Outsmarting God

Kareem, a foreign student in a doctoral program, was my teacher in an advanced college math class. He and I occasionally spoke before class. Topics included mathematics, his home country, religion, God, and the Bible. Upon arriving early to class one day, Kareem casually approached my desk and said with a grin, “You know, I can prove that God does not exist.”

I quickly responded, “And I would expect that you can also prove that God DOES exist.”

His eyes lit up and he fired back, “So what does that tell you about God!?”

“He is not subject to human proof,” I said (glad not to have embarrassed myself).

Kareem seemed quite satisfied with the whole exchange knowing that his ‘proof’ was simply based on human logic. It was his purpose was to show the absurdity of using math and human logic to attempt to prove or disprove God. Yet, that has not stopped many from deceiving the naïve and unsuspecting.

Recall Satan’s attempt to deceive Jesus with the first temptation:

If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.

—Matthew 4:3

Who said that turning stones into bread proved one to be the Son of God? Satan made a logical connection where none existed. Deceiver.

Recall how some Jews plotted against Jesus. They asked whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. If Jesus answered, “Yes,” then he would be siding with the Roman government and turn the people against him. Yet, to answer, “No,” would be to position himself against Rome. Testers.

A modern-day writer posed a series of difficult-to-answer questions about a controversial issue. His questions were meant to tear down teachings from the past and usher in greater enlightenment. Though the questions might have been challenging, they did not change the simple text of Scripture. Questioner.

A popular writer posed the question, “What if Mary was not a virgin.” He went on to talk about translation issues in Old Testament prophecy and whether the prophecy really meant that the Messiah would be born of a virgin. Matthew plainly indicated that the virgin birth fulfilled that prophecy. Yet the writer wondered with doubt whether the Jews expected a virgin birth and how that might affect the way people look at Scripture. Doubter.

The deceiver, tester, questioner, and doubter all have one thing in common: They are scoffers who have little regard for God’s word. Through their wordcraft they create clouds of doubt where none exist.

Through human reasoning some think they have out-witted God to create ‘gray areas’ in His word that do not exist. They have confused clear teachings regarding sin and righteousness in order to justify their ideas. Do not be fooled! Just because a person can ask tough questions, create doubt, rationalize, and/or make straightforward teachings fuzzy does not make that individual a good teacher. He spreads seeds of doubt so that people question God’s word and God Himself. He does not love the truth but only himself.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and

   do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, 

   and He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

—Proverbs 3:5-7

Mark Stinnett

July 20, 2025

Wise Eyes

Two young boys, brothers, walked up to the banks of a river while on a camping trip. Surveying the wide river they both imagined themselves playing in the water. Just as the younger brother kicked off his shoes and started for the water, the older warned, “You’d better not go in; remember what dad said.”

Hesitating, the younger brother replied: “It looks pretty good to me. I don’t see a problem.”

With another reminder from the older brother, they stopped and spent their time skipping rocks on the water.

What stopped them from going in?

They were the ones at the river. They had firsthand knowledge. They could see no dangers. Yet, they hesitated. They stopped. They listened to the voice of their father echoing in their ears.

We are often like the young boys. We might approach life like a wide inviting river. We want to kick off our shoes and wade in without a care in the world. Our eyes are open. We see no dangers.

We stand at the side of life's river. We can see that everything is safe. But our heavenly Father has warned us.

The boys could not see the dangers their father knew to exist. The same is true of us. We often cannot see the dangers that our heavenly Father knows to exist.

Fear stopped the boys, fear of their father. There was an element of scared fear, but they were not simply afraid. They knew their father and held him in high esteem. There was trust and respect and an understanding of potential consequences for disobedience. Fear. Respect. Honor.

Reverence and awe are not merely worship words. They are descriptive of our view of God every day and in all circumstances. Reverence and awe for God and His word will direct our feet to safety and steer us away from evil.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

--Proverbs 3:7

Do you have wise eyes?

Mark Stinnett

February 23, 2025

I Have To...Do You?

My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments.
--Proverbs 3:1

For some people religion is a drudgery. Morality is a duty. Living right is a challenge. ‘Church’ is a weekend requirement.As a result, Christianity is often perceived to be composed of confusing requirements, and do’s and don’t’s that do not even make sense. Involvement in religion and religious activities ends up being something I “have to” do:

• “I have to go to church.”
• “I have to put money in the offering plate.”
• "I have to attend this church function."
• “I have to do good deeds.”
• “I have to be moral (At least when parents or the preacher are around).”
• “I have to be obedient.”

It is unfortunate that many preachers and teachers have presented the ‘Old Law’ in the Bible (The Law of Moses) as a burdensome ‘duty-driven’ law. In other words, it is presented as if, it was the duty of the ancient Israelites to robotically obey the rules of behavior to please God (though a difficult burdensome task):

• Observe the feasts,
• Observe the requirements of animal sacrifices,
• Observe the Sabbath,
• Observe the tithe requirement,
• Observe the food requirements, etc.

It is as if God had handed Israel a legal checklist. Yet, man is not a programmable machine. 

Did God expect Israel to obey the laws and ordinances and precepts and commands in the Law of Moses? Yes! Of course; but not merely out of a sense of duty. His desire from the beginning has been for mankind to respond to him from the heart. He desired His people to intend to please Him, adopt His will as their will, invest emotionally and intellectually.

The Law of Moses revealed the character of God. When God’s people honored Him by keeping the Law they would be like Him and also learn something about His divine nature.

Mechanical worship or robotic obedience is far from God’s desire. In fact, a duty-driven approach to God will invalidate one's offering making it meaningless and unacceptable to God.

The wise Solomon captured the essence of God’s desire as he instructed his son to keep the commandments, not through mere external behavior, but from the heart.Today, God wants those who have a fellowship relationship with Him (Christians) to obey His instruction because they understand something about Him and His character; because they love Him and know His love and compassion for them; because they realize the true benefit of His instruction; because they naturally want to please Him...because He is Creator.

So, I am obedient to his instruction...
...Not because “I have to”...an external response of duty,
...Not necessarily because "I want to"...a response of love and devotion,
...But ideally because “I have to”...a changed nature...it's simply who I am.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 
--2 Corinthians 3:18

Mark Stinnett

The Importance of a Necklace

What are the kinds of things that a person wears 'around the neck'? Aside from simple jewelry, some may wear a necklace with a special locket, or perhaps a cross, or a ring, etc. These objects usually represent things of value such as a cherished memory, a strong belief, or a valued relationship.

What are the kinds of things that are ‘written on the heart'? These are not things that are merely memorized. They are etched onto the mind and heart as a permanent reminder of something of great importance. Things written on the heart affect the way a person thinks, affect day-to-day decisions, affect behavior and speech.

Do you know what God wants you to wear around your neck? Do you know what God desires for you to have etched onto your heart? Do you know the things that God regards as having the deepest meaning and value, that should mold your character and define your being?

   Do not let kindness and truth leave you; 
   Bind them around your neck, 
   Write them on the tablet of your heart.
   --Proverbs 3:3

The word ‘kindness’ in this verse is more often translated ‘lovingkindness.’ It comes from a Hebrew love word that is connected to the idea of ‘covenant.’ God’s lovingkindness, or covenant love, is his steadfast love which is demonstrated by his commitment to his promises.

When the Hebrew word ‘truth’ is paired with lovingkindness it generally carries the idea of ‘loyalty.’ With respect to God, it is his loyalty to his covenant promises.

In His declaration of His divine nature, God revealed Himself as “abounding in lovingkindness and truth.” (Exodus 34:6) He extended his love to his people because of his promises and his undying loyalty to his covenant. It is His nature.

God’s ‘lovingkindness and truth’ should give us insight into Solomon’s words. With respect to man, ‘lovingkindness and truth’ refer to man's commitment to the covenant he has made with God. Man’s commitment is expressed through his holiness toward God and his love and kindness toward his fellow man. His loyalty is demonstrated through an undying devotion to God throughout life regardless of life’s difficulties and temptations.

What is it that you wear around your neck?
What is etched onto your heart?
What is it that truly defines your character?

Acknowledge Him

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
  And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
  And he will make your paths straight.
                                            --Proverbs 3:5-6


"Acknowledge"

Our English word 'acknowledge' has the meaning of admit, recognize, or confess. It is commonly used in an even more casual way to mean that you have noticed someone. An important person is acknowledged at a gathering. An award is given to acknowledge an achievement. The winning coach 'tips his hat' to his opposition in acknowledgment. Webster also defines 'acknowledgment' as a reluctant confession.

Was Solomon teaching us to 'tip our hats' to God or to 'reluctantly confess' him? (That doesn't sound quite right.)

Perhaps the idea of simple 'recognition' fits better.
Let's go behind the scenes for a closer look.

The Hebrew term for acknowledge is yada which occurs over 600 times in the Old Testament. The vast majority of the time it is translated with its basic meaning, to know. Though a little awkward to the English-thinking mind, a literal translation of today's verse would be:

     In all your ways know Him,
     And he will make your paths straight.

I 'know' my wife; I 'know' her well.
I know my wife's habits, the way she responds to different circumstances, how she will respond to and interact with me, how she will respond and interact with ur children, and with our friends. I know her 'likes' and 'dislikes.' Because I know her I am confident in our relationship. I trust her. I depend on her.
I know her.

I know my best friend; I 'know' him well.
(We understand what it means to 'know' someone.)

Do you know God? Know his character? Do you know how he will respond to various circumstances? Do you know what gives him joy? Or what makes him angry? Do you know how he feels about you?

The only real way to truly know God is to embrace his word, the Holy Scriptures, and then choose the path that Jesus walked.

The benefit of knowing God is that he will “make your paths straight.” In simple terms you might say that God will make your path in life easier to travel. That’s right; God will provide assistance to you...if...

"In ALL your ways...know God."