Joshua 14:12
Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.
Every day we face challenges that may at first glance seem to be impossible for us to meet. Obstacles we are not sure we can get over or around. If you were 85 years old and facing an enemy that lived in walled cities and was established on a well defended mountain, swarming with enemy combatants would you just give up and walk away? Caleb was in that position. But Caleb also knew God had made a promise to him and he wanted what God had promised Him. So he went to Joshua and made a very bold statement, “give me this mountain.”
Such confidence might at first seem admirable, and yet naïve or unrealistic, epically for an 85 year old man. But Caleb’s courage was based upon the wise realization that “if the Lord is with me, then I will be successful.”
All our fears and excuses will be wiped away if we will follow the example set by this aged man. There may be things in our lives that seem insurmountable or unachievable. We have more excused as to why it will not work than we do that it will. If that is the case then we need to assume the same battle cry as Caleb did, “Lord give me this mountain.”
If we are battling sin in our life then we need to remember we have victory in Jesus--- give me this mountain! Maybe God is leading in uncharted waters let Him be the captain of the soul---give me this mountain! Maybe we are facing a particular grief that threatens to overwhelm us we have a comforter who will give us strength and promised to never leave us---give me this mountain!
Boldly go to God and cry “Lord give me this mountain.”
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
The God of All Comfort
2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
When the storm is raging all around us it may seem that there is no comfort. We may even feel God has left us. But it is in these times when He is closest and cares the most. You never know when you will need the Lord’s comfort the most. When tomorrow seems to be totally out of reach don’t reach for tomorrow reach for God’s hand.
As storms tore through the southern states recently many there had to feel as if the world was coming to an end. For some it did for others a new day dawned and as they looked at what was once a home they saw God was standing holding them close.
We all have faced trials and problems in our lives and while we are in the midst is the time we should know God is sheltering us and caring for us. Sure it is hard to feel comforted or protected as all around you is crumbling and your world is crashing down. The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation is standing at our side.
The only thing more freighting than the storm would be not knowing the Father of all comfort. Many do not know God and His grace and theirs is a lonely and scary world. For those who are in the Hands of Almighty God what a comfort to know He is in control even as all appears lost. I am reminded of a versa of a hymn written by Thomas A. Dorsey shortly after he lost his family. “Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, and let me stand; I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, Lead me to the light; Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.”
The Lord of all comfort will shield us as the storm rages and will lead us out of the storm and if we will but take His hand. You may be facing a problem too big to face alone or a grief to great to bear. Put your hand in the Lord’s. Take comfort in Him and lean on His everlasting arms and let Him lead you home.
When the storm is raging all around us it may seem that there is no comfort. We may even feel God has left us. But it is in these times when He is closest and cares the most. You never know when you will need the Lord’s comfort the most. When tomorrow seems to be totally out of reach don’t reach for tomorrow reach for God’s hand.
As storms tore through the southern states recently many there had to feel as if the world was coming to an end. For some it did for others a new day dawned and as they looked at what was once a home they saw God was standing holding them close.
We all have faced trials and problems in our lives and while we are in the midst is the time we should know God is sheltering us and caring for us. Sure it is hard to feel comforted or protected as all around you is crumbling and your world is crashing down. The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation is standing at our side.
The only thing more freighting than the storm would be not knowing the Father of all comfort. Many do not know God and His grace and theirs is a lonely and scary world. For those who are in the Hands of Almighty God what a comfort to know He is in control even as all appears lost. I am reminded of a versa of a hymn written by Thomas A. Dorsey shortly after he lost his family. “Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, and let me stand; I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, Lead me to the light; Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.”
The Lord of all comfort will shield us as the storm rages and will lead us out of the storm and if we will but take His hand. You may be facing a problem too big to face alone or a grief to great to bear. Put your hand in the Lord’s. Take comfort in Him and lean on His everlasting arms and let Him lead you home.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Walk On the Wild Side
Romans 6:11-13, Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Have you ever thought how much fun it would be to wander around in a wilderness area? A place wild and free; a place where you can get up close and personal with nature and all that live there. It is exciting to travel to a wilderness area but if done alone it can be dangerous.
Every day we are tempted to travel into an area controlled by sin and lust. Every journey into sin takes its toll. When we travel there we sacrifice our closeness with God, forfeit His blessings and we lose our influence with others that comes from purity of mind and body. In 1 Timothy 4:12 we are told, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
We all have a wild side where we wander now and again. A wilderness area filled with sin lust and absence from God. These wild areas in us may never be tamed and secured for us to wander in safely. As with natural wilderness areas there needs to be perimeters that restrict access. Perimeters that keep us from wandering into areas we do not need to go.
We need to set perimeters that have posted signs, “Danger Do Not Enter”. One sign we should post is one that tells us to resist the temptation to yield to the lust of the flesh. Another one should read, “You will be held accountable.” Remember temptation only gets better the longer you look at it.
Sin is a wilderness area we need not wander into yet it has a lure the draws us like a magnet. It is a place where once we enter in we lose sight of God. When we wander away from God the places we go are cold and lifeless. The things we do there are not pleasing in His sight. Can we find our way out, most certainly? Just like a person who has been lost in the wilderness and is found by searchers we are wrapped in a warm blanket, cradled in the arms of a loving God and given life saving nourishment. Yes we may be a bit dirty and yes we may be a lot ashamed but God still cares and loves us just as we are.
Are there wilderness areas you wander into once in a while? What kind of warnings signs have you posted to warn of the danger ahead? Sin is a game devised by the devil to trap all who wander there. The end is trouble and death. It is a very dangerous wilderness area.
Have you ever thought how much fun it would be to wander around in a wilderness area? A place wild and free; a place where you can get up close and personal with nature and all that live there. It is exciting to travel to a wilderness area but if done alone it can be dangerous.
Every day we are tempted to travel into an area controlled by sin and lust. Every journey into sin takes its toll. When we travel there we sacrifice our closeness with God, forfeit His blessings and we lose our influence with others that comes from purity of mind and body. In 1 Timothy 4:12 we are told, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
We all have a wild side where we wander now and again. A wilderness area filled with sin lust and absence from God. These wild areas in us may never be tamed and secured for us to wander in safely. As with natural wilderness areas there needs to be perimeters that restrict access. Perimeters that keep us from wandering into areas we do not need to go.
We need to set perimeters that have posted signs, “Danger Do Not Enter”. One sign we should post is one that tells us to resist the temptation to yield to the lust of the flesh. Another one should read, “You will be held accountable.” Remember temptation only gets better the longer you look at it.
Sin is a wilderness area we need not wander into yet it has a lure the draws us like a magnet. It is a place where once we enter in we lose sight of God. When we wander away from God the places we go are cold and lifeless. The things we do there are not pleasing in His sight. Can we find our way out, most certainly? Just like a person who has been lost in the wilderness and is found by searchers we are wrapped in a warm blanket, cradled in the arms of a loving God and given life saving nourishment. Yes we may be a bit dirty and yes we may be a lot ashamed but God still cares and loves us just as we are.
Are there wilderness areas you wander into once in a while? What kind of warnings signs have you posted to warn of the danger ahead? Sin is a game devised by the devil to trap all who wander there. The end is trouble and death. It is a very dangerous wilderness area.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Christ Like Response
Acts 7:58-60
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Have you ever been wronged? Have you ever been taken advantage of? Misunderstood? Humiliated? Falsely Accused? Punished? We all have and most likely our first response was to lash out at the accuser. Start thinking how unfair unjust or unreasonable the accusation. We most probably have thoughts of anger and indignation. This is epically true if what we are being accused of or attacked for are in God’s service and we are doing what God has called us to do. Why are we being punished for doing God’s work? How could God let this happen? It doesn’t seem fair. The key for all of us is in Stephen's example under pressure and extreme circumstances when he prayed, "Lord do not hold this sin against them."
Wow! How many of us would have thought to make such a statement? A response just like Jesus made on the cross. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” If we had been in Stephen’s shoes what would our response have been?
Jesus gives us a really great guide when we come under persecution and are falsely accused. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.”
So then do we have a worldly response or a Jesus response? Do we pray for our enemies or do we try to get even? Remember Stephen when you are wronged, “Lord do not hold this sin against them.” How could God let this happen? It didn't seem fair. The key for all of us is in Stephen's example under pressure and extreme circumstances when he prayed, "Lord do not hold this sin against them."
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Have you ever been wronged? Have you ever been taken advantage of? Misunderstood? Humiliated? Falsely Accused? Punished? We all have and most likely our first response was to lash out at the accuser. Start thinking how unfair unjust or unreasonable the accusation. We most probably have thoughts of anger and indignation. This is epically true if what we are being accused of or attacked for are in God’s service and we are doing what God has called us to do. Why are we being punished for doing God’s work? How could God let this happen? It doesn’t seem fair. The key for all of us is in Stephen's example under pressure and extreme circumstances when he prayed, "Lord do not hold this sin against them."
Wow! How many of us would have thought to make such a statement? A response just like Jesus made on the cross. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” If we had been in Stephen’s shoes what would our response have been?
Jesus gives us a really great guide when we come under persecution and are falsely accused. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.”
So then do we have a worldly response or a Jesus response? Do we pray for our enemies or do we try to get even? Remember Stephen when you are wronged, “Lord do not hold this sin against them.” How could God let this happen? It didn't seem fair. The key for all of us is in Stephen's example under pressure and extreme circumstances when he prayed, "Lord do not hold this sin against them."
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Hearing What We Don't Want to Hear
Acts 7:55-58
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Have you seen someone put their fingers in their ears and say, "nah, nah, nah, nah, nah?" Doing this they showed they did not what to hear what was being said to them. Try it sometime. You'll find you cannot hear what the other person is saying. In our passage today, that is what the Jewish leaders are doing -- covering their ears and yelling at the top of their voices. They didn't want to hear anymore of what Stephen had to say.
Have you ever felt that way before? Have you ever felt you've had enough of Scripture, church or preaching? Not long ago I was talking with a young man, who told me he just didn't like going to church anymore. He felt all that was preached about was giving -- the church just wanted his money. I invited him to church shortly after we had this conversation, and following the service he said to me fully vindicated, "See what I mean!" You see he heard what he needed to hear and nothing else. Notice I said, "What he needed to hear." No one else heard a sermon on giving; only he did because that is what he needed to hear. Giving was his heart issue -- generosity -- not just to the church but to everyone, including his wife and children. Have you ever been in a service and you were sure the preacher had been reading your mail? We all have been there. God will send a message to the ear of the one most needful. I know when God gives a message to His preachers all who hear the message will hear something different. In other words they will hear only what they want or need to hear.
Messages from God don’t always come from the pulpit. As we walk through life God will direct us by having someone speak to us. It may be from the wisdom of age or it may be the voice of a child. Either way it is God’s message that pricks our heart. You can put your fingers in your ears hoping the voice will not be heard but God is speaking to the heart not the head. Some call this still small voice conscience or conviction, the voice of reason or a gut feeling. No matter what you call it you must choose how you are going to receive that voice. We accept it reject it or try to ignore it. Before I met the Lord I started feeling something was missing in my life and did not know what or where to look. I know now that was God talking to my heart through the Holy Spirit. Telling me I needed Jesus.
So what should we do when we read Scripture or hear a message that makes us want to cover our ears and yell at the top of our voice to block it out? We have to first be careful to not follow the normal human reaction to information we don't want to hear -- and that is illustrated in our passage today -- "they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him." Rather than stoning, a modern day example might be in the young man’s case: stop going to church, or change churches. In other words, if you remove the person (the pastor/Stephen) and the words (sermon/Scripture), then the issue is removed. All I can say you can run but you can’t hide. Is God calling you? Is He telling you there are things you need to change or be aware of? Maybe it is a purpose you need to fill, the one He designed you to do. The next time you set in a pew and you feel like you are the only one there and the preacher is talking straight to you take the fingers out of your ears and listen. It just might be God calling and you sure don’t want to miss that call.
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Have you seen someone put their fingers in their ears and say, "nah, nah, nah, nah, nah?" Doing this they showed they did not what to hear what was being said to them. Try it sometime. You'll find you cannot hear what the other person is saying. In our passage today, that is what the Jewish leaders are doing -- covering their ears and yelling at the top of their voices. They didn't want to hear anymore of what Stephen had to say.
Have you ever felt that way before? Have you ever felt you've had enough of Scripture, church or preaching? Not long ago I was talking with a young man, who told me he just didn't like going to church anymore. He felt all that was preached about was giving -- the church just wanted his money. I invited him to church shortly after we had this conversation, and following the service he said to me fully vindicated, "See what I mean!" You see he heard what he needed to hear and nothing else. Notice I said, "What he needed to hear." No one else heard a sermon on giving; only he did because that is what he needed to hear. Giving was his heart issue -- generosity -- not just to the church but to everyone, including his wife and children. Have you ever been in a service and you were sure the preacher had been reading your mail? We all have been there. God will send a message to the ear of the one most needful. I know when God gives a message to His preachers all who hear the message will hear something different. In other words they will hear only what they want or need to hear.
Messages from God don’t always come from the pulpit. As we walk through life God will direct us by having someone speak to us. It may be from the wisdom of age or it may be the voice of a child. Either way it is God’s message that pricks our heart. You can put your fingers in your ears hoping the voice will not be heard but God is speaking to the heart not the head. Some call this still small voice conscience or conviction, the voice of reason or a gut feeling. No matter what you call it you must choose how you are going to receive that voice. We accept it reject it or try to ignore it. Before I met the Lord I started feeling something was missing in my life and did not know what or where to look. I know now that was God talking to my heart through the Holy Spirit. Telling me I needed Jesus.
So what should we do when we read Scripture or hear a message that makes us want to cover our ears and yell at the top of our voice to block it out? We have to first be careful to not follow the normal human reaction to information we don't want to hear -- and that is illustrated in our passage today -- "they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him." Rather than stoning, a modern day example might be in the young man’s case: stop going to church, or change churches. In other words, if you remove the person (the pastor/Stephen) and the words (sermon/Scripture), then the issue is removed. All I can say you can run but you can’t hide. Is God calling you? Is He telling you there are things you need to change or be aware of? Maybe it is a purpose you need to fill, the one He designed you to do. The next time you set in a pew and you feel like you are the only one there and the preacher is talking straight to you take the fingers out of your ears and listen. It just might be God calling and you sure don’t want to miss that call.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Forgiveness and Being Forgiven
Ephesians 3:30-31 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
One of the hardest things to do is to forgive someone who has wronged you. If we cannot forgive how do we expect God to forgive us? The Lord forgives us and He does it with a loving heart. He does it with kindness and with tenderness of heart. There is no begrudging, reluctant forgiveness. God’s heart is tender toward us. His love toward us is genuine and his forgiveness is complete. Jesus was asked by his disciples to teach them to pray. What Jesus said we now call the Lord’s Prayer. However, right in the middle of that teaching Jesus made a very clear statement about forgiveness. He said “And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” Would we want to be forgiven by God the same way we forgive others? Of course not! We want God to forgive us totally and completely so then we should follow suit.
How did God forgive you? Did He wait until you deserved to be forgiven? Earned the right to be forgiven? Did He make you beg and grovel before He forgave you? Does God continually bring up your past sins as a reminder to shame you? Did God wait for you to pursue Him, or did he pursue you in order to bring about healing and reconciliation in your relationship with Him?
To be forgiven we must forgive. Yes it is hard to do and yes our nature prevents it more times than not. To be Christian is to be Christ like. To be Christ like we must forgive those who have wronged us. I have heard people say, “I could never forgive them for what they have done.” I am thankful God through Jesus Christ saved a sinner like me and forgave me totally and completely. I am also thankful he forgot my sin and set me free. Are keeping someone bound by your unwillingness to forgive? Can God forgive you if you will not forgive?
Jesus followed his teaching about prayer with another statement about forgiveness. He said, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
One of the hardest things to do is to forgive someone who has wronged you. If we cannot forgive how do we expect God to forgive us? The Lord forgives us and He does it with a loving heart. He does it with kindness and with tenderness of heart. There is no begrudging, reluctant forgiveness. God’s heart is tender toward us. His love toward us is genuine and his forgiveness is complete. Jesus was asked by his disciples to teach them to pray. What Jesus said we now call the Lord’s Prayer. However, right in the middle of that teaching Jesus made a very clear statement about forgiveness. He said “And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” Would we want to be forgiven by God the same way we forgive others? Of course not! We want God to forgive us totally and completely so then we should follow suit.
How did God forgive you? Did He wait until you deserved to be forgiven? Earned the right to be forgiven? Did He make you beg and grovel before He forgave you? Does God continually bring up your past sins as a reminder to shame you? Did God wait for you to pursue Him, or did he pursue you in order to bring about healing and reconciliation in your relationship with Him?
To be forgiven we must forgive. Yes it is hard to do and yes our nature prevents it more times than not. To be Christian is to be Christ like. To be Christ like we must forgive those who have wronged us. I have heard people say, “I could never forgive them for what they have done.” I am thankful God through Jesus Christ saved a sinner like me and forgave me totally and completely. I am also thankful he forgot my sin and set me free. Are keeping someone bound by your unwillingness to forgive? Can God forgive you if you will not forgive?
Jesus followed his teaching about prayer with another statement about forgiveness. He said, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
Monday, May 30, 2011
What is the world coming to?
2 Timothy 3:13-14, “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.”
If we take that forecast to heart we cannot help but to be discouraged. If we look at the evening news we see only the bad and ugly. Wickedness abounds on every side. Evil men will multiply in number and wickedness. Not only will they be set on deceiving others, but they themselves will be so hardened against God that they will justify their wickedness to themselves, deceiving themselves. Not a pretty picture. Paul wants to warn Timothy and us to commit ourselves to Christ. We are to put our faith and trust in Him in the most difficult times now and in the future.
It is very discouraging when we see fewer and fewer standing for the truth of Jesus Christ. The propaganda of our age is deceiving many and turning more away from Christ. Paul is telling us we need to remember what we learned and what Jesus has done for us. Do not compromise God’s perfect Word for the fallible thinking of fallen heads.
Today we are witnessing a falling away from God and His truth. Governments are making judgments that are breaking up the home and family. The moral fiber of our country is under attack and as Christians we need to take a stand for Christ and the truth of God’s Word. Yes evil wicked men are on the rise but our God is more powerful than them all and is still in control. As His children God expects us to stand and be counted to remember the things we learned and know to be true.
The battle was won on a roman cross. Our Lord and King reigns and is still alive and well. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
If we take that forecast to heart we cannot help but to be discouraged. If we look at the evening news we see only the bad and ugly. Wickedness abounds on every side. Evil men will multiply in number and wickedness. Not only will they be set on deceiving others, but they themselves will be so hardened against God that they will justify their wickedness to themselves, deceiving themselves. Not a pretty picture. Paul wants to warn Timothy and us to commit ourselves to Christ. We are to put our faith and trust in Him in the most difficult times now and in the future.
It is very discouraging when we see fewer and fewer standing for the truth of Jesus Christ. The propaganda of our age is deceiving many and turning more away from Christ. Paul is telling us we need to remember what we learned and what Jesus has done for us. Do not compromise God’s perfect Word for the fallible thinking of fallen heads.
Today we are witnessing a falling away from God and His truth. Governments are making judgments that are breaking up the home and family. The moral fiber of our country is under attack and as Christians we need to take a stand for Christ and the truth of God’s Word. Yes evil wicked men are on the rise but our God is more powerful than them all and is still in control. As His children God expects us to stand and be counted to remember the things we learned and know to be true.
The battle was won on a roman cross. Our Lord and King reigns and is still alive and well. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Hearing and Not Listening
Acts 7:54
“When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed their teeth.”
Many times we men are accused of having selective hearing by our wives. This is evidenced by the fact that we have to turn up the TV to hear the programs. Or ask what did the preacher say in church and that we regularly ask our wives to repeat what they tell us. However, all of this doesn’t mean we have a hearing problem. All the while there may be a logical reason to explain that but has nothing to do with our ability to hear.
Who is right? It's hard to say, but when we are told we need to go to a doctor our macho takes over and we get mad. Why do we get mad? I don't know for sure but it is probably because we are afraid she is right. It is true selective hearing is practiced, but then is because we just don’t want to hear the truth when we turn off what we are being told?
What makes you mad when someone says something about you? I'm not suggesting that when you get angry it's proof that someone spoke a truth, but it can certainly indicate a problem or an issue lurking below a normally calm surface. The point is that our first response is often to get angry, rather than reflect calmly on the thing that was said about us. If what is spoken is not true then we should get mad, but if it is true maybe we should look within and find out why.
Does the truth set you free? Jesus said it would in John 8:32. 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove yourselves…”Sometimes a self examination is a painful thing but it is necessary to get a clear view of who we are. Someone has said you can’t fix something until you know it is broken. When other see a fault and bring it to our attention it may well make us mad. If we are honest with ourselves we should put our mad away and look inside and see if the comment is true. We then should make the necessary changes to improve ourselves. When we are told we are lost and in need of a savior most people will run away until the Holy Spirit convicts them of their need. If no change is made the result could be separation from God for eternity. When we accept Jesus into our heart we become a new creature, a new person with new life. We are then born into the family of God everything in the past is forgotten by God, forgiven, and we have our eyes opened to something great and rewarding. “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”
“When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed their teeth.”
Many times we men are accused of having selective hearing by our wives. This is evidenced by the fact that we have to turn up the TV to hear the programs. Or ask what did the preacher say in church and that we regularly ask our wives to repeat what they tell us. However, all of this doesn’t mean we have a hearing problem. All the while there may be a logical reason to explain that but has nothing to do with our ability to hear.
Who is right? It's hard to say, but when we are told we need to go to a doctor our macho takes over and we get mad. Why do we get mad? I don't know for sure but it is probably because we are afraid she is right. It is true selective hearing is practiced, but then is because we just don’t want to hear the truth when we turn off what we are being told?
What makes you mad when someone says something about you? I'm not suggesting that when you get angry it's proof that someone spoke a truth, but it can certainly indicate a problem or an issue lurking below a normally calm surface. The point is that our first response is often to get angry, rather than reflect calmly on the thing that was said about us. If what is spoken is not true then we should get mad, but if it is true maybe we should look within and find out why.
Does the truth set you free? Jesus said it would in John 8:32. 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove yourselves…”Sometimes a self examination is a painful thing but it is necessary to get a clear view of who we are. Someone has said you can’t fix something until you know it is broken. When other see a fault and bring it to our attention it may well make us mad. If we are honest with ourselves we should put our mad away and look inside and see if the comment is true. We then should make the necessary changes to improve ourselves. When we are told we are lost and in need of a savior most people will run away until the Holy Spirit convicts them of their need. If no change is made the result could be separation from God for eternity. When we accept Jesus into our heart we become a new creature, a new person with new life. We are then born into the family of God everything in the past is forgotten by God, forgiven, and we have our eyes opened to something great and rewarding. “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”
Friday, May 27, 2011
Instructions to Children
Ephesians 6:1-2 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor your father and Mother which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee and thou may live long on the earth.”
As we live and learn about how to live in this world there comes a time when we must look at how we have been raised and the values our parents gave to us. Paul here is giving children a two fold instruction. He begins with “obey your parents”. This flies in the face of the young generation today. It does not matter whether they agree with their parents, understand their rules, or see their individual flaws. Children are to obey their parents promptly, cheerfully, and completely—as long as they are not asked to disobey God’s clear command. Children, obey your parents in the Lord.
Then the second tier of the instruction is to honor their parents. What does this mean? Honoring one’s parents’ means respecting the position of authority that they have over you, as their child, and showing that respect in actions and words. There is a Southern tradition that many think is old and out dated. That being to say, yes sir and yes mam. That shows respect. Saying ok or yeah does not show respect.
Respect is also something that is earned. Parents also have an obligation to their children. They are to teach and train them how to respect those who have authority over you by word and deed. Children learn what they see; if a parent does not respect the law neither will their children. If parents do not honor their parents how can they expect their children to honor them? Parents are to teach their children that God requires obedience as much as they need to teach all other Bible lessons. Your children should know God requires obedience and honor from them, toward you, for his glory. Being just your child’s “friend”, rather than their parent, is not an option God gives us.
It would stand to reason then, if children are to honor their earth-bound parents, and honor them with their actions and words, how much more should every child of God honor our Father in heaven? Do we submit to Him promptly and cheerfully? Do we revere Him in all we do and say? Are we teaching our children by example?
As we live and learn about how to live in this world there comes a time when we must look at how we have been raised and the values our parents gave to us. Paul here is giving children a two fold instruction. He begins with “obey your parents”. This flies in the face of the young generation today. It does not matter whether they agree with their parents, understand their rules, or see their individual flaws. Children are to obey their parents promptly, cheerfully, and completely—as long as they are not asked to disobey God’s clear command. Children, obey your parents in the Lord.
Then the second tier of the instruction is to honor their parents. What does this mean? Honoring one’s parents’ means respecting the position of authority that they have over you, as their child, and showing that respect in actions and words. There is a Southern tradition that many think is old and out dated. That being to say, yes sir and yes mam. That shows respect. Saying ok or yeah does not show respect.
Respect is also something that is earned. Parents also have an obligation to their children. They are to teach and train them how to respect those who have authority over you by word and deed. Children learn what they see; if a parent does not respect the law neither will their children. If parents do not honor their parents how can they expect their children to honor them? Parents are to teach their children that God requires obedience as much as they need to teach all other Bible lessons. Your children should know God requires obedience and honor from them, toward you, for his glory. Being just your child’s “friend”, rather than their parent, is not an option God gives us.
It would stand to reason then, if children are to honor their earth-bound parents, and honor them with their actions and words, how much more should every child of God honor our Father in heaven? Do we submit to Him promptly and cheerfully? Do we revere Him in all we do and say? Are we teaching our children by example?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Prayer
Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
Following a description of who we fight against and how we are to best be protected Paul gives us a great resource. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we find we are to pray without ceasing. Paul is telling us we are to have our whole life constantly bathed in prayer. How many times do we pray one prayer then wonder why we see no results? We should always pray with thanksgiving for what God has done and is doing in our lives. It is through prayer we talk to God and confess sins seek forgiveness and make our hearts request to a Holy Righteous God.
Even though we do all the right things sometimes we feel God has not heard our prayer. Remember you are always heard. I have heard people say, “I just don’t feel my prayers go anywhere, I don’t feel they are being heard.” Remember what Jesus said, “Seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Remember this no is an answer too. Remember also the answer comes in God’s own time in His own way. His timetable is far different from ours. Yet we are encouraged to continue to pray, to keep asking and keep knocking. The very thought that your humble prayer offered up to a Holy Righteous God will actually be heard and answered should be incentive enough keep coming to the throne of grace to find mercy and help in time of need.
Jesus told us He would never leave us of forsake us. When we are weak He is strong. Humble ourselves and pray turn from our wicked ways and He will hear from heaven and heal our land. We all face problems and trials in our lives. Some are small some are overwhelming but if we take matters to God in prayer seeking His will and following His lead we will have peace and joy. Remember this nothing is too large or too hard for God. Pray without ceasing.
Following a description of who we fight against and how we are to best be protected Paul gives us a great resource. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we find we are to pray without ceasing. Paul is telling us we are to have our whole life constantly bathed in prayer. How many times do we pray one prayer then wonder why we see no results? We should always pray with thanksgiving for what God has done and is doing in our lives. It is through prayer we talk to God and confess sins seek forgiveness and make our hearts request to a Holy Righteous God.
Even though we do all the right things sometimes we feel God has not heard our prayer. Remember you are always heard. I have heard people say, “I just don’t feel my prayers go anywhere, I don’t feel they are being heard.” Remember what Jesus said, “Seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Remember this no is an answer too. Remember also the answer comes in God’s own time in His own way. His timetable is far different from ours. Yet we are encouraged to continue to pray, to keep asking and keep knocking. The very thought that your humble prayer offered up to a Holy Righteous God will actually be heard and answered should be incentive enough keep coming to the throne of grace to find mercy and help in time of need.
Jesus told us He would never leave us of forsake us. When we are weak He is strong. Humble ourselves and pray turn from our wicked ways and He will hear from heaven and heal our land. We all face problems and trials in our lives. Some are small some are overwhelming but if we take matters to God in prayer seeking His will and following His lead we will have peace and joy. Remember this nothing is too large or too hard for God. Pray without ceasing.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Finding Yourself Spiritually Far From God
Acts 7:40-43
Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
While Moses was on the mountain talking to God Israel was complaining about being led out of bondage in Egypt. So they decided to change leadership. They convinced Aaron to make them a golden image that they could see and worship. They took their eyes off God.
Have you ever got up one day and wondered, “Just how did I get here? How did I get myself in this condition? Where did God go? How did my life get so out of control, so far from being Christ-centered?” While this can be a humbling and embarrassing experience it is not the end of the world. How did this happen? The answer –one step at a time, one rejection of Jesus after another, until finally---just like Israel—God turned away, and gave them over to the worship of heavenly bodies. That couldn’t happen you say God would never do that? Well He did it to Israel could he not do it to us? Would God really walk away from us? No but He will not stop us from walking away from Him.
Do we lose our salvation when we find ourselves spiritually far from God? Did the Israelites stop being God's people because they began to worship other gods? Did they lose their inheritance? Thankfully the answer is no.
They were still God's people, and their descendants received the inheritance -- because of God's faithfulness, despite their lack of faithfulness. The same is true for us. God still love us even when we don’t love Him.
When you find yourself spiritually far from God, how do you get back?
The Bible tells us repeatedly -- the answer is to repent (which means to change your mind or thought). It is so easy to slip away. But it is just as easy to return. What will your choice be today?
Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
While Moses was on the mountain talking to God Israel was complaining about being led out of bondage in Egypt. So they decided to change leadership. They convinced Aaron to make them a golden image that they could see and worship. They took their eyes off God.
Have you ever got up one day and wondered, “Just how did I get here? How did I get myself in this condition? Where did God go? How did my life get so out of control, so far from being Christ-centered?” While this can be a humbling and embarrassing experience it is not the end of the world. How did this happen? The answer –one step at a time, one rejection of Jesus after another, until finally---just like Israel—God turned away, and gave them over to the worship of heavenly bodies. That couldn’t happen you say God would never do that? Well He did it to Israel could he not do it to us? Would God really walk away from us? No but He will not stop us from walking away from Him.
Do we lose our salvation when we find ourselves spiritually far from God? Did the Israelites stop being God's people because they began to worship other gods? Did they lose their inheritance? Thankfully the answer is no.
They were still God's people, and their descendants received the inheritance -- because of God's faithfulness, despite their lack of faithfulness. The same is true for us. God still love us even when we don’t love Him.
When you find yourself spiritually far from God, how do you get back?
The Bible tells us repeatedly -- the answer is to repent (which means to change your mind or thought). It is so easy to slip away. But it is just as easy to return. What will your choice be today?
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Where Do You Keep Jesus
Acts 7:45-50
Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;
Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
But Solomon built him an house. Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
Hath not my hand made all these things?
Stephen is speaking to the Sanhedrin and is reminding them of the scriptures they are supposed to honor. He is also reminding those religious leaders, using familiar scripture references that God does not live in a building or a place. The Jews went from taking God with them every where they went, to building a house for Him, and visiting Him when it was convenient. Do you see yourself in this story?
I've seen it and experienced it hundreds of times. A person is saved and is on fire for the Lord; a Bible is always on hand; Jesus dominates all their conversations; and there are never enough church services or bible studies to attend. Then over time the fire rages less -- there is room for other points of view and other activities. Compartmentalization begins: work is for work, play is for play, and church is for church. Activities and Jesus are separated -- religion isn't let into the office or onto the basketball court. Then all that are around are totally surprised when they learn you are a Christian.
At this point we need an attitude adjustment, and that is why the Lord puts things in the proper perspective for us when we are confused: "Heaven is my throne, the earth is my footstool." That kind of tells you who is in charge, and where God is. God goes on to ask you a question: "Has not my hand made all these things?" God made your career and He made the basketball court, so why do you keep Him in church? When the Sunday service is over and all are leaving the church does Jesus gets to come home with you? Or do you leave him there so He will be safe and waiting should you need Him? If you leave Jesus at church what does He do all week waiting for your return?
If you leave Jesus at church how can He help or protect you? These are silly questions as we all know Jesus does not live in a building made with hands. Why then do we act like he does? If Jesus lives in your heart He goes where you go, knows what you do, and hears what you say. Or did you leave Jesus in church the last time you were there?
In what area of your life have you compartmentalized Jesus? Does He go with you wherever you go? Under what circumstances would you be tempted to leave Him at church? What behavior or attitude needs to change?
Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;
Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
But Solomon built him an house. Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
Hath not my hand made all these things?
Stephen is speaking to the Sanhedrin and is reminding them of the scriptures they are supposed to honor. He is also reminding those religious leaders, using familiar scripture references that God does not live in a building or a place. The Jews went from taking God with them every where they went, to building a house for Him, and visiting Him when it was convenient. Do you see yourself in this story?
I've seen it and experienced it hundreds of times. A person is saved and is on fire for the Lord; a Bible is always on hand; Jesus dominates all their conversations; and there are never enough church services or bible studies to attend. Then over time the fire rages less -- there is room for other points of view and other activities. Compartmentalization begins: work is for work, play is for play, and church is for church. Activities and Jesus are separated -- religion isn't let into the office or onto the basketball court. Then all that are around are totally surprised when they learn you are a Christian.
At this point we need an attitude adjustment, and that is why the Lord puts things in the proper perspective for us when we are confused: "Heaven is my throne, the earth is my footstool." That kind of tells you who is in charge, and where God is. God goes on to ask you a question: "Has not my hand made all these things?" God made your career and He made the basketball court, so why do you keep Him in church? When the Sunday service is over and all are leaving the church does Jesus gets to come home with you? Or do you leave him there so He will be safe and waiting should you need Him? If you leave Jesus at church what does He do all week waiting for your return?
If you leave Jesus at church how can He help or protect you? These are silly questions as we all know Jesus does not live in a building made with hands. Why then do we act like he does? If Jesus lives in your heart He goes where you go, knows what you do, and hears what you say. Or did you leave Jesus in church the last time you were there?
In what area of your life have you compartmentalized Jesus? Does He go with you wherever you go? Under what circumstances would you be tempted to leave Him at church? What behavior or attitude needs to change?
Friday, May 20, 2011
Waiting Upon the Lord
Psalm 27:12-14
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
We all at some times in our lives face what we feel are trials that seem at the moment to be overwhelming. It is at those times we may not feel the Lords presence. Could it be we are not waiting on the Lord? Could it be we are on our timetable and are running madly ahead of God hoping He will catch up with our plans? It would be nice if God worked that way but in truth He doesn’t. He does not change just because we are in a hurry and are impatient.
We all hear the voices of those who are against us and they seem to have the upper hand. If we will but lift our eyes we will see God is there at our side. For He promised he would never leave us nor forsake us.
If you are a child of God you can be sure the devil will be working overtime to make sure you stumble. I do not doubt your trials are real, your burdens are heavy, or that your discouragements are deep. You may feel those who oppose you are ever strengthening. Keep this promise firmly fixed in your mind and heart God will never leave you nor forsake you. God is never late and he is never insufficient. When we wait courageously upon the Lord, He will strengthen our hearts. Place your problems and your enemies in God’s hands and let Him deal with them.
If your future is unclear, wait upon the Lord. When will your sorrow end? Wait upon the Lord. How can I survive the attacks of those who would see me fail? Wait upon the Lord. Listen closely to the echoes sounding through time and from the sounding board of millions of satisfied saints and you will hear, “Wait, I say upon the Lord.”
The trial may not go away tomorrow, but neither will the strength that God has promised to give you. The pain may not diminish, but neither will the grace of God leave you. Your enemies may howl but God will be your shield. Wait upon the Lord.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
We all at some times in our lives face what we feel are trials that seem at the moment to be overwhelming. It is at those times we may not feel the Lords presence. Could it be we are not waiting on the Lord? Could it be we are on our timetable and are running madly ahead of God hoping He will catch up with our plans? It would be nice if God worked that way but in truth He doesn’t. He does not change just because we are in a hurry and are impatient.
We all hear the voices of those who are against us and they seem to have the upper hand. If we will but lift our eyes we will see God is there at our side. For He promised he would never leave us nor forsake us.
If you are a child of God you can be sure the devil will be working overtime to make sure you stumble. I do not doubt your trials are real, your burdens are heavy, or that your discouragements are deep. You may feel those who oppose you are ever strengthening. Keep this promise firmly fixed in your mind and heart God will never leave you nor forsake you. God is never late and he is never insufficient. When we wait courageously upon the Lord, He will strengthen our hearts. Place your problems and your enemies in God’s hands and let Him deal with them.
If your future is unclear, wait upon the Lord. When will your sorrow end? Wait upon the Lord. How can I survive the attacks of those who would see me fail? Wait upon the Lord. Listen closely to the echoes sounding through time and from the sounding board of millions of satisfied saints and you will hear, “Wait, I say upon the Lord.”
The trial may not go away tomorrow, but neither will the strength that God has promised to give you. The pain may not diminish, but neither will the grace of God leave you. Your enemies may howl but God will be your shield. Wait upon the Lord.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
How Will You Answer God's Call?
Acts 7:34-36 “I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. I will send thee into Egypt. This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? The same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.”
Stephen is reminding the Sanhedrin of the story of Moses, he uses these words of God to Moses, "Now come, I will send you back to Egypt." What a great statement! God had just finished telling Moses how he had seen the oppression of His people, heard their groaning, and was going to come down to set them free and make things right. Yea God they need your help let me know how that turns out. Moses never dreamed what God was fixing to say. "I will send you back to Egypt." “You are going to do what? Why me? You know I can’t talk and what would I even say to Pharaoh? You want me to tell Pharaoh What? Let my people go? And he is going to listen to me?”
Isn't that just like us? We want God to get in there and fix our problem (right the injustice and deliver the innocent). We want God to heal our land and give us peace. But isn't that just like God to say, "Okay -- come on -- right now -- let's do it -- hmmm….who will I send? -- oh yeah -- I'll send you!" That's usually not what we have in mind when we ask for God's intercession. We want God to do it and leave us on the sideline to watch. “God You go ahead and deal with all those gang bangers and drug lords. Talk to those crooked politicians and set them straight. Let me know when you finish and get things fixed. I’m going to set here in this warm pew and watch.”
God raises "deliverers" during times of need. Why? I believe it is because God makes himself known -- less from the miracle than through the testimony and life of the one who accepts God's call. Moses accepted God's call, and the Israelites were led out of captivity as a result. Stephen stood up for what he believed and Paul was placed under convection and most of the New Testament many new churches and many came to know Christ was the result.
In what area of your life are you asking for God to intercede? When (not if) He asks you, "Now come, I will send you," how will you answer? How can God use you?
Stephen is reminding the Sanhedrin of the story of Moses, he uses these words of God to Moses, "Now come, I will send you back to Egypt." What a great statement! God had just finished telling Moses how he had seen the oppression of His people, heard their groaning, and was going to come down to set them free and make things right. Yea God they need your help let me know how that turns out. Moses never dreamed what God was fixing to say. "I will send you back to Egypt." “You are going to do what? Why me? You know I can’t talk and what would I even say to Pharaoh? You want me to tell Pharaoh What? Let my people go? And he is going to listen to me?”
Isn't that just like us? We want God to get in there and fix our problem (right the injustice and deliver the innocent). We want God to heal our land and give us peace. But isn't that just like God to say, "Okay -- come on -- right now -- let's do it -- hmmm….who will I send? -- oh yeah -- I'll send you!" That's usually not what we have in mind when we ask for God's intercession. We want God to do it and leave us on the sideline to watch. “God You go ahead and deal with all those gang bangers and drug lords. Talk to those crooked politicians and set them straight. Let me know when you finish and get things fixed. I’m going to set here in this warm pew and watch.”
God raises "deliverers" during times of need. Why? I believe it is because God makes himself known -- less from the miracle than through the testimony and life of the one who accepts God's call. Moses accepted God's call, and the Israelites were led out of captivity as a result. Stephen stood up for what he believed and Paul was placed under convection and most of the New Testament many new churches and many came to know Christ was the result.
In what area of your life are you asking for God to intercede? When (not if) He asks you, "Now come, I will send you," how will you answer? How can God use you?
Monday, May 16, 2011
What the Lord Hates
Proverbs 6:16-19, “These six things doeth the Lord hate: yea seven are an abomination unto Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, , feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among the brethren.”
Most often we talk about God and His love for us. How He cares for us and how He protects us. Have you ever considered there may something God doesn’t like? Let us not only consider what God dislikes let us take a closer look at what He hates. Hate is a word no one likes to hear. Does God really hate something? Yes and Proverbs 6:16-19 makes it clear there are six things God hates. Seven are listed but the seventh goes beyond hate all the way to abomination.
A proud look on the faces God’s children causes concern for God. For in a proud look we see not only selfish indignation but a haughty better than thou attitude. If we are looking down our noises at others we cannot be looking up to God. God hates that!
We have all met people who we are sure there is no truth in them. The Native Americans had a saying about those who would not tell the truth. They spoke with a forked tongue. No one likes to be around anyone who simply cannot tell the truth. God hates that as well!
Hands that shed innocent blood not only does God hate this but we should as well. It should not matter a serial killer or a terrorist we all should hate that and try to stop that. God does.
A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations is a description of many in our country. This generation is fast becoming just like the one that prevailed in Sodom. God destroyed that city and killed all that lived there; save Lot and some of his family. Could this be our fate if we do not turn from our wicked ways? If God hates it you be the judge?
Feet that are swift to run to mischief sounds a lot like gang violence or drug use, but then it could also mean something else? How about gossiping about someone or doing something that aggravates another? Could that be considered mischief? How about doing something that would cause another harm or loss, mischievous yes? God hates that?
Wagging tongues that speak falsehoods gossip and backbiting especially in the church are distasteful to God. You may not like what the preacher spoke about on Sunday if so then take it up with God not spread false rumors about the preacher. You sure would not like it if someone talked about you the same way you talked about others. God hates this!
There is something far worse than the six things that God hates that is sowing discord among the brethren. Something horrible an object of intense dislike, disgusting or shameful---abomination! Why sowing discord would be raised to the level of abomination? For one thing it hinders the cause of Christ. Second it is what the devil uses to destroy the church of God. Discord can and will quickly cause the spirit to be quenched and the joy leave the church. If the church can be destroyed then that is a good reason to be called an abomination.
Most often we talk about God and His love for us. How He cares for us and how He protects us. Have you ever considered there may something God doesn’t like? Let us not only consider what God dislikes let us take a closer look at what He hates. Hate is a word no one likes to hear. Does God really hate something? Yes and Proverbs 6:16-19 makes it clear there are six things God hates. Seven are listed but the seventh goes beyond hate all the way to abomination.
A proud look on the faces God’s children causes concern for God. For in a proud look we see not only selfish indignation but a haughty better than thou attitude. If we are looking down our noises at others we cannot be looking up to God. God hates that!
We have all met people who we are sure there is no truth in them. The Native Americans had a saying about those who would not tell the truth. They spoke with a forked tongue. No one likes to be around anyone who simply cannot tell the truth. God hates that as well!
Hands that shed innocent blood not only does God hate this but we should as well. It should not matter a serial killer or a terrorist we all should hate that and try to stop that. God does.
A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations is a description of many in our country. This generation is fast becoming just like the one that prevailed in Sodom. God destroyed that city and killed all that lived there; save Lot and some of his family. Could this be our fate if we do not turn from our wicked ways? If God hates it you be the judge?
Feet that are swift to run to mischief sounds a lot like gang violence or drug use, but then it could also mean something else? How about gossiping about someone or doing something that aggravates another? Could that be considered mischief? How about doing something that would cause another harm or loss, mischievous yes? God hates that?
Wagging tongues that speak falsehoods gossip and backbiting especially in the church are distasteful to God. You may not like what the preacher spoke about on Sunday if so then take it up with God not spread false rumors about the preacher. You sure would not like it if someone talked about you the same way you talked about others. God hates this!
There is something far worse than the six things that God hates that is sowing discord among the brethren. Something horrible an object of intense dislike, disgusting or shameful---abomination! Why sowing discord would be raised to the level of abomination? For one thing it hinders the cause of Christ. Second it is what the devil uses to destroy the church of God. Discord can and will quickly cause the spirit to be quenched and the joy leave the church. If the church can be destroyed then that is a good reason to be called an abomination.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
How To Know God
How To Know God
Acts 7:31-32
When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the LORD came unto him, Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.
Yesterday we looked at how God gets our attention. When He does do we know who He is? God doesn't have an identity problem -- He knows who He is. The problem is: Do we know who He is? He is the God or the universe and the creator of all. But just that fact does not give us a clue who God is or what He represents. What God represents to us in our lives is how we will define Him to our friends, neighbors, business associates and families. So then do we respect Him? Do we fear Him? Do we even know Him? Do you know more about Donald Trump than you do about God?
I think it's funny how the world defines God: God is love as if that's all He is -- all warm and cuddly. Does that mean He stops loving as in a divorce? God is in the smile of a child some have said. My question then what about when the child frowns or misbehaves is God still there or does He leave? God is in nature (what they're talking about is a flower or a waterfall -- but what about a flood or a hurricane that cost hundreds of lives and millions of dollars -- is God in that part of nature as well? If that is the only way we can describe God; that only reveals how much we don't know about God. If someone tried to describe you when they've only seen you in the distance, or defining your profession and all of your ability by something you built when you were 5 years old. What would you think? Would they know much about you? Probably not. Could God feel the same way?
I believe God speaks to us all the time through personal "burning bushes." The problem is: We don't recognize who He is because we aren't familiar with Him.
How well do you know God? Can you name 5 things God says about Himself? 10? How about 20? In Scripture, God has described Himself to us in great detail. How can you recognize or understand God's meaning in an experience if you are unfamiliar with who He says He is? What can you do today to begin to know God better?
Acts 7:31-32
When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the LORD came unto him, Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.
Yesterday we looked at how God gets our attention. When He does do we know who He is? God doesn't have an identity problem -- He knows who He is. The problem is: Do we know who He is? He is the God or the universe and the creator of all. But just that fact does not give us a clue who God is or what He represents. What God represents to us in our lives is how we will define Him to our friends, neighbors, business associates and families. So then do we respect Him? Do we fear Him? Do we even know Him? Do you know more about Donald Trump than you do about God?
I think it's funny how the world defines God: God is love as if that's all He is -- all warm and cuddly. Does that mean He stops loving as in a divorce? God is in the smile of a child some have said. My question then what about when the child frowns or misbehaves is God still there or does He leave? God is in nature (what they're talking about is a flower or a waterfall -- but what about a flood or a hurricane that cost hundreds of lives and millions of dollars -- is God in that part of nature as well? If that is the only way we can describe God; that only reveals how much we don't know about God. If someone tried to describe you when they've only seen you in the distance, or defining your profession and all of your ability by something you built when you were 5 years old. What would you think? Would they know much about you? Probably not. Could God feel the same way?
I believe God speaks to us all the time through personal "burning bushes." The problem is: We don't recognize who He is because we aren't familiar with Him.
How well do you know God? Can you name 5 things God says about Himself? 10? How about 20? In Scripture, God has described Himself to us in great detail. How can you recognize or understand God's meaning in an experience if you are unfamiliar with who He says He is? What can you do today to begin to know God better?
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
What Does It Take To Get Your Attention
Acts 7:30-31
And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the LORD came unto him,
We find Moses wandering in the desert after he has defended a Hebrew worker and killed an Egyptian. He was sure his life in Egypt was over and had no purpose or direction. The Lord had other ideas. He decided it was time to get Moses’ attention---to place him back in service.
Moses thought life was as good as it gets, he married and was raising a family had few cares until that fateful morning. As he was tending his sheep he noticed a very strange thing. There in the desert a bush was burning but something was not right. So he gets closer to see just what is going on. As he gets closer he not only sees the burning bush he hears the voice of God. No doubt that got his attention.
Many times when we are in our own desert, out self imposed exile as it were, we don't hear the Lord's voice because we are too consumed with our own thoughts -- so the Lord needs to get our attention. Do we see a burning bush or hear the booming voice of God? No but God does use circumstances and events to get our attention.
In Moses' case it was a burning bush -- something ordinary (a bush), that became extraordinary. It was amazing to him (after all it's not every day you see a burning bush in the middle of the desert), so he went over to check it out (the Lord got his attention).
It took a bush set on fire to get Moses’ attention, but once God had his attention He was able to talk to him. This is a really important point to me. Many people think the key to this story is the burning bush (the miracle); I think the more important point is that God is always speaking to us -- it's just sometimes He needs to use rather dramatic means to get our attention so we hear him. What would it take for God to get your attention?
Most women are sure their husbands possess selective hearing. We men certainly do appear to have an innate ability to concentrate and block out all distractions at times. Unfortunately, this same ability to insulate ourselves can also hurt us when God is trying to talk to us. How does God get your attention? Does He have to set something on fire, tear something down or break something before we will hear Him? Does He currently have your attention? What is He trying to tell you? Are you listening? Or are you waiting for a burning bush?
And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the LORD came unto him,
We find Moses wandering in the desert after he has defended a Hebrew worker and killed an Egyptian. He was sure his life in Egypt was over and had no purpose or direction. The Lord had other ideas. He decided it was time to get Moses’ attention---to place him back in service.
Moses thought life was as good as it gets, he married and was raising a family had few cares until that fateful morning. As he was tending his sheep he noticed a very strange thing. There in the desert a bush was burning but something was not right. So he gets closer to see just what is going on. As he gets closer he not only sees the burning bush he hears the voice of God. No doubt that got his attention.
Many times when we are in our own desert, out self imposed exile as it were, we don't hear the Lord's voice because we are too consumed with our own thoughts -- so the Lord needs to get our attention. Do we see a burning bush or hear the booming voice of God? No but God does use circumstances and events to get our attention.
In Moses' case it was a burning bush -- something ordinary (a bush), that became extraordinary. It was amazing to him (after all it's not every day you see a burning bush in the middle of the desert), so he went over to check it out (the Lord got his attention).
It took a bush set on fire to get Moses’ attention, but once God had his attention He was able to talk to him. This is a really important point to me. Many people think the key to this story is the burning bush (the miracle); I think the more important point is that God is always speaking to us -- it's just sometimes He needs to use rather dramatic means to get our attention so we hear him. What would it take for God to get your attention?
Most women are sure their husbands possess selective hearing. We men certainly do appear to have an innate ability to concentrate and block out all distractions at times. Unfortunately, this same ability to insulate ourselves can also hurt us when God is trying to talk to us. How does God get your attention? Does He have to set something on fire, tear something down or break something before we will hear Him? Does He currently have your attention? What is He trying to tell you? Are you listening? Or are you waiting for a burning bush?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
What To Do WhenTempted
James 1:14-15
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
How does temptation work? What does sinful temptation consist of? Temptation is an age old problem that has plagued man from the time he was in the garden. James is showing us two very important aspects of temptation we must all consider: first, it is being drawn away from God. Second it is being enticed by one’s own lust.
For him that knoweth to do right and doth it not to him it is sin. We can all tell ourselves it is ok or it will not matter but if our actions thoughts and desires draw us away from God then it is wrong. It does not matter where our affection lie, on a rock star, country music legend, a football team or even a family member if those affections are allowed to come between us and the single-minded pursuit of God’s glory then we have made an error.
Before you judge that statement or get upset and turn off your mind think about what it means. It does not mean we are to cease to care for or serve others; it does mean that even our closest relationships and most committed labors must all be grounded in, and flowing out of, our love for Christ. If we do what we do would Christ be pleased should be our guide.
Notice it is our own lust that draws us away from God. That is not to say every lust (strong passion or desire) is wrong. Whether the lust is good or bad is entirely dependent on how it is perceived and qualified. Is it the lust of men, of the world, of the flesh? Are they our own desires /passions, or did they come from God to be used for His Glory? If they are self-motivated or self-originated then it is safe to say those lust are sinful. On the other hand if God gives us the overwhelming desire and passion for a specific calling then we are not to conclude that would draw us away from Him. On the contrary if it is from God you can rest assured it will only draw you closer to Him.
Every person is tempted by their passions or selfish pursuits to be drawn away from God. That is a tool Satan uses to defeat God’s people. If he can get your mind off God he wins. The lust of the flesh the pride of life is but a few things used to get you away from God. We are all tempted every day to do something we know deep down we should not do.
Romans 8: 5-8 “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
When Jesus was tempted by the devil what did He do? Quoted Scripture and the told the devil to get behind him. Matthew 4: 10, “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” As God’s kids we also have the same power to tell the devil to take a hike.
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
How does temptation work? What does sinful temptation consist of? Temptation is an age old problem that has plagued man from the time he was in the garden. James is showing us two very important aspects of temptation we must all consider: first, it is being drawn away from God. Second it is being enticed by one’s own lust.
For him that knoweth to do right and doth it not to him it is sin. We can all tell ourselves it is ok or it will not matter but if our actions thoughts and desires draw us away from God then it is wrong. It does not matter where our affection lie, on a rock star, country music legend, a football team or even a family member if those affections are allowed to come between us and the single-minded pursuit of God’s glory then we have made an error.
Before you judge that statement or get upset and turn off your mind think about what it means. It does not mean we are to cease to care for or serve others; it does mean that even our closest relationships and most committed labors must all be grounded in, and flowing out of, our love for Christ. If we do what we do would Christ be pleased should be our guide.
Notice it is our own lust that draws us away from God. That is not to say every lust (strong passion or desire) is wrong. Whether the lust is good or bad is entirely dependent on how it is perceived and qualified. Is it the lust of men, of the world, of the flesh? Are they our own desires /passions, or did they come from God to be used for His Glory? If they are self-motivated or self-originated then it is safe to say those lust are sinful. On the other hand if God gives us the overwhelming desire and passion for a specific calling then we are not to conclude that would draw us away from Him. On the contrary if it is from God you can rest assured it will only draw you closer to Him.
Every person is tempted by their passions or selfish pursuits to be drawn away from God. That is a tool Satan uses to defeat God’s people. If he can get your mind off God he wins. The lust of the flesh the pride of life is but a few things used to get you away from God. We are all tempted every day to do something we know deep down we should not do.
Romans 8: 5-8 “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
When Jesus was tempted by the devil what did He do? Quoted Scripture and the told the devil to get behind him. Matthew 4: 10, “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” As God’s kids we also have the same power to tell the devil to take a hike.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Breaking God's Heart
John 3:16
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.
How would you feel if someone you loved so much you would die for just turned their back on you and walked away? Would you chase after them? Would you beg them to come back? Would you yell at them? What would you do?
Jesus looked on Jerusalem and his heart was broken because they could not or would not see how much God loved them. When Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus the Jews thought his tears were because a friend had died. They thought His heart was broken. In truth Jesus was crying for the Jews because of their unbelief. Crying for their lack of faith and crying because they did not see what God was tying to do. Jesus shed tears many times in His earthly ministry. Many times it was due to something man either was or wasn’t doing. On the night Judas betrayed Him Jesus wept for all mankind. He shed tears as he asks three times if there was another way to get God’s greatest creation to return to God. Those and many more times Jesus prayed with tears in his eyes because His heart was hurting for those He loved.
All those tears will not hurt God as much as those He will cry when He has to turn those He loved and died for away because they rejected His offer of salvation. Imagine if you will how God’s heart will be broken when at the Great White Throne Judgment He has to say “Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire.” Rev 20:11-15
What will be going through His mind as He thinks of the millions for whom He died on the cross who failed to accept His offer of freedom and life and have instead chosen death and hell?
When He thinks about the Christians who didn’t love Him enough to tell anyone about Him, or have faith enough to believe He would do what He said he would do? It would be nice if Jesus didn’t have to weep again but He will.
When those who have never accepted Him as personal savior stand before Him He will weep as He is forced to judge them and sentence them to an eternity in hell. As He cast them into the lake of fire He will weep bitter tears.
As those He loves have no rewards due to little faith and no fruits stand before Him he will weep because they didn’t care enough to share His love with those He has just cast into the fire.
Who will God’s heart break for the most the lost or the ones who just don’t care? Either way He will weep as he has done and continues to do.
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.
How would you feel if someone you loved so much you would die for just turned their back on you and walked away? Would you chase after them? Would you beg them to come back? Would you yell at them? What would you do?
Jesus looked on Jerusalem and his heart was broken because they could not or would not see how much God loved them. When Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus the Jews thought his tears were because a friend had died. They thought His heart was broken. In truth Jesus was crying for the Jews because of their unbelief. Crying for their lack of faith and crying because they did not see what God was tying to do. Jesus shed tears many times in His earthly ministry. Many times it was due to something man either was or wasn’t doing. On the night Judas betrayed Him Jesus wept for all mankind. He shed tears as he asks three times if there was another way to get God’s greatest creation to return to God. Those and many more times Jesus prayed with tears in his eyes because His heart was hurting for those He loved.
All those tears will not hurt God as much as those He will cry when He has to turn those He loved and died for away because they rejected His offer of salvation. Imagine if you will how God’s heart will be broken when at the Great White Throne Judgment He has to say “Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire.” Rev 20:11-15
What will be going through His mind as He thinks of the millions for whom He died on the cross who failed to accept His offer of freedom and life and have instead chosen death and hell?
When He thinks about the Christians who didn’t love Him enough to tell anyone about Him, or have faith enough to believe He would do what He said he would do? It would be nice if Jesus didn’t have to weep again but He will.
When those who have never accepted Him as personal savior stand before Him He will weep as He is forced to judge them and sentence them to an eternity in hell. As He cast them into the lake of fire He will weep bitter tears.
As those He loves have no rewards due to little faith and no fruits stand before Him he will weep because they didn’t care enough to share His love with those He has just cast into the fire.
Who will God’s heart break for the most the lost or the ones who just don’t care? Either way He will weep as he has done and continues to do.
Friday, May 6, 2011
What Dose God Require?
Micah 6:7-8 “Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Many times men feel they can do better than God. This was true with the leaders of Israel when many times they felt they had the best plan for their offerings. They thought God would be satisfied as long as they called on His name every once in a while. Visited the Temple on special days and offered something shinny on the alter. But outward expressions of worship have never bee sufficient to satisfy God.
Remember what happened to King Saul when he was told by God to utterly destroy everything that belonged to the Amalekites. Saul felt that was not the best thing to do. He then brought some of the best cattle back to offer as a sacrifice to God. After all God would understand wouldn’t He? God then told Samuel to tell Saul “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” 1 Samuel 15:22 In other words outward expressions of worship without inward motivation is an abomination to God. God was not happy with Saul and he will not be happy with us.
So what does God require? First he requires we are to do justly. How many people do you know who trust you 100%? Or how many do you trust 100%? I mean how many people do you personally know who you trust completely? God requires us to be honest with other people. Do we say one thing on Sunday and another on Monday? God requires us to be the same every day of the week. To do less would make us a hypocrite.
God requires us to love mercy. Mercy means we don’t get what we deserve. Qualities such as longsuffering, forgiveness and patience go hand in hand with mercy. Kind of sounds like God wants us to be like Him. To love mercy means to do more than is required of us. It’s more than just keeping the letter of the law.
God requires us to walk humbly. No one likes a proud, stuck-up self-centered person, neither does God. In James 4:6 we are given this instruction, “But He giveth more grace, wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” God expects us to do more than just come to church on Sunday and Wednesday. He expects us to fulfill our obligations. He expects us to have more that an outward expression of worship. He expects us to have an inward spirit of humility, mercy and justice. Our outward expressions of worship are meaningless if we don’t have the right inward motivations. Traditions, rites and rituals are meaningless if we do not have the love of Christ in our hearts.
Many times men feel they can do better than God. This was true with the leaders of Israel when many times they felt they had the best plan for their offerings. They thought God would be satisfied as long as they called on His name every once in a while. Visited the Temple on special days and offered something shinny on the alter. But outward expressions of worship have never bee sufficient to satisfy God.
Remember what happened to King Saul when he was told by God to utterly destroy everything that belonged to the Amalekites. Saul felt that was not the best thing to do. He then brought some of the best cattle back to offer as a sacrifice to God. After all God would understand wouldn’t He? God then told Samuel to tell Saul “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” 1 Samuel 15:22 In other words outward expressions of worship without inward motivation is an abomination to God. God was not happy with Saul and he will not be happy with us.
So what does God require? First he requires we are to do justly. How many people do you know who trust you 100%? Or how many do you trust 100%? I mean how many people do you personally know who you trust completely? God requires us to be honest with other people. Do we say one thing on Sunday and another on Monday? God requires us to be the same every day of the week. To do less would make us a hypocrite.
God requires us to love mercy. Mercy means we don’t get what we deserve. Qualities such as longsuffering, forgiveness and patience go hand in hand with mercy. Kind of sounds like God wants us to be like Him. To love mercy means to do more than is required of us. It’s more than just keeping the letter of the law.
God requires us to walk humbly. No one likes a proud, stuck-up self-centered person, neither does God. In James 4:6 we are given this instruction, “But He giveth more grace, wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” God expects us to do more than just come to church on Sunday and Wednesday. He expects us to fulfill our obligations. He expects us to have more that an outward expression of worship. He expects us to have an inward spirit of humility, mercy and justice. Our outward expressions of worship are meaningless if we don’t have the right inward motivations. Traditions, rites and rituals are meaningless if we do not have the love of Christ in our hearts.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
In God's Hands
John 10: 28-29, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
What does it mean to be in God’s hands? Let us first look at those hands. God’s hands crafted the heavens. With His hands he carpeted the mountains and formed the hills and valleys. Filled the oceans and planted all the trees and flowers. From the dust of the earth He made man in His own image and breathed into him the breath of life. God holds the entire world in His hands and has control of all that He has created. His hands are filed with love and caring for the sparrow and every living creature on this planet. Jesus said, “My Father, which gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”
When Jesus came to this world in the form of man God placed in his hands the fate of all peoples past and future. Those same loving hands shaped wood, cast out demons and held the hand of a child. Hands raised in praise to the Father fed thousands. Could he have raised his hands summoned legions of angels to defeat the Roman army-- yes but then where would we be? He willingly spread His hands and took Roman nails on a cruel cross so that we might live.
So then when we accept Jesus as savior we are placed in God’s hands and we can never be removed. For anyone to even think God would drop something as precious as a soul His son died for is ridiculous. Jesus made it clear twice that we could not be taken out of God’s hands. When we are saved we are born into the family of God and there we shall remain. Just like when a child is born into an earthly family they are forever in that family. Good or bad they still are part of the family God sent them to.
So like a loving parent God cares for those in His family. Protects and corrects, loves and trains those He loves. With a gentle hand we are guided or with a stern hand we are corrected but we are always in His hands.
There are many other aspects of God’s hands that are too numerous to mention here. In God’s hands we secure and in God’s hands we will stay. For those who are not in His hands all you have to do is look to Jesus and ask to be forgiven and with all the love God has you will be born into His family and placed in His hands.
What does it mean to be in God’s hands? Let us first look at those hands. God’s hands crafted the heavens. With His hands he carpeted the mountains and formed the hills and valleys. Filled the oceans and planted all the trees and flowers. From the dust of the earth He made man in His own image and breathed into him the breath of life. God holds the entire world in His hands and has control of all that He has created. His hands are filed with love and caring for the sparrow and every living creature on this planet. Jesus said, “My Father, which gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”
When Jesus came to this world in the form of man God placed in his hands the fate of all peoples past and future. Those same loving hands shaped wood, cast out demons and held the hand of a child. Hands raised in praise to the Father fed thousands. Could he have raised his hands summoned legions of angels to defeat the Roman army-- yes but then where would we be? He willingly spread His hands and took Roman nails on a cruel cross so that we might live.
So then when we accept Jesus as savior we are placed in God’s hands and we can never be removed. For anyone to even think God would drop something as precious as a soul His son died for is ridiculous. Jesus made it clear twice that we could not be taken out of God’s hands. When we are saved we are born into the family of God and there we shall remain. Just like when a child is born into an earthly family they are forever in that family. Good or bad they still are part of the family God sent them to.
So like a loving parent God cares for those in His family. Protects and corrects, loves and trains those He loves. With a gentle hand we are guided or with a stern hand we are corrected but we are always in His hands.
There are many other aspects of God’s hands that are too numerous to mention here. In God’s hands we secure and in God’s hands we will stay. For those who are not in His hands all you have to do is look to Jesus and ask to be forgiven and with all the love God has you will be born into His family and placed in His hands.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Strength and Encouragement
2 Corinthians 12:9 “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Sometimes God answers our prayers with no. If He says no to one thing it may be He has something better in mind. Paul prayed three times fervently asking God to remove his thorn, a thorn that must have caused him great and continual pain. Finally God answered, “My grace is sufficient for thee: my strength is made perfect in weakness.” In our minds we often think if only this one thing was gone I would be great at what God called me to do. It is true God could grant that wish but He may also see we would use that as a self enhancing tool and forget who did the healing. Man is like that, he gets the answer he wants and then quickly thinks, “Hey look at me I must be something look what I got.” Our ego gets puffed up and we seem to forget God was the one who provided for us.
Notice God’s answer to Paul. He didn’t say ‘My grace is sufficient for this difficulty.” He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, Paul.” Paul prayed for deliverance from one ordeal, but God granted him grace for everything he would encounter in his life. Paul did not stop hurting and having problems in his life. God is reminding Paul, and us, His grace is sufficient. Through it all Paul had many opportunities to exalt the name of Jesus. His pain kept him humble and mindful of God and His strength. God showed Paul that His strength was even more evident in times of weakness than at any other time. Paul as you struggle and wake up each morning hurting remember I am here to help you show others about My Son. Paul when you are weak I am strong.
This should be our battle cry as Christians we stand against unbelievable odds and our worst enemy. When we are weak He is strong. God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us in all we do. Our goal is not to glorify ourselves but to glorify Christ.
Rest assured that God’s grace is still sufficient, and that His power is still being manifested through the difficulties we face in our lives.
Sometimes God answers our prayers with no. If He says no to one thing it may be He has something better in mind. Paul prayed three times fervently asking God to remove his thorn, a thorn that must have caused him great and continual pain. Finally God answered, “My grace is sufficient for thee: my strength is made perfect in weakness.” In our minds we often think if only this one thing was gone I would be great at what God called me to do. It is true God could grant that wish but He may also see we would use that as a self enhancing tool and forget who did the healing. Man is like that, he gets the answer he wants and then quickly thinks, “Hey look at me I must be something look what I got.” Our ego gets puffed up and we seem to forget God was the one who provided for us.
Notice God’s answer to Paul. He didn’t say ‘My grace is sufficient for this difficulty.” He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, Paul.” Paul prayed for deliverance from one ordeal, but God granted him grace for everything he would encounter in his life. Paul did not stop hurting and having problems in his life. God is reminding Paul, and us, His grace is sufficient. Through it all Paul had many opportunities to exalt the name of Jesus. His pain kept him humble and mindful of God and His strength. God showed Paul that His strength was even more evident in times of weakness than at any other time. Paul as you struggle and wake up each morning hurting remember I am here to help you show others about My Son. Paul when you are weak I am strong.
This should be our battle cry as Christians we stand against unbelievable odds and our worst enemy. When we are weak He is strong. God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us in all we do. Our goal is not to glorify ourselves but to glorify Christ.
Rest assured that God’s grace is still sufficient, and that His power is still being manifested through the difficulties we face in our lives.
Monday, May 2, 2011
How Do We Hear God?
Proverbs 8:33-36 “Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
No matter who we are or how old we are we all have difficulty at times receiving instructions. This especially appears to be true when it comes to listening to God and following His instructions. Yet godly wisdom is pure and will always prove to be correct. When we walk in His wisdom we are pleasing to God. It has long been proven that when we listen to men we become foolish. Proverbs 12:15 explains it best, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto council is wise.”
We are urged to not only hear instruction but to listen to it. Apply it to our life and put it into practice. Wisdom then, is not knowing all the answers yourself, but hearing and implementing the wise council of God’s Word. To find genuine wisdom we must walk in the favor of the Lord. When we find wisdom we also find life.
We heard a great message this last Sunday when our pastor gave us instructions on how not to be defeated. He showed how Peter, a lowly fisherman was turned into a great preacher because he listened to what God was calling him to do. We also learned how long suffering, how forgiving, and how loving God is.
It is only when we walk in the light and love of God can we see where we need to go. We see in these verses we are blessed when we hear God’s instructions. We are also given instructions what we are to do once we hear the instruction. We are to watch daily at His gates for direction and we are to wait at His door for guidance. The result is when we find the Lord we find life and we will obtain favor of the Lord. What happens if we don’t listen? To quote the Proverb “But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.”
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
No matter who we are or how old we are we all have difficulty at times receiving instructions. This especially appears to be true when it comes to listening to God and following His instructions. Yet godly wisdom is pure and will always prove to be correct. When we walk in His wisdom we are pleasing to God. It has long been proven that when we listen to men we become foolish. Proverbs 12:15 explains it best, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto council is wise.”
We are urged to not only hear instruction but to listen to it. Apply it to our life and put it into practice. Wisdom then, is not knowing all the answers yourself, but hearing and implementing the wise council of God’s Word. To find genuine wisdom we must walk in the favor of the Lord. When we find wisdom we also find life.
We heard a great message this last Sunday when our pastor gave us instructions on how not to be defeated. He showed how Peter, a lowly fisherman was turned into a great preacher because he listened to what God was calling him to do. We also learned how long suffering, how forgiving, and how loving God is.
It is only when we walk in the light and love of God can we see where we need to go. We see in these verses we are blessed when we hear God’s instructions. We are also given instructions what we are to do once we hear the instruction. We are to watch daily at His gates for direction and we are to wait at His door for guidance. The result is when we find the Lord we find life and we will obtain favor of the Lord. What happens if we don’t listen? To quote the Proverb “But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.”
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The Day After
Matthew 24:40-42 “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
Jesus not only is a risen savior but He is coming back to get those He loves and who know Him. In Matthew24: 31 we find what Jesus said was going to happen when he returns. He will give instructions to His angels to gather his elect from the four corners of the earth. His elect, who could He be talking about? He is talking about those who are washed in the blood of Calvary. The saved born again children of God. How will the angels know who are His elect? They will look for the blood. They will check to see if the name is written in the Lambs Book of Life. That is all they will be checking for. Nothing else will matter, not wealth, not political status, not church membership, or civic standing. Only the blood washed will be considered and gathered.
1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Those who do not know Christ will not rise to meet Him. We have all heard preachers say if you are not saved you won’t get to go. If the angels are instructed to gather only the elect and those who are in Christ shall rise to meet Him what about the rest? So what is going to happen the day after He comes back?
A great and terrible day is about to dawn. The wrath of God will be unleashed upon mankind for his sin and disbelief. If you think the destruction caused by spring storms was bad you aint seen nothing yet. Ok so you don’t think that is true, well my friend if you are not among those gathered try to show the angels your good works or your degrees or your traditions you cannot let go of. Tell them how good you have been and how sorry you are for not listening to God’s message, see how far that takes you. Your jealously, hate and disbelief will condemn you. Jesus will say depart from me for I never knew you. No one really wants to hear those words yet many will. Will you hear those words? Will you be left behind to experience the great tribulation where death and destruction will be the norm and there truly will be no peace?
There is still time to be able to go when Jesus calls. Seek His forgiveness according to God’s Word. Ask Jesus to come into your heart confess with your mouth and believe in your heart. Romans 10:9-10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Bottom line is if you can’t or won’t do that then you don’t get to go when He calls. You got to know Him for Him to know you. He is the way the truth and the life no one comes to the Father but through Him. Your choice; you can stay or you can go.
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
Jesus not only is a risen savior but He is coming back to get those He loves and who know Him. In Matthew24: 31 we find what Jesus said was going to happen when he returns. He will give instructions to His angels to gather his elect from the four corners of the earth. His elect, who could He be talking about? He is talking about those who are washed in the blood of Calvary. The saved born again children of God. How will the angels know who are His elect? They will look for the blood. They will check to see if the name is written in the Lambs Book of Life. That is all they will be checking for. Nothing else will matter, not wealth, not political status, not church membership, or civic standing. Only the blood washed will be considered and gathered.
1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Those who do not know Christ will not rise to meet Him. We have all heard preachers say if you are not saved you won’t get to go. If the angels are instructed to gather only the elect and those who are in Christ shall rise to meet Him what about the rest? So what is going to happen the day after He comes back?
A great and terrible day is about to dawn. The wrath of God will be unleashed upon mankind for his sin and disbelief. If you think the destruction caused by spring storms was bad you aint seen nothing yet. Ok so you don’t think that is true, well my friend if you are not among those gathered try to show the angels your good works or your degrees or your traditions you cannot let go of. Tell them how good you have been and how sorry you are for not listening to God’s message, see how far that takes you. Your jealously, hate and disbelief will condemn you. Jesus will say depart from me for I never knew you. No one really wants to hear those words yet many will. Will you hear those words? Will you be left behind to experience the great tribulation where death and destruction will be the norm and there truly will be no peace?
There is still time to be able to go when Jesus calls. Seek His forgiveness according to God’s Word. Ask Jesus to come into your heart confess with your mouth and believe in your heart. Romans 10:9-10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Bottom line is if you can’t or won’t do that then you don’t get to go when He calls. You got to know Him for Him to know you. He is the way the truth and the life no one comes to the Father but through Him. Your choice; you can stay or you can go.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Trusting God
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
The more you know God, the more you will trust Him. What is there not to trust? He is all powerful, has all the wisdom, and loves us beyond belief. Most every one expresses a belief in God, yet very few actually trust Him. Trusting the Lord with all your heart means walking out, by faith, on His word, no matter what consequences or opposition you may face. As Israel was about to cross Jordan into the promised land two things had to happen, one the priest had to trust God to part the waters and two the people had to believe God’s promise.
Trusting God wholeheartedly also means we are not to lean on our own knowledge and understanding. Now that does not mean we are to give up the sound mind and reasoning spirit that God has give us. But it does mean that we are not to rely on our limited knowledge, experience, and emotions to guide us safely through life. Israel knew the river was at flood stage, they knew there was no safe place to cross. They also knew the folks on the other side did not like them. Their natural instinct told them to stay put. Had they relied on their natural emotions they would have not crossed the river and would not have received the blessings God had planned for them. The water did not part until the sole of the foot of the priest touched the surface of the water. God did His part now Israel had to do their part.
The question we need to ask ourselves is this: do we trust God to do what he says, that He knows where He is going and that He will supply our needs? We are not to analyze or rationalize God’s leadership with man’s natural inclination for if we do then we will be inclined to not follow God. The bible clearly spells out His councils and directs us to follow regardless of our personal preferences or preconceptions. If we use those as our guide we are lease apt to follow God’s leadership. It is precisely at times like these we are least inclined to listen to God or follow where He leads.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
The more you know God, the more you will trust Him. What is there not to trust? He is all powerful, has all the wisdom, and loves us beyond belief. Most every one expresses a belief in God, yet very few actually trust Him. Trusting the Lord with all your heart means walking out, by faith, on His word, no matter what consequences or opposition you may face. As Israel was about to cross Jordan into the promised land two things had to happen, one the priest had to trust God to part the waters and two the people had to believe God’s promise.
Trusting God wholeheartedly also means we are not to lean on our own knowledge and understanding. Now that does not mean we are to give up the sound mind and reasoning spirit that God has give us. But it does mean that we are not to rely on our limited knowledge, experience, and emotions to guide us safely through life. Israel knew the river was at flood stage, they knew there was no safe place to cross. They also knew the folks on the other side did not like them. Their natural instinct told them to stay put. Had they relied on their natural emotions they would have not crossed the river and would not have received the blessings God had planned for them. The water did not part until the sole of the foot of the priest touched the surface of the water. God did His part now Israel had to do their part.
The question we need to ask ourselves is this: do we trust God to do what he says, that He knows where He is going and that He will supply our needs? We are not to analyze or rationalize God’s leadership with man’s natural inclination for if we do then we will be inclined to not follow God. The bible clearly spells out His councils and directs us to follow regardless of our personal preferences or preconceptions. If we use those as our guide we are lease apt to follow God’s leadership. It is precisely at times like these we are least inclined to listen to God or follow where He leads.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Walking With Wise Men
Proverbs 13:20, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
Proverbs gives us many things we can use to structure our lives around. Some give us insight as well as warnings. It is interesting that this verse speaks with purposeful direction in both the positive and negative direction.
He that walks with the wise will surely be wise. Churches and universities are filled with wise people. Wisdom will not magically rub off when we find ourselves around wise individuals. If it did then we would not see people turn away from the wisdom of God’s Word to the foolish pursuits of the world. Churches are full of wise people both intellectually and spiritually. Yet even with all the wisdom found in church we have all seen many walk with the world instead of with Christ.
It is not simply being around wise people that make us wise---it is walking with them. It is a conscious choice to learn from, agree with, and live by the wisdom one sees. It is walking in the light of the wisdom and counsel they show us.
This verse also shows what will happen when we choose to walk as a companion with fools. This is a lesson we all have seen and may have experienced first hand. A companion of fools will be destroyed.
Let us look at the warning in this proverb, because success or failure depends on the friendships we choose to form. We have hope because we can choose with whom we will walk, who our companions and confidents will be. How many times have we heard someone say they are good kids they just ran with the wrong crowd? Choose your friends carefully for they may be pulling you the wrong way. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools will be destroyed.
Proverbs gives us many things we can use to structure our lives around. Some give us insight as well as warnings. It is interesting that this verse speaks with purposeful direction in both the positive and negative direction.
He that walks with the wise will surely be wise. Churches and universities are filled with wise people. Wisdom will not magically rub off when we find ourselves around wise individuals. If it did then we would not see people turn away from the wisdom of God’s Word to the foolish pursuits of the world. Churches are full of wise people both intellectually and spiritually. Yet even with all the wisdom found in church we have all seen many walk with the world instead of with Christ.
It is not simply being around wise people that make us wise---it is walking with them. It is a conscious choice to learn from, agree with, and live by the wisdom one sees. It is walking in the light of the wisdom and counsel they show us.
This verse also shows what will happen when we choose to walk as a companion with fools. This is a lesson we all have seen and may have experienced first hand. A companion of fools will be destroyed.
Let us look at the warning in this proverb, because success or failure depends on the friendships we choose to form. We have hope because we can choose with whom we will walk, who our companions and confidents will be. How many times have we heard someone say they are good kids they just ran with the wrong crowd? Choose your friends carefully for they may be pulling you the wrong way. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools will be destroyed.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
God Maker of Mountains
Psalms 102:25-27
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Have you ever really looked at a mountain? When you look at a mountain do you only see a large mound of dirt and rock or do you see a work of God’s hand. Think of a mountain. Imagine its high soaring peaks and crags, its deep valleys and dense forests. Imagine its age, with some of its trees being hundreds of years old, not to mention the rock itself. A thing as daunting as a mountain can seem unchangeable, almost permanent. Yet with the wave of God’s hand it can disappear.
It is more than something to walk over or go around or stand on top of. In truth a mountain is a living breathing creation of God. It is alive and ever changing. It is home to many of God’s creatures. Valleys are carved by the flowing of streams and blowing of the wind. The panoramas of peaks we enjoy are sculpted slowly, over thousands of years, into their present grandeur. Now, while a thousand years may seem a long time to us. In 2 Peter 3:8 we are told, “But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as a day.” Our God is ever living, eternal, and truly unchangeable. He is also all powerful and is in control.
Many go the mountain top seeking God. It was once said that God gives us mountains to teach us how to climb. I feel He also give us mountains, both physical and spiritual, so that we can be drawn closer to Him. Are the mountains the only place we can find God? Of course not but we may have to climb a mountain to gain complete understanding. Yea though I walk through the valley He is my guide. For in the valley we may be weak but there He is the strongest. God is always there no matter where we walk. We have but to take His hand.
As the ages of men change, as the problems and persecutions shift, and our lives transition from consistency to catastrophe, God is there and interested in who we are and what we do. Our God exists: apart from the changing seasons, apart from the rising sun and setting moon, apart from a nation’s wealth and dominance, apart from our personal prosperity or poverty. He can make a sun rise bringing light to the world with all its vibrant colors and hues. It is short lived and is never the same again. Yet God can make another more beautiful than the one before and each is original. He can take a wrenched sinner and turn them into a powerful force for His glory. He is the potter and we are the clay.
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Have you ever really looked at a mountain? When you look at a mountain do you only see a large mound of dirt and rock or do you see a work of God’s hand. Think of a mountain. Imagine its high soaring peaks and crags, its deep valleys and dense forests. Imagine its age, with some of its trees being hundreds of years old, not to mention the rock itself. A thing as daunting as a mountain can seem unchangeable, almost permanent. Yet with the wave of God’s hand it can disappear.
It is more than something to walk over or go around or stand on top of. In truth a mountain is a living breathing creation of God. It is alive and ever changing. It is home to many of God’s creatures. Valleys are carved by the flowing of streams and blowing of the wind. The panoramas of peaks we enjoy are sculpted slowly, over thousands of years, into their present grandeur. Now, while a thousand years may seem a long time to us. In 2 Peter 3:8 we are told, “But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as a day.” Our God is ever living, eternal, and truly unchangeable. He is also all powerful and is in control.
Many go the mountain top seeking God. It was once said that God gives us mountains to teach us how to climb. I feel He also give us mountains, both physical and spiritual, so that we can be drawn closer to Him. Are the mountains the only place we can find God? Of course not but we may have to climb a mountain to gain complete understanding. Yea though I walk through the valley He is my guide. For in the valley we may be weak but there He is the strongest. God is always there no matter where we walk. We have but to take His hand.
As the ages of men change, as the problems and persecutions shift, and our lives transition from consistency to catastrophe, God is there and interested in who we are and what we do. Our God exists: apart from the changing seasons, apart from the rising sun and setting moon, apart from a nation’s wealth and dominance, apart from our personal prosperity or poverty. He can make a sun rise bringing light to the world with all its vibrant colors and hues. It is short lived and is never the same again. Yet God can make another more beautiful than the one before and each is original. He can take a wrenched sinner and turn them into a powerful force for His glory. He is the potter and we are the clay.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
What Do You Know
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but the fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Where does knowledge come from? How do we get it? These are great questions and are filled with many avenues and direction. The first thing that many schools throw out of any discussion or pursuit of knowledge is God. When we want to know about anything we usually look to the designer and maker to learn how it works or how it will benefit us. Yet in this verse we see the beginning of knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord. We cannot hope to attain any real understanding of our world, its purpose, or our place in it without first turning to and learning from God. He is after all the creator of all things. The fool looks at material things and therefore assumes things about God; the wise person looks at God and therefore assumes things about material things.
Is the window you look at the world through flawed by a traditional blemish in the window? Is your window clouded with sin that blinds you to God’s glory? Or do you look at the world through the lens of God’s Word and with a fearsome understanding that it was created for the glory of God? If you do then intellectual pursuits, family relationships, job opportunities, and every other area of life will fit into place. If on the other hand you do not begin with fear of the Lord, then life will appear to be like a cross word puzzle with an incorrect word written in the middle; nothing will fit properly.
If you are getting some wrong answers, that don’t seem to fit or solve the problems in your life, try erasing all your answers and replacing them with God’s. Remember, God is the maker and creator of all. He has given us the rule book by which we are to live and He alone gives us the ability to learn how to use the knowledge in His Word. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Where does knowledge come from? How do we get it? These are great questions and are filled with many avenues and direction. The first thing that many schools throw out of any discussion or pursuit of knowledge is God. When we want to know about anything we usually look to the designer and maker to learn how it works or how it will benefit us. Yet in this verse we see the beginning of knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord. We cannot hope to attain any real understanding of our world, its purpose, or our place in it without first turning to and learning from God. He is after all the creator of all things. The fool looks at material things and therefore assumes things about God; the wise person looks at God and therefore assumes things about material things.
Is the window you look at the world through flawed by a traditional blemish in the window? Is your window clouded with sin that blinds you to God’s glory? Or do you look at the world through the lens of God’s Word and with a fearsome understanding that it was created for the glory of God? If you do then intellectual pursuits, family relationships, job opportunities, and every other area of life will fit into place. If on the other hand you do not begin with fear of the Lord, then life will appear to be like a cross word puzzle with an incorrect word written in the middle; nothing will fit properly.
If you are getting some wrong answers, that don’t seem to fit or solve the problems in your life, try erasing all your answers and replacing them with God’s. Remember, God is the maker and creator of all. He has given us the rule book by which we are to live and He alone gives us the ability to learn how to use the knowledge in His Word. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Monday, April 25, 2011
What Is Your Aim
Philippians 3:13-14
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
There was a story some years ago about a man who was taken before a Justice of Peace. What was so interesting about this common occurrence was what he was charged with. His charge was not a serious crime, he was just found wandering in the fields. He was asked where he was going; he said he did not know. Questioned as to where he lived he stated he did not have a home. So he was brought before the JP and charged with wandering. The reasoning behind this charge was explained that this man appeared to be a dangerous lunatic. He had not harmed anyone nor did he have any intention to do so. It just appeared to the world this man had no aim or direction.
There are many who today have no aim. They are passing through life without any apparent direction---wandering aimlessly. They take but never are willing to give back.
Have you ever seen land where all that the land could yield was taken and nothing was ever replaced? What then is left is barren, unfruitful and wasted land. This pictures many lives today.
To know Christ, and to give one’s life to service, means to have aim and purpose in life. Paul shows us he had aim and purpose. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul is not talking about salvation, he already knew Jesus as personal savior. He is speaking of finding purpose in life. His goal was set high and with God’s grace he was reaching for the stars. Paul had direction and purpose. He was not just wandering through life taking all he could and never giving back. “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20-21
As the man charged with wandering appeared to be a dangerous lunatic, so may any today so appear who wander about with no real direction or purpose. God created each with special talents and He fully expects those talents to be used for His glory. Paul makes it clear what his aim is, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
A live surrendered to Christ is one worth living. Without Christ there is no hope, with Him we have live and that life is abundant.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
There was a story some years ago about a man who was taken before a Justice of Peace. What was so interesting about this common occurrence was what he was charged with. His charge was not a serious crime, he was just found wandering in the fields. He was asked where he was going; he said he did not know. Questioned as to where he lived he stated he did not have a home. So he was brought before the JP and charged with wandering. The reasoning behind this charge was explained that this man appeared to be a dangerous lunatic. He had not harmed anyone nor did he have any intention to do so. It just appeared to the world this man had no aim or direction.
There are many who today have no aim. They are passing through life without any apparent direction---wandering aimlessly. They take but never are willing to give back.
Have you ever seen land where all that the land could yield was taken and nothing was ever replaced? What then is left is barren, unfruitful and wasted land. This pictures many lives today.
To know Christ, and to give one’s life to service, means to have aim and purpose in life. Paul shows us he had aim and purpose. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul is not talking about salvation, he already knew Jesus as personal savior. He is speaking of finding purpose in life. His goal was set high and with God’s grace he was reaching for the stars. Paul had direction and purpose. He was not just wandering through life taking all he could and never giving back. “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20-21
As the man charged with wandering appeared to be a dangerous lunatic, so may any today so appear who wander about with no real direction or purpose. God created each with special talents and He fully expects those talents to be used for His glory. Paul makes it clear what his aim is, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
A live surrendered to Christ is one worth living. Without Christ there is no hope, with Him we have live and that life is abundant.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Jesus Rose From the Dead
Matthew 28: 5-6, “And the angel answered and said unto the women, fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Com and see the place where the Lord lay.”
When Jesus rose from the dead it defied logic and reasoning. It did in His day and it still does today. Yet should we deny His resurrection we also make false a large number of scriptures which speak otherwise. There are many today who simply do not believe this happened. Satan has filled their minds with doubt and confusion. If the Biblical account of the resurrection of Jesus were not true, then He was not the virgin born Son of God. Without it His death on the cross was meaningless to us. The Apostle Paul spoke plainly about this idea when he wrote, “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” 1Corinthians 15:14 He went on to say, “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” 1 Corinthians 15:17
When God devised the plan to send His son to die as a sacrifice for the sin of mankind He singled Christ out and made Him different from all the others who lived and died. A survey taken of ministerial students several years ago found that 70% did not believe Jesus actually came out of the grave. Those who were students then are filling pulpits now. It is not wonder there is so much confusion in the church today.
While the testimony of the scriptures might not have much meaning to those who find it easy to deny “Thus saith the Lord,” still to us, they are the final and ultimate witness to what truth really is. Let us examine but a few passages that to the open mind should prove the resurrection is real beyond a shadow of a doubt.
1. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 tells us Jesus was seen by at least five hundred twenty three people after He came out of the grave. The testimony of theses many witnesses would hold up in a court of law. Why then will it not stand in the mind of those who profess to be religious leaders?
2. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Paul ties the truth of the resurrection up with all the hopes of the children of God. If it were not true then all religion is vain.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:20 plainly declares, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.” His resurrection assures our resurrection.
4. Romans 1:4 Paul uses this truth to declare Jesus to be the Son of God.
5. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 Christ’s resurrection is the basis of salvation and being with Jesus when He comes with all His saints.
6. Acts 1:3 Jesus is the One who “showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs.” Just to prove He did what he said He showed Himself too many witnesses.
Scriptures like these could be multiplied, but these few should give a clear picture Jesus is alive and well. We are instructed to worship Him in spirit and truth. Not man made truth but the truth of God, the creator of all and the ultimate judge. Believe it or not Jesus rose from the grave on the third day and did so that we could be free.
When Jesus rose from the dead it defied logic and reasoning. It did in His day and it still does today. Yet should we deny His resurrection we also make false a large number of scriptures which speak otherwise. There are many today who simply do not believe this happened. Satan has filled their minds with doubt and confusion. If the Biblical account of the resurrection of Jesus were not true, then He was not the virgin born Son of God. Without it His death on the cross was meaningless to us. The Apostle Paul spoke plainly about this idea when he wrote, “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” 1Corinthians 15:14 He went on to say, “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” 1 Corinthians 15:17
When God devised the plan to send His son to die as a sacrifice for the sin of mankind He singled Christ out and made Him different from all the others who lived and died. A survey taken of ministerial students several years ago found that 70% did not believe Jesus actually came out of the grave. Those who were students then are filling pulpits now. It is not wonder there is so much confusion in the church today.
While the testimony of the scriptures might not have much meaning to those who find it easy to deny “Thus saith the Lord,” still to us, they are the final and ultimate witness to what truth really is. Let us examine but a few passages that to the open mind should prove the resurrection is real beyond a shadow of a doubt.
1. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 tells us Jesus was seen by at least five hundred twenty three people after He came out of the grave. The testimony of theses many witnesses would hold up in a court of law. Why then will it not stand in the mind of those who profess to be religious leaders?
2. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Paul ties the truth of the resurrection up with all the hopes of the children of God. If it were not true then all religion is vain.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:20 plainly declares, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.” His resurrection assures our resurrection.
4. Romans 1:4 Paul uses this truth to declare Jesus to be the Son of God.
5. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 Christ’s resurrection is the basis of salvation and being with Jesus when He comes with all His saints.
6. Acts 1:3 Jesus is the One who “showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs.” Just to prove He did what he said He showed Himself too many witnesses.
Scriptures like these could be multiplied, but these few should give a clear picture Jesus is alive and well. We are instructed to worship Him in spirit and truth. Not man made truth but the truth of God, the creator of all and the ultimate judge. Believe it or not Jesus rose from the grave on the third day and did so that we could be free.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Jesus Our Sin-Bearer
1 Peter 2:24, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by those strips ye were healed.”
On the day some are calling Good Friday let us examine what had just happened. The Lamb of God had just been offered as a sacrifice for us. He had been killed by jealous religious men but His death was foretold and had a purpose. It would be easy to construct the whole plan of redemption around the words “He bore our sins.” These four simple words carry great weight for they express what Jesus has done for us.
When we hear that Jesus bore in his own body bore our sins we automatically have a vision of a load, or burden. The Bible calls sin a heavy burden. Man was never intended to carry the heavy load of sin. Yet man feels he is capable to carry this heavy load. That load can be described as a death penalty. It also carries the power to convict and separate us from God. This is the burden Jesus bore for us on Calvary’s tree. God already knew that sin was going to be heavier than any man could bear, so He sent His son to carry all our sins. Not just the sins of those who wanted Him dead but the sins of the entire population of the planet; then and now. John the Baptist introduced Jesus to us when he said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John1:29
Before Jesus could be our sin-bearer he had to identify with us. He had to become flesh and feel the pain we feel, feel the frustration we feel, face the temptations we face, but he also had to be free of sin. He did not experience sin as we do but he had to understand it. He then knew the weight of the burden He must carry. Paul talks about this in Hebrews 2:14. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of the flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil.”
As Jesus hung between heaven and earth and looked into the eyes of those who accused him, try to imagine what must have been going through the minds of the chief priest and elders as they watched Jesus die. As Jesus hung on the tree in mortal pain the sin of the world tearing at his soul; He looked not only at the ones who stood by to watch him die but he looked at you and me when he said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”.
There are still those who do not believe Jesus bore our sin but was simply a martyr for a cause. God’s Word is clear, saying “The chastisement of our peace was upon him” Isaiah 53:5. The Lamb of God was offered as a sacrifice for t lost world.
On the day some are calling Good Friday let us examine what had just happened. The Lamb of God had just been offered as a sacrifice for us. He had been killed by jealous religious men but His death was foretold and had a purpose. It would be easy to construct the whole plan of redemption around the words “He bore our sins.” These four simple words carry great weight for they express what Jesus has done for us.
When we hear that Jesus bore in his own body bore our sins we automatically have a vision of a load, or burden. The Bible calls sin a heavy burden. Man was never intended to carry the heavy load of sin. Yet man feels he is capable to carry this heavy load. That load can be described as a death penalty. It also carries the power to convict and separate us from God. This is the burden Jesus bore for us on Calvary’s tree. God already knew that sin was going to be heavier than any man could bear, so He sent His son to carry all our sins. Not just the sins of those who wanted Him dead but the sins of the entire population of the planet; then and now. John the Baptist introduced Jesus to us when he said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John1:29
Before Jesus could be our sin-bearer he had to identify with us. He had to become flesh and feel the pain we feel, feel the frustration we feel, face the temptations we face, but he also had to be free of sin. He did not experience sin as we do but he had to understand it. He then knew the weight of the burden He must carry. Paul talks about this in Hebrews 2:14. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of the flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil.”
As Jesus hung between heaven and earth and looked into the eyes of those who accused him, try to imagine what must have been going through the minds of the chief priest and elders as they watched Jesus die. As Jesus hung on the tree in mortal pain the sin of the world tearing at his soul; He looked not only at the ones who stood by to watch him die but he looked at you and me when he said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”.
There are still those who do not believe Jesus bore our sin but was simply a martyr for a cause. God’s Word is clear, saying “The chastisement of our peace was upon him” Isaiah 53:5. The Lamb of God was offered as a sacrifice for t lost world.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
What If I Don't Forgive
Matthew 18:34-35, “ and his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your heart forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
Forgiveness is a two way street. As believers we often lose many spiritual blessings we should be enjoying. The question comes to mind if I don’t want to forgive some one what then, will God punish me; will God send me to hell? If Christ was invited into your heart and you accepted Him as savior hell will not be a place you will go. Will you lose blessings? It appears so. If a believer elects not to forgive another for what ever reason then I believe Jesus is showing us what will happen. In the story Jesus mentioned the one who would not forgive the debt owed him as his debt was forgiven was turned over to the tormentors till he should pay all. It did not mention being cast our or put in prison. Having an unforgiving spirit is a sin. Sin will rob us of our joy. David prayed Lord restore unto me the joy of thy salvation. Could it be that a very large number of unhappy believers found in the church today are unhappy because they can’t or won’t forgive another? The unhappy child of God will find it difficult to be satisfied with spiritual things when they are not right with God in their heart. When the right relationship is restored with the Lord the result will be peace and happiness. Jesus said by their fruits ye shall know them. If a person has a sour spirit it will show. What could cause a child of God to have a sour spirit? Unforgiveness!
You might be surprised how your church would look if only you asked the Lord to take away your overly critical spirit and attitude, and give you a heart of real love for Him and others. What then was Jesus talking about when he said this man was turned over to the tormentors? The torments of an evil conscience and a proud covetous heart are never small, nor are they few. Nor are they secluded to the believer they will affect all around them. If someone had a grudge against another they can’t be comfortable in the others presence. Why? Guilty conscience I guess. Maybe they are always looking for what’s wrong and critical of everything. You can’t change the world around you until you change the world within you. There is a way of escape from these things. In 1 John 1:9 we find, “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 we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
So then what must we do? First we must forgive to the same degree we were forgiven. We must do it completely and totally. Jesus told us that the servant was forgiven all his debt. It was only after he would not extend the same level of mercy he was given that his debt was required of him. Could God withhold blessings if we don’t forgive? That is something only God can answer. However it does appear from the story Jesus told this may truly be the case. We must be able to forgive so we can be forgiven.
Forgiveness is a two way street. As believers we often lose many spiritual blessings we should be enjoying. The question comes to mind if I don’t want to forgive some one what then, will God punish me; will God send me to hell? If Christ was invited into your heart and you accepted Him as savior hell will not be a place you will go. Will you lose blessings? It appears so. If a believer elects not to forgive another for what ever reason then I believe Jesus is showing us what will happen. In the story Jesus mentioned the one who would not forgive the debt owed him as his debt was forgiven was turned over to the tormentors till he should pay all. It did not mention being cast our or put in prison. Having an unforgiving spirit is a sin. Sin will rob us of our joy. David prayed Lord restore unto me the joy of thy salvation. Could it be that a very large number of unhappy believers found in the church today are unhappy because they can’t or won’t forgive another? The unhappy child of God will find it difficult to be satisfied with spiritual things when they are not right with God in their heart. When the right relationship is restored with the Lord the result will be peace and happiness. Jesus said by their fruits ye shall know them. If a person has a sour spirit it will show. What could cause a child of God to have a sour spirit? Unforgiveness!
You might be surprised how your church would look if only you asked the Lord to take away your overly critical spirit and attitude, and give you a heart of real love for Him and others. What then was Jesus talking about when he said this man was turned over to the tormentors? The torments of an evil conscience and a proud covetous heart are never small, nor are they few. Nor are they secluded to the believer they will affect all around them. If someone had a grudge against another they can’t be comfortable in the others presence. Why? Guilty conscience I guess. Maybe they are always looking for what’s wrong and critical of everything. You can’t change the world around you until you change the world within you. There is a way of escape from these things. In 1 John 1:9 we find, “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 we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
So then what must we do? First we must forgive to the same degree we were forgiven. We must do it completely and totally. Jesus told us that the servant was forgiven all his debt. It was only after he would not extend the same level of mercy he was given that his debt was required of him. Could God withhold blessings if we don’t forgive? That is something only God can answer. However it does appear from the story Jesus told this may truly be the case. We must be able to forgive so we can be forgiven.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sad Behavior
Matthew 18:28-30 “Then the same servant went out and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying Pay me what thou owest. And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.”
The story Jesus is telling was first about a man who had a great debt and could not pay it. Came to his master and begged to be forgiven and all his debt was forgiven him. You kind of wish the verses that follow were not there but Jesus knew there would be many who would not be willing to forgive. So He wanted to make sure we got the whole story. We see a picture of a man who had received mercy and that same man who refused to show mercy. He refused to give that which had been given to him. Why would Jesus show us such a picture? I feel He wanted to show how essential it is for us to not only receive forgiveness, but to practice it in our dealings with others. Notice how this man had been on the brink of loosing all he had was shown mercy of his master. He then promptly forgot what he had been given and went out and grabbed one who owed him very little by the throat and demanded payment. Instead of showing the same mercy he had just received he cast his fellow servant in prison. This is surely not how a true Christian should behave. It is quite the opposite of the Christian attitude.
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the alter, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave thy gift before the alter, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. In other words God will forgive us but we must first forgive others. For if we cannot forgive others should we then be forgiven? At the end of Jesus’ story we see the result of an unforgiving spirit. “And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
Jesus also instructs us to forgive in Mark 11:25-26, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
It is great to have a loving God who will forgive us if we ask Him. God forgives us should we then not do likewise to those who have wronged us?
The story Jesus is telling was first about a man who had a great debt and could not pay it. Came to his master and begged to be forgiven and all his debt was forgiven him. You kind of wish the verses that follow were not there but Jesus knew there would be many who would not be willing to forgive. So He wanted to make sure we got the whole story. We see a picture of a man who had received mercy and that same man who refused to show mercy. He refused to give that which had been given to him. Why would Jesus show us such a picture? I feel He wanted to show how essential it is for us to not only receive forgiveness, but to practice it in our dealings with others. Notice how this man had been on the brink of loosing all he had was shown mercy of his master. He then promptly forgot what he had been given and went out and grabbed one who owed him very little by the throat and demanded payment. Instead of showing the same mercy he had just received he cast his fellow servant in prison. This is surely not how a true Christian should behave. It is quite the opposite of the Christian attitude.
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the alter, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave thy gift before the alter, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. In other words God will forgive us but we must first forgive others. For if we cannot forgive others should we then be forgiven? At the end of Jesus’ story we see the result of an unforgiving spirit. “And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
Jesus also instructs us to forgive in Mark 11:25-26, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
It is great to have a loving God who will forgive us if we ask Him. God forgives us should we then not do likewise to those who have wronged us?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Number of Forgiveness
Matthew 18:23-24 “Then came Peter to him, and said Lord how oft shall my brother forgive sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus said unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but until seventy times seven.”
Peter who was one of the most outspoken of the twelve asked this question. How oft shall my brother forgive sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? There is no doubt we have all asked this question. It is a great question and one that deserves examination.
How many times did the Lord have to forgive Peter? How many times has the Lord forgiven us? How you answer these questions should tell you how many times we should forgive others. Jesus told Peter he had to forgive someone four hundred and ninety times. That is a number that is unthinkable to us. Jesus is not implying someone would sin against us that many times, but if he did then we should forgive him that many times. He is seeking to impress us forgiveness should become a real part of our lives.
Jesus then went on to share a parable to show just how that forgiveness should be done. He pictured a man who had come face to face with reality and had to face his master about a debt he owed and could not pay. His condition was taken from real life much like we would see today. This man was hopeless and helpless and was about to be sold along with his whole family into slavery. This man came to realize two things. First he owed ten thousand talents. Second this was an amount that was impossible for him to pay. This is a picture of a man in sin, and it is a very dark picture. It is a sad picture for not only did it affect this man it was about to affect his whole family. He realized he had to come to his master and ask for forgiveness. Was there any real hope for this man? Thankfully there was in the mercy extended by the master. He could have promised he would clean up his act and pay his debt, but his plight was hopeless. He could have talked about his service over the years serving his master, but that would not pay his debt. He could have made great promises about doing better in the future; still his debt would go unpaid. What did he have to do? He had to fall down at the feet of his master and ask to be forgiven. The master had compassion for the man and forgave him his debt.
Far too many people are seeking to be saved on the basis of what they are doing, or have done. They “turn over a new leaf” quite often; make some wonderful promises, but these things just don’t pay the sin debt. Jesus went to the cross to pay your sin debt. Our debt cost Jesus his life. His sacrifice paid our debt. It is only when you seek Him and ask Him to come into your heart and cleanse you of all unrighteousness can you be forgiven and set free.
Peter who was one of the most outspoken of the twelve asked this question. How oft shall my brother forgive sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? There is no doubt we have all asked this question. It is a great question and one that deserves examination.
How many times did the Lord have to forgive Peter? How many times has the Lord forgiven us? How you answer these questions should tell you how many times we should forgive others. Jesus told Peter he had to forgive someone four hundred and ninety times. That is a number that is unthinkable to us. Jesus is not implying someone would sin against us that many times, but if he did then we should forgive him that many times. He is seeking to impress us forgiveness should become a real part of our lives.
Jesus then went on to share a parable to show just how that forgiveness should be done. He pictured a man who had come face to face with reality and had to face his master about a debt he owed and could not pay. His condition was taken from real life much like we would see today. This man was hopeless and helpless and was about to be sold along with his whole family into slavery. This man came to realize two things. First he owed ten thousand talents. Second this was an amount that was impossible for him to pay. This is a picture of a man in sin, and it is a very dark picture. It is a sad picture for not only did it affect this man it was about to affect his whole family. He realized he had to come to his master and ask for forgiveness. Was there any real hope for this man? Thankfully there was in the mercy extended by the master. He could have promised he would clean up his act and pay his debt, but his plight was hopeless. He could have talked about his service over the years serving his master, but that would not pay his debt. He could have made great promises about doing better in the future; still his debt would go unpaid. What did he have to do? He had to fall down at the feet of his master and ask to be forgiven. The master had compassion for the man and forgave him his debt.
Far too many people are seeking to be saved on the basis of what they are doing, or have done. They “turn over a new leaf” quite often; make some wonderful promises, but these things just don’t pay the sin debt. Jesus went to the cross to pay your sin debt. Our debt cost Jesus his life. His sacrifice paid our debt. It is only when you seek Him and ask Him to come into your heart and cleanse you of all unrighteousness can you be forgiven and set free.
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Stone Was Rolled Away
Matthew 28:2 “And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angle of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.”
Matthew records just how much the religious crowd was afraid of Jesus. They saw him die. They knew he was buried but they were afraid what Jesus had said just might be true and then what would they do? As is always the case when man goes against God man feels his wisdom and cunning is sufficient to cover up his sin. The chief priest and Pharisees wanted to make sure the tomb would be secure so they ask for Roman protection. Look at their request in Matthew 27:64, “Command therefore that the sepulcher be made secure until the third day…..so the last error shall be worse that the first.” They knew they had made a huge mistake and now wanted Pilate to keep them safe.
After Jesus had died and his body taken down off the cross we find the account of his burial. A great stone was rolled over the door of the tomb as was the custom and the sepulcher was sealed this time with a Roman guard and Roman seal. All is secure and the religious crowd could rest easy. When the women came to prepare the body as also was the custom they were concerned they would need help moving the stone that sealed the tomb. When they got there at sun rise they found the stone had been rolled away the guards were asleep and an angel was waiting for them.
God had smiled and sent an angle and an earthquake not to let Jesus out but to let the women in. The angle spoke to the women “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
There may be a stone covering your heart. You may be sealed in a tomb of your own making. It may be sealed with doubt, tradition, pride, selfish indignation, or any number of other stones we place there. Maybe you are like the Pharisees and don’t believe and have asked the god of this world to protect you. God can remove all the stones just as He did that first Easter morning. No stone is too large that God can’t move it. He can move it gently or He can send an earthquake. Once He rolls the stone away we are to do as the women did we are to go quickly and tell others He is risen.
Jesus bore our sins on the cross and became our atonement before God. He is not still on the cross he is not in the tomb He is alive and well and seated on the right hand of God. Do you have a stone that needs to be rolled away?
Matthew records just how much the religious crowd was afraid of Jesus. They saw him die. They knew he was buried but they were afraid what Jesus had said just might be true and then what would they do? As is always the case when man goes against God man feels his wisdom and cunning is sufficient to cover up his sin. The chief priest and Pharisees wanted to make sure the tomb would be secure so they ask for Roman protection. Look at their request in Matthew 27:64, “Command therefore that the sepulcher be made secure until the third day…..so the last error shall be worse that the first.” They knew they had made a huge mistake and now wanted Pilate to keep them safe.
After Jesus had died and his body taken down off the cross we find the account of his burial. A great stone was rolled over the door of the tomb as was the custom and the sepulcher was sealed this time with a Roman guard and Roman seal. All is secure and the religious crowd could rest easy. When the women came to prepare the body as also was the custom they were concerned they would need help moving the stone that sealed the tomb. When they got there at sun rise they found the stone had been rolled away the guards were asleep and an angel was waiting for them.
God had smiled and sent an angle and an earthquake not to let Jesus out but to let the women in. The angle spoke to the women “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
There may be a stone covering your heart. You may be sealed in a tomb of your own making. It may be sealed with doubt, tradition, pride, selfish indignation, or any number of other stones we place there. Maybe you are like the Pharisees and don’t believe and have asked the god of this world to protect you. God can remove all the stones just as He did that first Easter morning. No stone is too large that God can’t move it. He can move it gently or He can send an earthquake. Once He rolls the stone away we are to do as the women did we are to go quickly and tell others He is risen.
Jesus bore our sins on the cross and became our atonement before God. He is not still on the cross he is not in the tomb He is alive and well and seated on the right hand of God. Do you have a stone that needs to be rolled away?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Forgivness Part 2
Romans 6:11-13, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in lust thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”
While it is true God is very forgiving and very long suffering and patient. The question then is if God is so forgiving and all we have to do is confess can we then live like we want to? God did give us the freedom of choice; however He also gave us some rules to live by. Some believe they can live like the devil all week long then go to church on Sunday and bow their head and all will be ok. Way back in the garden Adam was given a choice obey God or leave the garden. We all know what happened when he choose to live like he wanted to. Judas walked with Jesus and chose to live like he wanted to and look what happened to him. Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
So to answer the question can we live like e want to; I guess we can but I don’t think we will like the outcome. The choice then becomes very clear to whom do you swear your allegiance? To God or satan? Satan loves to get Christians to follow him for then he can point a finger and say, “See this Christian thing is not what its cracked up to be.” God says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal live through Jesus Christ our Lord.” “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.”
God does not remember our sin, as a vendetta against us, because Christ took them upon himself, for us. The penalty has been paid and so the debt, the transgression is forgiven. My question then is who is controlling your life? Who died for you on the cross? Who loves you enough to die for you? Who do you love enough to live for? Your actions will speak louder than your words. Jesus said, “Every tree that bringeth not good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruit ye shall know them.”
While it is true God is very forgiving and very long suffering and patient. The question then is if God is so forgiving and all we have to do is confess can we then live like we want to? God did give us the freedom of choice; however He also gave us some rules to live by. Some believe they can live like the devil all week long then go to church on Sunday and bow their head and all will be ok. Way back in the garden Adam was given a choice obey God or leave the garden. We all know what happened when he choose to live like he wanted to. Judas walked with Jesus and chose to live like he wanted to and look what happened to him. Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
So to answer the question can we live like e want to; I guess we can but I don’t think we will like the outcome. The choice then becomes very clear to whom do you swear your allegiance? To God or satan? Satan loves to get Christians to follow him for then he can point a finger and say, “See this Christian thing is not what its cracked up to be.” God says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal live through Jesus Christ our Lord.” “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.”
God does not remember our sin, as a vendetta against us, because Christ took them upon himself, for us. The penalty has been paid and so the debt, the transgression is forgiven. My question then is who is controlling your life? Who died for you on the cross? Who loves you enough to die for you? Who do you love enough to live for? Your actions will speak louder than your words. Jesus said, “Every tree that bringeth not good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruit ye shall know them.”
Friday, April 15, 2011
Forgiveness
1 John 1:9-10 “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.”
In the corporate world and in the political world there is always a search for a loop hole to allow us to get out of being held accountable. The bible is clear about sin and what it is. Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and who would want to call God a liar? For him that knoweth to do right and doeth it not to him it is sin. The bible is also clear about the result 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.”
There are sins which we commit that have consequences that will affect the rest of our lives. There are others that are simple transgressions. We stretch the truth, take something that does not belong to us or speak badly about someone. Wither the sin is large or small all are distasteful to God. Yet He is so merciful that he will forgive us if we will but ask, and He will do it over and over again. We are faced daily with reminders of these sins in the past and struggle still with the consequences of many of them. Depending on the nature and severity of the sin we may be tempted to think God could never forgive me for that. But He can and he will just ask. The blessed assurance from God’s Word: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. No sin is excepted. No mistake it too big and no transgression is too terrible for God to cleanse it with the blood of Jesus Christ.
So then we are left with one important question: have we confessed our sin to God? You don’t have to know how he is going to do that you just have to know He will do what He said He would do. You confess it He forgives it, it is just that simple. Like it or not believe it or not we are all sinners in God’s eyes. Yet He loves us so much through the blood of Christ shed for us on the cross we have forgiveness. Try it you will like it and God will love you for it.
In the corporate world and in the political world there is always a search for a loop hole to allow us to get out of being held accountable. The bible is clear about sin and what it is. Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and who would want to call God a liar? For him that knoweth to do right and doeth it not to him it is sin. The bible is also clear about the result 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.”
There are sins which we commit that have consequences that will affect the rest of our lives. There are others that are simple transgressions. We stretch the truth, take something that does not belong to us or speak badly about someone. Wither the sin is large or small all are distasteful to God. Yet He is so merciful that he will forgive us if we will but ask, and He will do it over and over again. We are faced daily with reminders of these sins in the past and struggle still with the consequences of many of them. Depending on the nature and severity of the sin we may be tempted to think God could never forgive me for that. But He can and he will just ask. The blessed assurance from God’s Word: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. No sin is excepted. No mistake it too big and no transgression is too terrible for God to cleanse it with the blood of Jesus Christ.
So then we are left with one important question: have we confessed our sin to God? You don’t have to know how he is going to do that you just have to know He will do what He said He would do. You confess it He forgives it, it is just that simple. Like it or not believe it or not we are all sinners in God’s eyes. Yet He loves us so much through the blood of Christ shed for us on the cross we have forgiveness. Try it you will like it and God will love you for it.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Serving Others
Matthew 25:38-40 “When saw we a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked and clothed thee? Or when saw we sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Through out his earthly ministry Jesus gave us instructions on how we are to live and deal with those around us. Service is a word that many shun on a daily basis. This action is contrary to what Jesus taught. Jesus came to be a servant. He said he did not come to be served but to serve.
Many of our daily actions would indicate we do not fully understand or believe His instructions. He exhorts us “take no thought for tomorrow” and yet we worry ourselves to death fretting over something we don’t even know will show up. He promises our burden will be light if we will but cast our load upon Him. Yet we continue to struggle under the ever increasing load we heap upon ourselves. He says, “If you love me keep my commandments” and yet we ever strive to separate the two. “You cannot serve God and money,” is His warning, but we continue to strive to join the two.
The instruction we seem to ignore the most is this: if you do anything for the least of Jesus’ brethren, it is as if you have done it to Jesus himself. No one wants to admit they have ignored Jesus or turned Him out into the street. Yet we do it every day.
Have you visited a nursing home; given to foreign or home evangelism; reached out to broken addicts; taught a child about Jesus--- all as if you were doing it to Jesus? So often our daily lives cause us to rush by the faces of those who are hurting or lonely because we feel they are beneath us. And yet the King says, “you have done this to me?”
Did you wake up this morning with the realization you could minister directly to Jesus? How could you minister to Jesus what does he need? Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” We all need to live and act like everything we do or say is done directly to Jesus. If that were true how would we change our lives? Help the hurting, reach out to the recovering addict, teach the Bible, encourage the down cast, help the needy just the way you would if Jesus was the One you were encountering today. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Through out his earthly ministry Jesus gave us instructions on how we are to live and deal with those around us. Service is a word that many shun on a daily basis. This action is contrary to what Jesus taught. Jesus came to be a servant. He said he did not come to be served but to serve.
Many of our daily actions would indicate we do not fully understand or believe His instructions. He exhorts us “take no thought for tomorrow” and yet we worry ourselves to death fretting over something we don’t even know will show up. He promises our burden will be light if we will but cast our load upon Him. Yet we continue to struggle under the ever increasing load we heap upon ourselves. He says, “If you love me keep my commandments” and yet we ever strive to separate the two. “You cannot serve God and money,” is His warning, but we continue to strive to join the two.
The instruction we seem to ignore the most is this: if you do anything for the least of Jesus’ brethren, it is as if you have done it to Jesus himself. No one wants to admit they have ignored Jesus or turned Him out into the street. Yet we do it every day.
Have you visited a nursing home; given to foreign or home evangelism; reached out to broken addicts; taught a child about Jesus--- all as if you were doing it to Jesus? So often our daily lives cause us to rush by the faces of those who are hurting or lonely because we feel they are beneath us. And yet the King says, “you have done this to me?”
Did you wake up this morning with the realization you could minister directly to Jesus? How could you minister to Jesus what does he need? Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” We all need to live and act like everything we do or say is done directly to Jesus. If that were true how would we change our lives? Help the hurting, reach out to the recovering addict, teach the Bible, encourage the down cast, help the needy just the way you would if Jesus was the One you were encountering today. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Facing Temptation
Matthew 26:40-41 “And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”
How to fight temptation? This is a problem man has had since the beginning of time. In just a few short words Jesus gives us the directive how to win the temptation battle. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation! The world we live in offers a thousand enticements to a thousand different sins. Every night we are bombarded with views of illicit sex and violence, seductive drink and pleasure seeking adventure. Our sinful nature assaults us from within with a complex and varied array of lusts, fears, ambitions and doubts. Satan knows our weakness and attacks us on that front.
Yet Jesus’ simple balanced directive gives us an effective weapon against every one of these temptations to sin: watch and pray. It is our responsibility to keep our spiritual eyes open and on the Savior. This may mean we keep our physical eyes closed or averted from any avenue by which sin might enter into our soul. We are to guard our heart from disloyalty, and our testimony from indiscretion, by actively engaging ourselves in the relentless pursuit of purity and goodness. This is not a job we can accomplish on our own or in our own strength. The age-old cunning of Satan is always on the alert for some small opening he can draw our attention toward sin. Temptation to sin is a strong magnet intended to draw us away from God. We must rely upon the Holy Spirit and the sustaining grace of our Heavenly Father to help us win this sin battle. The words from a country song says it well, “send me ten thousands angles to help me walk out the door.”
Because our flesh is weak, no matter how willing our spirit may be it is imperative that we be in a constant watchfulness and prayer. Romans 7:18, “For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Vs 20 “Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” The sinful nature of man described by Paul sheds light on why we are subject to Satan’s temptation. That is why Jesus told us there is a direct correlation between our prayerful watchfulness and our ability to withstand the wiles of the devil and avoid temptation. Watch and pray should be the by word of every day.
How to fight temptation? This is a problem man has had since the beginning of time. In just a few short words Jesus gives us the directive how to win the temptation battle. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation! The world we live in offers a thousand enticements to a thousand different sins. Every night we are bombarded with views of illicit sex and violence, seductive drink and pleasure seeking adventure. Our sinful nature assaults us from within with a complex and varied array of lusts, fears, ambitions and doubts. Satan knows our weakness and attacks us on that front.
Yet Jesus’ simple balanced directive gives us an effective weapon against every one of these temptations to sin: watch and pray. It is our responsibility to keep our spiritual eyes open and on the Savior. This may mean we keep our physical eyes closed or averted from any avenue by which sin might enter into our soul. We are to guard our heart from disloyalty, and our testimony from indiscretion, by actively engaging ourselves in the relentless pursuit of purity and goodness. This is not a job we can accomplish on our own or in our own strength. The age-old cunning of Satan is always on the alert for some small opening he can draw our attention toward sin. Temptation to sin is a strong magnet intended to draw us away from God. We must rely upon the Holy Spirit and the sustaining grace of our Heavenly Father to help us win this sin battle. The words from a country song says it well, “send me ten thousands angles to help me walk out the door.”
Because our flesh is weak, no matter how willing our spirit may be it is imperative that we be in a constant watchfulness and prayer. Romans 7:18, “For I know that in me (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Vs 20 “Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” The sinful nature of man described by Paul sheds light on why we are subject to Satan’s temptation. That is why Jesus told us there is a direct correlation between our prayerful watchfulness and our ability to withstand the wiles of the devil and avoid temptation. Watch and pray should be the by word of every day.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Jesus Our Example
Phillippians 2:5-8
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Let this mind be in you. The Christian life is not merely intellectual assent to a list of orthodox tenets. It is internalizing the teaching and example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the corporate world man starts at the bottom and works his way to the top. In God’s world Jesus started at the top, he was God and became low, chose to humble himself for the sake of his people.
To the corporate world Jesus did everything backwards. Jesus was God but made himself of no reputation. He was one who deserved all honor and glory. He was King of Kings and Lord of Lords yet he became a servant. He started at the top and died a beggar in the street hung on a shameful cross.
It is ironic that we today give all our energy and resources to do just the opposite. The corporate world would shudder at the thought of anyone becoming a servant. Maybe this is why Jesus told those who admired him so that they would have to deny themselves in order to follow or become one of his disciples. Many Christians today want to claim discipleship, but without the sacrifice, without the self-denial, without the humility.
To one who serves falls the task of assisting and helping others. This task is far more important for the larger goal than fleeting glory or short lived recognition. The goal should be to ensure the larger picture reaches completion and accolades are directed to others. Quietly and efficiently a good servant will seek only to ensure the success for those whom he serves.
Humility is not a trait man seeks, for it goes against his very nature. By nature man wants to walk in front, stand above all and bask in the acclaim of his peers. Jesus could have done this but chose to be a servant instead.
If one seeks humility and servitude he will be most happy as those he serves receive the rewards and applause. A true servant will cheer loudly as those he serves reach great heights.
A true servant heart will give up personal goals and dreams so that others may achieve higher status. While others play or shirk responsibility the servant will uncomplaining provide the menial details required. He will work behind the scenes. Many would call this ridiculous. Others say this one needs to get a life. Yet in the end when all acclaim is given those who are content to play the servant rejoices as the awards are presented. The servant rejoices the more as those whom he serves stand as the volume of the applause rises.
He then seeks another whom he can serve. This is what humility is all about, dying to ones self so that others may stand in the light. Jesus not only died to himself he died for us so that we could live. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Let this mind be in you. The Christian life is not merely intellectual assent to a list of orthodox tenets. It is internalizing the teaching and example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the corporate world man starts at the bottom and works his way to the top. In God’s world Jesus started at the top, he was God and became low, chose to humble himself for the sake of his people.
To the corporate world Jesus did everything backwards. Jesus was God but made himself of no reputation. He was one who deserved all honor and glory. He was King of Kings and Lord of Lords yet he became a servant. He started at the top and died a beggar in the street hung on a shameful cross.
It is ironic that we today give all our energy and resources to do just the opposite. The corporate world would shudder at the thought of anyone becoming a servant. Maybe this is why Jesus told those who admired him so that they would have to deny themselves in order to follow or become one of his disciples. Many Christians today want to claim discipleship, but without the sacrifice, without the self-denial, without the humility.
To one who serves falls the task of assisting and helping others. This task is far more important for the larger goal than fleeting glory or short lived recognition. The goal should be to ensure the larger picture reaches completion and accolades are directed to others. Quietly and efficiently a good servant will seek only to ensure the success for those whom he serves.
Humility is not a trait man seeks, for it goes against his very nature. By nature man wants to walk in front, stand above all and bask in the acclaim of his peers. Jesus could have done this but chose to be a servant instead.
If one seeks humility and servitude he will be most happy as those he serves receive the rewards and applause. A true servant will cheer loudly as those he serves reach great heights.
A true servant heart will give up personal goals and dreams so that others may achieve higher status. While others play or shirk responsibility the servant will uncomplaining provide the menial details required. He will work behind the scenes. Many would call this ridiculous. Others say this one needs to get a life. Yet in the end when all acclaim is given those who are content to play the servant rejoices as the awards are presented. The servant rejoices the more as those whom he serves stand as the volume of the applause rises.
He then seeks another whom he can serve. This is what humility is all about, dying to ones self so that others may stand in the light. Jesus not only died to himself he died for us so that we could live. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)