Believe in Christ
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Isaiah 29:18,29,24 KJV
And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
Phillipians 1:29a KJV
Unto you it is given to believe in Christ.
Again, scripture is more profound, more concise, more . . . well, more everything than I could ever hope to be. Unto you it is give to believe in Christ. That’s it. That’s what it’s all about. Believe in Christ. That’s when the deaf will hear the words of the book. The eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and darkness. In other words, when we believe in Christ as our Lord and Savior, everything makes sense. We feel everything will be OK. We no longer murmur our prayers in secret, rather we shout for joy to all the world! Well, that last part may be a bit over the top.
When Christ comes again, everything will be perfect. Perfectly planned, designed, intended, ordered and arranged – that’s how the world will be. Until then, we strive to be prepared for that day. We learn scripture so we can be prepared to counter the arguments offered by the world – just as Jesus was able to defeat Satan’s whiles three times by relying not upon His divinity, rather his knowledge and understanding of scripture when he fasted in the desert for 40 days.
I read an article yesterday on line about “The Church of Oprah.” I have known for a long time that she had a following that had become quite cult-like. Women in particular flock to her because they she offers them encouragement, hope, empowerment, and acceptance. She has been elevated to the status of deity in modern culture. Am I the only one disturbed by that? Surveys have indicated that people act upon Oprah’s guidance/advice more readily than that of their clergypersons!
OK. That does indicate a problem with many institutional churches today. But not with Christ. What is the deal? Have any of these folks read the New Testament? Don’t they know that what Jesus offers them is based upon an eternal truth? Don’t they know that they are already loved and valued and that God cares about them so much He sacrificed Himself/ His Son to grant eternal life to all of us? I know. I understand. I have idols in my own life that compete with Jesus on a daily, if not hourly basis.
Oprah is very spiritual. She is a kind and generous person. She openly and willingly shares her journey with millions of people. I’m not “against” Oprah or anything she is doing. Where I begin to take issue is when she becomes the moral authority and compass for our lives. She and Dr. Phil and others who have a voice and who have power and money to broadcast that voice and exercise that power. What are their inner demons that they struggle with -- the real ones? Why are they compelled to believe their own press? Do they believe it? Or are they just along for the ride? Wouldn't that do the most harm of all when they fall from public's grace? Do these turn to Jesus? Do they direct others to do so? Do I?
My prayer today is that you cut off Oprah and Dr. Phil and spend that time in the true and real Word. And that you preach Jesus by how you live your life – no words should be necessary.
Mary
