People don't know how to drive and they make me MAD!

Most of us have be the 'victim' of some form of aggressive or 'bad' driving. Some people seem to have trouble getting from Point A to B without driving 'right.' They cut you off, won't allow you to merge, drive too close to your bumper, and act as if they’re the only ones on the road.

What do you do?

Often immediate thoughts of revenge come to mind. You want to speed up, catch them, and either cut them off or slow down to look at them. You want to find some way to make them 'pay' for what they did. You want to make sure they don't get away with it!

When you seek revenge for someone’s reckless and thoughtless act, don't you become just as reckless and place yourself and others in danger (i.e. road rage)? Seeking revenge for an offense on the road comes with too high of a price. First, giving into anger in these situations is dangerous (see above). Second, it gives place to sin. Third, God gets no glory in road rage.

When these situations occur, you only have a few moments to decide how you will respond. If you know you have an 'issue' with road rage, it is best that you prepare yourself mentally (see The Dangerous Emotion). You have to make a conscious decision not react to the temptation of road rage and let it go. This decision may come before you even start your car. Many times road rage develops out of the desire to repay someone evil for evil - to show them that you're not the ONE to mess with...and to think twice about EVER doing that to you AGAIN!

Romans 12:17a (KJV) - Recompense to no man evil for evil.

Believe me, road rage isn't worth the price tag it comes with. One split second decision of revenge can result in a permanent outcome for yourself or others. Choose the higher 'road' by deciding to slow down, not cut someone off, or tailgate. The life we live as disciples of Jesus Christ isn't about revenge and repaying people evil for evil, that is the life (and behavior) of the world...which we should not be a part of...

John 17:15-18 (KJV) - I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

As we have been sent in the world, our lives as disciples of Jesus are not only for the church. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we can love, reveal our association with Jesus (John 13:35), and bring glory to God. Jesus prayed that we would be sanctified through the Father's truth - which is His word.

We must allow the Father's words to become our own and incorporate them in our everyday lives.

Picture this, someone cuts you off on the freeway, but you choose not to act in revenge. The car behinds you saw what happened and thought you would be 'justified' in taking revenge. Intrigued, they consider your actions throughout the day and when a similar situation occurs to them a few days later, they quickly remember your actions and choose not to act in anger.

Be humble...be safe...choose safety and love over revenge!

Within each of our lives, we are given various responsibilities. Regardless of the type or size, we are entrusted with their upkeep, maintenance, and growth. If you were the oldest child, you may be given responsibilities to watch over your younger siblings. If you are the manager of a specific office or section, you are given responsibility over those that work under you. If you are a parent, you have the responsibility to build and grow your children while tending to their specific needs. If you are a husband or wife, you have responsibilities to the other.

Too often when we consider the concept of responsibilities, we often think of the CEO of a company or some high and lofty position. However, at almost every level our relationships and work, we are given some commitment of responsibility. Each person can be given multiple levels of responsibility within every area of their lives (i.e. home, work, church, community). I would like to think of these responsibilities as SACRED TRUST.

A sacred trust causes people to revere, uphold, and maintain the responsibility placed upon them regardless of the people involved or task while ensure the proper boundaries in each situation are intact and the highest level of integrity and excellence are sustained.

Think about the responsibilities you have as a parent, worker and co-worker, church leader/member, and community citizen.

Looking at the definition of sacred trust above, how have you upheld or broken the bonds of sacred trust?

If you have broken a sacred trust, in what ways can you rebuild the bond of trust?

Matthew 5:23-24 (KJV) - Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

In the process of reconciling with those hurt and offended, begin with prayer and repentance. Ask God to help heal the hearts and minds of those involved so that forgiveness and growth can begin anew. Many times the people hurt spend decades harboring feelings of brokenness and unforgiveness due to a broken trust. The process of reconciliation may come with some 'bumps' along the way - especially in today's society, but please remember that you cannot force someone to forgive you. Do all you can according to God’s Word and guidance (via Holy Spirit and pastoral) to seek reconciliation.

If you are the one that has been hurt, how can you begin the healing and restoration of your soul?

Experiencing the ill effects of a sacred trust is never easy and not to be taken lightly. The reminder of any pain or injustice can cover the heart like a cement foundation. Though you may feel justified in the wrongdoing committed against you, holding onto unforgiveness can have a negative impact on your life as well:

Matthew 18:21-35 (KJV) - Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

The pain experienced through a broken relationship of trust (on any level) is not a reason why you can never forgive or make other people pay for someone else's mistake or sin. As you have read, there are implications for unforgiveness as well. Find outlets through prayer, pastoral counseling, and support groups. Set your desire on being whole mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Maintain your sacred levels of trust. Take your responsibilities seriously and use your position as a positive witness and light upon the world. Forgive those that have wronged you and seek restoration in your life.

In recent decades, many people within church have been moving from 'what the Bible says in its original context' to 'what the Bible means for/to me.' Now, within many settings and contexts, believers want to know how they are to live for God and apply the biblical messages - we have seen this throughout the Bible. But today, the focus is so much on the personal meaning that it's excluding the original message. The emphasis on learning what the biblical writers wrote; to whom; and the circumstances surrounding their messages is almost non-existent.

Isn't it important to know the original intent of each book in the Bible?!

Many people feel it is important...and are learning and studying the Bible. But I'm not talking about learning and studying a few scattered scriptures here and there to cover a topic on 'how to receive more blessings.' I'm speaking about learning and studying Bible as it is written. We cannot negate this area of biblical education among the saints.

Let me provide an example:

How many people heard a preacher say, I'm blessed in the city, and blessed in the field; I'm blessed going in, and blessing going out...I'm the head and not the tail...

Now, let's look at the scriptures this statements refer to:

Deuteronomy 28:3-6 (KJV) - Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

Deuteronomy 28:13 (KJV) - And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

Some people don't even know these scriptures are in the Bible! While we make these proclamations of blessings, it will be important to read the ENTIRE chapter (for this message, specifically v. 1-2 and 15-68 ):

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (KJV) - And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

Hmmm...let's continue with verse 15-18 (but review the rest of the chapter...)

Deuteronomy 28:15-18 (KJV) - But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store. Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

God wrote these instructions as part of His covenant with the people of Israel who were about to enter the Promised Land...not Leroy and Becky in church today.

Every scripture in the Bible isn't 'fair game' to apply to your personal life - check the context first! With scriptures like the ones above (when studied in their proper context), we'll understand the historical nature of each scriptural setting. If we fail to undertake such 'precautions,' we may end up as people unable to rightfully divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). As Paul explained to a young Timothy, all Scripture is used for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). It is used to outline the historical record of God's interaction with the world, His people, and the redemption of the world through Jesus Christ.

On a personal note: One of the best resources I have found (as a 'solution' for this problem) within my own studies is The Outline Bible by Harold L. Willmington. As the title indicates, The Outline Bible provides an outline of each book of the Bible - verse by verse. It does not contain any personal notes, references, or interpretations - just what the Bible says and what it means! It has been a great compliment for my personal studies.

As this entry also applies to Spiritual Combatants, we will take greater strides to ensure our messages do not reflect the sentiments written above. As our purpose is to re-establish truth by being a drink offering to the world, we too must be cognizant of the messages we provide to you.

May the Lord richly bless your endeavors to learn His Word. God bless.

This journal entry was originally submitted as a college course assignment.

How can God, who is moral pure (and exercises justice/judgment) also be loving? There seems to be some 'tension' between His moral purity and love...

At first glance, it can seem there is tension between God's moral purity and His love. But when researching the issue further, we would discover a different outcome. When God spoke to Adam and explained the consequences of eating the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:16-17), He gave one of His first 'commandments' on how Adam and Eve were to live. He established a baseline for His moral purity as disobedience to His instruction would bring death (and eternal separation). When Adam disobeyed God and brought death (and sin) to mankind, God drew a line of where His moral purity began (and ended).

Throughout the Scriptures, we gain additional insight to the boundaries of God's moral purity and the frame of our own before Him. We discover the things He hates (Proverbs 6:16-19) and learn who can stand within His holy place (Psalm 24:3-5). We also learn how righteousness and justice are the habitation of His throne, while mercy, loving-kindness, and truth goes before His face (Psalm 89:14).

How can this be? Even as our iniquities have separated us from Him - like the Israelites (Isaiah 59:2), we experience His mercy, loving-kindness, and truth. We deserve the penalty of death brought through the disobedience of Adam, yet God's love made a way for us to live in eternal fellowship once again (Romans 6:23).

Erickson states that "God's justice requires that there be payment of the penalty of sin. God's love however, desires humans to be restored to fellowship with him" (Erickson, 324).

As a loving parent, God established His moral standard, yet His love abounded. His standard of moral purity has not diminished. The penalty of sin hasn't changed. The penalty remains for those that choose not place their belief and faith in His Son, Jesus. But it was God who loved us so much that He sent His only Son (John 3:16). It was God who looked upon His creation and provided a way for the penalty to be paid - through His Son.

Throughout the Biblical record, the greatest message is God's love for the world. In spite of our continued wickedness and sin, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). In the midst of our 'best' actions which seem as filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6), God’s love abounded.

To those that say there is tension, I would respectfully disagree. There is only tension for those that choose not to believe and accept God's ability to provide appropriation for our sinful acts. Jesus is the bridge from His moral purity and the extension of His love toward mankind. God's moral purity and love are capsulated in Jesus Christ. God sent His only Son to be born and die for people that deserved to die. That is a pure and awesome love...how can we fathom its depth and breath?

Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology, 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1998.

There are times when you get so caught up with 'life' and listening to people's advice that you feel like you're on a roller coaster. One minute you're up, the next second you're down...and you feel pushed and pulled in every direction. Every time you try to settle down, someone has a 'word' of advice or another opportunity to volunteer or do something to enhance your career or status. Without thinking, you agree to volunteer and take on new things without the slightest thought of the consequences.

There are many good things in this life to do, but not all of them will benefit you.

If you get to a point where you feel pushed, pulled, and controlled by everyone but yourself (and God), then it may be time to get your 'identity' back. See, a stolen identity in this context is living a life that is not ideally YOUR life. You’re living a little of this person...and that person…and one more over there. You spend so much time living by other people's standards and suggestions, that your own 'voice' is smothered. Your time doesn't seem like your own and you're constantly on the run. So much of your time is spent running around that you don't have an opportunity to complete all of your responsibilities. Those things that should be done in excellence are barely getting any attention and falling to the wayside.

What about your relationship with God?

Depending on what you've been doing and for who, you may not feel you have time to read your Bible, pray, fellowship, or study. You feel like a servant to the clock and people, trying to squeeze in as much as you can in 24 hours. Is that how you want to live your life?

No one can get approval to 'run' your life without your 'YES.'

Maybe you thought you could handle all of the projects; you didn't want to hurt someone's feelings; you wanted to be successful; or you genuinely wanted to help. There comes a time in your life when you have to take an inventory and ask yourself if this is how you want to live. Is the life you're living pleasing to God? Have you even had time to consider it? Is your life focused on building a strong Christian testimony to the world? Or is it trying to build a successful career or name among it?

There may be people around you (Lord willing) that have said something to you about the number of tasks you're taking on and want to help. Instead of ignoring their help, take a moment to think about what should be the most important thing(s) in your life and place your focus there. If you feel it's getting a promotion over some other aspect of serving God, then that's your choice. You have the right to choose, but with each choice comes a consequence. Some consequences are good and others are bad, but it will come...unless you change (and repent).

Choose to serve the Lord!

When you take a moment to sift through the issues of your life, you may discover hindrances to your ultimate purpose in Christ. It is at this moment when you have to make the decision to change. Change does not come easy and it probably won't make people happy, but are you trying to please people or God?! Be a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ and not one that barely makes time for Him. Let your love be for Him and not for the world...GET YOUR IDENTITY BACK!

1 John 2:15-17 (KJV) - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Many believers today want to 'keep it real.' They want to maintain their status as being 'strong' so they don't seem weak among the world - and no one will try to take advantage of them. They want people to know that they still ain't the one to mess with. But keeping it real may build a border of 'protection' around you in society, but it doesn't do much for your position before the Lord...or your testimony before others.

John 13:35 (KJV) - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

The basis of our actions should be love - love for God and our fellow man. And within the context of loving our brethren, it should be done in a manner that we would want someone to do to us.

Would you want someone giving you a 'piece' of their mind because they want to keep it real?! Would you want someone to treat you badly because they don’t want to be bothered?!

I thought so...

We must be cognizant of our thoughts and behavior to ensure we are keeping things God's way. The world's way may bring respect (or fear) in others, but it doesn’t help your Christian witness before them or God.

Matthew 5:11-12 (KJV) - Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matthew 5:39 (KJV) - But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:40 (KJV) - And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

Matthew 5:41 (KJV) - And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Matthew 5:42 (KJV) - Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Matthew 5:43-48 (KJV) - Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

These can be some hard verses for the flesh...it doesn't want to give in, give up, or lie down. It will fight for its 'right' to have its way:

Galatians 5:16-24 (KJV) - This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

You don't have to keep it 'real,' you can 'keep it God.' All things are possible through God...so ask for His help, mercy, and strength to stand. Make the choice to crucify the flesh. Stay in the Word of God and read (and study) the conduct Jesus established for us (through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John). Allow His Words to saturate your mind , heart, and soul.

...keep it God!