Category Archives: Destruction

Bible, Destruction, Misery, Scripture

DESTRUCTION AND MISERY 

ROMANS 3:16

“DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,”

We’ve all known people who leave a wake of destruction in their path. Ruined relationships, wrecked marriages, sabotaged careers – they all are landmarks in their lives. No amount of counseling or encouragement seems to change their course. They ignore all advice and seek their own way, which almost always harms themselves and others. That reminds me of Proverbs 18:1-2. “1 One who separates himself seeks his own desire; He quarrels against all sound wisdom. 2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but in revealing his own mind.”

Paul addresses such people in today’s verse. It is taken from the last phrase of Isaiah 59:7. “Devastation and destruction are in their paths.” Can’t you just visualize it? I picture a F5 tornado that literally vacuums up the landscape and deposits it back in ruins. I’ve seen such destruction first-hand after hurricanes. Once in South Carolina and another time in Florida, I have witnessed total devastation left behind by these storms. That’s the picture Paul is painting today of these individuals who destroy all in their path.

APPLICATION

“Destruction” is the Greek word suntribo which means, “concussion or utter fracture (properly, concretely), i.e. Complete ruin — destruction.” (Strong’s) This word is only used here in Romans 3:16. The Topical Lexicon says “Romans 3:16 spotlights the social fallout of sin. By borrowing this language, Paul shows that sinful humanity not only rebels vertically against God but also wreaks horizontal havoc among fellow image-bearers.” This destruction isn’t just of their own lives. They destroy all they touch without regard for anyone.

Then we see the misery caused by these people. The Greek word is talaipōría which is “literally, a calloused (miserable) condition; wretchedness resulting from ongoing, intense affliction.” (HELPS Word studies). It is used one other time in the New Testament in James 5:1. “Come now, you rich people, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.” These people Paul is referring to cause these miseries.

How does this apply to us? Don’t be like that! Don’t destroy others. Don’t cause misery. Our goal should always be to build up others, not tear them down. Spread joy, not misery. Make peace, not war. Love as Christ loved.

O Lord, I fall so short of Your design for my life. Make me more like Jesus today.

 If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Appetite, Bible, Destruction, Hungry, Scripture, Shame

HUNGRY FOR THE WRONG THINGS

PHILIPPIANS 3:19

“whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who have their minds on earthly things.”

Our stomachs will tell us when it’s time to eat, if we will listen. Unfortunately, many of us eat even when we are not hungry. We eat out of habit or just because it’s “time” to eat. Some of us eat to comfort ourselves. Others don’t eat to lose weight or maybe even to fast for a period of time. We just can’t allow our bellies to guide our decisions all the time, can we?

Paul uses the imagery of the belly in today’s verse. The word “appetite” can also be translated as stomach, belly or even womb. These enemies of the cross whom Paul is referring to are only concerned about themselves. Paul says they will be destroyed, that they glory in their shame and that they only think about worldly things. What a sad bunch of people!

APPLICATION

But before we start chunking rocks at these people, we need to examine our own appetites. Paul isn’t telling us to watch what we eat. He is telling us to stop being concerned about self-gratifications or self-indulgences. When we do that, our eyes are off what is important. Our appetite should be for the things of God. We should devour the Word, not the world. Psalm 119:103 tells us, “How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” We should hunger for righteousness, not just to be right. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:6, “‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.’”

When Paul says these enemies glory in their shame, I am reminded of people today who flaunt their ungodly lifestyles and try to force us to normalize it. They take pride in living lives that go contrary to God’s Word and the natural order of things. We are made to feel ashamed because we don’t agree with them. Never! We have to stand for the Cross. We have to stand for righteousness. Paul says in Ephesian 5:12, “for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.”

We are told over and over in Scripture to set our minds on things above, not on things below (Colossians 3:2). We should live our days with an eternal perspective, always looking for Jesus and pointing others towards Him. When we look for earthly fame or honor, it is fleeting. All glory belongs to Him, not us. So, today examine your appetite. Examine your mindset. Where is it focused?

Lord, my God, You are the center of my thoughts and actions today. Let me live so that everything I do points others to You.

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Bible, Demolition, Destruction, Eternity, Scripture, Separation, Wall

DEMOLITION

EPHESIANS 2:14

“For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,”

When my wife and I were away recently on vacation, we watched a crew of men over several days demolish a beach house. It was old and in need of a lot, so I guess the owner decided it was cheaper to tear it down and build a new one. The equipment they used to tear off the roof, the walls and the flooring was powerful. Nothing was going to stand in the way of that giant, metal claw that grabbed and destroyed.

Paul reminds us in today’s verse what Christ did for us. He “broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.” You are probably wondering what exactly Paul meant by that. We will look at that shortly. I guarantee you the recipients of this letter understood it. Paul also reminds us that Jesus “Himself is our peace.” No amount of peace talks between two groups is going to be lasting. One or the other will eventually break it. We see that time and time again. But the peace brought by Jesus is eternal.

APPLICATION

So, what was this barrier of the dividing wall all about? If you remember your Old Testament, the temple was built with an outer court and inner court. Gentiles were allowed in the outer court, but there was a dividing wall that separated them and the Jews who entered the inner court. There was an engraving found in 1871 called the Soreg Inscription that reads:

“No foreigner is to enter the barriers surrounding the sanctuary. He who is caught will have himself to blame for his death which will follow.”

It’s no wonder Jesus wanted to tear that down through His shed blood. Christ’s death opened up access to all men to enter the holy of holies, not just the High Priest. We all have a path to God’s mercy seat. That’s what brings us peace – His mercy, as shown through Jesus.

The Greek word used for “broke down” is luo, and it means to loose something so it no longer holds together. In other words, Christ’s demolition of this wall is permanent. No man can rebuild it. Aren’t you glad? I know a few people who would probably try. So, take off your hard hat off. The work has been done. Enjoy the peace.

O God, You have demolished the wall separating me from You. Thank You, Lord.

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Bible, Choices, Destruction, Eternal Life, Harvest, Reaping, Scripture, Sowing

REAPING AND SOWING 

GALATIANS 6:8 

“For the one who sows to his own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.” 

In the past, I have really enjoyed gardening. I have mentioned this before in my blogs. But it’s that time again in the South, so it’s been on my mind a lot. I have been contemplating building some raised beds to go along my backyard fence where I could plant some vegetables. I really enjoy the process of preparing the soil, planting the seed or plants, watching them grow and then reaping the harvest. I can always bet on the fact that I will reap exactly what I sowed. 

In today’s verse, Paul is continuing his thought on reaping and sowing. He is pointing out to the Galatians that there are consequences for our actions. Those who seek to please their flesh will one day reap destruction. They will not experience the peace that comes through knowing Christ. But those who run after the Spirit, who sow seeds to please the Spirit will reap that promise of eternal life. What a promise! 

APPLICATION 

We all know Romans 6:23, right? “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Don’t you get that? It’s free! All we have to do is accept it. Who wouldn’t want that? How about the words of Christ in John 5:24? “‘Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.’” 

Or we can choose to live our lives our own way and ignore all the warning signs. We can choose to live for the moment. There’s a popular billboard out right now. It says, “Live Your Truth.” What hogwash! There is only one truth. What we think about our truth does not matter. That will only lead you to destruction. That is sowing to please the flesh. 

What will you do today? Are you going to sow to the flesh or to the Spirit? Do you want destruction or eternal life? I know what I want. I want to spend eternity with the King of kings and Lord of lords. I want to glorify His name forever. Will you join me? 

Father, You are the reason I have chosen Jesus. You drew me to Yourself. 

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Backbiting, Battles, Bible, Consequences, Destruction, Devour, Enemies, Gospel, Scripture

BACKBITING

GALATIANS 5:15

“But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.”

We have all probably experienced the painful results of backbiting. Backbiting is defined as “malicious talk about someone who is not present.” If that has been done to you, you know the distrust it can bring. I pray you are not the one that has been doing it. It is never edifying and always destructive.

That’s where we find Paul today – addressing the issue of backbiting (or at least the possibility of it) among the Galatians. Paul uses some pretty descriptive words in this verse. In the application below I want to look at three words – bite, devour and consume. He paints a picture that no Christian should want to be a part of.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “bite” is not used in reference to animals biting. It is only used once, right here in the New Testament. It literally means to harm seriously, to backbite, to bite. It is not a little nibble. It is an intentional, meant-to-harm bite. This kind of bite leaves a mark, a wound. If you have experienced this, you know what I mean.

Secondly, Paul uses the Greek word translated “devour.” This word means to “eat all the way down (figuratively) utterly devour, leaving nothing; ferociously consume all the way down,” In Matthew 23:14, Jesus says, “‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses even while for appearances’ sake you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation.’” The one doing the devouring intends to completely destroy the other person.

Finally, we see the word “consume.” It is only used twice in the New Testament. Here and in Luke 9:54, which interestingly enough is when James and John asked Jesus if he wanted them to call down fire from heaven to consume a village. They were upset about being rebuffed by them and wanted them wiped out. Oftentimes, the one doing the backbiting is motivated out of hurt they feel towards the other person.

So, what do these three words teach us about the perils of backbiting? It is never constructive, but always destructive. It brings harm to the one doing the backbiting as well as the one being talked about. It has no place in the family of God and will do nothing to help spread the message of the Gospel. If you are a victim of this, forgive. If you are the perpetrator, stop. It’s that simple.

Father, let us love in word and deed. Let us show others the love of Jesus every day.

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Abiding, Battles, Bible, Blessing, Destruction, Enemies, Fire, Oppression, Scripture

HOT TO THE TOUCH

ZECHARIAH 12:6

“‘On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot among pieces of wood and a flaming torch among sheaves, so they will consume on the right and on the left all the surrounding peoples, while the inhabitants of Jerusalem again live on their own sites in Jerusalem.’”

I respect fire. I have seen the damage it can do to homes and communities. Several years ago, there was a fire here in TN that consumed acres and acres of forest as well as dozens of homes. The only way the firefighters could fight this fire was to try to contain it. It was a powerful force that reminded us of the power of nature.

The clans of Judah are compared to a firepot and a flaming torch. They would consume all their enemies around them. This victory over their enemies was not of their own doing. God did this. But He used them to accomplish it. Why? To build into them the faith they needed. He knew they would face other enemies in the future, and they needed this confidence.

APPLICATION

Are your enemies surrounding you? Do you feel outnumbered? Rest in this fact. God is with you. All those times you face that challenge and rely on Him, He comes through. Now, He isn’t going to make you a firepot or a flaming torch, but He will come alongside you and strengthen.

I must give you a warning here. When you think you can handle it on your own, beware. I Corinthians 10:12 says, “Now, if you think you are standing firm, be careful lest you fall.” In other words, don’t take on life’s challenges by yourself. When we come to our Savior for help, He is always there.

You may be saying, Well Carl, I have cried out to God for help over and over with no luck. Listen, when we are walking with the Lord and not trying to handle things ourselves, He is there. He wants to be there and care for you. Whatever you are facing today, give it to Him. Call on Him. He will carry you through.

Father God, let Your firepot and flaming torch burn away those things that surround me and want to harm me.

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Accountability, Battles, Bible, Commands, Danger, Destruction, God's Will, Scripture

I HUFF AND I PUFF

HAGGAI 1:9

“‘You start an ambitious project, but behold, it comes to little; when you bring it home, I blow it away. Why?’ declares the LORD of armies. ‘It is because of My house which remains desolate, while each of you runs to his own house.’”

Call me weird (many people have), but when I read this verse, I immediately thought of the children’s story about the big, bad wolf who huffed and puffed and blew down the houses of the little piggies. Their houses fell, of course, because they were built of inferior products (straw and sticks). But even the little piggie house built out of brick could not have withstood the breath of God.

We may think we are building something, but if it is not according to God’s will, it will not last. Here in verse 9, we see that. Because they had neglected God’s house, their houses would not stand. Because they had been disobedient, He would “blow it away.” They were so concerned about their own stuff and had no regard for the things of God.

APPLICATION

Look at these words from James 4:13-15. “13 Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’ 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.’” 

Get the picture? Our plans don’t matter. I heard a quote this weekend which is worth repeating. “God doesn’t care if you make Him part of your plan. He wants to make you part of His.” Are you part of His plan? Are you focusing on Him and not you? He has such great plans for your life. Believe that! He wants to use you.

So, how do we neglect God’s house today? By not giving. By not serving. By not obeying. All those are signs of neglect. And just like a physical house will fall down from lack of care, our spiritual house will collapse also if it is not properly cared for. Watch out for those signs of spiritual rot and decay. Be proactive, not reactive.

O Lord, I want to care for Your house. I want to be that servant who is diligent and faithful.

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Abiding, Bible, Destruction, Eternity, Salvation, Scripture

THE END OF THINGS

ZEPHANIAH 2:14

“Flocks will lie down in her midst, all animals that range in herds; both the pelican and the hedgehog will spend their nights in the tops of her pillars; birds will sing in the window, devastation will be on the threshold; for He has uncovered the cedar work.”

I like movies that have the hero stopping an end of the world plot by the villain. There are a lot of those kinds of movies out there. Usually, it comes down to the last second to save mankind. The hero risks everything to accomplish his mission. But in the end, he is successful (and usually gets the girl, lol). That ending is happy, right?

Not so with the destruction of Nineveh and Assyria who Zephaniah is describing here in verse 14 of chapter 2. Their destruction will be so complete that the animals will live in their cities. They will sleep in the fallen caps of the pillars that held up their impressive homes and buildings. And among all that destruction, the birds will still sing. Total destruction and a return to the wild.

APPLICATION

How do we apply a verse like this to our lives? Remember, every word of Scripture is inspired by God and given to us for instruction. So, what does this mean to us? Nothing we can accomplish on this earth will remain. Nothing we build will withstand God’s final judgment on earth. All the wealth we obtain will get us nowhere.

The only thing that will last is our relationship with God. Our eternal destiny rests in the decision we make concerning Him. Jesus tells us in John 14:6 “…‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.’” There is no other way. You cannot earn your way to the Father. You cannot get there through anything you do here. You must go through Jesus.

I pray you have made that decision. I pray you are resting in that decision if you have made it. As believers, we know everything we have here really belongs to Him. We hold it all very loosely in our hands. But we hold tightly to Him. Why? Because He is our hero. He has already defeated the villain of our spiritual lives. We know the ending. Jesus is triumphant. Amen? Amen!

I hold my success and all I have accomplished in my hands and offer it all to You, Lord.

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Belief, Bible, Choices, Consequences, Destruction, Faith, God's Will, Judgment, Salvation, Scripture

THE RESULTS OF UNBELIEF

Zephaniah 2:4

“For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will become a desolation; the inhabitants of Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted.”

Choices have consequences. I remember dealing with a troubled young man one time at one of the children’s homes where I served. I told him after a particularly heated episode, “You can make your own choices, but you can’t choose your consequences.” Years later I ran into this young man, now an adult, married with two children. He told me he never forgot those words, and they had guided him ever since that day.

Zephaniah begins in verse 4 listing all these nations that surrounded Judah that were rebellious towards God. Look at how he describes their end. They were abandoned, desolate, driven out and uprooted. None of these end results were positive. All these nations suffered God’s wrath. They all were judged by a holy and righteous God.

APPLICATION

I don’t want to be abandoned or desolate or driven out or uprooted. Thanks to Christ, I never will be. Because of the faith I have placed in His saving grace, I will always have God by my side. I will never be desolate. I will never be driven away from Him. I will always be grafted into Him. Those are the results I want and now have.

But so many around us are headed in the same direction as Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod and Ekron. They are headed for disaster. The sad thing is they are not even aware of it. They think they are just fine. It’s all smooth sailing. Tragedy awaits. But we have the answer, don’t we?

Knowing where I am headed makes this life so much easier. I may still face hard times, but He is with me. 2 Timothy 1:12 tells us, “For this reason I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to protect what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” Are you convinced?

Thank You, Lord, for giving me a future and a hope. I rest in You.

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Belief, Bible, Creation, Deliverance, Destruction, Following, Scripture, Submission

ALL MEANS ALL

ZEPHANIAH 1:2

“‘I will completely remove all things from the face of the earth,’ declares the LORD.”

My late brother-in-law used to say that the Greek word for “all” means all. He said it jokingly but said it to make a point. When God says “all” He literally means all. He requires our all. He gives us all. He loves us with all His heart. All is important to the Lord. Let’s look at what Zephaniah meant here.

In this second verse of Zephaniah’s discourse, he begins to describe God’s judgment. He quotes the Lord God and says that He will “completely remove all things.” The word “things” is not in the Hebrew text but is simply entered in the translation. And Zephaniah uses the same Hebrew word twice at the beginning of the verse. He literally says. I will “destroy destroy.” He uses the adverb of the word and then the verb of the word to emphasize the totally destruction of all, of everything, of anything.

APPLICATION

As believers, we do not fear destruction by God. We are safe in the arms of Jesus. His embrace covers us. He has promised us eternal life and our role as joint heirs of the kingdom. “All” for us now implies the blessings we will receive upon reaching our heavenly home. All the kingdom will be ours to enjoy. Can you imagine?

But we have to give Him our all. He demands all of us, not just a piece. What if you gave your child or grandchild a jigsaw puzzle one piece at a time. That little piece does not come close to being the whole. They can’t do a lot with it. God has a plan for our lives but it requires all of us. He will not complete His plan for us with only partial submission. Give Him your all today.

I have quoted this hymn before in my blog, but it seems especially appropriate today.

All to Jesus, I surrender

All to Him I freely give

I will ever love and trust Him

In His presence daily live

I surrender all

I surrender all

All to Thee, my blessed Savior

I surrender all

I do surrender my all to You, Lord. And that “all” means all.

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