Trump – As I was saying…

expose

Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, Demi Moore were cast as Marines involved in a dramatic courtroom thriller in 1992 called “A Few Good Men.” One scene stands out, used over the last 25 years in various ways as an example of what happens when someone tries to expose the truth. Col. Jessup (Nicholson) screams (in this picture above) at Lt. Kaffee (Cruise) from the witness stand, “You can’t handle the truth!!!”

Which as you’ve guessed by now, is sad but true for many people today. The truth is that Trump had to learn the hard way just how difficult a job it is to be President. The truth is that Hillary was so in her head, out of touch with real people with real jobs, that she thought she had the election in the bag. She’s still in denial about why she lost out on her life dream. She can’t handle the truth.

The sad fact exposed in the news everyday, is that more and more people around the globe are being sucked into the destructive patterns of Satan’s deceit. World religions gain in popularity while Christianity continues to decline and face persecution around the globe, in ways we can’t even imagine in this country. The rise of ecumenicalism is the demise of evangelical influence in the tiny towns of the plains, the villages in the mountains, and city to city, from coast to coast. It’s Sunday, and folks will be gathering for worship. But what will they hear from the pulpit?

Many will hear 10 minute homilies, written to address some social ill. Many will hear a 45 minute diatribe with material that repeats every 15 minutes. Many will hear what may sound like the truth, but really is a deceptively cunning twist and perversion of what God’s word really says. And in those few congregations where there is still a pastor who believes in the inerrancy of God’s Word, folks will hear the truth. They will hear exactly what God wants them to hear. But the question remains, “Can they handle it?”

Better still, what will they do with it?

The truth of God’s word is not just some comfortable blanket you wrap yourself in when you’re feeling cold and isolated by the world. It is not just a fan you turn on to blow when the heat of the world’s hate becomes too much to handle. The truth of God’s word is a SWORD. More often than not when we read it, and listen to it, and understand it’s talking to me personally, we are so struck by what we read, the word’s of the movie seem true… you can’t handle the truth!

By now, if you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you know that I have a favorite verse, and I use it often. It is most fitting to use again as a superior example of what I’m writing today. There is a singular statement that defines Jesus as God, in a way that no other religious deity or leader has ever stated. It comes from God’s Word, written by the apostle John, inspired by the Holy Spirit. This makes it truth.

John 14:6
Jesus said to him (Thomas),
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

Millions in this world today deny this truth. Millions in this world are vehemently crying out about the exclusiveness of this verse, in a world who’s current buzzword is inclusiveness. That’s the heart of the ecumenical movement. They say, “Oh, we’ll all get to heaven; we just take different routes, enter through different doors.” However, this simply doesn’t match what God’s word says. They can’t handle the truth. There is only one door, only one gate, … and only one WAY.

This is my “Exposé of Truth” – John 14:6.

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Criticize?

February 9, 2017February 9, 2017 Dr. J.D. Wilkins2 Comments

via Criticize

It’s always easy to criticize. Think about it. When I use myself as the measuring standard, there will always be other people, in my opinion, who fall way short. The result of this basic human tendency is criticism. The issue then becomes, “who gets to set the standard by which all human action or attitude should be measured?” Spiritually-minded people are at least open to the idea that they, themselves, are not the center of the universe. However, I know a lot of “spiritually-minded” people who are also very critical of others, which causes me a great deal of consternation. I don’t really understand their judgmental attitudes, if they consider Jesus’ words as the standard for living.

Matthew 7:1
Do not judge so that you will not be judged.

The world at large, and our nation in particular, has become attuned to the conflict stemming from unsolicited criticism. The layers of vehemence originating in tweets, posts, emails, and the media, are so enormous it’s no wonder our folks are divided. I’m trying hard to tune it all out. But if you watch any television at all, if you’re on FaceBook, Twitter, or the plethora of social media streams out there, it is virtually impossible not to be caught up in the undertow of nonsense. We’ve created a monster, it’s name is: Criticism.

Everyone and their dog seems to think it’s ok just to shove those words right down our throats, using every foul-mouthed verb in the book, and condemn us if we don’t agree with their ideologies. Nobody is exempt. If the revered position of President of the United States, can be the target of unfounded criticism from the uninformed masses, who can be exempt? It’s not really much different than in Jerusalem of the 1st century.

The group responsible for the spiritual leadership in Israel were called priests. The head guy was called the high priest. The majority of this group held the position that Jesus Christ was a false teacher, a heretic, dangerous, and should be killed. While Donald Trump is certainly not Jesus Christ, today he faces this same attitude (and danger) from people who have bought into the lies of the media, and the Democratic Party. Without doubt, those so highly critical often believe their own twisted logic so much, that they will do virtually anything in their power, to get their own way. Criticism is just the beginning.

When the lust for power becomes so strong that it moves from influencing our thoughts, to motivating our actions, somebodies death is almost a certainty. The Bible speaks clearly on this matter.

James 1:15
Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

Those with the strongest voices of outrageous criticism today find no value in the Word of God. This is clear from their voices, actions, and goals. This reality makes the words of James even more tragic. Because in this sense, while they lust for power, these lust motives give birth to actions of sin (falling short of God’s standard), resulting in their own spiritual death because they have rejected God, His Son, and His Word.

Am I being too critical here? You can decide for yourself. That’s what this blog is all about. I seek to stimulate thinking, and urge you to seek God’s direction while sorting through the mess we have become in this country.

Filter: I wish everyone would.

January 27, 2017January 27, 2017 Dr. J.D. WilkinsLeave a comment

via Daily Prompt: Filter

One of my favorite filters is golf: golf-saying

Here are a few others to try:

There will be many chapters in your life, don’t get lost in the one you’re in now.
Smile, good things are going to happen.
Follow your heart.
Breathe.
Live in the present, think outside the box.
The best time to start was yesterday.
The next best time is now.

I know, trite right? Sure, but mix a little of all this trite-ness with some sure-fire spiritual wisdom, and all of a sudden you have a new outlook on life. Paul said, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” If only we all had such a filter. It might come out, “I know I didn’t vote for him, but I can live my life for God’s glory even if Trump is our president.” Or, “I can love those democrats, even when I disagree with them, and think they’re acting like babies, for not getting their way.” Or, “Can’t we all just get along!”

Few people I know really do actually think before they speak. There are a few times I’ve made this same mistake (he said tongue-in-cheek). It’s really all about filters; One for our mind, One for our tongue, One for our hands and feet, One for our hearts. The One that really does it for me is: Jesus. You probably thought I would say “golf.” But while that is a good one, it’s not really universal, because not everyone plays golf. But Jesus is universal. His model applies to every single individual who has ever lived. His exemplary life was based in the concept that every life mattered. His words, while harsh at times, were meant to bring life and breath as God intended in the beginning. His love, extreme in its pursuit of others, was demonstrated in His death.

So, allow me one more trite and sometimes overused filter: “What would Jesus do?” Think what you will, this is still the best One ever.

Inauguration Day 2017

January 20, 2017January 20, 2017 Dr. J.D. Wilkins2 Comments

inauguration-day

Today my heart was filled with Joy to hear a unique man, at a unique time in our history, actually say the government belongs to the people of the United States. I was encouraged by those chosen to read and pray, as each in their own way steered our thoughts back to the Creator, and in honor of His wisdom, prayed for His guidance for our New President, and our country. I desire to encourage those who out of fear or anger would lash out in protest. The words of this President are either true or not. The only way to know is observe what comes next. Either congress will work with him to achieve great things for our country, or they won’t. Either he will demonstrate sound and wise leadership, or he won’t. But as our elected President, it isn’t within my power or the Trump haters to effect change regarding who is our leader. He is. That’s it. The picture above represents greatness. The greatness of our county, our constitution, and our ability to be what Trump said he wants: a shining light to all other nations. May God bless the United States of America.