by Kevin Tillman | Mar 20, 2025 | Thoughts
One of my favorite authors A.W. Tozer says it this way…
“What we think about when we are free to think about what we will – that is what we are or will soon become.”
A.W. Tozer
King Solomon, who was considered to be the wisest man ever said it like this,
Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
The power of our thinking should never be underestimated. Secular authors have made millions of dollars on the concept of positive thinking. Go into any bookstore (if you can find one) and check the self-help section. They are going to be primarily focused on your thinking. The thoughts there are if you want to be rich, think rich. If you want to be healthy, think healthy. If you want to be successful, think successful.
These concepts are actually not unbiblical. As Tozer said in the quote above, “what we think about when we are free to think … that is what we are or will become.”
Put simply, you want to change your life, then change your thinking. It’s simple to state, but a little harder to put into practice. Our minds are finicky. They play tricks on us.
Jesus gave us this same principle in the gospels …
Luke 6:45
A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.
In the Bible “heart” is typically a reference to one’s entire being including thoughts and emotions. Jesus basically says here that you live out what you are on the inside. The words (and actions) that we put forth are a result of who we really are.
The apostle Paul instructs us this way …
Philippians 4:8
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
By now, I think it’s clear. Change your thinking and you will change your life. We know this is a truth. Though it’s a Biblical concept, even a non-believer knows this to be true. Our thoughts are the epicenter of who we are. If we can control them, and change them, we will become what we think. If we don’t change them, we are what we think.
So, here’s some basic steps to start changing your thinking today …
- Read your Bible and pray. – this might be Christianity 101 stuff, but it’s the most basic truth we need to remember. The Bible has the thoughts we need. Beyond that, the Bible is the only book you will ever read that is “alive”. The words are not just a series of black and red letters. They are life-giving words that can speak directly to our soul. Prayer is also intertwined in this process. Prayer isn’t just a “bow your head” think. It’s a constant communication with God.
- Prioritize – do the things that are most important first. If you want to be healthy, don’t wait until the end of the day when you won’t do it. Do it first. Want to learn a new skill? Do it first. Prioritize. I would also add spending time with your loved ones in this category. Don’t give your biggest supporters your leftovers. Spend time FIRST with them. Prioritize family.
- Know Your Triggers – this is a big one. We are all triggered by certain things. If you’re on a diet, don’t go to the bakery. If you’re trying to stay sober, don’t go to the bar with friends. Sometimes the triggers are people. If you know someone is a trigger for you, avoid them. If that’s impossible, such as a work environment, work at controlling the time with them. Knowing your trigger can prevent a mind spiral downward.
- Flip the Script – when little negative words pop in your head turn it around immediately. When you hear “you can’t do this, you’ve tried before”, change it to “I’m determined to stay the course”. Go a step further and have someone help you with accountability.
- Discipline – this is one we don’t like to talk about, but at times is needed. Sometimes you just “don’t feel like it”. Your thinking is way off and you are doing your best to wiggle your mind out of whatever it is. Good old-fashioned will power is sometimes needed. This can’t be the only method, because it will fall short at some point. But, on occasion discipline can get us through. The end result is that at some point our thinking changes and the will power isn’t needed (or at least needed minimally).
- Return to What Worked – this is super practical. Go back to something that’s worked in the past. Maybe a certain song motivates you. Maybe there’s a special place that calms you down. Whatever it is, go back to that. Our minds are so powerful and they are triggered so easily.
- Beware of the Interference – it’s happened to all of us. You’re having a good day. Your thoughts are good. You’re getting stuff done. Then, whamo out of nowhere something challenges that. Sometimes these are unavoidable circumstances that happen in life. We can’t really do anything about those. But, I’m talking about people that try and hijack your thoughts. No one has a right to hijack your thoughts. You and only you control what you are thinking.
- Slow Down – take time to think. Not pretend thinking, real thinking. This is time to reflect. Turn off all of the noise and calm down.
From his business book “Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life” Brian Tracy says ….
Any thought or action that you repeat over and over will eventually become a new habit.
Brian Tracy
You want to change your life? Start with your thinking. Today is the day.
by Kevin Tillman | Mar 6, 2025 | Bible Study
If you’ve been around Christianity very long at all, you’ve heard the word “freedom”. It’s at the core of the gospel message. We are set free from our bondage to sin and death.
Galatians 5:1
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.
So, here’s the million dollar question: If freedom is the whole purpose, why are so many Christians not free? Before you get scared off, this isn’t going to be yet another blog about “get your act together and quit sinning.” I mean, sure, our sins without a doubt are a major source of our bondage, but maybe there’s more to the story. What about the Christian that is sincerely trying? I mean seeking God … doing Bible study, attending worship, praying, practicing the disciplines. They’re even fighting their fleshly desires. Yet still, the freedom seems to be elusive.
In this blog, I’d like to propose the idea of levels of freedom. In other words, there is some freedom found, but then there is something else that seems to keep us bound. It’s like a never-ending cycle. We are free, but then, we’re not free. We’re free from one thing, and then it’s something else. I know this seems a bit confusing, and for the theology nerds almost heretical, so let me point to scripture.
We’ll take a look at one of the most popular stories in the Bible (for you old timers out there, you’re about to see Charlton Heston). God’s people, the nation of Israel, was in captivity. They were slaves in Egypt. This lasted 430 years. Don’t gloss by that number. We read the Bible too quickly sometimes and miss the numbers. 430 years is a really, really long time. For comparison sake, we live in 2025 at the time of this writing. 430 years ago was 1595. For kicks I googled famous people in 1595 and came up with William Shakespeare and Pocahontas. We get all worked up over a situation that lasts more than a month. But slavery for 430 years? That’s a really long time!
Finally the day came, the plagues were too much. Pharoah was done with it. So …
Exodus 12:31
Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron during the night. “Get out!” he ordered. “Leave my people—and take the rest of the Israelites with you! Go and worship the Lord as you have requested.
There it is – freedom. Finally, set free from slavery. They are now free to go. After 430 years, what a day this was. A time to celebrate. This one event is the central piece in Judaism, and Christianity as well. Jews commemorate Passover annually as a reminder of the day they were set free. For Christians, it is a precursor to the cross, but another blog for another day. Without a doubt this is a huge deal. But wait, there’s more, this story is just getting started.
Exodus 13:17-18
When Pharaoh finally let the people go, GOD DID NOT LEAD THEM ALONG THE MAIN ROAD that runs through Philistine territory, EVEN THOUGH THAT WAS THE SHORTEST ROUTE to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt LIKE AN ARMY READY FOR BATTLE. (emphasis added).
Do you see the emphasis there? They are set free, but God doesn’t give them the short cut. Even though they are free, there are still obstacles ahead. As believers, so often we think that an answered prayer and a “word from God” means it’s smooth sailing from here on out. Nothing could be further from the truth. In this instance, the reason is given for the detour … “they might change their minds and return.” We don’t always get the explanation for our detours, and God doesn’t owe us that. But, we can be sure, if there is a detour, it has a purpose. I love that last part as well, “like and army ready for battle”. Set free? Yes. But still ready for what might be coming. we should be vigilant and prepared for any attack that might be coming. And oh, by the way, that’s exactly what’s about to happen in this story …
Exodus 14:5-9
When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. “What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” they asked. So Pharaoh harnessed his chariot and called up his troops. He took with him 600 of Egypt’s best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with its commander. The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance. The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh’s army—all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon.
They haven’t been free long at all, and now they are being chased down. Not just a little by the way. Once again, don’t gloss over the numbers and words in the Bible. “He took with him 600 of Egypt’s best chariots”, but it goes on to say, “along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with its commander”. First we have to overcome the image of a puny chariot. If you’ve seen the old movies, you have the image of this thing on two wheels being pulled by a horse. It’s struggling to not tip over as it moves along the rough terrain. We compare those to our modern day warfare. Yeah, it’s no match for a tank, but in those days it was the tank! we see there are 600, but also more. Those 600 were in likelihood the generals, the top dogs. So, they not only brought their one chariot, but also all of the forces they commanded. We don’t know the number, but there would be more horsemen without a chariot, foot soldiers, we do know there are even more chariots that aren’t generals. Now, picture the spearmen and the archers. A general would never travel alone, but rather he would be surrounded by a variety of infantry and weapons. So, make no mistake this is an all out pursuit.
These next few verses are some of the saddest in Scripture, not just because of this story, but also it’s implications today …
Exodus 14:10-12
As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”
They have been set free. They are no longer under slavery. Yet, here they are in fear for their lives. Before we judge them too harshly, picture yourself there as well. This massive army is approaching. Remember this is a huge mighty force coming to get you.
Isn’t that just like us though? We experience some level of freedom, but then a road block occurs. We feel trapped. We don’t see a way out. And then, there it is, our past is chasing us down. Thoughts of “why don’t you just go back” creep into our thinking. Or, “at least you knew where you stood” back there. As believers, the enemy doesn’t ever give up on us. There is always a plan to bring us down. There is a pursuit, a battle for you.
So, how did this happen? Why did God allow this? How did they even get here in the first place?
Exodus 13:20-22
The Israelites left Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.
How did they get in this trapped situation? God led them there. Wait, what? Yeah, God led them by a cloud pillar during the day, and a pillar of fire at night. He led them right to this point, and now they are stuck. Hold tight, there’s a reason, and we’ll get to it.
Have you ever just said, “God just show me Your will”? Or, “God can you make this clear for me?”. Well, in this case it was obvious. I mean sometimes I wish I had a big ole ball of fire that would show me what to do. They had it. The Israelites had an undoubtable direction. Can you imagine the celebration up until this point? 430 years of slavery is gone, and now a ball of fire is leading them. Cue the Hallelujah Chorus!
But, that’s not the end of the story. They had experienced freedom, but they are about to experience another level of freedom.
Let’s set the scene again. We know the approaching army is close enough to be seen. The Israelites are now in fear. These aren’t the days of radar, so this blitz is close. They are within minutes of being overtaken. Fear is in the camp. You likely know this story, and the ending, but on the other side, there is no where to run. There lies the unpassable Red Sea. They are stuck.
Exodus 14:13-14
But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Another number to not minimize. We know there were around 600,000 men with the Israelites. That means a rough estimate that includes women and children would be around 2 or 3 million people that Moses is talking to. That’s roughly the population of Chicago for comparison sake. Moses doesn’t know the outcome. He doesn’t know how God is going to work this out. He does, however, have a disgruntled mob in front of him. I don’t envy what Moses had to do. In my own translation, he basically said, “every one calm down, it’s going to be OK, God is going to show up”. You just know there were some in the crowd that were yelling back. “Yeah but how?” or “Why did God do this to us?” or “That’s not good enough” or even those that wanted to usurp Moses’ authority … “who does this guy think he is?” or likely, “shut up dude, sit down”, and yeah, there was the smattering of “boos”. This was an angry mob on the verge of riot. They were ticked off.
Once again they are trapped. The Red Sea is before them, the army is approaching from the back. And they got here how? Because God led them right into this predicament.
Exodus 14:19-20
Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night.
What a night this was. That fireball that had been leading them into this dead end, suddenly moves behind them. This cloud and fire parks itself right between the pursing Egyptians and the Israelites. Basically, the Egyptian force was stopped cold in their tracks. The best fighting army on planet Earth was stopped by a bunch of fog and a ball of fire.
We should take note, that when God leads us out of our bondage, He’s going to continue to protect us from it. That’s a pretty important sentence I just typed, worth repeating .. When God leads us out of our bondage, He’s going to continue to protect us from it.
The stage is set. They now have a rear guard, but there’s still a major obstacle ahead. You know the story …
Exodus 14:21-22
Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!
Here it is, another level of freedom. They had been set free from slavery a mere few days ago. But it wasn’t over yet. There was yet another level of freedom to be had.
You know the rest of the story. The Egyptian armies continued their pursuit through the walled off waters of the Red Sea. Not specifically stated in the text, but we can easily interpret that the angel of cloud and fire removed the barrier, allowing the Egyptian pursuit. Once they were in the waters, and the Israelites were safe on the other side, Moses raised his rod again, and the waters flooded back in. The enemy was defeated. The past was now longer there to chase them.
Exodus 14:31
When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses.
Within a few short days, two major miracles. First, the release from bondage in Egypt. Second, the miraculous Red Sea crossing. Two levels of freedom achieved and witnessed. And their faith was strengthened.
Wouldn’t it be great if the story ended right there with “and they lived happily ever after.” Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Here’s the quick cliff notes version. After crossing the Red Sea, God establishes His covenant with His people through the Ten Commandments. Immediately, disobedience and idol worship takes place, so 40 years of wandering in the wilderness happens. After 40 years, they finally entered the promised land, but again idol worship and conflicts occur. A period of judges is instituted due to the unfaithfulness of the people. There was constant backsliding and worship of foreign gods. Many kings came and went. Good kings and bad kings. Prophets continually pointed to the truth. During this time the nation of Israel followed God, then didn’t. They made idols, then they destroyed them. They were up and they were down. It would be around 1500 years from the Red Sea crossing until the birth of Jesus.
The point is, freedom happened. They were set free, but there was still more freedom to be had. There was a “next level freedom”. It could be said that Jesus was the ultimate freedom. I wouldn’t argue with that point, because all of the Old Testament did indeed point towards Jesus. He is the “once and for all” sacrifice. He brings that ultimate freedom.
But, I think we can still learn a bit about our human nature and the concept of freedom from these Old Testament stories. In other words, we can be set free from our past slavery, but it’s still going to chase us. We can get in dire circumstances like the Red Sea that seem impossible. Then, even after those levels of freedom, there is still wandering. There is still the challenge of idols in our own lives. Once we are set free from one thing, another thing can be there waiting on us.
Freedom over sin, and freedom over death is a once and for all. Jesus has paid that price, and if we are “in Christ” we are set free. But, that doesn’t mean it’s a cake walk. There are still levels of freedom. Our walk with God is a constant pursuit of reaching that next level of freedom.
Wherever you are today in your freedom journey, know that there is more. There is always more. There is another level of freedom.
by Kevin Tillman | Feb 13, 2025 | Bible Study, Thoughts
The word “word” has two words in the Bible. Confused yet? Read it again … in the Bible we see the word “word”, but that word has two different words in the original Greek language. Those two words are “Logos” and “Rhema”. Stick with me this is so important.
Most Christians are familiar with the “Logos” translation. This is a written word. This is God’s Word to us. This is the Bible. The word “logos” is used 330 times in the New Testament.
Less familiar is the “Rhema” translation. This is a spoken word. It is a present word. It is an immediate call to action. The word “rhema” is used 68 times in the New Testament.
I know, this isn’t making a ton of sense yet, but hang on, this is so important. Let me give. a few examples ….
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word (Logos) was with God, and the Word (Logos) was God.”
This verse is speaking of the person of Jesus Christ. It is referencing the eternal nature of Jesus. It also shows the unity of the Father and Son and the eternal word (logos) of God.
Here’s another …
John 1:14
“The Word (Logos) became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
A reference to Jesus becoming a human, but still retaining the eternal nature of the Logos.
So what about “Rhema”? This is where it gets interesting …
John 15:7
“If you remain in me and my words (Rhema) remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
Once again “Rhema” is a spoken word, a present word. It’s a call to action. Here Jesus is saying, that “Logos word” needs to be a “Rhema word” inside of you. In other “words” (ha) … it’s not enough to just know the scriptures, it must be dwelling in us. It has to be active. It must be a present tense message. That’s a “Rhema”, and that’s what produces the power. The verse isn’t saying if the Bible is in you, ask whatever you wish. The verse is pointing to a “Rhema” word. This is a word for that moment. It is a combination of a written word (Logos), and a current reality in your life. The Holy Spirit then delivers a “Rhema” word.
Still confused? Here’s another one …
Ephesians 6:17
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word (Rhema) of God.”
This one is a slight mind shift for us. Growing up I’ve always pictured this verse by using the Bible as the sword. My mind’s eye even imagines beating the devil over the head with a big ole fat KJV family Bible, but I digress. Growing up we even had Bible drill competitions that were dubbed “Sword Drill”. This isn’t a bad interpretation at all. The Bible is after all, a weapon that we have in our arsenal. It is something we use when fighting Satan. However, the “Logos” can only take us so far. The power is in the “Rhema”. The “Logos” word of God is a stored up knowledge we possess. It is information based on our years of experience in studying the Bible and being in relationship with God. But, a “Rhema” word is a current word. It is given to us in the right now for the situation right in front of us. It’s practical and it’s applicable in the present tense.
Before I’m labeled a heretic … read Jesus’ own words…
Matthew 4:4
“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word (Rhema) that comes from the mouth of God.”
When Jesus was tempted by the Devil, his response was a “Rhema” not a “Logos” word. In other words, He answered with a specific word for that particular situation. It wasn’t a general proclamation of the entire Bible, it was a direct answer to the direct temptation. It was a word for that moment and that issue.
So, with that foundation what do we make of all of this? First, notice that Jesus did respond with “Rhema”, but that “Rhema” was from the “Logos”. In other words, both are vital, and neither should ever contradict the other. They are in cooperation. The “Logos” is the foundation. For our purposes, the Bible, the Word of God, the Scripture is the basis for everything. God will never give us a word (Rhema), that contradicts the Word (Logos). Therefore, we must be students of the Bible. We need to know the Scriptures.
But, just knowing the Word (Logos) isn’t enough. God can then speak to us, and give us a fresh word (Rhema) for our situation. The Bible is indeed a weapon for us to use, but it’s not a knife we just hurl in the air at the evil that comes at us. We aren’t just blindly swatting the devil with our Bible. No, it’s the Rhema that holds the power. We yield this specific word.
Have you ever had a situation where you read a passage of Scripture that you may have read 100’s of times, and suddenly a new insight hit you? That’s the Logos becoming the Rhema. As a reminder, they will never contradict. If they do, that Rhema isn’t a Rhema, it’s a “made up in your head”.
A Rhema word is life changing. It is a direct, fresh experience with God Himself. While the Logos is something for us to study and know, the Rhema is something we should yearn for. A Rhema is a present tense answer and encounter with God Himself. The prayer could be “God speak to me, give me a “Rhema” today.” It’s a word for right here and right now.
The apostle Peter had this encounter …
After fishing all night and catching nothing, the professional fisherman Peter was instructed by Jesus.
Luke 5:4-6
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so (Rhema), I will let down the nets.”When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
Did you see it? Peter knew who Jesus was. Peter was also a professional fisherman that knew his trade well. But Jesus gives a “Rhema” word. A word for right then and right there. He tells Peter to try the other side of the boat. This story has always struck me as funny. I could see Peter almost flippantly carrying this out. It’s as if Peter would be saying, “oh yeah, the other side of this little boat, yeah didn’t think of that one”. But he did it! Peter, because he received this “Rhema” word did it. And, of course, they caught so many fish the nets began to break.
Hallelujah, don’t miss that one. When we receive a “Rhema” word from God, we need to follow through. Even if it sounds crazy, it’s go time. A fresh “Rhema” word can lead to breakthrough. We can be full of all of the knowledge, but that one new message can change everything.
So, what do we do? First we make ourselves students of the “Logos”. The Logos is eternal, and it never changes. Jesus gave Satan a “Rhema” word, because He knew the “Logos”. Actually He WAS the “Logos”, but the point still stands. Peter received a “Rhema” word, because he knew the “Logos”.
I’ll wrap up this blog with one more verse. It’s yet another reminder of the power of the here and now, and the “Rhema” word.
John 6:63
“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words (Rhema) I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”
God’s Word (Logos) will give us God’s Word (Rhema). Get grounded in the Logos, and passionately seek the Rhema. The (Logos) word is foundational, but the (Rhema) word brings life!
by Kevin Tillman | Jan 2, 2025 | Thoughts
“New Years and such things are extraordinarily valuable. They are arbitrary divisions of time; they are a sudden and ceaseless cutting in two of time.”
“Death is a time limit; but differs in many ways from New Year’s Day. The divisions of time which men have adopted are in a sort of way a mild mortality. When we see the Old Year out, we do what many eminent men have done, and what all men desire to do; we die temporarily.”
– G.K. Chesterton
I can’t be the only one … Every year as the final few minutes click down I sense a bit of anxiety. I mean, it is mixed with an anticipation of new things, but there is also a small bit of apprehension that this past year is gone forever. In reality, it’s just a number. January 1st is basically the same as December 31st. But, there’s still this sense of leaving something behind that’s never going to return. I like how Chesterton referred to this passage as a “mild mortality”. In so many ways I believe this to be true. We are laying to rest a past, and we’re doing it with intentions. As Chesterton stated this can be “extraordinarily valuable.”
There are many different views on New Year’s resolutions. Many scoff at the whole concept. I totally get where they are coming from. Anyone who has been a member at a gym before January 1st is well familiar with the influx of new people that suddenly show up in January. The vast majority of those new comers are long gone before February. But, not all of them. Some actually do make a new commitment and stick it out. The scoffers point of view, however, is understood.
Another camp of people claim that a new year is not needed. A resolution can be made any time of the year. This is true. As a matter of fact, that’s a good thing to keep in mind when those New Year’s resolutions start to fail in a few days or weeks. There is always the ability to recommit. This view is also understood.
A third grouping are those that make resolutions every single year. Some of the goals are kept, and some aren’t. But, despite failure or success, a new resolve is sought every year. I believe most people fall into this third grouping. There is just something within us that longs for positive change. It’s rooted in hope. Hope that there is something better in the future. I see nothing wrong with this outlook.
I do, however, like Chesterton’s further explanation…
“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.”
– G.K. Chesterton
Why do some people keep resolutions while others don’t? Why do we keep some resolutions but not others? I guess we could start with the resolution itself. I mean I could commit to eating more chicken wings and burgers this year, and I’m confident I’d meet that goal. But, that’s not the way we typically plan. Instead we give ourselves lofty goals, maybe too lofty.
Chesterton stated, “Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.” He’s saying that the goal itself is merely an arbitrary objective. As a side note, studies have shown that simply setting a goal releases a small amount of dopamine. You don’t have to actually do anything, or achieve the goal. You just need to set it, and you’ll feel a little better. Later in time, set another goal. It’s a vicious cycle that never goes anywhere. Chesterton claims it is much deeper. A “new soul and new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes”. Basically we have to change our thinking. We have to change our outlook.
Time to get practical. How do you change your eyes, ears, nose, feet, soul and backbone? Think of this quite literally. If you desire to change your eyes you need to look at something else. Same for the ears. Who are you listening to? Where do your feet take you consistently? Maybe it’s time for a new path. What about the soul? Do you take time to refresh? I know we talk so much about spending time with God, but is it something that you actually do? Spend time in prayer, spend time in the Bible, and also spend time alone. I think we underestimate how valuable reflection and solitude are. I’d go as far as saying change the smells. This one’s actually easy to prove. If I’m struggling with my diet, I don’t need the smell of fresh baked cookies in the house.
As I’m writing this blog, I’m reminded of an old Vince Lombardi quote. Lombardi was the coach of the Green Bay Packers winning several championships, including the first two superbowls. The trophy awarded to the winning team now is name the “Lombardi” trophy in his honor. Lombardi famously began each fall camp with the statement, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” Then, the team began preparations starting with page one of the playbook and working on the basic fundamentals of the game. Was the goal to win the championship? Yes. Was that the starting point? No.
It’s a basic concept, but so important. We accomplish great things not so much when we set out to accomplish great things. We accomplish great things when we work on the basics of our lives. “I’m going to lose weight” can release some dopamine, and we might even believe ourself for a while. But, a better resolve might be, “I’m going to change the way I think about food.” Here’s a another one: “I’m going to read my Bible every day.” That’s obviously a good habit. But, what if we tweak that slightly to, “I’m going to grow closer in my relationship to God.” Do you see the subtle difference there?
As we enter into this new year, I encourage New Year’s resolutions. Chesterton is correct, there is a natural division we place on this time of year. Something has gone, and something else is here. It’s a new day, a new year. It’s an opportunity to make changes. But, sheer will power will only carry us so far. A lofty goal, while sounding good and making us feel better, will likely fall flat at some point. Instead focus on the basics. Focus on those aspects of you that will make drastic shifts. Change your eyes, ears, nose, feet, and soul and you’ll change your life! Start small if you need to. Ask yourself, what is one thing I could quit listening to and something else I could start listening to? What am I looking at regularly that could be replaced by something else? Pick one or two things to replace. Over time that small thing becomes a habit, and that habit will start making a significant difference in your life.
Happy New Year everyone!
by Kevin Tillman | Dec 12, 2024 | Bible Study
He’s one of the most important characters in the Bible, yet there is not one quote from him any where in Scripture. Joseph, the father of Jesus, had the privilege and responsibility of raising the child Jesus in his home. Not just any man could do this job. This was an assignment of someone with faithfulness. I believe Joseph serves as an example for men today. Once again, not one quote from him in the Bible, yet we have several instances of obedience. Joseph was humble and faithful.
I believe everything we need to know about Joseph is seen clearly in one verse:
Matthew 1:24
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”
There it is … “he did what the angel of the Lord commanded him”. Joseph was obedient. he didn’t mull it over. He heard a message, and he responded in faithfulness.
On four occasions we see Joseph had a dream and a message from an angel. In each dream, the same outcome. He woke up, and he obeyed.
The first dream was the angel telling Joseph that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit, and that he was to still take her as his wife. Talk about a big ask! Joseph had already been planning on divorcing Mary quietly, which was a way to protect her. Even when he felt he had been betrayed, his love for Mary was strong. But now, the command is to Mary her anyway. The baby is not from another man, this baby is from God. Joseph knew this to be true, but Joseph had to know that not everyone would believe such a story. I’m sure he had to be aware of the gossip that would come. Yet, here he is a humble and faithful man that “did what the angel of the Lord commanded him.”
The second dream was when Joseph was told to leave for Egypt.
Matthew 2:13-15
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
There’s a warning, but the warning is only valid if it’s heard.
As a side note from the Joseph narrative, isn’t that a word for us today? God can put warnings and roadblocks in front of us. He can try and sway us in the right direction. The Holy Spirit can prompt us to do (or not do) something. But, if we aren’t willing to obey, it’s just a warning.
Back to Joseph … he does heed the warning. Once again, look at Joseph’s response, “So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt”. I actually love the “during the night” part. This was a dream, meaning presumably this was at night. Joseph didn’t waste any time obeying. This was a simple, “God said it, let’s go” type of thing. Wow, if that isn’t a lesson for us today!
The third dream occurred when it was now safe to go back to Israel.
Matthew 2:19-21
“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.”
Joseph’s response should be fairly easy to decipher at this point. Once again, “So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.” I just love these immediate responses. There wasn’t a wait a few days to get things in place. Nope, it was immediate, “he got up”. I think it’s clear why Joseph was the right man for this responsiblity.
The fourth dream was another warning dream. This time Joseph was given a different route.
Matthew 2:22
“But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, “
Once again Joseph was listening. he was warned in a dream, and then he “withdrew to the district of Galilee”. The implication of this dream is significant I believe. Joseph had previously been told to head back to Israel, so he started the journey. Now, while on that journey, a new word. This time, take a detour. God says, go another way. What a lesson for us. God may send us in a direction, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a straight line. There will be twists and turns and detours on the path. Our job, much like Joseph, is to humbly obey.
Joseph was a man that only got a small portion of time in the Scriptures. At some point he died before the crucifixion of Jesus. We have no recorded words by Joseph, but we do see a humble and faithful man.
I don’t have hard evidence for this, but I do believe Joesph is what we might call a “man’s man” today. We do know he was a carpenter. He built things with his hands. He was a tradesman. I picture him as being a man of few words. What we do know are these four dreams that provided Joseph four opportunities to obey, and he did! I picture Joseph as a quiet man of humility. No where do we see any indication that Joseph complained about what he had lost. Undoubtedly he was talked about. His name was drug through the mud by many. Yet, this faithful man was concerned about obedience and protecting his wife and his new son, who just happened to be the promised Messiah.
So, what’s our takeaway? First and foremost, God chooses people of humble character for great assignments. Secondly, obedience is the key. Joseph could have chosen to not respond to the angel’s dreams. But, he did. He obeyed, and God continued to take care of him. It’s the same for us today. God blesses obedience. When we take a step of faith, God blesses it. Stay humble, listen, and then obey. That’s the lesson from the life of Joseph.
