Dear Roger,   I am a long-time Christian who has been married to the same woman for 42 years. My experience is like Paul’s ( 2 Corinthians12:7 ), thorn in the flesh. We don’t know what his thorn was; but I know mine.   My wife is my thorn.   She is angry, bitter, constantly nagging and berating. She has no friends and argues with me every time I want to go to church. She has hurt our daughters so much that we are estranged from them. I could go on with the details; but, you get the idea. Recently, during a marriage counseling session, we discovered that she was sexually abused by her father from the ages of  four until she was ten. She buried the pain and shame for most all of our marriage until finally the rage boiled over. We’ve been to a Christian counselor and things are not going very well. I was told that healing the sex abuse damage may take years.   My problem is that I don’t know how much longer I can hold out. I’ve prayed for her healing, but unfortunately, I’ve seen little improvement. As a Christian, I’m committed to our marriage; but, I have no grounds for divorce. I feel trapped in a cage with no hope.   Can you give me some advice on how to survive my thorn?   Sincerely, Rick   Dear Rick,   Regarding thorns, of course you are referring to Paul’s thorn in 2 Corinthians 12:7 :   “. . . because of these surpassingly great revelations (Paul’s God-given visions of the workings of heaven), “. . . in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.”   Before I answer your question directly, let me give you some background regarding thorns. The word “thorn”, is literally the Greek word for “stake”. It describes the primary Babylonian method of crucifixion that was to sharpen a large tree limb and impale people on the stake.  Paul had a stake twisting in his body to keep him humble.   You realize, Rick, that everyone has a thorn. Everyone has some problem, trouble or sin that buffets them–something they wish they didn’t have!   Is Paul alone with his thorn? No! Never! Jesus had His cross. He even wore a crown of thorns . Every garden has its weeds; every rose has its stickers; every life has its strife.   There are many guesses as to the nature of Paul’s thorn.   First, some suggest that he was Ugly as a result of the beatings, whippings and stonings that his body endured.   It was said of Paul in Second Corinthians 10:10: “His letters are weighty, but his bodily appearance is weak.” Five times he was beaten with rods which was a Roman punishment whereby a prisoner was strapped between two sawhorses and beaten in the back. Early second century writings tell us that Paul walked stooped over and couldn’t look up.   Three times he endured the Jewish punishment of 39 stripes whipped into his back.   Second, others suggest that he suffered debilitating malaria.   This life-long malady was prevalent and incapacitating when he was in Asia Minor on his first missionary journey. The resulting fevers are often life-long problems.   Third, he may well have suffered from epilepsy.   “As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you,   and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself” ( Galatians 4:13-14 ).   The ancient world believed that epilepsy was caused by demons. People spit in order to ward off demons. The word “scorn” above is actually the Greek word “to spit at”.   Fourth, most probably he suffered with Eye Trouble.   In Galatians 6:11 Paul wrote, “See with what large letters I write with my own hand.” In Galatians 4 :l5 Paul wrote, “You would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me if you could.” In Acts 23 during his trial, he chided the high priest. One of the guards slapped Paul and said, “Don’t you know that you are speaking to the high priest!”   Paul replied, “I didn’t perceive that he was the high priest.”   Remember that at his conversion, Paul was blinded and scales fell from his eyes.   Now, here’s the point: Why Didn’t Paul Tell Us The Nature Of His Thorn!   So, All Of Us Could Identify With Paul.   If he said, “My thorn is eye trouble,” then someone would say, “Well, my thorn is worse than Paul’s. God’s grace may cover your eye trouble; but I’m not sure he has enough grace to cover mine.”   Rick, notice that Paul pleaded with God to remove his thorn. However, while God did not give him what he wanted, God did answer his need.   “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” ( 2 Corinthians 12:8 ) .   Now Rick, let me give you several practical lessons about handling thorns.   1. Thorns for the saints always have a divine purpose.   Thorns have a way of Correcting us.   When we are out of God’s will, resisting the Spirit or involved in sin we will most likely feel the hand of God.  God disciplines us when we need it.   “We have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” ( Hebrews 12:9-10 ).   Thorns have a way of Perfecting us.   “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” ( 1 Peter 1:6-7 ).   Rick, examine your life. If something is wrong or ungodly, take your spanking like an obedient child.   If all is well and in place, then recognize that God’s hand is perfecting.   Paul’s thorn had a definite purpose: “Lest I be exalted…” God had a purpose for Paul’s thorn and he’ll certainly have a purpose for ours.   Job spoke confidently about his thorn: “You put me in the furnace of affliction; when you’re through, oh Lord, I’ll come out like gold!”   2. Thorns Are No Hindrance to Christian Service .   We live in the aspirin age of excuses: “My headache, my arthritis, my fatigue, my leprosy… We all have something wrong.”   What if some of the great saints had the attitude that some of us have? Paul was incarcerated in the Mamertine prison in Rome. It was cold, dark, rat-infested misery. Yet, with grace and purpose he wrote four Bible books before being beheaded.   Rick, it’s my opinion that Paul eventually was glad that God didn’t answer his prayer.  If Paul hadn’t had that thorn, he’d never have been Paul.   Every useful servant of God has had something painful that’s made him or her what she or he is.   Suffering is no excuse from service. Peter tells us that instead of being handcuffed by anger, bitterness, depression and quitting, Peter declares that it’s suffering which produces true saints.   Rick, don’t run from your thorns. Let them be a source of power in your life. Thorns are not barriers to Christian service; they oftentimes are the pathway to fruitfulness.   3. No matter how small your thorn or how great your stake, God’s grace is sufficient for all things.   “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” . . . That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” ( 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ).   While Christ’s grace is sufficient and inexhaustible, he never dispenses it superfluously or needlessly.   Charles Spurgeon, Rick, my hero pastor, grew the Metropolitan Tabernacle to over 10,000 people in the mid-19 th century in London. His sermons were copied each week and distributed all over the world. Spurgeon was once asked: “Do you have grace enough to burn at stake at the town square tomorrow at noon?” “No, I don’t need it today; but tomorrow at noon I’ll have the grace and be ready.”   God doesn’t give martyr ‘s grace to an office worker. But let that office worker become a martyr, he or she will have plenty enough grace.   Rick, I hope my thoughts will give you the grace to endure your thorn now and in the future. I’ll be praying for your wife to be healed and for you both to have many great days ahead.   Love, Roger

Dear Roger, I was wondering about the things that really matter in life. I’d like to do all that I can to please Jesus. I know that you must have thought a lot about this and so I would like to ask your opinion. What are the things that really matter? Sincerely, Crystal Dear Crystal, You’ve thrown me an easy, “softball” question.” Soon after we were married Julie and I heard a sermon by Larry Lea. He entitled it, “Four Things That Really Matter.” I remember him saying, “If these things occur in my life, I will have had a successful and fulfilled life.”Julie and I use those four things as a model for lives. As far as we‘re concerned, Larry leads insights are right on target I’d like to share Larry’s conclusion about the four things that really matter. I’ll illustrate and add some observations as we go along. Let me begin to answer your question with a story. A number of years ago the phone rang: “My name is Jim.  You don’t know me.  I visited your church once.  I’m out at Tucson Medical Center, and the doctors tell me that I’m dying.  And I need to talk to you right now.”So I drove over. I recognized the name; he was the golf professional at a local Country Club.He was weeping.  He said, “I’ve got to get healed.  The doctor tells me I have liver cancer.” He spoke in a rapid-fire succession. “I have six months to live. But, I’m going to beat this thing.  I’m not going to die.  I’m going to think positive about it.  I’m not going to die.  I’m going to get healed.  I want you to help me.” ]I wanted to ascertain whether or not Jim was a Christian.  I mean, after all, if you’re going to ask God to heal you, you could at least start the process by committing your life to Christ as your Lord and Savior.  It was soon obvious that Jim had never received Christ.  It was difficult for me to pray for God to heal him and make him all well when he had no relationship with Jesus. On the way to the car I prayed for God to give to me just the right gospel moment. I’ll never forget the words he spoke through his tears as I left. “Roger, if I only had these fifty-three years to live over again, there are a lot of things I’d do differently.” It’s amazing when a person faces death how the things that really matter come to the forefront. Now, let me share the four things that really matter. 1. THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST REALLY MATTERS. PHILIPPIANS 3:8-10 : “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him, … I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him….” Why would Paul make his relationship to Jesus Christ his highest priority? Because Jesus Christ is the most important thing in life. I’ve performed over 300 weddings. Again and again I watch the couple’s eyes as they gaze at each other as they take their vows. I know they are thinking how much they are in love; but they really don’t anything about love, not at nineteen and twenty-one years old. Show me one of those couples who’ve made their marriage work for thirty or forty years, who’ve raised their children, struggled through loss of job, and sickness and suffering and have come through it all, with their marriage intact, and I’ll show you a couple knows about love. We want to come to the end of our lives and say, “Thank God. I know and love Jesus Christ a lot more deeply now than I knew Him when I started. The person of Jesus Christ really matters because one day, as we transition into eternity, Jesus is going to ask one question. It’s the only one that really matters.  “Why should I let you into My Heaven and not send you to Hell?” Only one answer is correct: “Because You forgave my sins on the cross and I surrendered my life totally to You as my personal Savior and Lord.” 2. THE PEOPLE GOD HAS PLACED AROUND US REALLY MATTER. GENESIS 2:18 : “It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a partner just for him.” Often I stand in a hospital room and Daddy’s dying, and Mom’s weeping.  The wife is weeping.  And the grown children stand there; some grandchildren are there when the doctor says, “He won’t last until dinner time tonight.”  And everybody breaks into tears.I’ve watched grown men, brothers who haven’t hugged one another in ten years, fall weeping into one another’s arms.  People matter. Many of us go through life looking for gold mines almost every sort. Many of us will find a few handfuls. However, I hope that while we go seeking after the gold mines in somebody else’s yard we won’t miss the most important gold mine God has put right in our own backyards—the people God has placed around us. They matter. I’d like to say a word to parents regarding their children. Multiple research studies show that the best guarantee of keeping your children away from drugs, alcohol, and illicit sex is a mom and dad who spends time with their children. The people that God has placed around us need our lives, our time, our commitment, and our investment. They really matter. Thomas Carlisle was a brilliant Scottish essayist, historian.  Born in 1795.  Died in 1881.  When Carlisle was 3l years old he married a brilliant woman named Jane Welch.  She helped him in his work.  She became his secretary.  They worked well together. Not long into their marriage, she became ill.  He was so busy in his work that he hardly noticed. Unfortunately, her illness progressed; she went home to bed to die.  She spent the last days of her life in an upstairs bedroom. Carlisle tried to spend time with her; but he was so busy with his work. That’s the way it is when life goes on, and incomes must be made, and there is history to write, and essays to be penned. The day of the funeral was a miserable, rainy and muddy day.  After the funeral he returned to the now empty house, went up the steps to her bedroom, sat down in a little chair, and began to think of all the times they’d had together. He noticed a book over on the bed stand he hadn’t seen before.  It was her diary.  He didn’t know that she kept one. He opened it up and read these words: “He spent an hour with me today.  It was like heaven.  I love him so much.” He turned the next page, and read: “I’ve waited all day long to hear his footsteps on the stairs, but it’s getting late now.  I guess he’s not coming today.” Thomas Carlisle never wrote another thing.  He died fifteen years later, a lonely recluse. The people God has placed in our backyards really matter. 3. THE PURPOSE OF GOD FOR OUR LIVES REALLY MATTERS. PSALM 139:13-16 : “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” David told us that while he was in his mother’s womb, God saw his unformed body, and then fashioned and planned for him all the steps of his life.  That was plan A for David. God laid out his plan for David: Shepherd;, Goliath; marriage; children; kingship; build the temple; and then death. “He was known as “the man after God’s own heart.” Unfortunately David got off track: Shepherd; Goliath; married the wrong girl; had too many wives; his children were a disaster—incest, murder, rape, rebellion; Bathsheba; a man of war so God refused to allow him the thrill of building the temple; finally, death. God’s will is Plan A for every one of us.  We become a Christian at the right age.  We live in the right city.  We marry the right girl.  We go to the right college.  We get in the right line of work and on and on. Plan A, is just what God intended. Of course, I don’t know anybody on Plan A. Many of us married the wrong person.  We went to the wrong college. We are in the wrong job, wrong profession. I think there’s a dimension in which we can get on plan B, C, and D, and God can still get us back to where He wanted us to be at the end of our lives. Unfortunately, some make so many choices outside of God’s purpose that they are off on Plan X, triple prime someplace.. Fortunately, God has a marvelous way of picking up the pieces and helping us start over again. JOEL 2:12-14 , 25-26 : What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten; what the great locusts have left the young locusts have eaten; what the young locusts have left other locusts have eaten….Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’ Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten… It is never too late to get back into the flow of His will and purpose for your life. I like to think of God’s will as something flowing through our lives. I’m reminded of my wife Julie practicing for an orchestra concert. She lays out her musical scores, raises her hands, turns on the music and begins to practice conducting the orchestra. Invariably, I’ll come in and distract her, not intentional, of course. Now she’s lost her place. She doesn’t go back and start over, the music keeps going, she finds where she left off and picks up from there. Every one of us slides out of the flow at one time or another. It’s important for us, when we lose our places, to get back in the flow. 4. THE PRIZES OF GOD REALLY MATTER. 1 CORINTHIANS 3: 10-15 : “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. God is going to evaluate the profitability of our lives by fire. Those who built their houses out of gold, silver, and precious stones will see their houses stand and will receive great rewards. Those who have built their lives with unprofitable things like wood, hay, and stubble will watch what they’ve accomplished simply burn away and to ashes.. Notice that these people do not get rewards; instead, they suffer loss. We don’t want to stand there and suffer loss; we want the prizes. Paul says that there are five different crowns, or prizes that we can earn. 1. The Soul Winners Crown ( Philippians 4:1 ; 1 Thessalonians 2:19 ) for leading people to Christ. 2. The Incorruptible Crown Of Self Denial ( 1 Corinthians 9:25 ) for sacrificing and training hard in order to follow Christ at any price. 3. The Crown Of Righteousness ( 2 Timothy 4:8 ) for longing for the appearing of Christ at His second coming. Living in the light of the imminent return of Christ will dramatically affect our every thought and action! 4. The Crown Of Life (The Martyr’s Crown) ( James 1:12 ; Revelation 2:10 ) for suffering persecution even to the point of death for the sake of Christ. 5. The Crown of Glory (The Pastor’s Crown) for shepherding well the flock of God ( 1 Peter 5:4 ). Note: All the crowns will one day be laid at the feet of Jesus ( Revelation 4:10-11 ). All glory and honor and praise and riches and wisdom belong to Jesus Christ If we look carefully, we will notice that Lea structured this sermon with intentionality. If we do the first three, the prizes will come automatically. If we’re concerned about the person of Christ, and about the people God has placed around us, and about fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives, then the prizes will come automatically. About four months after Jim became ill, I was visiting him at his house. Sitting in the chair beside his bed, one more time I explained very simply about Jesus Christ and how He forgives our sins and how He gave His life and we need to receive Him as Lord and Savior. He finally got all settled down and said, “You know, I’d like to receive Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord.”  He’d spent all these months saying, “I’m not going to die.  I can’t die.  God’s got to heal me.  My positive thinking will keep me from dying.  I know I’m not going to die.  I’m not going to die. God’s going to heal me.” He finally got real quiet and said, “Roger, I’d like to receive Jesus Christ.  And if God chooses to heal me, that’ll be all right.  And if God chooses to let me die, then that’ll be all right too.” As I turned to go, I got to the door, and I wish I’d had a tape recorder.  He looked up at me and said, “Roger, if the whole purpose of this sickness was to bring me to Jesus, then it was worth it.” Crystal, I really appreciate your asking this question because these four things really do matter. Love, Roger

Dear Roger:  Have heard a lot about the RFID chip. Some say that could be something to do with the mark of the devil. Is that true or will the mark of the devil be more like a tattoo? Thank you. Is the chip okay to have inserted? Sincerely, A Reader   Dear Reader,   The RFID (Radio-Frequency IDentification) chip is nothing new. It’s been around for many years. It’s just now coming into prominence as technology catches up to its possibilities.   The RFID chip, which is the size of a grain of rice, is inserted directly under the skin. It takes the place of a barcode or the magnetic strip at the back of a credit card (as well as a number of other things).   Eventually, many stores, especially grocery stores, will be wired to allow “chipped” buyers to fill their carts and simply walk out the door–all conveniently paid for.   In the financial arena there will be no need to carry around any cash, credit, or debit cards. Already, very few transactions require cash. In fact, Apple CEO, Tim Cook, predicts that the next generation of children will not know what money is.   From my perspective, I like the convenience but I don’t like the devices’ ability to track my every move. This tracking ability smacks of a possible totalitarian government enabled to limit and control the freedom of every individual under their realm. Of course, there are some advantages to this. These devices could easily locate a dementia- impaired senior adult, wayward child or a hard-to-find teenager–or a dog.   My daughter had a GPS chip embedded in one of her dogs. The chip followed and recorded her dog’s every move. We all had fun tracking the dog. On the other hand, I certainly don’t want anyone tracking me. However, this year, she put an Apple Air Tag on my iPad. Apparently, I misplace it all of the time!     The other problem that I see as to do with the electromagnetic frequencies that invade our brains from simple devices like cell phones. A growing pile of evidence seems to support the idea that these frequencies which are bombarding our brains cause cancer. While we use cell phones constantly, what would it be like to have a permanent chip installed in your body?   Now, reader, to get to your question, in my opinion I doubt strongly that RFID chips are the 666 tool of the beast to force those alive in the tribulation to either submit to the Antichrist or be forbidden to buy and sell essential foodstuffs, or to find a job.   If you’ve lived long enough, you recall the uproar when credit cards became standard fare in America. Many were afraid that the Beast was upon us. If you’ve lived long enough, you’ll recall the introduction of barcodes into mainstream American society. Many Christians were convinced that barcodes foreshadowed the work of the Antichrist . Of course, now we know that neither credit cards nor barcodes have anything to do with the Mark of the Beast. Personally, it seems to me that many Christians who are worried about RFID chips are following in the footsteps of the two previous generations.   In Retrospect, There Seems To Be Many Parallels Between These Chips And The Mark Of The Beast ( Revelation 13:8-9 ).   *For example, both have to do with buying and selling and other economic pressures.   *The idea that the Mark is placed on the forehead or the palm of the right hand certainly parallels the placing of today’s RFID chips under the skin.   By the way, the Bible says that the beast will kill everyone who fails to have the Mark. Correspondingly, the Bible says that God will destroy those who do!   *Could the mark of the beast be a tattoo? I don’t know why not.   *In the same way that ranchers brand their cattle for identification, the Antichrist will use the Mark UK to identify those who are his. Let me cut straight to the bottom line. RFID chips are the ultimate form of identification.   As far as your question, “ Is the chip okay to have inserted?” The answer in my mind is a toss-up . Credit cards and barcodes have become standard fare in our culture, I think that inserted RFID chips are not far behind. Frankly, that scares the daylights out of me. Of course, you and I both know that the government has all sorts of means and manners to collect just about any data that it wants to about any of us—already. You might want to read my “Ask Roger” on 666 and Counting. Also, Which Nations Are Involved in End Time Events? And How Will We Know the End is Near?   Reader, I glad that asked this question. I hope it will be helpful for you and for others who are thinking and asking about the same things.   Sincerely, Roger

Dear Roger, Our Bible study group is working through the book of Psalms. Of course, there’s a lot to say about praising God. I know that God desires praise and that we give all the glory to him. What I’m wondering is, do we get anything out of it for ourselves?   Sincerely, Darlene   Dear Darlene,   God loves to have His heart “delighted.” We delight it through praise. As we praise Him, our lives dramatically change as well.   Praise is all about God. If I may paraphrase, a statement from Jesus in John chapter four, Jesus makes it clear that God’s heart tingles when his children express the kind of praise that God loves. He seeks after those who are involved in praise and worship. Think what it means to be the kind of person that God is seeking! That can blow your mind!   Many benefits come to us when we are in the process of praise. I call these benefits, the “Practicality Of Praise.”   Psalm 104:1 : Praise the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me. Praise His Holy Name.”   I know of no greater thoughts this: “I can bless the Lord.” Think what that does to God’s heart. Now, we will consider what it can do for our hearts.   Let Me Give To You Six Suggestions As To What Praise Is and How It Revolutionizes Your Relationship With God.   When I was 25 I came across John MacArthur’s definition of praise. I’ve used it as a model for over four decades. It’s that good. I want to share it with you for use in your own life of praise.   1. Praise Is Recalling God’s Mighty Acts Of Power (What He Has Done Through History And In Our Lives).   One of the best reasons for studying the Old Testament is so that we can recite in praise what we have learned about Him.   Let me show you a wonderful way to praise God when you get up in the morning.   Maybe you have a problem or some anxiety and so you start like this:   “Lord, I want to praise you for a few moments.  You are the God who always was and who always will be and you’re the God who one day you stepped out on the edge of nothingness and scattered the stars and you are the God who created the world and you’re the God who made man you are the God who began his redemption in the garden and you brought Israel out of Egypt and parted the Red Sea and guarded Israel by the pillar of fire and brought water out of the rock and provided manna from heaven and you’re the God who protected the people with angels and you’re the God who did this and that and you keep marching through history . . .   “…You’re the God who raised the dead and sent the Messiah and raised the Messiah from the dead and gave power to the Apostles,” and Lord I have this little problem!   Think of the practicality of this: we think that he can’t handle our little problems! What he’s done in the past as recorded in Scripture is what he can do today in our present!   2. Praise Is Reciting God’s Surpassing Greatness, Powerful Character And Unchangeable Attributes (In Other Words, His Stellar Characteristics).   We are talking here about God’s love, mercy, justice, righteousness, kindness, peace, gentleness, etc.   A constant recitation of the characteristics of God in the midst of trouble brings great peace.   Habakkuk is a Bible book with just three chapters. Habakkuk asked God five questions! Habakkuk asked, “How long will I cry God and you won’t bring a revival in Israel?  Do something, God.  Do something!  Bring Revival!” God said, “I am doing something.  I am bringing the Babylonians to wipe you guys out.” Habakkuk responded, “Wait a minute.  I didn’t ask for that!  How can you send those nasty Babylonians?  They are worse than the Israelites.  We are at least more righteous than they are!”   Then, he begins to recite God’s attributes.  “Wait a minute, God.  You’re a mighty God.  You are a God that we can trust.  You are eternal.  You were here before it all began and you will be here long after it is all ended.  After all, you are loving and you always have our ultimate best interests at heart.  All right.  I believe that you know what you are doing.  Go ahead and handle it your way.  I don’t care if the storms come, the crops fail. And there are no oxen in the bar. When the Babylonians invade, I still will trust and believe in you.”   When we recite His attributes and remember His works and thank Him for everything, we discover the power of praise.  As we praise God we find a resource that provides incredible strength for our own lives.   3. Praise Is Reciting God’s Great Works And character And Thanking Him For Both.   Praise With Thanksgiving Opens The Door Into The Throne Room Of God.   PSALM 100: 4 : “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”   There is a gate that opens to the worship experience. Trying to come into worship without praise is like trying to crash through the courtyard fence. The gate is thanksgiving and praise, and it ushers us into the mid-court of God’s glorious presence.   1.     In the throne room we discover that nothing is out of control.   As the stones were pummeling Stephen, God opened up heaven and Stephen saw Jesus standing up looking down on what was happening to him.   Consider that Jesus, who sits upon the throne, got up from his seat and peered over the balustrade of heaven because he was so involved with what was happening.   Consider what Stephen saw. Jesus was not wringing His hands over a world catapulting into oblivion. He does not walk around the throne with a furrowed brow and a worried look. He is the sovereign God. He is running the show.   2. In the throne room, in the midst of praise, we see God for Who and What He is, we begin to see ourselves for what we really are. We need some one bigger and greater than ourselves to be able to take care of our problems   3.    We had best think twice before talking without thinking in the throne room.   Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 : “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”   4. Praise Ofter Precedes Miraculous Deliverance.   PSALM 50:23 : “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”   Paul and Silas were chained in prison in Philippi. At midnight they were singing, praying and praising God when an earthquake came and said them free.   5. Praise Pulls the Rug Out from Under Satan.   Praise is the Believer’s chief weapon against Satan.   PSALM 8:2 : “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”   James 4:7 : “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”.   Why is this true? In his original state he was the praise leader in Heaven.  Pride got him and he and his hosts lost the rebellion and have been in Hellish misery ever since.   Praise is clearly etched into the memories of every fallen angel. In their aborted rebellion they lost their lofty positions and the result is hauntingly clear in their minds. As very few creatures do, they know the power, joys, and delights of Praise.  When they hear Biblical praises they are irritated and devastated.   6. Praise Allows Us to Exchange Our Clothes of Despair for Garments of Joy.   ISAIAH 61:1-3 : “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me … to provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”     Notice that Praise is a garment.  We may consciously choose to put it on like a shirt, or skirt, or coat.  We put it on and it will ward off the spirits of depression, discouragement, and despair.   A Kingdom Is An Area Over Which A King Rules.   In the Kingdom of Light, God’s will is done. His influence is felt. The basic rule of the Kingdom of Light is, “Let’s do it God’s way!”  “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”   The language of the Kingdom of Light is p-r-a-i-s-e. “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God for you.” “I will bless the lord at all times, his praise will continually be in my mouth. “The lord gives the lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord!” And   We can usually tell who is living in the Kingdom of God. They spend a lot of time praising God.   On the other hand, the basic, rule of the Kingdom of Darkness is, “Let’s do it my way,” and, “My will be done” and, “I want to live independent from God.” Satan says, “I will exalt my kingdom above the stars! I will… I will…”   The language of the Kingdom of Darkness is G-R-I-P-E.   These people gripe, murmur and complain just about everything: weather, job, family, God, …   Unfortunately, too many of us Christians live on the border.   In border towns languages may blend together. For example, the state I live in, Texas, shares a border with the country of Mexico. A new language has evolved. We call it Tex-Mex. It’s a blending of the two.   Unfortunately, too many Christians are like that! They are living too close to the border!   They begin speaking a language called GRIPE-PRAISE. “I feel lousy—but praise the Lord anyway.”   The only trouble with straddling the fence is that it always hurts in the middle.   God wants us to get away from the border and start living on the Glory side. It all begins with praise.   Well Darlene, I hope that this expands your knowledge and understanding of praise and that you will utilize its practicality often in your life.    Sincerely, Roger

Dear Roger, I asked my pastor about the four horses of the Apocalypse and he didn’t seem to know very much. Can you help me out? Sincerely, Sandy  Dear Sandy, We turn on the television and see and hear about wars, wars, and rumors of wars. Earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis are daily occurrences. Our world is getting hotter just as Jesus said it would. Could we be in the final days before the second coming? I’m glad you asked this question. Did you know that the book of Revelation says that those who read and study Revelation will receive a special blessing? So, let’s be blessed as we open its pages. Just before the four horsemen appear in  Revelation 6 , John shows us Jesus holding the title deed to earth in Revelation chapter 5. You recall that Jesus said that Satan is now the god of our world. Revelation is the story of how Jesus gets the title deed to his world back. The title deed is a rolled-up scroll sealed by seven drops of wax. As Jesus begins to undo each of the wax seals, events on earth really heat up. The first seals are often referred to as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The term “Apocalypse,” means “Revelation.” The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse The First Horseman: The Rider On The White Horse Revelation 6:1-2 :  I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals… I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.  This verse does not say who rides this “white horse.” However, it is most likely the coming  Antichrist  ( Daniel 9:26-27 ;  1 Thessalonians 5:3 ). This rider represents a conquering power that no one can resist ( Matt 24:3-6 ). This person is not Christ (cf.  Rev 19:11-19 ). He is Satan’s counterfeit of Christ The first seal opens at the beginning of the final 7-year “tribulation” leading up to the second coming. The white horse and rider represent three and a half years of peace followed by three and a half years of war represented by the bow. The Anti-Christ is the first of God’s judgments on a Christ-rejecting world. He who claims to be a savior is really a “Trojan Horse.” The Second Horseman: The Rider On The Red Horse Revelation 6:3-4 :  When the Lamb opened the second seal… Another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.  Red equals blood and blood equals war. This rider takes peace from the earth. This seal is opened in the middle of the “tribulation” when the Abomination of Desolation is set up in the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus discussed this in  Matthew 24 . Let’s remember what war really is: When Euripides, the Greek playwright wished to depict warfare on the stage, he did not bring on an army with banners. He brought on a bent and bewildered old woman leading a weeping child by the hand who had lost her parents. That is war. The Third Horseman: The Rider On The Black Horse Revelation 6:5-6 :  When the Lamb opened the third seal… I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand… Saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!” The black horse represents famine. It takes an entire day’s wages just to buy a quart of wheat. “Balances” reveal scarcity. Americans don’t worry about the availability of food in times of plenty. In these future days, the price of food will skyrocket while millions have no access to food anyway. Worldwide famine is not hard to imagine. Witness it now in Central and Eastern Africa. In the event of serious crop failure, no part of the world is more than one year away from critical starvation and the rich U.S. is only two years away. The Fourth Horseman: The Rider On The Sickly Green Horse Revelation 6:7-8 :  … And I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth. What is the result of war and famine? Death. The word “Pale” is the Greek word for “green.” This is the ashen look of dead bodies without blood. In the science fiction movie, Soylent Green, the world is running out of food. The elites are given green blocks of food to eat and survive. Later in the movie, we discover that the green blocks are human remains dressed up for consumption. This is the pale horse. “One-fourth of the people on earth die.” Currently, that’s about 2 billion people. This is an incredible amount of death. It’s estimated that only 100 million have died in all of the wars on earth to date! It sounds impossible to kill so many in such a short time. This couldn’t be done in the days of the American Revolution. Soldiers then couldn’t load their muskets fast enough!  But that all changed on August 6, 1945, in Hiroshima, Japan. Remember, as awful as this is, it is just a preview of coming attractions. As the 1,000-year millennial reign of Christ on earth is a preview of Heaven, so the Tribulation is a preview of Hell. Sandy, you only asked about the first four seals or the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Let me just summarize the other three seals. The Fifth Seal: A Whole Host Of Martyrs Revelation 6:9-11 :  When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been. Most of these martyrs were those who refused to take the Mark of the Beast (666) and paid the ultimate price to stay true to Jesus. They cry out with a loud voice: “How long until you get vengeance on these murderers?” The Lord says, “Wait until the full number of martyrs is completed.” This is chilling, isn’t it? What He is saying is that there are more yet to be martyred. Then, He will get vengeance. They are given long, flowing robes (“stole”) and told to “Rest a little while longer.” They are rewarded and honored for dying the ultimate death. The Sixth Seal: A Nuclear Holocaust Revelation 6:12-14 :  I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black… the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth… The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. John probably refers to “fractional orbital bombs” — nuclear-tipped missiles fired simultaneously from orbiting satellites. When these missiles streak through the air they’ll look like meteors entering the atmosphere. “The skies roll back.” In a nuclear explosion the atmosphere literally rolls back on itself. The shock wave followed by the tremendous rush of air back into the vacuum creates utter destruction. “The sun turns black and moon red,” means smoke so massive that no one can see the sun. Look at the human reaction. Revelation 6:15-17 :  Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Every strata of society is affected. The greatest prayer meeting that the world has ever seen commences. You’d think that men and women would finally call upon the name of the Lord. Instead, they pray to the rocks. What’s the result of all this shaking? Do men turn to God? No! It just makes their hearts harder! There is a lesson there. The more often you say “no” to Christ, the harder it is to ever say “yes.” Saying “no, no, no” God hardens the heart like a stone. Think of Pharaoh. Think of the men and women who listened to Noah’s preaching for 125 years and never repented. If you’re not going to say “yes” in 125 years, what makes you think you’ll do it if you have one more year? At the request of his family, I went to the hospital to witness to a 76-year-old man who had been evangelized by his family on multiple occasions. Every time that he heard the gospel, he said, “No,” to Jesus. He let me share the gospel with him one more time. When I invited him to receive Christ he said, “I have said, ‘No,’ to Christ so many times that I doubt that I could say ‘Yes’ even if I wanted to.” Heartbreaking! The Seventh Seal: 30 minutes of silence in heaven  Why is heaven silenced? Because those who are there just got a glimpse of what’s to come next and it’s taking their breath away. Revelation 8:1 :  When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. What’s the blessing of this story?  The blessing is security. We have an assurance that God has a plan and is working it out for our good and His glory. We can be assured of our place in heaven if we have invited Christ into our lives. If you, one of our readers, have not received Christ, Jesus gave his ultimate expression on the cross by dying for your sin. Now is the time to make Him your Lord and Savior. Sincerely, Roger

Dear Roger, I have been reading about King David, called the “man after God’s own heart.” I know he asked God for forgiveness, but what about everyone else he hurt? Did he ever apologize to them? Sincerely, Katlyn Dear Katlyn, King David apologized to God for his adultery with Bathsheba in Psalm 51:4 : “Against  You , and  You  alone I have sinned. I have done what is evil in Your sight.” Wait a minute! King David sinned against a whole host of people! And we never hear of an apology to  any  of them. Did he apologize to Bathsheba? Did he apologize to Uriah? Did he say “I’m sorry” to Joab and the brave warriors who were sent to their deaths when David “arranged” his cover-up assassination? Did he show remorse to Bathsheba’s family? Probably not, since Bathsheba’s grandfather, Ahithophel, joined bitter Absalom to overthrow David’s kingdom ( 2 Sam.15:31 ). The casualties of this once humble king multiplied overnight. David lost his son with Bathsheba ( 2 Sam. 12:14 ). David lost his firstborn, Amnon, when Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar and caught the vengeful blade of Absalom in his back ( 2 Samuel 13:28-29 ). David lost 70,000 Israelite men shortly after when the insecure king, incited by Satan, numbered his troops ( 1 Chron. 21:1-14 ). What did the “man after God’s own heart” cause? Pain. Desolation. Destruction. And a trail of broken hearts. Our sins don’t happen in a vacuum. A sea of concentric circles of hurt wound, cripple and embitter others. Not only do we need to confess to God. We need to repent and humbly, deeply apologize to others. David, too lazy to battle the Ammonites and too proud to summon Bathsheba himself, made all of his servants unwitting accomplices. The entitled King came. He saw. He took ( 2 Sam. 11:1- 4 ). He made Bathsheba a one-night-stand and never looked back. Perhaps the wife of Uriah was performing the ritual of purification at sunset, as the Law prescribed ( Lev.15 ). The men of Israel were supposed to be on the battlefield. If the mighty King David summoned her, could she say no? Highly unlikely. Could you imagine her fear at the unwanted pregnancy with a man who was not her husband? Her grief when the baby was taken from her? Nothing at the Palace goes unnoticed. Uriah had probably heard the rumors. That’s one reason theologians postulate he refused to sleep with his wife. ( 2 Sam. 11:5-27 ). Possibly Uriah was angry, even enraged at the betrayal. The King referred to his friend as  Uriah the Hittite . Many scholars say that Uriah was one of the loyal comrades who fought by David’s side at Adullam, Ziklag or Hebron ( 2 Sam. 23:18 , 24 ; 1 Chron. 11:26 ). Hittites were despised. Lower class. Why would David demean his dedicated commander by calling him a Hittite? Why would he so cruelly betray a trusted ally? General Joab suffered deeply. His missed his King battling by His side. Then David commanded him to surreptitiously kill one of his soldiers ( 2 Sam. 11:14-17 ). Shortly after, Joab begged David not to number his fighting men. Joab spent months counting fighting men all over Israel, knowing full well that all would suffer for David’s sin. David owed his leader an apology. A  big  one. The devastation of the three-day plague rocked the nation as 70,000 men paid the price for David’s pride ( 1 Chron. 21:1-5 ).  David knew how to repent. Just read Psalm 51 .   He admitted he was wrong and that he had sinned (verses 1-4). He recognized that he lied (verse 6). He was specific in his confession. He claimed responsibility for his actions and did not justify or minimize the hurt they caused (verse 14). He did not make empty promises he didn’t intend to keep (verses 16-17). His apology was emotional and profound (verses 8-9). He asked God to repair and restore the damage that had been done (verse 18). Good things happen when we confess to the one we’ve hurt and secure forgiveness for what we’ve done. The one we have hurt has an opportunity to process and heal the hurt that’s occurred. We have the opportunity to reconnect and hopefully reconstruct our relationship with that person. We can expect consequences when we sin. How different would our marriages, our families and our friendships be if we could learn to humbly ask for forgiveness? Why don’t we start today? Also read How to Make a Good Apology to God and Others by Dr. Don McMinn. Also read How to Move from Bitterness to Forgiveness by Dr. Roger Barrier . Historical information from A Study of 2 Samuel by Dr. Bob Deffinbaugh. I asked my wife Julie to help with this article. Thanks!

Dear Roger, I have a question to ask. I have been a Christian for my whole adult life, and I know that God will never leave me. after 23 years of marriage and 3 very godly kids, my husband cheated on me and then divorced me he ripped our family apart, I really have not told anyone at church, and I really don’t want people to know but I just need to know that God will make him and her pay for what they have done! I am being very godly, I have not done anything to get back at them, but I have prayed that God would. I know that God is a god of grace but I need to know that God will discipline him. My kids are 23, 20, and 18. I raised them in Christ they do not believe in sex before marriage. My ex was not a good Christian, so they are not that shocked, but my kids and I are, I really want them to see God at work in me and also in them. Thanks, I hope you can help me find the faith to stay godly. Sincerely, Francis   Dear Francis, Of course you want vengeance on him. I’d want God to bring vengeance on him, too. Just because God says, “ … It is mine to avenge; I will repay” ( Romans 12:18-19 ), doesn’t preclude our own desire to get even—and even more.   It is neither unspiritual nor unchristian to want to see them suffer. These feelings are natural, honest, God-given human emotions. What we do with them is what matters. We don’t want the anger to ooze into bitterness, nor do we want unforgiveness to fill our souls.   I’ve had my share of enemies through out 40+ years of ministry. I hate to admit it, but I’ve had unchristian thoughts and prayed for God to bring judgment and vengeance on those who’ve hurt me. I used to feel quite guilty about this until I discovered that David had the same feelings.   On more than one occasion I’ve prayed imprecatory Psalms with David. My special favorite is in Psalm 97 . Writing about one particular adversary, David prayed:     May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children be wandering beggars; … May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off, their names blotted out from the next generation. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD; may the sin of his mother never be blotted out. May their sins always remain before the LORD, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth ( Psalm 109:7-15 ).     My heart aches for you—and for the broken family around you. The betrayal is intense. The pain you see in your children brings you double anguish. You have your own hurts; but you also hurt for your children.   Once upon a time a man in our church wanted to get me fired. I realize now that I hurt him as much as he hurt me. I didn’t see that then; I just wanted God to bring dastardly destruction upon him. After one particular maneuver he said to one of our elders, “I have him now. They’ll be lined up outside his door on Monday morning demanding his resignation.” Well, nobody lined up outside my door. No one demanded my resignation. He and his small entourage soon left for another church.   However, the hurt and pain were incredible. I imagined that he would one day beg like the rich man in Hell for Lazarus to dip his finger in the water and give him a drop because he was “tormented in the flames” ( Luke 16:19-31 ).   One night, I had a dream (a nightmare, really). I was a lieutenant during World War Two. We had captured a squad of German soldiers. One of my men asked if we could shoot them. I responded, “Certainly not, we are Americans; we don’t shoot our prisoners.” Suddenly, one of the Germans turned and I recognized him as my long-time enemy. I screamed, “Shoot him! Shoot him! Shoot him!” Julie shook me awake. My jammies were soaked with cold sweat.   I decided that I’d had enough. Julie and I knelt beside our bed at three in the morning and once more I prayed to forgive him. My unforgiving heart was not costing him a thing. But, the inner, unresolved pain and anger was gnawing away at my soul.   Jesus modeled for us during the crucifixion the proper process for forgiveness.   First, Jesus Mourned His Pains And Received Comfort.   Jesus said in Mathew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”   Mourning and receiving comfort are integral parts of healing and forgiveness. We can mourn alone, but we can’t comfort ourselves alone. Somebody else is needed for that.   Listen to the pain in Jesus’s voice: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” ( Matthew 26:38 ). Does this not sound like mourning? Jesus wanted His Disciples to comfort him. Instead they went to sleep. Fortunately, angels were there to comfort him.   Christians are given a ministry of comfort:     “Praise be to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ).     Second, Jesus Understood The Truth Of What Was Happening.   “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” ( Luke 23:34 ). He was able to forgive because He knew that the Roman soldiers were just doing their jobs.   Your husband and his adulterous girl friend most likely had little idea of how much pain they were causing you and your children. If he only knew the pain and long-term, life changing, destruction that his actions were going to cause, he might have thought twice about what he was doing. There is no excuse for his behavior. The truth is that he did a stupid, wicked thing. The truth is, statistically, his new marriage has a 78% chance of failing. He most likely he is ignorant of the vast desolation he brought into your life. Like the Roman soldiers, he did not know what he was doing.   Finally, Jesus Forgave Those Who Hurt Him.   After mourning His hurt, and understanding the truth of what was happening, Jesus was able to forgive those who wounded Him. “Father, forgive them,” included not just the Roman soldiers. Caiaphas, Herod, Pilate and a host of others were included in the word, “them”.   Let me share some thoughts for you to consider as you can get past this tragedy. Forgiveness is the only plan Jesus gives for achieving peace and victory as you struggle with your desire for vengeance.   First, forgiving does not mean that we let those who hurt us “off the hook.” They need to pay for what they did. This is what justice is all about. When we forgive we may let them off our “hook”, but they are still on God’s “hook!” Remember the Lord says, “Vengeance is mine.” So, let Him do His work. He dispenses justice in His own time.   Second, forgiving is not a sign that we’re weak. Forgiveness is a courageous act that integrates the grace, kindness, and compassion of Christ.   Third, forgiving does not mean that we forget what they did to us. Whoever told us that we can “forgive and forget” was quite misguided. The pain of some things is so intense that we will never forget them. Nevertheless, by God’s grace we can forgive them even though we may never forget what they did to us.   Forth, forgiving doesn’t mean that we restore the relationship with the one, or ones, who hurt us—as if nothing ever happened. Something did happen. Trust was broken. Circumstances have changed. Abuse occurred. If the one who hurt us is repentant, we may choose to establish boundaries, giving the offender—over a period of time—the opportunity to regain our trust. We have the freedom to expand the boundary fence if we want to, or to leave it exactly where it is. We can restore the relationship some day if we want—or not restore it at all.   Fifth, you really do want to forgive before deep bitterness and resentment become ingrained. The desire for vengeance is like using your hand to point a gun at your adversary. Your pointer finger is pointed like a gun barrel at your adversary. Your thumb is the hammer, cocked and ready to fire. However, the other three fingers are pointed right back at you.   Finally, it’s not possible to be at peace with all people ( Romans 12:7 ). As Christians we feel that we are required to fix every broken relationship and live in harmony with all of our brothers and sisters. Unfortunately, some relationships just will not work out. It is OK to leave them behind and go on with others.   By the way, not long after my 3:00 a.m. nightmare, I turned the corner at the mall to see my old “adversary” approaching from the opposite direction. We were cordial with each other, said “hello,” talked for a moment, and then went our separate ways. I knew all along that he was going to Heaven. It just felt good to imagine that he wasn’t. The last I heard he was attending and volunteering service at another church.   I am glad that God refused to answer my prayer for vengeance. Over time he became a profitable man for the Kingdom.   Again, I’m sorry for the pain and suffering you and your children are enduring. know your emotions are raw. However, may God give you release from the desire to get even and also help you and your children to pick up the pieces and move on to better things.   Love, Roger

Dear Roger, My girlfriend and I have been together for nine years. We both believe that marriage is within God’s will for us. However, whenever I raise the question of when, I am told that it is “not God’s timing for us to marry now.” Therefore, my impatience is evidence of ungodliness, and I need to learn to “wait upon God.” Roger, I’m familiar with what you teach about knowing God’s will, but how can I recognize God’s timing? How can I know that it is time, or not, for God’s will to be carried out, when that requires action on my part? Sincerely, “C”   Dear “C,” Let me answer your question from a pastoral-experiential perspective and not from that of a professional counselor. First, recognize that your impatience is not evidence of ungodliness. Your “impatience” has little or nothing to do with “waiting to hear from God.” Berate yourself no longer! After nine years you are not waiting on the Lord, you are waiting on your fiancé.   By no means am I demeaning your “waiting on God.” James assured us that God is anxious to give us  His wisdom regarding our future: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does ( James 1:5-8 ).   Your discomfort reminds me of the vacillating misery of the one described in James who is struggling to make a final decision. I as sorry for the discomfort you must be feeling as your fiancé struggles in ambivalence.   When is the right time? When both of you agree that the timing is right. If either of you is balking, then, by definition, it is not time.   If I were you, I would want to know why she is still reluctant after so long a courtship. I think that it’s time for a rational heart-to-heart talk with your finance. Try to discover her real reasons for delaying. My impression is that, “It is not God’s time,” is just an excuse on her part. Perhaps her reluctance has to do with her fear of marriage failure. Perhaps she is concerned whether or not you both had equal levels of commitment to the marriage. Maybe she experienced some traumatic event in her past that needs understanding and healing. My experience tells me that some who have experienced sexual abuse in their pasts may not even know nor understand some of the fears and issues cropping up in their lives. Perhaps she struggles with settling some financial issues between you two. You might consider engaging a wise-professional counselor to see if any underlying reasons are prohibiting her from proceeding.   Make a decision; move ahead; get married. If she still balks, consider whether or not you are willing to continue waiting. If not, consider investing your life with someone else. It is time to move on.   By the way, at the other extreme, I am not a fan of quick marriages. I recommend waiting at least one-full year from meeting to marriage. This wait allows both parties to observe their future partner during four-full seasons. Most likely, any potential marriage-killing problems, or underlying issues, or personality quirks will surface during this waiting period.   I hope my answer gives you some direction for your possible marriage plans. Please email me when you can; I would like to know what you both decide to do.   Love, Roger

Dear Roger, Can a Christian be deceived? How is this possible? I am afraid I will not know how to distinguish what is true and what is false in my faith. Please help. Sincerely, Confused Dear Confused, Perhaps deception is the most problematic of the fiery darts the enemy sends our way because by its very nature it remains hidden from our view. Paul wrote to Timothy about the coming deception when he said: “But the spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach.” ( 1 Tim. 4:1 ) A person who is being seduced by a thought or belief that is contrary to the will of God cannot see the deception as it gets its grip on him/her. Job thought God was behind all of his troubles; however, it was actually Satan. ( Job 1:20-22 ; 2:10 ; 42:11 )  If deception can happen to Job, it can happen to any of us. Even in the “perfect state of heaven” Eve was capable of being deceived. ( Gen. 3:13 ) We must all be aware of the fact we can be deceived by the enemy. This awareness should lead us to always want to “check things out” with the counsel of the Scripture and the counsel of mature believers. How then are we as targets of the enemy’s attack on our minds to defend ourselves? Dr. Neil Anderson suggests some key strategies for winning the battle for our minds: Be transformed by the renewing of your mind with the Word of God. ( Rom. 12:2 ) By filling our minds with the truth of God’s Word, we can experience peace as we let that peace rule in our hearts. ( Col. 3:15 ) Christians have found that letting the truth that Jesus came to give us “richly dwell in our hearts” transforms and renews our minds. ( Col. 3:16 ) Prepare your mind for action. Peter directs us to be assertive and not passive in our thinking. Attitude about controlling our thought life. The enemy will lead us toward being passive about our thought life. God works through our minds to actively lead us to follow truth and to be intentional about it. Take every thought captive. In Second Corinthians 10:5 , Paul exhorts us to be assertive in our application of our trust and faith in Jesus. When a negative thought runs through our mind we are to take that captive by replacing with what is true. Tempting, lying or accusing thoughts are to be dealt with by choosing to believe the truth and to keep choosing it until it becomes entrenched as a normal part of our thought life. Turn anxious, negative, tempting or accusing thoughts into a prayer. Paul writes in Philippians 4:6 that we are to, “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer—let your request be made known.” I have found it so helpful to wrap up the negative thought in a prayer and turn it over to God, releasing it into His hands. Assume your responsibility to choose the truth and commit yourself to live accordingly. Paul gives us a wonderfully practical model for how to choose truth. In Philippians 4:8-11 , he lists what we are to think on: “…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is loyal, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” I hope this is helpful. Love, Roger

Hi Roger, I often find myself bouncing between believing and not. Growing up I was shown what it was like to put up a false front so to speak. At home often my parents fought and Dad would say horrific things. Then when we would go to Church or to someone’s home we had to put on this face that everything was alright with the family. I am trying to be a positive example of what a Christian for my son but find myself frustrated. What do I do?   Becky Dear Becky, I am sorry that your mom’s and dad’s hypocrisy is having a negative impact on your faith. This is not unusual because we often picture God based somewhat on the character and actions of our parents. However, our faith is not based on mom and dad’s behaviors. Our faith is grounded in the resurrection—the tomb was empty on Easter morning. Spending more time gazing at the life and teachings of Jesus and less on your parental pretenders is a powerful way to replace doubt with belief.   By the way, you might consider that most fighting people are dealing with numerous personal issues. Even as you sorrow over their fighting and hurting each other and the others in the family, consider cutting them some slack. Remember that “hurting people hurt people.”   Everyone wears masks. One mask Julie and I sometimes put on is the one we call “the church face.” We were in San Diego on a family vacation with our children and Julie’s mom and dad. Grandparents and grandchildren don’t mix well at Sea World. We stepped behind the bushes to have a rather heated discussion as to what to do next. Suddenly, a Casas Church couple walked up. Instantly, the fighting stopped and we all put on the “Church Face!” After they left, we all marveled at how quickly we transitioned from fighting family to loving Christians. We were well practiced at using the “church face” mask. Fortunately, as we have matured in Christ, +that mask is lost somewhere in the back of the closet. We seldom feel the need to utilize it.   We all want to put our best foot forward. No one wants to display character traits which are not the best! The problem occurs when we are attempting to lead double lives! There is a difference between hypocrisy and occasionally putting on the proper masks in social settings. Hypocrisy occurs when we claim to be someone we are not and we wear a fake mask most all of the time. Hypocritical living promotes all sorts of dysfunctional behavior—and can lead to dysfunctional behavior in our spiritual lives as well.   As teenagers we wear four or five masks depending on the social group we’re associating with at any particular moment. We have different masks for peers, parents, teachers, acquaintances and close friends. How we represent ourselves to one group will be different than how we represent ourselves to another. We are subconsciously in the process of deciding who we will be as we transition into adulthood. Eventually, we decide and then discard all the other masks. Unfortunately, many people keep several masks and never figure out who they really are. In my opinion you father has more than one mask.   Hopefully, early on, we decide that we are Christians. In other words, “I am a Christian and who you see is who I really am.” Few of us throw away the other masks all at once. As we grow to spiritual maturity, more and more masks are discarded until only one is left. When people think of us, we remind them of the Lord Jesus. Paul revealed that as we mature, we even throw away the last mask: “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” ( 2 Corinthians 3:18 ).   In raising your son, I advise that you continue you spiritual growth and practice continually reflecting the face of Jesus. This is the best thing you can do for your son’s future spiritual life and character.   Love, Roger

Dear Roger, Did God predestine people to go to Hell? Sincerely, PH Dear PH,   Let me begin with an overview of predestination as envisioned by John Calvin. Calvinism teaches, in essence, that God chooses beforehand (predestines) who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell. Arminianism is the antithesis of Calvinism. Arminianism teaches that “whosoever will may come”—anyone can be saved by simple faith in Christ!    PH, I have written a rather long and detailed answer to your question. I needed to because your questions has implications far beyond whether or not God predestines people to Hell. I hope my answer is helpful.    However, let me say to you or to anyone else reading my answer, if this is more answer than you want to read, then at least read Charles Spurgeon’s practical insight in the last paragraph. I think that what he has to say sums up everything!     John Calvin initiated the Calvinism vs. Armenianism debate that has brought much discord among Christians for the last five centuries. John Calvin, along with Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli, were the fathers of the Protestant Reformation. The Protestant Reformation was a rejection of the Roman Catholic Church practice of selling indulgences (forgiveness of sins). Since the Roman Church had a corner on the religious market, there were no other options for the penitent desiring to obtain personal forgiveness except to pay a “bribe” to the priest—and thus gain a place in Heaven.    The Protestant Reformers reacted violently to this practice and strongly emphasized that forgiveness of sin comes only through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Their teaching was based on the Biblical teaching that “the just shall live by faint.”    John Calvin was a prolific writer who composed the first set of New Testament Bible commentaries. Calvin looked at Biblical terms like “predestination”, “election”, and “foreknew” and interpreted these verses to mean that somewhere in eternity past God elected, or predestined, some people to go to Heaven and some to go to Hell. Individuals had no say-so in the matter of their eternal destiny.    Calvinism has five main points. The five points were put in logical order by the early followers of Calvinism. Over the years they have been reordered to correspond to the acronym “T.U.L.I.P” for easier memory. The five points deal with total depravity (original sin), unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace (effectual calling), and the perseverance of the saints.    Total depravity means that everyone born is infected with the disease of sin. The term “total” means that every part of a person’s life is totally affected by sin. No one naturally turns to God, everyone turns, “to their own way” ( Isaiah 53 ).    Unconditional election means that God’s choice is not based on any goodness, merit, or right behaviors by those who are elected. God’s choice is based totally on His over abounding grace.    Limited atonement acknowledges that Jesus’ death on the cross was definitely and totally effective in paying the price for mankind’s original sin. However, since God knew precisely who would be chosen, the atonement is effective only for those whom God has predestined for eternal life. God could have elected everyone and used Christ’s sacrifice to atone for all. But, He didn’t.    Irresistible grace means that God will eventually overcome any resistance by those He has elected. When God sovereignly decides to save someone, that individual will eventually be saved. He or she is unable to resist God’s grace and calling.    The perseverance of the saints declares that since God is sovereign, and that His will can never be stymied or frustrated, those whom He has elected will continue in faith until the end. Those who apparently fall away either never had true faith to begin with or will return.    The Biblical foundation for Calvinism basically rests on five New Testament terms: “elect”, “predestined”, “foreknew” “chosen”, and “called.”    The term “elect” occurs nine times in the New Testament. For example, Paul wrote in Titus 1:1 “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness …”    The term “predestined” is used four times in the New Testament. For example, Paul wrote in Romans 8:28-29 : “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son …”    The term “foreknew” is used only once—in Romans 8:28 ab ove.    The term “chosen” is used nine times to refer to God’s people. For example, Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:11 : “In him, we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will …”    The term, “called”, is used scores of times in the New Testament. I would suggest that about fifteen times “chosen” is used to refer to those individuals who are called into the realm of the elect in eternity past. For example, Paul wrote in Romans 1:6 : “And you also are among those who are called to belong to Christ.”    Now, PH, let’s look at Arminianism. Arminianism is the name given to the Biblical-theological construct which stands in direct contrast to Calvinism. Arminianism may be summarized in John 3:16 : “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him might not perish but have everlasting life.” In other words, anyone can come to Christ for salvation at any age, at any time or in any place.    Many Christians can quote John 3:16 . On the other hand, most have no clue what Jesus said two verses earlier in John 3:14-15 : “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, even so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.”    Jesus referred here to an incident recorded in Numbers 21 when the Israelites were complaining to both God and Moses about the poor diet God was providing for them in the wilderness. They hated the food, didn’t have enough water, and were disgusted with God’s care. They wanted to return to Egypt. In response to their murmurings God sent venomous snakes which bit many Israelites and many died. The people quickly repented and begged Moses to ask God to remove the snakes. In response God instructed Moses to fashion a large bronze snake and lift it high on a pole. God then told Moses, “Anyone who is bitten can look at the snake and live.” Moses then wrote an editorial comment in verse nine: “Then anyone who was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, then he lived.” Notice all were free to look, and it took only one look to receive healing.    The bronzed snake was a foreshadowing (or a “type”) of Christ. Jesus used this story as an illustration that anyone can look at the uplifted Christ on the cross and by faith receive full pardon for sin. Only one look of faith is needed to receive the spiritual antidote for the poisonous bite of the snake of sin.    The Bible is filled with pictures of an open-armed God the Father who is longing for the Lost to return to Him. All who come will receive full welcome and reprieve. Luke 15 , for example, has three parables which picture God as searching for the Lost in order to bring them safely home: the lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost son.    Basically, Calvinism declares that the only ones who can be saved are the ones God has already chosen in eternity past. On the other hand, Arminianism puts no such restrictions on receiving God’s love, salvation and grace. The foundational teaching of Arminianism is: “Whosoever will may come.” Salvation is not the domain only of the Elect. Salvation is a free gift—offered now in the present—to all who believe in Christ by faith.    Now, PH, let me make several observations regarding the Calvinism-Arminianism debate.    Those who ascribe to Calvin’s teachings do so to different degrees. Hard-core followers imagine God’s election to be completely arbitrary. Others say that election is explained by the idea that God looked into the future and saw who would one day believe in Christ anyway. Many discussions ensue among Calvinists as they sort the many implications of their beliefs. Countless volumes are still being written to argue the issue.    For the sake of clarity, lat me reiterate that Calvinists define “elect” as a group composed of those whom God has chosen beforehand for salvation. Arminians identify the “elect” or “chosen” etc. as a group of all those who have freely received Christ as their Savior and Lord.    Finally, PH, allow me to make several personal observations.    First, you need to know that my bias is in favor of Arminianism.    Second, in interpreting Bible verses, I always look for the simple explanation first. Calvinism is a complex system; there is nothing simple about it. Simple is not always right; but when it takes a complex interpretation whose validity can be debated at every point, I tend to go with the simple every time. I thank God that He made the gospel so simple that even children can understand it.    Third, it seems to me that “whosoever will” is a better reflection the Biblical picture of God’s heart than the idea that He made arbitrary choices to determine the eternal state of certain individuals before the foundation of the earth.    Fourth, considering all the issues involved, I arrived at the following conclusion: “Before the foundation of the universe God predetermined that the “elect” would be a group, composed of all who freely received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, who were predestined to ‘be conformed to the image of Christ.’”    PH, notice that predestination is not an issue of Heaven or Hell. It is an issue of maturing to look like Jesus. The only question now is who makes up the “elect”. Personally, I like the “whosoever will may come” interpretation. Calvinists would take the “God chose some and not others” viewpoint as those who make up the “elect.”    Fifth, while Calvinism and Armenians stand at opposite ends of the spectrum. Many wonder whether it may be possible for both to be true simultaneously? The obvious answer is, “They can’t both be true. Pick one or the other.” But, what if they are both true? What if they are two sides of the same coin? In our limited world of time and space, we see three dimensions plus time. It is now becoming obvious that our universe actually exists in ten dimensions. This is spiritually exciting because, mathematically, when transitioning into the eleventh dimension, everything comes together in a single point. I often wonder if this is where God lives—in the eleventh dimension of our universe? This certainly explains how God could be omnipresent. Those things we see as polar opposites may come together quite nicely in God’s eleventh dimension. One day in Heaven, after hearing God’s simple explanation to our question, we will probably say something like, “Oh, that is so simple. That makes sense. Why didn’t we see that before!?    Sixth, I have spent quite a number of years struggling with the Calvinism-Arminianism issue. Not only is it intriguing, it has profound implications for the nature and character of God and for such theological issues as Evangelism, Christology, Soteriology and Eschatology. In fact, as I think about it, every theological discipline is impacted by how we interpret these two theological constructs. I feel like my time spent in study here is quite worth it.   Finally, Charles Spurgeon was one of the most influential preachers of all time. His sermons were read weekly all over the world and are still relevant today—some 150 years later. He leaned strongly toward a Calvinistic view of the Bible. Early in my ministry I read in one of his sermons how he dealt practically with the Calvinistic-Arminianism debate.    Spurgeon said, “I wish God had painted a red stripe down the back of the elect. I would spend my time lifting up shirt tails; but, since He hasn’t, I will preach the gospel to every creature.”    Well, PH, I hope my answer sheds some light on your question. Thanks for asking. Ask me another one.    Love, Roger

Dear Roger, What happens to America in the end times? Sincerely, Peter Dear Peter, The quick and simple answer is that no one knows. However, there are some Biblical and political possibilities. Let me begin by listing for you the major predictive passages in the Bible. The Book of Revelation promises a blessing to those who read and understand these prophetic truths. Daniel relates in the final chapter of his book that God will open up the prophetical books at the end times so that those with wisdom can discern what is coming. The primary predictive passages are Ezekiel 37-39 , Daniel 2 and 7-12 ; Matthew 24-25 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 ; and Revelation 4-22 .I see at least three possibilities for what happens to the United States in the end times. First, America is not even around for the end times. The average lifespan of large, significant Kingdom or national empires is about 300 years. Most of them fall apart because of military action from their neighbors other by collapsing from the inside as evidenced by a loss of any one or more of the following factors: values and morals; a collapsing of the fabric of their society; using up natural resources; changes in weather patterns; as well as a deteriorating relationship with their trade partners—among other equally significant factors .You can decide for yourself whether or not you think America will exist as a nation much longer based on these factors. By the way, most cultures go through three-recurring-generational cycles before finally breaking down. These cycles occur multiple times through the Biblical book of Judges. The first generation fights the battles. The second generation enjoys the benefits. The third generation gives it all back again. The cycle then repeats. Second, if America is still in existence in the final days, she may align herself with the nations united from the territories of the old Roman Empire. These aligned nations will be led by the Antichrist to invade Israel immediately after he inviolates the peace treaty he signed with Israel just three and one-half years earlier. If America has commitments pledging her allegiance and assistance to the nations of Europe—and keeps them—she will most likely meet her doom at the Battle of Armageddon. Finally, Revelation 12:13-17 has an oblique reference to an “eagle” which saves Israel from destruction by the devil. Since the eagle is the national bird of the United States, some postulate that this eagle saving the woman is a symbolic picture of the U.S. stepping in to protect Israel at the commencement of the Battle of Armageddon. The characters in Revelation 12 are identified from the easy to decipher descriptions of each in the following verses I have identified with parenthesis the participants in the action above. When the dragon (Satan) saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman (Israel) who had given birth to the male child (Jesus). The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle (the United States?), so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the desert, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach. Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring — those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Well, Peter, while no one knows with any degree of certainty the answer to your question, I hope I have given you some options to consider. Love, Roger