Disciple or Hypocrite?

As I was scrolling through Facebook the other day, I came across a post that grabbed my attention. It was of a preacher, ripping churches for hypocrisy in their abhorrence of same sex marriage. He stated that while judging the gay lifestyle, they ignored sin in their own ranks. It got me thinking, as a Christian, am I a disciple or a hypocrite?

Emotions

The ruling of the Supreme Court brought out a lot of emotions from the Church in the United States. It also brought out a lot of emotions from supporters of the ruling, and showed the divide that is prevalent in this country. It struck some core beliefs as to where  the church thinks the morality of this country is headed. We are seeing unprecedented events almost daily that would have been impossible as little as a decade ago. From the perspective of the Church, the outrage of immorality has waned and what use to be considered evil is now considered acceptable.

The Planned Parenthood story, as shocking and grotesque as one might find it, is an accepted practice by the current government. It's outrage seems to be more centered on the group that is bringing these practices to light, than to those who are picking body parts out of the womb for market. As a Christian I am screaming (and posting), "Stop the insanity!" Yet there are others who defend that this is acceptable healthcare for women and is good for low income communities. 

Am I a Hypocrite?

But as I am shouting from the rooftops, am I being hypocritical? Have I ever been hypocritical as I see sin perceived in others and have something to say about it? Am I crying about the sin of another, yet perhaps neglecting the sin of my own?

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. (Matthew 23:1-4 NIV)

The Source of My Faith

The source of my faith is two-fold. It is my experience in the things that Jesus Christ has done in my life, and it is the Word of God.  In fact, my experience started before I read my first word in the Bible. The truth is, Jesus showed His love for me before I even owned a Bible. He showed mercy toward me, before I opened to the first page. My faith is not based solely on what I have read, but also on what God has done. So I tend to be very passionate about what I believe. Yet in my human frailty, I can be hypocritical (as I have been).

However one thing is for certain, no one is blameless. 

For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23 NIV)

If I am honest with myself, I am just a run of the mill sinner, saved by the Grace of God. Nothing I have done has made me special and certainly not qualified to judge someone else. Although I can discern wrong, I am in no position to judge. 

Did Jesus Judge? Does Jesus Judge?

When a woman (where was the man) who was caught in the act of adultery was thrown before Jesus, He was reminded about the law. "Moses said she should be stoned, what do you say?" the religious demanded. Jesus said nothing. He just stooped down beside her. "The law demands punishment!" they shouted. Jesus wrote in the dirt.

As the religiosity  became impatient, He finally replied, "You who is without sin, cast the first stone." No stone was cast and no condemnation was given. Jesus, who was the only one who was without sin, chose to stand with her instead of against her. He said, "I don't condemn you, go and sin no more."

It is important to realize that Jesus did not then, nor does he now sit on a Judgment Seat, but rather a mercy seat. So why should we?

Do not judge or you will be judged. (Matthew 7:1 NIV)

In a court of law there are four key players outside of the defendant. There is the judge, the prosecutor, the defense attorney and the witnesses. As a member of the Church Body, I have a role to play.

I am not to be Judge for that is God's role (James 4:12), I am not to be prosecutor for that is the role of Satan (Revelation 12:10), nor am I to be defense attorney for that is the role of Jesus (Romans 8:34). But I am called to be a witness. A witness of things that I have seen and heard (Acts 4:20). 


But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses....(Acts 1:8 NIV)

My main mission in life is to be a witness, and only a witness.

Salt and Light

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ... (Matthew 5:13 NIV)

For salt to be effective it must be on what it seasons. The church cannot be kept on the spice rack, not applying itself to a lost world. Neither can it be hid or its message extinguished, but must also be visible, shinning the truth of Jesus Christ. 

The Church is not always right in its efforts and should hone it's rhetoric for effectiveness. We should be slow to speak, and use wisdom when we do. But speak we must, in a spirit of anguish over what is in store for those around us. Tolerant of people, but never tolerant of sin. No condemnation, but love, for while we were still sinning, Jesus Christ died for us also. 

Trying to be a Disciple

Humanity is flawed, and we in the Church are part of humanity. But we also have a calling, a calling to be a witness to who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for us. We have a commission to share His story of reconciliation to God through the message of the Cross. We are to speak of our values and beliefs, but not in arrogance, only in Love. (1 Corinthians 13:1) 

My biggest challenge as a disciple of Jesus Christ is to make sure I get my calling correct. If I step outside of what I am called to do, I am not in His will. So if you hear me talking of things I have seen and heard, of talking about things that God is doing for me and in the world we live in,  if I am talking about what God's Word has to say about all that is going on and what we can expect to happen, please understand, I am trying to be a witness not a judge, I am trying to be a disciple not a hypocrite.


Your comments are welcome, please let me know what you think.

Thanks for reading,

Your friend Will

Where Is God When I'm Hurting?

Do you ever get the feeling that when there is trouble, God is not available? Or perhaps He's vacant only when you are in trouble, as He tends to other's needs quite well. Perhaps you don't believe He exists, or remains distant in all circumstances. Or maybe you feel you are not important and He is unconcerned or unaware of your situation.

When I was a young boy, my mother had a favorite saying while driving. It usually followed after another driver made her maneuver to avoid an accident. If I heard it once, I heard it a thousand times, "Where is there a cop when you need one?"

Ever heard that before, or if you're like me you probably said it a few times. "Where is the one who could fix the injustice I have just suffered. Man if there was a cop around they would take care of this situation and I could get on with my day!" 

If only I knew where to find God....(Job 23:3 NLT)

Perhaps you are going through something that requires more than a police officer. Perhaps you are a Christian or perhaps you're not, but all of us at one time or another have asked the question, "Where is God when I need Him?" You see this is different than the prayers we learned to say as children at bedtime. This is personal, this is about what I am going through. "Me Lord! Where are you when I need you?

The loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of integrity or an unforeseen illness can rock our world. Life has a way of interrupting the plans that we have laid down for ourselves, and when it does, we question God. We question His love for us, His presence in our lives, and in some cases His very existence.  

The Promises of God

Here are some promises from God that I recite to myself when I question God's presence in my situation:

I will not fail you or abandon you. (Joshua 1:5)
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1 NLT)
I am with you always, even until the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19)

In other words, He is aware and He cares! He stands ready to help! in fact He might already be on the job! Yeah I said it, while we are crying in our Cheerios, He is out getting the job done. "There is no evidence of that!" you might respond. Let me try to Explain, but hold on, this might take some doing.

Isaiah 63

Let's look at these verses to set a foundation of how God often works in our situations.

1Who is this who comes from Edom, from the city of Bozrah, with his clothing stained red?

Who is this in royal robes, marching in his great strength? “It is I, the LORD, announcing your salvation! It is I, the LORD, who has the power to save!”

OK, I know it is a bit confusing without a setup, so let me paint a picture:

Two armies are squared off against each other and have been for several months. The fighting has succumbed to trench warfare, with Edom on one side and Israel on the other. So brutal is the fighting, that any Hebrew caught out in the open would be captured by the enemy for torture, slavery, or execution. It is sheer terror.

Then at their most desperate time, when the enemy seemed to be ready to over run them, a strange creature emerges in the distance. Strange in more ways than one:

First, he is of nobility judged by his apparel, next his clothing is stained with what looks like wine, but with a closer look turns out to be blood. Another peculiarity is that he is seen "marching in his great strength," which in the translation, means tipping from side to side, or  put simply, he's strutting!

But the most peculiar thing about him is from what direction he comes. He is coming from Edom, the direction of the enemy, from Bozrah, the capital city of Edom. The Hebrews must be wondering if he is an enemy or an ally. Allies usually come from the direction of home. 

But then He speaks, “It is I, the LORD, announcing your salvation! It is I, the LORD, who has the power to save!”

Behind Enemy Lines

"Where is God when you need Him?" He's opening up a can of whoop butt on what troubles you! He has gotten out of your foxhole of despair, went across the battle field and into the camp of the enemy. With sword drawn He is taking no prisoners, cutting down you fears, disease and depression.  His clothing is stained with the blood of you enemy. He looks back shouting, "It is finished, I have already won the battle!" That is where God is when you need Him, behind enemy lines! 

Wait there is more,  (1 Samuel 4)

In the time of Eli, because of prevalent sin in the nation, because of the sin of Eli's sons in desecrating the Temple, another invader came before Israel. This time it was the Philistines. As Israel went out 4 thousand Hebrew soldiers were lost on the first day. This was an unprecedented defeat in the history of Israel. 

So they did the only thing they knew to do; they sent for the Ark of the Covenant, that 2 by 4 foot box of Acacia Wood overlaid with gold with two cherubim overlooking the Mercy Seat. It represented the Essence and the Presence of God. They called for the presence of God! (Sound familiar?)

When the Ark came into the camp the camp of Israel went wild with joy. "Here is our secret weapon, now that God's here, you just wait." 

So on the second day of battle, not 4 thousand, or 10 thousand, or 20 thousand Hebrews died, but 30 thousand lost their life in battle. Eli's sons were both killed and the Ark was taken captive. When Eli found out, he fell over backward, broke his neck and died. A grandson was birthed and was named Ichabod, which means, the Glory of the Lord has departed. (Again, sound familiar?)

While depression and fear gripped Israel, celebration and rejoicing entered the Philistine camp. And why not, they won and Israel lost. Their God, Dagon, defeated Jehovah! So they took the Ark home to place in the temple of Dagon. They took Jehovah home to give reverence to Dagon.

Dagon Has Problems 

Now Dagon had some troubling attributes that disqualified him from being an almighty god. You see he was half man, half fish and all rock. So when they set Jehovah up in a position of reverence to this fake god, the real God showed up. 

When their priests opened up their temple in the morning, Dagon was in a position of reverence toward Jehovah! "This can't be," cried the priest. "Dagon won and Jehovah Lost!" So they got a block and tackle and propped their God back up.

But Dagon had another problem that night, because the next morning, Dagon was back on the floor, but this time he was scattered all over the floor as a dismembered statue! It was so bad they determined they had to close that temple down for good! Dagon is out of business and his temple is closed.

Don't Mess With Jehovah

Then Jehovah really started to swing! He smote the Philistines in the city of Ashdod, so they moved Him to Gath. He smote them in Gath so they moved Him to Ekron. He smote them in Ekron so they cried, "enough is enough! We have to get this Ark out of here!"

So they loaded the Ark of the Covenant, (along with a bunch of gold and silver) on a cart behind two milk cows and started it  toward Israel.

Welcome Home Jehovah

The Jews were threshing wheat when they saw the the Ark returning and they went wild for joy. "He was gone for a while, but Our Savior has returned. And not only that but He brought some spoil as well." 

Last time I checked, my God is undefeated. It might look like defeat, but He is just maneuvering behind Enemy Lines.

Here We Go Again

Half a millennial later, God returned, but not in the form of an Ark but in the form of Man. He braved heat, and cold and hunger. He walked the shores of Galilee wondering if there was any faith left. He was all Man, but He was all God!

And when they slapped His face, they were slapping the face of God. And when they pulled His beard, they were pulling the beard of the Lamb of God, but the Voice that spoke back was that of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. 

What kind of a God would allow Himself to be taken with wicked hands and beaten on His back until the blood flowed? What kind of a God would allow Himself to be humiliated with a crown of thorns upon His brow. What kind of a God would allow Himself to be forced up a hill and nailed to a cross? What kind of a God would die?

Let me tell you what kind of a God:

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians 2:8 KJV)

Just as the Philistines didn't know, nor did the Princes of this world know that God was on maneuvers. The devil didn't know, he thought he was winning. "I offered Him all the kingdoms of this world and He refused me, so I took Him, and now He is in my Kingdom!" 

That's right Devil, He's behind enemy lines.

Pardon my Imagination

I have tried to be  accurate according to Scripture up to this point, but pardon me as I let my imagination take over. 

I'm seeing a party in Hell, demons singing, imps popping champagne, all rejoicing over their victory at the Cross. But then there is a knock at the door, which is strange. People don;t usually knock to get into Hell. Then silence takes over as the Devil's ears perk up. 

Finally an imp goes to look through the peep hole. Reports back to the Devil,"There is a King outside, His garments are covered in blood. He has a little swagger to His walk. He says He is announcing Salvation, He says He has the power to save!

"Don't let Him in here," cries Satan. But he was too late, Jesus has broken in. He is not the Sacrificial Lamb, but the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! He is not a meek prophet, but an Almighty King!

He walks right up to Satan demanding the keys to Hell, Death and the Grave! Man's last reason to fear. 

Where is He in Your Situation?

Now I have a question for you. If Jesus can overcome Hell, Death, and the Grave, what makes you think he can't take care of what you're going through? You just have to realize, He likes to fight behind Enemy Lines!

Thanks for reading.

Your Friend,

Will

  

Am I A Somebody Or A Nobody?

Am I a Somebody or a Nobody?

Have you ever asked yourself this question? Have you ever wondered how people see you in this world? Are you relevant? We all seek relevance in this world and for some of us it is harder to find than others. We ask, "Does our life really matter outside of living for our self? What is our  place in this world or more specifically, how do we fit into our own?" Do I like the answer? Am I a Somebody or a Nobody?

We all aspire to be somebody. As kids we are asked, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" Perhaps your answer was a fireman, a great athlete, or a nurse or doctor. Perhaps it was winning American Idol or being a Billionaire! Whatever your answer, it was to be somebody. Mine was to be a great basketball player. Big dream for a white suburban kid who couldn't jump over a quarter. But if I could have made it, become the Lebron James of my generation if you will. I would have had the admiration of my family friends and community (plus a boatload of money). I would have been somebody!

Forgive me as I imagine other possibilities:

Let me imagine I found a cure for cancer or was the architect for peace in the Middle East, or solved the problem of Global Famine. I became a Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, or Albert Einstein. I have helped humanity! I am loved by millions! I am a somebody!

Or let's say I am Bill Gates, or Warren Buffett, or Donald Trump. I have made billions and people say I have a Midas touch. I am respected for my business acumen and philanthropy. People seek my council on creating wealth! I am a somebody!

Now let's get closer down to earth:

I am a productive member of my community, respected by my peers and those who are close to me. I like my job and it likes me. I enjoy what I do and who I am. I am active in my community and I am loved by those important to me. I am a somebody!

But what about the other side of the spectrum? Imagine if:

My friends are few and I really don't know where I fit. I hate my job and it really doesn't care too much for me. I'm stranded in loneliness and depression. I am trying to find my way in this world, but this world could care less. Pleasure is temporary, but pain is constant. Not sure if anyone loves me, I feel like a loser, I feel like a nobody.

Or.....

I have hurt many in my life and forgiveness is hard to find. It just seems I can't do anything right. I don't like being what I am, but I can't change. I want to do right, but it never seems to work out that way. How can I change this path I'm on? I am lost and have no value, I want to be loved, but I'm a nobody.

Or.....

I am a loner and struggle with self worth. This is based on the fact that I am irrelevant. I have nothing to offer or contribute. I feel ugly and unlovable. I am a nobody.

Or.....

I struggle with addiction. I use to enjoy the high, but now it controls me. It use to be an escape but now it's a curse. My addiction is now bigger than me. My only friends are fellow addicts who, like me, are untrustworthy. Respected people, even my family, have shunned me. I am lost and unloved, I am a nobody.

What is truth?

The truth is no matter who we are in this world, what we have accomplished or not, we are loved by God. Nothing we have done, positive or negative, will affect the love that God has for us. the Apostle Paul put it like this:

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Nothing can separate us from His love, nothing! Not even what we have done to others or ourselves, we are loved by God. Even if we cursed His name in the past or mocked those who followed His way, He still loves us, He still loves me and He still loves you! 

And check this out, not only does He love you but those who truly follow Him love you too! Listen to the Apostle John:

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)

You might be thinking, "yeah, they haven't met me yet. I am of little use or value and nobody could love me, I have a hard time loving myself." I get that, and I have been there. We all have been through times where we feel worthless and ashamed of who we are or what we have done. But in the eyes of God, not only does He love us, but He sees value! King David recognized this:

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:13)

For my father and mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. (Psalm 27:11)

"Okay, Okay, he loves me and he sees value, but where does that leave me?" you might ask. Here is the great part, not only does He love you and see value, but He has mapped out a plan for your life that will make you a Somebody!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for  welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Did you get that? He has a plan for you whether you have one for yourself or not. He created you for purpose, not just to exist. You have worth in His eyes and to those who follow Him. We all hear about blessings when we get to heaven, the by and by, and I don't want to underscore that, but I am talking about the now and now. God wants you on His team to be successful in this life. He wants to make you a somebody!

Your Friend,

Will

Blessed, Broken or Both?

   &      

Blessed def:  divinely or supremely favored; fortunate; blissfully happy or content.

Broken def: ruptured, torn, fragmented, fractured; out of working order, not                                    functioning properly; infringed or violated.

Blessed or Broken

Have you ever been blessed? I hear people when asked, "how are you doing?" answer, "Blessed!". I don't know if I walk around blessed all the time but I know when I feel blessed. When I hit a big commission or am able to leave work early. A three day weekend or a great birthday present leaves me feeling the same way. 

What about broken? I know how that feels also. When my first girl friend said "you suck" or my favorite ball team gets beat in the final second. I think you get the picture, anyone who has ever lived knows what it means to be blessed and also broken. But have you ever been both at the same time?

What about both?

"OK", your thinking, "that is just plain dumb! you can't be blessed and broken. Those words are opposites, like exact estimate, or Government organization." 

Perhaps your right, they don't go together, it's moronic.....or maybe oxymoron-ic. Can it be? You know, we have all asked for an exact estimate from our mechanic, right?
There is such a thing as a Government Organization: Congress, the Supreme Court....etc, right? What about a multi-tasking male? Yeah, I went too far. 

But seriously, can one be blessed and broken at the same time? 

What did Jesus say?

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. (Matthew 26:26 KJV)

If anyone has ever been to a communion service at any Christian Church, they have heard this scripture read. Here Jesus takes the bread, the bread that represents His Body, and first He blesses it and then He breaks it. He Blessed and Broke it. 

In breaking the bread Jesus was explaining what was to happen to His Body. Hours of brutal beatings which left a blood trail from Gethsemane to Calvary. From incomprehensible pressure of understanding the suffering before Him, to a beating in the Judgement Hall, to a scourging at the Post, to being hung on the Cross, Jesus suffered the insufferable. His Body was broken. 

Okay, you get that, easy enough. Broken=Pain & Suffering. Easy to understand. But what about this....His brokenness was also a Blessing? "Huh, say what? You can't be serious? How can pain & Suffering be a blessing?" you ask.

Suffering = Blessing

.....Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:2 NLT)

Jesus as God was all knowing. He knew what suffering he would endure by going to the cross. This was the cause of the agony He suffered in Gethsemane. But He could also see Himself in Glory sitting next to God's throne. He could see the Resurrection and His Glorification! Cause and effect, the Cross led to Glory.

Are you suffering?

I have never known anyone come to the Joy of Christ while they were enjoying their life in this world. When people come and ask for prayer, they are looking for a change and it is because of trouble. A Broken Relationship, health that is not functioning properly, finances that are fractured. 

If this results in a Relationship with Jesus, the suffering will ultimately become a blessing. 

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2:19 NLT)

If you are looking to live a blessed life as a result of your pain, you need a Relationship with Jesus! I'm not talking Religion, I'm talking Relationship. I'm not talking Ritual, I'm talking Relationship! 

There is a difference between knowing about Him and actually knowing Him. Do you know Him?

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection BLESSED*, and the fellowship of his sufferings, BROKEN* .......(Philippians 3:10 KJV) 

* added by author.

There would have never been a resurrection without a crucifixion. 

Thanks for reading.

Your Friend,

Will

Welcome

Hello, my name is Will Marler and I live on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. I am starting this blog to share my thoughts and insights about things that come across my mind during times of reflection and meditation. Thoughts that I pray will have an impact on peoples lives. 

I am not a scholar or philosopher, just a God loving man who cares for people. I pray that this somehow reaches people who are looking for something different in their lives, or just to encourage those who are going through a rough time. I also understand that for that to happen, God has to be in this and that also is my prayer. 

Thank you for reading, and I hope it blesses you.

Your friend,

Will

Me with my wife Wendie