A Christian apologetic is one who defends Christianity against objections.
For the most part, I've never been one to doubt God, Jesus, and the Miraculous events in the Bible. No one has ever challenged my faith before on a direct basis, but there has always been questions that I could never answer.
A number of years ago, I pondered quite a controversial subject. And like the most of us nowadays, I went on YouTube to see if I could discover any answers.
Enter Ravi Zacharias. I watched video after video of his messages, defending Christianity, tackling the tough issues in a clear manner. His sense of humor was also infectious. I also subscribed to his many podcasts, listening to them on a daily basis.
You see, there are many who doubt God and have honest questions about life and the many issues that Christians face everyday. My path was quite the opposite. I've had virtually no doubt but was seeking answers to questions others were facing. Ravi also introduced me to others in the apologetic field, of whom they're too numerous to name at this point.
Yesterday, it was announced that Ravi passed away from cancer. From the many Facebook posts, one could tell that many loved Ravi and his constant message and his love of God and Jesus. If you have questions or doubts about God, give Ravi a listen. Open your mind. Open your heart. Listen to Ravi and let God fill your spirit with His Word.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Seek God always, not just in times of trouble
In early 2019, I decided to invest more into my spiritual future. With my eyesight, it was difficult for me to read a physical book. So I read primarily ebooks.
That being said, I had one ebook version of the Bible. But I was having troubles understanding some of the phrasing. It may be that I got the book for free, years ago, and it wasn't translated properly. Anyway, if I came to a passage that was unclear, I'd crack open a physical Bible and read the same passage. Undoubtedly, it made sense.
So in early 2019 I purchased four different ebook versions of the Bible. One was as high as $30, but it has been well-worth it. I purchased another one earlier this year, which brings the total up to five. Reading the same passage in five different Bibles can bring a clearer perspective.
At that time, I also invested time each night alone and studied the Bible. I also read a few other Christian books, to add to my arsenal of knowledge.
If you've been following my journey over the past year, you know that my wife's medical issues started on May 19th, 2019, and ended with her passing on January 16, 2020. 242 days. These were troublesome times, for sure. But as much as I could, my wife and I sought out the Lord. Even during the better years, we remembered God as much as we could.
It is vitally important to seek out the Lord in both the good and bad times in your life. I am a true testament to that notion, for I built up a trust and faith and love in God and His Son Jesus Christ, that He helped me during the difficult times of my wife's illness, passing, and the aftermath of grief.
Seek Him out today.
That being said, I had one ebook version of the Bible. But I was having troubles understanding some of the phrasing. It may be that I got the book for free, years ago, and it wasn't translated properly. Anyway, if I came to a passage that was unclear, I'd crack open a physical Bible and read the same passage. Undoubtedly, it made sense.
So in early 2019 I purchased four different ebook versions of the Bible. One was as high as $30, but it has been well-worth it. I purchased another one earlier this year, which brings the total up to five. Reading the same passage in five different Bibles can bring a clearer perspective.
At that time, I also invested time each night alone and studied the Bible. I also read a few other Christian books, to add to my arsenal of knowledge.
If you've been following my journey over the past year, you know that my wife's medical issues started on May 19th, 2019, and ended with her passing on January 16, 2020. 242 days. These were troublesome times, for sure. But as much as I could, my wife and I sought out the Lord. Even during the better years, we remembered God as much as we could.
It is vitally important to seek out the Lord in both the good and bad times in your life. I am a true testament to that notion, for I built up a trust and faith and love in God and His Son Jesus Christ, that He helped me during the difficult times of my wife's illness, passing, and the aftermath of grief.
Seek Him out today.
Friday, May 15, 2020
Memories (keeping faith during difficult times)
As of this date, it has been 120 days since my wife Melissa has passed away, when the Lord lifted her up into Heaven and Christ Jesus wrapped His Loving Arms around her.
My wife had been through so much over the last nine years. In early 2011, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, was declared cancer free in early August 2011, and had a bone marrow transplant on September 1, 2011.
But afterward, she had a series of complications, one of which was the losing of much of her sight by mid-October 2011. She remained strong, tough-minded, and faithful to God throughout her life, and in looking at her daily Facebook memories it shows.
I go through her Facebook memories every single morning. Some I share again, to keep her memory alive in others, while the most I read and admire. She had a very strong faith. She put her trust in God, no matter the outcome. And it isn't just one post from one year. She has repeated posts, every single day, for years.
No mater what you are going through, put your complete faith and trust in the Lord. Open the Bible. Read His Scriptures. Study them.
My wife had been through so much over the last nine years. In early 2011, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, was declared cancer free in early August 2011, and had a bone marrow transplant on September 1, 2011.
But afterward, she had a series of complications, one of which was the losing of much of her sight by mid-October 2011. She remained strong, tough-minded, and faithful to God throughout her life, and in looking at her daily Facebook memories it shows.
I go through her Facebook memories every single morning. Some I share again, to keep her memory alive in others, while the most I read and admire. She had a very strong faith. She put her trust in God, no matter the outcome. And it isn't just one post from one year. She has repeated posts, every single day, for years.
No mater what you are going through, put your complete faith and trust in the Lord. Open the Bible. Read His Scriptures. Study them.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Seeking the Lord's guidance and protection
In the book of Ezra, chapter 8, Ezra assembled all of the exiles at the Ahava Canal, on their way to Jerusalem. He had lists of all the people, and had discovered that not one single Levite was among them.
He sent leaders on to the Levite territory, to ask for ministers for the Lord's Temple that they were going to build. Since they did it in honor and love of God, He graced them with a Levite man named Sherebiah, along with many descendants.
Before they went on their way, they fasted and humbly prayed to God for safe passage. They prayed that He would protect them from their enemies. He heard their prayer. With many treasures in their possession, they made the long journey without incident.
Whenever you have a difficult task, pray to God for guidance. Pray to God that all will go well. God may not always keep you completely free from troubles, but He will only allow enough that you can handle.
Praying for God's guidance is a good habit to get into. You'll be amazed at what He can do in your life.
He sent leaders on to the Levite territory, to ask for ministers for the Lord's Temple that they were going to build. Since they did it in honor and love of God, He graced them with a Levite man named Sherebiah, along with many descendants.
Before they went on their way, they fasted and humbly prayed to God for safe passage. They prayed that He would protect them from their enemies. He heard their prayer. With many treasures in their possession, they made the long journey without incident.
Whenever you have a difficult task, pray to God for guidance. Pray to God that all will go well. God may not always keep you completely free from troubles, but He will only allow enough that you can handle.
Praying for God's guidance is a good habit to get into. You'll be amazed at what He can do in your life.
Friday, May 8, 2020
Earth as God's gift to humanity
For those who love nature, the soft roar of the waves, the gentle breeze, the majestic mountains that show His mighty strength, Psalm 65 is one psalm not to miss.
In the first four verses, we vow all humanity to the Lord. He deserves all of our praise. His love and beautiful creations overwhelm us, and we are satisfied with what we have in this world.
Starting in verse five, we see a wide array of natural spectacles that the Lord has bestowed upon us. All of His works inspire us with awe. Across all of the lands and the distant seas, from the vast mountains and rolling hills, this world is abundant with His creation.
He blesses the lands with rain and all living things grow from it.
Next time you find yourself outside, take a moment and thank God for all He created. His creation is truly awe-inspiring.
In the first four verses, we vow all humanity to the Lord. He deserves all of our praise. His love and beautiful creations overwhelm us, and we are satisfied with what we have in this world.
Starting in verse five, we see a wide array of natural spectacles that the Lord has bestowed upon us. All of His works inspire us with awe. Across all of the lands and the distant seas, from the vast mountains and rolling hills, this world is abundant with His creation.
He blesses the lands with rain and all living things grow from it.
Next time you find yourself outside, take a moment and thank God for all He created. His creation is truly awe-inspiring.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Meet Ezra
It isn't until chapter 7, in the book of Ezra, do we in fact meet Ezra.
Ezra was a scribe who was much learned about the Law of Moses, which the Lord had given to the people of Israel. He came about during the reign of King Artaxerxes in Persia.
In this chapter, Ezra arrived in Jerusalem, and the Lord was with him. He was determined to teach the Lord's Law to the exiles who had arrived back in Israel, who were rebuilding the Temple of the Lord. Upon his arrival was a letter from the Persian king himself, greeting him and offering anything he needed in the way of goods, gold and silver, and livestock, to fulfill the Lord's purpose for him.
In the end, Ezra praised the Lord for honoring him to the king, his council, and all of those in Israel. There was no doubt the Lord was with him.
Sunday, May 3, 2020
The great lengths evil will go to stop the Lord's work. Or at least try.
In the book of Ezra, chapters four through six, is an interesting circle of events.
As we left off at the end of chapter three, the exiled people from Jerusalem had returned back to Judah and were in the process of rebuilding the Lord's Temple. The foundation had been completed and there was much joy across the land.
Starting in chapter 4, their rebuilding had gained the attention of their neighboring enemies. Other leaders of Israel, at first, wanted to be a part of it, but those exiled from Judah denied their request, stating God had commanded only them to rebuild the Temple.
The locals became enraged, and tried to frighten the workers. But to no avail. They even bribed others to work against them. Nope. It did no good.
Then, the enemies wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes of Persia, demanding that they stop, for once the Temple and their grand city was built, the Jews would refuse to pay their tribute to the government. It would be in Persia's best interest to cease their building. By the end of chapter 6, it was ordered that they stop, for it was in the king's best interest.
Beginning in chapter 5, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the people of Judah, stating they could start rebuilding, as commanded by God. So they did. This act enraged their enemies yet again. This time, they wrote a letter to King Darius of Persia, pleading with him to order the cease of all rebuilding. King Darius demanded the people of Judah who gave them permission. So they laid their case for doing so, as demanded by God whom He had gave permission to King Cyrus. The people of Judah asked King Darius to search the archives for such a written request by King Cyrus.
When we come to chapter 6, King Darius had his people search the archives and found the document scroll by King Cyrus. Upon reading it, he sent word to the enemies of Judah that the rebuilding would begin again and any further violation of his decree would find their people's homes torn down and the people impaled upon the timber from their homes.
King Darius concluded by stating that God had chosen the city of Jerusalem to be a place of honor in His name, and no one will go against such a decision.
The Temple was completed by the sixth year of King Darius's reign and there was a great celebration in the Lord's name.
As you can tell, evil will go to great lengths to stop the spread of the Lord's Message and the furthering of His people. But by trusting in God and doing what He commands, one will always walk in His Glorious Favor.
As we left off at the end of chapter three, the exiled people from Jerusalem had returned back to Judah and were in the process of rebuilding the Lord's Temple. The foundation had been completed and there was much joy across the land.
Starting in chapter 4, their rebuilding had gained the attention of their neighboring enemies. Other leaders of Israel, at first, wanted to be a part of it, but those exiled from Judah denied their request, stating God had commanded only them to rebuild the Temple.
The locals became enraged, and tried to frighten the workers. But to no avail. They even bribed others to work against them. Nope. It did no good.
Then, the enemies wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes of Persia, demanding that they stop, for once the Temple and their grand city was built, the Jews would refuse to pay their tribute to the government. It would be in Persia's best interest to cease their building. By the end of chapter 6, it was ordered that they stop, for it was in the king's best interest.
Beginning in chapter 5, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the people of Judah, stating they could start rebuilding, as commanded by God. So they did. This act enraged their enemies yet again. This time, they wrote a letter to King Darius of Persia, pleading with him to order the cease of all rebuilding. King Darius demanded the people of Judah who gave them permission. So they laid their case for doing so, as demanded by God whom He had gave permission to King Cyrus. The people of Judah asked King Darius to search the archives for such a written request by King Cyrus.
When we come to chapter 6, King Darius had his people search the archives and found the document scroll by King Cyrus. Upon reading it, he sent word to the enemies of Judah that the rebuilding would begin again and any further violation of his decree would find their people's homes torn down and the people impaled upon the timber from their homes.
King Darius concluded by stating that God had chosen the city of Jerusalem to be a place of honor in His name, and no one will go against such a decision.
The Temple was completed by the sixth year of King Darius's reign and there was a great celebration in the Lord's name.
As you can tell, evil will go to great lengths to stop the spread of the Lord's Message and the furthering of His people. But by trusting in God and doing what He commands, one will always walk in His Glorious Favor.
Friday, May 1, 2020
Love is the greatest (Day 5 of Love verses from 1 Corinthians chapter 13)
We now come to the final verse from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 13.
Verse 13.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
This last line always struck me with a sense of wonder. The greatest quality, above faith and hope, is love. The greatest action, above having faith and hope, is love.
When some think of love, they think of either something sexual with spouse or something you feel toward relatives. But the definition of love is listed in the entire chapter. Love is an unselfish caring feeling you have toward someone else. You don't desire anything in return. You just love one another.
Let's say you're driving to the store and you see a disheveled man with long, dirty hair standing on the street corner. Most people would look at him with disgust. Be like Jesus and love upon that person. Ask God to send His love to that man, because you never know what the circumstances are for his demise.
What is someone is rude to you? Love them back. I'm not talking a physical display of affection. Even taking the approach to ask God to speak into your heart, forgive that person, and ask that He sends love their way. You'd be amazed at what this will do to your spirit.
Remember this as you go through life. Love is the absolute greatest. Love is the reason Jesus died on the Cross. His love for us. Can you imagine that? Dying the most horrible death imaginable, forgiving those for doing so, and love us?
Also remember that with your closest loved ones. Don't take them for granted. Love them with all your heart, soul, and being. Read this entire chapter often, and never forget what it says.
Love is the greatest.
Verse 13.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
This last line always struck me with a sense of wonder. The greatest quality, above faith and hope, is love. The greatest action, above having faith and hope, is love.
When some think of love, they think of either something sexual with spouse or something you feel toward relatives. But the definition of love is listed in the entire chapter. Love is an unselfish caring feeling you have toward someone else. You don't desire anything in return. You just love one another.
Let's say you're driving to the store and you see a disheveled man with long, dirty hair standing on the street corner. Most people would look at him with disgust. Be like Jesus and love upon that person. Ask God to send His love to that man, because you never know what the circumstances are for his demise.
What is someone is rude to you? Love them back. I'm not talking a physical display of affection. Even taking the approach to ask God to speak into your heart, forgive that person, and ask that He sends love their way. You'd be amazed at what this will do to your spirit.
Remember this as you go through life. Love is the absolute greatest. Love is the reason Jesus died on the Cross. His love for us. Can you imagine that? Dying the most horrible death imaginable, forgiving those for doing so, and love us?
Also remember that with your closest loved ones. Don't take them for granted. Love them with all your heart, soul, and being. Read this entire chapter often, and never forget what it says.
Love is the greatest.
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