Tag: heart

Desiring God

Carl Pollard

“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” 

  • Psalm 37:4

One of the most loved and frequently quoted verses in Scripture is Psalm 37:4. At first glance it can sound like a blank check: “Love God and you’ll get whatever you want.” But a closer look reveals something far deeper and more beautiful. The verse is not primarily about getting what we want; it is about God changing what we want until He Himself becomes the great desire of our hearts.

Psalm 37 is an acrostic wisdom psalm written by David in his old age (v. 25). Its main concern is the age-old question, “Why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer?” David’s answer is trust and delight in the Lord rather than envy or anger toward evildoers (vv. 1–8). In this setting, verse 4 is not a prosperity promise detached from reality; it is godly counsel for people who feel overlooked while others seem to “have it all.”

The Hebrew verb translated “delight,” is intensive and rare. It means to be delicate or pampered, to take exquisite pleasure in something. It is the same root used in Isaiah 66:11 for a nursing baby delighting in its mother’s milk, total satisfaction, soft enjoyment, unhurried pleasure.

So David is not commanding gritted-teeth duty (“Try really hard to like God”). He is inviting us into a relationship where God Himself becomes our highest pleasure, our richest feast, our greatest reward.

The Promise: “He Will Give You the Desires of Your Heart.” Grammatically, the second half of the verse can be read two ways, both of which are true and complementary:

1. Causative reading (most translations): When you delight in the Lord, He grants the desires that are now in your heart—desires that have been transformed by your delight in Him. The more we enjoy God, the more our desires align with what He loves to give.

2. Identical reading (favored by many Hebrew scholars): “He will give you the desires of your heart” means He will place new desires in your heart. In other words, the reward of delighting in God is that God Himself becomes the desire of our heart.

John Piper once summarized this second reading: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Psalm 37:4 is therefore the biblical basis for what has come to be called Christian Hedonism, the conviction that God is not honored by reluctant obedience but by hearts that have found their deepest joy in Him.

To “delight yourself in the Lord” isn’t a feeling we try to manufacture; it is a discipline we pursue by faith:

  • Meditate on who God is (His beauty, holiness, love, grace).
  • Remember what God has done, especially in the cross and resurrection.
  • Pray the prayers of Scripture that ask God to change our tastes (Ps 90:14; Ps 27:4; Ps 73:25–26). Tastebuds change, I used to hate onions…now I love them! Same thing happens in Christ. The longer you seek Him, the more you desire Him. The world loses its sway. 
  • Fight the fight of faith to see and savor Jesus above all competing pleasures.

When we do, something happens: the things we once thought we couldn’t live without begin to lose their grip, and we discover that the Giver is infinitely more satisfying than any of His gifts.

Psalm 37:4 is not a promise that God will fund every whim of a heart still curved in on itself. It is a promise that if we will seek our pleasure in God, He will make sure we are never disappointed. He will either satisfy our (new, God-shaped) desires, or, better yet, He will satisfy us with Himself.

“Whom have I in heaven but you? 

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 

My flesh and my heart may fail, 

but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” 

  • Psalm 73:25–26

What Is Truth? When We Know But Won’t Act

It wasn’t a philosophical question. It was the exhausted sigh of a man who had compromised so often that truth had become meaningless. He had traded integrity for security so many times that he no longer recognized the currency.

Brent Pollard

The Man Who Couldn’t Afford Truth

Pontius Pilate governed Judea the way most of us manage our lives—by compromise. A mid-level Roman official ruling a resentful province, he had learned that survival meant bending to political winds. Truth, in his world, was whatever kept Caesar pleased and mobs quiet.

Then Truth walked into his courtroom.

“Are You the King of the Jews?” Pilate asked. Jesus answered, “For this I was born—to bear witness to the truth.”

Pilate’s response exposes every human heart: “What is truth?”

It wasn’t a philosophical question. It was the exhausted sigh of a man who had compromised so often that truth had become meaningless. He had traded integrity for security so many times that he no longer recognized the currency.

The Coward Who Saw Clearly

Here’s what haunts Pilate’s story: he knew.

Three times he declared Jesus innocent. His wife warned him in a dream. His conscience screamed. Yet when the priests threatened—”If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar”—Pilate’s courage evaporated. He chose career over conscience, comfort over conviction.

Then came his famous gesture: washing his hands before the crowd, announcing, “I am innocent of this man’s blood.”

One cannot wash away guilt if one will not confess. Water cleanses skin, not souls. Pilate’s basin was as empty as his heart.

The Sovereignty in the Surrender

But here’s where God’s purposes shine through human failure: Pilate couldn’t escape his role in redemption. When he ordered the sign above Jesus’ cross—”Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”—the priests demanded he change it. Pilate refused: “What I have written, I have written.”

It was petty revenge, yes—one last jab at those who had cornered him. But beyond Pilate’s passive-aggressive defiance, God was writing truth in permanent ink. The placard that Pilate meant as mockery became prophecy. The “criminal” was indeed the King—not just of Jews, but of Pilate, Rome, and all creation.

God doesn’t need our righteousness to accomplish His purposes. Even our failures serve His sovereign plan.

The Mirror We’d Rather Not See

Pilate is us.

We know what’s right but fear what it costs. We recognize truth but won’t stand for it when the crowd turns hostile. We wash our hands of responsibility while blood stains our souls.

You and I don’t drift into heaven. Neutrality before Christ is impossible—by doing nothing, Pilate crucified Him. Every day we face the same choice: Will we crown Christ as Lord, or dismiss Him when it’s inconvenient?

What Must We Do?

Stop washing your hands. Moral evasion solves nothing. Confession begins where excuses end.

Count the cost, then pay it. Following Christ may cost you approval, comfort, or even advancement. But what profit is there in gaining the world while losing your soul?

Remember who stands before you. Jesus didn’t stand before Pilate—Pilate stood before Jesus. We don’t judge truth; truth judges us.

Act while conscience speaks. Every ignored conviction hardens the heart. Pilate’s tragedy began long before that Friday morning—it started the first time he silenced what he knew was right.

The Final Word

History remembers Pilate not for his power but for his weakness. His name endures not as a hero, but as the coward who asked, “What is truth?” while Truth stood before him.

You and I won’t face Jesus in a Roman court. But we face Him daily in every choice between comfort and courage, between what people think and what God commands.

Pilate’s question remains: What is truth?

Jesus answers: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

The question isn’t whether truth exists. The question is whether we’ll bow to it—or spend our lives washing our hands.

Crucifying The Flesh

Being a follower of Christ demands constant self-examination. Each day, we wake up asking, “What do I need to work on today?” One persistent battle we face is the flesh, our sinful nature that pulls us off track, like that wobbly Walmart shopping cart wheel that requires constant correction.

Carl Pollard

Being a follower of Christ demands constant self-examination. Each day, we wake up asking, “What do I need to work on today?” One persistent battle we face is the flesh, our sinful nature that pulls us off track, like that wobbly Walmart shopping cart wheel that requires constant correction. Galatians 5:24 says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” But what does it mean to crucify the flesh, and how do we live it out in a world brimming with temptation?

In Galatians 5, Paul describes the flesh not as our physical bodies but as our sinful desires that rebel against God. Galatians 5:17 explains, “The flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; they are contrary to one another.” The flesh urges us to lash out in anger, indulge in lust, gossip, or hold grudges. Paul lists its acts: sexual immorality, hatred, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition (Galatians 5:19-21). These are symptoms of a heart not fully surrendered to God. The flesh promises satisfaction but delivers emptiness, chaining us to sin. Recognizing this enemy within is the first step to living for Christ.

Crucifixion, in Roman times, was a brutal, final punishment. Paul’s use of this term signals a decisive, no-turning-back commitment to put sinful desires to death. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily” (Luke 9:23). This daily choice means saying no to pride, bitterness, or greed and yes to humility, forgiveness, and generosity.

The key to crucifying the flesh lies in belonging to Christ. When we surrender to Him, we’re united in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:5-6). His victory over sin becomes ours, and His Spirit empowers us to resist temptation. This is why Paul confidently states we “have crucified” the flesh, a present reality for Christians. Living like we belong to Jesus means choosing the Spirit daily, allowing it to produce love, joy, peace, and other fruits (Galatians 5:22-23) in our lives.

To crucify the flesh, start with confession and repentance, naming and turning from sin (1 John 1:9). Rely on the Spirit through prayer and God’s Word. Choose daily obedience, saying no to temptation and yes to love. Crucifying the flesh isn’t restriction, it’s liberation, freeing us to run the race God has set before us. What needs to be nailed to the cross today? Lay it at Jesus’ feet and live the life He promised.

A New Heart From Jesus

Carl Pollard

As fall’s soft breeze turns to unexpected warmth, we feel the stir of change. But pain and loss are felt by many. These tragedies of the past week show our world needs Jesus, badly. Without Him in our homes and families, we see brokenness. Ezekiel 36:26 gives hope: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

Ezekiel spoke to God’s people in exile, far from home because they turned to idols. Their hard hearts led to trouble (Ezekiel 36:16-20). But God promised mercy, a new heart and His Spirit to help them obey (v. 27). This promise comes true in Jesus and the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-6). Charlie Kirk was a young father and husband, killed at a school event over political disagreement. This shows us what hard hearts can do. Yet, God can soften our hearts, filling them with His love. 

Change starts inside. We give our hearts to Jesus, and He makes them new. John 16:33 says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”That’s our peace, when the world is knee deep in anger and despair, Jesus wins over death. No matter the pain, we can trust Him and stay steady.

Romans 12:21 tells us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Evil, like the violence that took innocent lives comes from Satan (John 10:10). But we’re called to love, forgive, and share Jesus’ hope. In Luke 19, Zacchaeus met Jesus and changed, giving generously, fixing wrongs. His new heart showed. We’re to shine like that, letting our lives point to God (Matthew 5:16).

Our country needs Jesus. Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Without God, we get chaos. But 2 Chronicles 7:14 shows the way: pray, humble ourselves, seek God. Healing starts in our hearts and homes.

Come, Lord Jesus. Let’s let Him change our hearts, rest in His promises, and do good to fight evil. When we put Jesus in our families, we bring His hope to our nation, one new heart at a time

LET IT NOT BE SAID OF ME 

Dale Pollard

Saul is dead. 

David has just been appointed king. 

Who but the leader of Sauls army, Abner, wages war with David at Gibeon. 

It was a fierce battle and many died on both sides. David defeats Abner and the Israelites and at the end of the battle an interesting event unfolds. 

There’s an oddly brief mention of a man named Asahel among the many men in David’s army. 

Not much is really known about the man— expect that he was as quick as a gazelle! He attempts to chase down Abner but Abner spears him through and kills him (2 Sam. 2:18). We don’t know much, but we know he was fast. 

What will we be remembered for above all else? 

The judge, Abimelech (Judges 9), captures the city of Thebez. Inside the city is a strong tower and all the women and children hid inside. Abimelech tried to burn it down but just moments before the fire is lit, a woman drops a millstone on his head. Abimelech calls out to his armor bearer “run me through so that it can’t be said of me that a woman has slain me!” 

To this day It is said of Abimelech— that a woman slew him. 

When we pass from this life, we’ll be remembered for something. Let’s make it something good. Let’s make it something godly!

The Weight Of Words

Words carry a lot of power, revealing the core of who we are. Each year, the average person speaks about 11 million words—roughly 30,000 daily, enough to fill a short book every two days. If your words were laid bare for all to see, would they reflect a story you’d stand by?

Carl Pollard

Words carry a lot of power, revealing the core of who we are. Each year, the average person speaks about 11 million words—roughly 30,000 daily, enough to fill a short book every two days. If your words were laid bare for all to see, would they reflect a story you’d stand by? In Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus delivers a warning: “Everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every idle word they have spoken. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” The Greek term for “idle,” argos, refers to useless, fruitless words that fail to honor God. Luke 6:45 reinforces this: “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Our words expose our hearts and will one day testify for or against us. Every word we speak is directed toward God and those made in His image. To move from empty speech to words that give life, we can follow three steps: tighten your lips, tame your tongue, and transform your heart.

The first step is to filter what comes out of your mouth. Psalm 141:3 says, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” David recognized that words can escape before we think, often causing harm through gossip, complaints, or lies. Consider Job, who, despite losing everything, refused to curse God (Job 2:9-10). His restrained speech reflected deep faith, unlike the Israelites in Exodus 16:3, who grumbled at minor hardships, saying, “We should’ve stayed in Egypt!” Their careless words revealed weak trust and cost them greatly. With about 20% of our day—4 to 5 hours—spent talking, we have millions of opportunities for idle words. A simple test before speaking: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? By guarding our lips and seeking God’s help, we can ensure our words build up rather than tear down.

Guarding your lips is a start, but the tongue itself is a force. James 3:7-8 calls it a “restless evil,” capable of sparking destruction like a wildfire. Peter’s life shows this vividly. In Matthew 26:74, under pressure, he denied Jesus, even cursing to make his point—words that exposed his fear. Yet, after Pentecost, his tongue preached boldly, leading 3,000 to salvation (Acts 2). The difference was divine transformation. A 2018 incident proves the point: a single 50-word social media post from a well known figure tanked a company’s stock by 20% in hours, costing billions. One reckless word can destroy; one intentional word can build. To control your tongue, ask: Will this honor God? Will it uplift or harm? With the Spirit’s guidance, replace fruitless words with those that speak life.

Words don’t start at the tongue—they flow from the heart. Matthew 15:8 says, “The things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” When life’s pressures hit, your words reveal what’s inside. David’s heart transformation in 2 Samuel 12:13, after his sin with Bathsheba, led to honest repentance: “I have sinned against the Lord.” Unlike Saul, who deflected blame, David’s words reflected a renewed heart, restoring his relationship with God. A 2021 study found 64% of online comments carry negative or hostile tones, often from unrenewed hearts. To speak purposefully, ask God to transform your heart, as David did in Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Through prayer, scripture, and worship, fill your heart with God’s truth, and your words will reflect His love.

You speak 30,000 words daily, 11 million yearly—each a seed that bears fruit, good or bad. Matthew 12 and Luke 6 remind us our words will judge us, revealing our hearts. This week, commit to intentional speech: guard your lips like David, control your tongue like Peter, and renew your heart through Christ. Careless words can destroy relationships and hinder the gospel, but purposeful words can heal and point to eternity. 

What do your words say about you?

Keep Hurtin’

Gary Pollard

This is a break from Origen’s First Principles. I’m slow: it takes me a long time to wrap my head around something. Romans 7 and 8 are about our constant battle against our sinful nature. We have the side that wants to be holy and serve God, and we have the side that betrays our human weaknesses. It’s an awful existence in many ways. Even Paul said, “What a miserable person I am! Who will save me from this body that brings me death?”

Then we get to 8.17 where Paul talks about suffering. I always assumed this was a shift in topic because he gets into stuff that won’t happen until Jesus returns. But since he spent the previous several paragraphs talking about our constant, sometimes-demoralizing struggle against sin, I don’t think this is necessarily about physical suffering.

God’s Spirit helps our spirit — our mind, emotion, intent, any aspect of being that can’t be measured — in that fight. There are outside influences in our struggle against sin, of course, but Paul really focuses on the stuff that hurts: our own sinful weakness. We hate that we’re weak. We’re ashamed of our failures. We’re “waiting for God to finish making us his own children…we are waiting for our bodies to be made free.”

In the meantime, we suffer. Maybe not physically — though in some places on this earth that’s a reality — but certainly spiritually. We know our faults and failures better than anyone. Our spirits, burdened by the knowledge of our own weakness, groan to God with pain too deep for words. And he helps us!

“We are very weak, but God’s Spirit helps with our weakness. We don’t know how to pray like we should, but the spirit speaks to God for us, begging on our behalf with groaning too deep for words.”

Guilt is a powerful weapon in the enemy’s hands, and we all have too much of it. The struggle and the pain is normal — it’s guaranteed for anyone who wants to be like God. It’s never going to happen in this life! We can’t ever be good like God! But we can try, and we can at least ensure that sin isn’t the master we serve. If you feel that pain, odds are you’re on the right track.

Right after this section, full of empathy and hope and reassurance and warning, Paul says,

“Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right.

Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died for us, but that is not all.

He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love?”

The struggle and its pain is normal. It’s a sign that our hearts are set on something we won’t achieve until our bodies have been freed. God helps us, he understands, and we cannot let the enemy demoralize us into giving up. It’s harder to keep struggling against our sinful weakness, but it will be so worth it!

“But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The Unchanging Word: Prioritizing Scripture Over Human Tradition

In a bold challenge to the Pharisees, Jesus referenced the words of Isaiah, exposing their critical error: elevating human traditions above the divine commandments of God. Their worship, rooted in human traditions, lacked authenticity, revealing a profound reality: the authority of God’s Word remains unparalleled, and no human custom can replace it.

Brent Pollard

Matthew 15:8-9: “‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’”

Mark 7:6-7: “He said to them, ‘Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’”

Comedian Isaak Wells’ humorous Skeletor meme, “Traditions are basically just dead people peer pressuring you,” encompasses a profound truth that aligns with a solemn admonition from Jesus. In a bold challenge to the Pharisees, Jesus referenced the words of Isaiah, exposing their critical error: elevating human traditions above the divine commandments of God. Their worship, rooted in human traditions, lacked authenticity, revealing a profound reality: the authority of God’s Word remains unparalleled, and no human custom can replace it.

The Divine Standard: Scripture’s Authority

True scholarship recognizes Scripture as God’s divinely inspired and infallible Word, as affirmed in 2 Timothy 3.16-17. The error of the Pharisees lay in their acceptance of human traditions that obscured the clarity of God’s commands. Matthew Henry observes, “When men’s inventions are tacked to God’s institutions and imposed with equal authority, then worship becomes vain.” Jesus confronted them, asking, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15.3). This statement affirms the authority of Scripture above all human traditions, calling believers to proclaim what the Bible declares and to hold their tongues where it is silent.

The Heart of True Worship

The rebuke of Jesus reveals the very heart of worship. The Pharisees’ hearts were distant from God, making their worship empty despite appearing pious. Genuine worship captivates the heart (John 4.23-24). Following tradition without discernment places habit above heartfelt devotion, whether in our rituals or church practices. Believers must scrutinize their intentions, ensuring their worship springs from hearts wholly devoted to God.

Discerning Godly Practice

Scripture guides discernment between traditions that honor God and those that mislead:

  • Apostolic Example: The early church embraced traditions like weekly communion (Acts 20.7), congregational singing (Ephesians 5.19; Colossians 3.16), and regular assembly (Hebrews 10.25). Paul praised the Corinthians for maintaining apostolic traditions (1 Corinthians 11.2) but corrected deviations.
  • Berean Standard: The Bereans tested teachings against Scripture daily (Acts 17.11), modeling intellectual integrity and spiritual humility.

Scriptural principles for evaluating traditions include:

  • Biblical Warrant: Does the practice have clear scriptural support via commands, examples, or necessary inferences? (Psalm 119.105)
  • Genuine Worship: Does it draw hearts closer to God in spirit and truth? (John 4.23-24; 1 Peter 2.5)
  • Edification: Does it build the church and promote unity? (1 Corinthians 14.26)
  • Apostolic Alignment: Does it reflect New Testament patterns? (Ephesians 2.20)

Practical Application

Apply discernment in:

  • Worship: Do practices align with biblical patterns of praise, prayer, communion, and proclamation, conducted “decently and in order”? (1 Corinthians 14.40)
  • Church Organization: Does leadership follow biblical qualifications for elders and deacons? (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1)
  • Personal Devotion: Are spiritual disciplines grounded in Scripture, not an empty routine?
  • Christian Living: Do moral standards reflect God’s Word, not cultural or family traditions that contradict it?

The Call to Heart-Deep Faithfulness

Jesus’ rebuke serves as a profound warning and a gracious invitation. Worship that does not arise from deep and sincere devotion lacks true significance. The Lord desires those who worship Him sincerely and authentically, offering lives fully committed to His glory. Reflect on how traditions shape and influence your faith journey. Examine them in light of the Word. If you find yourself aligned, recommit with heartfelt devotion; if not, earnestly seek biblically grounded alternatives through prayer.

Upholding Scripture’s Supremacy

Genuine faith submits every action to the authority of Scripture. When the Word of God declares, we must respond obediently, even when it starkly contrasts our traditions. In the areas where Scripture is silent, let us generously extend love and freedom, refraining from imposing our convictions upon others. This dedication profoundly influences our communion with God. To love Him with all our hearts is to fully embrace His Word, refusing to distort it to conform to the world’s ways.

Embrace Scripture with open hearts, just as the Bereans did, diligently testing everything by its truth. May our worship flow from fully devoted hearts, our practices be rooted in the truth of Scripture, and our loyalty is unwavering to God alone.

Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the NASB® (New American Standard Bible®, 1995 Updated Edition). Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Doing What Is Right


Neal Pollard

In his excellent lesson on the Sermon on the Mount, Mike Vestal pointed out that the word “righteousness” appears five times in a sermon he nicknamed “Righteousness 101.” Jesus preaches this sermon in an environment where the religious leaders preached and practiced a very shallow righteousness. Jesus teaches a true, deeper righteousness. The word Jesus uses refers to character and conduct, being just as one should be, upright and virtuous (Zhodiates, WSNTDICT). Jesus challenges us to do what is right in God’s eyes. 

These five occurrences of “righteousness” can help us know whether or not we are on that course. 

Do I have an appetite for what is right (Mat. 5:6)? Just as there are foods and drinks that each of us put in our list of favorites, our hearts and minds yearn for some things over others. Am I developing an increasing taste for God’s will? Do I not only do what is right, but long to do so?

Am I willing to sacrifice for what is right (Mat. 5:10)? How valuable and meaningful is my faith? What if it is tested and opposed? Will I stand by it? Or will I surrender and sacrifice it for acceptance and temporary calm? Will I choose man’s approval for a little while only to face God’s ultimate disapproval, or will I accept man’s disapproval for a little while to have God’s ultimate approval?

Do I do from the heart what is right (Mat. 5:20)? Righteousness requires more than an outward refraining from wrongdoing. It governs what’s going on in our hearts. Down inside, I have got to stamp out feelings, desires, passions, and attitudes that prevent and oppose good character and true virtue. Not only that, but failing to win that battle in my heart more often than not will show up in my conduct. 

What is my motive for doing what is right (Mat. 6:1)? Jesus challenges me not just to do the things I should do, but do them for the right reasons and in the right way. One of the fundamental, flawed reasons to do right is to be seen by others and to have their praise and admiration. I can steal my own blessing by a showy spirituality. 

Is there anything I put before doing what is right (Mat. 6:33)? Is uprightness my number one priority? In context, the challenge is making the Messiah rather than money the master. But, in principle, Jesus’ Lordship is being challenged by many rivals. Am I seeking what He wants and what He wants for me above all else?

Repeatedly, God encourages us to do what is right. He says if we do what is right, we will avoid so much of what plagues the lost world (Ex. 15:26). In so doing, it will be well with us (Dt. 6:18). In so doing, He will be with us (1 Ki. 11:38). In so doing, we find God’s favor (1 Pet. 2:20). Jesus says do right and it will bless you (Mat. 5:6). Do right and you will receive the reward of the kingdom of heaven (Mat. 5:10). Do right and you shall enter the kingdom of heaven (Mat. 5:20). Do right and you will be rewarded by your Father in heaven (Mat. 6:1). Do right and God will supply all your needs (Mat. 6:33). 

No “Regerts”

Carl Pollard

“It is better to suffer the pain of discipline than the pain of regret.” You remember that Snickers commercial of the guy getting a tattoo? He and his buddy are getting pumped up and yelling, the tattoo artist finishes the tattoo, and it says “no regerts.” 

The point of the commercial? Well, he regretted it. With regret comes an awful weight. What could’ve been, what you should’ve done, what you could have changed. 

Back in 2016 a buddy I went to school with told me about a new thing called bitcoin. He told me I could buy one for $318 dollars. 

I was hesitant because I had no idea what cryptocurrency was so I said thanks but no thanks. As a broke college student there were a million other things I could buy with 318 dollars. As of this week, 1 single bitcoin is worth almost $100,000. I regret not buying one for $318. In just 8 years I could’ve made $99,700. But I can still sleep like a baby at night. Yeah I wish I would’ve listened to my friend, but life goes on. In May, 2010, an early crypto enthusiast was hungry and broke and decided to trade 10,000 bitcoins for two papa John’s pizzas. At the time that was about 42 dollars, but today that’s worth $900,000,000. I bet he regrets buying two pizzas for almost a billion dollars. 

I regret missing out on opportunities like this, but there are other things I have said and done that I regret. Things worse than missing out on bitcoin. I’m sure you’ve found yourself in the same boat. Tossing and turning in bed, regretting how you handled a certain situation, or how you spoke to a loved one. Regret is an awful feeling. 

“It is better to suffer the pain of discipline than the pain of regret.” All we need is discipline, and we would never feel regret. But there’s a reason so many people struggle with regret: discipline is hard. Being disciplined takes mental energy, and we’ve got to be focused constantly. There’s a million temptations to avoid and habits that we have engrained into our very being. We are easily distracted, constantly wanting instant gratification. Self-discipline is hard because it requires long-term focus. So we know the answer to our problem, but implementing it is the struggle. 

Matthew 5:27-30

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.”

Jesus said these words in His sermon on the mount.This is a sermon on righteousness, a sermon of contrasts. Over and over Jesus says, “you have heard it said, but I say…” He speaks with authority, He speaks as the Son of God. Listen to every word because Jesus tells us exactly how to be approved of God. He contrasts the teachings of the day with His new teachings from God. 

Jesus tells us to Focus On The Heart. At the core of these four verses Jesus is telling us to examine our hearts. 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” 

You want to guess what the pharisees at the time of Jesus were teaching? The exact opposite. They taught that you could look and fantasize all you wanted as long as you didn’t touch. Their law made provision for lust! Jesus instead call us to a higher level of righteousness. “You have heard it said, but I say…focus on the heart.” Jesus shifts the focus from external actions to internal desires. True morality isn’t just about avoiding sinful behavior, it is cultivating a heart that aligns with God’s will. The pain of discipline is the transforming of the heart, changing from within so that our behavior is disciplined. 

In doing so we avoid the pain of regret. In scripture, the heart is the source from which action flows. It represents our innermost thoughts, intentions, and emotions. If you can change the heart, the body will change. If you win the internal battle, the external battle will be won. If you can win the battle against lust, you will never commit adultery. This is how God expects us to live in following His will. 

Prioritize the spiritual state of your heart, and you will develop discipline in every aspect of life.

How Do You Describe His Love?

Carl Pollard

Ephesians 3:17–19 says, “that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”

Looking at the context of these verses, Paul tells us that through the power of the Spirit, and because of the indwelling of Christ, we are to become established in love and being established in love, we have power to comprehend the love of Christ. 

But how do you describe such a love? Paul says, “comprehend what is the breadth, and length and height and depth.” But he purposefully left off what it is that he was describing. So what does he mean? It takes in the eternity of God. God is Love; and in that, an infinity of breadth, length, depth, and height, is included; or rather all breadth, length, depth, and height, are lost in this immensity. It comprehends all that is above, all that is below, all that is past, and all that is to come. All of this is said in reference to human beings. The love of God, in its breadth, is a net that encompasses the globe; its length reaches from the eternal purpose of the mission of Christ, to the eternity which is to be spent in his glory; its depth reaches to the lowest sinner, and to the deepest depravity of the human heart; and its height to the infinite glory of the throne of Christ.

How do you describe the love of Christ? We can’t. No one has ever shown this amount of love for this many sinful people. And yet we still act like we have power, like we are above God. Man on his own has no power. 

But God has given us the opportunity to have the power to comprehend His Son’s love. 

Comprehension is defined as “to process information, understand, grasp.” A child growing up hears from their parents that they love him. He hears it every day, but he never fully comprehends that love until he has kids of his own. A person will go through something traumatic, and the first couple of hours he is in shock. He knows what happened, but he hasn’t comprehended it yet. Sadly, we can hear about the love of Christ, and we can hear God’s Word. But this isn’t the same as comprehension. 

Growing up, I hated literature. I can remember reading the Iliad, eyes glazed over, and just seeing words on a page. I couldn’t tell you a thing about what I was reading. I wasn’t comprehending. Paul says, “And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:19). And to GNOSKO the love of Christ. A working knowledge as opposed to factual knowledge. This is comprehension, a useful knowledge of Christ’s love. As a faithful Christian, you can comprehend the love of Christ. And knowing His love is power. We sing, “Amazing love! How can it be? That you, my God would die for me.” To be powerful is to comprehend the love of Christ. And in comprehending we live out his love. That is our purpose as Christians.

The Devil’s “Classifieds”: Help Wanted

Neal Pollard

Everyone must have an occupation. Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla were, “by their occupation,” tent makers (Acts 18:3). Demetrius and others at Ephesus were “silversmiths” (Acts 19:24-26). Joseph and his household were shepherds (Genesis 46:33-34). Jonah was a preacher (cf. John 1:8).

Spiritually, everyone will have a “vocation.” Christians have a calling of which they are to “walk worthy” (Ephesians 4:1). An individual, in obeying the gospel, is “hired” by God to “fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness” and work “the work of faith…” (2 Thessalonians 1:11). The workers are “holy brethren,” the work a “heavenly calling,” the foreman is “Christ Jesus,” and the work order was appointed by “Him” (the Father) (Hebrews 3:1-2,4). but. even within the context of Hebrews 3, there is warning that Christians might, through hardness of heart, switch employers. The devil surely considers Christians as his most coveted and prized workers, for he already had the world on his “roll” (cf. 1 John 5:19). If the devil advertised, can you imagine the enticing tasks he would list to draw away God’s child?

“Needed: Hungry Cannibal. Must enjoy the taste of division and have an appetite for ‘devouring your brother.’ This job is risky, as you may get consumed by him. But, if you enjoy having ‘the brethren for lunch,’ this job is definitely for you. Ignore Galatians 5:15.”

“Skilled stage-actor wanted. If you are an experienced pretender at religion, enjoy playing church, and wear the name Christian only as a ‘front,’ your skills are needed immediately. Impure motives (Matthew 6:16), lip-service (Matthew 15:7-8), a knack for pretending to be holy while actually being wicked (Matthew 23:13-15,23, et al), and a joy of danger (Matthew 24:51) all are pluses!”

Opening for sheep thieves. Must employ ‘innovative approaches’ (John 10:1), have a willingness to ‘finish the job’ (John 10:10), have a glaring disrespect for the Shepherd, and intimidate the Shepherd’s hired hands (John 10:12). Will supply one camouflage uniform (Matthew 7:15).

“Work for pirates available. Can you shipwreck faith (1 Timothy 1:19)? Are you the type who enjoys ‘lying in wait’ to upset the ‘vessel’ of weak Christians (cf. Ephesians 4:14)? Are you bold enough to take hostages for your employer (2 Timothy 2:26)? An ability to take away from God’s word is an asset (Revelation 22:19). Apply immediately. Too much good is being accomplished.”

“Would you like a sales position? We need you to sell Divine truth (Proverbs 23:23), bargain for this world’s goods with your soul (Matthew 16:26), and be willing to make your children expendable to be a ‘success’ (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8; Proverbs 22:6). All receipts are kept on file (cf. 2 Peter 2:13).”

“Experienced travel agent desired. Can you give tours of the :Far Country” of sin (cf. Luke 15:13)? Applicant needs to be able to lead others on our charted destinations (2 Timothy 3:6; 2 Peter 3:17). If you can find creative routes away from the worship assemblies (Hebrews 10:25) and provide distracting excursions that lead groups away from involvement in church work (cf. Haggai 1:4,6; John 4:35; Matthew 25:24), we want you! Slothfulness (Hebrews 6:12) an appreciated quality for this job! Must be willing to travel away from your first love (Revelation 2:4).”

“Calling all unskilled carpenters: We are looking for individuals who build on the sand (Matthew 7:26-27). We will provide every foundation for you to build upon except Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10). You don’t even need to be good at framing (cf. Ephesians 2:21). We prefer that you keep busy rebuilding the sinful lifestyle you tore down by coming to the Lord (cf. Galatians 2:18; 2 Peter 2:0-22).”

All the while, Christ calls for workers, too (Matthew 9:37-38). Too many have answered the adversary’s ads (2 Corinthians 11:13; Philippians 3:2). both the Lord and “the Liar” (John 8:44) provide extensive retirement plans [after all, they’re both everlasting] (Matthew 25:46). While everyone will be rewarded according to his works (Matthew 16:27), the devil’s “perks” are profitless (cf. Romans 6:23)! Who are you working for?

Loving Difficult People

Nick Dubree

If I asked for a show of hands if you had at least one person in your life that you found difficult to love, some of us, if not all of us would have both hands and both feet in the air. There is no doubt that all of us have people in our lives that are “difficult to love.” This is a natural part of our lives and even more so as followers of Christ because we have different standard of “loving people” than what you find in the world.

I want to dive a little deeper than what usually talk about when this topic comes up. Usually, when he hear this topic, our minds selfishly start pointing blame at others. We may have thoughts like, “Well if they would just have the same opinion as me, everything would be better”, or “man I wish they would get their life together, they’d be a lot easier to be  around.” 

However, when we observe Matthew and Mark’s account of what Jesus says to the Pharisees in Matthew 22:36-40 and Mark 12:29-31, we find that when Jesus is asked “Which is the greatest commandment?” He says “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”.

There is a greater context here, but I find it very interesting that when Jesus is asked this question, even though it’s coming from a Lawyer trying to test Him, of all the commandments, Jesus answers with these two. Obviously Jesus find these to be greatly important. First and foremost, you have to Love God. Second, you have to love your neighbor as yourself.

And if we do a little reverse psychology with the second commandment Jesus mentions here, you gotta love your neighbor. To love your neighbor right, you gotta love your neighbor as yourself. To love your neighbor as yourself, you gotta love yourself.

Webster defines the word difficult as -hard to do, make, or carry out; hard to deal with, hard to manage, overcome, or understand. Loving difficult people is……difficult, but loving yourself is a constant challenge. It’s a lifelong battle. If we were honest with ourselves, our disappointment and or disapproval of others originate with that of ourselves. The first step to loving difficult people. In fact, loving yourself is the first step to loving people in general.

Jesus gave us a reason to love ourselves, not in a selfish, prideful way, but in light of our salvation. Our salvation and hope should shine through in love for others. I believe if we study ourselves on a regular basis, cultivating that love that Jesus has shown us, it will bring forth a spirit of natural love for people, no matter how difficult they may be.

The Dogtrot Deathtrap

Dale Pollard

 I was given permission to search around a home that was over one hundred years old  and rumored to have treasure buried on the property. The abandoned homestead was set off the road and down in this wooded valley and after making my way down to it, I decided to take a look under it. It’s a dogtrot house, meaning there’s an opening in the middle with two doors. This style of home was commonly found in old western settlements as the opening allowed for more air flow in hot summers. On the side of the house I could see the massive stone foundation had large gaps that I was able to peer through. It was flooded and there were timbers that had caved in. I just slipped through the gap in the foundation with my metal detector which sounds easier than it was. There was sheet metal on the ground that my unit was not happy about. 

The stench of sulfur under the house was overwhelming. The water I had seen was not from past flooding. My guess is that the house was either built over a sulfur spring, or perhaps more terrifying, a sinkhole that had since opened under the foundation. My heart began to pound as I was attempting to swing the detector in search of old coins, my foot slipped and my boot sank down into the water. It was deep. I’m not sure how deep but I thought it was only a couple inches when I had originally decided to crawl under the home. Surrounded by an old stone foundation, any sound I made would have been muffled to the outside world. That could have become deadly in a blink. Had I known how treacherous the loose footing would be and how deep that hole of water was, I wouldn’t have entered. Sadly, the risk yields nothing. No relics, no coins, though I’m sure they’re under there. 

Christ does not deprive us of our treasure, but directs us in the choice of it. In Matthew 6.21 we’re reminded that what we hold most dear to us, has our heart. A treasure is an abundance of something that is, at least in our opinion, precious and valuable. God knows that earth’s treasure is not going to last so the most prudent thing to do is to load up our loot in eternity. The vanity of valuables became all too real to an aging Solomon and that’s seen throughout the inspired collection of his lived experiences that we call Ecclesiastes. What treasure is worth pursuing? Only those that are found in the kingdom. Jesus will attempt to save us the time that could so easily be wasted in searching for something we hope will satisfy us by telling us what to look for. He simply says, “..seek first the kingdom” (6.33). If you’re not seeking that, you’re looking in the wrong place.

Don’t Be Hating

Gary Pollard

What is hate? In the New Testament, hate is μισεω (miseo) and has a few definitions. According to one of the best Greek-English lexicons out there, it can mean “anything from ‘disfavor’ to ‘detest’ depending on its context” (BDAG, μισεω). In other words, it doesn’t necessarily have to mean complete detestation. 

“Hate” is kind of a loaded word today. It’s been hijacked by activists seeking to condone depravity. It’s been a little watered-down as a result. 

Any rational person would understand if we hated someone for good reason. Our justice system has divided homicide into categories at least partially for that reason. They’re all wrong, but some forms of hatred are more understandable than others. 

That’s human thinking. The short version is that it is always wrong to hate anyone for any reason (Mt 5.43ff). What about terrorists who target civilians and use them as human shields? They are our enemies. What are we supposed to do for our enemies? Love them, pray for them (5.44). God brings justice on his terms. A soldier fighting these groups may well be that instrument of justice (cf. Rom 13.4). But most of us aren’t soldiers. That’s just an example, so apply this (minus the soldier part) to illegal immigrants, to the sexually depraved indoctrinating our children in public education, to the Federal managerial state destroying our country, and to any other group/movement/individual we might hate because of their behavior and worldview. 

It can be extremely difficult to do (speaking from personal experience here), but God demands perfection in this context — we have to love our enemies, we have to pray for our enemies. We don’t usually select random people as targets of our hatred. We usually have good cause! That doesn’t excuse a poor view of even the worst of people. God will deal with them, our job is to love and pray for them. 

Finally, our church family is never, ever, ever a place for hatred. Hatred (μισεω, BDAG) means “having a strong aversion to” or “to disfavor” (instead of giving preferential treatment). We’ll end by letting God speak for himself: 

“We know that we have left death and have come into life. We know this because we love each other. Anyone who does not love is still in death. Anyone who hates a fellow believeris a murderer. And you know that no murderer has eternal life” (I Jn 3.14-15). 

Why You Must Repent

Carl Pollard

There’s a story told of a man who came forward every Sunday to ask for prayers. 

He continued responding every week for several months. Every time he would confess this same sin he would say, “Lord, take the cobwebs out of my life.” 

Finally, one Sunday, the man responded again with the same sin, and asked for the cobwebs to be taken out of his life. To which the preacher responded, “just kill the spider already.” Often, we come to God asking for forgiveness from the same sin time and time again, and yet we continue to leave the source of temptation in our lives. 

Sin always requires forgiveness. Forgiveness requires repentance. Repentance requires change! Repentance is a topic we are all familiar with. The word repent/repentance is used over 170 times in the Bible It is stressed as a part of the process by which we are forgiven of our sin. Verses like Acts 2:38 come to mind when we hear this word. To repent means to change your mind which leads to a change in direction. It means to feel remorse for sin, and it includes a change in lifestyle. 

When faced with temptation, true repentance is choosing not to sin. When caught in sin, repentance is a godly remorse. It is sincerity in your desire to “go and sin no more.” We understand this. It’s important for the born again Christian, but also for those who are wanting to be immersed and added to the body of Christ. 

We know what it is, but we also need to realize what it isn’t. Repentance isn’t just feeling sad. Paul tells us that worldly remorse is just feeling sorry that you were caught. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says, “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” Godly grief that leads to repentance is remorse that you have sinned against the God of our salvation. 

Worldly repentance is hollow and empty. 

It isn’t feeling remorse just because you were caught doing what you shouldn’t. True repentance is so much more. True repentance does not regret parting with sin, false repentance does. True repentance hates sin, false repentance hates the consequences of sin. True repentance accepts godly counsel and accountability, false repentance avoids accountability. 

Our goal must be to practice true repentance, and we can’t fool ourselves. We are ALL in need of forgiveness, but we must be willing to confess our sins, to hate the sin, and change our lives to mirror Christ. 

Why Is repentance needed? Whether it is in relationships, in the church or in the world, God will not forgive us if we are unwilling to change sinful behavior.

Repentance isn’t just guilt, although guilt can sometimes motivate us to repent. 

In Luke 13:3,5, Jesus tells those who come to him to repent or they will perish. In this section several people come to Jesus to talk not about their own sins, but the sins of others. It’s a whole lot easier to see the faults in others rather than the blatantly obvious faults we have in our own lives. 

Here the people have done exactly what we continue to do today, talk about the sins of others rather than their own. But Jesus tells them they are horribly mistaken. There is power in repentance, and twice in this one conversation Jesus tells them to repent.

If I am honest, there have been far too many times I have failed to just “kill the spider.” I am ashamed of the sin I continued to feed all the while pointing out sin in everyone else’s lives. God will look at each and every one of us. He sees our sins and there is no one to blame but ourselves. Repent. Before your conscience is seared or the end comes. Repent.

A Heart For God: Finding Faith Despite Our Flaws

Brent Pollard

David is known as the man after God’s heart, but he is also a flawed human capable of terrible things. This truth might seem contradictory initially, raising questions about whether one must strictly follow religious doctrine or if God’s grace is enough. Even though David lived under a different covenant, God’s nature remains the same today. So, while the requirements for salvation have changed, nine out of ten commandments from the Old Testament are still considered necessary in the New Testament. David may have broken several commands during his lifetime, but we acknowledge that he was privileged to be the ancestor of the lineage that would result in the birth of Christ. As a result, despite being flawed, God thought he was worthy of using him to spread His love and mercy in this world.

Let’s examine David under a microscope to resolve this apparent contradiction. Lest you accuse me of being picky, remember that the Law of Moses required strict adherence. Therefore, consider a list of David’s sins.

  • David broke the Seventh Commandment against adultery by sleeping with Bathsheba, a married woman (Exodus 20.14; Deuteronomy 5.18).
  • David went on to violate the Sixth Commandment by ordering the murder of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband (Exodus 20.13; Deuteronomy 5.17).
  • David violated the Ninth Commandment by lying and deceiving in both sins (Exodus 20.16; Deuteronomy 5.20). David also broke this commandment when he misled Ahimelech in 1 Samuel 21.
  • David violated God’s Law prohibiting a leader from having more than one wife (Deuteronomy 17.17), as well as God’s purpose for marriage as expounded upon by Jesus in Matthew 19.
  • David broke the Law by partaking in the showbread, which God only intended for the priests (1 Samuel 21.3ff; Leviticus 24.5–9). In all fairness, Jesus did use this incident to stress the need for mercy over legalism in Matthew 12.4.
  • In one of his last notable acts as king, David numbered the people in a manner inconsistent with God’s regulations regarding such, bringing a plague upon his people (2 Samuel 24.1–9; Exodus 30.11–16).

What actions did David take that were considered righteous or admirable? As previously stated, David earned the moniker “the man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13.14; Acts 13.22). So he must have done something, making the sins we’ve mentioned seem minor in comparison—at least, that is what we would expect. Consider a list of David’s accolades.

  • As a young shepherd, David showed his faith and courage by defeating Goliath with a sling and a stone, demonstrating his trust in God (1 Samuel 17.45–50).
  • David spared Saul’s life twice, showing respect for God’s anointed king (1 Samuel 24, 26).
  • David repented after committing adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband Uriah killed (2 Samuel 12:13, Psalm 51). David was a penitent man, as the psalms he wrote show. Nearly half a dozen psalms have a penitential tone.
  • The book of Psalms, cited at least ten times in the New Testament, shows the depth of David’s faith. A couple of those psalms were messianic, serving as prophecy (see Psalm 22). Thus, David’s heartfelt praise, lament, and trust encourage believers today.
  • David laid the groundwork for building a new home for God’s Ark and provided a place for God’s shekinah to dwell. The Ark of the Covenant had been in Shiloh for the first 300 years of Israel’s national life. But the debacle of the battle near Aphek led to its loss to the Philistines for seven months. When the Ark returned on a cart led by two cows set loose by the Philistines, it came to Beth-shemesh. And the Ark did not have a permanent home until David brought it to Jerusalem.

I do not want to convey the impression that faith is a transactional exchange. David did not become the man after God’s own heart because his good deeds outweighed the bad. It was David’s heart that truly distinguished him. What truly characterized him was his genuine love and devotion to God and his willingness to repent and seek forgiveness when he sinned. David based his faith on a deep, personal relationship with God rather than earning favor through deeds. And David was aware that God’s mercy could bridge the gap.

Reflecting on the life of David, we see a vivid portrait of human complexity painted against the backdrop of divine grace. David’s story is not merely one of failure or success but a testament to the transformative power of repentance and the unfathomable depths of God’s mercy. Despite his significant shortcomings, David’s heart—a heart willing to acknowledge wrongdoing and turn back to God—set him apart. His legacy, therefore, isn’t defined by his failures but by his profound relationship with God. It highlights a path of redemption and faithfulness accessible to all. This narrative encourages us to approach God with a contrite spirit and to live with the assurance that grace, not our imperfect attempts at righteousness, is the foundation of our relationship with the Divine. In all its complexity, David’s life reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and forgiveness. It’s a message of hope and reassurance for every believer.

The Right Way To Complain

Brent Pollard

In the biblical account found in Joshua 17:14-18, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh approached Joshua with a genuine concern – the land allotted to them was insufficient for their needs. Unlike the previous generation, which perished in the wilderness due to chronic discontent, Ephraim and Manasseh exhibited a more constructive approach to addressing their grievances.

While they voiced complaints, they did not falsely accuse God of unfairness. Instead, they brought their valid concerns to Joshua, the divinely appointed leader guiding them toward their inheritance. This shift in attitude demonstrates a willingness to collaborate openly in seeking resolutions rather than dwelling on discontentment.

Their situation highlights a fundamental societal issue—the insatiable desire for more, whether physical resources or the perceived potential for tremendous success. Despite receiving their fair share, people often seek to expand their holdings, driven by never being fully satisfied. However, Ephraim and Manasseh’s complaints differed from typical expressions of discontent.

Referred to as “instrumental complaints,” their grievances served as a platform for constructive problem-solving rather than merely voicing dissatisfaction. They rationally assessed their circumstances and sought viable solutions to ensure their prosperity and security. Their complaint transcended a mere display of discontent, becoming a crucial step toward safeguarding their legacy.

Rather than rebuking them, Joshua redirected their focus from negatives to positives. He acknowledged their military strength due to their sizable population. He reminded the tribes they had permission to clear the forested areas in their inheritance for agriculture and city construction. Ultimately, the only impediment was not a lack of resources but a deficiency in their resolve to carry out God’s will.

This account provides valuable insights into the appropriate way to voice grievances constructively:

  1. Identify the problem by fully understanding the issue rather than reacting emotionally.
  2. Seek solutions by considering potential improvements or resolutions before complaining.
  3. As Joshua showed Ephraim and Manasseh, be prepared to participate in the solution—solving problems often requires personal effort.

By following this approach of identifying issues, seeking solutions, and contributing to resolutions, we can learn from Ephraim and Manasseh’s example and voice grievances constructively, avoiding the pitfalls of chronic complaining, unproductive venting, and dwelling on discontentment.

…

The Danger Of Uncontrolled Anger

Brent Pollard

Hans Bitmez, a 53-year-old member of Turkey’s Islamist Saadet Partisi, recently demonstrated situational irony. Situational irony occurs when a significant difference exists between the expected outcome and the actual unfolding of events. Bitmez delivered a passionate and intense 20-minute rant against Israel, culminating in a poem warning of impending divine retribution. After Bitmez spoke those words, he collapsed from a heart attack. He would die shortly after being taken to the hospital. 

While this situation may appear ironic, my intention is not to imply that it is divine retribution against a man who has expressed strong opposition to Israel. Within generic Christendom, a group of people believe that the modern nation-state of Israel, established in 1948, is the same as the ancient Israel mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. As a result, they invoke the Abrahamic covenant, which states that God blesses those who bless Abraham’s descendants. 

As a result, many people who identify as Christians believe that their country should currently assist the state of Israel. In light of the establishment of the New Testament, I would like to draw their attention to the apostle Paul’s teachings in Galatians 4 regarding the identity of God’s people today. The existence of the New Covenant, according to the author of Hebrews, implies that the Old Covenant is no longer valid (Hebrews 8.13). So, while we, as Christians of American earthy citizenship, may support Israel as a democratic nation and ally in a troubled region of the world, we are not obligated to them because of our faith in the Lord. 

To clarify, I’d like to go over why I chose Hans Bitmez as an illustrative example to examine. Hans Bitmez personifies the reasoning behind the Bible’s proscription against anger. God consistently prioritizes our best interests. God, as our creator, understands the adverse effects of anger on our health. Anger can cause hypertension, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, substance abuse, gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, and diabetes. Concerning the causes of these conditions, one must consider the physiological changes that anger can cause, such as increased energy levels, elevated blood pressure, a surge in hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, increased body temperature, and heightened muscle tension.

God warned Cain about anger in this manner: “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4.6-7 NASB 1995). God personified anger in human form. Sin lurked, poised to ambush anyone who stepped out the door. Anger seeks to dominate us, but we must exert authority over it. 

However, it is important to note that God told Cain that his anger showed itself on his face. His demeanor had shifted. Some people may be surprised that others can detect their emotions through subtle cues such as a piercing gaze or a slight lip curl. Our feelings, however, manifest themselves even when we do not express them verbally. Elevated vocal tones, tightened fists, furrowed brows or scowls, a tightly clenched jaw, physical trembling, accelerated heart rate, excessive sweating, and excessive pacing are all signs of anger.

Most importantly, God understood that sin begins in the heart. He wanted Cain to be aware of his rage so he would not sin. Unfortunately, Cain ignores God’s warning and becomes an example for us. Cain demonstrates how anger leads to poor decision-making. Cain’s keen hatred for Abel, which stems from jealousy and resentment, clouds his judgment. This result exemplifies how anger can lead to rash and harmful decisions.

However, violent outbursts followed the unbridled fury. As the story progresses, Cain’s anger builds to a dangerous climax, and he commits the first murder in Biblical history. The fact that this could happen shows how fury can cause drastic, permanent changes. As a result, anger has adverse effects. After murdering Abel, Cain is subject to divine punishment, which includes being marked and banished. This scene from the story shows how damaging it is to let one’s anger fester uncontrollably.

We, too, would do well to listen to Jesus as He chastised the Pharisees for elevating their traditions over God’s word. Jesus says that not what a man ingests defiles him, but rather what comes out of his heart (Matthew 15.18–20). If you note, murder is one of those things Jesus says begins first in the heart. The heart, of course, refers to the seat of all our emotions, like anger.

To conclude, the Hans Bitmez story is a moving reminder of the profound wisdom in biblical teachings about anger and its effects. While not a direct act of divine retribution, his unfortunate demise following a vehement outburst against Israel highlights the physical and spiritual dangers of uncontrolled anger. This incident is reminiscent of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel, in which unchecked rage resulted in tragic outcomes. It is a modern-day parallel that demonstrates the timeless relevance of Biblical principles. As Christians, Jesus calls us to exercise restraint and wisdom, understanding that our emotions, particularly anger, have the potential to lead us off the path of God. This story encourages us to heed the Biblical warning to master our anger, or it will master us. By doing so, we align ourselves with good health practices and a spiritual ethos that promotes peace, self-control, and the well-being of our souls.

How One Man Was Conquered By Sin

Neal Pollard

He’s introduced to us right after the end of the stunning victory at Jericho (Josh. 7:1). He is from the same tribe that the Messiah would hail from. Three other ancestors besides Judah are named, and they are roughly laid out for us in 1 Chronicles 2:3-7. Achan lives in infamy as “the troubler of Israel” (1 Chron. 2:7). A man who stood shoulder to shoulder with the conquerors of Jericho, whose voice was no doubt heard shouting along with everyone else (6:20), and whose sword dealt destructive blows to the inhabitants (6:21), had made a fateful stop somewhere inside the city amidst the rout. It was a detour that would not only change his life, but the life of his family (25) and the lives of at least 36 other families (5). His sin dragged down an entire nation, at least for a little while.

We’re not told if Achan put together his sin and the downfall of Israel in their first battle with Ai. Yet, when Joshua begins the process by taking lots to discover the culprit (14-15), he had to feel the noose tightening. Finally, when he is exposed as the one who “took some of the things under the ban” (1), Joshua speaks in a surprisingly gentle and compassionate tone as he tells Achan, “My son, I implore you, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and give praise to Him; and tell me now what you have done. Do not hide it from me” (19). After the battle, he had the opportunity to immediately come clean and tell Joshua what he had done. Anytime between Jericho and Ai, he might have been led by a pricked conscience to unburden himself and repent. Not until the divinely-led process when he was undeniably found guilty did Achan confess his sin. It is then that Joshua, Israel, and the reader learn how Achan had been “conquered.”

“I saw” (21). My mom used to sing the devotional song with us, “Oh, be careful little eyes what you see.” How many times have our eyes been the gateway to sin and trouble in our lives. The text doesn’t even say he was searching, but at some point his eyes rested on the spoil and he saw a beautiful robe, some silver and a wedge of gold. He found it irresistible. This was Eve’s problem (Gen. 3:6) and David’s (2 Sam. 11:2). In discussing sinful desire for material things, Jesus would reveal how the eye is the lamp of the body (Mat. 6:22-23). Achan’s eye was “bad.” Be careful to say with the Psalmist, “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes” (Ps. 101:3).

“I coveted” (21). This was the tenth commandment in the Law of Moses (Exo. 20:17; Deu. 5:21). It is also repeatedly condemned in the New Testament (Eph. 5:3,5). To covet is to desire, bringing damage upon the thing or person desired, and to take pleasure in (HAL). It’s a passionate desire, but, here and in the prohibition of the Law, it is an unholy desire for what is not one’s own. It leads to theft, adultery, and other sins where unholy desire leads to unholy action. Achan’s heart was conquered by unrighteous desires. How many lives have been overturned and destroyed by this?

“I took” (21). The progression went from eyes to heart to hands. Sin is progressively destructive. James 1:13-15 compares it to a macabre birth process, where temptation leads to lust which when conceived gives birth to sin. Sin, unchecked, leads to death (cf. Rom. 6:23). How did Achan justify transgressing the explicit warning Joshua made prior to Jericho, “But as for you, only keep yourselves from the things under the ban, so that you do not covet them and take some of the things under the ban, and make the camp of Israel accursed and bring trouble on it. But all the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron are holy to the Lord; they shall go into the treasury of the Lord” (6:18-19)? Somehow, he rationalized, justified, and convinced himself it was OK. One of the most sobering precepts of all Scripture, to me, is, “All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the LORD weighs the motives” (Prov. 16:2). Similar to it is, “Every man’s way is right in his own eyes,

But the LORD weighs the hearts” (Prov. 21:2). I’ve not known very many gossips, slanderers, liars, sexually immoral, drunkards, deceivers, troublemakers, sinfully angry, or the like who saw themselves as dirty and wrong.  Yet, however we see ourselves, God sets His all-seeing eyes on our motives and hearts. He is looking with perfect perspective at our “ways” (our actions). Ultimately, whether we repent or face judgment, those actions will be correctly measured by the all-knowing Lord. 

“I concealed” (21). It’s obvious that Achan understands, in his heart of hearts, that he’s done something wrong. Sin loves darkness and cover. Achan hasn’t really thought this through. Where would he spend the gold and silver? Where would he wear his fancy robe? Who would he sell it to and how would he explain his new-found wealth. When lust and temptation are in the driver’s seat, thoughts of consequences are shoved aside. The anticipated pleasure is tainted or replaced with the need to hide. Ask Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:7-8). 

At the end of the day, Achan, his children, his livestock, his tent, and all his possessions lay buried beneath a pile of stones in a place appropriately nicknamed “the valley of trouble” (26). It was an infamous memorial, a tribute to the fruit of sin. The advertisements don’t talk about this part of enticement. The promise of satisfaction gives way to the punishment of senselessness. It is so important for us to have the foresight God has given us in Scripture. “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Prov. 14:12; 16:25). If he could be heard, Achan would say “Amen.” Thank God for giving us this example to keep us from such an end!