MasterTruth

The Bible is an Ocean

You can experience the ocean in many ways, from casting a line or net to snag dinner, to diving in a submarine to its depths and discovering wonders few have ever witnessed. Similarly, the Bible offers layers of depth and mystery, ready to be explored by anyone willing to submerge themselves in it.

For years after my salvation, I stood on the surface of the Bible “tossing in a line” to find inspirational morsels to get me through the day as I was taught to do. Only later did I find a church where they took us on expeditions through the Bible to uncover the riches way beneath the surface that you just don’t casually find as you read the Bible.

It makes sense that the God who created and hid mysterious creatures like dumbo octopus, sea pigs and sea spiders for His pleasure would equally conceal mind-blowing truths in the Bible. After all, didn’t the Apostle Paul proclaim: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Rom. 11:33) But we can at least try to search for them!

If you’d like to get to the awe-inspiring meat of the Word, here’s the “how to” passage that speaks volumes: Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine (and not just inspiration)? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. (Isa. 28:9-10)

Bottom line, you have to do the work of comparing scripture with scripture. To do that, you need a healthy dose of curiosity to motivate you and then you need a Bible and/or computer app that includes the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK), which is the most exhaustive list of cross references I know of.

There is something else that helps as you compare passages: A new lens through which to examine them. It starts with the understanding that history repeats itself. What happened at the beginning of the Bible, you see happening in other ways throughout the Bible—clear to the prophetic end. I’ll give you an example, but first, here are three verses that support that the Bible is circular with events happening over and over again—and will still happen through the tribulation and beyond.

1. The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. (Ecc. 1:9-10)
2. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. (Ecc. 3:14-15)
3. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (Isa. 46:9-10)

Knowing these things, when I read stories in the Old Testament, I have to ask myself, “does this remind me of anything else that happened other places in the Bible or is yet to happen?” That’s the lens. And here’s just one example.

• When the Israelites were thirsty in the wilderness, God’s solution was to bring water out of the rock that Moses was to strike with his rod. (Exo 17:6)  Amplifying how this worked, Ps. 105:41 says He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.  
• That reminds me of 1 Cor. 10:4, And did all (Israel) drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
• Believers who trust Christ as savior receive that miraculous water. Jesus said In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7:37-38)
• In the tribulation when the Jews have to run to Petra, guess what. God is going to miraculously make water to flow for them to drink. The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. (Isa. 43:20) See also Jer 31:9.
• About the new Heaven and Earth, Jesus says, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Rev. 21:6b)

This line-upon-line thread is just one example of an infinite number of truths that repeat over and over. Now you have the history-repeats-itself lens that will serve you well as you start exploring!

R&J Shee

Now That Trump Has Won, What's Next?

God’s hand was on this 2024 election. We were alerted to this when Trump narrowly and miraculously escaped assassination at his rally in Butler, Pa. To determine the significance of this U.S. election, let’s look at three overarching truths we know for sure:

1. God is sovereign, and He acts according to His good pleasure. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. (Psa. 75:7) God is in control, and He was the one who allowed Trump to win. He did it for His purposes. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. (Prov. 19:21)
2. In the Bible, God’s eyes and prophetic markers are mainly set on Israel, so keep your eyes on whatever involvement Trump may have with Israel.
3. In his first administration, Trump oversaw the development of the Abraham Accords—a relationship normalization pact that involved a convergence of interests among the U.S., Israel and several Arab nations. After Trump left office after his first term, conflicts and rivalries have broiled. Will God turn this around and refire the normalization process?

This is where it gets interesting Biblically. When you examine Jacob’s life outlined in Genesis 28-35 prophetically, you will see some parallels to where we are now. Jacob represents Israel as a nation (his name was actually changed to Israel). In order to get free from the stronghold of his father-in-law Laban, Jacob enters into a trade agreement with him. It’s what the story of the speckled, grisled and ringstraked cattle is all about prophetically in Gen. 31. It’s a trade agreement that’s completely about money that will lead to a peace agreement. Now we all know that the antichrist will confirm a peace agreement between Israel and its hostile neighbors. But preceding that will be a trade agreement. Click here to read Richmond’s teaching on Genesis 31.

This brings us back to Donald Trump and the Abraham Accords, which are agreements with Israel’s surrounding Arab nations that provide a framework for diplomatic and economic (all about the money) cooperation.

You should hear this from the mouth of Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He presented his vision for Middle East peace based on trade to Congress this year. He showed a map and said: “This is the map I presented here last year. It’s a map of a blessing. It shows Israel and its Arab partners forming a land bridge connecting Asia and Europe. Between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, across this bridge, we will lay rail lines, energy pipelines, and fiber optic cables, and this will serve the betterment of 2 billion people.” Netanyahu is rather passionate about the possibilities, and we are on the edge of our seats!

We believe Trump was guided by God to secure a second term as president to help continue to shepherd the Abraham Accords trade agreement. This will lead to the peace agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors that the antichrist will confirm at the beginning of the tribulation. (Daniel 9:27) Of course, the rapture happens before this peace agreement is formalized.

This does not make Donald Trump the antichrist. God has him in this position for a purpose and for such a time as this. His facilitator abilities will be very useful in finishing what his first administration started for a Middle East trade agreement that will lead to the famous peace agreement.

Ever what you think about Donald Trump, there is a bigger story playing out here.

R&J Shee

Three Demonstrations of God’s Marvels

I used to believe there is no God, primarily because I couldn’t see Him. I know this perspective isn’t unique to me. However, since I came to my senses and became a born-again believer, I see that God reveals Himself in many observable ways, most notably through creation, as the Bible says. The evidence of His existence is so apparent in what He has made that those who fail to acknowledge Him are choosing not to see. Consequently, they will have no excuse when they face Him after their life ends, having never formed a salvation relationship with Him. (Rom. 1:20)

While the visible elements of His creation sufficiently testify of His existence, He also communicates facets of His nature wisely and mysteriously through the intangible order He established. Here are three examples:

1. East

God attaches His glory and the return of Christ to the east. On some level, even pagans know that, otherwise they would not have shut and sealed the Eastern gate in Jerusalem. Speaking about His second coming, Jesus Himself said, For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matt 24:27)

He will fulfill Old Testament prophesy: Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. (Ezek. 43:1-2)

This is no surprise, considering His rising-sun glory appears every single day without fail in the east. For now, it pictures His glory. In heaven, the sun rising in the east will no longer be necessary, because we’re actually going to have Jesus in His glory with us physically. Rev 21:23 says, And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

2. North

North is also important for its own reason. God attaches promotion as well as judgment to the north. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. (Psa. 75:6) That only leaves north! When believers die and are promoted to glory, that will be north where God is. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. (Psa. 48:1-2)

Even Satan knows this. Look what he said when he was Lucifer, the son of the morning: For thou (Lucifer) hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. (Isa. 14:13) Uh, No.

Enemies who are vessels of God’s judgment also come from the north. Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction. (Jer. 4:6) The evil God brought from the north was Babylon, sent to judge Jerusalem.

During the tribulation, Israel's enemies will invade from the north. The coalition of nations will be led by “Gog of the land of Magog.” (Ezek. 38:2) And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army. (Ezek. 38:15)

3. Right hand

God’s blessings and strength are associated with His right hand. Jesus laid this out when He described how it’s all going to go down in the end: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matt. 25:33-34)

Even Jacob, later named Israel, followed this pattern, and with his right hand he bestowed blessings on Joseph’s son Ephraim. (Gen 48:13-20)

Consider Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:2)

Just picture, our all-powerful Father, who has strength beyond our understanding, chooses to dispatch it on our behalf with his right hand. Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. (Psa. 20:6)

These three things show God’s intricate design in ways we would never think to even imagine. How awesome is our God!

R&J Shee

What is Truth?

During high school back in the 1970s, I remember discussions about an emerging philosophy that was expected to eventually take over. That is, “there is no such thing as ‘absolute truth.’ Something is only true if you believe it’s true. Truth is relative.”

I disagreed. There was no way that sane, thinking people would deny the truth of something that is obviously true. That is never going to happen. Crazy.

But here we are 50 years later, and you’re a minority if you think there’s absolute truth! You have to consciously keep your mouth shut on someone else’s crazy lest you offend them.

In today’s climate, the popular truth is “my truth.” To the point that some corporations ask their employees to declare their personal pronouns. A she isn’t necessarily a she unless he/she picks “she.” This kind of insanity is creeping down into grade school. Just a decade ago, it would have been unfathomable and laughable to let people decide for themselves if they are male or female.

What does God think about this shift in thinking away from absolute truth? Several things:

• First, God embodies absolute truth. It’s who and what He is. (Deut. 32:4). Same with Jesus. (John 14:6, Rev. 19:11) Same with the Holy Spirit. (John 16:13) Same with the Word of God. (John 17:17) These all bear record in heaven. (1 John 5:7)
• God already knew it would get like this. It’s a sign of the last days. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come…. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Tim. 3:1,7) The fundamental truths encased in God-declared knowledge and wisdom take a back seat to personal views.
• God gives us a choice to believe whatever we want to believe. But we suffer the consequences of rejecting the true knowledge and wisdom of God. Proverbs 1:20-33 is crystal clear on that.
• God goes further than allowing us to reject the absolute truth if we want to. He actively gives non-believers of His truth over to their delusions. He absolutely releases them to their own misguided thinking. (2 Thes. 2:9-12) It is a last-days thing, and it’s here.

Thanks to the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2), the closer we get to the very end of the age, the more that lies and deception spread—even within churches. Rather than preach “thus saith the Lord,” many pastors use the pulpit as a platform to tell folks what their ears itch to hear. (2 Tim. 4:3)

But this subtle "truth famine" is even worse than that. We talked about the truth of God’s word. Which version? After the KJV was published in 1611, the Revised Version popped up in 1885. Since then, more than 100 other English versions have been published. And they don’t all say the same thing. In order to acquire a trademark on a new version, a significant number of changes have to be made. It’s a “derivative work” requirement. New versions must include enough changes to be distinct from previous versions. We explain this away with the logic that it’s only the ideas expressed in the Bible that are true. The actual words don’t matter so much. Click here for more on that discussion.

In these last days, be a stickler for absolute truth above your own personal preferred truth, especially when it comes to eternal salvation, because There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Prov. 16:25) Click here to learn the absolute truth of eternal salvation.

R&J Shee

Prophetic Event Calendar

God is the ultimate event planner. He is so awesome, He plans events on a global scale, orchestrating all the people, parts and places leading to the ultimate event on His calendar, which is the second coming of Jesus Christ to rule and reign on earth for 1,000 years.

Thankfully, God decided to broadcast His event calendar, all the way from Adam and Eve’s fall in Genesis 3 to the final “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” in Rev. 22:20.

We know many of these planned events have already transpired: the making of the nation of Israel starting with one man, Abraham; the fall of that nation because of sin; and its national rebirth that happened in 1948. He also planned and announced the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, His cruel death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.

Now, here we are in 2024 twiddling our thumbs wondering what event is next. It’s a profound ponderance, because absolutely, there are certainties ahead that we are powerless to stop. Why? Because they are on God’s event calendar, and He’s already published that calendar. “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure,” He said. You don’t have to have a special app to find His event calendar. You already have a written copy of it.

The following events should take no one by surprise. Here are the still-future events God has told us about in advance—in order:

• The capturing up of believers in the sky that we call the rapture (John 14:3, Acts 1:11, 1 Cor. 15:51-52)
• The 7-year tribulation that you don’t want to be here for (Revelation)
• The revealing of the antichrist midway through the tribulation and the mandate to worship him or you can’t buy or sell anything (2 Thes. 2:3-4, Rev. 13:11-18)
• The second coming of Jesus Christ to save Israel and to deal justice to His enemies (Matt. 24:29-30)
• Several wars, including the Battle of Armageddon at the end of the tribulation (Rev. 16:16, Rev. 19:19-21)
• The 1,000-year reign of Jesus on earth (Rev. 20:1-6)

Knowing that God has decreed that all these events are going to happen, what should be our response?

1. If you have never come to realize, believe and accept that Jesus came to die for your sins to save your soul, you want to take care of that right now. It requires direct attention and action on your part. Your soul is not automatically safe. Learn more about that here.

2. Do not panic as you watch national and world events unfold as they are now. God said it was going to be like this. Believe it or not, what the wicked globalists want is exactly what they are going to get. You are watching it all begin to unfold.

3. Don’t forget that God is in control, and before the wrathful events of Rev. 6 happen (world war, financial collapse, global famine, global atmospheric catastrophes, etc.), believers will be raptured out. What we are witnessing now is the runup to all this. Don’t cover your eyes. Look up. The rapture is soon.

4. Be busy doing whatever you can to tell unbelievers about Jesus Christ. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Pet. 3:9)

5. With a kingdom-forward outlook, ask God what you can do to encourage, exhort, teach and build others up so that they have the best possible standing with God when they face Him. Because, oh, by the way, there’s another event for each one of us individually. We are going to face God and give an account of our lives. (Heb. 9:27)

We don’t live in confusion and bewilderment. We live in certainty, because God has informed us of the events ahead.

R&J Shee

How to Have Inner Peace

Lack of peace is uncomfortable at a minimum. But lack of peace isn’t a root problem. It’s a symptom. But of what? The Bible shines a pretty clear light on it.

The first clue is what happens during the future Millennial reign of Christ on earth. I just saw it in Psalm 72:7: In his days (Christ’s ruling days) shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. Where there’s righteousness, there’s peace. You know, in the Millennium with the righteous King ruling, there will be complete righteousness, and peace will abound. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11:6) That’s peace.

But the link between righteousness and peace isn’t just a thing of the future. It’s an ever-present principle. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. (Psalm 85:10b) Righteousness is doing right by God. If you have a child, you understand the link between doing right and peace, because when that child disobeys, there’s turmoil and broken peace until the matter is settled.

Righteousness+peace was also a stated point in Israel’s past. Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. (Isaiah 48:17-18)

Personal application

Where there’s no peace, look around for a failure at righteousness in some way. Examine yourself for where you may be disobeying God, producing guilt (peace and guilt can’t live together). It could be a big known sin you have been unwilling to give up so far, and no doubt, it is eating you up inside. Or it could be lack of trust and faith in God in some circumstance that leads you to worry rather than believe. All I know is that righteousness and peace have kissed each other. They are two peas in a pod.

But we can’t leave the “peace and righteousness” discussion without dealing with how to be right with God in the first place. When you accept Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for your sins (for your unrighteousness), you gain a right standing with God. He declares you righteous, making the way for peace. It’s called getting saved, being born again or making peace with God. It also means that you become part of the kingdom of God. Until you do that, you will not have a righteous standing with God. Read here to learn more about that. As you become a part of the kingdom of God when you are born again and His Spirit comes to live inside you, peace will be a byproduct. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17)

I’d say, don’t strive for peace. Strive for righteousness instead. First, get right with God by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior from your sins, then be right with God through righteous living.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew 6:33-34)

R&J Shee

How to Have a "Fixed" Heart

I clearly remember the first time I ever heard a reference to Ps. 57:7 (My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.) It was decades ago at a Saturday night Kansas City Youth for Christ rally, and the executive director Al Metsker had just convalesced from open heart surgery. “My heart is fixed! Praise the Lord!” he shouted to the crowd, and he quoted the verse. How capturing that verse was for the situation!

Obviously, the intended meaning of that verse is not related to literal heart surgery. The word fixed in the Hebrew doesn’t mean repaired. It means firm, established, stable or firmly established. It’s the opposite of wishy washy. A fixed heart knows what it believes and in whom it trusts. David wrote the Psalm, and just before this fixed verse, he talked about his trust that God would send his mercy and truth from heaven to save him from the reproach of the enemies whose “teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.” (vs. 4) At the time, Saul and his men were chasing David. But the next two verses, he raises his head above the enemy and focuses on God and praises Him for the sure victory that he expected.

Inspirationally, this shows how to have a fixed, steady, stable heart. In the midst of any trial, rather than text a friend, automatically recount in your heart the character and promises of God. Praise Him for certain strength and victory in Him. Lift your eyes off your physical, mental and emotional troubles and spend quality time reminding yourself of who He is. He’s sovereign. He’s in control. He has this. Acknowledge and praise Him for this. (See Phil 4:6-7)

Doctrinally, this fixed heart is prophetic for Israel. In the second half of the tribulation after the antichrist shows his true colors and the Israelites have to run for their lives and they cry out to God, something is going to change. Until that point, they have not acknowledged Jesus Christ, whom they had pierced. Between the middle of the tribulation and the second coming, they are going to have a reckoning with Jesus, and their heart is going to be fixed. Because until then, their heart is stony. How do I know?

Here’s what the prophet Ezekiel said is going to happen with Israel (after the church age is over via the rapture and God turns His complete attention back to Israel): And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (Ezek. 11:19-20)

Their heart is going to be fixed. Like literally, inspirationally and doctrinally. (Also see Ezek. 36:26-27.)  

Whether David, you or the Israelites, God is true and faithful, and He rewards those who actively trust in Him and His word. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. (Ps. 112:7)

R&J Shee

The Stunning Truth About God

Everything happens for a reason. Even non-believers say that. You know why that sentiment is true? Because God is sovereign, which means He’s in control. But how “in control” is God?

• A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. (Prov. 16:9)
• The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. (Prov. 16:1)
• Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way? (Prov. 20:24)
• LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. (Jer. 10:23)

This level of God being in sovereign control of every movement, word spoken, decision and action is true beyond our comprehension. But knowing that, you can look at every event in the Old Testament through the lens of “God was in control of that for a reason.” And often that reason is because it’s a dry run for something that is yet to happen in the future. (The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Ecc 1:9)

Take David’s sins of adultery and having Bathsheba’s husband Uriah killed. If David, king of Israel, was such a great type of Jesus, why did he commit those sins? He totally missed the opportunity to be a “perfect type” like Joseph and Daniel, about whom no sins are recorded.

The sovereign prophetic “why” for David’s sins comes into focus in Psalm 51—David’s prayer of confession. Oh, by the way, what were David’s sins again? Adultery and plotting the killing of an innocent man. What were Israel’s main sins? Unfaithfulness to God/Adultery (Num. 25:1-2) and plotting the killing of Jesus, an innocent man. (1 Thes 2:14-15).

David’s anguished prayer of confession in Psalm 51 is in lockstep with Israel’s future turning to God in national confession of the same sins. They will finally look upon Jesus, whom they have pierced and mourn in bitterness of soul. (Zech. 12:10) David’s sins and his eventual Ps. 51 confession are a white board illustration of the sins of Israel and how that will play out in the future. When? That day. The Day of the Lord. (Zech. 12)

David was definitely dealing with his own sins, but prophetically, also representing the sins of Israel. He asked to be delivered from “bloodguiltiness.” (Ps. 51:14) Both he and Israel were guilty of the shedding of innocent blood.

The end of David’s confession reveals what happens after Israel humbles itself, becomes contrite in heart and is finally forgiven. I’ll summarize it. (Ps. 51:14-19)

• Israel will praise God and sing aloud for His righteousness.
• Israel will grasp that burnt offerings mean nothing compared to having a broken spirit and broken and contrite heart before God.
• The Millennium will commence with God repairing the walls of the yet-to-be torn-down Jerusalem.
• Sacrifices (that will have stopped when the antichrist desecrates the yet-to-be-built temple) will commence throughout the Millennium with Israel’s heart restored.

What happened in David’s life happened ever so sovereignly. God wove David’s specific sins and his forgiveness into the tapestry of the Old Testament. God was declaring the end from the beginning through the sovereign events of history. God’s divine direction has always been building up to the completion of the tapestry, and what we will see is Jesus Christ ruling and reigning on the throne. It’s where everything is headed and is what the Bible is about.

R&J Shee

The Sun Calls

Did you know the light that streams through your window every morning is the grace and mercy of God on full display rising and setting on your day? He hopes everyone notices and responds to His call to attention. Meanwhile, we take His daily exhibition for granted because the sun rising and setting is as normal to us as breathing.

We often rightly use the words “light” and “darkness” metaphorically, as in “seeing/comprehending” and “not seeing/comprehending.” But we don’t consider that light and darkness are going to be actualities in eternity. In heaven, there won’t be any need for the sun, because the light of the glory of God and of the Lamb will shine there (Rev. 21:23).

But in hell? Light and darkness can’t be in the same place. Impossible. The glory of God and of the Lamb will not be there. People are deluded who say they wouldn’t mind going to hell and hanging out with their buddies. They won’t even be able to see their buddies, or their hands in front of their face. And that’s just the beginning of the horror of hell. The sinning angels are in hell right now, and here’s what the Bible says about them: For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment… (2 Pet. 2:4).

But for now, the sunlight is a witness to us to look to the light of Jesus Christ. It testifies to us every single day. Take a look at this, The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. (Psalm 50:1-2) All while the sun is up, it’s calling the earth to Jesus—the bridegroom. Jesus says, I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. (John 12:46)

God makes clear that natural physical light is the witness of Jesus to the whole world so that when each of us faces Him in the end, no one can legitimately say, “I didn’t know. No one ever told me.” God told everyone. He has spoken to the earth from the rising of the sun to the setting.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. (Psalm 19:1-6)

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:19-20)

Make sure that you and your loved ones comprehend that the sun is a manifestation of the Son. Receive Him as savior. Here’s more about that. Light is for this life only to those who don’t know Jesus. After that, the sun goes down forever.

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings. (Malachi 4:2a)

R&J Shee

Let There Be Light!

When you read through creation in Genesis 1, has anyone besides me ever wondered why on day one God said “let there be light: and there was light,” but He didn’t create the sun and moon until day four? So exactly what was that light on day one if it wasn’t the sun or moon?

Think this through with me. He had to create light first because the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. Gen. 1:2. There’s an explanation for why the earth was dark when God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5) You can find that explanation if you click here.

I heard a Bible study teacher say that the darkness on the earth in Gen. 1:2 was literal, historic darkness as well as an evil spiritual darkness. And if that’s the case, the first recorded words of God in the Bible were quite appropriate. “Let there be light.” It was a literal, historic light as well as spiritual light. It was dual. While the entire Bible is historically and literally true and accurate, it’s also spiritual.

If you will look beyond the history of God’s first words (“let there be light”) and gaze at this spiritually, some other verses in the Bible will open up in a new light that you’ve never seen before.

1. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130) In this verse we don’t have a problem seeing that the “light” He refers to is spiritual light that comes from the entrance of His words. And what were His entering words in Gen. 1:3? “Let there be light.” The first recorded entrance of His words was literal and spiritual light spoken into existence.
2. O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. (Psalm 43:3) If God didn’t send out His spiritual light in Gen. 1:3 and the rest of the truth of His word, we would not know the gospel. We would not know Jesus. We’d be lost in spiritual darkness. This verse is the bridge to the gospel.
3. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12) He’s the spiritual light. He first obediently showed up in Gen 1:3 when God said, “Let there be light.”
4. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19) People refuse to see light. They are happy with their darkness. It’s time to open our eyes to the spiritual light. If you don’t know Jesus as your savior, today is the day of salvation. Here, read this.

At the age of 15, before I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior, I was an avowed atheist. “There’s no God,” I boldly proclaimed in my youth. “You can’t see him, so what makes you think he exists?” And then, sitting in a meeting that a friend bribed me into attending,  I heard the gospel. Something spiritual happened in my heart. Here’s what it was: For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness (in Genesis 1:3), hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:6)

God spoke that spiritual light—Jesus Christ—into the world in Gen. 1:3. Jesus always existed, but He came to bear on the world at the first spoken command of God. Now, we can deny that there is light, just like I did. But that doesn’t change the fact that it is there. In my ignorance, I denied God and Jesus, but God spoke into my heart “let there be light” through the gospel. Until you receive the gospel of Jesus Christ, you are in darkness. Wouldn’t you love to live in the light?

R&J Shee

Nets, Pits, Gallows and Swords

We all know that Satan is the mastermind behind much of the wicked global chaos going on right now, right? I don’t want to drag your mind through the mud by rehearsing all the deception, danger and flipped values that are spreading unabated. It seems like we need a global savior to fix it all, and that’s what the antichrist will set himself up to be. He doesn’t actually come on the scene until the tribulation—after the rapture of the church—but the spirit of antichrist is definitely here and setting the stage!

Oh, but there is an end to Satan and his minions, and that’s what I want to focus on here. Above all, Satan is a murderer. He likes to lie in wait and capture people. “Gotcha!” is probably his favorite word, starting with Eve, then Adam, then Cain, etc.

Though the devil likes to hide himself, you know how he manifests through scripture—including his prescribed end? Let me show you from four passages in Psalms:

1. Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. (Psalm 7:14-15)
2. For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul. Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall. (Psalm 35:7-8)
3. They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah. (Psalm 57:6)
4. Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape. (Psalm 141:9-10)

These nets and pits figuratively represent the snares the enemy uses to subdue and eliminate. It’s just that they don’t always work as planned! You can think of Bible examples. In Genesis, Joseph’s wicked, jealous brothers literally threw him into a pit. But he was rescued. In the end, his brothers feared the retribution they deserved. But Joseph, standing as a proxy for Jesus, said: But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:20)

In Esther, wicked Haman only had one enemy. Mordecai the Jew. He secretly built gallows to hang righteous Mordecai on. That didn’t end so well for wicked Haman: So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified. (Esther 7:10) In this case, the nets and pits were gallows, and Haman “fell into it.”

In the Garden of Gethsemane where wicked Judas betrayed Jesus, the figurative nets and pits were swords. Jesus said to his sleeping disciples, Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. (Matthew 26:46-47)

David had a few words to apply to this prophetically: The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. (Psalm 37:14-15)

Maybe it’s here we should quote one of our own proverbs. “What goes around comes around!”

Just know that all the net-laying of Satan and his globalist groupies is temporary and is under the overarching control of our sovereign God who has declared the end from the beginning. (Isaiah 46:10)

The net and pit that the devil used on Adam and Eve in the beginning to get them (and therefore us) to sin is going to swallow him up at the last: And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.  (Revelation 20:10) Hallelujah!

R&J Shee

Why Ask Why

“I believe everything happens for a reason.” It’s a common sentiment. In fact, actress Drew Barrymore said, “I believe that everything happens for a reason, but I think it’s important to seek out that reason; that’s how we learn.”

Turns out, the Apostle Paul agrees with Drew Barrymore! Now all these (book of Exodus) things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (1 Cor. 10:11) We watch how God responded to the shenanigans of the Israelites, and we learn by principle. “I better not do that!”

But there’s another reason why things happened like they did in the Old Testament to consider. Let’s look at an incident in David’s life. It’s a short, memorable story. Read with me.

1Sam. 21:10-15  And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.  (11)  And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?  (12)  And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.  (13)  And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.  (14)  Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?  (15)  Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house? He sent David away, a free man.

Why did David go to Gath in the first place? It was enemy territory, and the king was an enemy. Did he expect a hug and a kiss? Well, let’s remember our theme. “Everything happens for a reason.” In this case, the reason is best explained when you look at this prophetically. This story pictures something that would happen in the future. I saw a commentary on this story, and the theologian speculated all kinds of historical reasons why David might have gone to Gath. I won’t rehearse any of those. But let’s not miss the prophetic. If you’ve read many of these blogs, you know that we look at things through the broader lens of seeing Jesus on every page of the Bible, because He’s there. We call it the doctrinal teaching of the Bible.

David is the greatest type of Jesus in the Bible. We will call David a proxy for Jesus in the story above.

Gath, where David went to his near peril means “winepress.”

Achish, the king of Gath means “I will terrify.”

You probably already see an emerging picture of Jesus. What would compel David to go to the winepress where the worldly king would terrify him? Winepress pictures/is the wrath of God poured out in blood (Rev. 14:19-20, 19:15)

David went there willingly to face the terrifying one, just like Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane willingly, to face the terrifying one—who had entered the heart of Judas. You see, in 1 Sam 21, David was betrayed by “a servant of Achish (I will terrify).” Jesus was betrayed by Judas, a servant of Satan. And he (Jesus) cometh the third time, and saith unto them (his disciples), Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. (Mark 14:41-42)

“All things happen for a reason” keeps going. David, the anointed king, who hadn’t actually fully become king yet while Saul was still alive, resorts to humiliating himself by acting like a saliva-dribbling crazed maniac.

Jesus, the anointed one, was also destined to become King. But not yet. What did Jesus do? And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Phil 2:8)

This 1 Sam 21 hologram story of Jesus begins to fade out as David escapes the “I will terrify” king and lives on to praise God (It’s what Ps. 34 is about. Read the first 4 verses of that!) We know that Jesus did not escape, but was captured and killed. But wait. He DID live on! He rose from the dead three days later. He got the victory over death and hell!

Here’s the bottom-line Bible study lesson: When you read a story in the Old Testament that seems cockeyed, stop. There’s something there. As Richmond likes to say, “it’s off by design.” Everything happens for a reason—and it’s likely prophetic!

R&J Shee

The Spirit and the Word

If I heard it once in my original Bible-believing church, I heard it a dozen times: Let the Spirit of God use the Word of God to do the Work of God. What the pastor meant was that the greatest thing you and I can share with others for the greatest spiritual impact is scripture. Then God’s Spirit uses the power of the Word of God to penetrate hearts to bring about the necessary results. (Remember Heb. 4:12 says the Word of God is quick and powerful?) Back then, it was such a simple and obvious truth, it hardly needed to be said.

Well, that was 40-plus years ago. Times have changed. Here’s what I see now: Let the Spirit of God do the Work of God. And don’t let the Word of God rain on that parade.

That’s because we equate the Holy Spirit with a feeling that we must conjure. If we rouse enough emotion, happiness and tears might follow, and we think that is the Spirit of God at work. But here’s a ponderous thing from the lips of Jesus. It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63)

His words and the Spirit are intertwined. They work together to accomplish the work of God.

Knowing that, look at something Paul said in Ephesians and Colossians. And if you’ve never noticed, Colossians greatly mirrors the book of Ephesians. An 1800s theologian (E.W. Bullinger) noted that 78 out of the 95 verses in the book of Colossians have a marked resemblance to verses in Ephesians. To our point of the work of the Spirit and the Word intertwined, look at how Paul nearly interchanges the two in these verses in Ephesians and Colossians:

Be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Eph. 5:18b-19)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Col. 3:16)

When you consider how we got the Bible in the first place, the dual action between the Spirit and the word was in play. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Pet. 1:21)

The Word came by the Holy Spirit and it is understood by the Holy Spirit.

But I have one last ponderous verse to put our understanding across the finish line. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. (Ps. 138:2) Holy Spirit is one of His names. And He’s magnified His word above all His name. If God elevates His word, so should we. Let’s not raise up the Holy Spirit and tamp down the Bible. They work together. So, remember, Let the Spirit of God use the Word of God to do the Work of God.

R&J Shee

What You Didn’t Know About Good Friday

Some churches have special services on Good Friday before Easter. Other churches don’t speak a word about it. Why and why not? Here are three things to shed some light on the celebrated (or not celebrated) day.

1) Christian churches that don’t hold special services for Good Friday choose to celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of the Lamb of God on Easter. This dates back to the early church when they didn’t separate out the events of the last three days of Christ on earth in their commemoration. Rather, it’s one distinct observance.

2) In the 4^th Century, the Catholic Church formalized the liturgical practices of Holy Week with processions and reenactments that include Christ’s passion in the garden (Maudy Thursday); observance of Good Friday with fasting and partaking in a communion service; Holy Saturday commemorating Jesus lying in the tomb; and Easter Sunday services with joyful music and ringing of church bells.

These rituals are still carried out by Catholics, especially in Catholic countries, and among Christian denominations that focus heavily on rituals and traditions, like Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, some Methodists and some reformed churches.

3) But to throw a biblical monkey wrench in Good Friday tradition, you know, Jesus did not die on Friday. It was Thursday. In case you have never heard that, take a look at this chart. Some of the misunderstanding and confusion arises from the differences in the Jewish calendar and our calendar; the fact a Jewish day starts in the evening; and extra sabbath days as “high days” on the Jewish calendar.

What if your church celebrates Good Friday? There are several perspectives to look at it from.

A) Any day that Jesus is celebrated is a good day. So, if you turn your eyes on the meaning of Christ’s death on Good Friday, that can’t be a bad thing.

B) If you’re trapped in religious tradition and keeping certain observances to “be right with God,” a Good Friday service falls short. You need a personal relationship with Jesus, and He doesn’t require you to keep rules and traditions. In the privacy of your heart, you need to confess you are a sinner to God, and that you know Jesus died, was buried and rose again to take the punishment for your sins. Ask Him to forgive you for your sins, come into your life and save you. It’s called being “born again.” Read John 3.

C) You’re in good company if you skip Good Friday and go to an Easter service that focuses on the totality of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection and how it all works together to pay the sacrifice for your sins. Easter is a celebration of the plan of God played out in the last days of His son, Jesus Christ. We hope you have applied it to your heart and you know Jesus as your savior this Easter.

R&J Shee

Is My Church OK?

How can you know if your church’s teaching is right on? You might enjoy the music, and the children’s ministry is adequate, but you know we’re in the perilous last days, so how do you know if the teaching you are sitting under adequately represents God’s truths?

That’s the kind of question I asked several decades ago. A lot. The messages from the pulpit were nothing I couldn’t have gotten by reading the Bible myself. I concluded that the further we get from when Jesus walked the earth, the blander messages would naturally become. I figured I’d heard the last insightful sermon I’d probably ever hear again, and that there were no more good messages left to be had.

Looking back, I think God read my heart, and He wanted me to know that there was more to be had from sermons, and He directed me to another church. But now I’m back to my question. How can you know if the sermons you sit under are “ringing the bell” in God’s eyes?

First, I’d say to beware of “itching ear syndrome.” For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (2 Tim 4:3) Who doesn’t like to have their itch scratched? If the prevailing itch is entertainment, then beware of a pastor who’s preaching is entertaining above all, because he aims to scratch where folks itch. Entertaining messages are easy to identify. They are short and full of funny or interesting stories that the pastor can find on the internet or from life experiences. I call those “squishy” messages.

Second, beware of a pastor who makes every sermon about “you,” as in how any and every verse in the Bible applies to your life. “What’s wrong with that?” you ask. Look at the above verse again. In the last days, folks won’t endure “sound doctrine.” Well, guess what. Sound doctrine really isn’t about you. It’s about God. And your flesh hates it. In the last days, men shall be lovers of their own selves and lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. (2 Tim. 3:2&4) So a pastor who aims to please makes his messages about you and not God. It sounds better to the itching ear.  

The easiest way pastors make sermons all about you is to preach topically, like Five ways to have joy; How to be a better spouse; How to raise godly children; or How to handle finances, for example. Then the pastor pillages the Bible and the internet for pithy quotes to back up his magazine-article-like message. Again, what’s wrong with that? It’s missing doctrine. You learn nothing about God and His plan for the ages. But again, we are back to itching ears. We prefer to learn how to have joy or a good marriage and don’t care so much about finding God’s rich treasures about Himself and His plan for the ages encapsulated in His choice of characters and words and phrases.

By the way, topical messages are way easier to come up with. Learning doctrine is hard work, comparing scripture with scripture. Nowadays, you can totally manufacture a topical “how to” message using artificial intelligence (and saying that the Holy Spirit led you to preach on "this" today). Ask it to give you “5 tips for finding joy and provide two Bible verses to support each point.” I just did that exercise, and in less than 20 seconds, I had what I asked for, and it was like every topical message I’ve ever heard. Squish.

Third, beware of a church that uses just any version of the Bible, and maybe several versions, depending on which one sounds best to convey the idea at hand. No doubt, that pastor correctly believes that the Bible was inspired by God in its original languages. You read that on any good church website on the “what we believe” page. Inspiration applies to the originals. But what about today’s multitude of versions? There’s a work-around to that question. Many pastors will tell you what God meant to say. And though they will not say this outloud, they believe that what we are left with in the Bibles we have available today are the general ideas of God, and that’s what matters. Exact wordage doesn’t mean as much as the general idea.   

I’ll go back to my story of daydreaming during the sermon and figuring that there were no insightful sermons left. Someone invited me to another church, and the pastor of that church taught the Bible like I’d never heard or imagined. He didn’t just rehearse that “this Greek word means this,” or simply recount the history of the passage. He tied verses from the Old Testament to the New Testament. He showed how some of the characters were a type of Jesus and in what way. He underscored key words and phrases that opened the door to a deeper understanding of Jesus and where everything is headed prophetically as pointed out in the passage at hand. His messages pierced my soul. My spirit said “Amen!” And afterwards, folks stood in the foyer talking about the message truths that they’d never picked up on before like that.

If you have a hungry soul, and your spirit cries within you for something more substantial from the messages you hear, I get you. So does God. He’s more interested in you getting what you need than you are. He will lead you. Pray about it. Ask Him to open the door to better teaching.

I will say that a deeper understanding starts with what version of the Bible you are using. It’s the foundation for the marvelous doctrinal truths you’ve likely never been exposed to. You can read our white paper on that by clicking here.

R&J Shee

What is This World Coming To?

If you know Jesus as your savior, then you are probably asking the same question. What IS this world coming to? For sure, it’s coming to something!

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17:31) There’s a day coming when the risen Savior will return as the righteous judge, and that’s what this world is coming to.

A snapshot of where we stand right now in 2024 shows a world that is adrift in an ocean of evil, and the shores of righteousness are fading off into the distance and will soon not be visible anymore. Righteousness was in view in our lifetime, but the emerging generation has never seen it.

Here’s where it’s all headed: The “broad way that leadeth to destruction” will narrow down as it gets to the end, and the world will be funneled into the judgment.

For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (Ps. 96:13b)

The path of His righteousness and truth also has a broad mouth through Jesus. The prophets, the Bible, the Holy Spirit and faithful believers share the gospel of Jesus. But the majority have willingly missed it. They travel the wrong path. Not only that, they hate the true and righteous road of the gospel of Christ and those who walk it.

But we read the “back of the book,” and who wins? And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. (Rev. 19:11)

As we watch righteousness disappear from the world we live in, know that God has a purpose. He is storing up wrath. He is currently adjusting the contrast between righteousness and evil. He is preparing for the faithful and true end that He’s already told us about. He will make His glory known. It will be vivid, and unless we have new immortal incorruptible bodies (which believers will have), we won’t be able to endure the brightness of His purity or the sight of His wrath on the ungodly.

Jesus said three times in the book of Revelation, “Behold, I come quickly.” If you have never confessed your sin and turned to Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you must do it soon. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor. 6:2b) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) Call on Him for salvation now.

From your heart, pray, “Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and you are righteous. I know that without you, there is no hope for my soul. I am sorry for my sins. Please forgive me and come into my life to be my Lord and Savior. I surrender my life to you.” If you pray this and mean it with your heart, tell someone whom you know is a believer so they can be encouraged and help you get to know Him better.

R&J Shee

Imagination vs. Meditation

What is the difference between imagining and meditating? After all, they both involve our thoughts and occupy the mind.

Rather than run to the dictionary, let’s look at these two mind exercises from a biblical perspective, because the Bible has a lot to say about imaginations and meditations.

Imaginations

Some form of the word imagination shows up 35 times in the Bible, and in every single case, it is associated with evil, wicked, vain and being against something.

One of the gems of how to study the Bible is to look up the first reference to a word in the Bible. You’ll find that it often defines the word for the rest of the Bible. Imagination is a good example of this. Here’s what the first reference says: And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Gen 6:5) Because of that, God sent the flood. His judgment for unabated wicked imaginations was lethal.

I think the best way to define imagination in a biblical sense is mankind’s default thoughts. Many of the references to imagination link it to a wicked evil heart. And who of us has a naturally pure heart? Here’s what God says about that: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer. 17:9)

Wicked imaginations come from our wicked hearts. Don’t we tend to imagine the worst? Have you ever worked yourself into tears or rage over something you imagined that turned out to not be true at all? Here’s my favorite verse on how to handle the imagination: Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5)

Meditation

On the other side of the biblical thought spectrum is meditation. 15 of the 20 references to meditating come from the book of Psalms, and they speak of directed thoughts and musings of God and His works, words and ways. Meditating is guiding your thoughts rather than letting your thoughts guide you.

Talk to yourself (meditate) rather than listen to yourself (imagine). Meditation on God’s words, ways and works is a great way to transform your mind and eliminate the thought ruts you might find yourself in.

Determine with David to make your thoughts right ones. My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. (Ps. 49:3) And about that understanding, read this: I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. (Ps. 119:99)

You know, there’s a promise of prosperous success for those who will direct their thoughts by meditating on the Lord and His word.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Josh. 1:8)

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Ps. 1:2-3)

So, from a biblical perspective, our natural imagination, or default thinking, steers our minds anywhere but to the Lord. It’s better to take ourselves in hand and meditate on the Lord and His word.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Ps. 19:14)

R&J Shee

Word Cloud Bible Study Tip

If you’re a visual learner, we’ve found a fun way to decide what to focus on when studying a Bible passage. That is, find the words that are repeated the most in your passage, then read it a few times through the lens of the most common words. We’ve started using word clouds. (See the graphic below.) Some Bible programs allow you to make a word cloud for a book of the Bible, but there’s a website that allows you to create word clouds for a chapter or even a section of a chapter.

Let me give you a recent example from my personal Bible study through Philippians. I sat there staring at chapter 1. What should I be looking for? I did a word cloud using the computer program WordArt.com. (If you’re going to use it, you will need to set up an account with a user name and password. Go ahead and do that. You will be able to save your word clouds that way.)

I made this Philippians chapter 1 word cloud and sat there and stared at that. (Tips at the bottom for getting started with WordCloud.com.) The bigger the word, the more often it is used in the chapter. It’s a visual to show you what you should notice as you read the passage.

In Philippians 1, you see that the emphasis is Jesus Christ. So, if you are a curious person, you may wonder, “hmm, what about Jesus Christ?” And then you start reading chapter 1 with your antenna up to see what Paul says about the main character of his teaching. I did that.

But what surprised me is how prominent the word “gospel” is in this chapter. It’s pretty large on the word cloud. I meditated on that while reading chapter 1. My observation was that the gospel is the main thing. In addition to Jesus Christ, the gospel of Jesus Christ is what Paul gave his life to. It’s what mattered to him. And that should speak to us. It does me. Some churches today focus on social justice or doing good deeds or how to be happy, etc.. But let’s go back to the Bible and what Paul told this church. Jesus Christ and the gospel of Jesus was Paul’s drum beat.

My point here is that a word cloud reveals the emphasis of a passage and provides a great lens through which to study it.

You know what questions you are actually asking when you look at a word cloud? You are asking “what is this passage actually talking about?” NOT “How does this passage speak to me?” A word cloud helps you look at God’s intent for what He wrote. God’s word God’s way. This will help you fulfill 2 Tim 2:15, (Study to shew thyself approved unto God...")

Back to how to use the word cloud.

• Go to WordArt.com. (Use a computer, not your phone.)
• At some point, you will create an account. Go ahead and do it.
• Click on the “Create” button.
• You will see an option to “Import Text.” Click on that.
• Now you have a box to paste whatever copy you want in there. Like a chapter of the Bible.
• Copy and paste a chapter, making sure to delete the verse reference and the verse numbers. I do that by first copying and pasting a chapter from my Bible program into a word document where I eliminate the numbers. Then I copy and paste from my word document into that “Import Text” box.
• Click the “visualize” button after you’ve pasted in the words.
• Play with it from there. Pick fonts, colors, etc. You can even look at the list of words it gives you on the left and eliminate simple words you don’t want in your word cloud. Whatever way you play with it, you can always click “visualize” again and it will readjust according to your changes.

Hope this Bible study tip helps you!

R&J Shee

There's Something Powerful About Weakness

When God wants to use an individual, He doesn’t always choose the brightest and most beautiful. He did that once. Remember Lucifer? So, it should be no surprise that when God wanted to lead the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt, He chose Moses, who thought he was the worst choice God could make.

And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. (Ex. 4:10-12)

The Apostle Paul had similar feelings with his physical malady. He thought he’d be more useful if he was normal. (Some think he was blind or nearly blind.) On three occasions he prayed God would heal him. But no. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Cor 12:9-10)

Paul learned that lesson so well that he applied it to his financial necessities. To the Philippians he wrote, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil 4:11-13)

Moses and Paul learned that self-image based on personal strength is harmful if you’re trying to achieve God’s glory God’s way. Do you want to experience God? It won’t be by your smarts, strength and money. These are things I’ve thought about for years. Embrace weakness. It’s a major point in my book “Ditch Depression Devotional: 31 Days to Biblical Hope, Peace & Emotional Balance.” I have an entire section in that book on “inner posture.”

Some people are weak hearted by nature and struggle with depression more than others. But it’s those weak people whom I think God looks for to draw close to Him. How about this verse? For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isa. 57:15)

When you think of power and weakness in the same sentence, I bet you don’t think of Jesus. But read this: For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. (2 Cor 13:4)

Here’s the key. Take your eyes off your inadequacies. Rather, let them draw your mind, heart and expectation to God and His glory shining through your life. That’s the powerful thing about weakness. Embrace it.

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. (Isa. 2:11)

Jody

Honoring God with True Fasting

In the quest for deep spiritual communion with God, many Christians embrace fasting, traditionally understood as abstaining from food. However, a closer examination of biblical teachings, particularly Isaiah 58 and insights from the Apostle Paul, suggests that true fasting goes beyond the physical act. It’s an inward posture that aligns with God’s commandments and intentions.

Isaiah 58 criticizes the empty ritual of fasting that focuses only on the outward show of piety and humility. The Lord’s definition of an acceptable fast isn’t merely a ritualistic denial of food, but a setting aside of the flesh to focus on genuine devotion and righteous actions. This involves setting aside the “old sinful man,” repairing the damages caused by sin, and restoring one’s relationship with God. Such a fast honors God.

Isaiah 58:5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?

The Apostle Paul does not address fasting, but rather another ritual that similarly could be done for the wrong reasons. In 1Corinthians 7:19 and Romans 2:25, he argues that outward expressions of piety, like circumcision, hold no value if they are not accompanied by obedience to God’s commandments. Paul’s message is clear: external rituals are meaningless without a changed heart and adherence to God’s law. In essence, it’s not the physical act that counts, but the spiritual obedience and integrity it symbolizes.

1Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

The Lord’s words in Matthew 6:16-18 provide a critical perspective on fasting. He rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocritical approach, where they disfigure their faces to look like they are fasting while holding on to various sins. Christ emphasizes fasting in secrecy, where the focus is not on public admiration, but on private, sincere communion with God. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical message that true fasting is a matter of the heart, not just a physical exercise to gain favor or approval.

Nothing can be clearer than the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14. Both men go to the temple to pray. The Pharisee tells God that he fasts twice a week and pays tithes. The tax collector, however, stands at a distance, unwilling even to look up to heaven and beats his chest (a sign of sorrow and repentance in Jewish culture) and prays, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” The Lord concludes that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home justified before God. This parable teaches that true righteousness in God’s sight is not about such religious rituals as washing, kneeling, and fasting. It’s about recognizing one’s own sinfulness, seeking God’s mercy, and approaching God with a humble heart.

Drawing from these scriptures, an honorable fast in the eyes of the Lord is one that originates from the heart and manifests in actions aligned with His will. It’s a fast that afflicts the soul rather than the body. This affliction is not about physical pain or discomfort, but about a deep introspection that questions and abandons sinful practices and attitudes. It’s a process of genuine repentance, a turning away from sin, and a turning towards God’s righteousness.

In conclusion, an honorable and approved fast before the Lord is less about the physical denial and more about a spiritual realignment with God. Consider these two cases: a person afflicts his body by fasting food, hoping that by denying the flesh, his sin will come under control. Another eats three meals a day and afflicts his soul by allowing the word of God to penetrate his heart to bring about the conviction that results in repentance. The first case relies on the person’s willpower. The second case relies on the word of God to transform him. Which do you think is more honorable to God? Fasting is good – why not fast sin instead of food?

For a white paper version of this blog that includes an additional graphic, click here.

R&J Shee