotes, as told to me by Kim Newlen, founder of Sweet Monday Ministry, “What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket.” The Proverb leading into this writing is King Solomon’s eloquent way of saying essentially the same thing. I have no extensive understanding of the human anatomy, but when Solomon writes about the “heart,” or Havner references “the bucket,” I am confident the focus is not about physical matter in either instance.

The words we say and our actions, both in private and in community, reveal exactly what I believe Solomon and Havner are referencing. Life has a way of challenging our very best intentions. To “Keep your heart with all diligence,” suggests the heart tends to stray away from staying the course. The Old Testament prophet, Jeremiah, expresses the same belief by writing, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (17:9, NIV). A faulty physical heart will alert a person by sending warning signals; shortness of breath and or chest pain as a sign that attention is needed. Our Creator God gave His Word on how one can know for certain if the spiritual heart needs attention. When personal relationships begin to deteriorate, when stress levels rise and peace is absent from our lives, then perhaps God is trying to let us know it is time to seek help.

From the writer of the Book of Hebrews: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (4:12, NKJV).

For the best functioning of the physical heart, seek a physician. For the best functioning of the spiritual heart, seek the Great Physician by the reading and doing of His Word. Do not wait for a heart crisis before getting help. Stay in God’s Word and you will never be caught off-guard.

For deeper understanding, read Proverbs 4.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23, NKJV)