Daily Meditation: Dealing with a Liar.

Proverbs 25:18 (KJV) ¹⁸  A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
Dishonest people are engaged in making false pronouncements and/or false promises.  Verse 18 is referring to those who make false pronouncements. 
Maul=Large wooden hammer or club.
Sword=cuts and wounds.
Sharp arrow=pierces to the heart.
A person who makes false and misleading statements against another person can inflict terrible wounds on their victim.  They can cause a person to lose his reputation or worse.  I know we always quote the childhood saying; "sticks, and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me".  However, the reality is that people making false and misleading words do hurt others.
Some practical advice in dealing with false witnesses and false testimonies:

1.  Remember, you are not a garbage can with a hairy lid.  Don't listen to slop if you can avoid it.
2.  Don't believe everything you hear. 
3.  If you don't know the facts, don't make a judgment.
4.  If someone says false things against you, confront them.
5.  If the confrontation does not produce repentance, move on.
6.  Remember, eventually people will judge you on the content of your character, not the words of a liar.
I know that false words made against us hurt, and can cause damage in relationships.  However, it is best if we do not allow our concern of what others think and say about us to effect our daily walk with the Lord.  The meditation of our heart must not be on what the false witness said or the damage he inflicted to our reputation, but on the goodness of our God.  Paul instructs us to "think on these things".
  
Philippians 4:8 (KJV) ⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I John 3:18-22 Daily Meditation on Love.

1 John 3:18-22 (KJV)18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.   19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.  20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.   21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.   22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.


 1.  Love is more than words. (18)


We describe people as "all talk" or we say "talk is cheap".  Love is more than just words...


2.  Love is a lifestyle of helping others while having the right motive. (18)


Deed= our work or our labor.  Our occupation. It is referencing a lifestyle of doing works in helping others.
Truth= the right action with the right motive.
Love is living a life constantly helping others according to what is right with a right motive.  This would disqualify good deeds that are not rightly motivated.  This would disqualify good deeds that glorify self or benefit self. 


3. Love produces a heart that is right with God (19)


4. Love produces a heart free from guilt (20)


Our actions not done in Biblical love will produce a guilt in our heart.  No worries, God is able to forgive and cleanse us.




5.  Love produces an open and  real relationship with God (21)


Interestingly when the fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5, love is listed first.  The primary indication of a Spirit-filled life is a life lived loving others the way Jesus did!  This was not a compromising self-serving love, but a sacrificial and giving love.  A love that was demonstrated clearly on Calvary's cross.


If you want an open, close, and real relationship with God, don't violate the love principle! Love God and love others.

Handfuls of Purpose

Ruth 2:16 (KJV) ¹⁶  And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.


Boaz showed kindness and encouragement to Ruth as she gleaned in his fields. The Lord does the same for you and me! How many times have you gotten tired and weary in faithful service to the Lord? Perhaps, your blessing meter started getting low and the Lord came alon...g and dropped a handful of blessing on purpose for you. He does this a number of ways. He may use a truth in the word of God to satisfy and comfort you or may bring a person into your life to lift your heart, faith, and encourage you. He might encourage you by answering your prayer. There are many ways the Lord drops those handfuls of purpose.
Are you a handful of purpose in the Lord's hands? People need love, encouragement, kindness, or the Gospel. God wants to use you to be a blessing, a handful of purpose in the lives of others if you are willing. You will get more out of your Christian life if you will invest your life into the lives of others..

Now and Then: The Greatest Christmas Gift.

It is early (5:30 am) Christmas morning.  The tree is lit, the fireplace is on, and the house is calm and quiet. Soon all that will change, but for this moment, I have and am enjoying my time alone with the one who made this day possible, the Lord Jesus.

Much has been said about His birth in Bethlehem's manger, and much needs to be said about the God-man. Why was He born?  Why did He leave Heaven's splendor to be born here on earth?  Why did he consent to the constraints of a human body and ultimately the torture that was His death?

His motive is clearly explained in the Scriptures.  The most famous verse of all reveals it.  John 3:16 (KJV) ¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  Jesus came because He loves us.  I don't know about you, but I am overwhelmed by the truth that the great creator of this universe, the God of gods, and the Lord of lords knows who I am and has chosen to love me. My heart sings today the Anna Barlett Warner classic Jesus loves me.  Yes Jesus loves me.  Yes Jesus loves me.  Yes Jesus loves me.  The Bible tells me so!  

He came because He loved us, but why did He come and why did He die?  He came for our salvation, He came so we could be eternally with Him in Heaven. Jesus stated this clearly:  Luke 19:10 (KJV) ¹⁰ For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. This is the then.  Jesus came and died for our future.  He gave His life for ours.  2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  

He also came for the now.  He came to give his children and mankind in general a better life.  The Scripture clearly teaches this:  John 10:10 (KJV) ¹⁰ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. This verse clearly summarizes the struggle between God and Satan.  Satan comes to rob and destroy us, but Jesus came to give an opportunity for all to have eternal life (then) and an abundant life (now).

Where the message of Jesus has gone, the way of life has been improved.  I know my life is filled and abundant because of Him.  It is improved. Soon it will be 38 years since Jesus came into my heart and gave me eternal life and an abundant life.  All I can say is thank you Jesus!  I have today in my daily walk written about many of the numerous blessings the Lord has given me, and it overflows my heart.

Now, abundance; then, eternal life!  Praise the Lord.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (KJV) ⁶ For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Luke 2:11 (KJV) ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Spirt Filled or Drug Filled? Part5: Spice, Synthetic Marijuana

Spirit Filled or Drug Filled – Part 5: Spice

Written by: Dr. George Crabb

Issue: November Blogs

I’ve enjoyed looking at these specific drug categories and how they affect an individual. Although the drugs are different the answer is the same – a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Today we are going to take a look at Spice, otherwise known as synthetic marijuana. The last two blogs will cover the following:
#6 Salvia
#7 MDMA (Ecstasy)
It is God’s desire that He completely sanctify every aspect of our lives – spirit, soul, and body – according to I Thessalonians 5:23. God desires to direct our thoughts, our words, and our actions – this is called being “filled with the Spirit” Ephesians 5:18.
As children of God, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost (I Corinthians 6:19). With this in mind we are to glorify God in our bodies because our bodies belong to Him (I Corinthians 6:20). A child of God dishonors God when they introduce into their body (which belongs to God) harmful substances. These substances are not only physically and soulically harmful, but they also diminish our sobriety which in turn decreases the Spirit’s ability to completely control our lives. When we partake of any of these substances, no matter how little it may be, we start the process of becoming filled with them and less filled with the Spirit.
I pray that all of us will attempt, by the grace of God, to live a Spirit filled life and that none of these substances will ever take away the power of God in our lives.

Spice (Synthetic Marijuana)

“Spice” refers to a wide variety of herbal mixtures that produce experiences similar to marijuana and that are marketed as “safe,” legal alternatives to that drug. Sold under many names including K2, fake weed, Yucatan Fire, Skunk, Moon Rocks, and others – and labeled “not for human consumption” – these products contain dried, shredded plant material and chemical additives that are responsible for their psychoactive (mind-altering) effects.
Note: Spice products do contain dried plant material, but chemical analyses show that their active ingredients are synthetic (or designer) cannabinoid compounds. The chemicals used in Spice have high potential for abuse and NO medical benefit.
Spice products are popular among young people; of the illicit drugs most used by high-school seniors, they are second only to marijuana. (They are more popular among boys than girls – in 2012, nearly twice as many male 12^th graders reported past-year use of synthetic marijuana as females in the same age group.) Easy access and the misperception that Spice products are “natural” and therefore harmless have likely contributed to their popularity. Another selling point is that the chemicals used in Spice are not easily detected in standard drug tests.

How is Spice Abused?

Some Spice products are sold as “incense,” but they more closely resemble potpourri. Like marijuana, Spice is abused mainly by smoking. Sometimes Spice is mixed with marijuana or is prepared as an herbal infusion for drinking.
Spice users report experiences similar to those produced by marijuana – elevated mood, relaxation, and altered perception – and in some cases the effects are even stronger than those of marijuana. Some users report psychotic effects like extreme anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
The cannabinoid compounds found in Spice products act on the same cell receptors as THC, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana.

What Are the Other Health Effects of Spice?

Spice abusers who have been taken to Poison Control Centers report symptoms that include rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Spice can also raise blood pressure,  cause reduced blood supply to the heart (myocardial ischemia), and in a few cases it has been associated with heart attacks. Regular users may experience withdrawal and addiction symptoms.
Another potential effect is that there may be harmful heavy metal residues in Spice. These heavy metal residues can cause a wide array of medical conditions that are dangerous to the body.
No matter how harmless or natural these drugs are supposed to be, they cause dangerous effects to the body and can lead a person into the bondage of addiction. May we continue to pursue holiness and purity in our lives allowing the Holy Spirit to direct us, not drugs.

Author: Dr. George Crabb

Dr. George T. Crabb (D.O., F.A.C.O.I.) is a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician and a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internist. In addition to practicing Internal and Addiction Medicine in Naples, Florida, Dr. Crabb writes medical communications for Reformers Unanimous International. Dr. Crabb’s passion has always been to help others through the liberating truth of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Quotes for the Week

Quotes for the Week

 

For those who do not follow me on twitter (@cshenenberger), here are the quotes tweeted in the last week or so.

 

 

Thank God that when Satan said in his arrogance, "I will ascend," Jesus in his humility and humanity said, "I will descend."

 

General Douglas MacArthur, "In war there is no substitute for victory."

 

God's will for his saints is not that we merely survive, but that we thrive in total victory.--Adrian Rogers

 

Living victoriously isn't your responsibility; it is rather your response to God's ability.

 

God's plan for us is not immunity from struggle but victory through struggle. Adrian Rogers

 

These hath God married and no man shall part: dust in the Bible and drought in the heart.

      

"Man has only three problems: sin, sorrow, and death." Adrian Rogers

 

America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great. ---Tocqueville (allegedly)

 

"God isn't looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him" — Hudson Taylor

 

"Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be." -Thomas a Kempis

 

Work becomes worship when done for the Lord.

 

Your Redeemer is bigger than your past.

Spirit Filled or Drug Filled – Part 4: Marijuana

Written by: Dr. George Crabb

Issue: November Blogs

I pray that the blogs regarding drugs of abuse have been educational. Today we are going to take a look at marijuana. The last three blogs will cover the following:
#1 Spice (Synthetic Marijuana)
#2 Salvia
#3 MDMA (Ecstasy)
It is God’s desire that He completely sanctify every aspect of our lives – spirit, soul, and body – according to I Thessalonians 5:23. God desires to direct our thoughts, our words, and our actions – this is called being “filled with the Spirit” Ephesians 5:18.
As children of God, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost (I Corinthians 6:19). With this in mind we are to glorify God in our bodies because our bodies belong to Him (I Corinthians 6:20). A child of God dishonors God when they introduce into their body (which belongs to God) harmful substances. These substances are not only physically and soulically harmful, but they also diminish our sobriety which in turn decreases the Spirit’s ability to completely control our lives. When we partake of any of these substances, no matter how little it may be, we start the process of becoming filled with them and less filled with the Spirit.
I pray that all of us will attempt, by the grace of God, to live a Spirit filled life and that none of these substances will ever take away the power of God in our lives.

Marijuana

Marijuana is a dry, shredded green and brown mix of leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. In a more concentrated, resinous form, it is called hashish, and as a sticky black liquid, hash oil. The main psychoactive (mind-altering) chemical in marijuana is delta – 9 – tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
Marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in the United States. After a period of decline in the last decade, its use has generally increased among young people since 2007, corresponding to a diminishing perception of the drug’s risks. More teenagers are now current (past month) smokers of marijuana than of cigarettes, according to annual survey data.

How is Marijuana Abused?

Marijuana is usually smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes (joints) or in pipes (bongs). It is also smoked in blunts – cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with a mixture of marijuana and tobacco. Marijuana smoke has a pungent and distinct, usually sweet-and-sour, odor. Marijuana can also be mixed in food or brewed as tea.

How Does Marijuana Affect the Brain?

When marijuana is smoked, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. It is absorbed more slowly when ingested in food or drink.
However it is ingested, THC acts upon specific molecular targets on brain cells, called cannabinoid receptors. The highest density of cannabinoid receptors is found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movements. Marijuana overactivates the endocannabinoid system, causing the high and other effects that users experience. These include distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty with thinking and problem solving, and disrupted learning and memory.

Effects on Life

Research clearly demonstrates that marijuana has the potential to cause problems in daily life or make a person’s existing problems worse. Marijuana use is associated with a higher likelihood of dropping out from school. Several studies also associate workers’ marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers’ compensation claims, and job turnover. Marijuana’s adverse impact on learning and memory persists after the acute effects of the drug wear off.  When marijuana use begins in adolescence, the effects may persist for many years. Research from different areas is converging on the fact that regular marijuana use by young people can have long-lasting negative impact on the structure and function of their brains.

What Are the Other Health Effects of Marijuana?

Marijuana use can have a variety of adverse short and long-term effects, especially on cardiopulmonary and mental health. Marijuana raises heart rate by 20-100% shortly after smoking; this effect can last up to 3 hours. In one study, it was estimated that marijuana users have a 4.8 fold increase in the risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking the drug.
Because it seriously impairs judgment and motor coordination, marijuana also contributes to accidents while driving. A recent analysis of data from several studies shows that marijuana use more than doubles a driver’s risk of being in an accident. Further, the combination of marijuana and alcohol is worse than either substance alone with respect to driving impairment.
Marijuana smoke is an irritant to the lungs, and frequent marijuana smokers can have many of the same respiratory problems experienced by tobacco smokers, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illness, and a heightened risk of lung infection.
A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and mental illness. High doses of marijuana can produce a temporary psychotic reaction (involving hallucinations and paranoia).
Associations have also been found between marijuana use and other mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts among adolescents, and personality disturbances, including a lack of motivation to engage in typically rewarding activities.
Marijuana use during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of neurobehavioral problems in babies. Consequences for the child may include problems with attention, memory, and problem solving.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

Contrary to common belief, marijuana is addictive. Many of the nearly 7% of high school seniors who report smoking marijuana daily or almost daily are well on their way to addiction, if not already addicted.
Long-term marijuana users trying to quit report withdrawal symptoms including irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving, all of which can make it difficult to remain abstinent.
May we strive to stay sober for the Lord and not allow any of these substances into our lives. May we also help others find freedom in the Lord from these addictive substances.

Author: Dr. George Crabb

Dr. George T. Crabb (D.O., F.A.C.O.I.) is a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician and a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internist. In addition to practicing Internal and Addiction Medicine in Naples, Florida, Dr. Crabb writes medical communications for Reformers Unanimous International. Dr. Crabb’s passion has always been to help others through the liberating truth of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10