Luke 15:11-12, “And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.”
Jesus taught using stories about real people doing real life things. Take the story we call the prodigal son. It is a story that has many lessons. Today let us peak into this story and look at just one of those lessons.
The younger of two sons decided he wanted more out of life than just hanging around his father’s house following rules that he felt restricted his pleasures. So he asks for his share of the inheritance and took off to see the world. We now see this young man setting in an empty room staring at an empty wallet. He is alone because the friends his money bought all left when the money ran out. I’ll just go get a job he thought that will help. So he gets up and soon discovers the economy is real bad due to a famine in the country. The only job he can get is feeding pigs; a very low wage job at best and one that didn’t even give him enough to eat on. “You know,” he thought “the servants at home all have plenty to eat and I am starving. I will go to dad and tell him I am sorry and ask for a job in his fields. At least then I can eat.” So he gets up and heads back home.
Back at home there is a much different picture. Dad gets up every morning and stares down an empty road straining his eyes in hopes he will see his son coming home. Day after day he looks but no son does he see. He breathes a prayer and goes about the business of the day. He wonders if his son is ok if he is well if he is eating and is warm. He thinks all the parenting things a father thinks about when a child leaves home.
This morning dad goes about his usual routine but something is different off in the distance slowing walking down the road he recognizes his son. Excitement fills his heart junior is coming home. The business of this day will have to wait. He can’t wait he runs to meet his son. With open arms he hugs him for he now knows his son is ok. Yes he is a bit dirty, very hungry and is trying to recite a well planned speech. “Dad I’m real sorry I blew it I have sinned against you and God and all I need is a job in the field.” “Nonsense, you are my son and you are home.” Calling all the staff dad shouts, “Get this boy some clean clothes, break out the fine china, get a fire started and start cooking the fatted calf we are going to have a party. My son has come home.”
Notice the father was not concerned about what his son had been doing. Did not care that his son was dirty and broke or that he had wasted all the money he was given. All he cared about was that once his son was lost but now was found. That’s forgiveness at its best.
God is like that. No matter what you have done, no matter where you have come from when you turn and ask God to forgive you, asks Jesus to come into your heart God shouts for joy and all heaven starts to sing. A lost soul is found and one of God’s creations is home. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Let the party begin!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
The Man Who Didn't Know
Matthew 26:20-22, “Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?”
The twelve men that sat with Jesus at the table were all common men. We all have pictures in our minds of what each must have looked like. The rough fishermen, the tax collector, the doctor all give us an image of what they looked like. What about Judas what did he look like. He was numbered among the twelve. He had walked with the Lord for three years so what picture do we see of him. The fact that he betrayed the Lord conjures up visions of a man with an evil eye, a man who stands off from all the rest; a loner with cold and conniving expressions. An evil looking beady-eyed little man with a pointed beard. He must have had a bad childhood his parents must have left him on the street. But could that really be what he looked like?
Jesus did select him and he was numbered among the twelve. It is doubtful he was a loner as he was trusted as the treasurer. At the last supper when Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me” no one look straight at Judas. No one even considered him to be the traitor. Could we picture Judas as a man who was jovial, well liked by all and had been outgoing and well meaning. It is hard to say as the bible does not give us a picture of him.
So what do we know about Judas? I think Judas is like many today he knew about Jesus but had no real relationship with him. He had seen Jesus but he did not know who he was. He had heard Jesus speak yet he failed to understand anything he said. Judas was a man exactly what Satan needed to betray the Lord. He was looking for a man who had been seen with Jesus but did not see Jesus. Satan was looking for a man who had talked the talk but who did not walk the walk, a man who had little conviction and who could be easy swayed by the slightest wind. Satan also was looking for a man in the inner circle.
A great lesson is presented to us through Judas Iscariot. Satan’s best tool to destroy is found not outside the church but seated in the pew. It is not the drug dealers on the street that do the most damage to the Lord’s church it is those who sing Oh How I Love Jesus on Sunday morning and curse the driver in front of them on Monday. It is not the corrupt politician in Washington that will kill a church it is those with a selfish me and mine attitude that will close church doors. To quote Max Lucado, “The church will not die from without but from corrosion within—from those who bear the name of Jesus but have never met him and from those who have religion but no relationship with Jesus.”
Judas looked like one of the twelve, walked like one of the twelve, talked like one of the twelve, traveled with the Lord and wore the religious robes but he never knew the heart of Jesus. He had religion but had no relationship. How many today would fit into that picture?
The twelve men that sat with Jesus at the table were all common men. We all have pictures in our minds of what each must have looked like. The rough fishermen, the tax collector, the doctor all give us an image of what they looked like. What about Judas what did he look like. He was numbered among the twelve. He had walked with the Lord for three years so what picture do we see of him. The fact that he betrayed the Lord conjures up visions of a man with an evil eye, a man who stands off from all the rest; a loner with cold and conniving expressions. An evil looking beady-eyed little man with a pointed beard. He must have had a bad childhood his parents must have left him on the street. But could that really be what he looked like?
Jesus did select him and he was numbered among the twelve. It is doubtful he was a loner as he was trusted as the treasurer. At the last supper when Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me” no one look straight at Judas. No one even considered him to be the traitor. Could we picture Judas as a man who was jovial, well liked by all and had been outgoing and well meaning. It is hard to say as the bible does not give us a picture of him.
So what do we know about Judas? I think Judas is like many today he knew about Jesus but had no real relationship with him. He had seen Jesus but he did not know who he was. He had heard Jesus speak yet he failed to understand anything he said. Judas was a man exactly what Satan needed to betray the Lord. He was looking for a man who had been seen with Jesus but did not see Jesus. Satan was looking for a man who had talked the talk but who did not walk the walk, a man who had little conviction and who could be easy swayed by the slightest wind. Satan also was looking for a man in the inner circle.
A great lesson is presented to us through Judas Iscariot. Satan’s best tool to destroy is found not outside the church but seated in the pew. It is not the drug dealers on the street that do the most damage to the Lord’s church it is those who sing Oh How I Love Jesus on Sunday morning and curse the driver in front of them on Monday. It is not the corrupt politician in Washington that will kill a church it is those with a selfish me and mine attitude that will close church doors. To quote Max Lucado, “The church will not die from without but from corrosion within—from those who bear the name of Jesus but have never met him and from those who have religion but no relationship with Jesus.”
Judas looked like one of the twelve, walked like one of the twelve, talked like one of the twelve, traveled with the Lord and wore the religious robes but he never knew the heart of Jesus. He had religion but had no relationship. How many today would fit into that picture?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Why did Felix tremble?
Acts 24:24-27, “And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”
As the apostle Paul stood before those who accused him of all manner of incorrect actions he took this opportunity to tell his story about how he met Jesus. Picture this Paul was brought from prison to stand before the Roman governor and state his case. Also present were the Jews, the religious elite, who were jealous and afraid of Paul. Not only were they afraid of Paul they were afraid of Jesus. We see here the most powerful political figure in the region with the authority to kill or spare a man’s life. Felix was not afraid of Paul nor was he afraid of the Jews. So what did Paul say that made this powerful man tremble?
Paul had no power to do anything to him. Paul was a prisoner in chains. Paul told Felix about Jesus. If Felix refused and rejected Jesus offer that he would one day stand before someone more powerful than August Caesar. Stand before and be judged by someone who had the power to destroy body and soul in hell. He also told Felix he would have to give account for all his words that alone made Felix tremble.
There is nothing more freighting than to walk into a place that is unfamiliar and with known hostility all around. Knowing danger lurks around every corner and not knowing where or when an attack might come is a very scary thing. Felix did not know his destiny; could not see the future. This alone scared this powerful man. He did not know what lay ahead. Just like us today we do not know what tomorrow will bring. Many today are afraid not to trust Jesus. Yet the world has such a strong hold on them that they can’t or won’t let go. They don’t want to die. They don’t want to go the hell. They don’t want to stand before the most powerful judge and state why they rejected the Son of God. Yet they all want to be politically correct. Does that make you tremble? It did Felix.
Paul is still sending a warning to us today. You are going to die with or without Jesus. With Him heaven will be your home. Without Him Hell is waiting and is filling up fast. Jesus is weeping and waiting for you. He died for you. Shed His blood on a cruel Roman cross for you. God loves you so much He sent His son to die for you. What are you going to do?
As the apostle Paul stood before those who accused him of all manner of incorrect actions he took this opportunity to tell his story about how he met Jesus. Picture this Paul was brought from prison to stand before the Roman governor and state his case. Also present were the Jews, the religious elite, who were jealous and afraid of Paul. Not only were they afraid of Paul they were afraid of Jesus. We see here the most powerful political figure in the region with the authority to kill or spare a man’s life. Felix was not afraid of Paul nor was he afraid of the Jews. So what did Paul say that made this powerful man tremble?
Paul had no power to do anything to him. Paul was a prisoner in chains. Paul told Felix about Jesus. If Felix refused and rejected Jesus offer that he would one day stand before someone more powerful than August Caesar. Stand before and be judged by someone who had the power to destroy body and soul in hell. He also told Felix he would have to give account for all his words that alone made Felix tremble.
There is nothing more freighting than to walk into a place that is unfamiliar and with known hostility all around. Knowing danger lurks around every corner and not knowing where or when an attack might come is a very scary thing. Felix did not know his destiny; could not see the future. This alone scared this powerful man. He did not know what lay ahead. Just like us today we do not know what tomorrow will bring. Many today are afraid not to trust Jesus. Yet the world has such a strong hold on them that they can’t or won’t let go. They don’t want to die. They don’t want to go the hell. They don’t want to stand before the most powerful judge and state why they rejected the Son of God. Yet they all want to be politically correct. Does that make you tremble? It did Felix.
Paul is still sending a warning to us today. You are going to die with or without Jesus. With Him heaven will be your home. Without Him Hell is waiting and is filling up fast. Jesus is weeping and waiting for you. He died for you. Shed His blood on a cruel Roman cross for you. God loves you so much He sent His son to die for you. What are you going to do?
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Let Him Go
John 11:38-44, “Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”
Jesus preformed many miracles during His earthly ministry. Maybe the greatest was when He raised Lazarus from the dead. Mary and Martha were broken hearted not only for the loss of their brother but they felt Jesus had let them down. Four days after the funeral Jesus came to visit the family and to help the Jews see who He was. The sisters met Jesus crying, “If you had been here our brother would not have died.” Even when He told them He had come to raise Lazarus they did not believe Him. Asking where the grave was Jesus went and saw the tomb with the stone that sealed it. He also saw all those who mourned for the lost loved one. Seeing the pain on their faces and in their hearts He too wept but not just because Lazarus had died. He also wept for their lack of faith and trust in God. When He asked for the stone to be removed He again was met with resistance. He had the power to remove the stone with a word but He wanted all to see that there are things that people must do to be able to receive a miracle. Once the stone was removed Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus come forth.” Everyone fell silent waiting to see if this Nazarene could really do the impossible. Slowly Lazarus emerged from the grave wrapped tightly in his grave clothes, standing in the opening very much alive. What Jesus said next is very interesting. Now that Lazarus was given a new life before he could begin to enjoy it something had to be done. Everyone was standing amazed and in awe missed one very important thing---Lazarus could not move or free himself. He needed his friends to release him. Jesus spoke again, “Loose him let him go.”
Jesus is still saying that today. When we are wrapped in sin and asking for forgiveness—loose him and let him go. When tradition and prejudice are binding us to the glory of God ---loose him and let him go. When we get tangled up in the cares and problems of this world that are keeping us from the fellowship with our Heavenly Father---loose him and let him go. Anything that is keeping us from walking in the light and love of God, Jesus is saying, “Loose him and let him go.”
All gathered at the tomb trusted God to give Lazarus a new life. Lazarus had to trust his friends to untie him to allow him to experience his new life. What do we have in our lives that are hindering us from the blessings and riches of God’s grace? Jesus is once again saying, “Loose him and let him go.”
Jesus preformed many miracles during His earthly ministry. Maybe the greatest was when He raised Lazarus from the dead. Mary and Martha were broken hearted not only for the loss of their brother but they felt Jesus had let them down. Four days after the funeral Jesus came to visit the family and to help the Jews see who He was. The sisters met Jesus crying, “If you had been here our brother would not have died.” Even when He told them He had come to raise Lazarus they did not believe Him. Asking where the grave was Jesus went and saw the tomb with the stone that sealed it. He also saw all those who mourned for the lost loved one. Seeing the pain on their faces and in their hearts He too wept but not just because Lazarus had died. He also wept for their lack of faith and trust in God. When He asked for the stone to be removed He again was met with resistance. He had the power to remove the stone with a word but He wanted all to see that there are things that people must do to be able to receive a miracle. Once the stone was removed Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus come forth.” Everyone fell silent waiting to see if this Nazarene could really do the impossible. Slowly Lazarus emerged from the grave wrapped tightly in his grave clothes, standing in the opening very much alive. What Jesus said next is very interesting. Now that Lazarus was given a new life before he could begin to enjoy it something had to be done. Everyone was standing amazed and in awe missed one very important thing---Lazarus could not move or free himself. He needed his friends to release him. Jesus spoke again, “Loose him let him go.”
Jesus is still saying that today. When we are wrapped in sin and asking for forgiveness—loose him and let him go. When tradition and prejudice are binding us to the glory of God ---loose him and let him go. When we get tangled up in the cares and problems of this world that are keeping us from the fellowship with our Heavenly Father---loose him and let him go. Anything that is keeping us from walking in the light and love of God, Jesus is saying, “Loose him and let him go.”
All gathered at the tomb trusted God to give Lazarus a new life. Lazarus had to trust his friends to untie him to allow him to experience his new life. What do we have in our lives that are hindering us from the blessings and riches of God’s grace? Jesus is once again saying, “Loose him and let him go.”
Friday, October 21, 2011
Give Account
Romans 14:11-13, “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.”
Saved or lost all will have their day in court. Jesus will be the judge who hears all cases. The lost will be asked one question, “What did you do with Jesus?” The saved will have to give account for their lives and service to God. We each are accountable for many things. Jesus will hear and fairly try each case.
We shall all give account for what we do with our lives. If we are like the tree that bears no fruit we will have to give an account for that. We will have to give account for our faith. Why didn’t we trust God with our time, our talent, and our treasure? You know what the bible says? “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” What is faith anyway? Faith—the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Where might your faith be found? Is it in the bank? Is it in some man or men? Did you put your faith in a building with a religious name over the door? Is it in theology or ritual? Or is your faith in God the author and finisher of our faith?
We will have to give account for our faithfulness. Have we been faithful to His word, faithful to His house, and faithful to His commands? Do we abide in Him or in the world?
God commanded His church to go ye into all the world and teach all nations. If it took money to win the lost how many do you think would be won today? What price would you put on a soul?
The Lord doesn’t expect us to waste what He has given us but He does expect us to use it. Use it for His honor and glory. Use it to win the lost to Jesus. Use it to be able to hear, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
Yes we will all have to give account for where we have been what we have done. To coin a phrase we will all have to watch our own movie. We will have to watch it in front of Christ the Holy Righteous Judge. We will hear every word see every deed from beginning to end and so will Jesus. If there is no scene where we accept Jesus and ask for His forgiveness we won’t like the ending.
We all must give account!
Saved or lost all will have their day in court. Jesus will be the judge who hears all cases. The lost will be asked one question, “What did you do with Jesus?” The saved will have to give account for their lives and service to God. We each are accountable for many things. Jesus will hear and fairly try each case.
We shall all give account for what we do with our lives. If we are like the tree that bears no fruit we will have to give an account for that. We will have to give account for our faith. Why didn’t we trust God with our time, our talent, and our treasure? You know what the bible says? “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” What is faith anyway? Faith—the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Where might your faith be found? Is it in the bank? Is it in some man or men? Did you put your faith in a building with a religious name over the door? Is it in theology or ritual? Or is your faith in God the author and finisher of our faith?
We will have to give account for our faithfulness. Have we been faithful to His word, faithful to His house, and faithful to His commands? Do we abide in Him or in the world?
God commanded His church to go ye into all the world and teach all nations. If it took money to win the lost how many do you think would be won today? What price would you put on a soul?
The Lord doesn’t expect us to waste what He has given us but He does expect us to use it. Use it for His honor and glory. Use it to win the lost to Jesus. Use it to be able to hear, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
Yes we will all have to give account for where we have been what we have done. To coin a phrase we will all have to watch our own movie. We will have to watch it in front of Christ the Holy Righteous Judge. We will hear every word see every deed from beginning to end and so will Jesus. If there is no scene where we accept Jesus and ask for His forgiveness we won’t like the ending.
We all must give account!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Running From God Part 2
Jonah 1:1-2, “Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,
Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.”
In part one we looked at what makes people run from God. That very brief description gave us but a glimpse of what causes people to run from God. Today let us examine why people run from God.
Why do people run from God? First thought that comes to mind is they don’t truly trust God. That may be just the tip of the ice berg there may be deeper issues far too lengthy to explore here. If God has a plan and He wants to use us to complete that plan whose fault will it be if we refuse? Who will miss the blessing if we turn and run? Does that mean that God’s plan will fail? The answer is clear.
Most people run from God because they resist God’s way. “Who me, preach?” “I can’t teach a bunch of kids.” “What will people think if I follow Jesus?” Flimsy excuses at best but are the ones most heard. I would wager we all could add to that list without hesitation. The best one with the least understanding is--- “God you just don’t understand or know my situation?” Oh really! If God looks on the heart He knows!
Another reason that causes us to run from God is fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure or simply not sure we heard things right. All of these are tools Satan uses to place doubt in our minds. Doubt that will draw all attention away from what God is calling us for. Jonah not only had doubts he had his mind made up. He bought a ticket got on a boat ant took off. He just started running. His flesh was weak and his spirit was certainly not willing.
God knows what he is doing and what is needed to complete the task. When He calls He already knows what is in our hearts and lives. He knows what needs to be changed or adjusted and what it will take to do that. Once we accept His call He begins to prepare us for what lays ahead. As He begins we may not see or understand what must be done or how it will be accomplished, but God does. All He asks is for us to trust Him.
He is also at work preparing the road that He is asking us to travel down. The problem comes when we want to take control and start listening to someone other than God.
The Devil says run and if we do it will become clear who we are listen to. Once the devil has our attention he then sues that to not only defeat us but to defeat those to whom we are to be sent. If the one who led Spurgeon or Moody or Graham to the Lord had turned and run what would have been the result. Some will say God would have sent someone else. Yes He could have done that but He didn’t he called someone and they answered His call and the world has never been the same. Many souls are now with the Lord and many more have been inspired to follow that same path as these men of God.
If we don’t answer God’s call and take off running does that mean God’s plan are doomed? No His plan will still work He just may have to use someone else. And another vessel lies broken and up on the shelf.
Next we will look at the How of running from God.
Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.”
In part one we looked at what makes people run from God. That very brief description gave us but a glimpse of what causes people to run from God. Today let us examine why people run from God.
Why do people run from God? First thought that comes to mind is they don’t truly trust God. That may be just the tip of the ice berg there may be deeper issues far too lengthy to explore here. If God has a plan and He wants to use us to complete that plan whose fault will it be if we refuse? Who will miss the blessing if we turn and run? Does that mean that God’s plan will fail? The answer is clear.
Most people run from God because they resist God’s way. “Who me, preach?” “I can’t teach a bunch of kids.” “What will people think if I follow Jesus?” Flimsy excuses at best but are the ones most heard. I would wager we all could add to that list without hesitation. The best one with the least understanding is--- “God you just don’t understand or know my situation?” Oh really! If God looks on the heart He knows!
Another reason that causes us to run from God is fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure or simply not sure we heard things right. All of these are tools Satan uses to place doubt in our minds. Doubt that will draw all attention away from what God is calling us for. Jonah not only had doubts he had his mind made up. He bought a ticket got on a boat ant took off. He just started running. His flesh was weak and his spirit was certainly not willing.
God knows what he is doing and what is needed to complete the task. When He calls He already knows what is in our hearts and lives. He knows what needs to be changed or adjusted and what it will take to do that. Once we accept His call He begins to prepare us for what lays ahead. As He begins we may not see or understand what must be done or how it will be accomplished, but God does. All He asks is for us to trust Him.
He is also at work preparing the road that He is asking us to travel down. The problem comes when we want to take control and start listening to someone other than God.
The Devil says run and if we do it will become clear who we are listen to. Once the devil has our attention he then sues that to not only defeat us but to defeat those to whom we are to be sent. If the one who led Spurgeon or Moody or Graham to the Lord had turned and run what would have been the result. Some will say God would have sent someone else. Yes He could have done that but He didn’t he called someone and they answered His call and the world has never been the same. Many souls are now with the Lord and many more have been inspired to follow that same path as these men of God.
If we don’t answer God’s call and take off running does that mean God’s plan are doomed? No His plan will still work He just may have to use someone else. And another vessel lies broken and up on the shelf.
Next we will look at the How of running from God.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Running From God Part 1
Jonah 1:1-4, “Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.”
We have all heard the story of Jonah and the whale. How he got swallowed up and taken to a place God wanted him to go. He was a prophet of God. God commanded him to go and preach to the people of Ninevah. He was to proclaim God’s righteousness and retribution. Jonah showed us all what not to do and what can happen if we follow his example.
What makes people run from God? First to be clear only those who know God run from Him. Those who have never met Him and are not His are not called. To understand what makes people run we must first look at what they are running from. Could it be responsibility? God made each with specific talents and for a specific purpose. He has a plan for all of His children. We, the children of God, are responsible to God to use the talents He gave us for His honor and His glory. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 If we are not using the talents he gave us what excuse can we give Him?
Many times people run from God because they don’t like what He is asking them to do. That is what Jonah did. “Me go to Ninevah and preach to that godless crowd? You got to be kidding.” We may never know what God has in mind if we refuse to take His call. “You just don’t understand I don’t want to preach or be a missionary.” “Ok is that what God asked you to do? If you don’t take the call how would you know what he wants you to do?”
People also run from God because of sin in their life. Psalm 139:7-9, “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” You can never escape the presence of God. Like the man said, “He’s everywhere! He’s everywhere!” So then if God looks on the heart no matter where we go He knows what is in our heart.
If God is asking you to do something it is right or he would not be asking you to do it. If God is in it it will work if he is not it won’t? My question to end part 1 is this--- who can see the future us or God?
Part 2 will look at Why people run from God.
We have all heard the story of Jonah and the whale. How he got swallowed up and taken to a place God wanted him to go. He was a prophet of God. God commanded him to go and preach to the people of Ninevah. He was to proclaim God’s righteousness and retribution. Jonah showed us all what not to do and what can happen if we follow his example.
What makes people run from God? First to be clear only those who know God run from Him. Those who have never met Him and are not His are not called. To understand what makes people run we must first look at what they are running from. Could it be responsibility? God made each with specific talents and for a specific purpose. He has a plan for all of His children. We, the children of God, are responsible to God to use the talents He gave us for His honor and His glory. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 If we are not using the talents he gave us what excuse can we give Him?
Many times people run from God because they don’t like what He is asking them to do. That is what Jonah did. “Me go to Ninevah and preach to that godless crowd? You got to be kidding.” We may never know what God has in mind if we refuse to take His call. “You just don’t understand I don’t want to preach or be a missionary.” “Ok is that what God asked you to do? If you don’t take the call how would you know what he wants you to do?”
People also run from God because of sin in their life. Psalm 139:7-9, “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” You can never escape the presence of God. Like the man said, “He’s everywhere! He’s everywhere!” So then if God looks on the heart no matter where we go He knows what is in our heart.
If God is asking you to do something it is right or he would not be asking you to do it. If God is in it it will work if he is not it won’t? My question to end part 1 is this--- who can see the future us or God?
Part 2 will look at Why people run from God.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
How Grateful Are We
Colossians 3:17, “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by him.”
It is most often we remember what Jesus did for us at Easter. Paul is instructing us that we should consider all that Jesus Christ has done for us always. It is our reasonable service. How long has it been since we considered just exactly what Jesus did for us?
We all recognize the need to thank someone who had given their life to save ours. We all are thankful for those who gave their lives in battle so we can be free. Yet a simple “Thank you” does not seem enough when we look at all Jesus did for us. Let us look at just some of what Jesus did for us. He gave up the infinite wealth of heaven and became poor for us, so that we who are poor might find infinite wealth in heaven. He gave his life to pay a debt we could not pay so we could be free. In light of just these two there should be nothing He would ask of us that we would not want to do.
Whatever we say or do Paul is telling us it should be under the authority of Jesus Christ. Simple words cannot express how we are to give thanks for what Jesus has done for us. We should let our lives show how grateful we are. Show the heart-deep appreciation and measureless love that you have for your Savior in the decisions you make, the topics you talk about, and the schedule you keep. Those are tall orders that are hard for many to follow. As the old saying goes, “Many can talk the talk but can’t walk the walk.”
Have we ever really just stopped and considered what happened on the cross? Thought about the price Jesus paid for us? Do we really live the gospel, do we really believe the gospel, and do we really trust Jesus? Paul is saying by the way we live our lives shows how we feel about the savior.
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:15-17
How grateful are we for Christ and does it show?
It is most often we remember what Jesus did for us at Easter. Paul is instructing us that we should consider all that Jesus Christ has done for us always. It is our reasonable service. How long has it been since we considered just exactly what Jesus did for us?
We all recognize the need to thank someone who had given their life to save ours. We all are thankful for those who gave their lives in battle so we can be free. Yet a simple “Thank you” does not seem enough when we look at all Jesus did for us. Let us look at just some of what Jesus did for us. He gave up the infinite wealth of heaven and became poor for us, so that we who are poor might find infinite wealth in heaven. He gave his life to pay a debt we could not pay so we could be free. In light of just these two there should be nothing He would ask of us that we would not want to do.
Whatever we say or do Paul is telling us it should be under the authority of Jesus Christ. Simple words cannot express how we are to give thanks for what Jesus has done for us. We should let our lives show how grateful we are. Show the heart-deep appreciation and measureless love that you have for your Savior in the decisions you make, the topics you talk about, and the schedule you keep. Those are tall orders that are hard for many to follow. As the old saying goes, “Many can talk the talk but can’t walk the walk.”
Have we ever really just stopped and considered what happened on the cross? Thought about the price Jesus paid for us? Do we really live the gospel, do we really believe the gospel, and do we really trust Jesus? Paul is saying by the way we live our lives shows how we feel about the savior.
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:15-17
How grateful are we for Christ and does it show?
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Choose Your Words
John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Many times as we read scripture we focus on the wrong words. I read a quote from J.H. Jowett, noted British preacher that he believed inter peace comes not from tranquil circumstances but from an untroubled heart. He said, “If we were to hear one hundred people repeating the sentence, ‘Let not your hearts be troubled,’ we should find that ninety-nine of them put emphasis upon the word troubled…I feel led to believe that the purposed emphasis in on the word heart… the heart is clothed in serene regality even when hell is knocking and rioting at its very door.”
After I read that I began to think that I was expending more energy trying to avoid problems and difficulties than on letting them happen and help me get to know Christ better. With that knowledge I discovered that if I continued in that mind set of avoidance rather than acceptance I would stay frustrated and doomed to failure.
Look at what Jesus told His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” What was he telling them? He was preparing them for the darkest day in their life the day of His crucifixion. He knew they would be ok and weather the storm only by trusting in Him in spite of the apparent evil that lay before them. What dark days do we face on our own? How much better would that be if we looked to God to give us peace of mind?
Many today focus only on the trouble and forget about the heart. We must not focus on the trouble in our world. We must focus more on the victory we have in Christ Jesus because His death was followed by His resurrection. We must focus our attention on the heart not on the trouble. Once we do this His words take on new meaning. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
If we keep our minds on Christ we will have peace of mind and rest for our soul.
Many times as we read scripture we focus on the wrong words. I read a quote from J.H. Jowett, noted British preacher that he believed inter peace comes not from tranquil circumstances but from an untroubled heart. He said, “If we were to hear one hundred people repeating the sentence, ‘Let not your hearts be troubled,’ we should find that ninety-nine of them put emphasis upon the word troubled…I feel led to believe that the purposed emphasis in on the word heart… the heart is clothed in serene regality even when hell is knocking and rioting at its very door.”
After I read that I began to think that I was expending more energy trying to avoid problems and difficulties than on letting them happen and help me get to know Christ better. With that knowledge I discovered that if I continued in that mind set of avoidance rather than acceptance I would stay frustrated and doomed to failure.
Look at what Jesus told His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” What was he telling them? He was preparing them for the darkest day in their life the day of His crucifixion. He knew they would be ok and weather the storm only by trusting in Him in spite of the apparent evil that lay before them. What dark days do we face on our own? How much better would that be if we looked to God to give us peace of mind?
Many today focus only on the trouble and forget about the heart. We must not focus on the trouble in our world. We must focus more on the victory we have in Christ Jesus because His death was followed by His resurrection. We must focus our attention on the heart not on the trouble. Once we do this His words take on new meaning. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
If we keep our minds on Christ we will have peace of mind and rest for our soul.
Monday, October 3, 2011
God's Power and Our Prayer
James 5:13-16, “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Prayer is a powerful thing especially when we are praying for someone else. As we join in partnership with God by praying for others we can direct God’s power to come to the aid of another. We are all asked to pray for someone who has fallen sick, is facing a crisis or is in need. God already knows about those problems and He can accomplish the help needed without us but He has given us a great privilege of being involved with Him through our prayers.
Through our intercession for a sick child, a mother or father who is facing surgery, a neighbor or loved one who needs Christ, or a pastor who needs strength we are asking God to provide for that person what we cannot. We are asking for God to intervene for that person and are asking Him to direct His great power in a specific direction. Can we pray incorrectly not if we pray with a heart of love and unselfish desire for God to provide for another?
Remember Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. James 5:17-18.
Directing God’s power, “This power is so rich and so mobile that all we have to do when we pray is point to the person or thing to which we desire to have God’ power applied, and He, the Lord of this power, will direct the necessary power to the desired place.” Ole Hallesby from his book Prayer.
This assumes, of course we are praying “according to His will” 1 John5:14. Prayer is not a magic wand we can use to satisfy our wishes or desires. It is an opportunity to work with the Lord in accomplishing His purposes. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16.
A nation that is on their knees seeking God’s leadership will prevail one that turns its back on God will suffer loss. To access the power of God we only need to humble ourselves and pray, confess our sins and He will heal our land. We can access the power of God and He will answer our prayers.
Prayer is a powerful thing especially when we are praying for someone else. As we join in partnership with God by praying for others we can direct God’s power to come to the aid of another. We are all asked to pray for someone who has fallen sick, is facing a crisis or is in need. God already knows about those problems and He can accomplish the help needed without us but He has given us a great privilege of being involved with Him through our prayers.
Through our intercession for a sick child, a mother or father who is facing surgery, a neighbor or loved one who needs Christ, or a pastor who needs strength we are asking God to provide for that person what we cannot. We are asking for God to intervene for that person and are asking Him to direct His great power in a specific direction. Can we pray incorrectly not if we pray with a heart of love and unselfish desire for God to provide for another?
Remember Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. James 5:17-18.
Directing God’s power, “This power is so rich and so mobile that all we have to do when we pray is point to the person or thing to which we desire to have God’ power applied, and He, the Lord of this power, will direct the necessary power to the desired place.” Ole Hallesby from his book Prayer.
This assumes, of course we are praying “according to His will” 1 John5:14. Prayer is not a magic wand we can use to satisfy our wishes or desires. It is an opportunity to work with the Lord in accomplishing His purposes. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16.
A nation that is on their knees seeking God’s leadership will prevail one that turns its back on God will suffer loss. To access the power of God we only need to humble ourselves and pray, confess our sins and He will heal our land. We can access the power of God and He will answer our prayers.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Walking On Water
Matthew 14:28-29, “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.”
We have all hear the story about Peter walking on the water to go to Jesus. We all know about the bad press he got as he began to sink in the rough seas as he took his eyes of Jesus. Yet this is a story as much about faith as about unbelief. Let’s look at what happened. Look close at this story, first Peter did not get out of the boat until Jesus bid him come. Some may think this is a small detail but it is critical to what was about to happen. Only God knows the number of His children who are trying to do the impossible without Him bidding them to come. If Peter had jumped out of the boat and tried to walk to meet Jesus when he first saw the Lord coming to them he would have not been successful. Peter made his living on the water and he knew walking on the sea was not something he could do. We all look to Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” With Christ at our center and through His power we can do all things. It is true God can do the impossible and can use us to do that impossible task. While it is true all things are possible with God—even what is impossible for us—we can’t expect to walk on water unless God has invited us to do so. We cannot expect to do the impossible unless the impossible is what God is calling us to do.
Notice something else about this story. Peter was the only one who got out of the boat. All the others had also been with Jesus and knew who He was why did they not also get out of the boat? Probably because none other than Peter even dreamed they could walk on the water. Peter, at that time felt he could do anything with Jesus’ help. Could the others in the boat have done what Peter did? Yes if Jesus had said to them come to me. Was it because their faith was lacking and Peter’s was great? No. Was Peter a glory hound? No again. None were called to do what Peter was asked to do. None needed the lesson Peter needed. God knew what Peter was to do and He also knew we could all learn from Peter’s lesson.
There is more to this story that many times gets overlooked. Yes Peter learned a crucial lesson by walking on the water to go to Jesus, but only he was bid to come to Jesus. Jesus did not say everyone come on out here. Why did Peter get out of the boat? To go to Jesus, not to gain note rarity, special power or special favor with Jesus. The reason he got out of the boat was to go to Jesus. There is no lesser goal. The lesson missed most often is not his failing belief it is that if we seek to overcome insurmountable problems out of any motivation other than drawing closer to Jesus will always meet with failure. Remember Jesus said, “Come unto me all ye that labor and I will give you rest.” When Christ bids us to draw near we need to get out of the boat and go to Him. Keeping our eyes on Jesus we can walk on water. Nothing can sink us, no wave can drown us but we still have to have the goal to go to Jesus.
We have all hear the story about Peter walking on the water to go to Jesus. We all know about the bad press he got as he began to sink in the rough seas as he took his eyes of Jesus. Yet this is a story as much about faith as about unbelief. Let’s look at what happened. Look close at this story, first Peter did not get out of the boat until Jesus bid him come. Some may think this is a small detail but it is critical to what was about to happen. Only God knows the number of His children who are trying to do the impossible without Him bidding them to come. If Peter had jumped out of the boat and tried to walk to meet Jesus when he first saw the Lord coming to them he would have not been successful. Peter made his living on the water and he knew walking on the sea was not something he could do. We all look to Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” With Christ at our center and through His power we can do all things. It is true God can do the impossible and can use us to do that impossible task. While it is true all things are possible with God—even what is impossible for us—we can’t expect to walk on water unless God has invited us to do so. We cannot expect to do the impossible unless the impossible is what God is calling us to do.
Notice something else about this story. Peter was the only one who got out of the boat. All the others had also been with Jesus and knew who He was why did they not also get out of the boat? Probably because none other than Peter even dreamed they could walk on the water. Peter, at that time felt he could do anything with Jesus’ help. Could the others in the boat have done what Peter did? Yes if Jesus had said to them come to me. Was it because their faith was lacking and Peter’s was great? No. Was Peter a glory hound? No again. None were called to do what Peter was asked to do. None needed the lesson Peter needed. God knew what Peter was to do and He also knew we could all learn from Peter’s lesson.
There is more to this story that many times gets overlooked. Yes Peter learned a crucial lesson by walking on the water to go to Jesus, but only he was bid to come to Jesus. Jesus did not say everyone come on out here. Why did Peter get out of the boat? To go to Jesus, not to gain note rarity, special power or special favor with Jesus. The reason he got out of the boat was to go to Jesus. There is no lesser goal. The lesson missed most often is not his failing belief it is that if we seek to overcome insurmountable problems out of any motivation other than drawing closer to Jesus will always meet with failure. Remember Jesus said, “Come unto me all ye that labor and I will give you rest.” When Christ bids us to draw near we need to get out of the boat and go to Him. Keeping our eyes on Jesus we can walk on water. Nothing can sink us, no wave can drown us but we still have to have the goal to go to Jesus.
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