The Awareness of a Temporary Earth

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

“And, Thou, O Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (Hebrews 1:10-12 KJV).

On this Earth Day, let us not confuse the creation with the Creator!

Today, people worldwide celebrate “environmental awareness.” According to the secular, naturalistic worldview, our planet and its sun could last many more billions of years. They claim that we have done so much damage to our planet—climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, pollution, et cetera—that we must change our attitude toward “mother earth” and change our lifestyles before we destroy her and civilization as we know it! You can sense the zeal in their message, can you not? While these people are sincere, they are wasting all of their time, energy, and resources on a temporary planet.

Let us be very clear that the Lord Jesus Christ placed man on the earth, especially the Garden of Eden, to “dress it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to take care of the Earth: he was God’s representative, God’s king, who had a divine commission to rule this planet for God’s glory (Genesis 1:26-28).

It was not long, however, before Satan distracted mankind from understanding God’s purpose for him. Adam began to focus on himself: like Satan, he began to “worship and serve the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Thus began man’s continual downward spiral into spiritual ignorance. He would continually worship himself, as we well know today.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that, because of sin, this creation will pass away. The Lord Jesus Christ, however, will live forever. Why worship that which is temporary? It makes no sense! The Lord Jesus Christ gave you life, not the pagan goddess “mother earth.” Environmental awareness? Indeed, be aware that our world is temporary, as God will one day create “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

Not Thy Righteousness, But Their Wickedness #8

Friday, April 17, 2026

“Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Deuteronomy 9:5 KJV).

May we have the proper perspective of wickedness versus righteousness….

It was the Gentiles’ wickedness in the land on Earth, not Israel’s righteousness out of the land, that caused Israel to inherit that land; remember, Israel did not naturally have righteousness anyway. In an interesting parallel, it is the angels’ wickedness in the Heavenly Places, not our righteousness on Earth, that results in we (the Church the Body of Christ) inheriting those Heavenly Places; remember, we did not naturally have righteousness either.

Colossians 1:16-20: “For by him [Jesus Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

Whether Heaven or Earth, creation is currently in rebellion against its Creator. Satan’s sinful plan has been put into effect quite masterfully. So as to bring Earth back to Himself, Father God wisely creates the nation Israel to glorify Jesus Christ in the Earth. From Paul’s ministry, we learn how Father God prudently creates the Church the Body of Christ to glorify Jesus Christ in the Heavenly Places, thus bringing the Heavenly Places back to Himself. In the ages to come, Satan’s work in both realms of creation is overthrown, undone, reversed. For this to be to God’s glory, whether in Heaven or in Earth, it must be God’s righteousness alone and never, ever man’s….

Counsel About the LORD’S Counsel

Saturday, March 28, 2026

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21 KJV).

The following protest has been offered: “There is no free will. I did not ask to be here.” Of course, this is downright silliness. How could you ask to be here? To ask to be here implies you would first have to be here, for someone who is not here is unable to ask to be here. Nonexistent beings cannot speak! It is illogical to suggest permission can be asked of someone who is not there.

Observe. The God of the Bible has laid out a plan for life, but we can decide to do something else. He does not force us to live according to His eternal purpose. This is free will. Sin complicates the situation because the sinner is naturally defiant, an autonomous being in his or her own eyes. At some point, if ever so briefly, each sinner realizes “I did it my way” is selfish, unfulfilling, and futile (today’s Scripture).

Recently, a young woman told me how it is tempting to grow discouraged or frustrated to see and hear people “act the fool” online. My advice to her was simple: if God is not worked up in handing people over to it, then it should not work us up either. Eventually, you learn to limit your exposure to drama and concentrate on more important matters in life.

We will not worry about “I did not ask to be here,” for that is too self-centered and therefore fails to take into consideration someone or something beyond ourselves. Also, we will not bother with the lame, “I was not here 1,000 years ago, and I will not be here 1,000 years from now.” The fact of the matter is, we are here now, so let us make the most of it by choosing to learn why we are here—as opposed to inventing “clever” philosophical statements designed to provide us with an alibi for our spiritual laziness and ineptitude.

Life that truly is life cannot be enjoyed until that life starts here: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Zealously Affected #30

Sunday, March 22, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

An emotional person announces, “We can best support poor people by taxing the rich and diverting that money to social programs!” However, a thinking individual proposes, “Find ways to reduce wasteful government spending first—and start by decreasing the salaries of the politicians who are mismanaging funds and more likely embezzling monies meant for social programs.” If wealthy business owners are taxed, they simply increase the prices their customers pay. When taxes become oppressive enough, the wealthy move elsewhere, so the region’s tax base shrinks. Who will pay for the poor now? It will definitely not be the politicians! Emotions aside, and critical thinking operating, this economics lesson is most profitable.

The death penalty has always been controversial. Supposedly, capital punishment is “cruel and unusual,” and therefore inappropriate; this too is emotionalism. Observe the renewed mind now. The Bible is absolutely clear that, any individual who takes a human life forfeits his or her own: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Genesis 9:6). Furthermore, this is not restricted to the Old Testament. If worthy of death, the Apostle Paul was willing to be executed (Acts 25:11). He even wrote about government retaining the right to “bear the sword” (behead offenders) in Romans 13:4. Does not the possibility of sentencing innocent people to death argue against capital punishment? This also is emotionalism. If potential mistakes are grounds for ruling out the death penalty, we would be forced to eliminate life imprisonment as well because many innocent individuals have sat in a jail for decades only to be proven not guilty and released! Moreover, how cruel and unusual for the guilty person spared the death penalty to be enabled to harass the victim’s family with years of appeals. Above all, you can be sure that, once the murderer is killed, there will be no chance of recidivism or financial burden to taxpayers.

Indeed, it helps to use the brain than the emotions….

Zealously Affected #29

Saturday, March 21, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

Science-worshippers and so-called “intellectuals” regard us as nothing more than highly-evolved animals whose very existence is attributable to the mysterious forces of “Mother Earth” or “Mother Nature” (really the ancient heathen goddess of fertility and hunting, also known as Diana or Artemis!—Acts 19:24,27,28,34,35). It is along these lines that evolutionary theory via natural selection, animal rights, vegetarianism, veganism, conservationism, and environmentalism are promoted. Tainted by sin, emotions have cheapened human existence to be “just another clump of cells.” We exhibit boundless pity toward endangered and extinct plants and animals, seeing no problem with placing them equal to or above ourselves, but we have been desensitized to the barbaric butchering of the helpless members of our own species. Sexual activity is unrestrained and recreational, and pregnancy is simply an “inconvenience” to more fun. Abortion is thus offered as the solution, for the selfish mantra of “MY body, MY choice” has been mindlessly parroted.

Unwanted pregnancies are an obstacle to emotionally-immature and mentally-immature parties, and those in the medical community who do not wish to maintain and preserve life are just as childish when they eagerly prey on these vulnerable to their detriment. If termination of life shortly after conception is tolerable (abortion), then it is just as easy for us to be open to ending life in its waning years (euthanasia, or assisted suicide). How laughable it is that, while struggling to define just what a “man” is and what a “woman” is, our society boasts about seeking and defending “women’s rights.” Since it cannot seem to distinguish between human DNA and animal, our “civilization” is most ridiculous to brag how it campaigns for “human rights.”

Beloved, this is all irrational, contradictory, and outrageous behavior, but it is nothing more than sin taking advantage of us through our corrupted emotions. “I am not going to be told what I will think and do! I will do what I feel is right!” Frankly, emotions are just one of sinful man’s innumerable gods. We would do well to detect and flee such idolatry as soon as possible….

Zealously Affected #15

Thursday, March 5, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

Once, I watched a video of a police officer confronting a woman wielding a knife. Despite the fact he issued repeated warnings, the suspect refused to put it down. She had stabbed another person just prior to his arrival! Advancing toward the deputy, she left him no choice. He fired his revolver, and she fell to the ground at the front door of helpless residents whom she could have also easily wounded. Several neighbors immediately assembled on the scene and began yelling, “Why did you shoot her?! Why did you shoot her?!” Emotions were in charge (“zealously affected, but not well”), so, of course, blame was assigned to the wrong party. It makes no sense that a defiant, armed suspect would be allowed unrestricted access to the general public, especially when law enforcement commands the individual to cease the criminal activity. Obviously, there can be no good outcome. This is the logical conclusion, but mindless emotions do not facilitate a reasonable assessment of the situation.

Another documentary I viewed featured a correspondent conversing with passersby. He would read to them an incendiary quote of a famous politician and then falsely attribute it to someone else. They strongly voiced how they were quite opposed to the opinion expressed in the quotation… until he revealed those words were from another politician (one they adored, to whom they were emotionally attached“zealously affected, but not well”). Their amended response was, “Oh, ah, uh” (speechlessness). It was a far calmer reaction when they learned these “offensive” words were from an official they blindly followed! Additionally, one woman stated how she was unaware of the positions of the candidate whom she had helped elect. Here are the types of people entering the voting booth, emotionally-manipulated victims of state-run media propaganda!

Whether criminal justice, religion, politics, finances, science, or anything else, Satan’s evil world system preys on us via emotionalism. It would do us well to know our enemy to the point of anticipating his moves….

Zealously Affected #12

Monday, March 2, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression” (Proverbs 29:22). “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated” (Proverbs 14:17). “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly” (Proverbs 14:29). “A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both” (Proverbs 27:3).

In legal terms, “crimes of passion” are violent acts lacking premeditation. They are committed impulsively, in a fit of intense emotion (rage, jealousy, despair, and so on). No real thought goes into the deed, so it is considered “senseless.” For example, if someone is assaulted or murdered because of a simple misunderstanding, petty disagreement, or small sum of money, the wrongdoing is illogical because (non-thinking) emotions took precedence. Such irrational behavior is rampant now, particularly in a society of immature people who do not get their way. It was true in Bible days, too.

A fit of wrath or extreme anger led to works-religion Cain killing believing brother Abel in Genesis 4:5-8. Greatly frustrated Moses smote the rock, thus disrespecting the LORD before Israel, which resulted in Moses being prohibited from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 20:7-13). Jonah felt no pity for tens of thousands of lost, Hell-bound but repentant sinners in Nineveh who were spared Divine judgment, yet he threw a temper tantrum when “his” shade-tree died (Jonah 4:1-11)! The citizens of Nazareth, so convicted of sin and under the influence of deceitful emotions, nearly stoned Jesus Christ in Luke 4:16-30! At Ephesus (western Turkey), the fanatical worshippers of the mother-goddess Diana screamed mindless chants because their vain religious system was on the verge of collapse, generating citywide riots that had to ultimately be suppressed before the Emperor heard of that civil unrest and meted out punishment (Acts 19:23-41).

It is better to think and act BEFORE feeling and acting….

Zealously Affected #9

Friday, February 27, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

In stark contrast to, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9), there is the following: But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (verses 10-13).

How do we learn God’s will, His purpose and plan for us? Such revelation or “unveiling” is not by “eye” (empiricism), not by “ear” (church tradition), and not by “heart” (intuition)—these correspond to spiritual “wood, hay, stubble” (1 Corinthians 3:12). Rather, we aim for spiritual “gold, silver, precious stones” (1 Corinthians 3:12), “the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth,” as in the Bible “rightly divided” or dispensationally delivered (2 Timothy 2:15). The Holy Ghost teaches us by using “words”not hunches, guesses, man’s opinions, feelings, and so on. Incidentally, He does not utilize “thoughts” either (so, it is incorrect to argue Bible words can be changed so long as “thoughts” are conveyed)!

To “recover themselves out of the snare [trap] of the Devil” (2 Timothy 2:24-26), the Galatians have to read and believe in their heart the epistle of Galatians written to them. It only makes sense for us to do likewise, that we also forsake our denominational doctrine that our false teachers have “zealously affected” us to seek and uphold….

Zealously Affected #8

Thursday, February 26, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

Unfortunately, our culture runs on emotions. Mass communication has aggravated the situation. Social media, “news” networks, and other platforms prominently feature people who are “angry” about this and “outraged” about that. They march, hold signs, scream, loot buildings, attack and injure and kill others, utter filth and nonsense, and burn down whole city blocks. These struggle to articulate intelligent reasons for what they do and say. Frankly, they are but pawns in a political system that is designed to instill and promote fear, guilt, discord, hysteria, and, above all, anarchy. Young people, who are emotionally immature, are particularly victims here. In fact, we will find among them—and even leading them—a great many “senior citizens” who never grew up either!

It is a real shame that the professing church cannot survive the above society or point its confused individuals in the right direction. These alleged “believers” have nothing meaningful to offer the world either, often joining in with it. What they are are prisoners to and defenders of denominational systems, futile manmade attempts to explain the Bible. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). The “eye” is empiricism, as in, “I must be able to see it with my physical eye and test it in a scientific lab before I believe it!” Such a man will never learn anything from God or about God’s will. The “ear” is church tradition, such as, “I have to hear it from my church leaders before I believe it!” Again, such a man will never learn a thing from God or about God’s will. The “heart” is intuition, as in, “I must be able to feel it with my emotions, or find it confirmed in my inner being, before I believe it!” Such a man will never learn anything from God or about God’s will, either….

A New World

Monday, February 16, 2026

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea…. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:1,4 KJV).

Indeed, there is nothing like witnessing the natural world destroy itself and give way to a new world!

As a firsthand scientific observer of a tornado that passed directly over my house, I stood in disbelief looking at debris fly across the yard. Seeing large trees uprooted, hearing gigantic branches snap like twigs, noticing shingles and tin roofs disintegrate, and hearing violent winds and heavy rains sweep across the land… I still have difficulty comprehending. The speed is equally stunning. What seemed like an eternity lasted less than a minute. Hurricanes (some disastrous) have come and gone here during my nearly 40 years of life; however, this tornado excelled them all in terms of destruction. No homes or lives were lost, but it was close!

Struggling to make sense of our tornado, I cannot even begin to fathom the Great Flood of Noah’s lifetime. Those rainstorms above and those floodwaters from beneath (groundwater) continued for 40 days until the ark was lifted and Earth’s mountains were covered (Genesis 7:10-12,17-20). Another 110 days passed as these waters peaked on Earth’s surface (Genesis 7:24). Mountains were eroded away. Forests were flattened. Almost all life outside of the ark, with the exception of some marine life, perished and were buried to rapidly produce the fossil record. The catastrophe that transpired beyond the safety of that ark will never be comprehended: God was definitely faithful in bringing its occupants through such horrors as He hid them from view. Water eventually drained off the land for some 220 days, forming deep canyons and new highlands. Ocean basins increased. The atmosphere was drastically altered. By the time Noah and his family exited the ark a year later, they entered a world that was truly unrecognizable.

Weather systems have been quite destructive ever since Adam plunged mankind into sin, further exacerbated by the changes that the Great Deluge brought. Thankfully, such devastation will all pass away in the grand scheme of things. Yes, the curse of sin will be lifted for creation to return to its original, pristine form.