Lies About God

In my experience, God is the most misunderstood person-ever. Some things you can say about God is that He's all-knowing, all-wise, all-powerful, and loving. In fact, God IS love. At the same time there are some things said about God which just aren't true; they're lies. Here are just a few things said about God which, although seemingly true, are lies:

Lie #1: God is in control

You've probably heard it from the pulpit of a service you've attended,"God is in control." But if God is truly in control than why are so many Christians being killed for their faith? Why are so many millions suffering from sickness, disease, and/or poverty? If God is in control it doesn't take much intelligence to realize He's sure made a mess of things.

The truth of the matter is that there is a devil in this world. According to the Bible, his name is Satan, the enemy of God and every Christian. Satan is the ultimate thief, whose three-fold purpose is to kill, steal, and destroy human beings, just like you and me. Whether by sickness, tornados, poverty, or murder, the devil will-if allowed to-make lives miserable. Then he'll then laugh when people, whether intentionally or in ignorance, blame God for what they allowed the devil to do. No, God is not in control.

The truth is that Christians are to rule over the devil, enforcing his defeat, according to James 4:7 and I Peter 5:8,9. Romans 5:17 teaches that we are to reign in this life, as kings-not paupers. We are to put the devil on the run, in Jesus' Name. Now that's the truth.

Lie #2: God can do anything He wants to:

This is another lie that many, including myself, have heard more than once. To be truthful, it's a lie. Why? Here are things God simply cannot do:

He can't make people get saved; He can't make people pay tithes; He can't make people serve Him. Although He wants to, God, Who is a gentleman, can't make anyone do any of these things, because we all have the gift of choice-to obey or disobey God. I could go on about things God can't do, but you get the point: God can't do anything He wants to.

Filter what you hear, through the truth about what's being said or written. Get to know God for yourself, through His Word and through fellowshipping (talking) with Him. Who knows, there may be other lies about God you'll hear and reject, because you know better.

And that's the truth. What other lies about God have you heard? How have you responded?

The Five-A Team

Most jobs-most of life-involves being part of a team. Classroom assignments, sports, church production, and workplace projects-these are but a few of many potential scenarios where teams are involved. Even Jesus had a team. For the most part, jobs involve working with at least one other person-often more. Given the likelihood of working with others I have found that, by knowing and putting into practice certain basic principles, success in life can come easier.

Have you ever wondered why talent and personality go only so far on the job?  Why is longevity so often demonstrated by those whose character more than makes up for apparent-or actual-less talent and average personality?

Perhaps because, in life, character matters.

In my book The Five-A Team: Character Traits for Success in Life, I list five traits-all beginning with the letter A. When applied, these traits will make a measurable difference in the life of those who desire to succeed in life. You can find my book on Amazon http://a.co/guTlNEv and iBooks http://tinyurl.com/hd7alkv.  This book would make a great gift for graduate.

A few years ago I was addressing several college business students. I told them that, if they'll show up for work sober, and on time, there's a place for them. The teacher agreed. Attendance and sobriety are a big deal to employers. As I state in my book, perfect attendance helped save my job, when others had more talent-and far more personality.

Personally, I believe that success in life is something worth pursuing at an early age. Children can start putting character traits into practice at an early age. By the time they're teenagers they'll be ahead of others waiting at the starting line, so to speak.

I do ask that those making a purchase please leave a review for others to see. I believe that you'll be blessed by what you read-even more blessed by putting what's read into practice.

After reading the book, what additional traits can you suggest?

We Were There

Among the the books I read growing up were ones entitled We Were There. This series portrayed characters as being part of the actual events being told about. Whether it was the explorers Lewis and Clark, the Boston Tea Party, or the Battle of Gettysburg, the author made it seem like the reader was actually there, as part of the story. In these scenarios, however, the reader wasn't there. No real exploring with Lewis and Clark, taking cover at Gettysburg, or watching tea being dumped in the Boston harbor. God's Word, the Bible, tells us that we were somewhere with Jesus. I know that this seems impossible, silly, or too good to be true, but please continue reading.

In the Book of Galatians, one of Paul's letters written to fellow Christians, we read that, in the eyes of God, we were crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). Both the book of Romans and Colossians tell us that water baptism is symbolic of us being buried with Christ (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). This isn't a pretty picture, but it gets better-much better.

Ephesians 2:5,6 reveal to us that, when God quickened-made alive-Jesus Christ from the dead, we were quickened with Him. When God raised Christ from the dead, we were raised with Him. Best of all, when Jesus sat down at God's right hand, God made us sit there too.

We were there, with Christ, when He was made alive, raised up, and seated at God's right hand. Jesus did all the suffering, giving us the credit. Everything Jesus did, He did for us.

I don't claim to understand this in full, but have come to believe it; now I'm walking in this eternal truth. God says that we're seated together with Christ, at God's right hand, in heaven. From that exalted position, we're to enforce the devil's defeat here on the earth, as part of the growing number of triumphant believers called the Church. God's Church.

I've begun to walk in these Bible truths. Not like I'm going to, but my walk has begun. As enjoyable as those "virtual" books were as a boy, this is so much better. This is real; this is truth. WE WERE THERE, crucified, buried, made alive, raised, and seated together WITH Christ, in heavenly places, at God's right hand. Better than any fiction; this is real life.

If this is new to you or, even if you're already walking in these truths, feel free to share your questions and/or comments. We can learn from others, including you.

Heavenly Tours

Many famous places offer tours to the public. Some are free; others are for a fee. The White House tour is free, as is one in the Capitol Building. Although free, both do have conditions which have to be met prior to their respective tour. What about Heavenly tours? What if you could take a guided tour of Heaven, to see what and who's really there? Is there a heavenly street of gold? A rainbow around God's throne? Are there burritos in Heaven?  Can I see what my mansion is going to look like?

Despite being an intriguing thought there are no heavenly tours; no guided strolls around Heaven in all of its splendor-at least not for those on the earth. Here are three reasons:

1. Heaven, though more real than Earth, is home to just those who have confessed Jesus Christ as Lord, out of a believing heart. Like earthly tours, Heaven has conditions.
2. Taking a tour of Heaven won't guarantee one's faith in Christ. Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples, refused to believe His appearance without some physical confirmation. God wants each of us to accept Christ on the basis of His written Word, the Bible, rather than something we can see, hear, touch, taste, or smell. It's called walking by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Taking God at His Word matters more heavenly tours.
3. As wonderful as Heaven is my mission is to make as many  disciples as I can. Rather than being portrayed as an end, I choose to pray and work to bring Heaven down into as many lives as I can. Why wait to get to Heaven to experience some of it on Earth?

Heaven's a huge place. According to the Bible (Revelation 21:16) Heaven is 1500 miles long, 1500 miles wide, and 1500 miles high. The focal point, however, isn't mansions, rivers, gold, or angels. No, the focal point is the Presence of God throughout Heaven, coming from the throne of God Himself, with Jesus at His right hand.

I don't need a tour of Heaven to describe to me how wonderful it is. Jesus' return for those looking for His appearing is coming soon. When that happens, a lot more of us are going to see Heaven-a lot more. Until then God's Word is sufficient information to describe Heaven. I'm sure there'll be time, later on, to take in the sights, so to speak.

I hope you're excited about Heaven. I hope that you're more excited about bringing Heaven to those here on earth.

Promise or Provision?

Growing up I always had a roof over my head, food to eat, and a bed to sleep in. My parents didn't ever have to promise me the basics of life; they had already provided them. It was then up to me to go inside, eat what was set before me, and sleep in the bed provided me. My parents, like so many others, made promises to me. If I did what they asked, certain things they promised came to pass in my life. Picking dandelions, for instance, resulted in a promised nickel. With so many dandelions to pick, hard work resulted in the promised coins coming to pass in my hands, once my hands were clean after digging up those pesky dandelions.

God has promises and provision for all, regardless of age, gender, or ethnic background. As with both illustrations given, there's a difference between a promise and a provision. Let's take a look at each, starting with a provision.

God's provision is something already made available, such as salvation. When a person desires to become saved, a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), Jesus doesn't die, again, on the Cross. No God's part, through Jesus, is done. Provision has made for every person-past, present, and future-to be saved, to become a child of God. It's a matter of believing what God has done and declaring it to be true in that person's life.

God also makes promises. Example: God promises to bless those who'll honor Him with their finances, by tithing (Malachi 3:10). Those who give above and beyond the tithe have a promise of a return on their giving (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-10).  Unlike His provision,  however, God's promises are conditional. In this case, God's part takes place once ours is done. With tithing,  God's blessing occurs after we tithe. Every time.

It would be sad, actually, if food was placed before a hungry boy who then asked his mother for something to eat. Here, provision has been made; all the child needs to do is  use his fork to receive the food, and eat it. Even if it's broccoli. Provision, not promise.

On the other hand, a person wanting income needs to first work before getting paid. The employer promises to pay the worker after the condition of so many hours of work has been met. No work, no pay. That's a promise, not a provision.

A lot things well-intended Christians are asking God for have already  been provided. Things like love (Romans 5:5), power (2 Timothy 1:7), and strength (Psalm 27:1; Ephesians 6:10)  have already been provided to every Christian. On the other hand, wisdom is something to ask for (James 1:5).

As you can readily see, there's a difference between God's provision and His promises. God's promises are always conditional; His provision is unconditional. Understanding whether something from God is a promise or provision is making a difference in my life. If not already, I know it can make one in yours as well.

Secret Passages You'll Love

Secret passages have been around for years. Medieval castles often had (some still do) secret passages which the owner(s) used for their own purposes, such as a way of escape from intruders. The fictional hero Zorro used a secret passage to get from his fireplace to a cave where Toronado, his trusted horse, waited. Then, on to set the captives free. So far, no secret passages have been found in our home.

Secret passages have been used to lead people to hidden treasures in caves, for instance. History gives us story after story of secret passages to pirate treasure around the world.

The Bible references things which are hidden; truths which are there for those willing to go exploring. Not with the latest technology, but with their spirits. Yes, God has priceless treasures waiting for those willing to search for them.

Proverbs 2 refers to wisdom as a hidden treasure, waiting to found by those willing to search for it as they would silver or gold. Like gold, this treasure is often beneath the surface, so to speak. It takes dedication, persistence, and patience to find real Bible wisdom. While yes, there's a price to find this treasure, it is one well worth paying.

In Bible school one professor said that the things of God are like a treasure map: God tells you where the treasure is, but it'll take some digging on your part to find it. In life, searching for God's wisdom starts with the Bible, God's Word-the original Book of Wisdom. Finding God's wisdom takes searching certain passages of Scripture. These passages are a secret, hidden TO-not from-those who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Here's a secret passage you'll love: Colossians 1:26,27: "the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but now is disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Christ IN you, not just with and for you. In you. That's a mystery to the mind, a mystery that most Christians haven't found out, yet. Understanding the reality of this passage will absolutely change the way you live. Other secret passages you'll love: Ephesians 2:5,6; 2 Timothy 1:7; First John 4:4.

The above passage is one of so many in the Epistles, letters written to Christians, including you and me. Secret passages just waiting to be found, revealed, and imparted to others who desperately desire to live free from satan's tyranny.

Now, on with your search. Move over, Zorro.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2016-2024

Hank Potter and You

Colonel Henry (Hank) Potter served our country during WWll, as did thousands of other soldiers. What made Colonel Potter famous was him being the navigator for the lead bomber of Doolittle's Raiders, 16 bombers which bombed Tokyo, Japan, in April, 1942. The success of the mission proved that America could prevail against Japan's Imperial forces. As navigator, Col. Potter's job  "..was to plot a course and to give corrections to that course to the pilot during the flight and to keep account of time and distance and wind drift corrections as best he could.'', the standard description for all navigators at the time.

Hank Potter's job was to keep that lead B-25 bomber, piloted by James Doolittle, on its designed course, making necessary adjustments along the way. Without Col. Potter's expertise, the mission would have likely failed. Thank God for good navigators. In 2000, our youngest son, Jonathan, got to meet Col. Potter, then 82. What a treat when Jonathan was able to get his picture taken with this WWII hero. Col. Potter died in 2002.

Having the right navigator in life is of utmost importance. One who knows the way to your destination; one who can be counted on to make course corrections, as needed. I have found life's best navigator to be God Himself, in the Person of the Holy Spirit. Only He knows which way I should go (Isaiah 48:17), as well as how to navigate my life as I go.

A lot of people apparently have the idea that becoming a Christian means giving up control of our life; everything's up to God. We're nothing more than righteous robots.

Righteous, yes; robots, no. Everyone, Christians included, has a choice. We can choose to live our lives our way; we can be the navigator of our own destiny. Some choose to do their own navigating when things are going well; crying out for guidance when things get rough. Some of us, though, have chosen the Holy Spirit to be our Navigator, in every situation.

God, through the Holy Spirit, wants to be our navigator each step of every day. God has a plan for each of our lives and, to be quite frank, is the only one who knows how to fulfill that plan. Only God knows where the bumps, turbulence, and other dangers are. But God's also a gentleman; He won't make us go somewhere or do something we don't want to do.

Those 80 men on that daring raid over Tokyo put a lot of trust in the hands of Colonel Hank Potter, trust that proved to be justified. How can we, as individuals, do any less in putting complete trust in the Navigator for each of our lives? God, in the Person of the Holy Spirit, won't let us down; He won't lead us astray. He'll nudge us when it's time for "course" corrections. He won't fail us; He'll be our safe Guide in and through every storm.

If only we'll let Him.

As a Christian is God, in the Person of the Holy Spirit, your Navigator? Is He the One Who both "plotted" the right course for you, and is being allowed to lead you to its destination?

If not, what's keeping you from saying, "Holy Spirit, You're my Navigator. I yield to Your guidance." If the Holy Spirit is your Navigator, how beneficial is that guidance?

 © Hubert Gardner Ministries 2016-2024

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs

In just a few days it will be Election Day in the United States. Proof abounds as signs, promoting candidate after candidate, dot the landscape, particularly around voting precincts. Regardless of one's favorite candidate, it's obvious that something's in the process of happening; changes are coming. Playing baseball as a teenager, signs of a different sort were used. Signs were flashed from catcher to pitcher, indicating what pitch should be thrown. At times, a hitter would up at second base.  From there, a smart runner would attempt to figure out what the opposing catcher's signs were. The baserunner would then yell out a warning to his teammate at home plate who, hopefully knowing what pitch was coming, would be better prepared to hit the ball.

As Christians we live in a time where signs are all around us; they're everywhere. Using the Bible as our guide, we are seeing signs pointing to what's coming. Not a political candidate or a pitch, but the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 24:3-14, Jesus gives us signs-advance indicators-of how things will be. When? At the time of His return to take believers (those who are looking for His appearing) to Heaven with Him. Some of the signs are wars, rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes in different places. Those are signs of potential destruction. A good sign is the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ being preached in all the world. With television, satellites, and the internet, we are seeing the reality of this taking place around the world.

Knowing that signs point to a future event, how should Christians respond to the signs just mentioned? Should we live in fear, hoping to be rescued-the sooner the better? Should we, as some have, purposefully take out mortgages and loans and live it up? After all, when Jesus returns, no more bills, right?

Wrong. Yes, Jesus is coming soon. Yes, once He returns for us, no more natural obligations. But here's the truth: no one, including Jesus, knows when He's coming back. He passed on to His disciples everything God told Him. (John 15:15). Jesus also said no man knows the day or the hour of His coming (Matthew 25:13). To even attempt to guess an exact date is unscriptural, dangerous, and, to be blunt, just plain stupid.

But even though we don't know the exact moment Jesus is returning, the signs of the season of His return are unmistakable. Look around; see the rise of terrorism, the increased persecution of Christians around the world.  Schools allowing satanic bible clubs, while working hard to suppress Bible clubs for Christians. At the same time, the Gospel is going forward; people are coming into the Kingdom of God by the thousands. God's Church, the Body of Christ, is acting more and more like Jesus, enforcing satan's defeat on the earth. Miracles, signs, and wonders (Hebrews 2:4) are being wrought around the world, including the United States. Young men and women, including children, are seeing the power of God like never before (for them). Blind eyes and deaf ears are being opened; limbs are being restored. These are signs of good things to come; indicators of something big about to happen. Yes, the times they are a changing.  Clearly, we are in the season of His return.

Yes, signs are everywhere. But are we recognizing them? And, more importantly, what is our response? Personally, I "vote" to let God use me more and more. Like a good pitcher, I purpose to recognize God's signs being given to me. I purpose to do a better job at understanding the season in which we're in, the season of Christ's return, as well as my part in what God is doing through His Church.

What signs are you seeing? How are you choosing to respond to what you're seeing?