The Revelation.3

"It is written in your earthly laws that the concurring testimony of two witnesses is true. Accordingly, I bear witness of myself, as does my Father who has sent me. I know that the witness he has given of me is true. Because of this, I do not have need of the endorsement of any earthly authority." 

--Jesus

Much has been made recently about "fake news." Sadly, it is getting more difficult to trust our own senses as technology gives even computer novices amazing abilities to manipulate images. There are now apps available that can alter facial expressions while the subject of the hack is talking! 

We live in a volatile age when not only is it difficult to know with certainty what is true, but whether anyone really cares about truth anymore!

I recently spent the weekend at a political convention where endorsements ruled the day. People vying for political offices were actively seeking connections with the "right" officials to give their positions the proper weight of authority.  With several thousand people in attendance, the events were carefully controlled to ensure a rapid completion of party business. There was little time, correction, there was no time for thoughtful deliberation. The success of a candidacy rested firmly on endorsements. 

In a world that cares little for truth, has no time for thoughtful deliberation, carefully controls outcomes, and relies heavily on the "right" connections, now more than ever we need to follow the One who came from outside our dilemma. 

• Who speaks to the truth inside us. 
• Who calls us to thoughtful obedience. 
• Who works with the consequences of our choices to produce good in us. 
• Whose life and character is the one true endorsement we all desperately need.

Looking for the best outcomes in life?  Follow Jesus.

The Revelation.2

"I do not come seeking my own glory; but there is one who seeks to exalt me, and he is the judge of all who reject me."

--Jesus

Mankind has long recognized fundamental, objective, absolute Truth as the guiding force moving the human race toward civilizing behaviors.  

 "The Chinese speak of a great thing (the greatest thing) called the Tao. It is the reality beyond all predicates, the abyss that was before the Creator Himself. It is Nature, it is the Way, the Road. It is the Way in which the universe goes on, the Way in which things everlastingly emerge, stilly and tranquilly, into space and time.  It is the Way in which every man should tread in imitation of that cosmic and supercosmic progression, conforming all activities to that great exemplar." C.S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man.

Although there are many cultural, religious and philosophical names for this "guiding force" it wasn't until the revelation of Jesus Christ would the world have the embodiment of the Creator's purposes and plans for the human race.  Apostle John described the universal impact of Jesus' revelation:

"In the beginning the Word already existed. The

Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. ... So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of grace and truth. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son." 

John 1:1-5, 14 NLT

The Greek "logos" is the word John uses for "Word". In classical Greek logos conveyed the idea of concepts, notions, ideas, i.e., the meaning attributed to words. In

modern usage a "Logo" is used to symbolize a company, idea, person or concept. 

Jesus is the fleshed-out revelation of the Tao, Rta, Rha, Zeus, Law, Logos, or any other notion man supposed about the Creator.  Jesus also reveals and defines those qualities most admired and desired in the best of humanity. In Jesus we see the Creator's intent on making man vessels of grace and truth. Each of us, indeed, are created for good, not for evil.

Individuals and societies that conform their behavior to these observable principles position themselves to embrace the Truth when Jesus' followers present Him to the world through acts of grace and words of truth.

"...the well-nurtured youth is one ‘who would see most clearly whatever was amiss in ill-made works of man or ill-grown works of nature, and with a just distaste would blame and hate the ugly even from his earliest years and would give delighted praise to beauty, receiving it into his soul and being nourished by it, so that he becomes a man of gentle heart. All this before he is of an age to reason; so that when Reason at length comes to him, then, bred as he has been, he will hold out his hands in welcome and recognize her because of the affinity he bears to her.’ (from Plato's Republic, cited in Lewis' Abolition of Man.)

But make no mistake, those who 'reject' Jesus are not turning their back on a religion or historical figure, they are, in fact, embracing the 'did God really say' spirit of the Original Rebel.  It is small steps from there to 'did God really do?'; and from there to 'is there really a God?'  Questioning the Ultimate Authority about what He says and does puts a man in the void where only Power and Impulse rule, susceptible to delusion and lust. In this void multiple forces clamor to use the world's resources to coerce, dissuade, deceive, oppress and control the world's population into rejecting the Truth of God.

The battle for influence on the heart's and minds of mankind will only intensify to the end of the age.  Follower of Jesus stay faithful to the Logos of grace and truth!

The Revelation.1

"The time is come 
that the Son of Man 
be revealed 
and glorified." 

--Jesus

The apostle Paul keenly observed this fact about the revelation of Jesus: 

"For while we were still weak, 

at the right time 

Christ died for the ungodly." 

Romans 5:6 [emphasis added]

Hugh Ross, anthropological astrophysicist and founder of Reasons To Believe, a ministry devoted to describing the harmony of scripture and science, demonstrates that the Creator of the Universe is the God of the "Just-Right Time!"

In his most recent book, Improbable Planet: How Earth Became Humanity's Home, Ross makes the case that amazing discoveries in astronomy, physics, biology, paleontology, chemistry, geology and mathematics take us further from a naturalistic explanation of the Universe and toward a growing concensus that the evidence points to a Designer who carefully and precisely prepared a planet capable of abundantly sustaining billions of life-forms.  


Throughout his account of the uniqueness of our Milky Way Galaxy, our own solar system, and our special planet, he frequently refers to the "just-right" conditions for each step in the development of a habitable planet. Are these "just-right" conditions merely coincidental or do they help us solve the bigger questions of "Why?"

"Ongoing research tells us that Earth has been shaped not only by an intricately orchestrated interplay of physical forces and conditions, but also by its vast abundance and diversity of life-forms. By means that no depth and breadth of scientific research can explain, life arose early in Earth’s history under anything but the benign conditions it would seem to require and somehow persisted through multiple mass extinction events, always appearing or reappearing at just-right times and in just-right forms to meet the needs and demands of the revised environment.

The more thoroughly researchers investigate the history of our planet, the more astonishing the story of our existence becomes. The number and complexity of the astronomical, geological, chemical, and biological features recognized as essential to human existence have expanded explosively within the past decade.

The importance of this new information cannot be overstated. An understanding of what is required to make possible a large human population and advanced civilization has raised profound questions about life, especially about our purpose and destiny. In other words, discovering at this level of detail why the history of Earth looks the way it does impacts all discussion of why you and I are here."  Ross, Hugh. Improbable Planet: How Earth Became Humanity's Home (Kindle Locations 134-143). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. [Emphasis added]

Hugh Ross believes, as he makes clear in his ministry, that God's work of creation is primarily redemptive. While humans debate whether driving their SUVs is destroying the planet, the scientific record (which includes effervescing data from the fossil record, core samples, radio isotopes, and solar telescopes) and the remarkable human beings who can interpret it, informs us that this planet has undergone regular cycles of creation, extinction and re-creation with each layer building up the foundation for future habitation.

Ponder that the formation of fossil fuels, metal ores, limestone, and even rock formations like granite - the building blocks of advanced civilization - required mass extinction of living organisms and their decay to pave the way for the technology enabling modern man to communicate the Good News of God's love to the masses of people this world sustains!

Now ponder this: if the God who fine-tuned the universe to prepare the way for your existence with just-right demonstrations of His power & devotion, will He not give you the just-right circumstances to help you realize your potential to love?

A friend was pondering the painful last days of his beloved father and questioning why God allowed this faithful man to leave this world in such a way. As his story unfolded revealing layers of family friction and long-term resentment, he was glad to be reminded that God always works in just right ways to heal wounds, deepen love and grow unity.  Our suffering and even death may be a just-right condition for achieving such great good!  A small price to pay for eternal joy and a reflection of the Just-Right Nature of our Creator's Perfect Will!

The Return.13

"Be always watchful; for you do not know the day or the hour when the Son of Man will return. 

Live your life in a prepared manner, your lights burning brightly; like those servants who wait with expectancy for the sound of the Lord’s approaching.

It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one of these words to fail." 

--Jesus

After reading these words of Jesus, I turned on my Christmas tree lights...

Oh, so you don't think that's what He means by letting "your lights burn brightly?"

Silly you say?

Maybe. Maybe not.  The vast array of Christmas lights and decorations, whatever the motivation - commercialism, paganism or real reverence - is a cheerful reminder that humanity deeply longs for something science can never give: Hope in The Unseen Hand that Heals and Helps us Heavenward.

Emmanuel. 
God With Us. 
God Like Us. 
We like God. 
Oneness in Sacrificial love and giving.

"If the joy that alone makes life worth living, the joy that God our Maker is just like Christ, if it be a true thing in my heart, how can I not believe in Christmas?"
(adapted from a quote by George MacDonald)

For unto us a child is given, to us a King with the heart of childlike obedience and love! Until we can celebrate His physical return, this world-wide yearly return to the celebration of His birth is a grand reminder that love is the greatest gift of all!

A Merry Light-Filled Christmas to you!

The Light That Has Lighted The World.10

"That which you do in secret will eventually be revealed, and that which seems to be hidden will one day be broadcast far and wide. 

What I am telling you now in private, proclaim publicly, and what you hear whispered by the Spirit, shout aloud from the housetops." 

--Jesus

Image from hypeline.org

"The tales of heartlessness and ingratitude one must come across, compel one to see more and more clearly that humanity, without willed effort after righteousness, is mean enough to sink to any depth of disgrace. The judgments also of imagined superiority are hard to bear."


God is a God who reveals.  There is NOTHING hidden that cannot and will not be exposed by the light of truth. Recent events in the USA demonstrate the futility of trying to hide nefarious activity.  Asange, Snowden, Anonymous - the watchers are out there ready and willing to bring questionable actions out of the shadows and fog of concealment to the light of popular judgement.  The question then: is popular judgement guided by light or darkness? 

Followers of Jesus have a threefold responsibility to the Light:

First: Duty
   --to expose works of darkness to the light

...beginning with ourselves. 

The question: am I more or less of the light? Test yourself:

• Is my conscience clear as the open heavens?
• Is my heart pure and clean that I have no fear of the penetrating gaze of God, men and angels?
• Do I so love the truth and the right, that I submit to an exposure of what in me is yet unknown to myself--an exposure that, by making me ashamed and humble, may bring glory to the truth?
• Will I welcome any discovery, even if it work for the excuse of others, that will make me more true, by revealing what in me is false?
• Am I willing to be made glad that I was wrong when I thought others were wrong?

"If you can with such submission face the revelation of things hid, then you are of the truth, and need not be afraid; for, whatever comes, it will and can only make you more true and humble and pure."

'Will all my weaknesses, all my evil habits, all my pettinesses, all the wrong thoughts which I cannot help--will all be set out before the universe?' Yes, if they so prevail as to constitute your character--that is, if they are you.

But if you have come out of the darkness, if you are fighting it, if you are honestly trying to walk in the light, you may hope in God your father that what he has cured, what he is curing, what he has forgiven, will be heard of no more, not now being a constituent part of you.

Or if indeed some of your evil things must yet be seen, the truth of them will be seen--that they are things you are at strife with, not things you are cherishing and brooding over.

God will be fair to you--so fair!--fair with the fairness of a father loving his own--who will have you clean, who will neither spare you any needful shame, nor leave you exposed to any that is not needful.

We may trust God with our past as heartily as with our future. It will not hurt us so long as we do not try to hide things, so long as we are ready to bow our heads in hearty shame where it is fit we should be ashamed.

For to be ashamed is a holy and blessed thing.

• Shame is a thing to shame only those who want to appear or feel good, not those who want to be good. 
• Shame is to shame those who want to pass their examination, not those who would be transformed to the core of their being. 

In the name of God let us henceforth have nothing to be ashamed of, and be ready to meet any shame on its way to meet us. For to be humbly ashamed is to be plunged in the cleansing bath of the truth.

Humble, Spirit-led examination produces cleansing and confidence that our judgment is sure! That what we mean by light is what God means by light.  That calling out hypocrisy because it is rooted in fearfulness and self-love, denying the Perfecting Love of Jesus, requires Oneness with the mind and heart of God. 

"Therefore this is what the LORD says: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them." Jeremiah 15:19

Second: Exposure
--to remonstrate against the destructiveness of sin and evil.

I have been initiated into the company of those whose work is to rid the world of sin and evil. Living a life of obedience to Jesus results in His light in us exposing bad actions and attitudes in others. 

• Excellent workmanship exposes slothfulness.  
• Truth telling exposes duplicity.  
• Honesty exposes corruption. 
• Purity exposes debauchery.
• Compassion exposes wantonness.
• Forgiveness exposes bitterness.
• Joy exposes emptiness.
• Contentment exposes coveting.
• Love exposes licentiousness.
• Peace exposes anxiety.
• Obedience exposes unbelief.
• Kindness exposes rudeness.
• Gentleness exposes cruelty.
• Goodness exposes depravity.
• Wisdom exposes profanity.

The response to the pain of exposure includes shunning, denial, indifference, attacks, repentance, salvation and freedom.

Third: Fearlessness   --to proclaim from the housetops the light in us.

"While men count themselves Christians on any other ground than that they are slaves of Jesus Christ, the children of God, and free from themselves, so long will they use the servants of the Master despitefully. 'Do not hesitate,' says the Lord, 'to speak the truth that is in you; never mind what they call you; proclaim from the housetop; fear nobody.'

Think what it must be for a man counting himself "a good person", religious, orthodox, exemplary, to perceive suddenly that there was no religion in him, only love of self; no love of the right, only a great love of being in the right!

What a discovery--that he was simply a hypocrite--one who loved to appear, and was not! 

Whose faith does your neighbor benefit most from?  Is it not from the faith of the one whose obedience to the Lord of Light, Life and Love serves, through word and deed, to expose how desperately short they fall to the potential for which they were created, the reason for their existence?

Only be strong and courageous follower of Jesus in living out the light in you!  The world needs you more than ever!

Adapted from The Final Unmasking by MacDonald, George. Unspoken Sermons Series III. (Kindle Locations 6011-6019). Public Domain Books. Kindle Edition.

The Light That Has Lighted The World.9

"You do not light a candle and then conceal it beneath a vase, or place it under a bed; instead, you set it on a candlestick, so that you or your guests enter a house filled with light.

Do you not realize that you are called out to be lights in this world?

Your life is similar to a city built on a hill that cannot go unnoticed.

Let your light, therefore, shine brightly before all people, that they might see your good works and praise your Father, who is in heaven."

--Jesus

What qualities in a follower of Jesus give us the ability to 'light up a room' when we walk in?

Consider these:

• Light: when there is nothing perverse, lewd or deceptive in our countenance or conversation
• Hope: when we refuse to let circumstances dim our

  

  image by PoemHunter.com

  commitment to being better
• Courage: when we are fearless in facing the difficulties we encounter
• Faith: when we trust the goodness we see in others because we see them through the eyes of the Lover of souls.
• Love: when we are ever growing in our capacity to love and be loveable.
• Positive Attitude: when others see darkness we see light. When gossip and complaint threaten the company we're in, we focus on right and true.
• Gentleness: when harshness and brutality are the order of the day, we offer the other cheek.
• Kindness: when to be like Jesus in offering a drink of water to a thirsty child is the only reward large enough to satisfy our own thirsty souls.
• Peace: when turmoil crashes in we calmly turn our eyes to the One who has overcome.
• Patience: with inner strength marked by endurance we stand when others fall. 
• Forgiveness: when others hold to the bitterness of grievances, real and imagined, we love to the working of repentance.
• Goodness: when we know the Beauty that comes from living our lives like the One from Whom all Good flows.
• Excellence: when we know the Blessing that comes from doing all things well.

Don't you wish everyone followed Jesus? 

Surely to become a disciple of Jesus is the reason every person is born!

The Light That Has Lighted The World.8

"Be active while you have the light present with you, for darkness is rapidly falling. Those that walk in darkness are the lost, and if the blind are leading the blind, then both are destined to fall." 

--Jesus

Be active. 

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man

stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." Teddy Roosevelt

Lead, Follow Or Get Out Of The Way!

Have you ever noticed that critics don't make good leaders? What does make a person worthy of your commitment to follow? Jesus puts the impetus on you and me to first answer this question: do I want to walk in light or darkness?


If social media has done anything it's created a powerful platform for critics!  I learned sometime ago that volume never makes truth truthier!  Whether a person uses all caps or shouts louder than his opponents, real virtue belongs to the one who lives his faith.

George MacDonald makes a startling observation about true faith and true men:

"I would rather have a man holding, as numbers of you do, what seem to me the most obnoxious untruths, opinions the most irreverent and gross, if at the same time he lived in the faith of the Son of God, that is, trusted in God as the Son of God trusted in him, than I would have a man with every one of whose formulas of belief I utterly coincided, but who knew nothing of a daily life and walk with God.

The one, holding doctrines of devils, is yet a child of God; the other, holding the doctrines of Christ and his Apostles, is of the world, yea, of the devil. 'How! a man hold the doctrine of devils, and yet be of God?' Yes; for to hold a thing with the intellect, is not to believe it.

A man's real belief is that which he lives by; and that which the man I mean lives by, is the love of God, and obedience to his law, so far as he has recognized it.

Those hideous doctrines are outside of him; he thinks they are inside, but no matter; they are not true, and they cannot really be inside any good man. They are sadly against him; for he cannot love to dwell upon any of those supposed characteristics of his God; he acts and lives nevertheless in a measure like the true God.

What a man believes, is the thing he does." 

MacDonald, George. Unspoken Sermons Series II, The Truth In Jesus 

Walking In The Light

Question: How then do we know if a "leader" is blind or seeing? 
Answer: What is the evidence that they either love darkness or love light?  

Too often we choose the person we will follow (and, make no mistake, any personal leadership aspiration we entertain comes only by learning first to be a good follower) by the words they use.  Whatever template we feel comfortable with - whether political, social, or theological - we line up their words with what we are familiar with but neglect to examine how they actually live...to our own hurt.

Here's a template we can use to examine a person's deeds: Romans 12

• Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. 
• Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 
• Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 
• Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 
• Rejoice in our confident hope. 
• Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 
• When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. 
• Always be eager to practice hospitality. 
• Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. 
• Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 
• Live in harmony with each other. 
• Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. 
• And don't think you know it all! 
• Never pay back evil with more evil. 
• Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 
• Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 
• Never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. 
• If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. 
• Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

I'll follow anyone who demonstrates these qualities, how about you?