From the Heart

"If We Live To 70"

2012-01-31T07:43:00.000-06:00

Let me make a brief observation about our time and see what we really do in our lifetime. We all have been given an equal portion of time. No one has less or more than another. We have 24 hours in the day and 365 days a year (except leap year which adds one)!

Let's use 70 years of age as the average life span. In those 70 years we will sleep 23 years of our lives based on sleeping 8 hours each night. Over that same 70 year span you will spend approximately 14 years working, 6 years eating and 5 years traveling. Let's take it a little further. Let's add watching television since it has become such a great central part in the lives of many. It is said from a recent poll (and I'm not too trusting of polls but we will use it as a base) that the average American watches 6 hours of television each day. I will adjust that to 4 hours per day since 6 seemed a little high to me. That amounts to 28 hours per week, 1460 hours per year and in a 50 year period that would 72,000 hours of television watching. In just 50 years that is more than 8 years of televsion viewing!

Let's compare the above with our spiritual lives. If we were to begin at birth (I am reaching for the highest impact to make a point) spending five minutes each morning and evening in prayer (which is more than most) and three hours per week in worship/Bible study (which is more than some), by the age of 70 we would have invested a total of just over 20 months of our lives! Let's add an additional three hours per week in reading our Bibles at home. That would make our total amount of spiritual food and gain a total of 3.6 years by the age of 70! That's the amount of time we would devote ourselves to knowing the Lord and growing. That's rather eye opening.

Our children are being raised on a daily diet of self with an increased time spent on pleasure. How careful are we being with our lives and our children's lives? How serious are we about the spiritual matters of God? Do we really desire to grow spiritually? The days are evil and time is fleeting. Understanding the will of the Lord is the greatest blessing we could grasp (Eph. 5:15-17).

"Imputed"

2012-01-30T09:45:00.000-06:00

What is it like to not have your sins "imputed" against you? What does it mean to not "impute" sin? David speaks of his sins before God as being "imputed" in Psa. 32 and Paul repeats David's statement in Rom. 4:7-8. Depending on the version you use, some will use the term "count". Some will use the term "reckon". Others will use the term "not guilty". Is there such a person living today to whom the Lord does not "impute", never count, not reckon, not consider guilty of their sins? Yes, those who are in the covenant relationship with the Lord. "For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." (Heb. 8:12) That's the covenant we are under when we came to being immersed into Jesus.

In the book of Philemon, there was a runaway slave named Onesimus. Onesimus had some way (by the help of God) found Paul and Paul led him to Jesus. Paul said that Onesimus was useless and because of Christ, he was now useful. Paul sent Onesimus back to his master Philemon. That's what the law required. Apparently Onesimus had stolen from Philemon when he ran away. Here is Paul's statement to Philemon: "If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me. But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account." (Philemon 17-18)

How could Paul say such? Where did Paul learn that kind of heart? He got it from the Lord! We have debts we could not pay because of our sins. Our debts were tremendous and we were doomed. When we came to Jesus, God gives to us in the place of our debts Jesus Himself! Jesus was treated like we should have been treated. Jesus took our pains, our scourging and our punishment. Why? So God could treat us like He should have treated Jesus!! Here is Jesus who says to the Father, "Accept Brent (put your name here) as you would accept Me, and if Brent has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to My account." SINS IMPUTED!

"The Journey Back To Babel"

2012-01-26T08:15:00.001-06:00

We read about it in Gen. 11. The peak of man's insolence came at the tower of Babel. When you read it carefully you see man's arrogance and pride making a go of things without God! They wanted a name for themselves, to be somebody's in this world. This tower that will reach upward to heaven will be our rallying point and the center of man's life that will show our self-sufficiency. This marvelous, grand tower would stand above the earth that we can boast in our doings and in all this, it can be done without God!

With all this, man's ignorance and foolishness gets exposed. It began in a garden where God blessed man, which man gave back to God their treachery by being led into believing we could be as wise as God, not needing God. Eventually the flood dealt with man's sinfulness showing this world that man cannot live without God and man quickly went back to their conceit and pride being daring and self-willed worship on the plains of Shinar. Here they were on this plain where mankind came together united against God. God once again showed that it took one moment of one word spoken from Him to confuse man's language and it stopped man in their tracks! No more center for man, no common cause and now without a home or name. Man scattered! The loss of home and community came through sinful and prideful independence.

At the right time in the history of man, God built His center in a man called Jesus Christ. Being lifted up on a cross God was showing that if there was going to be any unity, it would rally around Jesus. Jesus was to unite the fragmented world of the arrogant Jew and rebellious Gentile. On Pentecost, the Lordship of Jesus was made visible (Acts 2) which undid everything that happened at Babel!

It didn't take long and this one community of believers that came into existence called the church (there was only one and no such thing as denominations), that rallied around the Lordship of Jesus Christ as the center of their lives and His truth brought them as one, began to fragment. People leading others under this name of Jesus into different beliefs and independence. The grand structures built with man's name on it, glory in man, the apostles and anyone tied to religion. Positive thinking, psychology and ideas of man have become a staple all under the disguise of the name of the Lord. But really the name of man is behind it. We are just smarter about it today...or are we? Slowly but surely, over the last two thousand years as hundreds of hundreds of groups have fragmented with different teachings making man's thoughts their center and traditions made up as their religion. It makes us wonder if once again we have begun the journey back to Babel? I wonder what God is getting ready to do?

"$UCCE$$"

2012-01-25T07:57:00.001-06:00

It's sometimes taught as the "gospel of success"! We live in a day and time where the media, social outlets and even preaching and teaching worship the god of "success." What America claims are role models are looked at as "successful." Professional athletes with multi-million dollar salaries are "successful." Corporate heads who command vast commercial empires are "successful." Autobiographies are written about those self-made "successful" people and become big sellers. Musicians, actors, entertainers with huge fan clubs and bulging bank accounts are envied by many and viewed as a great "success" in life.

Where does that leave the rest of us? The many multitudes? Are we (they) "unsuccessful?" The ordinary person who works hard, planning out things, clawing, scratching, scraping and doing what is right just to get along in life. What about those of us who follow Jesus? Is it possible the world's mad-dog rush and mob-like clamor for "success" has invaded the church from the podiums, classrooms and outreach? In all this talk about "success" and being a winner, is it making it more and more difficult for us to hear the voice of the Son of God? Was it not Jesus who spoke these words: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26)? The Lord of heaven and earth hasn't changed His mind, has He? When is the last time we thought about His words: "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."? (Luke 12:15) Is our life really about physical "success?"

Let's be honest here. Where do we find where Jesus taught His disciples to "succeed" in their physical well being? Where did God inspire His holy apostles to teach the church to be "successful" using worldly criteria? What is happening in the church when disciples want positions of greatness and dominance over others? Maybe we need to go back and read about Brother Noah working on an ark because it was a matter of life and death in listening to God. He led his children to listening to God's voice to save them too. It meant they had to reject the lifestyle of those around. Look at Jeremiah as he weeps in prison over Judah's unfaithfulness, suffering with those who have acted ungodly. Read about Paul, sitting in a prison cell, awaiting to hear if he would be executed or set free because of His Lord's message. And what about Jesus as they drove nails in His hands and feet?

"Success" has become a goal of many. I'm not advocating to not try your best or be lazy. I am wondering if we have forgotten that the gospel is still God's power to save and it is the only means to do just that. We will live in eternity with the Lord only by and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who spoke that those who humbly submit to Him, walking in His love and serving where we can while preaching Jesus and Him crucified to our friends and neighbors. The only "successful" ones in the end will be those who serve their Master allowing Him to save their souls.

"Marriage"

2012-01-24T07:44:00.000-06:00

"Beautiful is the marriage of Christians, two who are one in hope, one in desire, one in the way of life they follow, one in the religion they practice.

They are both servants of the same Master. Nothing divides them, either in flesh or spirit.

They are two in one flesh, and where there is one flesh there is also one spirit.

They pray together, they worship together, instructing one another, strengthening one another.

Side by side they visit God's church; side by side they face difficulties and persecutions, share their consolation. They have no secrets from one another; they never bring sorrow to each other's hearts.

Unembarrassed they visit the sick and assist the needy. They give alms without anxiety.

Psalms and hymns they sing. Hearing and seeing this, Christ rejoices. To such as these He gives His peace.

Where there are two together, there also He is present; and where He is, evil is not!"

Tertullian of Carthage

c. 160-230 AD

"Going To An Early Grave"

2012-01-23T10:33:00.000-06:00

Some of the brethren at Corinth went to an early grave! Not physically but spiritually. What killed them spiritually a couple of thousand years ago has not been eradicated. It is presently a raging epidemic and we need to be made aware because of the danger invovled. Those who have already died probably don't care while others are on the verge of death.

When things can affect our health, we become hightened to what is causing our problems. We take precaustions by eating the right foods, getting sufficient rest, take vacations, take our vitamins and exercise when we can. When we sense something is wrong with our health, we get to the doctor as quickly as possible. All of this is done for a body that will last some 70-80 years.

The soul is another story. We openly admit our souls are important. Do we not realize our soul has no expiration date stamped on it? Our soul was designed by God to live forever. That should give each of us more concern about the condition of our souls than our bodies!

One's soul does not have to die! What was going on in the congregation at Corinth had Paul greatly concerned. Paul knew exactly why "many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep." (I Cor. 11:30) Their spiritual well being was heading to an early grave and some were already there!

It all had to do with their attitudes toward the brethren and their fellowshiping the Lord in the His Supper! Paul reminded them Jesus asked to "do this in remembrance of Me." How do we remember Jesus? With bad attitudes? With sin-filled lives? Hate in the heart toward another brother or sister? Simply not caring? Why do you partake of His Supper? A failure to partake of His feast in any way that is less than Him in relationship to each one will lead to weakness, illness and the death of the soul!

It is for your soul's sake to take His Supper, fellowship with Him and His body and examining ourselves to make certain we do it with a remembrance of Him. Otherwise, we are going to an early grave!

"Off and Running"

2012-01-16T07:22:00.000-06:00

This week I will be out of pocket at a lectureship in Texas. I will resume my writings on Jan. 23, 2012. Until then, let's believe the truth about God. Just listen to these words:

"There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapid to evil, a false witness who utters lies and the one who spreads strife among brothers." (Prov. 6:16-19)

This should always make us pause, realizing the fear of the Lord knowing we serve an awesome God. The righteous and wise fear the Lord and tremble at His word. God's blessings to each. Be prayerful, be strong in His word and let the Lord have entrance in your heart.

"Come Worship and Sin!"

2012-01-12T08:41:00.001-06:00

Amos came preaching God and cried out to God's people: "Enter Bethel..." I'll stop there. Bethel was an ancient place of worship and Amos was calling for the people to come to Bethel. Let's finish the verse: "Enter Bethel and transgress." (Amos 4:4) What? How jarring it must have been for a prophet and preacher to say in effect: "Come worship and let's sin!"

That was the message from this preacher of God to God's people. Here's the whole of it: "Enter Bethel and transgress; In Gilgal multiply transgressions! Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days. Offer a thank offering also from that which is leavened, and proclaim freewill offerings, make them known. For so you love to do so, you sons of Israel," 'Declares the Lord God.' (Amos 4:4-5)

These strong and straight forward words of this preacher was urging God's people to attend services and be fully participating in all their religious activities in order that they might increase their rebellion against the Lord! What brought all this on? The Lord calls their hand because of the motivation of these worshipers. Their real concern was to enhance their own reputations by being present and displaying their personal generosity!!

This leads me to wonder. Do I (or you) attend worship to be drawn into a closer relationship and fellowship with the Lord? Or is there a different agenda? Are we really there gathered around the feet of the Lord or are there other motives involved? Is worshiping God something you do just for your personal satisfaction? "...because you come together not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it." (I Cor. 11:17-18) We too can come together and transgress! Just look at how people treat one another and we don't think the Lord is aware? If our motives and oneness does not prevail in our worship, it becomes a worship of sin and rebellion. Where does it leave such? "For this reason many among you are weak and sick and a number sleep." (I Cor. 11:30) Our attitudes in worship can really be killing us. "Come worship and sin!"

"Fear of the Lord"

2012-01-11T07:57:00.000-06:00

One of the strangest phenomena of our day and time is people wanting to drop "fear of the Lord" in preaching and teaching while in the human world the interest in fear is great. Look around. Everyone is speaking and teaching fear except the church!

We are being taught that if certain ones are voted into office, it will hurt those aged, the end of medicare or social security. It is almost daily we hear something about this. AIDS is spoken of as a fear. Radon is a problem. There are those telling us there is a hole in the ozone and our weather is changing which will ultimately destroy our world. The rain forest is being cut down which will have drastic effects on our world. Many see these fears as a good thing. They are worthwhile and productive for all of us. Let's just face it: we are sold on fear in this world!

But when it comes to God, something changes. Many want to say "no" to preaching the fear of the Lord. You hear it from some that we aren't to talk about the fear of the Lord but only about His love for us. Please don't mention the wrath of God. Let's not preach on hell. Let's not warn the disobedient or call those who are sinning wrong, let's just talk about loving them. Elders are railed against with no fear of the Lord behind them. Call sin sin and you get put on the chopping block. Simply put, the fear of the Lord is missing in many places and we see it in the lives of people. Have we become like those mentioned in Rom. 1:21, "they did not honor Him as God or give thanks."? Or Rom. 3:18, "There is no fear of God before their eyes."?

When are we going to listen carefully to the words Jesus spoke: "But I will warn you whom to fear; fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!" (Luke 12:5)?

The apostle Peter taught that in our addressing the Father, the One who impartially judges each one, "conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth." We are missing something in our faith because their is little fear of the Lord. The lack of fear leads to the lack of respect. That's why much of the preaching has moved away from the word of the Lord to just a reference book and more focused on man's books and stories! Many don't want to hear anything but fluff and made to feel good about themselves. You don't have to change or respect anyone. Jesus didn't teach like that!

Isaiah speaking for the Lord sums it up like this: "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word."(Isa. 66:2) Makes one wonder if God is looking to us?

"The Gospel"

2012-01-10T08:07:00.000-06:00

John was standing, watching and waiting. There was a book in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne (Rev. 5). No one in heaven or on earth could approach the throne much less open the book. John wept. The existence of man was depending on the opening of that book and no one was worthy. Not Abraham, not Moses, not Peter or Paul or any of the apostles. Why? Because the best of men and women come up short of God's holiness! Only Christ and Him alone can bring one near to God. Jesus approached the throne and took the book opening it. Heaven broke out in praise and adoration. Jesus is the answer to man's problems. Everything we lack, He is. All our faults and weaknesses He is our perfection. Everything we desire to be, He is!

Many times what is happening in the world happens in the church. Different gospels are being proclaimed. Some preach a "Psychological Gospel." Let's make people feel good and don't speak too harsh against sin. Some preach a "Social Gospel." Those who need a friend and where you can have a good time with others that are so nice. There is a "Political Gospel" where changing our society and fighting "against" campaigns are in order. We have an "Emotional Gospel" where feel good stories and emotional happenings send goose bumps up and down the back. Personal testimonies take center stage along with "mood music" to help the moment along. Still others preach a "Theological Gospel" where people glory in being right on every issue. Why we are right and everyone else is wrong becomes the theme. Scripture is used but many are taken out of context. What is the common theme in all these "gospels"? MAN is the center! No wonder people are so weak and helpless.

It was Jesus who sent His apostles out into a world with His gospel (Mark 16:15). It was Paul who proclaimed that gospel was God's power for salvation (Rom. 1:16). It was Jesus and Him crucified that Paul wanted to know (I Cor. 2:2). It was being careful not to get cute with the gospel, changing it in any way because it would be made void in the lives of people (I Cor. 1:17). Jesus knows and the apostles knew that you cannot grow spiritually without Jesus and Him crucified! Only in Christ can sins be forgiven. Only in Christ can one find power to overcome! Only in Christ can one be made complete! Only in Christ can one be made holy and righteous to live in the presence of a holy and righteous Father! Only Christ can change a person into His image!

That day before John in Revelation 5, only One could open that book. Only One could approach the holiness of God. When Jesus took the book and opened it, every living thing in heaven fell down and cried out, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." (Rev. 5:12) Heaven knows the Savior. Heaven sang a new song. Heaven knows the gospel of salvation and who that gospel is tied to. What about us?

"God Is Faithful"

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

The three greatest words we hear from heaven is: "God is faithful!" (I Cor. 1:9/10:13) What a statement of truth. We have read about the faithfulness of God over and over yet have we ever really thought about it? "If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself." (II Tim. 2:13) The absolute nature of God is "faithfulness." He is always trustworthy in His words, action and nature. Many don't believe that. They look at the hurt and evil in the world and question the faithfulness of God. "If God really cared, why did He allow this to happen?" is a common question by many. No matter what is going on, the fact still remains true: "God is faithful."

The word "faithful" means "to be reliable, trustworthy and loyal." We use the word "faithful" in a wrong sense many times which causes us to have a distorted view of God and His faithfulness. We call one "faithful" who attends the assemblies. If brethren show up when the doors are open, we say, "They are a faithful member!" If one comes to the assemblies somewhat regular, we whisper, "They are somewhat faithful." When one doesn't come hardly at all, we state, "They are unfaithful." I am not denying the need for assembling with the saints. It is a love shown and a want to express a heart of thanksgiving in worship. It is vital for our up-building and growth. But let's think about this, sitting in a building with other Christian's will no more make you a "faithful Christian" than wallowing in the pig pen will make you a pig! The "religion of attendance" is not something new. Jesus experienced it while He walked among the Jews. The Pharisees strutted about with their chests out because they attended everything expected! Jesus condemned them (Matt. 23).

"God is faithful" and we were called into His faithfulness through Jesus. Some are "babies" in Christ but they long after their Savior, to follow in His steps while not knowing much except His promises. They stumble and are repentant but they are "faithful". Some are mature and have practiced the word of righteousness in order to discern good and evil (Heb. 5:14). Their goal is to please their Lord. They are "faithful." Some are weak, struggling and seem less important. To Jesus they are most important (I Cor. 12:23-24). We think the most visible work is the best but that's not what God thinks. Those weak members, who are hanging on to their Savior's words, turn with a whole heart when they fail and want to grow. They are "faithful".

Abraham believed God! David trusted his God! Peter leaned on his Lord! They all failed but they didn't trust in themselves, they relied on the "faithfulness" of God. To be a "faithful" follower means, when I fail, I look to Jesus' blood for my cleansing and get up. When I stumble badly, I look away from myself and to Him who is "faithful" and not drown in myself. When I sin, I confess to Him with an humble heart knowing "He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) My "faithfulness" is not mine. It is a response from my faith to trust in Him to do as He promised and I carry out His will. Years ago I heard this, and I can't remember where, but it went like this: the legalist trusts in what he does. The liberal trusts in what he doesn't do. The saved trust in God.

"Self Denial"

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

Jesus drove home a point in Luke 9:23: "And He was saying to them all, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'" He didn't mince words! Jesus states if this is not done, one can't be My disciple.

One of the most difficult things to do is deny self! To deny yourself literally means to "disregard one's own interest." This is a demand on the soul, your soul! Self denial is never easy because there is a cross involved but one can never walk with Jesus until this happens. Too many want to promote their wants, their personal desires and work off the way they feel. Whenever one has strong feelings about a situation it is difficult to say no to yourself. What we need to realize is that we need Jesus enthroned on our hearts and not our personal feelings and wants. When we live according to our desires, the best it will get you is separated from God because God can't use you in that heart setting. Jesus said this is what a disciple of Mine does; they deny themselves!

"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:26) This explains a little more in depth what it means to deny self. I thought we are to love our parents, mates and children? What does Jesus mean? Simply put, those closest to us are not to interfere in our walk with the Lord! They are not to be the Lord of our lives. There is no relationship, no matter how cherished the people are, to come between you and your serving the Lord. To refuse Christ and His Lordship for the love of a parent, mate or child will cost you your soul. Wasn't it Jesus that taught we are to love God will all our heart, soul and mind? We love our families but we aren't to allow them to be loved over the Lord.

Have you ever spoken with someone about their soul and the gospel to save them and they couldn't respond because of their concern for what their family would think? They refuse to deny self. The love of family was greater than the love of God.

Sometimes we want certain things our way and when that desire is strong, it gets very difficult to deny self. A disciple of Jesus must deny self. That inner surrender of ourselves to Christ become the principle upon which our behavioral patterns are built. Look how many times the church has split over the lack of self denial. People pursue their feelings, their desires while talking about the Lord and HIs word and will destroy the very things of God in the process of their pursuits. We need to go the extra mile and that takes self denial. You can love, even when you have been taken advantage of or hurt because of self denial. Didn't Jesus?

"Ignorance vs. Ignorance"

2012-01-04T07:51:00.000-06:00

I heard of a fellow, he was a brother in Christ, that was opposed to education. He often called those with high education people without any sense! He wasn't bashful about making it known. One day he prayed in public: "Lord, I thank Thee that I am ignorant, and I pray that Thou will make me ignoranter." Another brother sitting close by whispered quietly to the Lord, "Lord, I don't think you can do that!!"

Ignorance, under the Law of Moses, was still sin. Sins done in ignorance (Lev. 5:17-19) or unknowingly had to have sacrifices made for them and they would be forgiven. They were different from sins done in high handed rebellion (Numbers 15:30-36). Those who did things knowing they were against the Lord were rebelling and despised the word of the Lord. It cost them their lives!

Paul speaks that he had received mercy for his blaspheming and persecuting and being a violent aggressor because "I acted ignorantly in unbelief." (I Tim. 1:13-14).

While speaking at a lectureship, I had a lady share with me that she realizes the more you know from Scripture the more accountable one becomes so she concluded the less she knew, the better off she was! That's not ignorance but down right insane.

But there is another side to ignorance that Scripture deals with and that's with the moral rather than a purely intellectual connotation. This type of ignorance is linked with hardness of heart. "Being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart." (Eph. 4:18) This is not a knowledge or intellectual deficient, but a willful refusal to know God and honor Him as God (Rom. 1:21).

Sometimes ignorance even goes beyond hardness of heart and becomes arrogant and self-assertive. Not only is the heart hardened to the point the Lord can't touch but they are going to assert themselves upon others to accept things their way no matter what anyone says or thinks. People like this are unreasonable and are certainly standing as an obstacle that the Lord will have to remove. This type of ignorance does not even realize the depth of trouble they are in and what is headed their way. The bottom line, there is more than one kind of ignorance but every form is a root of misfortune!

"The Grand or the Humble?"

2012-01-03T07:52:00.000-06:00

Our society is geared to the strong, the grand, the outstanding winners! It has become a worship of such. How many advertisements have you seen about the "ordinary" or "Mr./Mrs. Average"? Beauty, youth and being number one are what our world drives for and is built around. Many want to rub shoulders with the record breakers and be known themselves as someone great. And this mind-set and desires have walked right into the church of our Lord! Let's be somebody's, let's be recognized, let's be a "mega-church" seem to drive so many. But let's turn for a moment and look at Jesus. Jesus didn't teach, "What we need is BIG faith to do BIG things for the Lord!" Listen to His words: "If you have faith as a mustard seed..." (Matt. 17:20) in speaking to His disciples. "...but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant." (Mark 10:43) What does our desire for greatness and being number one lead to? Finding the super motivating evangelist, the smile crazed youth ministers with talent out of this world and people who has charisma and charm.

I suppose people who go after and reach for all this hype would probably have rebuked Jesus in the garden. Listen, God has never looked and is not impressed by our greatness!! Just look at all the instances that got the attention of Jesus. It was those small and insignificant people in the eyes of man. People who served in quiet, humble ways while others never knew. Those who kneel in prayer when their heart is breaking because of a loved one having gone astray from the Lord. Those who find encouragement in the assembly because of fellowshipping with the Lord in His Supper because of the battles they face during the week.

God used a lowly Hebrew named Moses to bring down the powerful Pharaoh. The Lord God used an ordinary, simple servant girl to get the great Naaman to Elisha, who in turn sent him to the dirty Jordan Rivers for cleansing. God raised up a common shepherd boy to destroy the great and might giant warrior of the Philistines. Jehovah God sent a breeder of sheep (Amos), a herdsman who lived in the desert, to go to His people to get them to repent. God brought John from the desert, a man lacking royalty, eating locusts to pave the way for the Savior of the world. When our Lord entered this world, the King of kings and Lord of lords didn't come in greatness, pomp and majesty being born in a high class family. He was an ordinary Jew and looked like an ordinary Jew. When Jesus tried to teach about God, people took offense because of His humble, ordinary background (Matt. 13:54-58). God used fishermen and those of lowly positions in life to get a gospel message to the lost world. God reminded the Corinthians that the great and mighty was not God's way (I Cor. 1:26-31). No, it isn't about the great and strong winners that society drools over. God is for the humble, the weak and hurting. He's concerned for the down-trodden and those who fail trying.

The next time the zealous lacking knowledge, fireball Christian, with all his arms waving and schemes pouring out of his mouth asks you, "What great things are you doing for the Lord?", just humbly ask: "Does praying for the lost count? What about trying to lead my family to heaven while raising my children in the Lord's way count? Does it count that I am trying to lead a godly life quietly and humbly in the presence of ungodly co-workers? Does being honest count?"

"Godliness"

2012-01-02T09:54:00.000-06:00

We need to be a godly people. A people who seek God's approval and walk in godly attitudes. Godliness is one of the qualities listed in II Peter 1:5-7 that needs to be added to our faith. In fact, in the seven qualities listed, each of the qualities are built on one another. In other words, if one doesn't start dealing with "moral excellence" (NASB version) they will never arrive at knowledge of God! Virtue, moral excellence is a standard of living of right and wrong. One must look to God and hear what He speaks as is right and wrong. But down deep in the list of seven qualities to add in our lives, is this thing called 'godliness'.

Godliness is best explained when we see how ungodliness described. "And about these also Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, 'Behold, the Lord came with many thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way,and of all the harsh things which the ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." (Jude 14-15) Jude speaks of Enoch prophesying about a judgment of the Lord upon the ungodly. Using this prophesy, Jude explains who the ungodly are when speaking of the church..."These are the grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage." (Jude 16)

Those that are ungodly are grumblers! The godly don't grumble! Paul reminds the brethren at Corinth that grumbling cost Israel their lives (I Cor. 10). The ungodly are fault finders! The godly bears with faults because that's what love does (I Cor. 13:7). How easy is it to find fault in another? The ungodly follow their lusts, desires! Things must go their way, how they feel and think and if it doesn't, they will express their views in ways that are less than godly. The godly seek the best for others and not themselves. But here is where it gets difficult. The ungodly speak to flatter people trying to gain an advantage. They want people to think they are spiritual while trying to gain advantage over the rest. It's ungodliness at it's height! The godly simple trust and obey.

If we are going to pursue godliness, we must move away from ungodly behavior and attitudes! Godliness must be pursued and practiced before one can get to brotherly kindness and love (II Pet. 1:7) That takes spiritual maturity to get to this depth of growing in our faith. Some never arrive. Years in the Lord does not always equate into spiritual godliness. It takes a diligence in faith to attain and starts with moral excellence! Until that is put into practice, there is no moving forward into the other qualities which is why some never reach to the depth of walking with Jesus in godliness.

"Across The World"

2011-12-20T07:53:00.000-06:00

It makes things a little sober and maybe even a little scary for me. When you write, you never know who is looking and you sure don't know why. When you realize where your blog is reaching, it brings a seriousness about what you write. I get many emails each week from all over. I have conversations with people on the phone. In the whole, sometimes people ask me to address this or that which I try to do if I think it will be beneficial for all. Sometimes what I am asked to address is not for all so I write to the individual personally addressing their thought or question.

I have a section where I can go under and see where this blog is read and it was rather insightful and shocking. Over this month of December here is the breakdown:

United States - 413

Nigeria - 128

Russia - 53

Germany - 51

Saudi Arabia - 34

Hungary - 19

Philippines - 8

United Kingdom - 5

France - 3

Georgia - 3

India - 3

That opened my eyes. Not that people read my blog but where they are from. Sometimes it can be someone accidently coming across the writings as a mistake which you know happens if you are searching for something in particular. My blog started as a result of my own family, especially my lovely daughter, asking me to start one up. I never realized where it was being read. I want to teach. Sometimes I get my point across, sometimes I don't do so well. In any case, thank you for reading. This is not some ego thing with me. It takes a lot of effort each day to write something. If I get to a point where I feel this is no longer a useful tool, I will shut it down. Thank you for those who encourage me in your personal notes and emails. Above all, I ask you to pray for me. Pray for the lost souls in our families, in the church and in the world. Pray fervently. Devote yourselves to prayer. We need to realize that we don't believe in prayer but God, that's why one prays. This will be my last posting until next week, Dec. 27. To all, have a safe and blessed time with your family! May God richly grant you His grace as you grow in the knowledge of His word.

"The Most Blessed"

2011-12-19T09:40:00.000-06:00

Indeed I am one of the most blessed men. I know many of you are blessed but I am especially blessed. There are congregations of our Lord all over the this state, this country and this world. Yet here I sit in one of the best congregations I have ever been associated in my 31 plus years of preaching. We have our difficulties and struggles but the prevailing desire for God and His word is wonderful. The struggles have strengthened us. I know there are those after my being here so many years that would probably be glad to see me go on down the road and I can understand that. But while I am here, I love preaching and teaching for the brethren that assemble at this location.

I watch people just quietly go about serving the Lord, looking for opportunities to help. My phone rings often from brethren asking me if I know of someone that needs assistance of any kind. I have a long list of names of members that have informed me that if I come across someone in need of financial help to call them. People study and pray daily, weekly and you can see it. People reaching beyond their comfort zones in their service to the Lord. Brethren who willingly give of their time to help one another. I am not trying to shout the praises of man! I know those who serve in such ways would not want me to speak of them or the things they do in the name of the Lord. I just sit here this morning, praying and reflecting...indeed I am one of the most blessed men to be a small part of such dedicated people of the Lord. Thank you Lord from the depth of my heart!

"Watch God Work"

2011-12-15T08:12:00.000-06:00

Who are we? We are a bunch of people beset with many different types of weaknesses! Our weakness is seen when we disappoint others, when fear grips our hearts and we go into a state of panic, when we say the wrong thing at the wrong time and when we just simply fall flat on our face. There are no exceptions, we have our weaknesses.

As we examine Scripture, we see God always working with the weak. Abraham in his fear. David in his fear and flesh. Job wondering why while trying to establish his own righteousness. Peter who argued with Jesus and even told Jesus how things were going to be only to fall flat on his face of cowardice.

Take those weaknesses and put men in position as elders to shepherd the flock. They are spiritual men (or should be), men mighty in Scripture but still beset with weakness. We add deacons to serve in special ways that have weaknesses. Preachers (probably myself more than others) that teach/preach yet find themselves letting those around him down or failing at strategic times in their lives.

The church is full of weakness and yet we act like we are super strong! That reveals more of our weakness.Putting men in the positions that God wants, women who serve with openness and humility in heart and there we find the recipe for...weakness! It's not going to be great. In fact, God speaks that the weak, lacking member of Christ's body are given more honor from God (I Corinthians 12:24-25).

With all this, we can place our hearts in the hands of the eternal, Almighty God and watch Him do His work with all this weakness to which we will simply praise His name for indeed, holy and awesome He is while working with this large pot of weakness!!

"Do You Believe This?"

2011-12-14T07:49:00.000-06:00

How I wish I could see spiritual things better! Too many times I find myself like Martha and Mary in John 11. Lazarus their brother was sick and eventually died. What was amazing is Jesus loved them so yet lingered a few more days to allow him to die. Jesus knew what He was doing. The people didn't. It became a trust issue.

Upon arrival, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Martha came out to meet Jesus before He arrived at their home saying, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died!" It wasn't long before Mary came out and met Him saying, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died!" Isn't it rather interesting they both had the same response? Someones been talking. They could see only the immediate. Jesus could have done something yesterday but nothing today. The circumstances are such they are beyond Him today but yesterday...?

Jesus knew this death was going to be to the glory of God. Jesus expresses to Martha that her brother will rise again to which Martha replies, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." Martha has gone from yesterday to tomorrow which hasn't come! Isn't that what we do. We move from wishing we had done something different yesterday to speaking of tomorrow with little to no hope today. The words from Jesus came: "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" Right there we have it! Do WE believe this? Jesus is today! He is yesterday! He is tomorrow! Jesus is!

Jesus weeps! Why? Not because He watched people sad over the death of this beloved Lazarus. Jesus already knew this outcome. Jesus cries out, "Did I not say to that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" What hurt His heart? What made Him weep? What moved His spirit and troubled Him? The unwillingness of the people to trust in Him and listen to what He was saying.

That's me sometime! I find myself dealing in ways and situations drawing upon me rather than listening and drawing off the Lord. How many times do we look back or forward yet never see the now? How it must crush the heart of our Savior to see us act in such ways while our resurrection and life watches us, troubled and moved at our unbelief. The question He asks us: "Do you believe this?"

"A Glimpse Of God"

2011-12-13T07:58:00.000-06:00

We learn from the prayer of Jesus in John 17 some great insight to what was on His heart and what eternal life really is. "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." Knowing God and Jesus Christ is eternal life. I'm not real sure what to make of that but it is powerful and impacts a life.

Moses was known by God and called by name. Moses asked to see the glory of His Maker to which the sovereign Lord said man cannot see and live. Man is not capable of handling God in His majestic glory.

Too many of us, and I'm afraid I too fall into this mindset from time to time, that we have God wrapped up in a nice neat little package to present and just move about speaking His word as if we know Him inside out! We are too shallow and God is too majestic!

But to know God is to walk where He wants us to walk. That walk begins with Jesus! One looks closely at Jesus and they see God. Our Lord "Jesus" is the human name of the Almighty Jehovah. Jesus is God speaking to us the only way we can understand and that is our human image and language. Jesus is God taking on form and substance.

We must know Jesus to know God. To know Jesus means we must walk in His steps. When mistreated, how did He respond? How do we respond? When a brother wronged Him, how did He walk? When a brother wrongs us (or sometimes what someone thinks is a wrong which is even more serious), how do we walk? Was Jesus diligent about the unity between Himself and His heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit? What about our diligence to preserve the unity? These are just a few things that reveal our "knowing God and Jesus Christ."

To know God is looking closely at Jesus. Listen to His voice. Watch His moves. See His truth. Too many are making God some heavenly sweetheart and speak as if He is just some common friend we pal up with. That is why many have little fear of the Lord and the result you see in their worship, treatment of one another and approach in their thinking.

"Going To Church"

2011-12-12T11:38:00.000-06:00

Most call it "going to church." They are young and old, some smiling, some frowning and some easy to get along with while others aren't so easy. Some come with words of encouragement while others have their few they like to see. Who are these people?

Why do they come? God knows! Some come with moodiness and different reasons. Maybe its to see someone or their parents make them come. Some come out of duty and obligation while others may come because their children need it. Still there are those who come because some young man or woman has caught their attention. There are so many reasons for coming together sometimes we can't begin to put it together but God does!

There are those who come simply because of the grace of God received through the death of Jesus. They gather for the proper reason and they simply want to thank God with those who want to thank God. And there is SO MUCH to thank God for!!

We also have those who come seeking for forgiveness. Oh, they realize it's not the church that forgives, or the preacher, or elders or even the place of worship. But sometimes forgiveness is found there in the presence of the Lord and Savior, in the midst of His people that are dedicated and committed to His cause. They find a cleansing in the midst and walk away feeling free again to honor and serve in their daily lives.

There are those who come seeking the face of God to challenge their faith to a deeper trust and commitment. They don't want a pat on the back, good job and a hand shake. They want to be stirred in their heart, confronted by God through His word to take their blood-bought lives seriously.

There are those who want to worship in a serious and respectful atmosphere with the brothers and sisters. Their daily lives are busy, rushing here to there and it is a time to reflect and sit in quietness just to give praise to their Savior for their salvation.

There are those there who simply wants to hear again the gospel of God in His search for them! The cross amazes and His life consoles. They draw strength to face an up-coming week with all the vile and ungodly behavior surrounding them while they hold up the cross of Christ before the lost world's eyes.

No matter how we cut it, it all boils down to this...we do it together as His body of people! Together we sing as one. As His congregation we pray when one person shapes our prayer for us to which we say "AMEN"! We place ourselves under the guidance of His word as one body. We share our blessings in giving as one in Christ Jesus. The Supper is passed and we take it as one. We witness people repent. We see them baptized into Christ Jesus and our hearts are over-joyed and eyes filled with tears because we share in the one body!

Yes, we all do this thing called "going to church" but we aren't alone. We gather as His people and fellowship our Lord. We come together because our Leader is one with us and we do it as one!!!

"Diversity?"

2011-12-08T08:17:00.000-06:00

Today is a little difficult to write because I can almost see some winch as they read it or shake their head. I want to give us something for deeper thought. Sometimes what we are doing is not wise but we follow the natural line of thinking not realizing what we are doing. I want to begin by saying I am for classes and teaching different ages! What concerns me is many times what people want leads to fragmentation.

It seems many are bent on stressing our differences too much. People seem to want studies, classes like a group therapy session rather than what is common and the Lord sees as common. In these classes, the word of the Lord is treated less than it's purpose and is just a reference book rather than the heart of God effecting change in our lives. People speak, "We need different classes because we have different needs!" That may be true but it may not be true. The needs of man, from temptations to the power to overcome are basically the same (I Cor. 10;13). "We need women having their own class because they have different needs than a man!" The same God who created man created the woman and the answers are the same for both. There aren't two sets of Scripture for each. We have allowed the world to shape our desires into believing there are two different sources of answers for both groups. Peer pressure, fear of the future, health, self-respect, financial decisions, parent/child relationships, husband/wife relationships, guilt and shame, chronic illness are all part of all of us. These things aren't just for one particular age, gender or group.

Some time back a man approached me telling me how our teens needed to be taught the purity of sex because their sex drives are so strong and sex is flaunted before their eyes daily. He spoke of peer pressure and the need for guidance. I asked him if he thought the older aren't tempted with sexual impurity and peer pressure to be part of the in-crowd or working force was around each of us? Drink with your workers. Party with them are all part of peer pressure for adults too! Pornography is all around the adults and it affects many a home!

I realize that many go through some things others don't but we must realize that everything boils down to a single, common denominator! We are all battling temptations, battling the same foe and facing the same challenges. What is needed is not breaking things down into specific groups but our lives molded and changed into the likeness of our Lord and Savior (Rom. 8:29). What we face is not a lack of understanding or need special attention but the character to deal rightly with things in light of the Lord (Rom. 5). It is all about godly character being developed in each one of us.

We hear people speak that singles need a class because they aren't like the married couples. So what do we think the solution is? Let's create more isolation and remove the singles from the couples! The couples and singles learn to be separate rather than both molded together in the life of Christ, caring for one another.

We hear our teens and older have a communication problem so what do we do? Let the teens go their way and in some cases they don't even worship with the older. They do their own thing during worship. What are we really doing?

We are hurting ourselves by fragmenting us and thinking we have these special needs. The Lord and being molded into His likeness falls by the way, the very thing God is trying to do in all of us! We are the body of Christ! Weak and strong, old and young, the strugglers and the weak in character. We need Jesus to shape our lives individually so we can shape the body as a whole. We need to rethink about what we are doing and fragmenting, thinking the needs of certain ones are different than others is not clear thinking. Over-coming is what the Lord has in mind and over-comers must have Christ as the center in their heart, His Scripture leads our paths and we humbly submit which brings about unity and changing into His likeness.

"Getting Along"

2011-12-07T07:54:00.001-06:00

Romans 14-15 are two chapters filled with richness about how members of Christ body are to get along. Too many refuse to hear what is being taught in pursuit of their personal interests. Here we have two groups that have come to Jesus: Jews and Gentiles. They have come to Christ Jesus with diverse backgrounds and there would be serious adjustments that need to be made by the love and grace of God. They needed to live in harmony as those reconciled by the blood of the Lamb. There was a controversy over to eat meat or not eat meat and holy days. Should the holy days be kept or not? People were looking down on one another, passing condemnation to one another while claiming their relationship to Christ. Too many today are turning things into a life and death debate in the church that really aren't.

It's all about rights and giving up your rights in view of Christ the Lord. Both groups could be pleasing because it wasn't about eating, not eating or keeping certain days holy and not keeping them holy. It was about a relationship to Jesus. Remember, we are speaking of things that have no clear cut do or don't do teachings. We are speaking about pushing your ideas on another, condemning one because they don't do it like you think it should be done and pulling some verses out of line to make your stand!

Who are we? We need to understand that those who have been immersed into Christ are acceptable servants to Christ because they came to Him on His terms! We need to realize that if one feels strongly about a situation and another doesn't, each does it because they want to please the Lord. We need to realize that walking in the kingdom of God is not about rights but righteousness, peace and joy. It's too easy to accept those we have a warm affection toward and very difficult for those belligerent toward us. We must realize we could give up our rights to help another make it! What would that do? Create righteousness, joy and peace! If we can't give up something for the sake of another who struggles with it, what kind of brother are we really? If I can't say no to a piece of meat, who is the one really held bound and blind? What did Jesus do? He gave up everything that we might live! And here we sit complaining about one another because they observe some holy day from the old covenant, or they won't see things my way. Paul took things so far that he would never eat meat again if it caused his brother to stumble (I Cor. 8). Why don't we take that loving attitude?

When we give up our rights for the sake of another, do we realize what we are doing? Teaching! We are teaching the major truth about what Christ and His kingdom is all about. It encourages those who don't have as much insight to learn how to give up for one another resulting in peace and the community of true believers working in love which sends a message to the world about fellowship and the glorious gospel. We seem to miss things sometimes and it is causing more and more factions in the body which is why we have no gospel of peace but a gospel of division to see and do it my way!!! I wouldn't want to be drawn to that kind of gospel. I can get that from the world's religion!

"IMMANUEL"

2011-12-06T08:12:00.000-06:00

The most difficult thing to do is trust in hard times! Sometimes we begin to question why God allows the walls to close in and in some cases it seems they have fallen in? Here we are, children of God, begotten of God and things are collapsing. Our homes are in disarray. A mate is out of line and we are left wondering what to do in this case. Where is God if we are His child? Our children are rebellious and seem bent on destroying their lives and God doesn't seem to be too concerned. What use is it being a child of God and He doesn't help? These are things that can run through our minds!

Eighth centuries before Christ, the king of Judah and his advisers were under siege and in a panic because Israel (the northern 10 tribes) and Syria had agreed to overthrow his throne and punish the people (Isa. 7). Israel and Syria were in a state of panic themselves because the most powerful army in the world, the Assyrians, were headed their way and Judah refused to join and help the fight. King Ahaz, the king of Judah, was very afraid. King Ahaz feared the plans of Israel and Syria but even more afraid of Assyria! Ahaz began thinking that if he would join forces it would be with the Assyrian's as they were most powerful and would preserve his kingdom.

King Ahaz finds out the Assyrian's overruns Israel and Syria and in order to keep him from thinking is was Assyria that did it, God sends Isaiah telling King Ahaz it wasn't Assyria. It was the Almighty Jehovah, their God! God makes it clear in Isa. 8 that He was in control of the whole situation and that Assyria would enter Judah like a flood that will reach to the neck but that's all. God wasn't allowing destruction. Discomfort? Yes to teach him to trust. Then the warning came not to walk in the thinking or ways of the people. The king was warned to not fear what they fear. Why? Because they were the children of God and He had it all under control. The king didn't trust his God! He trusted his own feelings and reasonings!

We don't have fears of armies like this. We have no threats as they faced. We do have troubles, some very difficult. Our families, unemployment, age, our children's future and even the church can be distressing. Where do we get our assurance for the present and future? Turn to a network of friends? Our financial security? Promises made by doctors? Even our brethren? However fine these things may seem they are very limited! We never seem to listen or respond to the name: IMMANUEL!! "GOD WITH US"! Is God really with us? We speak the words when all is well but when things aren't, we panic, just like King Ahaz!

Our faith in IMMANUEL or lack thereof is seen in our difficulties and how we respond. Just listen to our talk or watch our behavior. Look where we turn and the road we walk. We seem to draw off anyone or anything that can bring us some glimpse of hope. Who is this IMMANUEL? Your Savior and we need to trust Him and only Him!

"Hold To The Truth"

2011-12-05T08:01:00.000-06:00

I can't stress the importance of the truth and truth seeking. That applies to every aspect of our lives. Truth seekers are just that. Truth means everything thing to them from Scriptures to living our daily lives. Truth seeking keeps us on track and well rounded in our lives so we don't jump on a bandwagon of presumptuous sins. David found himself concerned with that very thing in Psa. 19:13 where he rested on the Lord to keep him from presumptuous sins, not allowing them to rule over him! Truth seeking will keep presumptions from ruling our lives.

We meet people often who have a conviction about what they believe in Scripture. When you show them that their conviction is not based completely on the whole of the truth, there is a battle that ensues within them. They struggle, deny, want to argue because their world of faith and conviction is being torn down. If their heart is a truth seeker, they will give over to the word of the Lord and submit. If not, the Lord will provide the delusion so they can continue down their same road and mind-set. That's a sobering thought (II Thes. 2:10-12).

It also leads us into other areas of our lives. Sometimes people do something and we quickly jump with a conclusion based on what it looks like or what little we have been told and develop a conclusion about the matter. Recently a dear brother living in another state called me telling me about a situation that had arisen. As he shared it with me he gave me his conclusion asking me what I thought. Not being around, it looked completely different to me and I shared that with him. I asked a couple of questions to get him to be careful in his thinking. The result, he found out that he was going down a wrong path in his conclusion and realized later it was completely different than he had originally thought. He presumed and was wrong but because of a heart for the truth, it kept him from presumptuous sin.

The Lord gives each one what they want. If we want truth, desire truth then we will be careful in our lives when something might look a certain way but we can't be sure. Learn to rest in the Lord, have a love for His ways and allow His truth to bring forth His righteousness. If we start jumping to a conclusion based on a little bit of information here or there (sometimes the information might be coming from a source that is held in the cords of sin) we could fall prey to being ruled by presumption. The Lord will give each and everyone what they want and if it's not truth we sincerely seek, that leaves only one other path to head down.

"God Created"

2011-12-01T08:13:00.001-06:00

If one reads Genesis 1 carefully, we see where everything began. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Gen. 1:1) It doesn't say God made or God built. We don't hear God developed or God constructed. It's not God produced or God erected. God created!

We as humans build, develop, construct, produce and erect things. What's the difference? God created from nothing. When we build, develop, construct, produce and erect things, it is out of material that already exists. God created what we see and use out of, well, not even thin air because thin air didn't exist either! There simply wasn't anything and He created it! What a mind. What a heart to put everything in the order we see.

What do we see? God's creation but the creation we see is not the creation God created. What that garden of Eden must of been like. The perfect place. No sickness. No diseases. Why man didn't even have to cultivate the ground. Every thing was provided for man out of nothing! Even though sin marred God's creation, the amazing fact of how God created is just beyond our thinking. What kind of Creator is He who made our human bodies the way they are? What kind of Creator is this who could make electrical impulses within our being to keep the heart pumping, blood flowing and all the elements working together each and every day of our lives? Man can't figure out what causes the brain to work the way it does or other parts of our bodies. How can God make our bodies out of dust and all these elements flow and work in dust? Why don't you try that?

Why is the sun exactly fixed, not too far away and not too close? What a Creator we have and it all was made from nothing! We sit and marvel. Our God, our Creator did one more act of creating that really stirs the heart. The Creator dies for His creation! Why? Why would a Creator offer His Son for those He created? What drove God to do such? We know it is love but why love His creation like that? If everything began from nothing, couldn't God just take it back to nothing? Yet there is one element that makes us look. The Creator created man in His own image! God's love couldn't destroy His image!! The image of God took on corruption and destroyed creation and God took notice at His image and died for it. What love! What devotion! There was something about His creation that moved His love to sacrifice and we are the benefactors of that love. Even created angels in heaven long to look at this love and salvation (I Pet. 1:12). In the beginning God created! In the end God saved!

"A Trusted Love"

2011-11-30T07:58:00.000-06:00

It seems there is too much sweetener in our understanding love. As a result we make our Heavenly Father a "Heavenly Sweetheart." We take the approach in our sins to God as a God who approaches us in our wickedness saying, "There, there now, I know you didn't mean to be sinful!" But is that really true? There are times we want to behave badly because we are upset about something or someone! Just try to talk to someone when they are angry about something and just see how difficult it is to speak to them about a holy love.

What we need is a love that is a holy love. We are missing true love. People speak of God loving us unconditionally. God's love is holy! A love that isn't holy can't be trusted!! A love that finds no offense in corruption and sinful attitudes isn't holy. A love that yawns at our sins will yawn at the sins of a universe. A god who loves like this is not a god worthy of our worship because he is not a righteous god.

God wants to forgive us and longs to forgive us and made means for our forgiveness by providing a sacrifice of justification. That sacrifice is Jesus Christ. Jesus came into our world and identified Himself with us. But there is another side. He identified Himself with the holiness of God that He offered His Father nothing less than complete, holy obedience. He identified Himself with sinful humanity that He took on our sins because we have sinned against a holy God and dishonored His holy name. He died our death, bore our sin, confessing for us the justice of God's holy judgment.

There we have it! This Lord and Savior Jesus Christ knew what God's love was about and His love was holy. God's holiness was met in Jesus and we as humans can meet and face the holiness of God. Forgiveness is not something just shrugged off by God. It was met in Jesus completely. That's why we repent, we are baptized into His name because God's holiness demands it. God abhors sin and His abhorrence is seen in the cross. Why? Because God loves and this holiness is a love that can be trusted!!

"My Classmate"

2011-11-29T08:13:00.000-06:00

While visiting home, my parents were sharing with me about one of my classmates of years gone by. We weren't really that good of friends growing up but I do remember many things we did. He was a handsome guy and many admired him but he had a wild side which seemed to attract certain type of girls. He started drinking in Jr. High. By the time we hit high school, he would be drunk, sometimes at school! I couldn't believe the teachers never noticed but it was obvious to all of us.

After graduation, he went to college, only to drop out...yes, drinking cost him. He got engaged but soon afterward, she dropped him. That seemed to do it! It started a downward spiral in his life like a rock falling from the sky. He would frequent bars, get into fights and his body was having the markings of scars. He got hooked on drugs along with his alcohol. Rehab came and went. Visits to the "6th floor" at the hospital were in order. (That's the floor of those mentally unstable.) His life was completely out of control.

A picture was handed to me. It was his obituary. He looked worn and wrinkled. It was hard to believe this man was my age with the way he looked. His face was one of sadness and lostness. His life had spiraled downward so far that he lost everything in life and for eternity! He was lost in relationships and to himself and lost with the Lord.

Too many are like my classmate. Chasing things that cost and ruining their lives in the process. Trying to find meaning while in the process of losing! We see it today. Many a young man or woman thinking that living a life of wanton pleasure, party spirit is where life is while it spirals them downward into self-pity and ruin. Here we have a gospel message for people like this yet we keep it to ourselves because of fear. Fear of offending. Fear of rejection. Fear of not saying something the right way. Yet here people are looking for some meaning in life and we withhold that life from them because of fear. Maybe we don't see the power of God that's found in that gospel (Rom. 1:16-17)? Maybe we are searching too? The Lord God is right there, found in Jesus if we would only look and get others to look.

"Reflections"

2011-11-28T08:27:00.000-06:00

Sometimes we need to sit and reflect about things. Reflections about our lives, our loved ones and the journey we are taking. Some bring great joy to our hearts while other things make us realize how we really missed things.

As we spent our time with our family in Texas over the Thankgiving holiday, my mind was filled with reflections. I spent a day with my brother and sister-in-law. She has a serious brain tumor that only the Lord knows what will be the outcome. I reflected on our past as we spoke. We brought up things we did and where we had gone. It was good to bring back the memories. But in the reflection I saw a strength in my sister-in-law that was extremely encouraging. She knows she has a life threatening situation but her attitude and view of it was what we would call...GODLY. She had her hope and heart set. As we reflected that was good to see.

While at my parents house, my dad told me to go out into his garage, which was his work place over the last few years since closing down his tv and appliance business, and look through the things to see what I wanted. He brought so much from his shop with him and it is all set up in his garage. There were so many memories when I would pick something up that would flood my mind. My two sons were with me and they would find something and ask me what this was or that was. I found myself explaining things to them as I reflected. My grandkids were just having fun with it all. There was an old televsion set my dad has been tinkering with for several years trying to fix and my grandaughter asked, "What is that grandpa?" I explained about the older tv's to her surprise. I showed them soldering irons, tools and parts from years gone by. There were so many things that I can't begin to say how it made me feel. I was handling my past and how my dad had been blessed by the Lord to support us. It was incredible.

It is good to reflect. Sometimes it is good to sit and reflect where we came from and how we got to where we are presently. In the whole, as we each look at the journey we have taken, make certain you reflect on the Lord who brought it all about and where He is leading us. That's a reflection that leads to our present reality. Let's reflect on our past how it brought us to the present but this isn't over yet. We still have a future, a bright and blessed future, if we just hold to the promises of God in Christ Jesus. And smile as you reflect!

"Until Later..."

2011-11-21T07:37:00.000-06:00

I want to wish all a wonderful Thanksgiving. I love the Thanksgiving holiday because it is one of those holidays where people can sit and enjoy their family together without all the craziness of gift buying and fear of debts. Just simply familes getting together and sharing in a meal.

It's a lot like some of the times in the OT. Families would sit together and eat in a meal and reflect on the Lord. I know many don't do this but what a great opportunity for each of us. The Lord has blessed us and blessed over and over. Even in our down times, we are still blessed. It's the difficulties that make one thankful or that's how it should work.

Enjoy your time to get away from everyday business! Take time with your family. Make it an opportunity to listen to those around you. You might be surprised what you hear and find out they have a heart for things you were unaware. This is my last post until after the Thanksgiving holiday. May God richly grant you His graciousness and care for you and your loved ones.

"Peter Did!"

2011-11-17T08:24:00.001-06:00

There were few as up and down as Peter. One minute we find him rebuking His Savior and the next calling out to Him to save from a situation. He fought to defend His Lord and yet denied Him at the most critical time. Peter was so different than Judas. Judas was just...well, the devil. Jesus calls Him that! Judas was a petty thief, a deceiver and greedy! Judas had no answers for life but suicide.

But that night of Jesus' arrest, Jesus tells Peter that Satan has demanded permission "to sift you like wheat." (Luke 22:31) The devil didn't have any right over Jesus. It shows his weakness in dealing with Father and Son. He had to ask permission. That alone speaks volumes to us.

That night, Peter loudly and boldly proclaimed not to allow anything to happen to his Master. But that was short lived. Peter observed Jesus taken into custody and stayed back to watch until his hand was called. "This man was with him too!" a servant-girl said (Luke 22:56). Peter denied it! Another person approaches Peter and speaks "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." Peter didn't just deny it, he denied it with an oath (Matt. 26:72). A third bystander came up and said, "Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away." Peter didn't just deny it or swear with an oath. He began to curse and swear (Matt. 27:74). Can you imagine an apostle of the Lord doing such?

What was Peter to do? Suddenly out of nowhere, Jesus locks eyes with Peter. There you were, looking into the eyes of the Redeemer of mankind that you had just sworn and cursed about! As we would say, Peter threw Jesus under the bus. The cross was for Peter too! Peter went out and wept bitterly. Bitterly! Not just a few flowing tears but tears of pain and sorrow for having sold out the One who he said he would defend. It makes us wonder where Peter was (or the others as well) when that sky turned black upon the death of Jesus? More tears and sorrow!

But here is the thing. While Peter and Judas both walked with Jesus, they had witnessed His miracles, His working with and among people, heard His teachings of truth and knew what forgiveness of sins was. Judas didn't believe. Peter did! Jesus prayed for Peter and knew that Peter would turn after his great and horrific failure in his life. Peter did! Peter found forgiveness! Peter knew forgiveness!

We've been there. We have failed and too ashamed to ask for forgiveness but our faith won't give up asking. That part in our lives where shame and guilt hit us but we just had to respond to our Savior with an open heart. We walked in the shoes of Peter many times. The ups and downs. The arrogance and humblings. The denying and realizing we are nothing. What made Peter return? He witnessed Jesus forgiveness among many. Jesus willingly forgiving those of faith. There was a rock, a security for the heart of mankind if man would be honest. What about us? What makes us return? What makes some never to return? Jesus showed His willingness and the depth of His forgiveness. What are we going to do with that? Are we going to humble ourselves and cling to Jesus? Peter did!

"Close But Far Away"

2011-11-16T07:56:00.000-06:00

If we look closely we will see it. Here the men were, soldiers close to the cross but so far away. It meant little to them as they saw Jesus as another commoner. I don't know what really happened but John gives us a little insight: "Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. So they said to one another, 'Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be'; this was to fulfill the Scripture: 'They divided My outer garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.'" (John 19:23-24)

Heartless, unfeeling men below the feet of Jesus gambling for His clothing! Close to the cross but so far removed from the impact of what was happening. It makes me wonder what Mary, her sister and Mary Magdalene thought as stood by the cross watching the thoughtless and uncaring actions? What a scene that demonstrates man's calloused hearts.

But wait, could that be us today? Our eyes on everything around, our faces turned away from the cross while we claim we stand beneath it. Many have been carried away by the things of the world while claiming Christ. What about those who have little interest in worship but they claim Christ? Personal gains and condemning one another seem to run rampant. Why, if things don't go just the way we want, we take what little we have left of ourselves and walk away justifying why we did what we did. It didn't matter if Jesus wants us to love and forgive. You know we were hurt, or at least believe we were. Many are so close to the cross but so far away.

Swords of bitterness are drawn ready for battle the next time something happens. Blame, divisions, make worship about what we think is okay, another doctrine, new twists in teachings, misuse of Scripture and in some places that are so small in population, the church has 3, 4, 5 different congregations that have started all in the name of the Lord but the motive for starting them was far from the Lord. Wasn't it Jesus who spoke, "That they all may be one, just as We are one!"? (John 17:22)

Are we really so different from those soldiers that day? As they gambled for the clothes of Jesus, they were throwing eternal life away. How many are at the foot of the cross playing the same games? Little pursuit of His righteousness. Just day by day throwing away our lives. I wonder what Jesus thought that day? Too many are close but so far away. Have you ever sat down and taken serious inventory of yourself? Are you close but far away?

"Almost"

2011-11-15T07:53:00.000-06:00

"Almost!" It can be one of the saddest words that so many use today. It comes in different flavors. The one that got away. I nearly did it. It was right there in front of me. But most of the time it's "almost!" I "almost" got to play. I "almost" closed the largest sale in history. I "almost" got married. I "almost" climbed to the top.

We listen closely to Scripture and read about Jesus standing face to face with Pilate. Can you imagine? The governor standing face to face, eye to eye with His Creator and His Redeemer. The accusations were flying at Jesus past Pilate like hot volcanic rocks that have been hurled into the air. Each time Pilate brought Jesus before himself and found no crime, no fault and nothing to accuse Him. All the power that Pilate had to release Jesus was there too and Pilate knew it. Jesus did explain that Pilate's authority came from heaven above but still the decision was Pilate's to make. There are at least five times Pilate was weighing in on what to do. The crowd roared. Our Savior stood quietly. His silence had to be more deafening than the crowd yelling!

But then we have that sad word show up..."almost." Pilate's wife sent him a message to have nothing to do with this righteous man (Matt. 27:19). Pilate "almost" listened. Pilate over and over wanted to release Jesus and "almost" did. Who knows what Pilate really felt after handing Jesus over and knowing what happened from that point.

"Almost" is to fail! Just as Pilate washed his hands, that didn't eliminate the decision. One can't close their eyes to their wrongs with some outward justification and be released of their guilt. We too, because we "almost" did it God's way, we "almost" helped someone in need, we "almost" gave Jesus 100 % entrance into our heart but yet many stand still in their filth and defilement. There is no "almost" with Jesus! Jesus doesn't "almost" forgive us of everything. We are forgiven or not forgiven. We are either with Him wholly or against Him...there is no place for "almost" in relationship to Jesus.

"The Tale of Two Trees"

2011-11-14T11:27:00.000-06:00

On that dark night of the betrayal and arrest, there were two hills being climbed. At the end of each hill was a tree. One was the hill of Calvary the other was a hill of regret. Even though Judas arranged everything, upon seeing Jesus condemned, the regret hit him hard. All Jesus saw before Him was a monumental task of bearing the sins of the world. All Judas saw before him was the monumental task of betraying innocent blood. While Jesus was giving up His life freely to save, Judas was giving up his life stricken with life-ending grief. While Jesus entrusted Himself to the Father to raise Him up, Judas was alone, died alone and lost!

Too many today are climbing a hill of regret. Mistakes made, regrets of the past, times of great anxiety, tears of frustrations and years of doubts. Sometimes the pain is on the surface while other times is deep-seated within the heart. Some can remember. Others want to forget. All want to cope!

Why are so many living lives so empty? Why does it seem so many are climbing up the same hill Judas climbed? Oh, maybe not because we betrayed the Son of God with a kiss but yet, maybe we have? Many live with such guilt and heartache they head to an end that's barren. Why?

Because they have not looked to the One who climbed the hill of Calvary! Judas choose a tree at the top of the hill to end His life. Jesus took a tree at the top of His hill that gives life. Too many refuse to embrace the forgiveness offered. Our sin bearer, our eternal Redeemer, our Covenant Maker, our Savior is the only One that can rescue us from the sins of our past and take them from us. That's what the promise is that is made. "And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." (Heb. 10:17)

The choice is ours. Jesus offers to those of faith. To those who refuse and look other directions to relieve their downtrodden past, it is a painful and pitiful life that will lead to fears. Two trees, two completely different results. Which tree will you arrive at?

"Love Never Fails"

2011-11-10T08:14:00.000-06:00

It doesn't take much to look around and see a world filled with sin. Look at families (maybe our own), crime rates, prisons overflowing, nations killing and being killed, abuse of children before they are born as well as after, murderers become hero's, divorce is pandemic and greed pushes all. We look at the church where people can't get along, won't get along. Hostilities toward one another, the church splits and splits while everyone believes they will have their share in heaven.

God speaks: "Love never fails!" (I Cor. 13:8) Never? That's what God says. Never! Man fails. Man's attempts fail but God's love...NEVER! We live in a world that glamorizes immorality and we "Don't get mad, we get even!" is prevalent. But God still speaks: "Love never fails!" Not man's love or idea of love but God's love. What's amazing, we rarely see or hear anything of God's love. God's love doesn't beg to be given room to work and enter. It simply is. God's love stands waiting for someone to respond and use it.

It happened years ago on the Larry King program. He was going to interview one of the president's closest workers. After the interview, Larry King announced to come back and watch because the next portion would simply knock you off your feet. It was about a woman who's son was killed by a drunk driver. She went to court listening, seething and hurting. As the court case drew to a conviction, she made sure the judge and jury heard her case against this man. He was sentenced to jail and to go to the schools as a public spokesman against drinking. She decided to follow him when he spoke at a high school. The first speaking she watched him closely in front of these young people and could sense a sincerity she hadn't seen before. She went to another school where he spoke and afterward walked up to him. Suddenly she couldn't speak. She smelled the alcohol on his breath and was furious, going back to court and getting the man thrown in prison for breaking the law.

As time went by, one day her husband decided to go by and visit this man who had taken the life of their son. The husband was touched as the man was making progress. He encouraged his wife to go with him. She finally agreed. They began going to the prison each week and something began happening on both sides. You see, the lady began having bible studies with him. Eventually, he requested to be baptized into Christ. She went back to court, paying out of their own pocket to get his sentence reduced and to see if they could pick him up and bring him to worship with them. The judge was shocked but it was granted. After his release from prison, he came and lived with the family.

This true story shows the power "Love never fails!" God's love practiced will bring people together, not separate them. It was Jesus who said: "By this will all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35) What are we missing?

"Raising Children In A Whatever World"

2011-11-09T08:16:00.000-06:00

I know it is difficult to raise godly children in a "whatever" world! It can be done. How you ask? By being a godly parent! I'm not talking about being one who says they believe but a parent who believes by following the Lord with all their heart. We need parents dedicated to the Lord filling their hearts with the godly attributes and allowing the Lord complete rights over their lives.

We need to be parents walking, talking and praying with our children when they rise up and when they lay down. Godly fathers that provide comfort, nourishing and instructing their children, keeping them from the evils that lurk. Godly mothers that will not allow the world styles of cloths, the latest fads become dominate in their lives. Too many parents are not leading their children away from the spiritual dangers and traps that are set in this world.

What would be the first thing the devil would do to children and parents? Lead them away from love of the Lord and to love the world! We are speaking of 'agape' love, the love God has for us. It is a love of sacrifice and choice for the betterment of another. Parents tend to lead their children into loving the world and the things in the world. As our children grow, many just watch them love the world more, being more dedicated to the things of the world than the Lord. Love for God is lost. Children are lost. Parents are lost. We need parents set on developing a deep, trusting relationship with God.

During a child's tender years, parents are just over-whelmed sometimes at their heart for God. Then something happens. Most can't figure it out. What happened to that little child that was thrilled with worship, bible study and singing to the Lord? It's called love. Something has stolen their love.

Step up fathers and be godly fathers! Step up mothers and be godly mothers! Your soul is at stake and so is your children. Your children will have relationships and many will be based on the spiritual character you placed within them. If they have had little guidance, their standard in their relationships will be low. We live in a "whatever" world and we need parents dedicated to the Lord more than ever to avoid "whatever!"

"Thinking With Sound Judgment"

2011-11-08T07:59:00.001-06:00

Our society pushes us away from focusing on God and His ways. Busy! Everyone is so busy but where are we really headed in all our business? Go, run here, do this, get this done surrounds us. Worn out and frazzled is where many find themselves. The result: little sound judgement and soberness in our thinking. "...be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer." (I Pet. 4:7)

Sound judgment and soberness have behind it clear thinking and a mental calmness. When you contrast these two thoughts with I Pet. 3:3, where the terms of sensuality, lusts, drinking and idolatries (whatever takes the place of God in our lives) are spoken, we can see the need for sound judgment and soberness. Sensuality, lusts and idolatry muddle the mind. Intoxication by alcohol and drugs affect the mind physically interfering with sound judgment.

We can think back in our lives to times where something important happened to our nation and we were caught paying close attention to every detail. Everything around you at that moment was blocked out. I remember when 9-11 took place that parents went to school and pulled their children out to be home with them. There was a sobering mind set and sound judgment was being used as the important things were brought into view.

Jesus is teaching at Mary and Martha's house. Martha was put out that Mary was not helping her prepare and serve (Luke 10). Jesus calls her hand, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Martha was no longer sound in her thinking and in her distraction was losing ground. What about us? How many opportunities to gain real ground are forfeited because we aren't thinking clearly much less have a mental alertness. What do you find going on in your mind? Is your mind clear and mentally alert so you spend time in prayer? What is distracting you?

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." (Phil. 4:8) That's sound judgment and sober thinking!

"What Would I Say As President?"

2011-11-07T07:52:00.000-06:00

What would I tell Congress if I were President? What would I say to the people if I were President? Hmmm.... I would tell Congress to stop all the game playing, Independent, Republican and Democrat! We need to humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord and get some Divine help for our nation. We need true direction and stop all the rhetoric.

I would tell this nation we need to come together in the word of the Lord and listen (like the days of Josiah).

I would tell all policitians to wash their necks so their shirt collars aren't dirty. Make sure they pay for their own sodas. Use their own vehicles for personal business. Buy their own stamps. Let's go fishing! Fishing always helps clear the mind so you can meditate on God's proper things. Yep, that's what I believe I would say if I were President.

What's that? You don't think it would ever happen? Me either but just in case you were wondering what I would say, that's what I would say! Just sayin'!

"To Preach or Not to Preach"

2011-11-03T08:09:00.001-05:00

This week I have had two dear brothers contact me asking me about preaching and wanting insight. I was requested by both to address this through my blog. I am speaking presently with a preacher that wants to quit preaching as he has been wounded by the brethren and is ready to walk away.

We must start with God. Preaching takes an honest and sincere heart for the Lord and His word. You must seek the truth and glean for yourself the things from God's word. That's where it begins. We have had those individuals instrumental in directing us but it still comes down to your heart seeking the truth and applying it properly. Will you misapply the Scripture sometimes? Absolutely! But not with intent to misapply. You just keep looking, praying and seeking and the Lord brings you around.

Back to the thought: to preach or not to preach, that is the question! There is an element I would say to all young men wanting to preach they need to understand (and also those who have matured and want to start preaching). In the line of preaching, you must realize that there will be times where brethren will use you as a whipping post! Sometimes you will be hurt. It is tough. Sometimes as a preacher, you bring on your own difficulties because of your weakness and other times people simply don't like you! Remember many didn't like Jesus either. It's not about whether someone likes you or dislikes you, it's about helping the souls.

Preaching has many challenges. The one who substitutes for someone who preaches rarely touches the challenges because people know they are a fill-in. Brethren are more merciful to a substitute. It's when you take up that position for the Lord week in and week out that the shots will come. Now, I am not trying to discourage those wanting to preach but prepare you. The Lord is gracious and it is always a thrill to speak for Him. As a preacher you get to see people turn with the heart and move from unbelief to belief. It is wonderful to see a heart touched coming from a world of sin and death into the love of Christ. I know of nothing else more encouraging and exciting. I never felt that from winning a ball game or other things this life offers. It simply is amazing to see Jesus work in the heart and lives of others.

Have I wanted to quit? Oh yes! Have I wanted to walk away and leave a place? Absolutely! Sometimes you get feeling sorry for yourself because people berate you or treat you with contempt of what they believe to be sinful behavior on your part and you can't do anything about it. Minds and hearts get set and you just simply must endure. The people of God, surprisingly to many, can treat you worse than the world. It can become lonely from man's view and difficult. But what keeps a preacher on track? The cross before your eyes. You see Jesus attacked with words, accused of wrongs He didn't do and you realize you are trying to walk in His steps. That's good company to keep. The Lord carries you through it all.

To preach or not to preach...it depends on your heart toward the Lord. If your motive to preach comes from what you see in a class or sermon and you think you could do that, that's not a good reason. To preach because of the love of Christ and wanting others to share in His love, that's proper. It is rewarding and one day, holding to His love and faithfulness, trying to be faithful and honest with Him, you will hear the words spoken..."Well done, you good and faithful servant." Yep, preaching is about servanthood. Preaching is about Jesus. Preaching is about saving the lost and sometimes it's the church that needs saving! Preach the word!!

"Jephthah the Warrior"

2011-11-02T07:51:00.000-05:00

His name is Jephthah the Gileadite. He was a valiant warrior. His mother was a harlot. Because of his mothers reputation, Jephthah was driven out of Israel and from among his own family. Those who left with him were called "worthless fellows." (Judges 11) Suddenly, Israel found herself at war with Ammon and in dire need of help. The elders of Israel come to Jephthah asking him to come be their leader and help them fight against Ammon. Jephthah was confused as to why he was treated the way he was and now they need his leadership!

Jephthah agreed to lead Israel but under one condition: He would be their head! Jephthah spoke before Lord. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah. Jephthah made a vow to the Lord God saying, "If You will indeed give the sons of Ammon into my hand, then it shall be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the sons of Ammon, it shall be the Lord's, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering." (Judges 11:30-31) What a vow to make to the Lord! As we read this, we can be sure that Jephthah was thinking an animal or something else to come out of his house upon his return. A burnt offering of such an animal would be offered with a heart of thanksgiving! But what happened next was beyond his thinking!

The Lord gave Jephthah the victory over Ammon and he returned home. The first thing that exited his house was not an animal but his own daughter. Jephthah was devastated! He knew he had made a vow to God and he could not take it back.

How could Jephthah made such a foolish vow? Why did he not think this thing through before he made such vow? It is a horrible thought. Jephthah followed through on his vow. Devastated, heartbroken and brought low, how could he continue knowing what he had done?

We turn our attention to think about our world, every single person that lived and is living on this earth. Sin filled. Wicked. Hearts against God. Mankind following their lusts and doing all sorts of ungodly acts. Haven't we all done things we are ashamed of today? God looked upon our world from the very beginning of His creation and made a vow. I vow to offer MY SON for the sins of the world. It makes us wonder, what did Jehovah God really go through in His heart? What did He have to endure for our sake? That should give us reason to pause and reflect on our relationship to Him, don't you think?

"Dull of Hearing"

2011-11-01T08:06:00.000-05:00

One of the greatest dangers that we face is what the Hebrew writer was dealing with in his writing. "Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing." (Heb. 5:11)

"Dull of hearing" happens when one cannot give up their present mind set and embrace the Lord's mind set. In the context of this verse, the writer was pointing to the priesthood of Jesus and because of their mind set toward the Law, it was difficult to explain things further. We too can do the same. It becomes difficult for many in Christ to move forward because they have become "dull of hearing."

The term "dull" is 'nothros' in the Greek. It is made up of two words: (1) "no" (2) "to push". In other words, there is no push! It comes from the idea of numb limbs of a sick lion. When the limbs are numb, they can't sense or push off them. It is the same word used in Hebrews 6:12 speaking of being "sluggish" or "lazy".

When one becomes "dull of hearing" they are difficult to teach because they have no real push to desire to listen. Their mind set is one that holds to their present and refuses to let go in order to gain. How difficult is it to explain anything to someone if they won't listen? People who say they know the word of the Lord yet stay in their present mind set, without listening carefully to His word, they are "dull of hearing." As long as one remains devoted to their present mind set, it is difficult, if not impossible to move them forward.

The "dull of hearing" can lead one into hardness of heart if the hearts not willing to listen. Paul explains in Rom. 11:8-10, speaking of the Jew's, that they were given a "spirit of stupor" which is eyes that cannot see and ears that cannot hear. Not only is "dull of hearing" a problem but being given a "spirit of stupor" on top can take one into the depths of spiritual ruin. The Lord gives according to the desires of the hearer.

How can we avoid such traps? Be tender to the word! Listen with a heart of faith and sensitivity. Make certain you hear and if you are convicted, don't fight it but submit to the voice of the Lord. Our very souls depend on the condition of our hearts and we need to watch over our hearts diligently to make certain we follow and hear in purity. The majority of time, it's not the subject matter is difficult, it's not the messenger but it can lie in the heart of the hearers."Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." (Prov. 4:23)

"Sabbath Day"

2011-10-31T08:18:00.000-05:00

The Lord gave Israel their Sabbath day but it was His Sabbath! "But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'You shall surely observe My Sabbath's; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you many know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you. Therefore you are to observe the Sabbath, for it is holy to you." (Ex. 31:13-14a) The Sabbath was given to God's people as a gift but it was His Sabbath! Everything in time and life belongs to the Lord.

The Sabbath was a witness of the relationship between Jehovah and Israel. It was holy and day that the relationship was dwelt upon, prayers offered and the heart tuned with the One who had purchased them from bondage. Their prayers showed appreciation. Their readings spoke to their heart from the Almighty. Their day of rest was a reminder of the covenant given by Yahweh. That day drew people together in the power of fellowship. It reminded each one their relationship with Yahweh and the community they were in fellowship with.

What about us? Our community of believers begins at our immersion into Christ. At that time and moment, they begin to share their Lord in common. Cleansed, belonging to Jehovah God who purchased them with His blood. This community is marked out different than anyone else that exists. We know the blood of Christ speaking to us about our covenant (Heb. 8). We gather on God's holy day of rest. Our prayers show appreciation. The reading and teaching of God's word is from the Almighty. Our communing in the Supper expresses love not only for the Lord who purchased us but also for one another. It's a community! It what marks us different from any others on the face of this earth.

The Sabbath and it observance rang a message both in the heart of the people and love for the Lord's day of rest. They had their once a year Passover. Circumcision was a once-in-a-lifetime act. The Sabbatical Year was every seven years. But the Sabbath day was weekly and powerful. Maybe we need to take some time and read about the Sabbath that Jehovah God pronounced as holy to be observed and reflect on our part that we have something greater...the blood of Christ that purchased us. What are we doing each first day of the week, our Sabbath from the Lord?

"Why?"

2011-10-20T07:48:00.000-05:00

Over the years we have met people in Christ Jesus that are militant for "the truth", but are oblivious to the attitudes of "the spirit". Then there are those who are all about attitudes of "the spirit", but are just as flippant toward "the truth". Does that make us unable to worship "in spirit" and "in truth" at the same time?

Maybe it has to do with our genetic makeup? Is it that people are reacting to their upbringing and are living in opposition to parents who were too extreme one way or the other? Could it be that some people are like older son in the prodigal Jesus related in Luke 15 who stood in stiff judgment against a sinful (but repentant) brother? Maybe some people are like the sinful younger brother, who just wanted to find acceptance after foolishly wandering into his personal desires?

Is it that men are more logical and women are more nurturing? Could it be that folks from the period of the Great Depression and World War II have a different mindset from the baby-boomers and other sociological groups? Maybe it's the environment one grows up in? Maybe it's the inherited genetic characteristics that each one of us is born with? Or could it be the influences of astrological heavenly bodies? Maybe it's global warming? Or could it be that God has so designed us that it is impossible for us to obey His commands?

That's a lot of questions to ponder. That's a lot of reasons people explain things away. One more question: could it possibly be that those who cannot worship God in both spirit and truth are actually false worshippers? Listen to the very words of Jesus: "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers." (John 4:23) I wonder what God seeks?

"It's A Mess Sometimes"

2011-10-19T07:49:00.000-05:00

We have recorded from Scripture that nations or people can get so far removed from God that it requires a complete overhaul. After Israel split into two kingdoms, the northern ten tribes known as Israel, consistently rebelled and had evil kings. The two southern tribes, known as Judah, remained more steadfast but still drifted. When things get so far from the Lord, the Lord will fix it! Many times the nations are just done away with.

His name was Josiah (II Kings 22). The nation had wandered from the Lord and Hilkiah the high priest found the book of the law from God. It apparently had been missing. Here's what Josiah did when the book was read in his presence:

(1) He destroyed Topheth, a shrine where people sacrificed their children in fire to the pagan god Molech.

(2) He removed all pagan symbols from the entrance to God's temple.

(3) He burned the chariots that were dedicated to the sun.

(4) He pulled down pagan altars that had been built on the roof and in the courtyard of the temple.

(5) He desecrated the high places of honor to pagan gods that Solomon had built for his wives many, many years earlier.

(6) He destroyed the unholy sacred stone and cut down the ungodly Asherah poles.

(7) He destroyed the altar at Bethel that king Jeroboam had built there centuries before.

(8) He took the bones from nearby tombs of the wicked and burned them on their pagan sites to defile the grounds.

(9) He slaughtered the priests who served the pagan god throughout the regions of Judah.

(10) He directed the people back to God and celebrated the holy day known as "Passover."

Josiah made a stand for the Lord Jehovah. It was extreme and drastic. He cleaned up the mess in one generation that had developed over many, many years. Josiah dies and the nation left God again. In 606 B.C., God sent the Babylon king Nebuchadnezzar to defeat Judah and enslave the people for 70 years. They had opportunities but their hearts would never remain firm.

Today, we have our nation pushing God out every time the opportunity is given. In the church across this nation, we have people who are making a mess of things for the Lord. It's heart-wrenching to watch. We need to preach the gospel message loud and clear. I pray we can get this mess cleaned up before the Lord steps in, don't you?

"Deceived?"

2011-10-18T07:56:00.000-05:00

Deception is all around us. In fact, we can easily deceive ourselves. How? Just not believe the truth! It is easy to believe in something thinking it is true while it really isn't. This is stated well in Gal. 6:7: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." Let's think about this. How many "believe" they can go against God, believe as they want to believe and still be saved in the end? People sow in their lives to outbursts, harshness, lying, cheating and believe they will be saved in the end. God will never allow sinful man to ridicule Him or turn their nose up at Him. Man cannot and will not be allowed to impose upon God anything that is wrong. It is Jehovah who discerns the thought and intents of the heart.

What's the end result? You will reap back into your life exactly what you have given out. That's the determination of God. Man sows and reaps because God determines according to the heart. Years back while speaking in Tennessee, a fellow came and spoke with me about how angry he was with another person in the congregation. He went into details about what he believed was abuse by this other brother. The more he spoke, the more he revealed how his own life was coming unraveled. The heartache, the sleepless nights and finding little peace. I asked him to listen to what he was saying and look at the above verse. It was like a new revelation came to him. About a month after returning home, the man called me and thanked me because his heart had been abused for ten years and he realized it was him, not the other man who he thought was the problem. There is a God! He is alive! Our God makes promises and those promises will not be broken or violated by any man or woman.

We will reap what we sow! We sow what we believe! If what we believe is wrong either in attitude or concept, where do you think that will lead us? It blocks us from seeing the whole truth about God! God is serious. We will reap what we sow. That should keep all of us in a proper mind set, to be careful of our attitudes and hold tightly to the Lord who controls all things!

"The Paid Debt"

2011-10-17T08:15:00.000-05:00

Fiorello LaGuardia was the mayor of New York City during the worst days of the Great Depression and World War II. He was known as a man of colorful character. He would take entire orphanages to baseball games and, whenever the New York newspapers were on strike, he would go on the radio and read the funnies from past newpapers to kds that were listening. He loved children.

It was a bitterly cold night, January 1935. Mayor LaGuardia went to a night court that served the poorest ward of the city. LaGuardia dismissed the judge for the evening and took over the bench himself. Within a few minutes, a worn out, beaten down elderly lady was brought before him, charaged with stealing a loaf of bread. She spoke in a shaky voice, telling Mayor LaGuardia that her daughter's husband had deserted her. Her daughter was sick and her grandchildren were starving. The storekeeper, from whom the bread was stolen, refused to drop the charges. "It's a bad neighborhood, your Honor." the man spoke. "She's got to be punished to teach other people around here a lesson!"

LaGuardia turned to the woman and said, "I have to be just and punish you! The law makes no exceptions - $10 or 10 days in jail!" Then the most incredible thing happened. The mayor stood up, reaching into his pocket, took out $10 and placed it into his famous sombrero. Then the following statement: "Here is your fine which I now remit! Furthermore, I am going to fine everyone in this courtroom 50 cents for living in a town where a person has to steal bread so that her grandchildren can eat! Mr. Bailiff, collect the fines and give them to the defendant!"

The following day, the New York City newspaper reported $47.50 was collected and turned over to a bewildered old lady who had stolen a loaf of bread.

When read something like this, it reminds us all of God and His grace toward mankind. We are in debt beause of our sins (Rom. 6:23). God is just and righteous and His righteousness will not allow ANY sin over-looked! All sin must be punished. That's the righteous judgment of God. God reached deep into His heart and sent His Son on a death mission, to redeem us by paying the debt Himself (I Pet. 1:18-19).

Jesus demonstrated the grace of God and His love for us (Rom. 5:8-11). We didn't earn anything but death. His grace, His love should affect us to the deepest part of our beings! We should be a reflection of His grace in the way our lives are lived before others (Titus 2:11-14). We sing: "His grace reaches me!" Do we believe it?

"Chewing The Cud"

2011-10-13T08:25:00.000-05:00

David speaks in Psa. 119 about meditating on the word (Psa. 119:148). Have you ever thought about the idea of meditate? First, David cries out to God with an honest heart and a willingness to observe His testimonies and statutes. If we are to make any progress, there must be an honest heart before the Lord. Secondly, David could not wait to hear the word of God. He had a zeal to want to hear and loved listening to God through His word. If we are going to move ahead spiritually, there must be a zeal, a desire to listen to God and His word. We cannot be stubborn or take a 'relaxed' attitude toward what God speaks.

Finally, David wants to meditate on God's word. What does it mean to meditate? It is calling to mind and thinking over, dwelling upon and actively applying God to your life situations. How many times do we really meditate on God's word? From the Hebrew word 'meditate' we get our English word "ruminate". It literally means 'to chew the cud'. It's like a cow that chews and re-chews the cud to extract all the nutrients from it. We need to approach God's word at times and chew the cud.

Recently while teaching one of my classes, I told the people instead of going over a section we quickly move through, we are going to slow down and chew the cud. It was helpful and insightful. What we must do is not measure ourselves by our abilities God has given us (but we need to use them for His service) or our knowledge of learned Bible verses we can quote but we need to measure ourselves by what goes on in our heart! Your heart is the seat of all your thinking and actions. It is the workshop of your being. If the heart allows corruption or self-seeking ways to be seated, misuse and corruption of God's teaching will abound. We need to give our hearts completely to the Lord, allowing God to have a complete and final say in our hearts while we sit quietly and chew the cud!

"I Don't Love Her!"

2011-10-12T07:42:00.000-05:00

While speaking at a lectureship, a fellow about 45 yrs. of age, asked to speak with me personally to discuss some difficulties in his marriage. He opened the conversation with the words, "I am having a mid-life crisis!" He and his wife had been married for 23 yrs. and he began relating how their relationship had changed drastically and he was unfulfilled. His final statement was: "I just don't love her anymore! Am I free to move on with my life and be happy?" I knew what he was asking. I responded with the following: "Is she in Christ Jesus?" He said, "Yes!" I next asked, "That means she is your sister in Christ too. Would you love her as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her?" He winced and said, "That's so hard with the way I feel." I continued, "Would you love her as your sister in Christ (I John 3:14-16)?" He looked down and said, "Why are you making things so difficult for me?" Once more I spoke, "If you don't love her anymore, and you see her as your enemy, would you love your enemy and pray for her (Matt. 5:44-45)?" Silence now ruled the conversation. His unhappiness had nothing to do with his wife but his relationship to the Lord.

Often I have heard married couples state they have "fallen out of love." God's will for us is to love on every level. The world speaks about happiness and find your soul mate. If one marriage doesn't work out, find one that will. God speaks to the husband to love their wife as Christ loves the church. God speaks the wife is to love her husband (Titus 2:4). These aren't just nice suggestions by God but a way of life for those living in relationship to Him.

Love is a choice! It's a sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of another more than itself. It's the same identical love that Jesus loves us (Eph. 5:2). Why do people fall out of love with one another? Because they fail to practice the love of God for one another. The one that does not love does not know God (I John 4:8). When a husband or wife finds themselves struggling with the other, if they will put on Christ Jesus and walk in His love, they will find the true love they were missing and desiring all those years. Happiness will be the result. If one refuses to practice the love of God for their mate, their lives will head down the road to more and more defeats and struggles that will eventually consume the heart and destroy the soul. God's ways are always the best and if we believe God, we will follow His will which leads us to life and godliness.

"Jesus Asks For Entrance"

2011-10-11T08:03:00.000-05:00

It is so easy to say we love the Lord. What's even easier is to believe we love while our hearts and lives show something else. Jesus is Lord are not some words penned down for us to agree on. When the gospel of Christ Jesus is preached, Jesus isn't just asking to let Him into your heart. The gospel speaks that Jesus is Lord no matter what anyone else believes! This King of kings and Lord of lords offers to us His fellowship. Just think, us, the weak and sometimes rebellious and He desires a relationship.

We must be willing to allow God complete entrance. God knows who He is and is calling us into a relationship with Him. God doesn't force Himself but gently through Jesus knocks on the doors of our hearts asking for entrance. What does that entrance look like?

It looks like Himself. The gentle, the merciful and lovingly loving others. To allow Christ entrance we see compassion and acceptance of one another. The Lordship of Jesus rebukes us when we have wandered into sin not because we are just sinful. He knows that! It is because we are rejecting His Lordship and He wants to maintain a relationship. But the Lord of heaven and earth won't demand of us entrance. We have to be humble, willing and tender in heart. We must be honest in every aspect of ourselves.

To many are wearing a cloak of looking good in the eyes of others while our hearts are filled with vile and ugliness. The heart is what the Lord wants. The heart is where Jesus asks for entrance. The heart is the most deceitful part of our being (Jer. 17:9). The heart must belong to the Lord or we are fooling ourselves. What does the entrance to the heart look like? JESUS!

"You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet!"

2011-10-10T07:39:00.000-05:00

There must be something so impressive, too wonderful for words about going to the Lord for eternity. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter writes: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you." (I Pet. 1:3-4) Looking around us with our physical eyes, hearing with our physical ears all the evil, turmoil and heartache that surrounds us make us wonder what really is to come? We just can't grasp what awaits. Aw, but can we?

Looking closely at the cross and the resurrected Christ, a message is sent. If we would just look and listen. A message and a hope starts coming into view. It's not obtained with the physical eyes or ears but seeing the unseen through a heart of faith. Jesus ascended, took His place in the presence of God for us (Heb. 9:24). Paul saw it! "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most pitied." (I Cor. 15:19)

The young die and we cry. The older ones die and we cry. Is this all life is about? His life is the proof this is only the beginning, not the completion! Looking at the cross and resurrected Christ speaks to us: "You ain't seen nothin' yet!"

"Looking At Love"

2011-10-06T07:48:00.000-05:00

Jesus spoke: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them." (Luke 6:32) We hear often about love. Christian people speak of love, loving their brother and just love, love, love. It is from God but let's examine the teaching of Jesus a little deeper.

As long as all goes well and everyone is getting along it's all love. "We love the brethren!" "We love this congregation!" "We love the preacher!" Something happens that mixes in our heart. Someone didn't shake my hand and walked right by me. Someone didn't acknowledge my struggles. No one thanked me for my efforts. Suddenly, the heart grasps hold of the hurt and what happens? A slow darkness begins to settle over us. Our attitudes toward an individual or congregation begin to change. It grows worse each time we see this individual or individuals and please, don't let them talk to me about being a Christian! Our disposition becomes sour. What's worse, it is such a subtle darkness that has taken hold that many can't recognize the darkness. John speaks this way: "But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes." (I John 2:11)

Jesus said if we love those who love us, His love makes little impact in our lives. Sinners, those separated from the Lord can love on that level. Godly love that comes from the Father into our hearts is a love that will not take any wrongs and let them fester! Love is not self-seeking or self-centered. True cross-bearing love reaches out even when we think we have been hurt. It takes on the heart of Christ Jesus and doesn't allow feelings to turn them another direction. They still promote selflessness, commitment to the best for others and not consider themselves. They won't allow hurts to be harbored and look for opportunities to do good to those who have hurt them. How do we gain such love? Through Christ Jesus our Lord. Didn't He do that to you?

"What Do We Say?"

2011-10-05T07:53:00.000-05:00

We all know of people that are troubled in heart or bearing some difficulty. It pains us to see such and we want to do what we can to help them bear such a heavy load (Gal. 6:2). Many times I am asked, "What do you say to people that are so troubled in heart?" It's a great question that needs to be answered.

There is nothing wrong with telling someone you sympathize with them and will hold them in your prayers. That is a good response. They need to know you are taking them to the Father. We sometimes take a meal to help in their time of need and that too is good. It is a need of the moment. After the visit or the meal that was all so needed, what do we say that would stick with them? Something they could draw from when they face their pains alone?

Here comes Peter, writing to Jewish Christian's who are going through some terrible ordeals. They are being despised by society, suffering and more is to come. What did this inspired apostle say? Look closely at chapter 1:1-9. There we find the real substance, something they could draw from in their difficult lives. He points the mercy of God the Father and a living hope. He tells them of Christ's work on their behalf. They (we) have an inheritance that is so marvelous that is never fading and protected by God's power. They had a place reserved in the presence of God and it was not going away or be touched by anyone! What a lesson to hear.

Peter doesn't deny the troubles but calls on their faith to rise above and see what God has done. But that's not all. In chapter 2 he reminds them who they are in God's sight. They were the chosen, the people of God's own possession, a mercy-received people. What news to the ears. Peter calls their faith to look at the accomplishment that is on their behalf.

Here we have brothers and sisters troubled. We have brethren around the world struggling, facing difficulties we would never face. What would you tell them? We should never forget they are troubled but don't they need to hear who they are and where they are headed?

"What Is Our Purpose?"

2011-10-04T08:16:00.000-05:00

Why do we exist? Have you ever thought about that? Why are we here? People seem to have many different ideas to answer that. Let's look at this briefly.

In God creating this world, the animals were created from the dust of the ground just as man. The difference between man and animal is that animals possess only "animal life." They have no soul, no eternal part within them to exist forever. Animals were simply created from the earth (Gen. 2:19). We as humans were given a soul, a life living, eternal soul. Man was created in the image of God while animals weren't. (That kind of destroys the notion of evolution!)

To be created in the image of God is a great act of love and kindness. When we love someone, we try to impress upon them how much we care for them and so it is with God. He wants man to take His love and have a loving, living relationship with Him. God walked with man created in His image in the garden. Talking, showing and sharing in a close relationship that no animal on the face of the earth ever shared in. God created man to spend time with, to share in life together extending fellowship. Can you imaging God wanting to have fellowship with us, desiring us? Here came sin, the very enemy of God. It marred the relationship and pushed God to the side. God drove man from His presence because of sin (Gen. 3:24). From that day to present, man began his existence separated from His Creator and our eternal soul was doomed. The very soul God created!

God wanted fellowship with man and still does to this day. He grieved over man's condition. He longed for the closeness with man. He called Moses to deliver His people from bondage. A tabernacle was constructed in the middle of the people so the Creator could be with them and dwell among them. Solomon came onto the scene and he built a temple for the same reason. God lived in the presence of man. But this wasn't enough. God sent His Son, His only begotten in the form of man and He lived among us showing how much God cares. Christ died because man was hostile. That's what sin does! Jesus Christ raised and ascended back to the Father. Out of the death and resurrection of our Lord came into existence of a spiritual body called "the church. Through this body of Jesus, God reaches out among men and women separated from Himself. Christ's body does not exist for itself, to promote itself but it is the extension of the love of God reaching out to man saying, "I want a relationship with you." The love of God for mankind is seen or should be seen in the church.

Why do we exist? What is really our purpose? To bring a gospel message to those unreconciled, separated from the Lord that it doesn't have to be that way. You can live forever, eternally with God. In our existence, we bring glory to God (Eph. 1:6) because the grace of God is trying to save those created in the image of God!

"Bitterness"

2011-10-03T08:18:00.000-05:00

It can happen so easily. Bitterness can start in the heart, put down roots and grow. Before you know it, one day when the right circumstances arise, out it comes. I have seen it over and over in marriages where a mate was injured in the past and when the time is right, they release that pinned up bitterness and let it out. It is destructive and the Lord cannot work in a heart where any bitterness dwells. The Lord cannot co-exist with sinful attitudes!

The Greek term "pikria" is the word for bitterness. It is used in Acts 8:23 where Peter calls Simon, "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity." Simon wanted and could not obtain so it created bitterness in his heart which allowed iniquity to enslave him.

In Ephesians 4:31, Paul addresses each member of the church to put away all bitterness, wrath and anger. It seems that bitterness keeps company with wrath and anger! Bitterness has no part of God. Bitterness results in what someone believes to be accumulative hurts. Those hurts are held to and before long, one is laid upon another until wrath and anger result. The solution? Being tender-hearted and forgiving each other just as God has done for us in Christ Jesus (Eph. 4:32) If anyone could have been bitter at us, it would be Jesus. Look at all the hurts we have caused Him, piled upon Him yet what do we find when we turn with all our heart? Forgiveness and compassion. Should we not lay that as a base in our heart?

Recently while dealing with a dear friend of mine in which he faces false accusations for something he did not do, we spoke about bitterness working its way into the heart. He shared with me how he had to keep it from his heart. As a result, his eyes were opened to all the good the Lord was doing and how things were being helped in his life. Thankfulness resulted instead of bitterness. A heart of faith started emerging instead of a heart of bitterness.

The Hebrew writer speaks that a root of bitterness in the heart, as it takes hold and grows can spring up causing trouble and defile others (Heb. 12:15). The worst part is it will keep one from the grace of God! Again, God does not co-exist with sinful attitudes in the heart. When bitterness takes root, suddenly it springs up and sends its pain to anyone that will listen. Now the innocent are defiled. Bitterness never helped one person but drives people into unloving and hurtful practices. It's impossible to find the Lord in that! Just look to the cross, see our debt paid and ask, "What if the Lord dealt with me the way I deal with others?"

"Fun or Lord?"

2011-09-28T08:04:00.001-05:00

Spiritual darkness is all around us. It leads to misguided spiritual applications and teachings that are simply false! Spiritual darkness envelopes the minds of so many while they believe they are so enlightened. We see where people promote the things of the Lord Jesus Christ as if they were some banner or parade float for all to view. Spiritual life through Jesus never nurtures arrogance or self-promotion.

Spiritual darkness abuses the things of the Spirit of God and our Lord and Savior. Too many are making the Lord and the Spirit 'user friendly' by making the true Light as a fun-time loving atmosphere. There is no awe in the heart, no reverence or sober thinking. The Lord is paraded by the spiritual darkness of people as fun, one liners, smart remarks and such a laid back atmosphere while speaking of joy in the Spirit is what this is all about. The other night while watching a TV evangelist, while it showed thousands sitting and listening, he spoke out, "Let's give the Lord a wave offering!" The whole crowd broke out into clapping and the lifting up their hands to heaven. It was a loud noise they called 'praise' and it took a few minutes to regain control. When we look closely at Scripture, there is nothing like this ever mentioned. (By the way, the wave offering was when they brought of the peace offerings to the Lord and were waved toward the Holy of Holies to the Lord! It had nothing to do with the waving of hands.)

When the Lord Jesus is spoken or presented by shallow wise-crackers or gestures as something common and familiar to us, it not only demeans the Lord but it also injures the people listening taking them deeper and deeper into spiritual darkness. It becomes difficult to reach those because they were made to feel something, either laughing or crying or some emotion they have tied to the Lord. The truth doesn't matter. We need the Lordship of Jesus to be just that...LORD! In His Lordship, never tie Him to getting you a parking spot right in front of the store while it was raining (while the Lord ignored everyone else). Never speak of Him as finding you the right hairdresser who does your hair just right! That is right up there with the arrogant, wisecracking preacher, parading around in his gold watch, designer cloths who promotes the Lord is doing all these wonderful little things for us on this earth. May we keep the Lord in His proper place...first place in our lives and remember we were bought with a price and show some reverence for our salvation!

"Saints/Satan"

2011-09-27T08:05:00.001-05:00

There is a spiritual warfare going on between the saint (those sanctified in Christ Jesus - I Cor. 1:2) and Satan. Diving into learning all we can about Satan may not be the wisest move but we do need to know what our "adversary" (Satan) is after. Paul urged the Corinthians, "so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes." (II Corn. 2:11)

Satan is eager and looking for an opportunity to stir up a fleshly mindset or look for our gullibility. Let's face it, we do have the capacity of being deceived! "But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." (II Cor.11:3) Satan took advantage of Eve's mind set and questioned God's veracity, bolding stating "you will not die!" Then stirring a little further, Satan sweetened the thought process with the assurance, "your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God knowing good and evil." (Gen. 3:5) Satan was trying to gain an advantage and stirred her mind. Satan is ready and willing to lie to gain an advantage over the saint.

In dealing with our mind-set, Paul urges the saint in a list of things to dwell on, seeking after: "Finally, brethren, whatever is true..." (Phil. 4:8) We need to set our minds to seeking and searching out truth. Setting our minds on what is true is a must if we are going to be protected from gullibility! Satan is a liar and will stir our minds to things that aren't true while making us believe they are. That's the real danger for the saint. How do we know what is true? Line things up with the word of the Lord and go no further!

Satan tells the saint that he can be self-sufficient! I'm sure you have heard it that we don't need the church to have a personal relationship with the Lord! In the eyes of some, you don't need to worship with the church because you can do it in your own home. Jesus said the church is His body! To be attached to Jesus one must be attached to His body and His body (as our physical bodies) work together in harmony.

Satan distracts the saint with things of the world, lusts and pride. Satan attempts to lie to the saint by trying to bring assurance they have plenty of time to get their lives right. Satan is an adversary and he is looking to take advantage over us through any means possible. We need to be aware, keeping our eyes open and heart in tune with the Lord. That's why daily we need to have God's armor put in place (Eph. 6:10-17).

"The Goal and Love"

2011-09-26T08:29:00.000-05:00

We are called and encourged, "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Heb. 12:1) These faithful men and women that have passed before us are urging us on, calling us to run the race before us. In their lives while walking this earth, they failed, struggled but kept their eyes on the goal and trusted the promises of God. They now call us upward to the same.

We fail and sometimes we fail miserably. The failings are not what life is about. It is the over-comings. The victories over weaknesses and struggles. It is running the race by not allowing the weights that some shackle on us or we shackle on ourselves and the struggles against sin that we need help to overcome. I can remember when my grand kids were learning to walk. We didn't sit around counting the number of times they fell before they took their first step. We were wanting to see them take their first step unaided and rejoiced in that. That's what love would do and does!

In all these witnesses surrounding us, we learn another important lesson. A lesson on love. Loving the Lord with all our heart knowing He too is not counting our trespasses against us as long as we are being honest with Him. To run this race love is a must! Then we turn to God speaking in I Cor. 13:5 where we are called: "[Love] does not take into account a wrong suffered." This is an accountants term. One version says: "Love keeps no records of wrongs." We need to lay aside every encumbrance, things that weight us down so we can run the race before us. One thing that weighs on many is they are CPA's while keeping an account of every misstep or what they believe are missteps of others. Too many operate their lives on numbers. We see it in righteousness: so many good deeds done, so many evil deeds not done! Many determine their spiritual walk by the number of points they think they have accumulated, either for themselves or against another! We talk of grace but operate our lives almost graceless!!

When Peter asked Jesus if forgiving seven times was a good number, Jesus told him no. Jesus wasn't urging numbers from Peter, to keep records! Jesus was urging him to forget the numbers and embrace grace, mercy and love.

We are called upward, to run a race set before us. Those who love our souls will rebuke us when it is necessary but they will NEVER keep an account of wrongs. That's just not love. That's not Jesus. What are we to do with those who fall or fail? You know, those sinners? Are we talking about sinners like ourselves? What are we to do with ourselves? Do we threaten to disown one because they fail? Would we do that with ourselves? Do we keep a record of wrongs of others so we don't notice our own? Remember, there is One who sees us for who we really are rather than what we think we are. And you might not recognize this, but this One won't keep a recorded past of wrongs! Why? Because He loves and those tied to Him urge us on, forget the wrongs and try to help one another make it!

"Christ's Body"

2011-09-21T07:26:00.000-05:00

We live in a day and time where individualism is promoted. It's all around us especially in religion. It has affected the church. While recently on a campaign I met up with a lady who once was an active member of Christ's body. I asked her why she stopped assembling with the saints. She simply said, "I've never left the Lord. He's in my heart and always near!" That was her answer from her heart.

When we read I Cor. 12 carefully (and other places) we seem to just dismiss the word "body." While it is true there must be a personal relationship with the Lord, a personal conviction of faith there is something greater involved. Too many have taken the "personal faith" to a point where they act as if they are 'free-standing individual units.' The Scriptures acknowledges the individual and personal faith but no-where does it teach that individual as a primary unit! God's word does not encourage or teach 'free-standing.'

As Paul teaches us in I Cor. 12 about the body, he shows that there are individual parts: the foot, the eye or the ears. These individual parts are all part of the body, not standing alone! Division was a problem at Corinth and Paul was showing that it takes the whole to make the whole. Each individual part was dependent upon another. Each part has its purpose but must blend with the whole. The church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23) The body, Christ's body! ONE BODY! Christ didn't promote individualism. The body at Corinth did! Those elite felt themselves superior to the rest. The spiritual gifts were being abused and Paul taught it was for the body as a whole the gifts were to be used. The Lord's Supper was abused by abusing others in their love feasts. It was Jesus Paul pointed to that showed even Christ was including His own disciples the very night He was betrayed. Paul placed Jesus before them and showed them they are all part of the whole and not to be their own person apart from the whole.

We see much of the same today. People treat the church like some social club or social activity. They can do away with it if it doesn't fit their independent life-style. Aren't we each baptized into the body of Christ (I Cor. 12:13)? We are called the body, not the individuals of Christ. Our attachment to Jesus brings an attachment to one another. Without the many there is no ONE! What makes us what we are is Christ and no one can be a part of Him and independent of those attached. If we do, we are not part of Christ as He has a body!

"Attitudes, Attitudes"

2011-09-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been pained by the attitude of another? I know that's a silly question. Sure we have all been pained at one time or the other by the attitude of those around. Attitudes are so important. The more I study and apply the Scriptures to my life, the more I see the importance of attitude. Attitude determines a lot of things.

A few years back while preaching, I mentioned the importance of attitude in the message. Suddenly, out of know where a little boy was sitting, writing on the piece of paper and said, "Attitudes, attitudes, attitudes, that's all we hear is attitudes!" It embarrassed the parents but here this little boy had gotten the message.

Paul speaks "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2:5) The attitude of Christ is what the Lord is trying to develop in us. We've done it. We find ourselves in a situation that is not the best. Our attitude starts to deteriorate a little. Then comes a little complaining which if left unchecked leads to bigger complaining. Before we know it, we have moved so far from the attitude of Christ Jesus while thinking we are in good standing with Him. The Holy Scriptures become easy to dismiss because there are so many that hit on our attitude and we don't want to let go of the attitude just yet. So what do we do? We let go of the Scripture, basically walking away while fueling our attitude. The Scriptures are too easily dismissed when we get our feathers ruffled. It seems we want to walk in our attitude and not get too close to Scripture at that point.

If we have the attitude of Christ, where would that lead us when we find ourselves disturbed or troubled in attitude? To His voice! We would reach to Him and follow His voice and not the voice of our attitude. We would change our attitude!

Years back at a congregation they were preparing to put in a solar cell for heating and cooling their building. The elders asked for input from the congregation and one man came forward, who was an engineer and met with them. He told them it wouldn't work and here's why. After many weeks of deliberation, the elders decided to go with the project and announced to the congregation for helping to dig a pit on Saturday. Guess who was the first to show up with shovel in hand? The engineer who said it wouldn't work!! Attitude! The willingness to serve the Lord despite what was said. It was Christ Jesus he served and he knew what the Lord expected. He didn't dismiss Scriptures. He didn't shy off from being loving, humble and kind. He embraced that heart of the Lord. Guess what? IT DIDN'T WORK! He never once told them, "I told you so!" He never took on the attitude, "Look how you wouldn't listen and look at the cost it caused us!" He simply had the attitude of Christ and walked in humility.

Attitude. It's what the Lord looks for in us. Attitude. The proper response will keep us surrounding our lives with His word, listening to His voice. We won't pick and choose when to listen and to what to listen. We will simply bow in humility and try to help where we can help. God's gives His grace to those humble!

"Sacrifice"

2011-09-19T10:15:00.000-05:00

I was in the airport preparing to board a plane. A military man came over with his wife and two small children. The airport security had allowed the wife and two children to come to the departing gate to say their good-byes. I watched the wife, clinging to his arm while one child was in front and the other holding his hand. Every once in a while, she would turn away from him and wipe tears from her eyes. He stood looking at his children. It sure looked as if he was tearing up as he gazed at them both. The children were playing and laughing unaware their dad was about to be shipped out. The time came for us to board. The wife hugged, kissed and hugged some more. He picked up both children kissing them, hugging them. It was really great to see. Now I'm not trying to be a sentimentalist here but it was touching. His lips quivered as he tried to speak. Tears were flowing freely. It was time leave. I walked by and stopped by them, then I thanked him for his service which he gently smiled and thanked me for saying something. I turned to the wife and told her a heart-felt thank you. As she fought her tears she thanked me for thinking of her. I walked on to the plane and took my seat.

As I reflected on all this, my mind shifted to Jesus. God in the flesh! Leaving the eternal righteousness and taking on our form, lowly sinful man. "Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being make in the likeness of men." (Phil. 2:6-7) Jesus died our death. His mission was to free mankind, not a nation but mankind. For every evil man and woman, crimes committed against God and Jesus came to into our world as our sacrifice. OUR SACRIFICE!

I am thankful for those who have sacrificed for the freedoms we have in this country. I thank the Lord for that. But it seems so many forget the ultimate sacrifice. To have the freedoms we have in this nation, people will lose eternally. Jesus came and sacrificed for us no matter what nation we live in so we could live eternally. That's the big picture and I wonder how many tears the Lord sheds, reaching out, watching moment after moment men and women heading off to an eternal destiny they didn't have to go but because they choose to ignore the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus wept!

"Hoopla?"

2011-09-15T08:07:00.001-05:00

To some its all about 'hoopla'. What do I mean? Too many want to make a banister or want public recognition of the help (benevolence) rendered to others. That's what the Pharisees did which Jesus condemned (Matt. 6). Years back I heard a man speaking as we were all leaving an assembly how much money he had given that week to help the poor and proceeded to tell them how much he gives each week in his offering. It was rather offensive.

In John 13, Jesus washed His disciples feet and told them they should do the same. It was a beautiful act of selflessness and acceptance. When Jesus washed those dirty feet, Jesus was claiming them as His own! When we serve another, we demonstrate our love and acceptance of them. That's what true disciples do as we are called to serve. Let's make a few brief points about serving one another:

(1) Serve when you see a need. Many simply cannot serve a need without going through channels. They need permission or maybe a committee needs to be addressed. The NT church didn't do that. As the brethren went about, they served when needs arose. John spoke when you see your brother in need and have the ability to help, serve right there (I John 3:17)!

(2) Serve with the best you have. I know others have more goods or greater ability than we do at times but that's not the issue. Give what you do have. Give what God has given you to give and leave it at that. The Lord is pleased with such. Jesus spoke of giving a cup of water in His name. A cup of water! It's not trivial when that's the best you have. It thrills Jesus.

(3) Serve with wisdom. Sometimes we are asked for money from someone. Knowing their history, can we be sure the money will be used to feed an addiction or the family. I know many think we need to suspend judgment but we need to use some wisdom from above. If what we give doesn't help the need and is wasted or worse, it is of no value. We can be helping people stay in their condition. If we would be prayerful and wise in our service, we would realize it takes more than a room filled with clothes and canned good to do wise and effective benevolence. If our giving, our service to one another is part of submission to Christ, it merits close attention, thought, prayer and wisdom. A friend of mine, Jim McGuiggan said it best: "Benevolent bungling helps no one. Serve wisely!"

(4) Serve without broadcasting it. If God needs our service broadcast to others, let God work that out. We don't need to be sounding our own horns, sharing with others what we did or when we did it. If we are true servants of the Lord, let's be servants of the Lord and not in the eyes of others. My dad ran a tv and appliance business until his retirement, some 45 yrs. He did it well. My dad will go to his grave without others knowing (except what I am telling now) how he served others less fortunate by giving them stoves, refrigerators that they could not afford but needed for their family or themselves as a widow/widower. It cost my dad a lot of his own money (which he did not have) but thrilled his heart to serve his Lord in this way. Dad didn't need man's approval and applause! We need to serve without broadcasting. That's the heart of the humble.

I know there are many other things that could be said but today, I encourage each of us...SERVE! Serve without 'hoopla'!

"One More Time"

2011-09-14T08:22:00.000-05:00

We were in grade school. The best I can remember his name was Bobby Dean. He was the chin-up champion. One day Ricky was being ragged on by Bobby and a few friends. Ricky was challenged to show his "boyliness" (I guess we will use that instead of 'manliness') by chin-ups at lunch recess. Ricky was in a no win situation. He was picked on often and his family wasn't well off as his clothes were less and his appearance. There we all stood. I can't remember how many. To a little boy it seemed like 20-30 kids but I'm not sure it was that many. Bobby Dean had set the record of 8 chin-ups. It was Ricky's turn. Each chin-up was more and more a struggle. Finally, Ricky to the surprise of all, made 8. All were shocked. Bobby Dean was mad and mocking him. Ricky was hanging by his arms but unwilling to let go. Hanging, unable to go up or down, Ricky knew he wasn't going to let go. Everything in his little life depended on this effort. Ricky looked beaten. Suddenly, the voice of one little girl spoke loudly to Ricky, "Okay Ricky, you can do it! One more time!" That was it. It was all it took. Up went Ricky and the rest is in the history of boyhood chronicles!

Encouragement! Sometimes we have been beaten down so many times, failed in our lives and we need that little word of encouragement, "One more time!" We know our failures and are aware of our missteps. We focus too much on us! If we could just look and listen to the voice of the Lord, "Okay, one more time!" Give the failures to the Lord. In Him we are complete (Col. 2:10). Jesus is for us what we aren't. Jesus is our High Priest in the presence of God filling all that is lacking in us. He is our purity, our holiness, our strength and our Mediator! He is what we aren't and He should be our focus.

We have failed so many times and allowed opportunities to slip away but we must fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2). He is the perfecter and author of our faith. See Him working on your behalf. Listen to His voice through the word and the next time you find yourself at the end, wanting to quit and walk away He will speak, "One more time!" The reward is great.

"Pursuing Holiness"

2011-09-13T07:52:00.000-05:00

Where God exists there is holiness! When God claims something as His, it is holy and it will be entered or walked on under certain conditions. If it is a burning bush, the worshiper will take off his sandels to approach. If it is a mountain top, it will be off limits treated in great respect or serious consequences will be on those who transgress. If it is items used in the worship of the temple it is only used in the way God intends and for nothing common. If it is in money or gifts, it will be used solely and completely to promote the glory and purpose of God to whom they were given. If we are talking about us, the church, those baptized into Christ separating them from the world, they are given responsibilities and privileges that are completely devoted to Him and for His purpose. They are a different people, not common like everyone else. This people will no longer be the same and must be treated in view of God's holiness. The markings of holiness are seen by practices, convictions and their service to the Lord. Having been made holy, they are to no longer be as the rest of the people around them.

The God of the Bible is holy by virtue of simply being who He is, by just being Himself! Everything that comes from Him is a fountain of holiness and anyone that stands against Him or treats Him in any less way is counterfeit.

"But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior." (I Pet. 1:15) What does holy behavior look like? GOD! Since we have embraced as our Father this holy God who called us to Himself, should we be living our lives in reverent fear? To call God our Father and treat His church, His "holy ground" less than holy is a mockery of the holiness of God. "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are." (I Cor. 3:16-17)

If we wish to be with God in the end we need to live lives that pursue His holiness or we will not ever see God. We need to be more careful in our lives and take His holiness and His holy ground much more seriously, don't you think?

"God Is In Control?"

2011-09-12T07:52:00.000-05:00

We have difficulty at times to see God working, especially with all the corruption and evil that fills the earth. Many wonder if God is so powerful and mighty, controlling all things, then why is there so much violence and the harming of innocent people and children? We listen too much to the voices around and too little to the voice of God.

When the Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians, they were pounded into the ground with hard taskmasters. The lives of Israel, God's chosen people at the time, were made bitter! Then a law from Pharoah was imposed that all male babies were to be put to death (Exodus 1). Where is God? Evil was spreading and hurting the innocent. However, the Hebrew midwives did not follow the law of the king and allowed the male babies to live. In fact, the kings own daughter violated the law and kept Moses, preserved by God, for her own. He grew up in Pharoah's own household! In the midst of the evil, there is God. "Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them." (Exodus 1:21) Here was a brutal Pharoah casting his violence upon a nation of slaves. We have seen it in our history too. Just look at what Hitler tried to accomplish killing hunderds of thousands to preserve the German people. A world looked in horror. God was at work to accomplish His purpose and no nation, no man, no amount of violence was going to thwart God's purpose. In the end, it was that ungodly, brutal leader that ended his life in a brutal way. The nation fell never to regain power. God at work.

God began His wonderful, marvelous work upon Pharoah to the point that it cost him the most precious prize to his heart: his own son. Only then did Pharoah allow the people freedom. Yet with a cold and hateful heart, this Pharoah sent the greatest army on earth after a people who had no army and once again, God was working. The mighty army was stopped by fire and ultimately drowned in the depth of the sea. Yes, there were brutalities but they didn't go unnoticed or unpunished.

We wonder what takes God so long at times? There is so much evil, so much corruption that is entrenched in the hearts of man, in our governments, in our homes that is so widespread and looks ever increasing but here comes God, wading through it all and moving everything to its ultimate end and purpose. Look at the mock trial of Jesus, the brutality spent on Him, the shame of the cross and in trust, Jesus is committed to the Father knowing everything was under His control. He died! He arose! He lives forever! Yes, God is still in control. Why can't we believe that?

"Break Time"

2011-08-25T14:25:00.000-05:00

It nice to know that many read my blog. It is definitely not an ego thing with me. If I felt this wasn't helping some, I would simply quit! However, I do get a number of personal emails that never post on the blog. Thank you. I am not the best at writing and I am learning as I go. Many say I write like I talk...now that has me concerned! I spend more time on content than the wording of how something is said but I do need to get a little stronger at my wording. I have had the blessing of some English majors correct me on grammar over the years and I am thankful for them. One dear lady who was an English teacher, while laying in a hospital bed days from her passing could barely whisper. I leaned over to hear what she was saying. The words, "It's me..." then she paused. I couldn't figure it out. Again she said, "It's me...it's me!" I looked at her daughter who was by her side and she leaned over her mother to figure out what she was trying to say. She put her ear almost directly over her mouth, stood back up and said, "Mom said it is 'Jesus and me', not 'Jesus and I'. Teaching me to speak better and I was listening.

Well, I will be away and not post again until Sept. 12. May God richly bless each that read and I give thanks to everyone who helps me and is patient with my weaknesses. Thank the Lord for His mercy and grace to a weak and struggling man! Be fervent in prayer.

"Approval"

2011-08-24T08:15:00.000-05:00

How many times have you wanted the approval of someone? I know I have been there. It's where you maybe have been a flop in many areas, you know you're not smart, good looking or surrounded by many friends. Approval, if you could only find approval. You get around those who spout of big words or have a mind to think so clearly and expound upon things you cannot even imagine. You see them and see your self that you're incapable of such thinking. Approval, if you could only find approval.

Some call it low self-esteem and it seems everyone has their personal input to how you might have felt. But then something marvelous happened that it hard to put into words. No person raised you up. No words of encouragement came from any human. Someone didn't shower you with love or seek your approval. It is called simply the love of God. "And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Rom. 5:5) The love of God poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit? Can this really be true? Does God really love me and accept me? If we dare to believe that profoundly astonishing fact your shackles of wanting the approval of others will dissolve! The love of God frees one from ourselves and paralyzing ugliness we think we possess. Your peers don't matter any longer and those who despised you taking every opportunity to bury you become as nothing. Our Creator, our Redeemer, our Savior, our Lord, our Messiah, our God outflanked every person on this earth and made their views meaningless.Christ came to us, gentle and humble in heart and we found rest for our souls! The love of God upholds us and says, "You're Mine and Mine alone!" "See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it does not know Him." (I John 3:1)

Freedom! The approval of God is all one needs. As far as others are concerned, they may still see me (us) as nothing and cast us aside but the love of God...what a blessing of freedom!

"Jesus the Life"

2011-08-23T07:39:00.000-05:00

It is so sad to see people thrust Jesus aside as if He is nothing. The state of the heart and soul have become so black and sin-filled they do not know what they are doing. Jesus recognized that on the cross when He cried out for the ignorance of the people.

The madness of sin in the final thrust is the flinging away from Jesus. We see it in Judas. When are we going to learn? Here was a man, not just any man but an apostle, seeing the miracles, watching how the Lord dealt and moved among the people. Somehow his thinking became so tainted and misdirected that he thought he could set up a nice bank account and still be bound to God! Standing, looking at 30 pieces of silver in his hands and reality hit. He hated himself and what he had done. He choose sin over the Lord and it had such an impact he hurled his future plans of wealth into the pavement and went out an ended his life. I realize it doesn't always end so dramatic for others but nonetheless people get caught up into sin, trade Jesus for the world and it hits them like a ton of bricks. They are trapped by sins deceit and many times they cannot find the strength to break its hold. That's the power of sin and thrusting Jesus aside.

Looking around at our co-workers, our neighbors and friends it makes you wonder how so many can live their lives in the party mode while Jesus is nothing to them! He means so little they refuse to give up sin. Many find Jesus a 'bore' or a 'party-killer.' Some see there is too much life to enjoy while not wasting it on Jesus.

There is no life without Jesus! Too many pretend they have the life but live lives that are disturbing and haunting because they know they have traded Jesus for sin. It is a struggle but somehow they realize they need Jesus but won't surrender their heart completely. We need to stop trying to compete with the lost religions around us trying to make Jesus and our lives 'user-friendly'. We need to stop entertaining to make Jesus look attractive. Only in Jesus there is life! Only in Jesus can one find a soul content and happy! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Savior, our Lord, our LIFE!

"Random"

2011-08-22T08:02:00.001-05:00

I guess it is one of those mornings! You know the kind where you try to get things going and you feel like you have been used as a whipping post. Sometimes is gets mighty discouraging in the church of our Lord. Well, maybe that's just me.

Recently speaking with a dear fellow preacher, he shared with me how he had worked hard on a lesson that needed to be addressed in the congregation. He was careful and meticulous in what he said but was straight-forward with the truth. He spoke, people listened and the problem that was addressed went unrecognized. People simply didn't take the truth to heart. He was really discouraged. I can identify with him!

Maybe it's me. I don't know but it seems the longer you stay the less people listen. To speak the truth in love, to point people to the reality of life and try to help in truth and in return, emptiness in a lot of cases. But then again there is the Lord and how He must have felt. To pour your heart into something and only find disgruntled people about this and that, the Lord knew it well. As I get older I am seeing it happen.

Well, I guess today's blog isn't good at all. I just penned some of my thoughts wondering where all this will lead. I know, I need to go to the Lord in prayer and lay it at His feet. It's His body! It's His truth! I am just a lowly servant, not good sometimes, struggling at other time wondering and watching for open doors. I think I'll go back and read some of the things I have written and make sure I am practicing what I believe.

"Mapped Out Lives?"

2011-08-18T07:47:00.000-05:00

You have heard it and so have I. People speak that God has a plan for each of us. I sure want to accept that fact. Wouldn't it be great to know that God has a plan worked out for us and all we do is live and let Him work out that plan? Let's be honest with this. If God has a specific plan for every step of our lives why hasn't He given us more direction to work with that fact?

Things get a little muddled and complicated if we start believing that God has an exhaustive plan for our lives as if He has this graph on each person with our lives mapped out step by step. The Lord wants us to go this direction and off we take in another. How are we to really know what the Lord has planned in our lives? When we take off on our own, what does that do with the graph?

I do not know of any Scriptural text that tells us the Lord has such a plan for our lives. I don't know if people just want to believe that for the messes they find themselves in or not but sometimes we are being told things that simply do not line up with Scripture. I do know this, the Lord God does care about the decisions we make. Our Lord's main concern is the kind of decision we make rather than what decisions we make!

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." (Col. 3:23-24) "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (I Cor. 10:31)

Verses like the above point out one message. Our decisions should always be affected by our relationship with the Lord! That's not saying that God has our lives mapped out. That is simply saying we do what we do to please Him by making decisions and working that honor Him. It's like walking up to the Lord with a decision and saying, "What we have done we have done with You in mind to please and glorify You!" rather than trying to figure out the blueprint line by line.

We have the freedom to make such choices! The Lord is trying to shape our lives into the image of Jesus and the choices we make has great effect on our lives. We choose with the Lord in mind or we simply don't. It really comes down to that.

"The Present Past"

2011-08-17T07:52:00.000-05:00

Too many live haunting lives of their past in the present. I see it all the time. They seem to be stifled in the present because of their past. Their fears and struggle in certain situations they blame because of something in their past. Marriages are ruined because of someone living in their past. Children are not trained in the instruction and discipline of the Lord because a parent (or both) had something so difficult in their past that was molding their present thinking vowing to not have that done to their children. (In fact, their children end up worse off in many cases as the result.)

Here is Paul, the apostle we read about that took so much for the name of the Lord. Look at his past. His zeal for the Lord, his great education and a list of accomplishments most people would be proud to hold. But there was one thing we seem to miss. He was personally responsible for the loss of families and others because he had them jailed or killed because of Christ. Can you imagine after his conversion, standing up among the people of God to proclaim Jesus and Him crucified only to hear afterward, "Why did you haul my mom and dad off to jail and have them killed for Christ?" I know those words aren't penned but there had to be some of that. Paul saw himself as a blasphemer, persecutor and violent aggressor (I Tim. 1:13). But there is one little note, one little word: "formerly".

How could Paul overcome such a past and look people in the eyes that he had personally hurt their loved ones? He was Christ's and Christ was his! Understanding the change, the newness of life that came to him as a result of his union with Jesus (Rom. 6). The old things were dead, buried and new things had come. The reality of being in Jesus was held to and it meant every thing to him.

Today, many in Christ turn to the world for counsel and what do they do? Dig up the past. Let's talk about your youth, your family and push you behavior on that. I know many have been hurt by past but that's the point, the past continues to live in the present. We believe it to be so and that's why we walk so wounded the rest of our lives. When one enters Christ, the past is buried! Why can't we believe that? To go back and dig it all up means a person must go back under their death in sin. We are in Christ. We have a new Master and new life from God. Why can't we grasp that and live right there right now?

Here was Paul's answer to his past: "Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead." (Phil. 3:13) The power of the Lord is real and life changing if we would only grab hold of the Lord!

"Speaking of the Cross"

2011-08-16T07:35:00.000-05:00

The cross Jesus speaks things we cannot even imagine. Jesus was dying for the sins of the world but His dying was for our living. It took His death to bring about our life and righteousness! It was His dying that brings about our fullness of life. The death of Jesus is about reconciliation of sinful man to a holy and righteous God. The cross of Jesus is about defeating all the spiritual powers and bringing them down. The cross speaks about life not in the future but here and now!

It was Jesus who said, "I came that they might have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10) The cross is our way to life and shows God's obsession to defeat the sin that brought us, created in His image, into death. The cross redeemed us from death and brought life.

The cross of Jesus speaks more than I can even understand. It speaks of holiness, righteousness and love. The cross reveals man's utter sinfulness and depravity while speaking life from heaven. There was that day, a day like no other where an angry mob traded a murderer and insurrectionist for a Savior. That Lord went without a fight because the weight of all mankind stood on His shoulders. He was beaten, mocked, spit on and a host of things we don't even know and for what reason? LIFE! Throwing the Lord to the ground, pounding nails in His hands and feet, treating Him as a most sick and depraved criminal and man unaware of what was really happening. The soldier lifts up his hand to raise that cross above the earth. There, right then and there, before so many witnesses was a beaten, bloodied Lord that took it all for life, our life. For next hours the world was at the feet of the dying Savior and they didn't even know it!

"Funerals Teach"

2011-08-15T08:14:00.001-05:00

Over the last week I have been at 3 funerals involving people I loved. In observation, it struck me how great an opportunity a funeral gives each and every one from the Lord. Death saddens us and it takes many by surprise because it can come as a shock when people are in relatively good health and sudden pass. Even though we know, we live as if death will not come. That's a mistake!

Funerals teach because it shows us how frail we as humans really are. We're not strong or powerful no matter how someone may act. In the striking of a second, you're life is over never to return on this earth! That's why the Lord is so important.

Funerals teach because it shows us the real purpose is not about things, retirement or money. It is about life! We groan over the death of a loved one because life is precious to us. Life, not things, are what matters.

Funerals teach because life continues. Life continues in the weak sense for those of still living. Life continues in the eternal sense because we cannot see what those who passed see or experience but they are living....somewhere.

Funerals teach to make the most of lives spiritually while we are here temporally. The memories that are shared are just memories. There can be no more made and those who are behind can regret not taking full advantage of spiritually relationships that matter.

Funerals teach because there will be no more assemblies with the saints, no more prayers offered, no more Lord's Supper celebrated and no more faith tried. You leave all that behind and enter reality!

Funerals teach that once the last breath is taken, every detail is set! There will be nothing to change and no opportunity to change anything. Your eternal living is set permanently! Your existence will continue as it is where you end up.

Funerals teach that we need to wade through the emotions and grasp the reality of Jesus. He is alive and well and is the ONLY guarantee of your eternal life. A relationship, a true, honest, sincere relationship is the ONLY thing that matters. Not lip service.

Funerals teach that you better not be harboring any bitterness or resentments in the heart. There is too much at stake.

Funerals teach that we need God period!

"Sinful Nature?"

2011-08-10T07:41:00.000-05:00

I keep hearing it from others over and over. I'm not real sure where it started. It just seems when those that stand before us keep reminding us about our "sinful nature" we have no choice but to sin. There is one Bible version in particular that consistently translates the term "flesh" into "sinful nature."

I have been told by others that we all have a "sinful nature" and are destined to sin. There was a time I believed that but not any more. All have sinned (Rom. 3:23). We know that. One man brought sin into the world and death came as a result of sin. Death spread to all because all sinned (Rom. 5:12). Death is the result of man sinning, not man's sinful nature. It seems to easy to excuse our sin as if we have no choice in the matter. One man brought sin into God's creation and ever since man makes a choice to sin. Sinful ways and habits are placed before the eyes of our children who know no sin. They reach out and grab hold and become part of the sin filled society. They move from purity to defilement because we hold sin before them.

Suddenly, born into our world is the Savior. He entered as a baby, born of woman, had a childhood and teen years and grew into a man. Jesus Christ was man in ever single way but did not sin (Heb.2:14-18). Jesus emptied Himself of equality with God and was found as man (Phil. 2:6-8). I do not believe Jesus had a "sinful nature", do you? Jesus proved as man that man didn't have to sin. It does teach us the power of sin. Jesus kept the Law perfectly, never sinning and becoming the perfect sacrifice for God. It is through Jesus that God is just and the justifier of us the sinful.

Maybe we need to re-think our idea that we have no choice but to sin because we have a sinful nature. I'm open for your thoughts but not any attacks!

"Where Has Holiness Gone?"

2011-08-09T07:51:00.000-05:00

Are we missing something? I believe so! It's called holiness. Pursuing and living holy, sacred lives. Maybe we have become too cerebral for our own good! We seem to think that we have come to more modern things and ways and dismiss the idea of holy living and pursuit is something outdated. The sacred life seems to be diminishing more and more in the lives of those in Christ, the church.

We know well that God doesn't dwell in buildings made with hands. How many times have we heard or said the church is the people not the building? But somewhere in this teaching, these thoughts gets lost the idea of holiness. When the OT Scriptures are approached, they are dismissed as a carnival of ceremonial actions by many. I recently had an individual tell me we need to take the OT out of our Bibles. Too much ceremony, too boring! It reveals where our minds have headed.

God is holy and He dwells in His people. We need to grasp and understand the idea of being holy and sacred in our lives. It's not just about being pure but treating our lives and one another as something more than just common. Holiness is a recognition of God! God told Moses to get his sandals off because when he approached the holy God in the burning bush, it's not common ground you are standing on any longer! Show some respect and reverence.

Because we know the building isn't the holy dwelling of God we have seem to make everything we do a place that's not holy, sacred. We stand and make jokes, talk about sports, munch on donuts and slurp our coffee. We have built into our complexes areas to play ball, to play cards and eat meals. The sense of holiness seems to get lost in all the common things. The attire many wear when approaching the holy Father is something that is no longer helping the idea of the pursuit of holiness. Too many seem to have the mind set that if we assemble in holiness at our multi-function complexes we become stagnant, rigid, gloomy and predictable. There is no room for spontaneity. The laid back desire makes us more consumer-friendly and brings an element of entertainment into our assemblies. In other words, more man centered and less God centered.

Where is our sense of holiness? I am not sure many even know what holiness is anymore. Holiness...it came by grace. Grace is not cheap and free. Grace is life changing and holy!! It required the OT temple, Bethlehem, Gethsemane and Golgotha. Maybe we need to revisit these because we have grown so accustomed to the lack of reverence. Take in the pictures, these moments of grace and realize we are standing on holy ground and that should reflect holy behavior!

"God's Promise"

2011-08-08T08:07:00.000-05:00

There must be something about being in the presence of God for eternity that is magnificent beyond words. For God to go through all the troubles to send His Son on a death mission as our substitute tells us there is something that is waiting that is indescribable to us! There must be a glorious filled eternity waiting.

The question we need to ask ourselves is this: Is this place God desires to bring us to really worth all the trouble it takes to get us there? There are a lot of unanswered questions about eternity but we have an extended hand from heaven putting His Son in harms way for our well being. Sometimes I think it a mystery but that shouldn't surprise me. I have had socks mysteriously disappear after washing and drying so what's so mysterious about there being a mystery?

The words of Paul come to mind: "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied." (I Cor. 15:19) We look at the injustices, the suffering, the loneliness, the sicknesses, the diseases and the deaths. We get discouraged and wonder what is it all about? God won't allow us to sit and settle for this temporary life! He calls us, exhorts us and brings pain sometimes to get our attention calling us to Himself through Jesus. "Things which the eyes has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him." (I Cor. 2:9)

We struggle with things and grapple at times with our faith. Don't lose heart! Don't give up on the Lord Jesus. When we feel the welling pain of the loss of a loved one or the disappointment of another human soul that did you so wrong, look to the Lord. Place your complete faith in Him to the best of your ability. The God who brought us into existence upon this sin-filled earth will make certain because of our love for Him and His Son to bring us home. That's going to be something I'm told. That's going to be something to behold.

"What About John 3:5?"

2011-08-04T07:55:00.000-05:00

I just want to make a few quick observations surrounding John 3:5. "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." I think I have heard every idea that people have purposed what the "water" in this text means. Is Jesus really speaking about immersion, water baptism in this verse? Let's be honest and see.

In John 1:19-34 it speaks of the ministry of John who came baptizing those repentant for the remission of sins to prepare the way for them to receive the Messaih (Mark 1:4/Acts 19:3-4). John 3:22-23 tells us that after the coversersion of Nicodemus, Jesus and His disciples went into Judea and were baptizing (water immersion) while John was baptizing Aenon near Salim. This bothered John's disciples because the people were coming to Jesus to be baptized (John 3:25-27). In John 4:1-3 we find that the Pharisees took note that Jesus was baptizing and making more disciples than John. It's noted that Jesus Himself was not baptizing but His disciples were.

Sandwiched between all this talk about John's baptizing many and the disciples of Jesus was baptizing many is Jesus' discussion with the Pharisee Nicodemus. This wasn't just some empty words stretched to mean something else. I was a practice because people were coming from everywhere to be baptized in response to God's call in connection with the kingdom of God (See Matt. 3:1-2/Luke 3:4-6).

Here comes a man, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel speaking to Jesus. The country is filled with the gospel teaching that the kingdom of God is about it be unveiled and Nicodemus approaches Jesus wanting to know for himself. Every day people are flocking to John and Jesus and in repentance they are being baptized in connection with the kingdom message, committing themselves to the Messiah who is about to be revealed. John had prepared the way well!

Remember, Nicodemus is of the sect that refuses John's baptism teachings (Luke 7:29-30). They had demanded from John how he got his authority to baptize (John 1:24-26). They took note that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (John 4:1-2). They demanded where Jesus got His authority from (Matt. 21:23) and Jesus speaks of John's baptism asking them if it was from heaven or from men (Matt. 21:28-32)? They refused to answer!

Here is Nicodemus speaking face to face with Jesus. What do you think they are speaking about? Water immersion? Why do people try to do everything they can to demote Biblical baptism in the way it was intended to be understood and believed? Jesus was speaking of water baptism in John 3:5 just as plain as the other places. Here's the real issue: up until the days of John Calvin and the Reformation period the issue of water immersion was never in dispute. Go ahead and do a little research. You will find that it wasn't until Calvin forward that all the debates began to take place. It should also be noted that the Great Harlot of Revelation 17 was NEVER thought to be the Roman Catholic Church until the Reformation period. Wonder why that is? And no one thought that John 3:5 was anything but baptism until the work/grace wars of the Reformation period. It is amazing how people over-look Scripture and find another way to justify their belief system.

"THE NAME"

2011-08-03T07:28:00.000-05:00

As time moves forward toward eternity people will pass away and slowly their memory will fade too. I can remember when the Beetles, Elvis Presley, John Wayne and many others that were before us it seemed almost daily. Today, the only time our minds remember is when someone calls our attention to pay tribute to them. Presidents, explorers, athletes, writers and movie stars all lie in the dust of oblivion by and by.

We read in history about Plato, Socrates, Shakespeare and Homer but they too are not household names that mean too much. I realize some are studied in universities and a movies hits now and then but they are relatively obscure.

But there was One, a name given to the birth of a Jew, who lived like a peasant, without His own home, personal possessions that we remember and talk about. The name Jesus Christ has not and will not fade. Just listen to how many who try to compare Him to others as just a prophet, not the Son of God or the Messiah. His name is above every name and time has not diminished Him. Jesus Christ wrote no books, made no discoveries, never invented a philosphy while dying the death of a criminal. Why is He remembered? Why hasn't His insight to our God and Father faded with time?'

Maybe we are missing something. What if we carefully took a closer look at Jesus Christ of Nazareth as to why time hasn't had any effect on Him or His name? Maybe we would come to the conclusion of Thomas who stood before a living, resurrected Savior stating, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28) His name written on time, not controlled by time and nothing time can do to erase Him is just simply one of the most astounding things about Him. What are we really missing about Jesus? What many are trying to connect in intellect needs to be connected in heart. The Prince of Peace that connects to our social and emotional needs is something to be looked at more closely. What do you think?

"Six Minutes"

2011-08-01T08:02:00.000-05:00

There were 21 of us that went to Joplin, Mo. Thursday, July 28 and worked in the relief effort from the May 22 tornado. I was completely taken as I thought we were at the end of the clean up only to discover it is still a mess! We worked Friday and Saturday, staying in a building at the Mt. Hope church of Christ. It was long and tiring not to mention the 100 degree temperature each day. But the devastation is just incredible.

We took down and cleaned up some 6 different homes in those days along with one rock wall. It was dirty and they warned us about a lot of contamination within the structures we cleaned up. Sometimes the stench was great in certain parts. While we worked at the sites, I took a picture of our work area. Then someone pulled up from Google maps the site before the tornado and we compared. It was amazing what was and what is.

At one place where a home existed, the homeowner came out and described how he and his family had escaped into a closet in the home only to have the roof and walls ripped away while they covered themselves with just carpet. As I listened to different stories and related clean-up projects it struck me at what was really happening. It made me stand in wonder at the great and majestic power of God. I don't know if others thought that but I did. Here we were, mere humans laboring by the sweat of our brows and many many more months to continue. In a matter of six minutes, the Lord's power demonstrated that He can altar lives that would take years to recover. My mind shifted to Nahum 1:3 where God is described as the storm is His way and clouds are the dust beneath His feet. I thought of Job 38-39 where God uses the storm and commands the lightening. I know there are people who don't believe that but I do! It brings the awesome presence of God into focus.

As more and more stores came forth, I was focused on the mighty hand of God. As people spoke of the lives taken, I saw something different. We were standing in front of the high school. The gymnasium looked like it was actually blown up. Two sides missing, the roof caved in and a pile of bricks. The time of the tornado, they were to have the graduation at this gym but because of such a crowd of people, they moved it to the north part of town at the college. Thousands were spared because of this. It was incredible that more lives weren't lost but then I think of mercy of God in such a disaster. I sang a song, several songs as I helped with clean-up.

Six minutes and man is working for years to recover. Six minutes and the course of lives were changed. Six minutes, that's how long this tornado lasted taking out a one mile wide stretch and 6 miles long. Six minutes and heaven speaks: I am the Lord God, the Almighty! Six minutes...

"The Purpose of the Gospel Accounts"

2011-07-28T07:43:00.000-05:00

Recently I had a man that was teaching an adult bible class where he attended called and shared with me what he thought of the four gospel accounts. He made the statement that he didn't see why there had to be 4 versions of the life of Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) retelling the same things over and adding a few different twists and turns the other didn't. He then ended with, "It's rather boring!" It revealed his lack of understanding and insight.

What is the purpose of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John's accounts? Why do we have them written? Each writer has a purpose. These different letters weren't just about the life and work of Jesus told with a few added twists. They had a specific purpose. Too many times we know what someone says but we might not understand why they said it. That's the way with these four gospel accounts.

First Matthew. Matthew is Jewish and written to the Jewish believer. Matthew's focus is on Jesus the Messiah! That's why his book starts with "the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah." (Matt. 1:1) The book proves Jesus was the Messiah that had been prophesied about all those years.

Next Mark. Mark too is written to the Jewish believer. Mark is the earliest of the four letters written, around 50 AD. Mark's focus is on Jesus the Son of God. His purpose was to stress the actions and work of Christ Jesus through miracles to prove His Sonship. It is a powerful book explaining a powerful Savior.

Now comes Luke. Luke is the only Gentile writer in the Bible. (He wrote Acts also.) Luke is written to the Gentile believer (us specifically) to show us the accurate accounts and working of the Lord Jesus Christ. Luke is a little more detailed as a Gentile wouldn't be as in-tune with the OT Scriptures.

Finally John's gospel. John is written to the church as a whole. It is written targeting faith and showing in detail the God side of Jesus. We see it from the first five verses of the book. John is specific in pointing to faith and that faith wrapped around the truth.

Each account had a specific target of people in the church. They are rich. They are filled with more than just a lesson to pull together. They are Jesus, the Son of the living God, our Savior, our Redeemer and Refuge. Take some time and read with these thoughts in mind. It will open your eyes to some new things.

"Self or God?"

2011-07-27T07:19:00.000-05:00

To gain insight to yourself, what makes you tick and act can be a dangerous course to take. I once was visiting in a hospital that the individual was in there to "find themselves and their purpose." They claimed they had lost their way, they had lost their passion for life and needed to find themselves. I thought it was rather strange but over the last 30 plus years, I have ran into this kind of therapy on several instances. What is more shocking, they all claim Christ Jesus their Lord!

I was sent an invite in the mail to come to a series of lessons titled "Finding Our Way." It was a series presented by some psychologist to help ministers (they called 'pastors' not understanding what the term means) understand the heart of man to help those searching for answers in life about themselves. I came up with one thought, it's called self-seeking!

Listen to Jeremiah: "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the Lord." (Jer. 9:23-24)

Paul quotes part of this verse in I Cor. 1:31. Our boasting and insight should be of the Lord and not of ourselves. We live and see what sin does in our lives. Sin makes us unloving, uncaring and self-absorbed and consumed. Sin takes us into wisdom that is selfishly ambitious (Jam. 3:14) and natural in thinking. We need to know God! We need to understand God so our lives and mind can expand moving away from us. It was Jesus' prayer in John 17 that Jesus spoke, "This is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent." (John 17:3) The Hebrew writer pulled from OT Scriptures to show that we should be listening to the voice of the Lord and nothing else because Israel went astray in their heart and "they did not know My ways." (Heb. 3:10/Psa. 95:10). God destroyed them for such and it is written for us to learn from.

If you want your life to grow and change into the image of Jesus, being conformed to His life, come to know God and His Son Jesus. If you want a life of pain and misery, paralyzed in areas and unable to move forward, just learn about you! One is wisdom from below. The other is the wisdom from God. One is eternal death while the other is eternal life. Intellectual ability is not what the Lord is after. He is after a heart that seeks Him to know His ways. Therein is found life and freedom!

"The Psalms"

2011-07-26T07:26:00.000-05:00

The Psalms are a wonderful insight to the greatness and majesty of the Lord. The whole book of Psalm is called "tehillim" which means praises or the book of praises. It is a book that praises the Lord, even in the worst of conditions. The complaining, the sometimes protesting attitudes of the writers and the weeping were all brought to God, in His presence because they trusted the Lord God. When you examine the Psalm, the tehillim, closely you see how different writers brought their fears, their disappoints and joy into the presence of the Lord and expressed it to Him.

When I read Psa. 8, I can almost picture David, laying on his back, under a tree, looking up into the heaven above wondering why God would give man any thought. David sees God as great and mighty calling his name majestic (a word you rarely hear spoken by believers today) while man is less and given rule.

What I find unique about the Psalms is how the writers didn't gather a bunch of "church goers" around to complain about the latest chapters in the life of the temple worshipers. They didn't gather people around them to hear them complain or have a voice of revolt. Every issue was taken to God! They didn't try to prove their godliness to others around by speaking down about others. They took everything to the Lord God and cried out to Him. These Psalms were sung! The whole temple community sang these songs together. This was their hymn book.

When the happy, uplifting Psalms were sung, all joined in, even the down-trodden and sick. Those who hurt weren't left alone in their hurt but joined in the tehillim with the rest expressing their hearts to the Lord God who cares deeply for them.

These Psalms were written from hearts that expressed their inner desires to the One in heaven. These Psalms were sung by all expressing their hearts to the Lord God who delivers them. Maybe we need to learn a lesson from this. While many today focus on the harmony sound, the best singers to help our worship, maybe we need to pick up the Psalms and read, reflect and sing without all the hype. In light of the history of God, all the Psalms were put together to be sung and across the cover was stamped TEHILLIM/PRAISES!

"Why Do We Exist?"

2011-07-25T07:36:00.000-05:00

Recently while studying with an individual with little to no biblical background, they asked me why God was so vain in wanting us to worship and adore Him? In their mind, they saw the God of us and the creation around us as self-absorbed! It might come across that way to those who know little to nothing about the God of Scripture but then we might find ourselves asking maybe He is?

God is always right in wanting our praise and adoration. But God is a Creator! As our Creator He wants fellowship, joy-filled lives and communion. That might be hard for us to grasp. Psa. 136 speaks of God's creation is out of love. God created us with Jesus in mind, to be like Jesus, immortal and splendid while living a life full of righteousness and joy (Rom. 8:29-30).

God created us in His image! We were put here to reflect His character, activity and purpose. God calls us to be righteous, holy and thankful. That's all His character and image! To think that God calls us to Himself because He is vain or self-absorbed is missing God altogether. We were created to enjoy His life and share in His life.

We are here because God loves us. God has no self-identity crisis nor is He vain. He simply created us to enjoy one another. We can reject the purpose of why we were created and the reason He went to such lengths to have fellowship with us, to share in His life. It doesn't matter if we try to cheapen Him or reason why in our minds. None of these things changes the way God feels and desires for each of us. Just read Phil. 2:5-8 and we can see the heart of God, the desire of God in Jesus. He is not self-absorbed!

One day the host of mankind will get a glimpse of why God created us, seeing our own self-absorbing ways, our dishonoring lives and settling for just existing. It will be a day of extreme sadness...even beyond that, a day of eternal sadness. If only we would surrender and truly seek the God who placed His image on us and calls us through His Son to Himself for an eternal joy and love. That's why we exist!

"Words"

2011-07-21T07:53:00.000-05:00

I am simply amazed how words in our day and time are used. Words that were one time innocent and nothing wrong in their usage have become degrading, deplorable and vile. I don't know who invented the change of such words. While growing up, and I guess I'll age myself, the term "gay" meant joyous or happy. It has taken on another concept now. Words to degrade women and insult people come from a wicked and evil heart. There is an entire dictionary, or so it seems, of sexual and anatomical words that are used to throw filth and insults on others and they flow freely in so many of our movies and have made their way into the lives of many. They are words used to sting, to shock and let one know how they feel deep down inside about another or situation.

I can remember growing up that even the slightest slip of a word in the presence of a woman or child was immediately followed with a humble apology. Not any more. It is common, rude and crude language that has found it's way into the heart and mind of many a person. Hang around young people and it will surprise you of the language they use openly with little regard to anyone around. What is happening to us? What is leading our lives in a direction that when we find ourselves stressed or disturbed about a situation that the flow of such words comes from the lips? It sure isn't the Lord!!

But there is another side too. The words that are used in the religious language can be just a troublesome. That might shock you but take the words "majesty" or "sovereignty" or "infinite wisdom" which were used to described God. When is the last time you heard those? We have taken God down to such a human based level that God has become cozy with us and "sinner-friendly"! We have take words of God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ as "chummy." We use words to describe holiness and righteousness as its all about you and "one-on-one" relationship. We hear how God is out to make the church "happy" and when we assemble in His name it is "happy hour!" (I recently heard that one in a large congregation.) Where are all these things coming from? It's sure not from moving closer to the Lord and His holiness!

We need to be careful of the words we use. We need to realize what we speak come from what is happening in our heart. The lack of reverence (there's another word rarely used anymore) and respect seem to be infiltrating the mind and heart of so many. The deep cutting and vile words so many use in the moment of anger will become old and new words will pop up from hearts that are filled with this kind of thinking. The same among the religious. There will be new "buzz" words thrown around for our religious views, while sermons are built on them and lives center around them. It makes me wonder, are we really listening to the Lord anymore? Are we really listening and taking Him to heart? Please God....may WE open our hearts to hear, cleanse the filth with the blood of your Son and receive YOUR message and perceive YOUR majesty!

"If We Say"

2011-07-20T07:59:00.000-05:00

It never ceases to amaze me how those who call God their Father and Jesus their Savior and Lord but practice such evil in their lives. I'm not talking about stumbling in sin, that occasion in a weak moment but just walk into sin with their eyes open! Sin is so prominent in their lives because its all they practice and the things they practice to them aren't sin, if that makes sense! It's called deceived!!!

Three times in I John 1:6-10 John says, "If we say". Talk is cheap! Words flow freely. I hear it all the time. People speak with me knowing that I preach/teach and in the conversation begin speaking of their relationship with the Lord. It's like they feel the need to talk about the Lord to communicate effectively with me. Maybe it's to soothe their guilt or put on a show that they too are lovers of God. But the talk and walk don't line up!

To speak that we have fellowship with the Lord, to love the Lord and walk in darkness in our daily living, that is a self-deceived lying person! Don't take my word for it, that's what John says God calls them. "If we say" is so easy to come by. When have you heard someone say "When we live"? Now there's the test of true fellowship. What we practice daily. The words that flow from our hearts to our lips. Our motives in our decisions. How we treat our mates. How we act on the job. What we participate in and join ourselves to. These are where we live! There is only one place and no other place that demonstrates our relationship to the Lord..."Walking in the Light!" Not talking but walking. Only then, being honest, humble and sincere do we find letting the Light expose us in our attitudes and actions, do we find fellowship with God. There is one place and no other place that guarantees our cleansing by the blood of Christ..."Walking in the Light!" Not talking but walking.

It seems many have too much talk and not enough walk. Just take a moment and examine yourself. Are you a 'walker' or a 'talker'? One that is honest and doesn't have to talk because their walk is exposed. The other, they have to talk thinking others don't know what they do however they too are exposed by the Light. They are self-deceived, lie and do not practice the truth.

"The Real Agenda Of Love"

2011-07-19T07:51:00.000-05:00

It seems too many miss the point of the love of God. Too many have love as warm fuzzies. The church has turned love into more of an honorable romance with others rather than God's real intention. Listen to John carefully: "By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so love us, we also ought to love one another." (I John 4:9-11)

Note carefully...God's love is a love of reconciliation. It's not a love of humane kindness. It's a love of life, spiritual life. It is true that we need to help those who need help. It is true that we need humane kindness (and we see it practiced by many in the world) but the love God is calling us to one another is a love of sacrifice for the spiritual well being of one another. We are called in these verses to embrace the love that is shown by Christ to us for one another. We are called to be a part of God's redeeming love with one another.

I am not advocating to not look out for the needs of others. That has a very solid Biblical foundation. But we sometimes seem to over-step things, going too far in our humane side that we forgot it was God, calling the lost and sinful world to Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus. That was love in its height. That's the love we the church have been called to. To offer our help to one another and others without the redeeming quality of love offers is nothing more than just a handout and lacking depth. Maybe we need to re-focus on the redeeming quality of God and His love by sending His Son (not hand-outs) so when we decide to work a program, it is genuinely a program of love, the redeeming of the lost to Jesus. When we look to help one another in the body (the church), we will help with the love of sacrifice, to keep us in fellowship with the Lord and the work of Jesus on our behalf.

"Do Not Be Deceived"

2011-07-18T07:28:00.000-05:00

Several times in the NT Scriptures we find the words: "Do not be deceived" or Do not deceived yourselves." Why would we have to be reminded of such? Self deception is one of the greatest possibilities for the saint! To believe you are on the right track and yet somehow deceive yourself by practicing things that are less than holy to the Lord but believe you are alright is a difficult position to be in and even more difficult to see. I'm not writing this to scare anyone. Just get our attention.

People make choices in their relationship to the Lord. I know brethren who choose the pleasures of the world over the things of the Lord but they have deceived themselves to the point they cannot see the choices they are making. They believe every thing is fine between them and the Lord. "Holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied the power." (II Tim. 3:5) People believe they can give out whatever they choose to give out to others and they are still in line with the Lord fearing no consequences to their attitudes or actions. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." (Gal. 6:7) Something is being reaped within them and they aren't even aware.

Husbands and wives refuse to live the way the Lord wants in their marriage but thinking all is well between them and the Lord. What a shock they will find when they face the Lord hearing how they refused His word and refused the relationship as He intended. Marriage the Lord's way is a source of blessing and happiness. There are many deceived husbands and wives.

Religion is one of the greatest deception. All the religion floating around, people speaking this, listening to that and reading this. The conclusion is all are okay as long as they love the Lord! Truth is not sought. Honesty with Scriptures is not held to but just a big pot where every thing is stirred together as one big happy family.

Deception is all around us. The only way one can keep from deception is through an humble heart and listening to the voice of the Lord by following what He asks. When we hear His voice through His word, we must ask ourselves and see ourselves in light of what the Lord speaks. It takes an honest heart to do that. A deceived heart will brush it aside and continue to move in the direction they decide as best for them. We don't have to be deceived. That's our choice but we have to be honest in heart to stay away from deceiving ourselves.

"The Mouth Speaks From The Heart"

2011-07-14T07:47:00.000-05:00

It was Jesus who said that what proceeds from the mouth comes from the heart (Matt. 15:18). What a person talks about every time we meet them, that talk reveals what is important to their heart, their life. What about God? What God speaks about over and over, isn't that what's important to Him? If God speaks continuously about what is important to Him, shouldn't that be what is important to us?

Peter told us that those who wrote about the prophecy of Scripture were moved by the Holy Spirit speaking from God (I Pet. 1:20-21). All the NT writers speak tirelessly of the death and resurrected Christ. That is what is most important to God. What they wrote, they spoke. What they spoke, they lived. The death and resurrected Christ was a motivating factor in their daily lives.

Too many are getting caught up in things from God that God didn't intend to be life changing! For instance, in Job 1 we have listed that Job had 7000 sheep, 3000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen and 500 female donkeys. These are true facts but the fact that Job had more or less of these animals is of no great significance! It doesn't affect our view of God or man. It doesn't help explain the grand design of creation or the purpose of God in that grand design. Truths laid out in Scripture from God are not to be ignored or denied but they are of minor importance to what really matters to God!

It was Jesus, explaining God to mankind, that spoke about loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. The OT Scriptures are filled with a deep love for God and not some legalistic form of religion. The commandments given Israel were for the heart, not a legal system to file things under. It was Jesus expressing profound teachings of forgiveness because of Him laying down His life on our behalf. The OT sacrifices are about forgiveness and forgiving because of forgiveness offered. This is the heart of God, the central thrust of His word. Peter speaks that God wants none to perish (II Pet. 3:9) as did Ezekiel in Eze. 18:23 that God takes NO pleasure in one losing their souls.

Genesis 1:26-27 teaches us that God made man in His image. There is one God and He made all of us, no matter of race, in His image. This truth has depth! No man on this earth is sub-human. No person, no matter sex, culture or social status is to be dehumanized or treated unjustly! James 3:9 along with Prov. 14:21-22 both speak of this. This truth should make all of us look at ourselves and those around us through the eyes of the Lord God.

There are so many other teachings but the one that continues to stand out is Christ Jesus and Him crucified. From the OT to the NT, the promises and accomplishment of His death and life are the major theme. It seems too many of our classes, our pulpits are filled with talk that miss the point of what was on the heart of God. Just listen carefully when one talks and you can know what they love. How careful are we about listen to God?

"Let's Speak About Religion"

2011-07-13T07:23:00.000-05:00

James writes: "If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (Jam. 1:26-27)

Our English word 'religion' in these verses is the Greek word "threskia". W.E. Vines expository dictionary of biblical words says this Greek word "signifies religion in its external aspect, religious worship, especially the ceremonial service of religion." In other words it carries the idea of our worship. It is the same word used in Col. 2:18 in speaking of 'the worship of angels'. It is one of those words used in the Greek which comes into our English language "worship". This lets us know that worship is more than things done in an assembly but it is our life!

James says that if a man thinks of himself as a religious man, a worshiper of God, he must bridle his tongue. If one does not bridle their tongue their religion (worship) is worthless! They are deceiving their own heart because they are saying they are a worshiper of God while at the same time they speak in a way as to show they are not truly bound to God.

James also speaks that "pure religion" (worship) has to do with caring for those that need our caring. Undefiled worship is caring for the widows and the orphans. This is what shows us truly bound to God because we are bringing Him glory and honor when caring for those less fortunate. "Pure religion" (worship) has to do with how we live with and for those who need our help and love. God is and has always been concerned with how we help those who need our help.

James says that all of this is "pure religion" or "worship". It continues however to carry over to "keeping oneself unstained by the world." Real, true God centered lives that worship God with their lives means we are not stained by the ways of the world. Their life-styles, their thought process and their dress codes! This should give us pause to think and realize how important everyday living is and what it reveals about our lives.

"What's It Going To Be Like?"

2011-07-12T07:43:00.000-05:00

He was a dear friend of mine and we had spent time together talking about the truth of God's word. Our conversations were filled with things we had discovered from Scripture. I stayed at his house on several occasions and shared in some of his personal life others didn't know as he would open up to me. I love his wife and family.

At one point in his life, thinking he was right in doing so not realizing he had made a big mistake in his relationship to the Lord, he spoke to me about where he stood on a certain situation and was not about to budge on his stance. We sat for hours speaking of this, each going to Scripture but in all, I could tell he was troubled, even though he was telling me he was right. One day, he repented, sharing with me how he had been convicted but just couldn't admit it. He repented, taking on the attitude with a humble heart. He repented and found grace and life.

I got to speak with my friend a couple of weeks before he passed away. In our conversation, he waited until all the family left the room and said, "Thank you for showing me Jesus at a crucial time. It saved my soul." We smiled and a few tears were shed. Then he asked, "What do you think it's going to be like?" He knew death was near. I had no words. "What do you think the Lord will look like?" I said, "Whatever love and holiness looks like!" He passed away quietly.

From that conversation, my mind has often pondered the question: "What do you think it's going to be like?" Wow...I don't know. The presence of the Lord I can't grasp. I have nothing to draw from except from examples I see in this world but they won't suffice. You see, this world was put under a curse because of man's sin (Rom. 8:18-25). There can be no comparison of eternity with the Lord and this creation. Eternity is not a creation. It is the dwelling of God. It is the presence of God. Many try to draw out for us that eternity in the presence of God will be filled with streets of gold, pearly gates which they get from the book of Revelation but I'm not sure that is what is being spoken about. I think we have misapplied those verses. It seems too many are trying to make heaven, the presence of God, a place like we would visit with all the riches and luxury surroundings. We do have the presence of God as holy, righteous and pure. I cannot grasp it. I cannot grasp a place where only righteousness dwells. That's the presence of God.

What about you? What do you think it's going to be like? What will the journey be from this life into the next. Have you ever sat with someone that is leaving this life? What do they experience? What do they see? Thank you Lord for loving and saving my soul! I can't wait.

"Disappointed In God?"

2011-07-11T07:40:00.000-05:00

We have seen it over and over. People, sincere godly people that are disappointed in God. We look at the world around, those who live for the weekend to party, to gamble or to do whatever they do in their non-caring lives about anything of the holy and righteous Father. They seem content and happy but here we sit, wondering why have we not found the contentment, the fulfillment of life. Then we hear preachers and teachers where we worship speak about the One who "is able to do far more abundantly beyond all we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20) but we find little of that in our lives.

We read of Jesus and how God worked in Him and with Him yet we see so little of that in our own personal lives. We want to believe God works. We don't want to doubt God and His word but there is that something that seems to be missing from time to time and we are fearful to ask because we think it is a lack of faith on our part so we don't want to be seen in that light.

Preachers and teachers speak about how God will act or direct our lives in some sort of miraculous way or even an immediate way to sweep away our struggles and doubts. The problem with many is we have been programed to believe this way and not seeing the reality and purpose of God. We want to see the heavenly Father work in us like He did in Jesus. Why are many disappointed in God? Because we are looking at promises that aren't really made in the way we were taught they were made. The bottom line, God is concerned for us...in our daily character and our eternal well being. God's not looking to make our ways smooth. He is trying to build our character to reveal His character. While God is concerned about us deeply, His concern is centered around eternity and being conformed to the image of His Son. Character, the part of us that will stand under trials, being faithful in our words and lives that will take us to the hope of eternity with Him. God is trying to knock off many of our selfish and self-centered ways and in order to do that, trials and struggles are needed to help in that not ease and happiness! "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered." (Heb. 5:8)

While our Lord walked this earth, He NEVER offered miracles for the redeemed life! He NEVER promoted good health in place of living righteously. He NEVER promised happiness and peace to be enjoyed without God. I know there will be many who will continue to doubt God, to be disappointed with God in their struggles because they simply have been programed to think that God will swoop in, rescue them from situations and heartaches so they can live a life with little conflict and it devastates them when God doesn't respond to all their prayers and requests. God's promise is eternal. God deals in eternity. God promises to us certain things to help us on our journey but the ultimate goal and purpose still lay ahead. Jesus isn't finished yet! There is still coming a day when we will stand in His holy and awesome presence and all those disappointments and struggles will be as nothing and well worth it because we will have finished the course of our short lives and say, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" We know that, don't we?

"Away...For A While"

2011-06-21T07:36:00.000-05:00

This is it for a few weeks. Today is my last posting until July 11. Resa and I are taking some time away and headed to Alaska! The Lord has blessed us with this opportunity for which we are very thankful.

In the meantime I would encourage each of you, look at the Christ. Read the Scriptures with trusting faith and let the Lord speak. Read with discernment, looking for direction and proper attitudes. Pray. Be prayerful daily. Grow in the grace of our Lord. Until then...God's grace and peace be with all of you.

"Wisdom Wanted"

2011-06-20T07:55:00.000-05:00

Wisdom is seen in one's behavior (or the lack thereof)! Self-seeking and jealousy reveal the lack of wisdom (Jam. 3:13-16). I was reading in an article that in America we spent over 35 billion dollars on products to stay young this last year. 35 billion dollars! Advertisements bombard our airwaves about youth, staying fit and trim, reducing wrinkles and pills you can take to help. Money making schemes, books about self-esteem and pills for every problem. Surgery to look younger, to become more enhanced is taking our children and parents completely captive. Our society instructs that our lives will become better with all this yet lives continue to deteriorate and this nation is becoming worse. Oh, and let's not forget, throw a little God in there and you have a complete life!!! What's wrong with all this? It is all focused on self and self-image. When was the last time you heard someone speak about the wisdom from God?

Seldom do parents speak or even think in terms of wisdom from God. Our children aren't being trained in wisdom. Parenting, godly parenting must be based on wisdom from God, not the world. Our children need wisdom, not follow their senses! The wisdom from above (Jam. 3:17-18) is the answers needed for our lives to live properly and train our children. God's holy word is wisdom from God to man, yet it is being basically ignored. People accept God's word as long as it doesn't interfere with their own thoughts and beliefs!

The church at Colossae was instructed to conduct themselves with wisdom toward outsiders (Col. 4:5). Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus to be given wisdom from God to gain understanding (Eph. 1:17). Paul warned the Corinthians about fleshly wisdom from the world (II Cor. 1:12).

Wisdom from God affects your behavior, your thinking and gives one clear direction in difficult situations. Marriages fail because of the lack of God's wisdom. Children are being trained to follow their selfish desires without any thought to the destructive patterns. Parents cannot distinguish the difference between godly wisdom and wisdom of the world.

It's time we start speaking of God's wisdom, seeking God's wisdom and understanding. We need to be raising our children in His wisdom. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Prov. 9:10)

"Learning To Love"

2011-06-16T07:33:00.000-05:00

The 45 yr. old man approached me to discuss some difficulties he was having. His opening statements was, "I am having a mid-life crisis!" He and his wife had been married for 23 yrs. and he began relating how their relationship had changed and felt very unfulfilled. In his final statement he said, "I really don't love her anymore! Am I free to move on with my life and be happy? I'm not happy." I realized what he wanted to know from his last question and statement. I replied, "Is she in Christ?" He responded quietly, "Yes." I stated, "She is also your sister in Christ. Would you love her as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her?" (Eph. 5:25) He winched. I could tell he didn't want to hear that. "That's so hard! I'm not sure you understand." I asked, "Would you love her as a sister in Christ?" He looked down. "Why are you making things so difficult for me?" I spoke again, "If you don't love her as your wife or won't love her as your sister, would you love her as your enemy and pray for her?" (Matt. 5:44-45) Silence now ruled. His unhappiness was tied to his love for the Lord and commitment to His love not his wife.

So often married couples say they have "fallen out of love for one another." A Christian in the true sense concerns themselves with the will of God. God's will is to love on every level! The world speaks loudly, "Leave your mate, find another so you can be happy and get on with your life!" Many accept this teaching. God speaks for the Christian husband to love his wife just as Christ loves the church. We, the church, aren't the loveliest of people sometimes are we? What if Christ said, "I just don't love you anymore!"? Jesus speaks to the Christian wife to love and respect her husband (Titus 2:4). These aren't suggestions by God, they are commands. Love is a choice. It's a sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of another more than itself. It's the love that He loved us with. (Eph. 5:2)

Why do people fall "out of" love with one another? Because they refuse to practice the love of God. The one that does not love does not know God which places them in death (I John 3:14). Dead people cannot love. When a husband or wife finds themselves struggling with one another, if they would look to Christ, put on Christ Jesus and start walking in His love, they will find the very love they were missing and desiring all those years. True happiness will be the result. If one refuses to practice the love of God for their mate, their lives will head down a path of more and more frustrations with one another, more defeats and struggles and eventually death will consume them and bury their lives. God's ways are always the best and righteous. Which way are you headed?

"Warning!"

2011-06-15T07:41:00.000-05:00

We've seen that light come on "Service Engine Soon." It flashes reminding us something is wrong with your vehicle and if it is ignored long enough you will do some damage. We see the signs that flash alerting us to a sharpe curve or steep grade. Signs alert us that something isn't right or there is danger ahead.

What about the signs that alert us about our souls? Our spiritual well being? They don't seem to startle us in the same way. Flashing red lights and warnings are going off all around us by manifesting themselves in various ways: guilt, shame and excuses. We are alarmed at first but the longer we ignore, closing our eyes we hope the pain will subside and we won't feel as badly.

We see it in husbands and wives that drift apart when they should be helping one another. Sharp, uncaring words are spoken. WARNING! Someone is ignoring the Lord how husbands and wives should be treating one another.

People go about speaking evil of another behind their back. God speaks, "Let love be without hypocrisy." (Rom. 12:9) WARNING! That is hypocrisy to gossip or speak evil of another.

Profane words fly from the mouth. WARNING! The mouth speaks what fills the heart (Matt. 12:34).

We fly out of control with an outburst of anger and vent on another because they upset us. WARNING! That is sowing to the flesh and if we continue that practice we will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:21).

If we have warnings sounding off around us, we need to heed and respond with a right heart of humility. If we don't, it will be a matter of time before something tragic will happen and the consequences are eternal.

"Hypocrisy"

2011-06-14T07:41:00.000-05:00

It sometimes is sickening the hypocrisy of our society. But what should we expect? Even God speaks to those that have no part of Christ: "For when you were slaves to sin, you were free in regard to righteousness." (Rom. 6:20) Righteousness is not a part of the lives of those outside of Christ. We shouldn't expect right behavior, right thoughts and right examples because they are completely under the power of devil (I John 5:19). With this knowledge, it still works on the sensitive about the deceiving hypocrisy.

We live in such a hypocrisy filled media that it takes our children without their knowledge. That's why we need strong and godly fathers and mothers being a greater influence over them. Our television programs are filled, I mean filled with sexual overtones and permissiveness! They put ratings up on programs to tell us what is adult and what is family yet any of the children have free access to watch anything that bears a strong warning tag. Let's face it, we live in a sex-obsessed culture! Our movies flow with it. Our sitcoms speak openly about it. Our society condones it! Sex has become a natural part of lives just like the intake of food. The Lord didn't intend it to be that way.

We look at the drug world around us. For years the slogan was "say no to drugs." Yet posted all over for us to see is drugs available for every ill, for every situation and for every good feeling. Then the lawyer ads storm in that "if you have ever taken the drug such and such you might be entitled to compensation." Say no! Say yes! Say money! Illegal drugs aren't seen as...illegal! Our children are trusting and innocent and they are so easily caught up into all the hypocrisy not realizing what is happening in their own lives.

While the parents never take thought of the evil that lurks, what chance does the child have? Sin is coming to take away their innocence and take them into the lap of the devil to which they will need the redeeming power of the blood of Christ. And what are parents doing to prepare them? Are parents really looking out for the eternal well being of their children or just letting "nature" takes it's course?

Come Lord Jesus because this hypocrisy just makes me want to throw up sometime!!

"God Is"

2011-06-13T08:16:00.000-05:00

It is amazing how people claim they are free but yet are controlled by their surroundings. Let's think about this. One of the most talked about topics in our day and time is the weather. No matter where people are or the time of year, the weather seems to always come up in conversation. The weather determines many of our outings and daily attire.

When we are traveling, the terrain determines our travel. There are a lot of things that control our lives that we aren't even aware of. People speak of their freedom yet we aren't as free as we believe. Take for instance you will reap what you sow (Gal. 6:7-8). Heaven rules the lives of people even when people refuse to take note of their actions. We are governed by something or Someone.

When we look at the Lord of heaven and earth, He isn't governed by anything or anyone. The Great I AM doesn't check the weather before acting. He makes the weather! He doesn't reap what He sows. He gives generously to everyone who chooses their direction and sets that spiritual law into place.

There is a reason David called God His Shepherd. There is a reason Moses told the people that the "I AM" sent him. The Shepherd, the I AM, Yaweh is who He is. He controls all things and eventually will have the last say in your eternal destiny. The Almighty is unchanged, ungoverned and uncaused. That's why Jesus taught His disciples that the Father knows our needs before we ask (Matt. 6:8). We are governed. God simply IS!

"The Gardens"

2011-06-09T08:07:00.000-05:00

God created this world of our to perfection. No flaws, no deterioration and no corruption. In God's own words: "God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good." (Gen. 1:31) Something marred what God created and it was called sin. Sin entered God's creation and the effect was devastating. "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned." (Rom. 5:12) With sin came death and that sin and death has touched every single one of us.

In the beginning there was a garden called Eden. A place where God and man walked hand and hand. In this garden man fell to the cunning art of the devil.

Jesus enters the picture and walked hand and hand with God. Jesus brought into focus another garden called Gethsemane. In this garden Jesus humbled Himself and took a stand against the powers of hell.

In the garden of Eden, God desired a relationship with His creation. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus solidified His relationship with His Father seeking His will.

In the garden of Eden, man hid from the presence of God because of shame and guilt. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus sought the face of God, exposing all His humanness.

In the garden of Eden, the devil led Eve to looking upon and desiring a tree that led to man's death. In the garden of Gethsemane, God led Jesus to a cross that led to man's life.

"That's Not Love"

2011-06-08T07:56:00.000-05:00

We were watching a "news program" about the decline of family values. In one segment they were interviewing a man on death row for killing his wife. He spoke the words, "I loved her so much that if I couldn't have her, no one could!" Love? Call it jealousy, a fit of rage, out of control thinking but don't call it love!

In another segment of the show they were speaking with a mother who was trying to turn her son against his father. She spoke about the uselessness of the man and couldn't stand the sight of him. (Rather amazing she chose him for her mate!) Then the words came from her mouth, "I love my son so much that I don't want to see any harm come to him from his father." In talking with the son, he was hurt, confused and struggling because he could not understand how his parents could be so hateful to one another. The mother calls it love. Call it hate, bitterness, selfishness or revenge but don't call it love! Love would never put a child in a position to choose between his father and mother.

Have you ever heard a parent say, "I love my children too much to discipline them." You love them too much? Call it lazy, not wanting to bother, not caring for the spiritual well being of your children but don't call it love!

Have you ever heard someone in the church tell you they love you only to speak evil about you behind your back? Love? Let's call it hypocrisy, slander or gossip but don't call it love!

Our view of love is sometimes distorted. Many have little understanding what love really is. "We know love by this, the He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." (I John 3:16) Love is sacrifice, doing the best for another despite how we feel. Isn't that what Jesus did? How 'loveable' were those who nailed Him to the cross, taking His life? How 'loveable' are we? This is love! Harming others, not taking serious the soul of another doing the best for their spiritual well being is not love.

I Cor. 13 gives us a detailed description of how love responds and acts. Looking out for the well being of our children (that means discipline and stop their ungodly attitudes), giving up of ourselves for the sake of another or just telling someone 'no' for their betterment, that is love in practice. Love speaks what is true and always sides with what is true. It doesn't coddle sin and sinful behavior. Love never thinks of self but only what is best for another and love doesn't keep a record of wrongs but reaches to needs no matter how someone has treated them. That's love! If someone is ungodly in their attitudes and behavior let's not call it love by siding with their actions. Let's be honest and sincere and love them by helping them out of that ungodly behavior or action because it will cost them their soul. Stop worrying if they get mad at you or how they react. Let's stop hiding things under the canopy of love that are loveless! "The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (I John 4:8)

"Takers!"

2011-06-07T08:06:00.000-05:00

People are selfish! That's just a fact. I am selfish! I don't want to be and I try to move away from that but I still find myself being selfish and it bothers me. Jesus wasn't selfish. He was 'self-less'.

A while back Resa and I were watching the movie, "What About Bob?" It is a funny look at how a self-consumed person makes a complete nervous wreck out of another who is also self-consumed. It just becomes magnified when the two get together. There is one scene when Bob stands outside his psychiatrists house and calls out, "I need, I need, I need!" That's what self-centered people are about.

Jesus was walking through a multitude and felt power leave His body when someone touched Him. It wasn't the ordinary that touched Him (Luke 8). People surrounded Him, pushing on Him and wanting to be close yet one instance power was pulled from Him and He knew it. It makes you wonder if this power drained Jesus? When He healed or helped with His miraculous touches did it drain Him at the end of the day? I must admit that when you are around people that are burdened, struggling and dealing with major issues in their lives, it drains one at the end of the day. I feel it. It is always good to be able to help others and you want to help but working with people daily can drain you!

There seems to be those that are constantly taking! They always speak of "me" and "I want" or "I need, I need, I need!" Rarely do those who take show any response to help others. Others are called to their attention and side. When things go bad, they become so self-consumed they want to take from another. When things start smoothing out, they give no thought as to what can I do to help or encourage those they constantly take from. Sometimes in the church there are those who are desperate for friendship, not a spiritual relationship. They want to be friends and will push themselves on others until they accomplish their selfish goal. They take! They speak of themselves, their lives, their thinking, their work, their family, their troubles, their weaknesses, their daily activities and it never seems to let up. You feel the "power", not in the same way as Jesus, but the "power" is taken from you and you find yourself wearied, worn and wanting to just get away. You can't do so to the hurt of the taker as that would create bigger problems but at the end of the day, you want to escape and refuel because tomorrow, there will be takers to deal with again. And you sit and find yourself wondering if you too are a taker! Then you realize how takers offer little of themselves.

"Let's Save Our Breath"

2011-06-02T07:43:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if it because where I have grown in my life or if it is just an age thing but I find myself drawing away more and more from controversial issues. I guess the many years have made me a little battle weary in regard to hot topic issues some seem to want to endlessly debate. I've seen it where someone takes a side on a subject, throws out a few verses and the other side chimes in. It isn't long and veins are bulging in the face and neck and God is thrown around like a hot potato. I guess that is a sight to behold but behold, I don't like the sight!

There are too many people (and some are my own brethren) in serious, spiritual decline that will loose their soul. There is too much time spent on things that simply don't matter and we need to learn to let go of our grip on them and let them alone. We need to stop the debating and throwing around things that simply hurt relationships. I take seriously when the apostle Paul speaks to the evangelist Timothy: "But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing they produce quarrels." (II Tim. 2:23) Quarrels, I am afraid, is what is driving too many in Christ Jesus creating such an image for those lost in their sins that the salvation of God simply isn't attractive! No love, no unity but a lot of debating with hurting someones feelings. We are not surrounding ourselves with the gospel of salvation and peace. I am not against good sound Biblical discussions about issues that aren't real clear but to get upset or create division that makes one another look suspicious, that's just not God. Let's rally around the gospel and let the gospel be our salvation and strength. Let's save our breath for cooling our meals!