“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
Neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”
Isaiah 55:8

We went to see “Patterns of Evidence: The Red Sea” last night. It was a one-night event that will soon be on DVD. There will be a follow-up to it on May 5th. Mark your calendars. These are made by Timothy Mahoney, a Minnesota native, and part of an overall series to answer nagging questions he had about the bible and particularly the Moses story. He grew up believing the stories of the bible yet was confronted with academia who refuted these as mere fabrications. What started as a crisis of faith has turned into a relentless pursuit of truth. And the truth is that the bible is exactly as it claims: true.

You could hear the comments of agreement throughout the theatre. It was nice to be among so many strangers who were of the same mindset. I understand that for outsiders, this would be used as proof of the cultish nature of biblical Christianity. I would think very few atheists were in attendance. Honestly, I doubt if this movie will become required viewing for university history students.

So, what’s the point? For me, I thoroughly enjoy learning about biblical history this way. Mr. Mahoney was careful to present a wide variety of viewpoints, both proponents and skeptics, in a manner that was easy to understand. Don’t get me wrong, some of it was considerably beyond my learning experience; nonetheless, I was able to follow along with the narrative.

Folks, this bible is true. The more I read it and look at outside evidence, the more I am convinced I can rely on it. You know what else I think is really cool? That God has stirred people like Timothy Mahoney to tirelessly pursue truth. This journey started out for him decades ago. As he said in the film, he has risked everything in this quest including his business and reputation. He didn’t get his answers right away. In fact, it seems like it is all coming together now that he is an old man.

This has to be God who does this to person. I think that is absolutely fascinating. Think about it. Was it Mahoney’s own internal drive that makes him so determined? Or, was God gently blowing into his ear, making him twitch in reaction? I’m pretty sure it was the latter. Mahoney would then be in the same company of Jeremiah, who was given a particular assignment by the creator of the universe.

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

If this is true for Mahoney as it is for Jeremiah, might not it also be true for you and me? I’m sure it is.

Do you feel God blowing in your ear? What might it be that he is stirring you to do? We each have our personalized assignments. Not everyone will be a prophet or celebrity, but we all have something that God has made us for. What might that be for you? Whatever it is, you can be sure it involves risks that will jeopardize your reputation and way of living. After all, did not Jesus say this?

John 17:14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

So, you see that all who are given to Jesus by God the Father are hated already. There really is no point in trying to fit in with the world, to be accepted by it. Take a big risk and make it clear to everyone who you are. For me, it was going public with this blog on the internet and Facebook. Prior to that, I shared it with my Christian friends. A few years ago, I was encouraged to open it up. Trust me, I counted the costs before I did it. I had LOTS of friends, family, and business connections who would now see just how deep I am into all this stuff. I was certain some would think I had lost my mind. In their shoes, I couldn’t blame them. But, for me, it was something that I simply had to get over and not look back. Honestly, there wasn’t anything to look back to.

What about you? Have you taken that leap of faith? If no, what’s holding you back? If yes, is there another leap that God is nudging you towards? Don’t be satisfied with a comfortable life. Why do that when you could be living a life of adventure as a royal child of God? Most of us dream of a trip around the world. The Spirit-filled life is all that and SO much more!

Father, blow into these ears! Make them twitch. Stir us to restlessness and into action. I cannot wait to hear the stories of how all along you have been prodding us. Remind us that we can grow dull to your prompting. Let that be alarming to us. Father, excite your church to action! Amen!

Copyright © 2020 Scott Powers