Category: free will

Wisdom for Life #6

Friday, June 27, 2025

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is true wisdom for life….

Using diabolical ingenuity, Satan seeks to overthrow the four Divine institutions in creation. Whereas the LORD God established volition (free will), Satan’s lie program draws people away from God’s choice. Satan has no specific path for us to take, just as long as we choose to disagree with God’s way of life.

Marriage, God’s lifetime union of a biological man and a biological woman, is also under attack from Satan’s policy of evil. Pedophilia, homosexuality, transgenderism, divorce, bestiality, polyandry and polygamy (multiple husbands and multiple wives, respectively), spousal abuse, premarital sex, and extramarital sex, are all outside of God’s design in sexual relationships. Marriage forms the core of the family unit, so, if the marriage is in disarray, the family is automatically devastated.

The family is the most basic unit of nations, but fratricide (murdering one’s brother, such as Cain killing Abel), sororicide (murdering one’s sister), mariticide (murdering one’s husband), and uxoricide (murdering one’s wife), all complicate and destroy the family relationship. Here, we can also include disobedience to parents, child abuse, child neglect, child endangerment, abortion, and absentee mothers and absentee fathers.

Nations are the largest God-ordained entities of people—and while they have their distinct cultures, languages, and borders—internationalism blends them. Various religions and ideologies are thus mixed, and man in his own wisdom seeks to create the perfect life by leaving out the life of Jesus Christ. World peace, prosperity for everyone, eradication of all diseases, and so on, can supposedly be addressed by multicultural cooperation. In anarchy, borders do not matter, laws do not matter, government does not matter. Other complications are corrupt regimes, genocide, weak to no criminal punishments, unrestrained immigration, and so on.

All of these are departures from God’s standards. Romans 1:18-32 (note well verses 21,22,28) offers the details as to how sinful man—thinking his own thing and doing his own thing—contributed to his own spiritual, physical, moral, ethical, social, psychological, and emotional decline….

Wisdom for Life #5

Thursday, June 26, 2025

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is true wisdom for life….

According to the Book of Genesis (which is literal and historical), the LORD God wisely ordained four institutions in creation for the perpetuation of human life. The first is volition or free will, the second is marriage, the third is family, and the fourth is nationalism. Man’s problem is that he errs in all four spheres, choosing to lean unto his own understanding—thereby complicating and destroying life for himself and those around him.

The first two Divine institutions in creation were desecrated in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. In Genesis chapter 3, they chose to exercise their free will in a negative or sinful manner (following Satan, not God), and they turned on each other instead of living for the wellbeing of each other. The third Divine institution in creation is family, but that was overthrown when their unbelieving son Cain followed Satan and thus killed his believing brother Abel (Genesis chapter 4). The fourth Divine institution in creation was neglected after the Great Flood of Noah’s life. Whereas God commanded the people to scatter to represent their various nationalities in their respective territories (Genesis chapters 9–10), those nations assembled via internationalism—fellowshipping in satanic religion at the Tower of Babel (Genesis chapter 11).

Satan’s evil world system entices man to see something evil, want it, and assume he deserves it. Yet, the Bible instructs, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:15,16). As Moses told Israel, “Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes” (Deuteronomy 12:8).

Yet, those four Divine institutions of creation are attacked even now because man has still not departed from evil….

No Shepherd for Israel! #9

Saturday, July 20, 2024

“Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace” (2 Chronicles 18:16 KJV).

Why does Israel have no shepherd?

Like every nation of the world, Israel’s history abounds with leaders who were spiritual losers. That is the heavy price of sin—and it is a heavy price indeed. All nations could have been spared an incomprehensible amount of pain, suffering, ignorance, and turmoil. Yet, the LORD God created us as free moral agents, not robots, and that means letting man do what he wants. Still, we can be thankful that is not the way things will always be in creation. Before situations and circumstances improve on Earth, though, they will have to deteriorate even more than what we see now.

With each passing day, the world grows closer to the Antichrist’s appearance. This last self-serving, diabolical shepherd—the worst of them all—must operate in Israel’s government before the Lord Jesus Christ comes back to destroy him, sit on David’s throne, and appoint His righteous shepherds (the 12 Apostles). Jesus Christ the “Good Shepherd” is in stark contrast to those shepherds who scatter the sheep, those who do not care about the wellbeing of the sheep (John 10:11-14). Ultimately, Christ will give up His life to save the sheep—a clear reference to Calvary (see John 10:15,17-18). In addition to being the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life at the cross (John 10:11 corresponding to Psalm 22); Jesus Christ is also the “Great Shepherd” who cares for and blesses the sheep (Hebrews 13:20 matching Psalm 23); Christ is also the “Chief Shepherd” who brings the sheep into His Millennial Kingdom (1 Peter 5:4 corresponding to Psalm 24).

The Lord Jesus will lead the lost sheep of Israel back to Himself, as in 1 Peter 2:25: “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” Psalm 79:13, Psalm 95:7, and Psalm 100:3 all look to that Millennial Reign of Christ as well. In that day, “no shepherd for Israel” will never be true again!

The LORD Seeth Not? #3

Thursday, April 11, 2024

“Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth” (Ezekiel 8:12 KJV).

Is it valid to say, “The LORD seeth us not?” and “The LORD hath forsaken the earth?”

If a college professor who could read, write, and teach advanced English also lived in the United States (a country filled with English Bibles), why was he seeking “truth” by experimenting with countless foreign religions? Joining a cult is not accidental, but the fatal end of a series of poor choices. Eventually, we all realize we are heading down the wrong path, yet only a few of us ever humbly turn to Jesus Christ in faith (the correct path). We know we are fallible creatures—faulty minds, deceptive hearts, ailing bodies. How can we possibly worship beings like ourselves, depending on our own righteousness or theirs, blindly following cult leaders when even they also have weaknesses and problems?

In the context of today’s Scripture, the LORD has supernaturally transported the Prophet Ezekiel from Babylon to Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem (verses 3,4). Here in JEHOVAH God’s house, the Jews have installed and worshipped numerous idols (verses 5-16). Today’s Scripture: “Then said he [the LORD] unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth” (cf. Ezekiel 9:9). They assumed God was unaware of their sins, and they had escaped justice! Of course, judgment did eventually come!

“Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?” (Psalm 94:7-9). Let us rest assured, friends, the LORD will take vengeance—and no evildoers will escape His justice. May we come by faith in Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins, before it is too late for us too!

The LORD Seeth Not? #2

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

“Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth” (Ezekiel 8:12 KJV).

Is it valid to say, “The LORD seeth us not?” and “The LORD hath forsaken the earth?”

Read Genesis 3:9-13. Human nature is to blame someone else. When Adam was asked if he committed wrongdoing, he accused God of giving him “the woman!” When Eve was questioned if she did wrong, she accused Satan! There was no personal accountability in Eden… and there is still none on Earth. To this day, excuses are either “God made me this way” or “The Devil made me do it!”

Firstly (mark it well!), the LORD God did not create robots or machines, people who automatically follow His will and do right. If He did, the cry would surely be heard, “God is such a tyrant for not letting me do or believe what I want!” Therefore, He gave us liberty to choose right or choose wrong. If we choose wrong, then we portray the situation as follows: “I did nothing wrong, so it is God’s fault for letting me face the consequences of my poor choices.”

Secondly (and we dare not forget this either!), JEHOVAH God did not leave Himself without witness (Acts 14:15-17; Acts 17:24-31; Romans 1:18-25; Romans 2:14,15). If we choose right, we realize Bibles are everywhere: we do have access to the Word of God and can know the will of God. We recognize the fact everyone has some sense of right and wrong (conscience). Even the most primitive cultures in the most remote regions have a code of conduct. The very existence of a creation demands a Creator—so if we question if God is there, we are only showing we have not been honest with the evidence. If we are grateful for the light we have, responding positively to the evidence we can identify, God will give us more light and we will see more evidence. If we are unthankful for what evidence we have, however, our vulnerability to a darkened heart is guaranteed (Romans 1:19-32).

We must ultimately bear responsibility for ourselves….

I Am Comfortable! #15

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3,4 KJV).

Why are they comfortable? Why are we comfortable about their choice?

Doubtless, Satan’s evil world system utilizes a variety of distractions to blind the minds of those without the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour (see today’s Scripture). They lack spiritual understanding or judgment and therefore fail to see reality: they value and concentrate on worthless ideas and silly activities, they make an effort to pursue what does not matter, and so on. Actually, this could even be true of those who know Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.

God is always willing to convey spiritual light if we so want it: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (verse 6, following today’s Scripture). Whether lost people or carnal (fleshly, worldly, secular) Christians, they have not yielded to the Holy Spirit’s teaching ministry. They have invested too much time, energy, and money in nonsense to turn around or reform. “I will stay on my chosen path! I will not repudiate my preconceived notions! I love what I have and I will never give it up!”

Here is what we can say about non-Christians. If they could be comfortable in not having an eternal relationship with God through Jesus Christ alone, if God could be comfortable in turning them over to what they wanted (eternity without Him), then we should be comfortable with it also. The more I have seen antagonism toward the Scriptures throughout these many years, the more I am at peace with letting people have the ignorance they want. It is unfortunate, but that is their problem: “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 14:37,38).

-FINIS!-

I Am Comfortable! #14

Monday, January 29, 2024

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3,4 KJV).

Why are they comfortable? Why are we comfortable about their choice?

Indeed, we should make every reasonable attempt to impart spiritual light to as many people as we can. Yet, dear friends, we must let them continue on their destructive path if they persist. “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone” (Hosea 4:17). Once His longtime neighbors and acquaintances purposed to kill the Lord Jesus, He departed Nazareth (Luke 4:28-31)! When He was invited to leave, He went to the opposing shore of the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:33–9:1; Mark 5:15-21; Luke 8:35-40)! “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind…” (Matthew 15:14).

“A man that is an heretick [teacher or supporter of false doctrine, for purposes of dividing] after the first and second admonition [warning] reject [shun, refuse]; Knowing that he that is such is subverted [turned over, perverted], and sinneth, being condemned of himself” (Titus 3:10,11). The LORD thrice commanded the Prophet Jeremiah not to pray for his people (Jeremiah 7:16; Jeremiah 11:14; Jeremiah 14:11). Divine judgment against their habitual sin was on its way, and would not be avoided.

If they are comfortable—contented and free from fear—in being out of God’s will, we are comfortable with them. If they want to be lost people, we value their free will. If they wish to be ignorant Christians, we let them have their lack of knowledge. Just like King Saul’s appointment was no accident, no unbeliever goes to Hell accidentally and no Christian remains in spiritual kindergarten unwillingly. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). In this world of technological advancements, the Scriptures are more accessible than ever. No one can legitimately complain, “I did not have a chance to know if there was a God or learn His will.” They are all without excuse.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

I Am Comfortable! #13

Sunday, January 28, 2024

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3,4 KJV).

Why are they comfortable? Why are we comfortable about their choice?

The LORD knew King Saul would ultimately be a disaster and disappointment, so He warned Israel of the hazards. Although the Jews expected Saul to conquer the oppressive Philistines (1 Samuel 8:20), the Philistines killed Saul in battle and left Israel without a king and still in captivity to the Philistines (see 1 Samuel 31:1-13)!

Likewise, Romans chapter 2 has warned those who lack perfect righteousness face a precarious future: “[5] But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; [6] Who will render to every man according to his deeds:…. [8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, [9] Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;….”

When people refuse to acknowledge their sin problem, they are telling God they are just as good as Jesus Christ is, that they can replace His life with their own efforts. If they want to depend on their self-righteousness (as in Romans 10:1-3), He will let them do so—but their fate will be indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish. His justice demands His righteousness be enforced, so those without His righteousness must suffer the punishment their own “goodness” and efforts produce.

Second Thessalonians chapter 1: “[7] And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;….”

It is therefore not (!) God’s (!) fault (!) when people choose to go to Hell….

I Am Comfortable! #12

Saturday, January 27, 2024

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3,4 KJV).

Why are they comfortable? Why are we comfortable about their choice?

As Israel rejected the LORD in favor of a human king, the LORD had Samuel give them their way! “Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee…. Now therefore hearken unto their voice…” (1 Samuel 8:7,9). The LORD warned them about the ensuing dangers of their poor decision to have a king (verses 10-18), but they did not wish to listen to reason. God replied, “Samuel, let them have their way!”

“[18] And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day. [19] Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; [20] That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. [21] And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. [22] And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.”

People today constantly commit ancient Israel’s sin. They ignore the LORD God and His Word. What they have determined to think and do, they will think and do… no matter what. They aim to create a mindset and a life apart from His will because rationalism—human intellect—is their god. It is no accident. They do not want to hear about the dangers or consequences of their sin, but God has already made it quite clear as to the fate of people who die without His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as personal Saviour….

I Am Comfortable! #11

Friday, January 26, 2024

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3,4 KJV).

Why are they comfortable? Why are we comfortable about their choice?

Once Israel recognized how the LORD’S Prophet-Judge Samuel was aging and getting closer to death, and how his sons (successors) were so wicked, the Jewish people decided to presumptuously appoint a new leader. First Samuel 8:5-10 describes one of the most awful situations in the entire Bible.

“And [Israel’s elders] said unto him [Samuel], Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.”

Israel’s transgressions were three-fold. Firstly, they never consulted the LORD about Samuel’s replacement. They simply chose a solution themselves. Secondly, they wanted “to be like everyone else”—when God explicitly told them time and time again they were separate and distinct from the Gentile nations around them. Thirdly, they rejected the LORD as their ultimate King. Read verses 11-18, the LORD through Samuel outlining for Israel the disadvantages of a monarchy (human king). Let us see what Israel will choose….