Is God Seasonal?

Ready or not, Christmas is just around the corner. Amidst the overemphasis on material giving, Christmas is a time of year when even non-Christians give thought to God. It's a time when many seek out a local church to (hopefully) find purpose for their lives. Whether perceived or otherwise, for some it begs the question, "Is God seasonal?" Is God more real at Christmas than other times? Does God reveal Himself more during Christmas than, say, in the middle of summer? After all, Christmas must be high up on God's list of favorite times of the year, since it's about the birth of Jesus, God's Son.

The truth be told God sees things differently than we often do. You see, God doesn't change from one season to another (Malachi 3:6). You can count on God being the same on April 15th as on December 25th. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall God's the same.

God will be as real to you when there's no Christmas tree or giving of presents, as you may perceive Him to be during this special Christmas season. He's not dependent upon lights, cookies, and special church services to make Himself real to anyone who truly wants to know Him.

Perhaps you know someone who needs to know Jesus, the Savior of the world, right now. Christmas is a time when talking about Jesus is easier than other times of the year. Take advantage and share God's timeless love with those God lays upon your heart to do so-without being pushy.

On the other hand, perhaps you're one of those feeling especially lonely at this time, when others seem to be enjoying this season with family , friends, and neighbors. Perhaps you're that lonely neighbor with no one to be with. No doubt about it, that can be a most difficult time-especially if you're single, recently divorced, or widowed.

God knows your situation. He also wants you to have and walk in the joy of having His life in you. Ask God to send someone across your path to help you. Perhaps you can attend a local church service during this Christmas season. As I write this, Christmas is just a week away. It's not too late to allow the God of all seasons, Who never changes, to give you real love, joy, and peace, through believing on the risen Jesus, Whose birth we celebrate on December 25th, Who's the same every other day as well.

Does God Get Lonely?

For those who believe in God, one thing is understood: God is bigger than us. How big? I don't know, but big enough to meet every need of humanity, including yours and mine. At the same time, this question has been asked for more years than anyone can remember, and many more besides: Does God get lonely? Has He ever felt alone? After all, God is, well, God. All powerful, ever present, all wise. Creator of heaven and earth.

According to the Gospel of John 4:24, God is a spirit. As such, the only part of His vast creation capable of spending quality time with Him would be restricted to those who are also spirit beings. The Bible offers insight into who qualifies to enjoy God's fellowship.

According to the first chapter of the book of Genesis, verses 26 and 27, God made Mankind (male and female) in His image and likeness, someone who was also a spirit being. Nowhere does the Bible state that birds, fish, plants, or other animals are created in God's image. If so (and it is), then God is their Creator, but there is no basis for any relationship, based on fellowship. We can thus conclude that only human beings qualify to spend time with God, to know Him personally.

But, still, does God get lonely? No, in the sense that there's anything inadequate with God. But yes, in the sense that just as we, as human beings, long for fellowship with other human beings, including spiritually. God, as a spirit being, created us with a heart hunger to fellowship with other spirit beings, including Him.

As a result God, Himself, has a hunger to fellowship with other spirit beings, those created in His image and likeness. With animals, trees, and water out of the picture, that leaves us, people like you and me. Not even angels qualify to fellowship with God in a manner that He longs to have with us.

God needs your fellowship; He wants to fellowship with you, to be-if you will-the ultimate Pal. To commune on a level far beyond that enjoyed in even the most intimate marriage relationship between a man and a woman.

So, does God get lonely? He's lonely for a relationship with each human being. He has so much to not just teach, but share out of His own heart on a one-on one basis.

Just Him and you. Pals, confidants, and best friends. That's what God longs for, and what's being offered through His Son, Jesus Christ, the one Way to knowing God.

So, yes God is lonely for you, if you don't know Him. If you do, He's always longing for more: more fellowship, more secrets shared, more revelation into Hims as a Person.

Your questions and/or comments are welcomed.

War of Two Worlds

The War of the Worlds, written by H.G. Wells, narrates our world being invaded by aliens from Mars. For those who have never read the classic, I won't reveal the invasion results, nor how the book ends. The War of the Worlds is, of course, purely fiction. There is, however a very real war between two worlds that has been going on for a very long time. It's the war between the words of God'a world, and the words of the devil, God's enemy, and his world.

Both worlds are equally real. One is a world of light, love, and life. The other is the exact opposite: a world of darkness, fear, and death. Each world wants everyone to live in its kingdom, its realm. And each world is using words to achieve its purpose. Not just any words, but rather the words of its creator.

This war of two worlds is being fought, not with swords or guns or bombs, but with tongues, with words. Words of life versus words of death. Words of health versus those of sickness. Both worlds' words are available to all to speak; both worlds' words are spoken by the choice of the one doing the speaking.

In the Bible, the book of Proverbs  has much to say about the effect of words:

Proverbs 4:22 tells us that God's words are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh. The literal Hebrew renders "health" as "medicine."

Proverbs 12:18 tells us that the tongue of the wise is health. If the tongue of the wise is health, then it's wise to speak God's words of health, rather than the devil's words of sickness and disease.

Proverbs 18:12 states that death and life are in the power of the tongue. They who love it will eat the fruit of it. This tells us that those who love speaking words of death such as sickness, disease, poverty, weakness, insufficiency,  will bear death's fruit in their lives. On the other hand, those who love speaking words of life such as health, wellbeing, abundance, strength, and sufficiency, will bear life's fruit in their lives.

In the New Testament, John 6:63 records Jesus as saying that His words were spirit and life. Life, not death. The obvious conclusion is that speaking what Jesus says-what God's Word says- is crucial to us winning the war of words against the devil and his words.

Fiction aside, there is an unseen war being waged, involving every person on the earth. Again, not with swords, guns, or bombs, but with what comes out of our mouths, our words. Not just in church, but in everyday life.

I am more convinced than ever that words are more valuable than silver, gold, bank accounts, and retirement funds. Both God and the devil know this, which is why each listens to our everyday words: God, to bring to pass His words of life; the devil to bring to pass his words of death. The choice of what we speak is all ours, not God's or the devil's.

The war of the worlds never happened. The war of words is going on as I "speak."

Which side of the war of words are you on?  Comments are welcomed.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries

Where is God?

A few days ago I asked this very question to a fellow Christian, "Where is God."?" Her response was to the effect that God is with her, which is true. God is also for her, as he is for every Christian. Her answer though, is, unfortunately typical of so many Christians endeavoring to explain where God is. For a variety of reasons, too few Christians have been enlightened as to what the real answer is to the question, "Where is God?" The real answer is, for the Christian, God is not only with and for you, He's actually IN you.

Your internal organs, such as stomach, pancreas, and heart, are called that because they're in you. Not just with you, but IN you. What a difference in knowing that all of your internal organs are in you, functioning according to God's design.

In the same manner, as much as I'm thankful that God is for and with me, I'm infinitely more thankful that He is IN me, in the person of the Holy Spirit.

Hearing others talk about God being in them is wonderful. Knowing this truth for myself, however, is changing my own life, knowing that the Living God, the Creator of the Universe, the Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, has taken up permanent residence in my heart, my spirit. The same spirit that God used to raise up Jesus from the dead is IN you, me, and every other Christian on planet Earth.

So, where is God? He's in every Christian, through the New Birth, when a person confesses Jesus as his/her Lord out of a believing heart. And He's in them to stay.

Whether due to lack of teaching or overlooking this truth, the person's response to my question, "Where is God?," is what drives me to get this vital truth into people's lives, including knowing where God is. Knowing that, no matter the situation you may be facing, God is in you, will change your outlook on life.

"God is in me."  Say this to yourself. Begin to see yourself this way (because it's the truth) until this truth becomes real in your own heart. Because it's then-and only then-that knowing where God is will change your life.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2017-2024

Words Matter

Over the years I've attended 25 or so weddings, not including my own. All had at least one common thread: the words "I do." Every bride and groom responded in the affirmative when posed the question, "Do you take ______ to be your lawful wedded (husband/wife)?" No exceptions; both my wife (thankfully) and I also answered in the affirmative. When it comes to weddings, "I do" matters. Saying "No" or "We need to talk" aren't moving the ceremony to its anticipated conclusion. Now, if only "I do" guaranteed a successful marriage but, alas, it takes more than two words to accomplish this.

If people only knew the value of their everyday words, vocabularies would instantly change. "That just tickles me death" may sound harmless but who really wants to depart this life by tickling? " I'm scared to death that....." are words which give permission for fear to harass, torment-even cause death in the one whose tongue is producing the fruit of death, rather than of life (Proverbs 18:21). Apparently God takes words pretty seriously.

There are ditches on both sides of any topic you want to name: eating, exercise, diet, cleanliness, dress, to name a few. The same is true concerning our words, those things which we say on an everyday basis. One ditch is to say anything you want; the other is devoid of any humor whatsoever. Pharisees love this side, for sure. While there's certainly a balance, the Bible says much about guarding what comes out of our mouth.

For myself, if the Bible has something to say about words, I want to hear it, then do it.

As over simplistic as it may sound, words matter-and not just in weddings. Words matter in everyday life.  Words are containers; they contain faith or fear, love or hate, belief or unbelief. The words we speak can bless or curse, encourage or discourage, build up or tear down. And it's always by our choice.

Do you really believe that you'll get the flu? Do you really believe that money runs out before the end of the month? Do you really believe that so and so will be the death of you? Then why permit those words to take root in your life? If God's Word can take root in your life (Mark 4:20), then so can other words, but in a negative way.

I'm not saying that we can't tell a clean joke or gently tease someone once in a while. What I am saying is that the importance of our words is something worth learning. Not just the importance of speaking God's Word, but those words we speak in everyday life.

Check out your words to see how they can be improved, in content and/or tone. I did, with measurable results. I haven't arrived yet, but life is better. Who's willing to do the same? Who's willing to ask God for His help in being a greater blessing to the world around you?

Now, do I really believe that, with God's help, this is not only possible, but well worth it?

I do.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2017-2024

No Sequel Needed

Great books do not need a sequel; the original is sufficient in itself. Although sequels were done to them, books like To Kill A Mockingbird, Gone With the Wind, and The Wizard of Oz are, in my opinion, just fine as they are.

The greatest book ever written, and the one with the most annual sales is, actually, the Bible. Actually 66 books within the one Book, the Bible is history, a narrative of the life of Jesus Christ, and letters written to Christians. It also contains the book of Revelation, a lengthy vision that John, the last of the original disciples had regarding end times.

For centuries the Bible has endured criticism, derision, hatred, and questions concerning its sacred origins. It has survived countless attempts to eradicate it from the face of the earth, to be blotted out from all memory-all to no avail.

Jesus said that His words would not pass away (Matthew 24:35). The same is true concerning the rest of the Bible: what holy men of old wrote, inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21) is as true today as when it was written. God says what He means and means what He says. No sequels, revisions, updates, or corrections are needed.. As I said in my book, Born To Win: A Study Guide for New Believers, God said it right the first time.

Much time is spent arguing whether the Bible is really God speaking to us today, or merely a work of fiction compiled from the pens of many men over the years. Any book that has changed countless lives over the last 2,000+ years is worth studying. It's the only book ever spoken by God through the lives of those who not only wrote what God said to write, but who first lived it.

Regardless of doubters, scoffers, and others opposed to God's Holy Word, the Bible's words were correctly written the first time. Unlike the afore-mentioned books, the Bible stands as the written will of God. As is. Forever. No sequel needed.

And that's more than enough proof for me to act upon the timeless truths of God's Word, the Book needing no sequel: The Bible.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2017-2024

By Another Name

Joseph Levitch died in 2017. In case that name doesn't ring a bell, perhaps the name Jerry Lewis will. Yes, the famous actor and television personality's birth name was Joseph Levitch. Christians have received a new name-actually more than one-from the moment of their rebirth. I'm not talking about a new earthly name; I'm talking about something new from God, our Heavenly Father. I'm talking about something the world can neither give nor take away. I'm talking about something that's eternal, as in forever.

When you, as a Christian, became a child of God, through Jesus Christ, God had new names for you. one being Redeemed. According to the Bible you're a partaker of God's redemption that's in Christ, our Redeemer (Colossians 1:14). Redeemed; yes that's you.

God calls you righteous. That means you have the ability to stand before Him without fear, condemnation, or intimidation. Not because what you have done, but because of what Jesus did for you, through His death, burial, resurrection, and seating.

Redeemed,  righteous, to name but a few other names.  What God says about you is what you ought to be saying about yourself, because God never lies-so it's the truth.

You didn't change your earthly name when you became a Christian, but now God is calling you by other names: Redeemed, righteous, heir, delivered, victorious, healed, strong,  Take your pick; they're all good,. And they all belong to you.

No matter what someone may say about you remember this: God doesn't see you as merely John, Sandra, Frank, or Hubert. He sees you by another name, the name belonging to someone so close to His heart that He can't stop thinking about this person.

That person is you. And me. All of us, together and individually, by another name.

Something good to know for yourself, to then share with someone you know., as God leads you.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2017-2024

The Most Valuable Commodity

By definition, a commodity is something useful or valued. It's often found as a product or a service. Today's post focuses on the word "commodity" as a product, specifically words. That's right, words; things we use to communicate information on an everyday basis. Some commodities are better known, like gold, silver, and oil. Some are small, such as corn or wheat. but none are as valuable as words. Allow me to explain.

Motivational speakers get paid to do what? To speak words which are designed to inform and/or inspire their audiences to more productive thinking, action, and results. Results which, hopefully, profit both the sponsoring company (ies), as well as those listening.

Top motivational speakers command six-figure fees for hour-long speeches. No stunts, tricks, or personality (well, maybe some),   Motivational speakers motivate with words.

W O R D S.

What changed people's lives during Jesus's earthly ministry was not His looks, personality, or where He liked to go shopping; it was His words. Jesus said the following:

"By your words you'll be justified, or condemned." -Matthew 12:37

"You'll have what you say, out of a believing heart" -Mark 11:23 (my paraphrase)

Wind was stilled, bodies healed, and false doctrine corrected. Not with what was written, but said. Words of authority, power, and ability.  And life.

Words of life. Both Proverbs 4:20 and the words of Jesus, in John 6:63, tell us that God's words are life. Not mere mortal manuscripts of collective philosophy, but LIFE. Speaking God's words is speaking life (Proverbs 18:21)  and health (Proverbs 12:18),

Those who understand the value of their words (eventually) become invaluable to those around them. Speaking for myself, I'd much rather have someone around speaking words of life, health, encouragement-something uplifting, then hearing words of doom, gloom, agony and despair-the usual fare of the evening news. And most conversations.

Words are a result of choice. We choose to speak what others will be hearing. Will our words be cheap sounds of despair, disease-even death, or the most valuable commodity on earth: words of life, peace, victory, success, health, and wisdom, just like God's words?

Speaking words of value won't pay you a six-figure fee every time you open your mouth. But something far more valuable can happen: you can change a life, starting with yours.

Yes, words are the most valuable commodity in existence. How much are yours worth?

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2017-2024