Colossians 3:23-25, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”
Sometimes wisdom comes from the most unlikely places. Sometimes it may even come to us from our children. Jesus said,“ Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” Matthew 21:16 The army has coined a phrase, “Be the best you can be.” That means to give all you have to being a soldier. That is good advice and something we should all take to heart.
In a conversation with one of my sons I began to see something that I had ignored for years. After all I was the parent and I had all the answers. Well that is what we all think, right? Reflection on the wisdom that was imparted to me I quickly saw I had missed some very important things. Then as I was seeking the Lord to give me strength and guidance I saw the verse in Colossians 3:23, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” Had I only been striving to please men and not the Lord. That was the wisdom that came from a conversation with my son.
I also found in Jeremiah 29:7, “And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” We don’t always understand or know why we are carried into captivity either by choice of circumstance but for whatever reason there is a lesson we must learn. In Jeremiah god is telling the Nation of Israel who were captive in Babylon to “And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives”. He is telling them not to set around wishing they were somewhere else doing something else instead they were to be faithful to Him and He would take care of them. We must remember the Lord knows what we are in need of and He knows the lessons we must learn to be the Best we can be in His service.
We can’t always choose out circumstances in life. We may not be able to change many things in our lives. Our situation may be difficult and the future not as bright as we would like it to be. But we can be all we can be in the condition and situation we are in.
Israel was not at all happy about being in captivity. God had a plan that if they would be faithful He would carry them to a safe place and reward their faithfulness.
So then no matter where we are what we are involved with, “Wherever you are be all you can be.”
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
God Has The Answers
Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
As parents we always get questions from our children. Their questions matter to them and as far as they are concerned have a great impact on their lives. You know questions like, “Dad can I have ten dollars to go to the show?” “Dad can you help me with this new math?” “Dad when can I get my driver’s license?” “Dad you will never guess who is going to have a baby?” All personal questions that many times parents do not have answers for. As parents our children have question, request and needs that seem endless. It makes no difference if they are in grade school or college they are always looking to their parents for help.
As parents we most often can come up with solutions to our children’s problems and can and do provide resources in time of need. Yet there are times when we are at a loss as what to do or how to answer the request. One thing is sure though we may not have all the answers but God does. In the test verse for today we find assurance God can and will supply all our needs according to His riches. Notice it says our needs not our wants. Just as we as parents do not always supply the wants of our children neither does God. But we will always supply the needs so does God. God also knows when our requests are genuine, or when He must redirect our thinking instead. He also knows what is in our best interest and if we will but trust Him He will guide us down the right path.
Here is something to think about: When we think no one cares, Jesus says He loves us (John 15:12-13). When we think we just can’t go one step farther, Jesus says, “I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). When we run into something we just can’t figure out, God says He will guide us (Psalm 48:14). If we need to be forgiven for some wrong deed or thought, God says He will forgive us if we will confess our sin to Him, (1 John 1:9).
God is our Heavenly Father, if we have accepted His grace and believe in His son. Knowing that we have assurance God wants to provide our every need and guide us to be successful in what we do. He wants us to follow His lead, hear His voice as he speaks through His word, and trust in Him to provide not only our needs but to guide and protect us.
We may not have all the answers to the questions our children ask. If we have a close relationship with our Heavenly Father He does have all the answers. God never tires of our asking Him, talking to Him and following His guidance. So when problems arise that we can’t find a solution to we need to ask out Father—out Heavenly Father. Your are one of His kids aren’t you?
As parents we always get questions from our children. Their questions matter to them and as far as they are concerned have a great impact on their lives. You know questions like, “Dad can I have ten dollars to go to the show?” “Dad can you help me with this new math?” “Dad when can I get my driver’s license?” “Dad you will never guess who is going to have a baby?” All personal questions that many times parents do not have answers for. As parents our children have question, request and needs that seem endless. It makes no difference if they are in grade school or college they are always looking to their parents for help.
As parents we most often can come up with solutions to our children’s problems and can and do provide resources in time of need. Yet there are times when we are at a loss as what to do or how to answer the request. One thing is sure though we may not have all the answers but God does. In the test verse for today we find assurance God can and will supply all our needs according to His riches. Notice it says our needs not our wants. Just as we as parents do not always supply the wants of our children neither does God. But we will always supply the needs so does God. God also knows when our requests are genuine, or when He must redirect our thinking instead. He also knows what is in our best interest and if we will but trust Him He will guide us down the right path.
Here is something to think about: When we think no one cares, Jesus says He loves us (John 15:12-13). When we think we just can’t go one step farther, Jesus says, “I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). When we run into something we just can’t figure out, God says He will guide us (Psalm 48:14). If we need to be forgiven for some wrong deed or thought, God says He will forgive us if we will confess our sin to Him, (1 John 1:9).
God is our Heavenly Father, if we have accepted His grace and believe in His son. Knowing that we have assurance God wants to provide our every need and guide us to be successful in what we do. He wants us to follow His lead, hear His voice as he speaks through His word, and trust in Him to provide not only our needs but to guide and protect us.
We may not have all the answers to the questions our children ask. If we have a close relationship with our Heavenly Father He does have all the answers. God never tires of our asking Him, talking to Him and following His guidance. So when problems arise that we can’t find a solution to we need to ask out Father—out Heavenly Father. Your are one of His kids aren’t you?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Where To Walk
Proverbs 4:14-18, “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
It always seems to happen when we are traveling to keep an appointment. Traffic slows down and sometimes even comes to a stop. We have all been there and as we slowly progress to the cause of the slow down we see it is an accident on the other side of the road. Our slow down is due to others wanting to see what happened. Rubber-necking it is called. It is at times like this that we all wish we had been able to get a traffic report so we could avoid this area.
Solomon writing to his son is giving us instructions as he is encouraging his son to avoid situations that could have potential to entangle him in sin. His advice is to avoid the scene of wickedness altogether.
As we go through life it will be impossible to not avoid sinful environments. Be it at home at work or on vacation. Solomon’s wise counsel is to not be guilty of rubber-necking the sin around you. Avoid it, don’t go near it, and get away from it as quickly as you can.
When we walk through the supermarket past the magazine rack there we are faced with provocative poses on every cover it is hard not to look. In the office there are attractive people whose dress is more revealing than it should be. Solomon’s counsel is to pass by or avoid them altogether, turn from the temptation as quickly as possible and go your way. The same would apply to entertainment or unhealthy atmospheres that draw us into a sinful state of mind.
Will others think us strange for so conscientiously avoiding sinful distractions and potential shipwrecks to our faith? Yes, especially if they are rushing headlong toward it themselves. It is interesting that Solomon is not interested in what others think---he is concerned about you and me. Satan will use many tools to entrap us and cause us to lose our faith, to cause our testimony to be tarnished. What may seem to be innocent and of non effect could be devastating to someone who is watching. There is a term Christians hear a lot about and that is---hypocrite. Pretending to be something that you are not. Satan would love nothing better than to have you seen doing something that is unsavory and sinful. Looking at something you shouldn’t, talking improperly going where your testimony has no place.
Solomon encourages, if you are caught up in any sin or temptation, turn from it immediately and change your path. There is no shame in repentance, but there is nothing but shame in the way of sin. Romans 6:23,” For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
It always seems to happen when we are traveling to keep an appointment. Traffic slows down and sometimes even comes to a stop. We have all been there and as we slowly progress to the cause of the slow down we see it is an accident on the other side of the road. Our slow down is due to others wanting to see what happened. Rubber-necking it is called. It is at times like this that we all wish we had been able to get a traffic report so we could avoid this area.
Solomon writing to his son is giving us instructions as he is encouraging his son to avoid situations that could have potential to entangle him in sin. His advice is to avoid the scene of wickedness altogether.
As we go through life it will be impossible to not avoid sinful environments. Be it at home at work or on vacation. Solomon’s wise counsel is to not be guilty of rubber-necking the sin around you. Avoid it, don’t go near it, and get away from it as quickly as you can.
When we walk through the supermarket past the magazine rack there we are faced with provocative poses on every cover it is hard not to look. In the office there are attractive people whose dress is more revealing than it should be. Solomon’s counsel is to pass by or avoid them altogether, turn from the temptation as quickly as possible and go your way. The same would apply to entertainment or unhealthy atmospheres that draw us into a sinful state of mind.
Will others think us strange for so conscientiously avoiding sinful distractions and potential shipwrecks to our faith? Yes, especially if they are rushing headlong toward it themselves. It is interesting that Solomon is not interested in what others think---he is concerned about you and me. Satan will use many tools to entrap us and cause us to lose our faith, to cause our testimony to be tarnished. What may seem to be innocent and of non effect could be devastating to someone who is watching. There is a term Christians hear a lot about and that is---hypocrite. Pretending to be something that you are not. Satan would love nothing better than to have you seen doing something that is unsavory and sinful. Looking at something you shouldn’t, talking improperly going where your testimony has no place.
Solomon encourages, if you are caught up in any sin or temptation, turn from it immediately and change your path. There is no shame in repentance, but there is nothing but shame in the way of sin. Romans 6:23,” For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Change
1 Corinthians 15:51-52, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
Change is such a harsh word. It is something we all resist. Yet it is something that is vital to our very existence. Without change we would all be without hope or growth.
In nature things change and we call them seasons. In the spring what looks to be dead comes to life and turns from gray to green. Then in the fall as the weather cools and days are shortened the green changes to a palette of color. In our lives we also experience change. We watch as our children change before our eyes as they grow from infant to toddler to teen to adult. We too change as years pass and hair turns from brown to gray, eyes dim from the strain of trials past.
Yes there is nothing more constant than change. When we accept Christ as savior a greater change takes place. We go from being dead in sin to life with the Heavenly Father. We are born into the family of God and old things are done away with and all things are made new. We are a new creature and a child of God. We see with new eyes and sing a new song. There is a newness of life, things have a brighter glow. We go where we have not gone before and we do things that were once alien to us. This change has given us a new friend. One who will never leave us nor forsake us and one we can trust with our most precious possession---our heart and life.
Yes change is coming and changed we will all be. As in nature change must take place. Dead branches must be cut off so new fruit can grow. The best grapes grow from new branches not from old wood. If old dead woos is not removed, if aging and sick limbs are not cast off the whole tree is in danger of dying. While change may be painful at first if done so new life can grow then the pain is of none effect. If change is not allowed and old wood remain the whole vine will wither and new fruit will not grow.
Maybe there are branches that need to be cast off. Maybe there are changes that need to be made. Just maybe God needs to prune the tree so new fruit can grow. After all He is the master husbandman and He knows where the problem branches are and just how to make the needed changes.
Change is needed for growth. Without change there is no growth. Without growth we may as well be dead.
Change is such a harsh word. It is something we all resist. Yet it is something that is vital to our very existence. Without change we would all be without hope or growth.
In nature things change and we call them seasons. In the spring what looks to be dead comes to life and turns from gray to green. Then in the fall as the weather cools and days are shortened the green changes to a palette of color. In our lives we also experience change. We watch as our children change before our eyes as they grow from infant to toddler to teen to adult. We too change as years pass and hair turns from brown to gray, eyes dim from the strain of trials past.
Yes there is nothing more constant than change. When we accept Christ as savior a greater change takes place. We go from being dead in sin to life with the Heavenly Father. We are born into the family of God and old things are done away with and all things are made new. We are a new creature and a child of God. We see with new eyes and sing a new song. There is a newness of life, things have a brighter glow. We go where we have not gone before and we do things that were once alien to us. This change has given us a new friend. One who will never leave us nor forsake us and one we can trust with our most precious possession---our heart and life.
Yes change is coming and changed we will all be. As in nature change must take place. Dead branches must be cut off so new fruit can grow. The best grapes grow from new branches not from old wood. If old dead woos is not removed, if aging and sick limbs are not cast off the whole tree is in danger of dying. While change may be painful at first if done so new life can grow then the pain is of none effect. If change is not allowed and old wood remain the whole vine will wither and new fruit will not grow.
Maybe there are branches that need to be cast off. Maybe there are changes that need to be made. Just maybe God needs to prune the tree so new fruit can grow. After all He is the master husbandman and He knows where the problem branches are and just how to make the needed changes.
Change is needed for growth. Without change there is no growth. Without growth we may as well be dead.
Friday, September 16, 2011
God's Word
Matthew 24: 35, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
The Word comes from Jesus the appointed messenger of God. It is true, it is
weighty, and has salvation power. Therefore it must have a place among those who hear it. Deep within each of us is a place where we put things of great value. Our most cherished memories, our most compelling thoughts, our conscience, a place we call our heart. The Bible says, “Thy Word have I hid in my heart.” (Psalms 119:11) This is the first and only place Jesus will look for His Word.
In this special place of ours shall be a place of honor. Does God’s Word have a place of honor or is it collecting dust in some dark corner? A place we are ashamed for any one to see. It should receive our utmost attention, our greatest reverence, polished with our faith and secured by our obedience. John 8:47, “He that is of God hearth God’s Word, ye therefore hear them not because ye are not of God.”
God’s word should have a place where our most trusted possessions rest. We trust the tires on our cars to carry us safely at 70 mph through all weather conditions. Yet God’s Word we cannot trust. Why?
Yes men rejected the words Jesus spoke 2000 years ago, they still reject His words today.
Let us look for a moment why God’s Word has no place in our hearts, in our lives, in our world.
To those who have never accepted the words of Jesus those lost in sin here are some reasons you may be ashamed to admit. You are too busy to get involved with God or anything religious. There is just no opening in your schedule. Besides you have an appearance to uphold a reputation to keep.
You know when Jesus was born no one had time for him. He had to come into this world through the barn. The world was more concerned with paying taxes than God.
You are so preoccupied you simply don’t have time to get saved. There will come a day when you will wish you had made time.
Jesus does not come wrapped as a novelty, a new style or high-tech gadget. Therefore you reject Him and His love. You have heard about Jesus all your life and you are tired of hearing about him. May I ask you are you tired of eating, breathing, and living? No of course not those are silly questions.
In each heart we have places we put things. Does the place designed for God have something else resting there?
I’d be willing to bet you prefer superstition to God. How about a religious rite? Maybe you prefer skepticism of this world to the fact of the Gospel.
Let me ask are these choices intelligent people make?
Maybe you think Jesus and His Word are too holy, too spiritual for someone of your status? Does that mean you are too good for God? Do these statements startle you? They should for they condemn you. Many think only a selected few need to be holy and spiritual. I want to let you in on a secret. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Every preacher on this planet from the Pope in Rome to the preacher in the smallest country church in Appalachia is a sinner, some bigger than others. Every one religion call a saint has sinned and come short in God’s eyes. Now I’ll bet you are mad and offended. You may even turn off your mind. Yet this is the attitude of many today.
You say you find no comfort in the Word so you give it no place in your life. It’s not God’s Word that is cold it is the place you store it.
You may think you are too wise, too cultured to yield to the government of Jesus. If you do my friend you are in trouble. Culture won’t save you! Wisdom (though precious) is vain in eternity. How about your position in the church that should count for something? Church membership will not save you. Some of the most loyal, hardcore, religious church members killed Jesus.
Where have you put His Word?
The Word comes from Jesus the appointed messenger of God. It is true, it is
weighty, and has salvation power. Therefore it must have a place among those who hear it. Deep within each of us is a place where we put things of great value. Our most cherished memories, our most compelling thoughts, our conscience, a place we call our heart. The Bible says, “Thy Word have I hid in my heart.” (Psalms 119:11) This is the first and only place Jesus will look for His Word.
In this special place of ours shall be a place of honor. Does God’s Word have a place of honor or is it collecting dust in some dark corner? A place we are ashamed for any one to see. It should receive our utmost attention, our greatest reverence, polished with our faith and secured by our obedience. John 8:47, “He that is of God hearth God’s Word, ye therefore hear them not because ye are not of God.”
God’s word should have a place where our most trusted possessions rest. We trust the tires on our cars to carry us safely at 70 mph through all weather conditions. Yet God’s Word we cannot trust. Why?
Yes men rejected the words Jesus spoke 2000 years ago, they still reject His words today.
Let us look for a moment why God’s Word has no place in our hearts, in our lives, in our world.
To those who have never accepted the words of Jesus those lost in sin here are some reasons you may be ashamed to admit. You are too busy to get involved with God or anything religious. There is just no opening in your schedule. Besides you have an appearance to uphold a reputation to keep.
You know when Jesus was born no one had time for him. He had to come into this world through the barn. The world was more concerned with paying taxes than God.
You are so preoccupied you simply don’t have time to get saved. There will come a day when you will wish you had made time.
Jesus does not come wrapped as a novelty, a new style or high-tech gadget. Therefore you reject Him and His love. You have heard about Jesus all your life and you are tired of hearing about him. May I ask you are you tired of eating, breathing, and living? No of course not those are silly questions.
In each heart we have places we put things. Does the place designed for God have something else resting there?
I’d be willing to bet you prefer superstition to God. How about a religious rite? Maybe you prefer skepticism of this world to the fact of the Gospel.
Let me ask are these choices intelligent people make?
Maybe you think Jesus and His Word are too holy, too spiritual for someone of your status? Does that mean you are too good for God? Do these statements startle you? They should for they condemn you. Many think only a selected few need to be holy and spiritual. I want to let you in on a secret. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Every preacher on this planet from the Pope in Rome to the preacher in the smallest country church in Appalachia is a sinner, some bigger than others. Every one religion call a saint has sinned and come short in God’s eyes. Now I’ll bet you are mad and offended. You may even turn off your mind. Yet this is the attitude of many today.
You say you find no comfort in the Word so you give it no place in your life. It’s not God’s Word that is cold it is the place you store it.
You may think you are too wise, too cultured to yield to the government of Jesus. If you do my friend you are in trouble. Culture won’t save you! Wisdom (though precious) is vain in eternity. How about your position in the church that should count for something? Church membership will not save you. Some of the most loyal, hardcore, religious church members killed Jesus.
Where have you put His Word?
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The First Step Is The Hardest
Deuteronomy 2:31, “And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land.”
In every life there will come difficult circumstances and task that we all have to deal with. At first glance many may appear overwhelming and daunting. Our first impression is to put off dealing with what lies before us, hoping God will miraculously take of it. After forty years in the wilderness Israel was now faced with a crisis. The Promised Land lay before them. They saw a might king and his army who did not appear too happy or wanting to give their home over to Israel. Moses had to remind the people that God would provide a way all they had to do was to “begin to posses the land”. After Moses died and the Nation of Israel stood on the banks of the Jordan River God told Joshua to have the priest to step into a flooded river and He would provide a safe passage. Again nothing was going to happen until the first foot of the priest stepped off dry ground and into the raging river.
The hardest step any believer ever has had to make was to step into an aisle at alter call and to accept the gift of salvation. That first step in very difficult, with white knuckles we all gripped the pew and it would appear as if the only way to get to the front was to be dragged; taking a deep breath as the first food stepped into the aisle the rest was easy. Why? The first step was ours the rest were God’s.
In Deuteronomy 2:24 we see that all Israel had to do to get rid of king Sihon was to begin to possess the land and engage him in battle. Could God have taken care of getting rid of all that stood in Israel’s way from taking possession of the land He was giving to them? Sure He could, but He commanded His people to take the first step.
The same is often true with us. We are faced with difficult situations and relationships that appear to be a road block to blessing God has for us. These difficult situations and relationships seem to defy solution. Maybe we feel there is just no way to get around or over what is blocking us. But the Lord says, “Take the first step begin to possess the land.” In damaged relationships we might have to make the first move--- speak a kind word, ask for forgiveness, pay a debt we owe. The first step could be ours to make. To receive the gift of eternal security we have to take that first step toward the cross. When we do step out asking for God to forgive us He begins to work miracles in our lives. Joy not only lies in attaining a goal but also in walking with our loving savior who says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Take the first step and leave the rest up to the Lord. Nothing can be accomplished until we take that first step.
In every life there will come difficult circumstances and task that we all have to deal with. At first glance many may appear overwhelming and daunting. Our first impression is to put off dealing with what lies before us, hoping God will miraculously take of it. After forty years in the wilderness Israel was now faced with a crisis. The Promised Land lay before them. They saw a might king and his army who did not appear too happy or wanting to give their home over to Israel. Moses had to remind the people that God would provide a way all they had to do was to “begin to posses the land”. After Moses died and the Nation of Israel stood on the banks of the Jordan River God told Joshua to have the priest to step into a flooded river and He would provide a safe passage. Again nothing was going to happen until the first foot of the priest stepped off dry ground and into the raging river.
The hardest step any believer ever has had to make was to step into an aisle at alter call and to accept the gift of salvation. That first step in very difficult, with white knuckles we all gripped the pew and it would appear as if the only way to get to the front was to be dragged; taking a deep breath as the first food stepped into the aisle the rest was easy. Why? The first step was ours the rest were God’s.
In Deuteronomy 2:24 we see that all Israel had to do to get rid of king Sihon was to begin to possess the land and engage him in battle. Could God have taken care of getting rid of all that stood in Israel’s way from taking possession of the land He was giving to them? Sure He could, but He commanded His people to take the first step.
The same is often true with us. We are faced with difficult situations and relationships that appear to be a road block to blessing God has for us. These difficult situations and relationships seem to defy solution. Maybe we feel there is just no way to get around or over what is blocking us. But the Lord says, “Take the first step begin to possess the land.” In damaged relationships we might have to make the first move--- speak a kind word, ask for forgiveness, pay a debt we owe. The first step could be ours to make. To receive the gift of eternal security we have to take that first step toward the cross. When we do step out asking for God to forgive us He begins to work miracles in our lives. Joy not only lies in attaining a goal but also in walking with our loving savior who says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Take the first step and leave the rest up to the Lord. Nothing can be accomplished until we take that first step.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Forgiven
Matthew 6:12, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
What does it mean to be forgiven? Does it mean we just forget a wrong or hurt? If that be true why then do we hold so tightly to something that causes us pain?
Some 2000 years ago Jesus hung on a cruel cross. Pain racked his earthly body. Blood dripped from his brow pierced by a thorny crown. His hands screamed from nails driven to inflect more pain. Yet He spoke these words, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Could we do as He? We should! As the weight of the sins of the whole world then and now was piled upon Him and as God turned his back on His only son there was forgiveness in His heart. As Jesus was paying a debt no one but He could pay to set mankind free there was forgiveness in His eyes.
Satan would have us to believe that is not true. He questions, “How could a loving righteous God do that to his son and forgive the vilest of sinners?” Not only could He but that is exactly what He did. Your sin and mine was nailed to that cross. Jesus paid a debt we could not pay. He made it possible for us to regain fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
So then if God could and did forgive us our sin should we not be willing to forgive those who hurt, wrong or damage us? I would think a YES would be in order. Does that depend on some religious rite or ritual? NO! Only on Jesus should we trust and believe. If God forgave us completely and cast our sin as far as the east is from the west should we not follow His guide? Should we not forgive as we have been forgiven?
Forgiveness is a subject of volumes of books, many a sermon, and topics of religious discussions, yet it appears to only be just a subject. Many christians today do not know how to forgive or if they do chose not to. Forgiveness is a state of mind and spirit. It is a peace that passeth all understanding in the soul and allows fellowship with God.
The Apostle Paul spoke many times about how, why, and the need for Christians to have a forgiving spirit. Christians are to be Christ like and let the light of Christ shine through their lives. The fruits of unforgiveness are bitterness, anxiety, depression and bad health, followed close by confusion and loss of fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:7-10
We are to forgive as unconditionally as God forgave us. Because he forgave us we are to forgive others.
What does it mean to be forgiven? Does it mean we just forget a wrong or hurt? If that be true why then do we hold so tightly to something that causes us pain?
Some 2000 years ago Jesus hung on a cruel cross. Pain racked his earthly body. Blood dripped from his brow pierced by a thorny crown. His hands screamed from nails driven to inflect more pain. Yet He spoke these words, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Could we do as He? We should! As the weight of the sins of the whole world then and now was piled upon Him and as God turned his back on His only son there was forgiveness in His heart. As Jesus was paying a debt no one but He could pay to set mankind free there was forgiveness in His eyes.
Satan would have us to believe that is not true. He questions, “How could a loving righteous God do that to his son and forgive the vilest of sinners?” Not only could He but that is exactly what He did. Your sin and mine was nailed to that cross. Jesus paid a debt we could not pay. He made it possible for us to regain fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
So then if God could and did forgive us our sin should we not be willing to forgive those who hurt, wrong or damage us? I would think a YES would be in order. Does that depend on some religious rite or ritual? NO! Only on Jesus should we trust and believe. If God forgave us completely and cast our sin as far as the east is from the west should we not follow His guide? Should we not forgive as we have been forgiven?
Forgiveness is a subject of volumes of books, many a sermon, and topics of religious discussions, yet it appears to only be just a subject. Many christians today do not know how to forgive or if they do chose not to. Forgiveness is a state of mind and spirit. It is a peace that passeth all understanding in the soul and allows fellowship with God.
The Apostle Paul spoke many times about how, why, and the need for Christians to have a forgiving spirit. Christians are to be Christ like and let the light of Christ shine through their lives. The fruits of unforgiveness are bitterness, anxiety, depression and bad health, followed close by confusion and loss of fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:7-10
We are to forgive as unconditionally as God forgave us. Because he forgave us we are to forgive others.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
In Too Big A Hurry
Isaiah 30:15, “For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.”
In our world today everything is fast paced. We all expect instant results, instant response and instant gratification. If it is slow we reject its value. We all live by the clock. We have to get to somewhere, do something and all must be done right now. There never seems to be enough time to just stop and take a deep breath.
I read a story about a pastor who for twenty five years served the Lord in the same church. As he was retiring friends and colleagues gathered to congratulate and to extol his many virtues. Of the many eloquent speeches made there was but one the aged pastor treasured most. It did not come from a fellow pastor it came from a layman. He said, “I have observed my pastor for the past twenty five years and I have never seen him in a hurry.”
The old pastor acknowledged that for years he had asked God to teach him how to renew his strength through “quietness and confidence”, as he read in Isaiah 30:15. In this verse Isaiah was calling rebellious Israel to return to God and rely on Him to find new strength. The pastor, however, saw in that verse a principle applicable to his own life.
People are all made different. Some are quite, some are high-strung, but no matter their temperament each can renew their strength when they spend some quite time with the Lord.
We all set alarms so we can get up and get ready to meet the day. We all have schedules to keep and things that must be done. What would happen if we set the alarm to schedule an appointment with God before we rush off to meet that day? We rush from task to task and often feel frustrated because we first did not spend some quite time with the Lord. Though we may be too busy for God , God is never too busy for us. Let us learn the principle set forth is Isaiah 30:15. In quietness and confidence before God we find the real source of strength to stay calm.
I will close with this bit of wisdom. Never take on more work than you have time to pray about.
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