The Evolutionary Lie: Biblical Reality Proved

From many different sources, I’ve pieced just some of the evidence against the evolutionary process. Bottom line: the earth is created, there is a Creator, and the Bible is true. I won’t add a lot of bantering commentary, but let you jump right into the hard facts. Enjoy. 

 

–Formation of life

        Dead chemicals cannot become alive on their own. The cell is a miniature factory with many active processes, not a simple blob of “protoplasm” as believed in Darwin’s day. Lightening striking a mud puddle or some “warm little pond” will never produce life. This is another view of the core issue of information as the simplest living cell requires a vast amount of information to be present. The “Law of Biogenesis” states that life comes only from prior life. Spontaneous generation has long been shown to be impossible (by Louis Pasteur in 1859). Numerous efforts to bring life from non-life (including the famous Miller-Urey experiment) have not succeeded. The probability of life forming from non-life has been likened to the probability of a tornado going through a junkyard and picking up all the parts of a house, only the parts of a house, and assembling all the pieces to make a complete home with electricity and plumbing, cupboards and shelving, and everything in working order. Reference: Why Abiogenesis is Impossible, Jerry Bergman, CRS Quarterly, Volume 36, March 2000

 

–Design of living things

Design is apparent in the living world. Even Richard Dawkins in his anti-creation book The Blind Watchmaker admits “Biology is the study of complicated things that give the appearance of having been designed for a purpose.” The amazing defense mechanism of the Bombardier Beetle is a classic example of design in nature, seemingly impossible to explain as the result of accumulating small beneficial changes over time, because if the mechanism doesn’t work perfectly, “boom” – no more beetle! This is also another view of the core issue of information, as the design of living things is the result of processing the information in the DNA (following the blueprint) to produce a working organism.

 

–Irreducible Complexity

        The idea that “nothing works until everything works.” The classic example is a mousetrap, which is irreducibly complex in that if one of its several pieces is missing or not in the right place, it will not function as a mousetrap and no mice will be caught. The systems, features, and processes of life are irreducibly complex. What good is a circulatory system without a heart? An eye without a brain to interpret the signals? What good is a half-formed wing? Doesn’t matching male and female reproductive machinery need to exist at the same time, fully-functioning if any reproduction is to take place? Remember, natural selection has no foresight, and works to eliminate anything not providing an immediate benefit. Reference: Darwin’s Black Box

–2^nd Law of Thermodynamics

        The Second Law of Thermodynamics refers to the universal tendency for things, on their own, to “mix” with their surrounding environment over time, becoming less ordered and eventually reaching a steady-state. A glass of hot water becomes room temperature, buildings decay into rubble, and the stars will eventually burn out leading to the “heat death” of the universe. However, the evolutionary scenario proposes that over time, things singlehandedly became more ordered and structured. Somehow the energy of a “Big Bang” structured itself into stars, galaxies, planets, and living things, contrary to the Second Law. It is sometimes said that the energy of the Sun was enough to overcome this tendency and allow for the formation of life on earth. However, application of energy alone is not enough to overcome this tendency; the energy must be channeled by a machine. A human must repair a building to keep it from decaying. Likewise, it is the machinery of photosynthesis which harnesses the energy of the Sun, allowing life to exist, and photosynthesis is itself a complex chemical process. The maturing of an acorn into a tree, or a zygote (the first cell resulting from fertilization) into a mature human being does not violate the Second Law as these processes are guided by the information already present in the acorn or zygote.

 

–Existence of the Universe

        By definition, something must be eternal (as we have “something” today and something cannot come from “nothing”, so there was never a time when there was “nothing”). Either the universe itself is eternal, or something/someone outside of and greater than the universe is eternal. We know that the universe is not eternal, it had a beginning (as evidenced by its expansion, see ‘Expansion of Space Fabric’, below). Therefore, God (the something/someone outside of the universe) must exist and must have created the universe. Einstein showed that space and time are related. If there is no space there is no time. Before the universe was created there was no space and therefore no concept of time. This is hard for us to understand as we are space-time creatures, but it allows for God to be an eternal being, completely consistent with scientific laws. The question “who created God” is therefore an improper/invalid question, as it is a time-based question (concerning the point in time at which God “came into existence”) but God exists outside of time as the un-caused first cause. Reference: The Second Law of Thermodynamics (www.answersingenesis.org)

 

–Fine-Tuning of Earth for Life

        Countless parameters are “just right” for life to exist on this planet. For example, if the Earth were just a little closer to the Sun it would be too hot and the ocean’s water would boil away, much further and it would be covered continually in ice, and we’d freeze. Earth’s circular orbit (to maintain a roughly constant temperature year-round), its rotation speed (to provide days and nights not too long or short), its tilt (to provide seasons), and the presence of the moon (to provide tides to cleanse the oceans) are just some of many other examples.
The presence of large amounts of water, with its amazing special properties, is also required. Water is a rare compound in that it is lighter in a solid state than in a liquid state. This allows ponds to freeze with the ice on the surface allowing the life beneath to survive. Otherwise bodies of water would freeze from the bottom up and become solid ice. Water is also the most universal “solvent” known, allowing for dissolving/mixing with the many different chemicals of life. In fact, our bodies are 75-85% comprised of water.

 

–Fine-Tuning of our Physics

        The fine-tuning of the physical constants that control the physics of the universe – the settings of the basic forces (strong nuclear force constant, weak nuclear force constant, gravitational force constant, and electromagnetic force constant) are on a knife’s edge. A minor change in these or any of dozens of other universal parameters would make life impossible.

The “multiverse” idea that there may be many universes and ours “just happened” to have these proper values is outside of science and could never be proven. Even then we would have to ask “what was the cause of all these universes?”

 

–Abrupt Appearance in the Fossil Record

        The oldest fossils for any creature are already fully-formed and don’t change much over time (“stasis”). The “Cambrian Explosion” in the “primordial strata” documents the geologically rapid appearance of most major groups of complex animals. There is no evidence of evolution from simpler forms. Birds are said to have evolved from reptiles but no fossil has ever been found having a “half-scale/half-wing”. A reptile breathes using an “in and out” lung (like humans have), but a bird has a “flow-through” lung suitable for moving through the air. Can you even imagine how such a transition of the lung could have taken place? Abrupt appearance and stasis are consistent with the biblical concept of creation “according to its kind”, and a world-wide flood that scoured the earth down to its basement rocks, depositing the “geologic column” and giving the appearance of a “Cambrian Explosion”. Smarter, more mobile creatures would escape the flood waters longer, becoming buried in higher-level strata, leading to a burial order progressing from “simpler” forms to more complex/higher-level forms, which people now wrongly interpret as an evolutionary progression. Reference: Fossils Q&A (www.answersingenesis.org)

 

–Human Consciousness

        A person is a unity of body + mind/soul, the mind/soul being the immaterial part of you that is the real inner you. Chemicals alone cannot explain self-awareness, creativity, reasoning, emotions of love and hate, sensations of pleasure and pain, possessing and remembering experiences, and free will. Reason itself cannot be relied upon if it is based only on blind neurological events.

 

–Human Language

        Language is one of the main things that separates mankind from animals. No animal is capable of achieving anything like human speech, and all attempts to teach chimpanzees to talk have failed. Evolutionists have no explanation for the origin of human language. However, the Bible does. It says that the first man, Adam, was created able to speak. The Bible also explains why we have different human languages, as God had to “confuse” the common language being used in Babel after the flood, in order to force people to spread out around the world as He wanted. This was only a “surface” confusion though, as all languages express the same underlying basic ideas and concepts, enabling other languages to be learned and understood.

 

–Sexual Reproduction

        Many creatures reproduce asexually. Why would animals abandon simpler asexual reproduction in favor of more costly and inefficient sexual reproduction? Sexual reproduction is a very complex process that is only useful if fully in place. For sexual reproduction to have evolved complimentary male and female sex organs, sperm and eggs, and all the associated machinery in tandem defies the imagination.

 

–The Biblical Witness

        The Bible is true. The history of the Bible is true. The words of the Bible concerning our origins were given to men to write down, by God, who was the only living being present. We were not there! God said He created the universe. God said He created all living things. We know that life is much more than chemicals. God put His life into Adam and that life has been transferred from generation to generation all the way down to us! Reference: The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict(McDowell, and a book I highly recommend)

 

–Decay of Magnetic Field times in sync with Biblical Creation

        Dr. Thomas Barnes, Emeritus Professor of Physics at the University of Texas at El Paso, has published the definitive work in this field.⁴ Scientific observations since 1829 have shown that the earth’s magnetic field has been measurably decaying at an exponential rate, demonstrating its half-life to be approximately 1,400 years. In practical application its strength 20,000 years ago would approximate that of a magnetic star. Under those conditions many of the atoms necessary for life processes could not form. These data demonstrate that earth’s entire history is young, within a few thousand of years

 

–Global Flood

        The Biblical record clearly describes a global Flood during Noah’s day. Additionally, there are hundreds of Flood traditions handed down through cultures all over the world. ⁵ M.E. Clark and Henry Voss have demonstrated the scientific validity of such a Flood providing the sedimentary layering we see on every continent. ⁶ Secular scholars report very rapid sedimentation and periods of great carbonate deposition in earth’s sedimentary layers.⁷ It is now possible to prove the historical reality of the Biblical Flood.⁸

–Population Stats

        World population growth rate in recent times is about 2% per year. Practicable application of growth rate throughout human history would be about half that number. Wars, disease, famine, etc. have wiped out approximately one third of the population on average every 82 years. Starting with eight people, and applying these growth rates since the Flood of Noah’s day (about 4500 years ago) would give a total human population at just under six billion people. However, application on an evolutionary time scale runs into major difficulties. Starting with one “couple” just 41,000 years ago would give us a total population of 2 x 10⁸⁹. ⁹The universe does not have space to hold so many bodies.

 

–Radio Halos

            Physicist Robert Gentry has reported isolated radio halos of polonuim-214 in crystalline granite. The half-life of this element is 0.000164 seconds! To record the existence of this element in such short time span, the granite must be in crystalline state instantaneously.¹⁰ This runs counter to evolutionary estimates of 300 million years for granite to form.

Recently there have been evolutionists online in newsgroups and on blogs that have claimed Polonium 214 doesn’t exist. Main reason being is because they declare the Granite in the earth’s crust took many millions of years to form and finally cool and Polonium 214 takes less then a second to expend all its half-lives. In order to save face, some evolutionists have decided to lie and say Polonium 214 simply doesn’t exist. HOWEVER, if you go to http://www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles/summary.tcl?edf_substance_id=15735%2d67%2d8,you will see one of many online scientific websites that list the element Pulonium 214 to be found on Planet earth. On that page they share evidence that Polonium 214 is in fact a chemical profile that can and has been recorded by many scientists. Praise the Lord we have yet another factoid to prove evolution is a lie of Satan. For a look at how radio halos work, visit http://www.ichthus.info/Creation-Evidence/Polonium-Halos/intro.html

 

–Atmospheric Helium Content

        Physicist Melvin Cook, Nobel Prize medalist found that helium-4 enters our atmosphere from solar wind and radioactive decay of uranium. At present rates our atmosphere would accumulate current helium-4 amounts in less than 10,000 years.¹²

–Expansion of Space Fabric

            Astronomical estimates of the distance to various galaxies give conflicting data. ¹³The Biblical Record refers to the expansion of space by the Creator¹⁴. Astrophysicist Russell Humphries demonstrates that such space expansion would dilate time in distant space.¹⁵ This could explain a recent creation with great distances to the stars.

 

–Design of Living Systems

            A living cell is so awesomely complex that its interdependent components stagger the imagination and defy evolutionary explanations. A minimal cell contains over 60,000 proteins of 100 different configurations.¹⁶ The chance of this assemblage occurring by chance is 1 in 10 ^4,478,296 .¹⁷

–Design of Human Brain & Body 

           The human brain is the most complicated structure in the known universe.¹⁸ It contains over 100 billion cells, each with over 50,000 neuron connections to other brain cells.¹⁹ This structure receives over 100 million separate signals from the total human body every second. If we learned something new every second of our lives, it would take three million years to exhaust the capacity of the human brain. ²⁰ In addition to conscious thought, people can actually reason, anticipate consequences, and devise plans – all without knowing they are doing so.²¹ Without giving a single thought to it, we breathe, digest, blink, and our heart beats. We’re made to have and be a completely functional operating system without reflection.

 

–Biblical Archeology

Here are just a few examples of how archeological discoveries have verified the authenticity of Biblical accuracy:

Ø        Egyptian armor, chariots and human and horse bones found at the bottom of the Red Sea, proving Moses’ exodus from Egypt to Israel. In the image, you see a gold chariot wheel. Since coral doen’t grow on gold, that part remains clear to see. Unfortunately, the wood beneath the gold has deteriorated to the point that the wheel cannot be moved. Visit the web site below for more photos and info.

o       Source: http://users.netconnect.com.au/~leedas/redsea.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ø        The discovery of the Ebla archive in northern Syria in the 1970s has shown the Biblical writings concerningthe Patriarchs to be viable. Documents written on clay tablets from around 2300 B.C. demonstrate that personal and place names in the Patriarchal accounts are genuine. The name “Canaan” was in use in Ebla, a name critics once said was not used at that time and was used incorrectly in the early chapters of the Bible. The word tehom (“the deep”) in Genesis 1:2 was said to be a late word demonstrating the late writing of the creation story. “Tehom” was part of the vocabulary at Ebla, in use some 800 years before Moses. Ancient customs reflected in the stories of the Patriarchs have also been found in clay tablets from Nuzi and Mari.

Ø        The Hittites were once thought to be a Biblical legend, until their capital and records were discovered at Bogazkoy, Turkey.

Ø        Many thought the Biblical references to Solomon’s wealth were greatly exaggerated. Recovered records from the past show that wealth in antiquity was concentrated with the king and Solomon’s prosperity was entirely feasible.

Ø        It was once claimed there was no Assyrian king named Sargon as recorded in Isaiah 20:1, because this name was not known in any other record. Then, Sargon’s palace was discovered in Khorsabad, Iraq. The very event mentioned in Isaiah 20, his capture of Ashdod, was recorded on the palace walls. What is more, fragments of a stela memorializing the victory were found at Ashdod itself.

Ø        Another king who was in doubt was Belshazzar, king of Babylon, named in Daniel 5. The last king of Babylon was Nabonidus according to recorded history. Tablets were found showing that Belshazzar was Nabonidus’ son who served as coregent in Babylon. Thus, Belshazzar could offer to make Daniel “third highest ruler in the kingdom” (Dan. 5:16) for reading the handwriting on the wall, the highest available position. Here we see the “eye-witness” nature of the Biblical record, as is so often brought out by the discoveries of archaeology.

o       Source: http://www.christiananswers.net/q-abr/abr-a008.html

 

–T-Rex: A Vegetarian?

1. The roots of T-Rex teeth were only 2 inches deep. Had he bit into the hide of another dinosaur he would have lost teeth. Hides were thick and animals would struggle for their lives. A two inch root would pull out with little force.
2. They cut a tooth in half of an unearthed T-Rex and found it deeply impureated with CHLOROPHYLL! That’s right, Chlorophyll is the main substance found in PLANTS not meat!

By the way, this discovery validates the Bible once again! How so? See this passage…

Genesis 1:29-30, “Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.’ And it was so.”

Now before proclaiming you MUST eat meat because the proteins in meat will help you to gain weight, look around on planet earth for a moment. Look at all the HUGE animals like cows… horses… Hippos… Elephants… Rhinos… etc. What do THEY eat? That’s right. PLANTS!

 

–Giants of Biblical Proportion

            According to the Bible, there were once giants on the earth. Goliath, the most famous of the giants, was said to be over nine feet tall (1 Samuel 17:4).  Bones and skeletons have been found of these colossal humans. Some were called the Nephilim, Anakites, Emites, and Amorites. Goliath was a Philistine. (Numbers 13:28-33; Deuteronomy 1:28; 2:10; 9:2) Below is a photo of a man next to a 47 inch human femur. Similar finds have included entire skeletons, most too far decomposed to move. There are a number of skeletons, skulls, and footprints of giants as tall as 30 feet. They appear in almost every culture’s folklore and legend, most of them the “big bully” variety, and a hero dispatches almost all. Theories about the builders of pyramids, stone circles, and other monolithic examples of ancient construction find giants as a possible answer. Big blocks mean big builders.

 A few other minor points to ponder: If we evolved,…

• Why do still get so easily sunburned?
• Why can’t I go outside without a coat on in the middle of winter?
• Were did the gills go? I really could’ve used them when I almost drowned!
• Why lose the tail? I could really use it right now.
• Why can’t we stand being in extreme heat, extreme cold or underwater? If we evolved into a better life-form, we should’ve overcome these huge inconveniences to our everyday existence. To be truly above everything else and focussed on the survival of our species, we’d become a flying, asexual rock.

 ¹Woodmorappe, John, “The Essential Non-Existence of the Evolutionary Uniformitarian Geologic Column: A Quantitative Assessment,” Creation Research Society Quarterly, vol. 18, no.1 (Terre Haute, Indiana, June 1981),pp. 46-71
²Nilsson, N. Heribert, as quoted in Arthur C. Custance, The Earth Before Man, Part II, Doorway Papers, no. 20 (Ontario, Canada: Doorway Publications), p. 51
³Corner, E.J.H., Contemporary Botanical Thought, ed. A.M. MacLeod and L.S. Cobley (Chicago: Quadrangle Books, 1961), p. 97
⁴Barnes, Thomas, ICR Technical Monograph #4, Origin and Destiny of the Earth’s Magnetic Field (2^nd edition, 1983)
⁵Blick, Edward, A Scientific Analysis of Genesis (Oklahoma City: Hearthstone, 1991) p. 103
⁶Clark, M.E. and Voss, H.D., “Fluid Mechanic Examination of the Tial Mechanism for Producing Mega-Sedimantary Layering” (Third International Conference on Creation, Pittsburg, July 1994)
⁷Ager, Derek, The Nature of the Stratigraphical Record (New York: John Wiley and Sons) p. 43 and p. 86
⁸West, John Anthony, Serpent in the Sky: The High Wisdom of Ancient Egypt (New York: Julian Press, 1987) pp. 13-14
⁹ See Morris, Henry, Scientific Creationism(El Cajon, CA: Master Books)
¹⁰Gentry, Robert, Creation’s Tiny Mystery (Knoxville, Tenn.: Earth Science Assoc.,1988 )
¹¹Baugh, Carl, Why Do Men Believe Evolution AGAINST ALL ODDS? (Oklahoma City: Hearthstone, 1999)
¹²Cook, Melvin, “Where is The Earth’s Radiogenic Helium?” Nature, Vol. 179, p. 213
¹³Cowan, R., “Further Evidence of a Youthful Universe,” Science News, Vol. 148, p. 166
¹⁴Psalm 104:2; Isaiah 40:22
¹⁵Humphries, Russell, Starlight and Time (Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 1994)
¹⁶Denton, Michael, Evolution: A Theory in Crisis (Bethesda, Maryland: Adler & Adler, 1986) p. 263
¹⁷Mastropaolo, Joseph, “Evolution Is Biologically Impossible,” Impact # 317(El Cajon, CA: Institute For Creation Research,1999) p. 4
¹⁸Restak, Richard, The Brain: The Last Frontier, 1979, p. 390
¹⁹The Brain, Our Universe Within, PBS Video
²⁰Wonders of God’s Creation, Moody Video Series
²¹Weiss, Joseph, “Unconscious Mental Functioning,” Scientific American, March 1990, p. 103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Will of God

The will of God

By Justin Lessard

Originally written November seventh, two thousand three

 

 

“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” –Hebrews 9:27-28

 

The will of God is a powerful thing. It was by the will of God that Jesus, our Great High Priest, offered Himself as a sacrifice. It was God’s will. He actually wanted it to happen, just as it did. Why? — To “make perfect the ones being consecrated.” (New American Bible) The ones who accept the sacrifice and receive the salvation gift. He willed it to end the offerings that only covered sin. Whereas the priesthood of that time offered daily sacrifices, ineffectual in remitting sin, Jesus offered the only single sacrifice capable of taking the necessity of all other sacrifices away. Jesus’ sacrifice didn’t merely cover sin; it has the power to erase it completely. He cleaned us all, all at once.

Notice, however, the Bible says “the ones being consecrated”. This is because it is a process. We won’t, in an instant, become forever perfect the moment we accept Christ into our lives. We are forgiven of all we’ve done, and then the work begins. Since we know that through Christ’s blood and broken body, which was raised from the dead, we will see God’s Kingdom of Heaven, let us approach with a pure, trusting heart, washed of wickedness; let us approach clean.

The entire walk of Christian faith throughout our life cannot be done alone, although at times, loneliness may be necessary. We would do well to remember that other believers may be in that “lonely place”, just as we’ve all been at some point. We are called to encourage one another, that someone doing well in their walk might maintain that wellness, and to uplift one whose walk might need some inspiration. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Christ encourages us to commit random acts of kindness, and acts out of love. (See Colossians 3:12) While remembering that salvation is in Christ alone, not in works, those generosities do much to let others know that there is a difference about you. (See Ephesians 2:8-9) Others should generally be able to tell that you are “different”; or “set apart”; almost anywhere you go in life. If the kindness and love of Christ is truly in us, we will strive to exemplify both of these aspects of His character. Even things as simple as giving a smile and saying, “thank you,” or, “nice job,” can make someone’s day just a little better. There are also those who we know well, sometimes better than anyone else knows them, and we can still assume wrongly about their thoughts, feelings and emotions. This is why we must strive to maintain our “difference”; let that light shine through to everyone we can, anytime we can.

 

“Be imitators of God…For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”—Ephesians 5:1, 8

 

As Christians, we are called to live a life different than that of the world, with a different attitude than we had before accepting Christ into our lives. We are called to behave appropriately and maturely, as is necessary in each circumstance. While all the things of God are important, He still makes an allowance for fun and joking; letting us get “goofy”; but we are not to allow that attitude to consume us or lead to anything sinful. Though the fun may not be the sin itself, unchecked, it could lead us there. In the fifth chapter of Ephesians, God warns us about our lifestyles:

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise… Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” –Ephesians 5:15, 17

            The first twenty-one verses of this chapter could almost be summarized as God saying, “Watch yourself!” (See Ephesians 5:1-21)

            In the light of the Lord, everything becomes visible; every lie; every theft; every impure thought; every selfish motive. This is a part of the reason God beckons us to become children of light, and avoid dark, fruitless works. He even declares it shameful to mention such a thing (Eph. 5:12). So instead these things are exposed, and should be traded in for the work of the Lord, done as a child of His wonderful light.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” –Colossians 3:12-15

           

God wants us to grow up more mature in Him. God has called us to straighten up, stop acting as a child, end foolishness, and to get real! That’s a loose translation, but it is what the Lord desires. And what is real? What is truth? Jesus. Jesus said:

 

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” –John 14:6

 

Knowing these things, try, then, to discern God’s will and desires regarding your life. Here’s a clue: it isn’t immaturity, immorality, ignorance or drunkenness. And this is only covering one chapter of one book of the entire Bible, Ephesians 5.

God tells us to be thankful (Colossians 3:15; Hebrews12:28 ). Let us not forget or neglect to thank God daily in our prayers. We have much to thank Him for. But thankfulness should be all inclusive. We should thank the waiter at the restaurant, the cashier at the grocery store, and don’t forget the “thank you” wave when someone lets you into traffic. These simple things can and do make a difference in a person’s day. Even in your greetings: “God bless you,” “Have a great day,” “Nice to see you.” Others should be able to see that “thing” that sets you apart, as you remember to live and walk as a child of light.

So what happens when you get a negative response? Answer: Continue in kindness, mercy and maturity, while remembering to pray for those who persecute you, even in small ways. Romans 10:20-21 states:

 

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; … overcome evil with good.”

 

Enemy could mean a rival, opposing soldier, or even the enemy, Satan, who does have a hold on so many. If we feed them, either with God’s Word, or literally, with food, we show selflessness, compassion and mercy. We then have a chance to drive Satan away from our brothers, from the lost, from all of God’s children. They have an opportunity for change, beginning with a single act of kindness. We can overcome evil with good.

Also from Romans chapter twelve, we are told in verse 18 to do whatever we can to live at peace with all. All includes: family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, neighbors, strangers, enemies, and the list goes on. No one is exempt from “all”.

That’s a tall order for us. If there has been no such opportunity to make peace with someone, it becomes our duty as a Christian to make one. But just as our consecration is a process, so also can be making peace. It is unlikely that an enemy of years will become a best friend overnight, though by God’s grace and power it is possible.

Pastor Daniel Greenwell once said, “Be content with modest gain in relationships.” (Pastor Daniel Greenwell, South Side Christian Church, Milwaukee, WI) Gain doesn’t need to be minute by minute, but can you say that this week is better than last week? Or, this month is better than last? Some relationships have so much damage, that they can only be measured by a yearly success.

God and Son are one in harmony. He desires the body of Christ to be this way, too. A lot of people are disconnected. Not only with others, but themselves as well. They don’t have a realistic grasp on their own situations; thereby they can’t connect with others around them. How do you live at peace with others if you aren’t at peace with yourself? Remember that “getting real” is a process. Peace is a process. Consecration is a process.

Is your life perfect today? Of course not. That’s why we continually work toward betterment. Paul writes,

 

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already become perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” –Philippians 3:12

 

If you are being proactive, God is pleased. God wants us to move forward. Don’t be sluggish just because things might be difficult. Don’t put things off, but be as positive as you can be. If you let Him, God will take you out of the low times, and higher than you’ve been before. Don’t sweep the junk under the rug, shake the rug out!

 

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” –James 4:7-10

 

If you submit to God, He is in control. If God is in control, let Him work! As the saying goes, “If God is your co-pilot, swap seats.” God should be the pilot of your life. We have no real cause for worry. With the world as it is today, with instant messaging, texting, drive through pharmacies, fast food, etc, we tend to become upset if anything appears to have an uncertain, detained, or negative outcome. Is this you? If so, what are you so worried about? Isn’t God in control? Let God be the boss and He will not let you become cornered. Not only that, but a “job” with God Almighty as your boss has great, unparalleled benefits! He will command a blessing when we let Him do His will. Remember,

 

 “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.” –Matthew 6:10

 

This does not excuse us to say, “Whatever I’m doing must be the Lord’s will.” If you steal for a living, this isn’t to say that God wants you there. Even in good things, He might have another will. The successful doctor helping hundreds feel better might not be doing what God had planned. What if God wanted that doctor to be a pastor, helping thousands live better, or a lawyer who helped to bring the gospel back to the courtrooms, or other possibilities? Help hundreds feel better, or help thousands live better? If we aren’t completely, wholly and undeniably submissive to God, we will never know His will for us.

God’s will is quite often ignored. The Bible tells us that the Lord’s will is that all be saved and that none would perish (1 Timothy 2:3-5). Sadly, that isn’t happening. As humans, we have a choice, our own free will, and we can still blow it. We can lose the greatest gift ever offered; all because we choose to ignore our Father’s will.

Verses seven and eight (of James chapter four, above) tell us to submit, and draw near, then God will draw near to us. Sound’s like He’s really on our side. And with God backing us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? Submit to God, draw near to Him, and commit yourself to prayer in faith and no one can be against you. When you pray, you are in communication with God; a conversation. That conversation, like any other, is two-way not just one- way. What God does, we are to imitate; God calls us to a task, we are to respond. When we draw near to Him, we have His word that He will draw near to us; and when we pray in faith, God responds to us. Our entire relationship with the Father is two-way, and He has taken the initiative since we drew our first breath.

We know that God has more for us. I present a challenge: If you aren’t praying much, pray. If you aren’t praying enough, pray more. When you’ve said all your thanks and praise and you’ve made your requests to God, instead of just finishing off the conversation with a quick “Amen”, be still and silent for a moment and listen, still in conversation with God. Listen in your heart. This may help, because as you say, “Your will be done,” He may say, “Be still so I can tell you my will.” You have two ears and one mouth. Listen twice as hard as you talk. God has something to say to you.