Christians in the Age of Selfies

It's the age of selfies.

But I'm not talking about photography.

I'm talking about self-esteem, self-fulfillment, self-adulation, self-love, self-contentment.

Selfies started our human mess… 

The Bible began with Eve seeking to fulfill herself apart from God, falsely believing she could become like God. The results were a fallen earth, fallen human nature, sin, disease, decay, evil, suffering, confusion, and death (Genesis 3).

Throughout human history, selfies have continued to ruin our world.

Self always has and always will stand in the way of knowing God. Jesus said it this way:

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?” Luke 9:23-25 NLT

God alone should be the focus of our esteem, fulfillment, adulation, love, and contentment.

The world tells us to trust in ourselves with all of our heart, depend on our own wisdom, in all our ways acknowledge ourselves, and direct our own path.

Scripture says, “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.” Proverbs 3:5-6 

Let's listen to Scripture. 

See Research Shows Harms of High Self-Esteem.

Free Subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes. Have a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday.

10 Reasons You'll Love the Book Wisdom for Life. A collection of 100 one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and a great gift for people who love God's Word.

Full Description of the Book Lies in Disguise. A much-needed book to uncover half-truths that misuse Scripture and weaken Christian faith.

 

BLN

Are You Feeling Low? Try This...

Take note of an important truth in all of these passages:

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Thanksgiving—overflowing, in all circumstances, to overcome anxiety.

This is a truth that should deeply impact us. 

God knows us. He created us. He knows what we need. When things are good, but especially when they are tough, we need to cultivate thanksgiving.

I can testify that when I’m feeling overwhelmed with challenges, refocusing on my blessings is essential for my well-being.  I might put it this way: the most important time to thank God for my blessings is when I feel the least blessed. 

If we can't think of anything else, we can always be thankful for our salvation, God's love for us, His perfect Word, and a perfect eternity. When we start with those blessings, it's natural to remember other ways He has blessed us and continues to bless us.

So if you’re feeling low or overwhelmed, take some time to thank God!

For more encouragement in this area, see Do You Have a Happiness Diary and Gratitude Attitude.

BLN

God's Creation Is Interesting! — Part 2

I pray that these three devotions will give you an appreciation for the interesting elements of God's wonderful creation.

 

Why Proverbs Says, "Go to the Ant

When Proverbs 6:6 tells us to "go to the ant," it's a message we should trust.

Exploring God's Message in the Color Green  

Take a moment and be blessed and inspired by the way God has used the color green to bring truth and beauty into our world. 

God's Creation and the Most Amazing Miracle of All

Some fun facts that will encourage you and provide proof that God is the Creator.

 

Don't miss:

God's Creation is Fun! — Part 1 

It offers fun insights about our Lord's creation of fireflies, bugs, and dogs! 

If you enjoyed these devotions and you'd like to get a one-minute devotion delivered to your email each weekday, check out our free subscriptions. If you already have one, tell your friends and send them this link: Stay Connected. 

  

 

BLN

Do You Have a Galatians 1:10 Mindset?

When Paul rebuked those who'd reverted to Old Testament law-keeping, he explained his godly motive:

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

These Galatians were under powerful cultural and ethnic influence to obey Old Testament laws which Christ has fulfilled. They were heavily influenced by the law-keeping Jews, even though they had accepted the New Covenant in Christ.

We see this happening in the modern Hebrew Roots or Torah-observant Movement, which has trapped many professing Christians. It should be no surprise that it typically produces a pharisaic superiority in its followers who strongly criticize Christians living biblically, unshackled by the law. 

But this example is not the major cultural pressure on Christianity. The strongest pressure is coming from our world's promotion of sinful lifestyles and sinful practices. There's strong pressure on Christians to soften biblical language so we can avoid being called hateful and harmful.

In truth, silencing, softening, or underestimating God's commands is hateful, based solely on winning human approval. 

God's strong, clear warnings in Scripture are not hateful. We should speak and act graciously, but be unashamed of the clarity and emphasis of God's Word. God came to save us from sin, not comfort us as we head toward Hell.  

Whenever our language about sin or our definition of sin contradicts the language and definitions of Scripture, we've denied the Galatians 1:10 mindset. 

For more on the subjects in this devotion, see Hebrew Roots Movement and The Effects of Culture.

 

BLN

Christianity and Karma Are Not Compatible

Some Christians don't recognize it, but they've adopted a philosophy I call "Christian karma."

Instead of realizing that bad things often happen to good people (e.g., Joseph and the Apostle Paul) and good things often happen to bad people, they feel that every problem is connected to a sin.

Like Job's friends, they think people somehow deserve their problems.

This belief isn't scriptural, and it adds an unfair burden to the person who is already suffering. It's one thing when sin is clearly linked to a problem (e.g., an alcoholic gets cirrhosis or a promiscuous teen gets pregnant). But judging people when there's no clear link is "Christian karma."

In John 9:2-3, the disciples thought sickness was always related to sin, and Jesus corrected them. In Luke 13:1-5, Jesus said those killed in a political massacre and fallen tower were no more deserving than those who survived.

Galatians 6:7-8 says a man reaps what he sows. But unlike karma, God doesn't promise justice here on earth (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7), and He doesn't promise a carefree life for those who are righteous (John 16:33). 

Let's be fully Christian and quit mixing Hinduism with Christianity (Colossians 2:8).

✞✞✞

Read how karma relates to Galatians 6:7-8 HERE.  

If you don't know what karma is, here's a definition: Karma.

  

FREE SUBSCRIPTION: Would you like a devotion like this sent to your email each weekday? It only takes one minute to read but can give your day an extra "Bible boost." Your address is only used for subscription and blog stat purposes. The only ads you'll see are for Gail's books below the devotion. No pop-ups. Subscribe: HERE. 

 

BLN

Absolutely No Comparison!

Sometimes people try to compare Islam with Christianity.

 

For example, they claim Christianity is just as violent as Islam, and they point to the cultural and religious violence of the Reformation period.

 

But this is one section of history which Christians acknowledge as wrong (Matthew 5:43-48).

 
In contrast, violence, deception, and warfare have characterized Islam from the beginning to the present (source). 

Jesus said we should love our enemies. Mohammad, who ordered the killing of thousands, said, “I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah,” and “Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.” (source)

 

See Jesus vs. Muhammad and Half-Truths about the Crusades.

 
People sometimes compare biblical submission to the treatment of women in Islam. But that's another ignorant claim.

 
Christian submission is about leadership, not value. Scripture clearly explains that women are equal to men and should be treated with respect and protected as physically weaker than men (Galatians 3:28; 1 Peter 3:7).

The prophet Mohammad said the majority of people in Hell will be women. He said it takes two female witnesses to equal one male witness. (source) The Quran commands husbands who think their wives are not behaving right to “advise them, and forsake them in the bed and [finally] strike them.” (source) 

 

No wonder Islamic domestic abuse is so prominent in America (NBC). 

Christians aren't perfect, but Christianity doesn't approve or promote violence or abuse. Islam does.

 

✞✞✞ 

 
Beware of propaganda. Social media hides most things which criticize Islam and promotes things which defend it. If you Google a question about violent Islamic laws, large numbers of Islamic sites appear with attempts to explain away these violent passages in their holy writings. But the life and words of their prophet Mohammad, their violence throughout history, and their violence against women reveal the true character of Islam. 

Why am I writing about Islam?

I've started writing occasional posts about Muslims over the last few years because most Christians simply see Islam as a false religion, instead of realizing that their purpose is to convert or kill Christians and Jews. We need to understand that Muslim violence and hatred are not simply about extremist groups. The religion itself is extreme and violent. And Muslims have a growing influence in our world based largely on propaganda and threat. 

 

Not all Muslims are involved in fraud, deception, hate, and violence, but their faith is based on holy books and prophets promoting deception and hatred. Muslims who act in deceptive, hateful, and violent ways are not violating Islam. They are faithfully living it as directed in Islamic teachings. Listen to this video to find out more about the ungodly Life of Mohammad, their revered prophet who claimed to reveal the character and commands of their god Allah.

 

Let's be fully aware of what Islam teaches, fully aware of the deception, violence, and propaganda it promotes. Let's pray for Muslims to come to know the only true God who teaches love and honesty. And be aware that only fools compare Christianity with Islam or Mohammad with Jesus.

 

Also beware that Islam inspires fear in people, and government agencies often try to mask the fact that Muslims are behind violence. For example, Muslim extremists have been murdering Christians in Nigeria for more than a decade while most news agencies ignore the violence or claim it's not related to religion. See the stats: The Religion Responsible for the Greatest Persecution of Christians.

 

BLN

Godliness with Contentment = Great Gain

Most of you reading this (me included) don't know the difference between a luxury and a necessity. 

For example, the majority of people in our world don’t have warm showers, heat and air conditioning, modern health-care facilities, readily available medicines, vitamins, and exercise equipment, a personal automobile, books, entertainment, a closet full of clothes, etc.

We think we are roughing it when we go camping even though many people live in camping conditions their whole lives. 

I'm grateful when I think about these truths, but I admit that I typically take them for granted.

First Timothy 6:6-19 is a long passage, but I encourage you to read it all. Let me offer some highlights:

“Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.… The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.… Be rich in good deeds … generous and willing to share.”

“Godliness with contentment”: when we know God, everything material should fade in comparison. He is our most valuable treasure.

So let's seek God in prayer this week and ask Him if there are any areas where we are confusing a luxury with a need, any areas where we are being stingy when we should be generous, any areas where we need God's contentment.

Philippians 4:6-7 are great verses to recite when we're feeling discontent. 

For more insights into contentment, see I Can't Be Happy Unless regarding discontent in relationships and The Poison of Entitlement regarding discontent with material possessions.

 

Free Subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes. Have a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday.

10 Reasons You'll Love the Book Wisdom for Life. A collection of 100 one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and a great gift for people who love God's Word.

Full Description of the Book Lies in Disguise. A much-needed book to uncover half-truths that misuse Scripture and weaken Christian faith.

BLN

The Apple of God’s Eye

Today I'm sharing one of the 100 devotions from my book Wisdom for Life called:

 “The Apple of God's Eye.” 

The phrase “apple of his eye” was used by Shakespeare in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but it is most famously known as a biblical term, a phrase found in several Old Testament passages. The CSB translates it less poetically and more accurately as “the pupil of his eye.” Whether we use the phrase “apple of his eye” or “pupil of his eye,” it means something we passionately cherish and protect. 

In Psalm 17:8, David calls out to God: “Protect me as the pupil of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Deuteronomy 32:9–10 and Zechariah 2:8 tell us that God treats His people as the “pupil of his eye.” 

We instinctively protect and cherish our eyes, perhaps more than any other part of our bodies. Our eye’s pupil is sensitive to the slightest touch, harmed by the tiniest particles, and critically important for our vision. 

God cherishes His children as the apple of His eye. He is sensitive to our slightest needs and constantly aware of our concerns. Nothing happens to us without His full knowledge. How fitting if we respond to His great love by cherishing His instructions as the apple of our eye, refusing to let particles of sin obstruct our vision of right and wrong. 

“Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.” (Prov. 7:2)

For Further Thought

God provides a number of protections for the pupil: both the iris and cornea carefully protect the pupil from harmful light and particles. What a great illustration of His love and concern for us. Does this analogy help you better understand the way God cherishes and protects you?

💙💙💙

For more encouragement, see The Comfort of Being Still and Knowing He Is God and Are You Christ's Love Letter?

 

💙 Please check out the Bible Love Notes devotional Wisdom for Life. It features one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and is on sale at reduced prices on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.  

 

BLN

God's Creation Is Fun! — Part 1

I pray these three devotions will help you realize the fun aspects God has built into His creation. What other examples can you add to these? 

   

Look at the Firefly and Praise Our Creator
Some incredible facts about fireflies and some incredible thoughts about our God. 

Enjoying Bugs on the Sidewalk

This one-minute devotion explains how God's creation can improve our health, well-being, and faith. 

 

Dogs Tell Us Something About Our God 

Dog owners will love this one-minute devotion that shares some wonderful information about how God created dogs for our benefit. 

Don't Miss:

God's Creation is Interesting! Part 2

It offers interesting insights into our Lord's creation of ants, sharks, lions, and the color green! 

If you enjoyed these devotions and you'd like to get a one-minute devotion delivered to your email each weekday, check out our free subscriptions. If you already have one, tell your friends and send them this link: Stay Connected. 

  

 BLN

Why God Made Me a U.S. Citizen

For my foreign readers: Don't miss the note at the bottom.

In 1979-82, we lived in Germany, where my husband’s tank company helped guard Europe against Communist aggression. I led a military wives' Bible study at the post chapel, and one day some visiting American businessmen's wives joined us. 

During the study, a military wife complained that her husband would miss their son’s birthday because he’d be out in the field training. Several of us nodded with understanding, but one of the visiting wives proudly explained that her husband would never take a job that made him miss a holiday.

You could have heard a pin drop. 

But after a few moments of silence, one of the military wives looked at the businessman's wife and politely said, “Our husbands give you the freedom and safety to enjoy your holidays.”

This visiting woman didn't understand that we military wives might complain, but we were proud of our husbands' work.

I think this beautifully illustrates my feelings about my country, the United States. I acknowledge its flaws and often use those flaws as examples in devotions. But if someone criticizes my country, I'll be the first to defend it.

I feel blessed that part of God's plan for me was to be born in America at this time in history (Acts 17:26-27). 

I thank God for His choices, and I want to fulfill His purposes (Ephesians 2:10). God's remnant people in America may be disappointed in certain aspects of our history, but we are the first to admit those sins, and we have far more reasons to be proud than ashamed.*

💙  For more on the perspective of Acts 17:26-27, see Your Place in History and Your Place in History Bible study. 

💙💙💙

* The U.S. gives more foreign aid than any other country (source). The United States sends out the most Christian missionaries (source).

Important Note: First off, let me say that while I'm proud to be an American, I assume you feel the same way about your country. And that's a good thing. God has purposes for each of us wherever we live! But I want to address something because I received an email recently from a foreign reader, and she assumed that I agreed with the biased news reports about America broadcast in her country. It made me realize that other foreign readers might be under that illusion as well. 

So please let me explain a few things: Most Christians in America don't identify as “Christian Nationalists” or “MAGA Christians.” We identify as God's people who vote for platforms that best represent biblical values. Remnant believers vote for policies, not personalities. There are rude, arrogant, foolish politicians on both sides of the aisle. At this point in history, neither political party represents Christianity, but the Republican platform does far more than the Democratic platform in areas that should be priorities for Christians—saving unborn babies, preventing mutilation surgeries on underage children, and helping retain freedom for Christians to share biblical views.

Just like the military wives I described, American Christians have huge disappointments in many areas. But please don't assume that we agree with news reports that describe our country as evil. 

 

BLN