"Journey"

  Today is my last posting for a week or so. I am heading out to a place in Idaho to preach/teach where I will have no access to the internet. It will be as always a time of anticipation and excitement. I love to teach/preach and speak about our Savior.

  It is most wonderful to know that those of us in Christ Jesus are participants in this grand and glorious gospel. We share in Christ, His grace and His life. As we serve in whatever capacity, we co-labor together sharing in this gospel. I couldn't do what I do without my brothers and sisters. They are the backing to allow me to go and preach. Do you think the things you do are insignificant? Do you think you make little difference? Maybe it's time to re-evaluate your faith and see that what you do matters greatly. It matters to the Lord as you stand in His grace. Serve with all your heart! Pray fervently for the spread of the gospel whether through you or someone else. Pray for those you know are lost and look for opportunity to help them. Anyone that has not "put on" Christ Jesus is lost! They will spend an eternity away from the Lord and His glorious might. They need help to see the light of the gospel. Your efforts matter. You and I share in this wonderful working of the gospel and as it draws us upward into Him, rejoice...your sins have been taken away! See you soon, Lord willing!!!

"Where Is Love?"

  I just don't understand why brothers and sisters in Christ do not love one another! The Lord says love is a 'trademark' of those who belong to Him. Those tied to Jesus practice love and it's that simple. Yet here we have homes and congregations that claim Jesus as their Lord but love is absent.

  Husbands and wives that refuse to put one another ahead of themselves. The home has become a place of 'eggshells' all over the floor. Fears are high. You wouldn't know it many times as a stranger walking in that home because there is such a display of 'fake' that is put on. But given time and it reveals itself. Eventually, it leads to a dead ending!

  Brothers and sisters in the Lord refuse to put one another ahead of themselves. Personal feelings and petty differences drive wedges between them. The church of our Lord can become a place of 'eggshells' all over the floor also. The lack of love for one another creates disharmony and it affects the faith of others. The loveless don't realize it! They don't show how faith in the Lord reaches out and not allow anything to get between individuals. They are unconcerned about their display of lovelessness. Yet we speak in our class opportunities about love and God is love like it is the central of our heart. Didn't Jesus call that hypocrisy? Given time and the loveless reveal themselves!

  Maybe it is time to re-evaluate our faith in the Lord. Those who really belong to Jesus have died with Jesus. They put aside themselves in order to bring about sincere love of the brethren. God is glorified. Jesus is the center of the heart. The weak are shown how to overcome. The strong are encouraged to move forward. The body builds itself up in love as each part works with the Lord. Isn't that what a sincere faith would do? 

"Which Gospel?"

  Brethren in the Galatian region were turning the gospel of Jesus Christ into something it wasn't intended. They were adding works of the Law along with Christ for salvation and it condemned them before God. In fact, when anyone begins to distort the gospel of Christ, they find themselves accursed (Gal. 1:6-9)!

  Today, many seem to be replacing the gospel that saves with other gospels. Too many are more concerned with appealing  to the minds of the masses rather than the only gospel preached and that can save. Here are a few that come to mind:

Psychological Gospel - This is a gospel of "feel-good" and based on the power of positive thinking. Don't speak against any sin or make any statements that are in the negative. That turns people off!

Social Gospel - This gospel is a "good-ole-boys club". It is built on surveys, projects, busy doings, efforts to raise funds and having a good time with one another. It is more of a lodge type appeal to accept those who feel rejected in other clubs or societies.

Emotional Gospel - This gospel draws into excitement with thrills, heart felt moving stories and an atmosphere of a pep rally. It wants to feel something!

Sacramental Gospel - Perhaps many have been drawn into this not even aware. It is a gospel that the power of God is expressed just by doing the basic expectation. It is a gospel that those who pop in for the Lord's Supper on their way to hunting, fishing or some other event they have planned for the day. They feel they have fulfilled the Lord's basic command.

Theological Gospel - This gospel has a strong appeal to a intellectual acceptance. It is a dissecting acceptance of the abstract truth found in Scriptures. It is a gospel that we must be right on every single issue and points out why everyone else is wrong! This type of gospel will lead to slow starvation.

But here comes Jesus into our world bearing the sins of man. It is by His wounds one is healed. It is by His death, burial and resurrection that we can have fellowship with the Father. It was this gospel that Jesus sent His apostles into all the world preaching and teaching. It is a blood-bought gospel that defeated sin and brings us into the presence of a holy God. It is God's power to save (Rom. 1:16). This gospel is Jesus! Paul wanted to know Jesus and Him crucified (I Cor. 2:2). It was the word of the cross, not the word of man (I Cor. 1:18)! The New Testament church of Jesus didn't grow by preaching the book of Acts! The church multiplied by preaching Jesus and His resurrection!! The focus was Jesus, not the church or anyone else.

  Yes, when we were dead in our sins, God made us alive together with Christ. It is by His grace that saves us (Eph. 2:4-9). The gospel...Jesus and Him crucified. Anything else is a false gospel.

"Dust"

  "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into His nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." (Gen. 2:7)
  "For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust." (Psa. 103:14)
  Each day this dust functions as God created it. Listen to these facts:
                         Your heart beats over 103,000 times.
                         Your blood travels 168 million miles (yes that's right)!
                         You took 23,400 breaths.
                         You inhale 438 cubic feet of air.
                         You ate 3 pounds of food.
                         You drank 2.9 pounds of liquid.
                         You generated 450 tons of energy.
                         You moved 750 major muscles.
                         You exercised 7 million brain cells.

It's rather incredible what God did with dust in creating us and how this dust responds to the need for us to function. Yet here is God desiring a relationship with this dust, evening dying for us. That's even more incredible. In all, our heavenly Father wants us home to be with Him for eternity.

  His love for us, His sacrifce on our behalf should move us to love Him back. In all, we need to give thanks and worship our Maker. "For You formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it well."  (Psa. 139:13-14) What does your soul know? 

"Why Are We Here?"

  Have you ever wondered why we exist? Think about this. Is there really any logical necessity for our existence as human beings? We sure didn't make ourselves! Why are we living on this earth? An earth that is filled with pain, turmoil and death?

  We are here! You're reading this! Why? What purpose do you have and why in the world did God make you and me? The Scriptures teach us that God acted in love and created us for His glory and an everlasting union with Himself. Yes, we are created for a relationship with our Creator. Our heavenly Father bestowed upon us an existence of high honor and dignity. Dust, nothing but dust that God breathed life into just to have us in His presence and fellowship. Nothing else created is made in the image of God. That shows us the high honor and dignity on which God set His love on us. Dust given a place in the presence and dwelling of the eternal Father to bring us to Himself forever.

  In the garden we get a glimpse of man walking and talking with our Creator. Our eternal Creator spending time with His created bestowing His love on us. Let's not talk about sin that marred the relationship. God took action to bring us back through His Son! Let's enjoy this relationship. Let's walk with our Creator basking in His love so that we would be to the praise of His glory in His grace (Eph. 1:6).

  Mere dust having a joy with the eternal Father in whom there is no hint of evil. Frail and weak yet we find ourselves being called by His love and why? Why would God make us in His image and bring us to Himself? The only explanation is there is a love, a love that is so beyond our thinking I'm not sure we will ever know until we see Him face to face. But be that as it may, God created us to be with Him in His image! I don't understand that but I'm so thankful, aren't you? 

"A Worship In Truth"

  Take the time and read through I Cor. 14. The whole chapter is dedicated to the worship of the saints and how these brethren had missed their God and purpose. One thing will stand clear, your understanding of God is revealed in your approach and how you worship!

  It doesn't take much to look at the nation of Israel. God was making things plain that worship was not some social outlet but that He dwelt among His people as their God and was not ashamed to be called their God. Worship is for the truth! God established His truth from the first time the Israelite s built their tabernacle in the midst of their nation. Chapters in the OT are devoted to their worship. They weren't just little sayings and thoughts. God was revealing the idea of worship and following the truth of His will.

  To worship God in truth is for the worshiper to bear witness to the existence of a world beyond our senses or at least more than our senses can grasp. To worship God in truth takes a conviction of faith that draws us upward into Him. It's like looking at the rainbow. Many see the brilliant colors and marvel while those convicted of God remember the promise and marvel at that promise which stirs the heart again and again.

  The worship of God in truth has at the heart a sense of awe and reverence. That awe and reverence creates a conviction that Someone greater, infinitely greater than ourselves has called us to Himself. That's why worship is not about "special" events or people. Worshiping God in truth is about our dependency upon Him knowing that we are not a self-made people while working our plans. It should humble us and deepen our humility. It should not make any created human the center but all the blessings we have are because of the One who bestows them upon us. Our heavenly Father is not a "good ole' boy" or our "chum or pal." Our God is eternal and the Sustainer and Creator of us!

  Worshiping God in truth should strengthen our trust in Him whom we can't see. It should anchor our faith beyond the visible. That last night Jesus took His apostles aside, they worshipped in truth as Jesus prepared their hearts for the task of taking a saving message to a lost, dangerous world before the heavenly Father. Maybe we are missing something?

"Perspective"

  When you hear the word "eagerly" what comes to your mind? What direction does it take you? The Hebrew writer tells us that the Lord Jesus "will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him." (Heb. 9:28) Paul told the Philippians that "our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Phil. 3:21) When we are eager, we anticipate something looking toward that anticipation with a desire until the day it arrives.

  My five year old grandson was speaking with me the other day. Listen to our conversation: "Grandpa, did you know there's a kids heaven and a parents heaven?"

 "No, I didn't realize that."

"Grandpa, when do we get to go to heaven?"

"Well, when we get to the end of our lives or the Lord comes back, we will go to heaven."

"I've been waiting a long time already and I've got to wait more? I just want to see God."

  The perspective of children sometime not only amazes us but can also create within us thoughts that make us look differently at life. No wonder Jesus said children are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The purity with which they see things is something we need to reflect on and their trust is simply amazing. Maybe we complicate things too much rather than keep a pure and simple perspective of the Lord. "I just want to see God!" Now that's something to reflect upon and it should put our lives in proper perspective shouldn't it?

"Our Flesh"

  I preach/teach on fleshliness often. It is the one thing that will destroy spiritual advancement and it is what divides the church. I fight it daily! My flesh, my desires and attitudes that are part of my natural, want to get in the way and rule me. The easiest thing we do in Jesus is allow our flesh to rule. The flesh works in those we work with, play with and have friendships with. It will be the one thing that will keep many from being with the Lord.

  There is only ONE way to stop it from ruling over us. Jesus! The letter to the Galatians addresses fleshliness head on (Gal. 5:19-21). Too many in the body of Jesus are using their flesh to voice their freedom! Jesus is trying to get us to serve through love and not our flesh. Paul speaks and instructs the Galatians that the only thing he could do was to labor again with them until Christ is formed in them (Gal. 4:19). That's the key. Christ formed in us. Many of our attitudes are not "Christ in us." 

  While traveling, a dear lady in the Lord was visiting with me. She said that there was this small group that got together weekly to study on their own. She was jealous they didn't invite her. As we spoke she said she was offended she wasn't invited. Offended! Jealous! Are these not desires of our flesh? If people have these attitudes, they sure won't help others to form Christ in them. This is nothing spiritual. They make it about themselves. That means if they did attend, their flesh would rule their thoughts and approach to God's word. I've seen in often over the years how fleshly people turn the spiritual word into fleshly thoughts!

  There seems to be those in the churches of Galatia that spoke against Paul. They were putting down his teachings, his apostleship and authority while attempting to bring the brethren under the guidelines of the Law. Paul wanted to know if he had become their enemy because he was telling them the truth (Gal. 4:16)? But throughout the whole, Paul's attitude was seen as Christ being in Him. He simply states they had done him no wrong (Gal. 4:12). They had done him in nothing right yet here is a spiritual man not taking things to the flesh venue. He didn't make it about him! It was about Jesus the Lord. 

  What about us? Why are some so easily offended? Why do some react in ways that are less than Christ? When will we allow Christ to be formed in us rather than us express our discontent that harms our brothers and sisters? When will we allow our faith to work through love rather than our feelings work through spite for another? I guess this is what keeps me preaching/teaching until Christ is formed in all of us!

"Input or Not Input...That is the Question"

  Today, while I am still about traveling, I would like to hear from you. This is something I need your input on as it will help me determine the the best way to help and do an outreach. I have numerous people daily read this blog and I want to hear from you please.

  If you are gaining and feel this is helpful, please let me know. I don't want to keep something up and it not be useful. The Lord speaks for us to make the most of our time. That's what I want to do. If there is not much interest (and it doesn't hurt my feelings at all) I think I will stop writing this blog. If there is still continued interest, I would be happy to keep it going. I just want to serve! Your input is vital for me and the lack of input is vital. You can write me personally on my email or on this blog, either way. I realize my limitations as a writer as I am not as astute as many. All my heart wants to do is help. Nothing more! So, with no  pride or ego involved, just a love for the Lord and people, I will leave this in your hands. Thank you in advance as I look forward to hearing or not hearing from you. God's blessings to all!

"Out and About"

  I have been slow in posting my blog this week as I am traveling in the state of New York. This is always an experience and interesting. Presently I am in Jamestown, the home and birthplace of Lucille Ball. It has a very interesting history and a beautiful city. 

  But the beauty is robbed by what I have seen around. A young man (young to me) in his thirties walking down the street in short, pink shorts, pink shirt and shoes. It was very unfitting but he parades around for all to see. Then there were the two fellows standing in line next to me awaiting a cup of coffee in which both were dressed in ways that were...well, it doesn't matter only that it was something that was being flaunted without shame.

  As I was looking around this city, I finally found out why there is so much of this going on. Recently there was passed a law here that no one can condemn homosexuality as it is a hate crime. I knew it was coming soon somewhere. The main man on the city counsel is pushing for a reputation of Jamestown. They want to be known as the biggest and open place in the United States for gay rights. They are encouraging it! They are trying to get their laws changed so the gay community around this country can come here and live, marry and feel the freedom to enjoy their lifestyles without harm or retribution. This area is hit hard by things that the Lord considers abominations. 

  Just a few miles away from Jamestown is the town of Lillydale. It is the largest witch community in the world! There is literature all around Jamestown and other cities asking for people to come to this "kind and gentle" community of witches and fortune tellers. 

  The church is in a battle here! They remind me somewhat of the church at Pergamum in Rev. 2, where Jesus said they dwell where Satan's throne is while they hold fast my name. These dear people in the Lord are in a battle ground that we don't have to deal with in most parts. Pray for them. Pray for me. As I complete this first leg, I will be heading to Buffalo to begin another outreach. This is troublesome times but it shows the need of a lost, sin-filled world that needs a Savior!

"Raising Godly Children"

  There is no secret on raising godly children. Our world is steeped in sin and from Scripture we know the whole world lies in the power of the evil one (I John 5:19). That puts a lot of spiritual destruction in the presence of our children on a daily basis. That puts a lot of ungodly behavior and attitudes before us daily! At school, at play and in the media our children are hammered by the wiles of the devil. We as parents have gone through the years and sometimes find ourselves a little to comfortable in this world of sin and death. We have simply grown immune to what is happening around us.

  Too many of our children are being thrown into the world of sin and death by parents who claim Christ as their sin-bearer but He has little impact in the training and teaching them. Parents who knowingly skip out on the worship of the Father who provided us the way of escape through Jesus will also skip out on training their children to love the Lord with all their heart and soul. Someone once asked me if I had a good book on teaching how to raise godly children and I held up my Bible. They weren't impressed and that's the problem. We look to man's writings over God's and no wonder little faith is built or established in our children. 

  Here are a couple of guidelines from God's word on helping you raise godly children in such an ungodly world. (1) From as early as possible, emphasize God and His word in their ears and heart! Paul knew why Timothy was the man of God he was because faith "first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well." (II Tim. 1:5) Paul further knew and encouraged Timothy to continue in the things he had learned and "that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you wisdom that leads to salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus." (II Tim. 3:14-15) This is where many parents fail. Teach your children as early as possible the emphasis of God and His holy Scripture that will lead them to salvation. That's more than just reading some Bible story before bed! (It is good to read to them but emphasis is on the living and discernment, not just a story!)

  (2) Emphasize godliness in both actions and thinking! To raise godly children we must show that holy behavior is God behavior (I Pet. 1:15-17) We must teach godliness both in our tongues and actions. You train that when you are hurt, never retaliate. When you sin, confess. When you encounter behaviors that go against God's word, move away from it. And the topping is always, always emphasize the importance of worship and praise of God, both in assembling with the saints and at home. Children need to know the preciousness of the church to Jesus and should be to us. Teach them the importance of prayer and an attitude of thankfulness. If parents aren't being instructed themselves in these avenues, there is little chance the children will learn. We see from the OT that many times when nations were over-taken because of their ungodly behavior, God required not only the life of men and women but also the children! What a terrible thought to think such but the reason is because of the influence that had been ingrained in the children by their parents. These children, even though they would be saved and are great in the eyes of God, if left to grow up they would not leave their instructing by their parents. That's a life lesson we need to learn.

  May you have a heart for the Lord. May you take your role seriously as a parent to raise godly children. Don't be so quick to push your children in the ways of the world that is run by the evil one. Emphasize God and His word from early on. Emphasize godliness in action and attitude from the beginning. God's blessings to each!

"What Is Happening?

  What is happening to the moral values in our society? No longer is the word of the Lord our instructor and guide! Why is the church dying? No longer is the word of the Lord our instructor and guide! It's not difficult to see the parallel. As the world goes, so seems the church. The world is steeped in entertainment which promotes immorality. The church seems to follow suit and thinks that if we would become more user friendly, we could make better ends in this world.

  We seem to watch so much television and movies that leave God out and promote immoral values. Homosexuality, premarital sex and even incest are glorified. The home is no longer a place where God is promoted, sought and put first but He is talked about. We won't deny God and speak of His love and grace toward us. But where is putting His interests first? Where is seeking Him with all the heart? Where is His word in our lives and thinking?

  Jesus warned that there would be the false teachers in Matt. 7:15-17. Jesus speaks that you will know one by the fruit they produce. What fruit are we producing in our lives and home? How many in our religious world  have followed some man/woman only to find they have been involved in some type of immoral behavior or misdeeds in the home? It seems to be around every corner that God is talked about, books are written to make big bucks all the while the truth about God and His word are left behind. We quote people today more than God! The result is all this unwinding moral behavior right before our eyes. Parents aren't training their children to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Parents aren't living by the pattern of the word so children have examples set before their eyes. Everywhere we turn, God and His word are pushed behind. Immoral behavior is accepted as just part of life. I want to encourage us today, it's time to call us back to God and the truth of His word. It begins with me!