evil

31
Mar
2024
Hatred vs Rabies

Hatred vs Rabies

Rabies is a life-threatening condition that causes about 60,000 deaths annually worldwide. It is caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system.

The virus is transmitted via bites and scratches from infected animals. History reveals the gruesome fate of those infected; they literally go mad; insanity sets in; and without treatment, it is almost always fatal!

Hate begins and ends in much the same way. It usually starts with nips and bites from infected people, and if left untreated, ultimately it will destroy the host, leading to frothing of the mouth and death of the heart.

There seems to be an awful lot of frothing-at-the-mouth going on these days; a clear indication that the disease of hate is spreading; I pray it does not affect you; the outcome is fatal, if not caught early.

Symptoms:

  • Rabid hatred (hostility, loathing, resentment, revenge) toward a certain person, group or idea
  • Reluctance or inability to consider alternate viewpoints on certain subjects
  • Cutting off lifetime friendships, due to opposing opinions or world views
  • Uncivilized dialogue and demeaning talk toward persons with whom you disagree

The Cure

The only cure for hate is love; and true love is only found in one spot, and that is in the heart of the Man we call Jesus. The day of this post, is the Day many celebrate His resurrection from the dead. He was crucified three days earlier by a crowd that was infected by the very disease I am describing.

If you think you may have been infected by this awful disease, there is a cure, but the time to receive that cure is very short, so don’t hesitate. Seek out this Jesus and He will administer the Cure and you will be set free and filled with love.

You will see clearly, and the very people you thought you hated; you will see through a different set of eyes; the eyes of Jesus. You will have compassion instead of animosity, empathy instead of indifference.

Jesus said concerning this generation . . . “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”

Let it not be said of you!

Pastor Rock

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
17
Mar
2024
Overflow of the Heart: Guarding Our Speech

Overflow of the Heart: Guarding Our Speech

Revealing Words

“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34 (NIV)

In this verse, Jesus addresses the root of our speech – the condition of our hearts.

He reminds us that our words are a reflection of what truly fills us, whether good or evil.

Heart’s Condition

Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to bring life or to inflict harm. But they are merely symptoms of a deeper reality – the state of our inner being.

If our hearts are filled with bitterness, envy, or selfishness, our speech will inevitably reflect those qualities.

The Need for Transformation

As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate hearts that are aligned with the love and compassion of our Savior.

We must allow God’s truth to penetrate the deepest parts of our being, transforming us from the inside out.

Guarded Tongue

When our hearts are renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit, our speech will naturally follow suit.

We will find ourselves speaking words of encouragement, grace, and truth, as we reflect the character of Christ to those around us.

But this process requires vigilance. We must guard our hearts and minds against the influences that would corrupt them, and be intentional about filling ourselves with the Word of God and the things that are pure, noble, and praiseworthy.

May your speech be a testimony to the transformative work of Christ within you, as you strive to let your words flow from a heart that is fully devoted to Him.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Holiness, Humility
05
Feb
2024
Dawning of a New Day

Dawning of a New Day

Malachi 4:1 – “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them.

The prophet Malachi lived during a spiritually dry time for the people of Israel. They had grown apathetic and nonchalant about following God’s ways.

Their worship had become empty ritual devoid of meaning. Spiritual blindness clouded their vision.

Yet Malachi assured the people that better days were coming. The present darkness would give way to a new dawn. God’s light would pierce the gloom and usher in an age of righteousness, justice and restoration.

Arrival of the Son

Malachi spoke of this coming day being heralded by a messenger who would prepare people’s hearts. This messenger turned out to be John the Baptist, who proclaimed the imminent arrival of God’s kingdom and called people to repentance.

Not long after John, God’s own Son stepped onto the stage of human history. In Jesus, the rising Sun arrived to scatter the darkness of sin and death.

Through his life, death and resurrection, Jesus made a way for people to be reconciled to God and experience new life in relationship with their Creator.

Judgment of Evil

Malachi warned that while the coming day would bring salvation, it would also bring judgement on the wicked and unrepentant.

Jesus affirmed this, stating that his return would be accompanied by a separation of good from evil, light from darkness. Those who stubbornly clung to sin would face the fire of God’s refining judgment.

The prophets used vivid imagery to depict this purging of evil. Now, having heard the good news and seen the light, no one has any excuse to remain in darkness. The day of reckoning is coming.

Hope for the Future

For those who follow Jesus, his return is not something to dread but to eagerly anticipate. It represents the full realization of God’s purposes – justice, peace and the restoration of all things.

On that day, the darkness will be banished for good and the Son will shine in all his brilliance. What a glorious future we have to look forward to!

Until then, we live faithfully in the present, reflecting God’s light to others and pointing them to the Son.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
07
Jul
2023
For the Love of Money

For the Love of Money

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Money is the root of all evil”?

It’s a common saying that often gets misquoted. In reality, the Bible tells us something slightly different. In his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul writes,

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

Notice that it’s not money itself that is the root of evil, but rather the love of money. This distinction is important to understand.

Money, in and of itself, is a neutral tool that can be used for good or for harm. It’s our attitude and relationship toward money that can lead to destructive outcomes.

When we become consumed by the love of money, it can distort our priorities and values.

We may become driven by greed, envy, and selfishness, which can lead to all sorts of harmful behaviors and attitudes.

Paul’s warning serves as a reminder for us to examine our hearts and attitudes toward money. Instead of letting it control us, we are called to be good stewards of the resources we have been given.

It’s about recognizing that our ultimate security and satisfaction come from God, not from material possessions.

Cultivating a heart of generosity, contentment, and wise financial management, we can ensure that money serves as a means to bless others and advance God’s kingdom, rather than a source of corruption and evil.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Giving