"The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken in pieces; From heaven He will thunder against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth. "He will give strength to His king, And exalt the horn of His anointed" 1 Sam. 2:10
Some young people I know are "gamers." They play computer games until they have mastered every level. I, on the other hand, am not a gamer. Oh, I have tried my hand at a few. I bought a full version of "Age of Empires" and never discovered how to get anywhere. I bought "Bass Master Pro" and manage to catch a few fish if I stay in the same area. I bought a copy of a flight simulator and crashed the plane more often that I manage to land it. If there is a contest between me and a game, the game will win and I will be shattered. If my emotions were fragile, I could easily be crushed by that failure. Fortunately, I am a bit stronger than that, and I generally avoid playing that type of computer game.
There is one game that I do not intend to play, but millions of people around the world play it every day. That game is called, for lack of any other name, "Contending with God." The game is played this way: God issues a command, clear and simple. It could be something as simple as "Don't lie." The human player asks the question, "Why not?" and the game is on. The human is confronted with a situation in which the truth would hurt a bit. He is tempted to fabricate a total lie, but this would be obvious and result in losing the game. Instead, the player tries to tell as little of the truth as possible and still get away with what appears to be total truth. If he fools the human judges, he wins. The game continues until the player has mastered the "little white lie." He then takes greater risk, making his "white lie" into a "deception." The goal here is to make the judges believe that the deception is the same as the truth. If the player succeeds, he moves to the next level. He tries to tell an "outright lie." This is a bald-faced attempt to totally deceive the judges into believing that the player is telling the truth when there is absolutely no truth at all in the fabrication. If the player succeeds at this level, the judges declare him the winner and certify that there is nothing in this world that is not available to him.
There is only one problem. The ultimate judge is God, the one who issued the original command. It seems that God's standard of truth is "Absolute Truth." When God takes out the ruler of Absolute Truth and measures the player's fabrications, the player always falls short. He loses, game over, reset and try again, and fail again, or ask the Judge for forgiveness. If the player keeps trying again and continues to lose, he ultimately is crushed.
Hannah knew the end result of contending with God. The opponent is shattered, crushed, totally defeated. But the player who chooses to give up and rely on God's mercy lives a complete, whole life, he wins!
If you are playing this game with God, STOP! You can't win. Give up before it is too late. Stay away from the game. You don't want to be crushed and shattered as a glass dropped on a tile floor. Call upon the Ultimate Judge to be a winner. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
1 Sam. 2:9
"He will guard the feet of His saints, But the wicked shall be silent in darkness. "For by strength no man shall prevail" 1 Sam. 2:9
Great things come in threes. The Trinity is in threes: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Moses was hidden for three months before he was placed a basket headed for the Nile. The people would cross the Jordan and possess the Promised Land in three days. Gideon took three hundred men into battle for the Lord. There were three Israelite men who were thrown into the fiery furnace. The fullness of the Gospel came in threes: the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus, and it happened in three days!
In three short lines, Hannah captures the essence of the Christian life. "He will guard the feet of His saints..." Notice that she does not say, "The godly keep their feet." That would put the godly in charge of their own lives. Nor did she say, "The feet of the godly keep them safe..." That would put the godly in the hands of nature or chance. No, Hannah knew that God was in charge. He directs the paths of the righteous, and the righteous are made righteous by the sacrifice of the Son of the Lord Most High.
The wicked are not so well protected. They "shall be silent in darkness..." Notice that Hannah does not say that God silences them, though He definitely has a hand in the process. It is simply a statement of fact. The wicked are silenced. And they are silenced in darkness.
In the third line Hannah tells us that "no man shall prevail" by himself. "For not by might shall a man prevail." Strength alone cannot conquer temptation and sin. We all know that we can not resist temptation for long. Eventually we will succumb to the pressures of well placed temptations. Nor can we eradicate that sin on our own. The only soap strong enough is the blood of the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
Hannah knew what she was saying. She had lived it, and came out the winner. You can too if you put your trust in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Amen and Amen.
Great things come in threes. The Trinity is in threes: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Moses was hidden for three months before he was placed a basket headed for the Nile. The people would cross the Jordan and possess the Promised Land in three days. Gideon took three hundred men into battle for the Lord. There were three Israelite men who were thrown into the fiery furnace. The fullness of the Gospel came in threes: the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus, and it happened in three days!
In three short lines, Hannah captures the essence of the Christian life. "He will guard the feet of His saints..." Notice that she does not say, "The godly keep their feet." That would put the godly in charge of their own lives. Nor did she say, "The feet of the godly keep them safe..." That would put the godly in the hands of nature or chance. No, Hannah knew that God was in charge. He directs the paths of the righteous, and the righteous are made righteous by the sacrifice of the Son of the Lord Most High.
The wicked are not so well protected. They "shall be silent in darkness..." Notice that Hannah does not say that God silences them, though He definitely has a hand in the process. It is simply a statement of fact. The wicked are silenced. And they are silenced in darkness.
In the third line Hannah tells us that "no man shall prevail" by himself. "For not by might shall a man prevail." Strength alone cannot conquer temptation and sin. We all know that we can not resist temptation for long. Eventually we will succumb to the pressures of well placed temptations. Nor can we eradicate that sin on our own. The only soap strong enough is the blood of the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
Hannah knew what she was saying. She had lived it, and came out the winner. You can too if you put your trust in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Amen and Amen.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Phil. 1:6
"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" Phil. 1:6
Paul was facing a true life-or-death situation. Every time the door opened Paul was confronted with the possibility that the news would be that Caesar had decided his case and he would be executed on the morrow, and Paul lived that way for a couple of years! I don't know that I could endure that. I am certain that my fears would make me a very nasty person to be around. It wasn't so with Paul.
His first reaction was to give thanks. He had various reasons. He wrote to the Philippians to express his thankfulness for their lives! I would have written begging them to pray for my soon release! Paul expresses his confidence that God would complete the work that He had accomplished in Philippi through Paul's ministry. His body may be in chains in Rome, but his spirit was with the saints in Philippi.
Paul spends several verses talking about the mutual relationship these saints and Paul had. He shares with them the special place he holds in his heart for them. He encourages them. He ministers to them. He is totally upbeat. Even though he expresses the uncertainty of his situation, there is no doubt that he has total confidence that his fate is in the hands of God, and that he is content with God's decision.
We can speculate all we want about how we would react to a serious threat to our lives. We may have total confidence in our faith in God to see us through. Or, we may express our doubts and fears. But in the end, all of this is pure speculation. Conversation about the unlikely breeds confidence in our own strength.
The real measure of how we would do then is how we face the comparatively small tribulations we face every day. How do you react when some person cuts you off in traffic? How do you react when your phone bill arrives, and the bottom line says you owe HK$2,500.00. How do you react when the checker drops the dozen eggs you placed on the conveyor, and you know for a fact that was the last dozen eggs in the store? See what I mean? These minor tribulations cause our blood pressure to jump to new heights, our faces to flush as though a volcano is ready to erupt, and our palms are clenched in an effort to control our anger.
OK. You don't do any of those things. How do you react when your little child wakes up screaming in the middle of the night, for the fifteenth night running? What do you say when your bosses secretary hands you a pink slip, with no explanation as to why you are released from your job? How do you react when the doctor says the cancer is back, and there is little hope for remission? Do you scream at God asking why He would do such a thing to you?
Now you can begin to see how you would react if faced with a trial such as Paul's.
So how do we change our ways? We can begin now to do as Paul did. We can give thanks for the good things God has done. We can be an encouragement to the brothers and sisters around us. If we can do it in the face of the little things, we can perhaps do it when we face the really big problems. Amen and Amen.
Paul was facing a true life-or-death situation. Every time the door opened Paul was confronted with the possibility that the news would be that Caesar had decided his case and he would be executed on the morrow, and Paul lived that way for a couple of years! I don't know that I could endure that. I am certain that my fears would make me a very nasty person to be around. It wasn't so with Paul.
His first reaction was to give thanks. He had various reasons. He wrote to the Philippians to express his thankfulness for their lives! I would have written begging them to pray for my soon release! Paul expresses his confidence that God would complete the work that He had accomplished in Philippi through Paul's ministry. His body may be in chains in Rome, but his spirit was with the saints in Philippi.
Paul spends several verses talking about the mutual relationship these saints and Paul had. He shares with them the special place he holds in his heart for them. He encourages them. He ministers to them. He is totally upbeat. Even though he expresses the uncertainty of his situation, there is no doubt that he has total confidence that his fate is in the hands of God, and that he is content with God's decision.
We can speculate all we want about how we would react to a serious threat to our lives. We may have total confidence in our faith in God to see us through. Or, we may express our doubts and fears. But in the end, all of this is pure speculation. Conversation about the unlikely breeds confidence in our own strength.
The real measure of how we would do then is how we face the comparatively small tribulations we face every day. How do you react when some person cuts you off in traffic? How do you react when your phone bill arrives, and the bottom line says you owe HK$2,500.00. How do you react when the checker drops the dozen eggs you placed on the conveyor, and you know for a fact that was the last dozen eggs in the store? See what I mean? These minor tribulations cause our blood pressure to jump to new heights, our faces to flush as though a volcano is ready to erupt, and our palms are clenched in an effort to control our anger.
OK. You don't do any of those things. How do you react when your little child wakes up screaming in the middle of the night, for the fifteenth night running? What do you say when your bosses secretary hands you a pink slip, with no explanation as to why you are released from your job? How do you react when the doctor says the cancer is back, and there is little hope for remission? Do you scream at God asking why He would do such a thing to you?
Now you can begin to see how you would react if faced with a trial such as Paul's.
So how do we change our ways? We can begin now to do as Paul did. We can give thanks for the good things God has done. We can be an encouragement to the brothers and sisters around us. If we can do it in the face of the little things, we can perhaps do it when we face the really big problems. Amen and Amen.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Mark 14:27
"Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered." Mark 14:27
It's interesting what happens when a leader falls. In most cases his following breaks apart. It may take a while. There may be a power struggle among his assistants or generals, but sooner or later the breakup will occur. It happened to Alexander the Great. It happened to Indian tribes in battle. It happens on the modern battle field. And it happened to the 12.
Jesus fell - He was arrested, imprisoned, beaten, judged and crucified. Of the 12 apostles, only one was found at the foot of the cross - John. Peter denied the Lord and went out and wept bitterly. Judas, filled with remorse, flung the 30 pieces of silver in the faces of the priests and hanged himself. The others fled in their own way.
Only the women seemed to be clinging to the last bit of hope. Some how, some way the remaining 11 and the women and a few other disciples made their way back to the upper room . . . but the mood was gloomy. "What will we do now?" was a common question. Doubt filled their hearts. Depression filled their minds.
Even the women were figuring out how they would get into a sealed tomb to finish the embalming process that was cut short by the sunset and beginning of the Sabbath. They were scattered, lost, lonely, and fearful. Jesus' words were true - as always. But something was different about this scattering. The Leader would not remain dead. The embalming spices would not be needed. Even Thomas' doubts would be erased. The Leader would raise from the dead. The Shepherd would gather his scattered flock. The seemingly derailed move of God would once again be on track.
Even today, the Church, the Flock, seems to be scattered. In most towns there are Churches on every corner - all proclaim the Good News that Jesus is alive - but they refuse to fellowship with each other. Pastors of differing denominations gather in ministerial alliances - and argue about doctrine. Baptist is turned against Baptist. Methodist against Methodist. Lutheran against Lutheran. Backbiting and distrust permeate the relationship so that the world views a Church that is far from the united powerful organization that God intended. Come Lord Jesus. Unite your Flock again. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
It's interesting what happens when a leader falls. In most cases his following breaks apart. It may take a while. There may be a power struggle among his assistants or generals, but sooner or later the breakup will occur. It happened to Alexander the Great. It happened to Indian tribes in battle. It happens on the modern battle field. And it happened to the 12.
Jesus fell - He was arrested, imprisoned, beaten, judged and crucified. Of the 12 apostles, only one was found at the foot of the cross - John. Peter denied the Lord and went out and wept bitterly. Judas, filled with remorse, flung the 30 pieces of silver in the faces of the priests and hanged himself. The others fled in their own way.
Only the women seemed to be clinging to the last bit of hope. Some how, some way the remaining 11 and the women and a few other disciples made their way back to the upper room . . . but the mood was gloomy. "What will we do now?" was a common question. Doubt filled their hearts. Depression filled their minds.
Even the women were figuring out how they would get into a sealed tomb to finish the embalming process that was cut short by the sunset and beginning of the Sabbath. They were scattered, lost, lonely, and fearful. Jesus' words were true - as always. But something was different about this scattering. The Leader would not remain dead. The embalming spices would not be needed. Even Thomas' doubts would be erased. The Leader would raise from the dead. The Shepherd would gather his scattered flock. The seemingly derailed move of God would once again be on track.
Even today, the Church, the Flock, seems to be scattered. In most towns there are Churches on every corner - all proclaim the Good News that Jesus is alive - but they refuse to fellowship with each other. Pastors of differing denominations gather in ministerial alliances - and argue about doctrine. Baptist is turned against Baptist. Methodist against Methodist. Lutheran against Lutheran. Backbiting and distrust permeate the relationship so that the world views a Church that is far from the united powerful organization that God intended. Come Lord Jesus. Unite your Flock again. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
John 5:19
"Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." John 5:19
In today's verse Jesus says that He can do nothing but what He sees the Father doing. Isn't that something. If it is true that Jesus only did what His Father did, then shouldn't we be doing the same? But how different we run our lives. How often we drive down the road of life doing our own thing, happy as can be - until something happens - something goes wrong. Then who do we blame? Where do we turn?
Ever prayed this prayer? "Lord, help me! I've gotten myself in a big mess. I need you to fix it for me." Something is wrong here. First of all, I never see Jesus praying that prayer! Why didn't He? He didn't have to. He always sought the Father's advise before He did anything. Remember he would spend all night in prayer even after the disciples would be fast asleep. Even - no especially - before the day of His death, He spent the night in prayer. What did He pray?
"Lord, if it is your will, take this cup from me. But not my will but Yours be done." Even in this trying time, He was willing to do the Father's perfect will. This leads to the second thing that is wrong. We seldom ask God for direction before we set out. We seem to think we know everything - until we are proved wrong.
Instead, we need to be like Jesus. We need to seek the Father's will before we act. Imagine the difference in our lives if we knew what God wanted in every circumstance. We can, you know. The Father is more than willing to tells us when and where to go. What and whom to do it with - everything. Even if there seems to be no obvious answer, this prayer always seems to work: "Father, it looks like a door is open to me. I have sought Your will and still don't have a clear direction. I will proceed to go through this door, but I ask that You close it if You don't want me to." Trust me, I have had more doors closed because of this prayer - but I have also pried open a few that He had nailed shut! I suggest that you avoid this action at all cost! Let's follow Jesus pattern. Let's watch the Father and do what He does. Let's ask Him and do what He says. I can guarantee that our lives will be safer, fuller and richer than ever before. Amen and Amen.
In today's verse Jesus says that He can do nothing but what He sees the Father doing. Isn't that something. If it is true that Jesus only did what His Father did, then shouldn't we be doing the same? But how different we run our lives. How often we drive down the road of life doing our own thing, happy as can be - until something happens - something goes wrong. Then who do we blame? Where do we turn?
Ever prayed this prayer? "Lord, help me! I've gotten myself in a big mess. I need you to fix it for me." Something is wrong here. First of all, I never see Jesus praying that prayer! Why didn't He? He didn't have to. He always sought the Father's advise before He did anything. Remember he would spend all night in prayer even after the disciples would be fast asleep. Even - no especially - before the day of His death, He spent the night in prayer. What did He pray?
"Lord, if it is your will, take this cup from me. But not my will but Yours be done." Even in this trying time, He was willing to do the Father's perfect will. This leads to the second thing that is wrong. We seldom ask God for direction before we set out. We seem to think we know everything - until we are proved wrong.
Instead, we need to be like Jesus. We need to seek the Father's will before we act. Imagine the difference in our lives if we knew what God wanted in every circumstance. We can, you know. The Father is more than willing to tells us when and where to go. What and whom to do it with - everything. Even if there seems to be no obvious answer, this prayer always seems to work: "Father, it looks like a door is open to me. I have sought Your will and still don't have a clear direction. I will proceed to go through this door, but I ask that You close it if You don't want me to." Trust me, I have had more doors closed because of this prayer - but I have also pried open a few that He had nailed shut! I suggest that you avoid this action at all cost! Let's follow Jesus pattern. Let's watch the Father and do what He does. Let's ask Him and do what He says. I can guarantee that our lives will be safer, fuller and richer than ever before. Amen and Amen.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Phil 1:6
"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" Phil 1:6
God is intimately involved in our spiritual growth. The God who began a good work in us continues it throughout our lifetime and will finish it when we meet him face to face. God's work "for" us began when Christ died on the cross in our place. His work 'in' us began when we first believed.
Now the Holy Spirit lives in us, enabling us to be more like Christ every day. Paul is describing the process of Christian growth and maturity that began when we accepted Jesus and continues until Christ returns.
God will keep working even when we are discouraged. Do you sometimes feel as though you aren't making progress in your spiritual life? When God starts a project, he completes it! As with the Philippians, God will help you grow in grace until he has completed his work in your life. When you are discouraged, remember that God won't give up on you. He promises to finish the work he has begun. When you feel incomplete, unfinished, or distressed by your shortcomings, remember God's promise and provision. Don't let your present condition rob you of the joy of knowing Christ or keep you from growing closer to him. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
God is intimately involved in our spiritual growth. The God who began a good work in us continues it throughout our lifetime and will finish it when we meet him face to face. God's work "for" us began when Christ died on the cross in our place. His work 'in' us began when we first believed.
Now the Holy Spirit lives in us, enabling us to be more like Christ every day. Paul is describing the process of Christian growth and maturity that began when we accepted Jesus and continues until Christ returns.
God will keep working even when we are discouraged. Do you sometimes feel as though you aren't making progress in your spiritual life? When God starts a project, he completes it! As with the Philippians, God will help you grow in grace until he has completed his work in your life. When you are discouraged, remember that God won't give up on you. He promises to finish the work he has begun. When you feel incomplete, unfinished, or distressed by your shortcomings, remember God's promise and provision. Don't let your present condition rob you of the joy of knowing Christ or keep you from growing closer to him. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Luke 9:1-2
"Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick" Luke 9:1-2
Notice how Jesus equipped His disciples for ministry. He knew that when they began preaching the kingdom of God and healing the sick, demonic powers would bring opposition. So He specifically gave them power and authority over demons.
Later Jesus sent out 70 of His followers on a similar mission, and they "returned with joy, saying 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name'" (Luke 10:17.) These missionaries were spiritually in tune enough to know that demons existed and that they were a force to be reckoned with in their ministry. Jesus' followers had been eyewitnesses as the evil spirits opposed the Master, and they probably anticipated the same treatment. Perhaps they even started out on their mission with pangs of fear and doubt about encountering demonic resistance. But they came back astonished at the victory they experienced over evil spirits.
But Jesus quickly brought the issue of spiritual conflicts into perspective: "Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven" (Luke 10:20). Jesus sent out the 70 to preach the gospel and to heal, but all they could talk about when they came back was how they sent the demons running. "Don't be demon-centered," Jesus replied. "Be kingdom-centered, be ministry-centered, be God-centered."
That's a very good warning. As you learn to exercise authority over the kingdom of darkness in your life and in the lives of others, you may be tempted to see yourself as some kind of spiritual freedom fighter, looking for demons behind every door. But it's truth which sets you free, not the knowledge of error. You are not called to dispel the darkness; you are called to turn on the light. You would have no authority at all if it weren't for your identity as a child of God and your position in Christ. Amen and Amen.
Notice how Jesus equipped His disciples for ministry. He knew that when they began preaching the kingdom of God and healing the sick, demonic powers would bring opposition. So He specifically gave them power and authority over demons.
Later Jesus sent out 70 of His followers on a similar mission, and they "returned with joy, saying 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name'" (Luke 10:17.) These missionaries were spiritually in tune enough to know that demons existed and that they were a force to be reckoned with in their ministry. Jesus' followers had been eyewitnesses as the evil spirits opposed the Master, and they probably anticipated the same treatment. Perhaps they even started out on their mission with pangs of fear and doubt about encountering demonic resistance. But they came back astonished at the victory they experienced over evil spirits.
But Jesus quickly brought the issue of spiritual conflicts into perspective: "Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven" (Luke 10:20). Jesus sent out the 70 to preach the gospel and to heal, but all they could talk about when they came back was how they sent the demons running. "Don't be demon-centered," Jesus replied. "Be kingdom-centered, be ministry-centered, be God-centered."
That's a very good warning. As you learn to exercise authority over the kingdom of darkness in your life and in the lives of others, you may be tempted to see yourself as some kind of spiritual freedom fighter, looking for demons behind every door. But it's truth which sets you free, not the knowledge of error. You are not called to dispel the darkness; you are called to turn on the light. You would have no authority at all if it weren't for your identity as a child of God and your position in Christ. Amen and Amen.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
James 1:22-24
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was" James 1:22-24
I looked into the mirror today - and I saw a hideous man looking back at me! Ever done that? My wife had a beautiful cousin, her name was Mei Ying. I remember staying at her house one night and getting up to go to the bathroom and being scared half to death. I saw a strange woman in the house, one I had never seen before in my life. When I told my wife about it in the morning, she said it was Mei Ying without her wig and make-up. Sorry, cousin Mei Ying. You know I Love you.
But I'm not talking about the mirror in my bathroom. I looked into the mirror of my soul. That's where the hideous creature stared at me. Its then that I realized that it isn't the thickness or thinness of the body - or hair; its not the lack of a night's growth of beard; its not even the missing "morning breath," nor is it the makeup or clothes that makes a man - or woman beautiful. Its what's inside.
I guess the Lord is showing me some changes that need to be made. I cry, "but Lord, I've tried before - and failed! Its hopeless!" I sense Him saying, "So let me do it. All you have to do is give me what you see in the mirror." Stubbornly, I cling to the "uglies" of my life. They may be ugly, but they are MY ugly.
"But Pastor Edwin, you are a doer of the word," you may be saying. And indeed I try to be. But the Lord has been showing me through His Word, through my wife, through my best friend, through the books I read that I must do some inner remodeling. In this I am NOT a doer of the Word. I am a hearer only.
What do you see in your mirror? Do you like what you see? Are there small blemishes that mar a nearly perfect image? Or, do you see a menacing monster staring out of bloodshot eyes? One that wants to devour you - and your relationship with your God? Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
I looked into the mirror today - and I saw a hideous man looking back at me! Ever done that? My wife had a beautiful cousin, her name was Mei Ying. I remember staying at her house one night and getting up to go to the bathroom and being scared half to death. I saw a strange woman in the house, one I had never seen before in my life. When I told my wife about it in the morning, she said it was Mei Ying without her wig and make-up. Sorry, cousin Mei Ying. You know I Love you.
But I'm not talking about the mirror in my bathroom. I looked into the mirror of my soul. That's where the hideous creature stared at me. Its then that I realized that it isn't the thickness or thinness of the body - or hair; its not the lack of a night's growth of beard; its not even the missing "morning breath," nor is it the makeup or clothes that makes a man - or woman beautiful. Its what's inside.
I guess the Lord is showing me some changes that need to be made. I cry, "but Lord, I've tried before - and failed! Its hopeless!" I sense Him saying, "So let me do it. All you have to do is give me what you see in the mirror." Stubbornly, I cling to the "uglies" of my life. They may be ugly, but they are MY ugly.
"But Pastor Edwin, you are a doer of the word," you may be saying. And indeed I try to be. But the Lord has been showing me through His Word, through my wife, through my best friend, through the books I read that I must do some inner remodeling. In this I am NOT a doer of the Word. I am a hearer only.
What do you see in your mirror? Do you like what you see? Are there small blemishes that mar a nearly perfect image? Or, do you see a menacing monster staring out of bloodshot eyes? One that wants to devour you - and your relationship with your God? Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Psalm 91:3-4
"Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler." Psalm 91:3-4
Let's take a look at the results of God's protective power.
"He. . . delivers you from the snare of the trapper. . ." Imagine walking down a path when you get the sudden urge to look down. There you see a small wire stretched across the path. You get down on your knees and examine the wire. You follow it to one end and find that it leads to a trigger mechanism that stretches up a tree. Looking in the tree you see a net. It doesn't take long to realize that you have just found a snare. If you hadn't looked down when you did, you would have tripped the wire causing the net to fall on you and trap you in its web. That is the way the Lord works. If we are in His care, trusting in Him, He will protect us from all those traps we frequently find ourselves falling into.
". . . and from the deadly pestilence." I recall reading about the Black Plague. It is a disease that invaded the home then spread to the neighboring homes and finally engulfing entire neighbor hoods and towns. In it's shadow was pain, suffering, and, mercifully, death. The Lord can protect us from those diseases. He has promised to shelter His children from all the diseases that plague the world - if we will dwell, abide, take refuge, and hide in His fortress.
"He will cover you with His feathers. . ." Imagine being protected by the feathers of God. If you've ever snuggled down in a goose feather mattress, you know how it surrounds you and enfolds you protecting you from the cold. God seeks to do the same with us. He wants us to take shelter within the confines of His feathers.
"And under His wings you shall take refuge; . . ." There is no safer place to be for a little bird than under it's mother's wings. That's where God calls us to when we are in danger.
"His truth shall be your shield and buckler." Now here is a promise. God's faithfulness will provide protection. Think about it. Imagine that you are a policeman. You are about to enter a dangerous situation so you put on your bullet proof vest and a helmet with face shield. How do you know you can trust them if you are shot at? It's usually because the supplier has demonstrated the impenetrability of the equipment. They have taken you to the pistol range where they have placed one of their vests on a dummy. You have shot your weapon at the dummy and examined the results. Indeed, the vest has stopped the projectile. You don your vest with confidence because of the faith you have in it. God is even more faithful - and that faithfulness is a full body shield for us. But more than that, it is a wall (bulwark) behind which we can take shelter and turn the attack of the enemy. Isn't our God a great God? He sure has a way of protecting us if we so choose. Amen and Amen.
Let's take a look at the results of God's protective power.
"He. . . delivers you from the snare of the trapper. . ." Imagine walking down a path when you get the sudden urge to look down. There you see a small wire stretched across the path. You get down on your knees and examine the wire. You follow it to one end and find that it leads to a trigger mechanism that stretches up a tree. Looking in the tree you see a net. It doesn't take long to realize that you have just found a snare. If you hadn't looked down when you did, you would have tripped the wire causing the net to fall on you and trap you in its web. That is the way the Lord works. If we are in His care, trusting in Him, He will protect us from all those traps we frequently find ourselves falling into.
". . . and from the deadly pestilence." I recall reading about the Black Plague. It is a disease that invaded the home then spread to the neighboring homes and finally engulfing entire neighbor hoods and towns. In it's shadow was pain, suffering, and, mercifully, death. The Lord can protect us from those diseases. He has promised to shelter His children from all the diseases that plague the world - if we will dwell, abide, take refuge, and hide in His fortress.
"He will cover you with His feathers. . ." Imagine being protected by the feathers of God. If you've ever snuggled down in a goose feather mattress, you know how it surrounds you and enfolds you protecting you from the cold. God seeks to do the same with us. He wants us to take shelter within the confines of His feathers.
"And under His wings you shall take refuge; . . ." There is no safer place to be for a little bird than under it's mother's wings. That's where God calls us to when we are in danger.
"His truth shall be your shield and buckler." Now here is a promise. God's faithfulness will provide protection. Think about it. Imagine that you are a policeman. You are about to enter a dangerous situation so you put on your bullet proof vest and a helmet with face shield. How do you know you can trust them if you are shot at? It's usually because the supplier has demonstrated the impenetrability of the equipment. They have taken you to the pistol range where they have placed one of their vests on a dummy. You have shot your weapon at the dummy and examined the results. Indeed, the vest has stopped the projectile. You don your vest with confidence because of the faith you have in it. God is even more faithful - and that faithfulness is a full body shield for us. But more than that, it is a wall (bulwark) behind which we can take shelter and turn the attack of the enemy. Isn't our God a great God? He sure has a way of protecting us if we so choose. Amen and Amen.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Matt 28:19
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" Matt 28:19
In Ephesians 4:11, Paul relates the five-fold ministry of the Church as leaders having the ability to be teachers, pastors, evangelists, prophets and apostles. Each having their own function and duties within the Church and while each of us may be used in some area of each of these functions, there seems to be specific gifts given to those whose sole ministry is functioning in at least one of these areas of ministry. Some are teachers, some are pastors, some are prophets, etc.
While we are all able to go out and be instruments of salvation for some, the Evangelists seems to have a special ability and calling to perform their special function of preaching the good news and bring into salvation the lost, while the pastor and teacher has other special functions.
Many feel that going out and getting souls saved is the same as going out and making disciples. It is not the same. It is comparatively easy to proclaim salvation from sin, but Jesus comes along and says, "What about you - if you would be My disciple, deny yourself, take up that cross daily, and follow Me."
Being a disciple of Christ may begin with eternal salvation, but discipleship means much more to a believer in terms of sanctification, and giving over the right to SELF and spiritual growth for the church. While being saved from hell and put right for heaven is an incredible and wonderful event, becoming a disciple of Christ is infinitely grander as we grow into temporal value to God giving up our right to ourselves for Him.
Lets All think of someone we want to invite to Church and actually DO IT. Amen and Amen.
In Ephesians 4:11, Paul relates the five-fold ministry of the Church as leaders having the ability to be teachers, pastors, evangelists, prophets and apostles. Each having their own function and duties within the Church and while each of us may be used in some area of each of these functions, there seems to be specific gifts given to those whose sole ministry is functioning in at least one of these areas of ministry. Some are teachers, some are pastors, some are prophets, etc.
While we are all able to go out and be instruments of salvation for some, the Evangelists seems to have a special ability and calling to perform their special function of preaching the good news and bring into salvation the lost, while the pastor and teacher has other special functions.
Many feel that going out and getting souls saved is the same as going out and making disciples. It is not the same. It is comparatively easy to proclaim salvation from sin, but Jesus comes along and says, "What about you - if you would be My disciple, deny yourself, take up that cross daily, and follow Me."
Being a disciple of Christ may begin with eternal salvation, but discipleship means much more to a believer in terms of sanctification, and giving over the right to SELF and spiritual growth for the church. While being saved from hell and put right for heaven is an incredible and wonderful event, becoming a disciple of Christ is infinitely grander as we grow into temporal value to God giving up our right to ourselves for Him.
Lets All think of someone we want to invite to Church and actually DO IT. Amen and Amen.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Psalm 115:11
"You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield" vvPsalm 115:11
Some time ago I read an article about some mission organization directing their workers to refrain from using certain terminology. They were asked to refer to a group of meetings as something other than a "campaign." unfortunately my memory fails me on other details of the article, but the effect was to remove all militaristic terms from the Christian vernacular in Midwestern and third world nations.
On the outside this looks to be a simple enough and maybe even reasonable request. Instead of an evangelistic campaign, it is possible to hold a "crusade." Oops! That one is not allowed either. Well let's see. We could call it a series of evangelistic meetings. On the other hand, "evangelistic" might be taken wrong by some. We certainly don't want to offend non-believers by letting them think that we want to change them. So "evangelistic" is out. "Crusade" is out. "Campaign" is out.
Come to think about it, this dictate rather "gutted out" the whole drift of the great commission. It even takes a lot of the Old Testament out of play too. Look at today's verse. God is our "shield." That is a military term. Today we might refer to Him as our "armored personnel carrier" or our "bullet proof vest." Of course this is all defensive - and that is not too offensive to those who wish to keep Christians on the defense! The problem is that a shield was used to get a man into position to go on the offense. It's purpose was to make him impregnable to the blows of an enemy while getting him close enough to strike a knockout punch himself.
So God is our shield? I like that. He is our protection, our help. He is also getting us into the battle! And that is offensive to many people who are antagonistic toward our Lord.
I say, if the shoe fits, wear it. Christians are supposed to be offensive. We are to "BOLDLY go into all the world." That's aggressive. We are to "PREACH the Gospel." That is striking the enemy with decisive blows with the "SWORD of the Spirit." Then we are to "make disciples." That means we take captives. We DEFEAT the enemy, take their people captive, and - horror of horrors - TRAIN them to be slaves of Jesus Christ!
So, I guess I am on a "CAMPAIGN" to get people to "CRUSADE" for righteousness in order that we might "WIN the war" that God has set us to "FIGHT." If that OFFENDS the rest of the world, so be it. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Some time ago I read an article about some mission organization directing their workers to refrain from using certain terminology. They were asked to refer to a group of meetings as something other than a "campaign." unfortunately my memory fails me on other details of the article, but the effect was to remove all militaristic terms from the Christian vernacular in Midwestern and third world nations.
On the outside this looks to be a simple enough and maybe even reasonable request. Instead of an evangelistic campaign, it is possible to hold a "crusade." Oops! That one is not allowed either. Well let's see. We could call it a series of evangelistic meetings. On the other hand, "evangelistic" might be taken wrong by some. We certainly don't want to offend non-believers by letting them think that we want to change them. So "evangelistic" is out. "Crusade" is out. "Campaign" is out.
Come to think about it, this dictate rather "gutted out" the whole drift of the great commission. It even takes a lot of the Old Testament out of play too. Look at today's verse. God is our "shield." That is a military term. Today we might refer to Him as our "armored personnel carrier" or our "bullet proof vest." Of course this is all defensive - and that is not too offensive to those who wish to keep Christians on the defense! The problem is that a shield was used to get a man into position to go on the offense. It's purpose was to make him impregnable to the blows of an enemy while getting him close enough to strike a knockout punch himself.
So God is our shield? I like that. He is our protection, our help. He is also getting us into the battle! And that is offensive to many people who are antagonistic toward our Lord.
I say, if the shoe fits, wear it. Christians are supposed to be offensive. We are to "BOLDLY go into all the world." That's aggressive. We are to "PREACH the Gospel." That is striking the enemy with decisive blows with the "SWORD of the Spirit." Then we are to "make disciples." That means we take captives. We DEFEAT the enemy, take their people captive, and - horror of horrors - TRAIN them to be slaves of Jesus Christ!
So, I guess I am on a "CAMPAIGN" to get people to "CRUSADE" for righteousness in order that we might "WIN the war" that God has set us to "FIGHT." If that OFFENDS the rest of the world, so be it. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Ruth 4:14
"Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel" Ruth 4:14
Naomi had had a rough life. Her husband lead her from their home into a foreign country because of severe drought. Her two sons married heathen women. Her husband died in that strange place. Then her sons followed their father into the grave. Naomi was a sad, bitter woman (by her own admission. "Don't call me Naomi, call me Marah - for I am bitter.") There was nothing left for her to do but return home.
Calling her two daughters-in-law, she set them free from their family obligations. They did not have to follow her. They did not have to care for her. She was going back to the only place she knew that offered any comfort. Perhaps she could persuade one of her distant relatives to take her in.
Of course we know that Ruth followed her, found Boaz, married him and all lived happily ever after. (No, this is not a fairy tale. It's really true.) We also know that Ruth and Boaz are in the direct linage of David and ultimately Jesus, the Messiah.
Now to you and me. God took care of Naomi's need. And He will take care of ours. Not only will he meet our needs, His greatest desire is to bless us. God didn't have to provide Naomi with a grandchild. She could have lived in her old home and gleaned in the fields until she died an early death. Ruth could have found some scoundrel of a man in the fields of a villainous man, married him and been beaten and abused. Or she could have met a poor man with an acre farm and lived a happy, but poverty ridden life.
But God had other plans. He wanted to bless Naomi and Ruth. He gave them the best. And He wants to give you the best. He really does. But as Naomi had to be obedient to the call of God to return to Israel, so must we be willing to obey the call of God upon our lives. We must be ready to give up some of the busy work that we take upon ourselves. We need to be obedient when He tells us to move in a certain direction. And when we do, His blessings follow. Not because of our obedience, but because our obedience draws us nearer to Him. Amen and Amen.
Naomi had had a rough life. Her husband lead her from their home into a foreign country because of severe drought. Her two sons married heathen women. Her husband died in that strange place. Then her sons followed their father into the grave. Naomi was a sad, bitter woman (by her own admission. "Don't call me Naomi, call me Marah - for I am bitter.") There was nothing left for her to do but return home.
Calling her two daughters-in-law, she set them free from their family obligations. They did not have to follow her. They did not have to care for her. She was going back to the only place she knew that offered any comfort. Perhaps she could persuade one of her distant relatives to take her in.
Of course we know that Ruth followed her, found Boaz, married him and all lived happily ever after. (No, this is not a fairy tale. It's really true.) We also know that Ruth and Boaz are in the direct linage of David and ultimately Jesus, the Messiah.
Now to you and me. God took care of Naomi's need. And He will take care of ours. Not only will he meet our needs, His greatest desire is to bless us. God didn't have to provide Naomi with a grandchild. She could have lived in her old home and gleaned in the fields until she died an early death. Ruth could have found some scoundrel of a man in the fields of a villainous man, married him and been beaten and abused. Or she could have met a poor man with an acre farm and lived a happy, but poverty ridden life.
But God had other plans. He wanted to bless Naomi and Ruth. He gave them the best. And He wants to give you the best. He really does. But as Naomi had to be obedient to the call of God to return to Israel, so must we be willing to obey the call of God upon our lives. We must be ready to give up some of the busy work that we take upon ourselves. We need to be obedient when He tells us to move in a certain direction. And when we do, His blessings follow. Not because of our obedience, but because our obedience draws us nearer to Him. Amen and Amen.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Psalm 96:1-3
"Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples" Psalm 96:1-3
How do you know a person is happy - really happy? Music! They will be humming, singing, dancing, whistling. Music is the language of happiness. God wants us to be happy in Him. He wants us to sing to Him. Before you shout "I can't sing!", note that singing in some areas of the Psalms includes "make a joyful noise." Now that is something all of us can do!
Did you know that singing can be an evangelistic tool? Yes, haven't you ever had anyone respond to your "joyful noises" with "why are you so happy?" Respond with (and you can sing if you want)
"I'm so happy and here's the reason why, Jesus took my burdens all away! Now I'm singing as the days go by, Jesus took my burdens all away.
Once my soul was burdened by a load of sin, Jesus took my sin and gave me wonderful peace within! Now I'm singing as the days go by. Jesus took my burdens all away!"
That's a pretty good testimony, if you ask me. Guaranteed to bring a smile - and a few more questions - or a few "I knew he was crazy" stares, but the answer is true and the seeds are planted. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
How do you know a person is happy - really happy? Music! They will be humming, singing, dancing, whistling. Music is the language of happiness. God wants us to be happy in Him. He wants us to sing to Him. Before you shout "I can't sing!", note that singing in some areas of the Psalms includes "make a joyful noise." Now that is something all of us can do!
Did you know that singing can be an evangelistic tool? Yes, haven't you ever had anyone respond to your "joyful noises" with "why are you so happy?" Respond with (and you can sing if you want)
"I'm so happy and here's the reason why, Jesus took my burdens all away! Now I'm singing as the days go by, Jesus took my burdens all away.
Once my soul was burdened by a load of sin, Jesus took my sin and gave me wonderful peace within! Now I'm singing as the days go by. Jesus took my burdens all away!"
That's a pretty good testimony, if you ask me. Guaranteed to bring a smile - and a few more questions - or a few "I knew he was crazy" stares, but the answer is true and the seeds are planted. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
James 1: 2-3
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" James 1:2-3
Today this world is desperately attempting to redefine anything that would convict it of sin. Sin has become a very "relative" term. The world is attempting to say, "What is sin to you may or may not be sin to me. Everything is relative. " Whether you realize it or not, this philosophy is being taught in all of our schools. All students today, understand this principal. Simply said, There are NO absolutes." Implied meaning, "There is NO God." Scripture tells us to, "Stay away from those that call good evil and evil good." That is a difficult task, especially when our children are required to attend schools and receive an education by the state.
Even the churches today will accept sinful behavior in favor of Political Correctness. Oh we cannot take a stand on that issue or lifestyle, such as homosexuality, we might be called too "Radically-Right." We must adapt and fit in and be socially acceptable.
Martin Luther once said, "If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God expect precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady in all the battle front besides is but flight and disgrace if you flinch at this point."
Five hundred years later, Martin Luther King Jr. said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Where do you stand?? Amen and Amen.
Today this world is desperately attempting to redefine anything that would convict it of sin. Sin has become a very "relative" term. The world is attempting to say, "What is sin to you may or may not be sin to me. Everything is relative. " Whether you realize it or not, this philosophy is being taught in all of our schools. All students today, understand this principal. Simply said, There are NO absolutes." Implied meaning, "There is NO God." Scripture tells us to, "Stay away from those that call good evil and evil good." That is a difficult task, especially when our children are required to attend schools and receive an education by the state.
Even the churches today will accept sinful behavior in favor of Political Correctness. Oh we cannot take a stand on that issue or lifestyle, such as homosexuality, we might be called too "Radically-Right." We must adapt and fit in and be socially acceptable.
Martin Luther once said, "If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God expect precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady in all the battle front besides is but flight and disgrace if you flinch at this point."
Five hundred years later, Martin Luther King Jr. said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Where do you stand?? Amen and Amen.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Psalm 69:30
"I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving" Psalm 69:30
Pastor Edwin's irrefutable law number 121: If you blow air into a balloon, it will get bigger. That seems logical - and true. No one ever inflates a balloon just to make it smaller. Of course some balloon sadists inflate them just to see them burst, but that's beside the point.
Just like a balloon, something happens in the spiritual when we praise God with thanksgiving - He gets bigger! No, not physically - and how can the God of the universe get any bigger anyway? After all, He did create everything. But God does get magnified - in our hearts. You see, God doesn't need to get bigger for His benefit. But we need Him to be enlarged in us.
When we first become a believer, our God seems very large - we ask, He provides. It makes no difference whether it is a store front parking spot or a new house or lost souls. He seems to be able to pull them all out of the box. But sooner or later, we become more experienced in our faith and realize that God is too busy for all of our little requests. In essence, He becomes smaller to us. It may be because He finally said "no" to a request or two. Or it may be because we quit asking. Whatever the reason, we put God in a box - a very small box of our own making.
But we are never satisfied with a small God. We always remember the past with fondness. We frequently long for it to happen, but it never does. Why? Because we keep God in His box. He doesn't want to be there. We don't want Him there. But we never open the lid.
Eventually, we learn that praise and thanksgiving are good things to do. We begin to earnestly thank God for His goodness. Then, lo and behold, something happens. The door to the God box we made is opened a crack and God oozes out (not that God is gooey). That seems fine to us. We begin to see prayers answered. The more we see answers, the more we rejoice with thanksgiving. The more we rejoice with thanksgiving, the more God does for us and with us. He gets magnified in our eyes - in our lives - in the lives of those around us. Soon we find that God is bigger than any box we could build. We discover that He can do far more than the self-centered requests of our spiritual childhood.
We find that He is the almighty one. There is nothing too great for Him. He is the all powerful. Nothing can stand in His way. He is the King of kings. All powers have to - no absolutely must - bow before Him. See how God is magnified through our praise and thanksgiving? Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Pastor Edwin's irrefutable law number 121: If you blow air into a balloon, it will get bigger. That seems logical - and true. No one ever inflates a balloon just to make it smaller. Of course some balloon sadists inflate them just to see them burst, but that's beside the point.
Just like a balloon, something happens in the spiritual when we praise God with thanksgiving - He gets bigger! No, not physically - and how can the God of the universe get any bigger anyway? After all, He did create everything. But God does get magnified - in our hearts. You see, God doesn't need to get bigger for His benefit. But we need Him to be enlarged in us.
When we first become a believer, our God seems very large - we ask, He provides. It makes no difference whether it is a store front parking spot or a new house or lost souls. He seems to be able to pull them all out of the box. But sooner or later, we become more experienced in our faith and realize that God is too busy for all of our little requests. In essence, He becomes smaller to us. It may be because He finally said "no" to a request or two. Or it may be because we quit asking. Whatever the reason, we put God in a box - a very small box of our own making.
But we are never satisfied with a small God. We always remember the past with fondness. We frequently long for it to happen, but it never does. Why? Because we keep God in His box. He doesn't want to be there. We don't want Him there. But we never open the lid.
Eventually, we learn that praise and thanksgiving are good things to do. We begin to earnestly thank God for His goodness. Then, lo and behold, something happens. The door to the God box we made is opened a crack and God oozes out (not that God is gooey). That seems fine to us. We begin to see prayers answered. The more we see answers, the more we rejoice with thanksgiving. The more we rejoice with thanksgiving, the more God does for us and with us. He gets magnified in our eyes - in our lives - in the lives of those around us. Soon we find that God is bigger than any box we could build. We discover that He can do far more than the self-centered requests of our spiritual childhood.
We find that He is the almighty one. There is nothing too great for Him. He is the all powerful. Nothing can stand in His way. He is the King of kings. All powers have to - no absolutely must - bow before Him. See how God is magnified through our praise and thanksgiving? Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Isaiah 25:5
"You will reduce the noise of aliens, As heat in a dry place; As heat in the shadow of a cloud, The song of the terrible ones will be diminished." Isaiah 25:5
An interesting thing about God being in control - He not only takes care of the good guys, he takes care of the bad ones as well. I don't know anything that will take the fight out of a man faster than a hot, hot, hot dry day. It's just impossible to continue a fight past noon. Why do you think the people of Latin countries takes a siesta after the noon meal? It's just too hot to work.
It would be good of us to consider the fate of our enemies. It would also be wise of us to show compassion to them rather than smug contempt. If something really bad comes our way - like a big bite out of a rotten apple - we say "I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy!" Yet, we in all seriousness tend to wish God's wrath upon those who oppose us. Do you really want God to destroy a person simply because he chooses to contend with us? - Or God? Do you think God wants to destroy them?
2 Peter 2:3 tells us that God is not willing that any man, woman or child should perish. There are no exceptions to "any." He doesn't say "my friends" or "those who agree with our political position" or "those who have the same physical characteristics that I do." No, God is patient with them just as He is patient with us. We need to follow His example. After all, He does encourage us to "bless our enemies, bless and curse not." (Rom. 12:14) Amen and Amen.
An interesting thing about God being in control - He not only takes care of the good guys, he takes care of the bad ones as well. I don't know anything that will take the fight out of a man faster than a hot, hot, hot dry day. It's just impossible to continue a fight past noon. Why do you think the people of Latin countries takes a siesta after the noon meal? It's just too hot to work.
It would be good of us to consider the fate of our enemies. It would also be wise of us to show compassion to them rather than smug contempt. If something really bad comes our way - like a big bite out of a rotten apple - we say "I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy!" Yet, we in all seriousness tend to wish God's wrath upon those who oppose us. Do you really want God to destroy a person simply because he chooses to contend with us? - Or God? Do you think God wants to destroy them?
2 Peter 2:3 tells us that God is not willing that any man, woman or child should perish. There are no exceptions to "any." He doesn't say "my friends" or "those who agree with our political position" or "those who have the same physical characteristics that I do." No, God is patient with them just as He is patient with us. We need to follow His example. After all, He does encourage us to "bless our enemies, bless and curse not." (Rom. 12:14) Amen and Amen.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Luke 9:13
"But He said to them, "You give them something to eat." And they said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people." Luke 9:13
"You give them something to eat!" What was Jesus thinking? He was the one with the power. He was the one who claimed to have been there at creation. How could 12 men possibly do anything with this crowd?
"You give them something to eat!" What did He mean? Give them something to eat? What? A quick search revealed five small loaves of bread - personal size - more like biscuits really. Oh, there were the fish. Two little dried fish. A feast for a little boy. An insult to a multitude like this.
"You give them something to eat!" S omething? Oh, we'll give them something. Let's send them all home. Sure, some of them may faint from hunger, but that's their fault. Coming into the wilderness with no food! How ridiculous! I don't suppose they have any water either. Let them drink from the lake. We have nothing to give. What we do have is a little boy's lunch. At least his mother was thinking! Go ahead, Jesus. Send them away. "You give them something to eat!" Do you think you can do any better, Jesus? Go ahead. Give it a try. What's that? Tell them to sit down in small groups. OK. You're the boss. You say you want the bread? Are you going to eat it in front of them? How tacky! Get some baskets? Yeah, sure. Oh there they are. Yes, we have 12 of them. So what?
"You give them something to eat!" Oh. Sure, we must pray before this meal! Let's all bow our heads and enjoy our crumb! . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Wow! John, did you see that? He broke a chunk off that loaf and . . . . and . . . . and it's still whole! And the chunk is a whole loaf too! Amazing! What's that? Oh, pass the baskets around to all the crowd? Sure.
"You give them something to eat!" Hey! Can you do that with the fish, too? You can? WOW!!!!! Look at that would you! He can. I told you he could, James. Thomas, why did you ever doubt? I knew He could do it! Yeah, I really did. Don't you remember me telling you He could? You don't? Well I did. . . . . . sorta. . . . . . .well in my mind I did. . . . . . . . OK! It surprised me too!
"You give them something to eat!" What do you have in your hand? Give it to Jesus. He can take it - no matter how small or how insignificant or how humble - and make it feed your multitudes. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
"You give them something to eat!" What was Jesus thinking? He was the one with the power. He was the one who claimed to have been there at creation. How could 12 men possibly do anything with this crowd?
"You give them something to eat!" What did He mean? Give them something to eat? What? A quick search revealed five small loaves of bread - personal size - more like biscuits really. Oh, there were the fish. Two little dried fish. A feast for a little boy. An insult to a multitude like this.
"You give them something to eat!" S omething? Oh, we'll give them something. Let's send them all home. Sure, some of them may faint from hunger, but that's their fault. Coming into the wilderness with no food! How ridiculous! I don't suppose they have any water either. Let them drink from the lake. We have nothing to give. What we do have is a little boy's lunch. At least his mother was thinking! Go ahead, Jesus. Send them away. "You give them something to eat!" Do you think you can do any better, Jesus? Go ahead. Give it a try. What's that? Tell them to sit down in small groups. OK. You're the boss. You say you want the bread? Are you going to eat it in front of them? How tacky! Get some baskets? Yeah, sure. Oh there they are. Yes, we have 12 of them. So what?
"You give them something to eat!" Oh. Sure, we must pray before this meal! Let's all bow our heads and enjoy our crumb! . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Wow! John, did you see that? He broke a chunk off that loaf and . . . . and . . . . and it's still whole! And the chunk is a whole loaf too! Amazing! What's that? Oh, pass the baskets around to all the crowd? Sure.
"You give them something to eat!" Hey! Can you do that with the fish, too? You can? WOW!!!!! Look at that would you! He can. I told you he could, James. Thomas, why did you ever doubt? I knew He could do it! Yeah, I really did. Don't you remember me telling you He could? You don't? Well I did. . . . . . sorta. . . . . . .well in my mind I did. . . . . . . . OK! It surprised me too!
"You give them something to eat!" What do you have in your hand? Give it to Jesus. He can take it - no matter how small or how insignificant or how humble - and make it feed your multitudes. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
2 Pet 3:10
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up" 2 Pet 3:10
What did you do today? Was it important? How important? No matter what your answer, I have one other question. Did it have eternal significance? All that we do will be tested by the fire Peter talks about. The houses we built, the lessons we learned, the cars we bought, the jobs we performed - all of it. I can guarantee you that any of them that are on the earth in the day of the cataclysm that Peter talks about will be lost.
What then can be saved? The things that are stored up in heaven - those and those alone will be saved. Those alone will be found worthy of keeping. Those alone will have sufficient value to last an eternity. What are they? The lives changed because we sent a missionary some needed funds - or more importantly - prayer at just the right time. The soul that will not be lost because you smiled and befriended a stranger - with the ultimate end that they came to the Lord. The child saved from the abortionist's table. The time spent in service of the King - even though it may have been cleaning toilets in a nursing home. These and many more are the treasures laid up in heaven.
As you proceed through tomorrow doing the things you do, ask yourself one question. What am I doing that has eternal value - what treasure am I laying up in heaven today? Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
What did you do today? Was it important? How important? No matter what your answer, I have one other question. Did it have eternal significance? All that we do will be tested by the fire Peter talks about. The houses we built, the lessons we learned, the cars we bought, the jobs we performed - all of it. I can guarantee you that any of them that are on the earth in the day of the cataclysm that Peter talks about will be lost.
What then can be saved? The things that are stored up in heaven - those and those alone will be saved. Those alone will be found worthy of keeping. Those alone will have sufficient value to last an eternity. What are they? The lives changed because we sent a missionary some needed funds - or more importantly - prayer at just the right time. The soul that will not be lost because you smiled and befriended a stranger - with the ultimate end that they came to the Lord. The child saved from the abortionist's table. The time spent in service of the King - even though it may have been cleaning toilets in a nursing home. These and many more are the treasures laid up in heaven.
As you proceed through tomorrow doing the things you do, ask yourself one question. What am I doing that has eternal value - what treasure am I laying up in heaven today? Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Rom 1:17
"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith" Rom 1:17
Every once in a while the children in any neighborhood would get into a name calling contest. Eventually, someone would issue a really bad epithet. Not having a stronger reply, the recipient would reply, "It takes one to know one!" Usually the argument would continue for a while longer to be ended when someone stomped off vowing never to play with the other "ever again!"
It seems that we would often double a comment to add emphasis. Paul does the same thing in today's verse. "The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith." Similar to "it takes one to know one" only better. God can take a little bit of faith and increase it. Not only CAN He do it, He LONGS to do it. That is His greatest desire! "But where does that first bit of faith come from?"
Paul tells us in Ephesians that God gives us the first bit of faith - its His gift to us. (For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. [Eph 2:8 KJV]) You see, God does not want any of us to miss out on His glorious grace. He also is not willing for any of us to say we "earned" our way into Heaven. That's impossible. It just can't be done. When it comes to our salvation - our redemption - our adoption into God's family, we are totally dependent upon the Father to do it. Oh, we may try. But have any of us ever succeeded? No. We have all failed.
So, when all is said and done, we really do live by faith - not by our senses. And that faith is so unobtainable that we can only receive it by God planting it in our hearts. The next time you are tempted to say "I feel that . . .," STOP and think about what Pastor Edwin been saying and remember. We are a faith people. We know God well enough that we can recognize His voice as He speaks to our spirits. And, hearing God's voice, we act believing that God will direct our paths. Amen and Amen.
Every once in a while the children in any neighborhood would get into a name calling contest. Eventually, someone would issue a really bad epithet. Not having a stronger reply, the recipient would reply, "It takes one to know one!" Usually the argument would continue for a while longer to be ended when someone stomped off vowing never to play with the other "ever again!"
It seems that we would often double a comment to add emphasis. Paul does the same thing in today's verse. "The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith." Similar to "it takes one to know one" only better. God can take a little bit of faith and increase it. Not only CAN He do it, He LONGS to do it. That is His greatest desire! "But where does that first bit of faith come from?"
Paul tells us in Ephesians that God gives us the first bit of faith - its His gift to us. (For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. [Eph 2:8 KJV]) You see, God does not want any of us to miss out on His glorious grace. He also is not willing for any of us to say we "earned" our way into Heaven. That's impossible. It just can't be done. When it comes to our salvation - our redemption - our adoption into God's family, we are totally dependent upon the Father to do it. Oh, we may try. But have any of us ever succeeded? No. We have all failed.
So, when all is said and done, we really do live by faith - not by our senses. And that faith is so unobtainable that we can only receive it by God planting it in our hearts. The next time you are tempted to say "I feel that . . .," STOP and think about what Pastor Edwin been saying and remember. We are a faith people. We know God well enough that we can recognize His voice as He speaks to our spirits. And, hearing God's voice, we act believing that God will direct our paths. Amen and Amen.
Friday, September 25, 2009
1 Pet 1:14-15
"As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct" 1 Pet 1:14-15
Old ways are like old sweaters - they are easy to get into. Think about it. What are your most favorite clothes? - No, not the fancy things you wear to special occasions. What do you wear when you want to be really comfortable? That's right, the old shirt and shorts that are worn, torn, and stretched in just the right places. We reach for them like a 2 year old reached for his/her security blanket!
Old ways are like that. Yes, they are wrong. Yes, we know it. Yes, we try to avoid them at all costs. But when we're tired, worn, and torn from the battles, we all too often fall back into them. Peter tells us not to. Don't do it. Stop. Then he provides some incentive. You were stupid then. Right? Of course we were. We were ignorant of the damage we were doing in the name of pleasure. And we aren't stupid any more!
Need more incentive? Jesus sets the example of perfection. He was tired - but He never sinned. He was worn - but He never failed. He was beaten and torn from the battles - but He refused to take His eyes off the mission at hand even when He hung on the cross.
Peter continues in the next verses to say that we can be holy - yes, even in the midst of our exhaustion, brokenness, and defeats - we can be holy. Why? Because Jesus is holy! He made the way for us by not sinning, not failing, not yielding. In addition, He paid the price for our sins by dying in the cross in our place. Yes, you can be holy. And when you fail, all you have to do is ask the Father to clear your sins and He will!
See, you can be holy - today - right now - no matter what you have done today to disappoint your Lord - no matter how big a sin. Do not fear, God is gracious and merciful to forgive your sins - all of them. All you have to do is ask! Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Old ways are like old sweaters - they are easy to get into. Think about it. What are your most favorite clothes? - No, not the fancy things you wear to special occasions. What do you wear when you want to be really comfortable? That's right, the old shirt and shorts that are worn, torn, and stretched in just the right places. We reach for them like a 2 year old reached for his/her security blanket!
Old ways are like that. Yes, they are wrong. Yes, we know it. Yes, we try to avoid them at all costs. But when we're tired, worn, and torn from the battles, we all too often fall back into them. Peter tells us not to. Don't do it. Stop. Then he provides some incentive. You were stupid then. Right? Of course we were. We were ignorant of the damage we were doing in the name of pleasure. And we aren't stupid any more!
Need more incentive? Jesus sets the example of perfection. He was tired - but He never sinned. He was worn - but He never failed. He was beaten and torn from the battles - but He refused to take His eyes off the mission at hand even when He hung on the cross.
Peter continues in the next verses to say that we can be holy - yes, even in the midst of our exhaustion, brokenness, and defeats - we can be holy. Why? Because Jesus is holy! He made the way for us by not sinning, not failing, not yielding. In addition, He paid the price for our sins by dying in the cross in our place. Yes, you can be holy. And when you fail, all you have to do is ask the Father to clear your sins and He will!
See, you can be holy - today - right now - no matter what you have done today to disappoint your Lord - no matter how big a sin. Do not fear, God is gracious and merciful to forgive your sins - all of them. All you have to do is ask! Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Psalmss 119:105
"Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path" Psalms 119:105
The ancients knew about walking in the dark. That is why they developed foot lamps. These were small lamps that were tied onto the feet. They did not cast much light, but they did shed enough for the night walker to see where he was putting his next foot. I can almost imagine seeing little bits of light rising and falling with each foot fall on trails across the hills leading to a village - perhaps Bethlehem - in the middle of a dark night. It could be a bit humorous if you picture it just right.
This is the picture David had as he wrote today's verse - and one of my all time favorites. On a spiritual level, David says that the Word of the Lord is a lamp to his feet. It is that little bit of light that makes faith possible. Paul says that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The truths of the Bible are that bit of flame that fires up the faith.
As a believer, can you imagine life without faith? Perhaps you can if you remember your life before Jesus. Remember the darkness and the hopelessness? Then someone opened the Word of God to you and it was as though someone switched on a light. All of a sudden, you could see, not just the sin, but the solution to that sin. You could see Jesus. Perhaps even now you are groping in the dark. You seem to have lost your faith. The light has grown dim and you don't know where you are or how you got there. May I make a suggestion?
Open the Word. Anywhere. Just open it. Begin to read wherever you find your finger. Let God speak to you. If you persist, He will turn on the light again. Not only that, He will show you where you are and where you should be and how to get there. God has not for one moment abandoned you. He is there with you - He always has been. There is no place that you can set your feet that God will not follow you. He loves you so much that He will follow you to the gates of Hell in one last attempt to bring you back home to Himself. You don't see Him? He's there. If you pick up His Word, He will speak to you. Ever been in a dark room and someone struck a match? Quite bright wasn't it? That's how a single verse can be for you today. It will shed enough light for you to see where the light switch is. When you make your way to the Father, He will illuminate your entire being with floods of wonderful, bright, purifying light. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
The ancients knew about walking in the dark. That is why they developed foot lamps. These were small lamps that were tied onto the feet. They did not cast much light, but they did shed enough for the night walker to see where he was putting his next foot. I can almost imagine seeing little bits of light rising and falling with each foot fall on trails across the hills leading to a village - perhaps Bethlehem - in the middle of a dark night. It could be a bit humorous if you picture it just right.
This is the picture David had as he wrote today's verse - and one of my all time favorites. On a spiritual level, David says that the Word of the Lord is a lamp to his feet. It is that little bit of light that makes faith possible. Paul says that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The truths of the Bible are that bit of flame that fires up the faith.
As a believer, can you imagine life without faith? Perhaps you can if you remember your life before Jesus. Remember the darkness and the hopelessness? Then someone opened the Word of God to you and it was as though someone switched on a light. All of a sudden, you could see, not just the sin, but the solution to that sin. You could see Jesus. Perhaps even now you are groping in the dark. You seem to have lost your faith. The light has grown dim and you don't know where you are or how you got there. May I make a suggestion?
Open the Word. Anywhere. Just open it. Begin to read wherever you find your finger. Let God speak to you. If you persist, He will turn on the light again. Not only that, He will show you where you are and where you should be and how to get there. God has not for one moment abandoned you. He is there with you - He always has been. There is no place that you can set your feet that God will not follow you. He loves you so much that He will follow you to the gates of Hell in one last attempt to bring you back home to Himself. You don't see Him? He's there. If you pick up His Word, He will speak to you. Ever been in a dark room and someone struck a match? Quite bright wasn't it? That's how a single verse can be for you today. It will shed enough light for you to see where the light switch is. When you make your way to the Father, He will illuminate your entire being with floods of wonderful, bright, purifying light. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
James 4:15
"Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that" James 4:15
The Apostle Paul was traveling from his last mission trip to Jerusalem. Two times he received prophecy that he would be bound in chains in Jerusalem. Two times people encouraged him to not go to Jerusalem. He went anyway. When He reached that holy city, he went to the holiest place of all - the Temple - where he fulfilled a vow he had previously made. Then he was arrested, bound in chains and cast into prison. Why? Why did Paul not listen to the prophets? Why did he not stop somewhere else until the prophets said it was OK to proceed. Why didn't he return to Galatia, or Corinth, or . . . anywhere but Jerusalem?
Paul had learned a lesson. The Lord told Him to go to Jerusalem - and so he would. The Lord told him he would go to Rome -- and so he did . . . from Jerusalem . . . in chains . . . with Rome picking up the travel expenses! But the prophets? Wasn't their word valid? Yes, they were right. Paul was bound in chains. But why didn't Paul stay away? Because God told him to go. You see, Paul's lesson was that he was in the hands of God. Whatever God wanted, Paul wanted. Whatever God said, Paul did. If God said, "Go to Jerusalem." To Jerusalem he went. If God said, "You will be bound in chains." That didn't bother Paul. It had happened before. It would probably happen again.
James says that we should not say "I will do this and that." (my own paraphrase.) Instead he says, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that." Note the difference . . . it's found in four little, single syllable words, "if the Lord wills . . ." If the Lord wills, I will become a chief executive officer. If the Lord wills, I will be a teacher. If the Lord wills, I will be healed. If the Lord wills, I will marry. If the Lord wills, I will . . . be bound in chains and cast into prison.
That was Paul's attitude. It should be ours. I fear that we think entirely too much of ourselves and our ability. How often to we presume to tell God how to run our lives - or the lives of others? What if His will is different? Is it any wonder that some of our prayers go unanswered? How can God answer our prayer if it is in direct opposition to His will? Why do we ever think that we know more than the God of the Universe - the God of Creation? When God speaks, we need to respond with the words of Jean Luke Piccard Captain of the USS Enterprise, "Make it so," Lord. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
The Apostle Paul was traveling from his last mission trip to Jerusalem. Two times he received prophecy that he would be bound in chains in Jerusalem. Two times people encouraged him to not go to Jerusalem. He went anyway. When He reached that holy city, he went to the holiest place of all - the Temple - where he fulfilled a vow he had previously made. Then he was arrested, bound in chains and cast into prison. Why? Why did Paul not listen to the prophets? Why did he not stop somewhere else until the prophets said it was OK to proceed. Why didn't he return to Galatia, or Corinth, or . . . anywhere but Jerusalem?
Paul had learned a lesson. The Lord told Him to go to Jerusalem - and so he would. The Lord told him he would go to Rome -- and so he did . . . from Jerusalem . . . in chains . . . with Rome picking up the travel expenses! But the prophets? Wasn't their word valid? Yes, they were right. Paul was bound in chains. But why didn't Paul stay away? Because God told him to go. You see, Paul's lesson was that he was in the hands of God. Whatever God wanted, Paul wanted. Whatever God said, Paul did. If God said, "Go to Jerusalem." To Jerusalem he went. If God said, "You will be bound in chains." That didn't bother Paul. It had happened before. It would probably happen again.
James says that we should not say "I will do this and that." (my own paraphrase.) Instead he says, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that." Note the difference . . . it's found in four little, single syllable words, "if the Lord wills . . ." If the Lord wills, I will become a chief executive officer. If the Lord wills, I will be a teacher. If the Lord wills, I will be healed. If the Lord wills, I will marry. If the Lord wills, I will . . . be bound in chains and cast into prison.
That was Paul's attitude. It should be ours. I fear that we think entirely too much of ourselves and our ability. How often to we presume to tell God how to run our lives - or the lives of others? What if His will is different? Is it any wonder that some of our prayers go unanswered? How can God answer our prayer if it is in direct opposition to His will? Why do we ever think that we know more than the God of the Universe - the God of Creation? When God speaks, we need to respond with the words of Jean Luke Piccard Captain of the USS Enterprise, "Make it so," Lord. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Psalm 109:21
"But You, O GOD the Lord, Deal with me for Your name's sake; Because Your mercy is good, deliver me" Psalm 109:21
There are two ways for the Lord to deal with His children. They can ask. Or He can move sovereigntly.
If God has to move on His own to correct His children, it means that we are blatantly rebellious. We fail to see that we have done anything that needs correction. Or we know we have done wrong but choose not to do anything about it.
Saul was that type of person. He was bull headed. He was determined to go his own way. He knew what God wanted of him. He understood the instructions the prophet gave him. Still, he disobeyed - and he did it consistently. God attempted to correct Saul many times, usually by sending Samuel. Every time, Saul would refuse the Word of the Lord and continue in his own paths. In the end, God had no choice but to remove Saul.
That is hard. I suspect that some of us could give our own testimonies about how God has had to deal with us in a harsh manner.
On the other hand, when we freely say to the Father, "I have sinned. Please help me." Something totally different happens. David was that type of man. No, he wasn't perfect. He sinned a lot. He sinned big time. But when God called him to account for his actions, David responded with a soft heart. "I was wrong," was a frequent theme of David's life. But it went a little further. Not only did he say the words, but he followed up with "Lord help me." When he did that, God could apply a more gentle method of discipline. Why? Because David was prepared to change.
This is a much easier form of discipline to handle. And the key is our attitude. It is much easier to throw ourselves upon God's mercy than to insist that God inflict us with His judgment. Praise God, Amen and Amen.
There are two ways for the Lord to deal with His children. They can ask. Or He can move sovereigntly.
If God has to move on His own to correct His children, it means that we are blatantly rebellious. We fail to see that we have done anything that needs correction. Or we know we have done wrong but choose not to do anything about it.
Saul was that type of person. He was bull headed. He was determined to go his own way. He knew what God wanted of him. He understood the instructions the prophet gave him. Still, he disobeyed - and he did it consistently. God attempted to correct Saul many times, usually by sending Samuel. Every time, Saul would refuse the Word of the Lord and continue in his own paths. In the end, God had no choice but to remove Saul.
That is hard. I suspect that some of us could give our own testimonies about how God has had to deal with us in a harsh manner.
On the other hand, when we freely say to the Father, "I have sinned. Please help me." Something totally different happens. David was that type of man. No, he wasn't perfect. He sinned a lot. He sinned big time. But when God called him to account for his actions, David responded with a soft heart. "I was wrong," was a frequent theme of David's life. But it went a little further. Not only did he say the words, but he followed up with "Lord help me." When he did that, God could apply a more gentle method of discipline. Why? Because David was prepared to change.
This is a much easier form of discipline to handle. And the key is our attitude. It is much easier to throw ourselves upon God's mercy than to insist that God inflict us with His judgment. Praise God, Amen and Amen.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Jeremiah 23:22
"But if they (The Prophets) had stood in My counsel, And had caused My people to hear My words, Then they would have turned them from their evil way And from the evil of their doings" Jeremiah 23:22
Every true prophet of God in the Old Testament was an evangelist. His ministry drew people back to God and His Word. The call to righteousness was the standard which separated the genuine prophet from the imitation, as the prophet Jeremiah wrote. If you come across someone who claims to be a prophet, but who is not involved in calling people to a righteous walk with God, you may be dealing with a counterfeit.
In the New Testament, the gift of prophecy has one primary purpose: to reveal unrighteousness and bring conviction. Paul wrote that, as a result of prophecy, "The secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you" (1 Corinthians 14:25).
The Lord revealed through Jeremiah another criterion for distinguishing a true prophet from a false prophet: "I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy falsely in My name, saying, 'I had a dream, I had a dream!' . . . The prophet who has a dream may relate his dream, but let him who has My word speak My word in truth. What does straw have in common with grain?" (23:25, 28). God is warning His people against prophets who value their dreams above His Word.
God is not saying that dreams are unimportant. Indeed, He often spoke to people in the Bible through dreams before the full revelation of Scripture was complete. But in comparison to the nutritious grain of His Word, dreams are mere straw. If you feed straw to cattle, they'll die. They will sleep on it, but they won't eat it because it has no nutrients. Similarly, dreams may be of some value, but they are never to be equated with God's Word as the basis for our faith or our walk. Amen and Amen.
Every true prophet of God in the Old Testament was an evangelist. His ministry drew people back to God and His Word. The call to righteousness was the standard which separated the genuine prophet from the imitation, as the prophet Jeremiah wrote. If you come across someone who claims to be a prophet, but who is not involved in calling people to a righteous walk with God, you may be dealing with a counterfeit.
In the New Testament, the gift of prophecy has one primary purpose: to reveal unrighteousness and bring conviction. Paul wrote that, as a result of prophecy, "The secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you" (1 Corinthians 14:25).
The Lord revealed through Jeremiah another criterion for distinguishing a true prophet from a false prophet: "I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy falsely in My name, saying, 'I had a dream, I had a dream!' . . . The prophet who has a dream may relate his dream, but let him who has My word speak My word in truth. What does straw have in common with grain?" (23:25, 28). God is warning His people against prophets who value their dreams above His Word.
God is not saying that dreams are unimportant. Indeed, He often spoke to people in the Bible through dreams before the full revelation of Scripture was complete. But in comparison to the nutritious grain of His Word, dreams are mere straw. If you feed straw to cattle, they'll die. They will sleep on it, but they won't eat it because it has no nutrients. Similarly, dreams may be of some value, but they are never to be equated with God's Word as the basis for our faith or our walk. Amen and Amen.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
John 7:17
"If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God" John 7:17
In times of great desperation I memorized Proverbs 3: 5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." That passage gave me hope and strength to hang on.
It's funny how God works, he makes it so easy and we make it so hard. If I want intellectual enlightenment or gain scientific understanding, I search the books on a specific subject and allowing intellectual curiosity as my guide, I can do wonderful things. But if God worked the same method in our lives in order for us to gain an understanding of Him, we would all be seeking a degree in biblical studies, but God does not require that. Only those who could read and have access to books would be able to understand His ways.
Dear brothers and sisters the golden rule for spiritual understanding is not the intellect; it is obedience. You can gain wonderful knowledge from the scriptures, but until you are willing to obey what God is saying to you, you will miss out on the understanding. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
In times of great desperation I memorized Proverbs 3: 5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." That passage gave me hope and strength to hang on.
It's funny how God works, he makes it so easy and we make it so hard. If I want intellectual enlightenment or gain scientific understanding, I search the books on a specific subject and allowing intellectual curiosity as my guide, I can do wonderful things. But if God worked the same method in our lives in order for us to gain an understanding of Him, we would all be seeking a degree in biblical studies, but God does not require that. Only those who could read and have access to books would be able to understand His ways.
Dear brothers and sisters the golden rule for spiritual understanding is not the intellect; it is obedience. You can gain wonderful knowledge from the scriptures, but until you are willing to obey what God is saying to you, you will miss out on the understanding. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Amos 5:5-6
"But do not seek Bethel, Nor enter Gilgal, Nor pass over to Beersheba; For Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, And Bethel shall come to nothing. Seek the LORD and live, Lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph, And devour it, With no one to quench it in Bethel" Amos 5:5-6
So you've set out on the high road of the King. Things are rosy. The sun is shining. The view is breathtaking. The air is cool and clear. Life is good. That's the way it is the day after you receive Jesus as you Savior - or you rededicate yourself to serving Him with all your life - or revival has come to your heart. Life is good and you never want to go back to your old ways. Then, something happens. A storm cloud appears on the horizon. An old memory is stirred. A whiff of scent turns on the video of your past. A taste, a longing, a problem, whatever it is - it turns your mind back to the old ways.
Now you stand at a crossroads. Do you go back to the old ways, use the old methods to solve problems, do the old things that brought temporary relief. Or, do you draw closer to the God who redeemed you and set you free?
Israel is at the same crossroad in this Amos passage, so Amos tells them like it is. "Draw nearer to God," he says, "so that you may continue living." Then he adds, "If you don't, destruction like you have never seen will be your portion." That is about as plain as it can get. Sometimes we need to have a line drawn in the sand in order to help us make up our minds. God is asking "Are you with Me or are you against Me? There is no middle ground. No straddling the fence. No safety zone. No gray area. Only black and white. You either go my way or you go your way. Take your pick." Sounds tough. It is tough. I am struggling with it. I suspect you are struggling with it - and that is good. If we weren't struggling, we would have a 50/50 chance of being spiritually dead - or near perfection! I don't fit either classification. Do you? Amen and Amen.
So you've set out on the high road of the King. Things are rosy. The sun is shining. The view is breathtaking. The air is cool and clear. Life is good. That's the way it is the day after you receive Jesus as you Savior - or you rededicate yourself to serving Him with all your life - or revival has come to your heart. Life is good and you never want to go back to your old ways. Then, something happens. A storm cloud appears on the horizon. An old memory is stirred. A whiff of scent turns on the video of your past. A taste, a longing, a problem, whatever it is - it turns your mind back to the old ways.
Now you stand at a crossroads. Do you go back to the old ways, use the old methods to solve problems, do the old things that brought temporary relief. Or, do you draw closer to the God who redeemed you and set you free?
Israel is at the same crossroad in this Amos passage, so Amos tells them like it is. "Draw nearer to God," he says, "so that you may continue living." Then he adds, "If you don't, destruction like you have never seen will be your portion." That is about as plain as it can get. Sometimes we need to have a line drawn in the sand in order to help us make up our minds. God is asking "Are you with Me or are you against Me? There is no middle ground. No straddling the fence. No safety zone. No gray area. Only black and white. You either go my way or you go your way. Take your pick." Sounds tough. It is tough. I am struggling with it. I suspect you are struggling with it - and that is good. If we weren't struggling, we would have a 50/50 chance of being spiritually dead - or near perfection! I don't fit either classification. Do you? Amen and Amen.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Ezek 3:27
"But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, "Thus says the Lord GOD." He who hears, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house" Ezek 3:27
Ezekiel had been having a wonderful conversation with God when the Lord told him to go to the plains to finish the discussion. When Ezekiel arrived there, he saw the glory of God as he had done earlier. Then God spoke - and Ezekiel's life would never be the same. Ezekiel was to return home (did he ever ask "why didn't you just tell me this when I was home?"). There he would be bound in iron. His mouth would be sealed shut. He would not utter a word - until the Lord entered his humble home, unsealed his lips and gave him words to speak! Then the process was reversed and Ezekiel would be silent again.
What a life! Many men would wish the Lord would so move upon their wives! (Carmel is not included in that statement) To top it all off, when he did speak, Ezekiel was told that the people would most likely not listen to what he said! Talk about waste of time.
But Ezekiel did as he was told, and God moved to save a nation. "So, Pastor Edwin, what does this say to us?" you ask. Several things are notable.
1) Ezekiel did whatever God told him to do - no matter how insane it sounded. We must learn to do the same. God wants nothing from us but our obedience. And that obedience must be learned. We must first learn to recognized God's voice. Then we must be able to discern what He is saying. Next, we must learn to trust Him. Only then can we offer complete obedience to the Father.
2) Ezekiel knew the power of the words he spoke did not come from within himself. He recognized the presence of God - from the fantastic vision of the wheel within a wheel, to the quiet presence of God in his home. It's one thing for us to know God in a Church service when His Spirit is pulsating with the music. It is quite another to know Him as he visits us in our prayer closets.
3) Ezekiel knew the victory that only God can give. And we can do the same when we learn to obey without question, without doubt, without hesitation. Hallelujah Amen and Amen.
Ezekiel had been having a wonderful conversation with God when the Lord told him to go to the plains to finish the discussion. When Ezekiel arrived there, he saw the glory of God as he had done earlier. Then God spoke - and Ezekiel's life would never be the same. Ezekiel was to return home (did he ever ask "why didn't you just tell me this when I was home?"). There he would be bound in iron. His mouth would be sealed shut. He would not utter a word - until the Lord entered his humble home, unsealed his lips and gave him words to speak! Then the process was reversed and Ezekiel would be silent again.
What a life! Many men would wish the Lord would so move upon their wives! (Carmel is not included in that statement) To top it all off, when he did speak, Ezekiel was told that the people would most likely not listen to what he said! Talk about waste of time.
But Ezekiel did as he was told, and God moved to save a nation. "So, Pastor Edwin, what does this say to us?" you ask. Several things are notable.
1) Ezekiel did whatever God told him to do - no matter how insane it sounded. We must learn to do the same. God wants nothing from us but our obedience. And that obedience must be learned. We must first learn to recognized God's voice. Then we must be able to discern what He is saying. Next, we must learn to trust Him. Only then can we offer complete obedience to the Father.
2) Ezekiel knew the power of the words he spoke did not come from within himself. He recognized the presence of God - from the fantastic vision of the wheel within a wheel, to the quiet presence of God in his home. It's one thing for us to know God in a Church service when His Spirit is pulsating with the music. It is quite another to know Him as he visits us in our prayer closets.
3) Ezekiel knew the victory that only God can give. And we can do the same when we learn to obey without question, without doubt, without hesitation. Hallelujah Amen and Amen.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Gal 6:2-3
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself" Gal 6:2-3
After his eventful day of murder and mayhem, Cain asked God if he was his brothers keeper. Some centuries later a popular musical hit of the 60's stated "He's not heavy. He's my brother." There is a lot of history in between those two events. The most significant moment in time between them was the life and death of Jesus Christ. It is he who brought about the change from "no" to "yes" (from the human standpoint) to the brother's keeper question. For He taught that we should bear one another's burdens. He said we should love our neighbors. When asked who our neighbor was, He replied "whoever is in need."
By bearing each other's burdens, we fulfill the "law of Christ." What law is that? Try this one on for size. "Love your neighbor as yourself." Or, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Can you imagine what our world would be like if we would only "bear one another's burden?" Who would sell drugs on that dark corner? Who would rape the first girl he saw? Who would commit murder? Who would rob or steal? Would you dare lie to a brother who's burden you were carrying? Would you cheat on your wife or husband? Of course not! You are to bear their burden, not make them heavier. Just in case you think you might be above this command, Paul tells us the man who thinks he is something when in actuality he is just a little, frail human like the rest of us, is deceived - not by Satan, but by his own thoughts. This means that none of us are so high and mighty that we can forget about our brother or sister in their need.
Truthfully, the person who has the most should be willing to help the most. Don't get me wrong. I do not advocate socialism in any way. What I do suggest is that we willingly share out of our bounty with those who are in want. This type of generosity cannot be legislated through taxes. Nor can it be commanded by "generosity police." It only comes through the firm belief hat Jesus is our Lord and Savior and that He alone gives us the love we need to be generous. Granted, there are those who have an innate goodness without Jesus, but they are the exception, not the rule. And even then, they are most likely to have a Christian background. Let's take the opportunity this week to develop a bit of generosity. Instead of looking down on the poor, let us help to lift them up. Instead of shunning the "ugly," let's find the "beauty" in them. Instead of hoarding our meager stuff, let's give it away! I can guarantee that there is no way you will ever out give God. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
After his eventful day of murder and mayhem, Cain asked God if he was his brothers keeper. Some centuries later a popular musical hit of the 60's stated "He's not heavy. He's my brother." There is a lot of history in between those two events. The most significant moment in time between them was the life and death of Jesus Christ. It is he who brought about the change from "no" to "yes" (from the human standpoint) to the brother's keeper question. For He taught that we should bear one another's burdens. He said we should love our neighbors. When asked who our neighbor was, He replied "whoever is in need."
By bearing each other's burdens, we fulfill the "law of Christ." What law is that? Try this one on for size. "Love your neighbor as yourself." Or, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Can you imagine what our world would be like if we would only "bear one another's burden?" Who would sell drugs on that dark corner? Who would rape the first girl he saw? Who would commit murder? Who would rob or steal? Would you dare lie to a brother who's burden you were carrying? Would you cheat on your wife or husband? Of course not! You are to bear their burden, not make them heavier. Just in case you think you might be above this command, Paul tells us the man who thinks he is something when in actuality he is just a little, frail human like the rest of us, is deceived - not by Satan, but by his own thoughts. This means that none of us are so high and mighty that we can forget about our brother or sister in their need.
Truthfully, the person who has the most should be willing to help the most. Don't get me wrong. I do not advocate socialism in any way. What I do suggest is that we willingly share out of our bounty with those who are in want. This type of generosity cannot be legislated through taxes. Nor can it be commanded by "generosity police." It only comes through the firm belief hat Jesus is our Lord and Savior and that He alone gives us the love we need to be generous. Granted, there are those who have an innate goodness without Jesus, but they are the exception, not the rule. And even then, they are most likely to have a Christian background. Let's take the opportunity this week to develop a bit of generosity. Instead of looking down on the poor, let us help to lift them up. Instead of shunning the "ugly," let's find the "beauty" in them. Instead of hoarding our meager stuff, let's give it away! I can guarantee that there is no way you will ever out give God. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Acts 3:2-3
"And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms." Acts 3:2-3
What do you want when you go to church? Why are you really there? What is it you are seeking? Are you present only so that you can tell others that you go to church? Are you there so that you can play a role that you think gives you some kind of status in your community? Are you there just to keep peace in your family and to avoid the nagging and pleading of your wife or your husband or your father or your mother or your children?
Jesus once asked a group of people concerning John the Baptist, "Who did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaking with the wind? A man, clothed in soft garments? A prophet?" It is an important question for us to ask ourselves: Who are we going to church to see and hear?
If we are going to church just to hear the choir sing or a preacher speak, we are making the same mistake that the lame man made when he was carried to the Beautiful Gate that day. He was looking for the wrong thing. He was seeking alms. He wasn't expecting healing. We also need to ask ourselves some serious questions about the way we regard the people we meet on a day-to-day basis: How are we looking at other people? What do we expect from our encounters with them? So often we approach people the same way this lame man did. We are looking for what they are going to do for us. We are looking for what we can get from them. We aren't looking for what it is that God wants to do in us or through us. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
What do you want when you go to church? Why are you really there? What is it you are seeking? Are you present only so that you can tell others that you go to church? Are you there so that you can play a role that you think gives you some kind of status in your community? Are you there just to keep peace in your family and to avoid the nagging and pleading of your wife or your husband or your father or your mother or your children?
Jesus once asked a group of people concerning John the Baptist, "Who did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaking with the wind? A man, clothed in soft garments? A prophet?" It is an important question for us to ask ourselves: Who are we going to church to see and hear?
If we are going to church just to hear the choir sing or a preacher speak, we are making the same mistake that the lame man made when he was carried to the Beautiful Gate that day. He was looking for the wrong thing. He was seeking alms. He wasn't expecting healing. We also need to ask ourselves some serious questions about the way we regard the people we meet on a day-to-day basis: How are we looking at other people? What do we expect from our encounters with them? So often we approach people the same way this lame man did. We are looking for what they are going to do for us. We are looking for what we can get from them. We aren't looking for what it is that God wants to do in us or through us. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
James 4:7
"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
The word "submit" (hupotagete) means to put yourself under God, under His care and power and strength; to yield to God, to His will, command, instructions, laws, behavior, and Word; to surrender yourself to God for Him to strengthen you so that you can do exactly what He says.
What this means is to focus your mind upon God and His Word immediately when temptation strikes. Turn away from the temptation, push it out of your mind and begin to think about God and go over and over His Word in your mind. Just begin to resist the devil by focusing your mind upon God and His Word. Persevere in following God's command and in resisting the devil.
When you do, the most wonderful thing will happen. The devil will flee and the temptation will be gone. We may have to struggle. The images of the temptation may attack and attack us, but if we will attack back by rolling God's Word over and over in our minds, the temptation will flee. Amen and Amen.
The word "submit" (hupotagete) means to put yourself under God, under His care and power and strength; to yield to God, to His will, command, instructions, laws, behavior, and Word; to surrender yourself to God for Him to strengthen you so that you can do exactly what He says.
What this means is to focus your mind upon God and His Word immediately when temptation strikes. Turn away from the temptation, push it out of your mind and begin to think about God and go over and over His Word in your mind. Just begin to resist the devil by focusing your mind upon God and His Word. Persevere in following God's command and in resisting the devil.
When you do, the most wonderful thing will happen. The devil will flee and the temptation will be gone. We may have to struggle. The images of the temptation may attack and attack us, but if we will attack back by rolling God's Word over and over in our minds, the temptation will flee. Amen and Amen.
Monday, September 14, 2009
2 Kings 6:15
"And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" 2 Kings 6:15
Sometimes things really get spicy when we do what God wants us to do. Take Elisha. He had been feeding the King of Israel information that would protect them from attacks by the king of Syria. Obviously the heathen king was not thrilled with the arrangement. At first he thought there was a traitor in the inner circle - that's how good the information was! When it was pointed out that Elisha, the prophet was the culprit, an army was dispatched to take care of ONE MAN! Do you think the Syrian king was a bit leery of crossing Elisha and his God?
Sometimes we get all excited about doing something for Jesus and it seems like everyone from non-believing family, to good Christian friends, to solid church leaders, try to talk us out of it. I know of a woman who was told that age 53 was too old to begin the life of a missionary. Now at 83 she has made a mighty big impact on Dominica's orphaned children problem! If God tells you to do something, nothing should stop you - NOTHING!
Elisha's servant looked out the window of their cottage the next morning and saw the mighty army. I can hear it now. "My Lord, Elisha, we are in big trouble now! Look what has been sent our way. We are surrounded. We cannot escape. Maybe we should give ourselves up and hope for the best. Perhaps they will spare our lives if you will just promise to keep your prophesies to yourself."
"Friend," Elisha says calmly, "don't worry." Looking to heaven he prays, "Lord, open his eyes to see what You and I see." "Holy God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! Look at that! I see a whole army of angels. The cavalry has indeed arrived! We are SAVED, Elisha. WE ARE SAVED!" Friend," Elisha speaks with great patience, "you should never doubt God when He sends you on a mission. He will provide all your needs - even a security force if needed."
What was true for Elisha is still true today. God always provides for His willing servants. I recall stories of provided funds, airline tickets, and support for missionaries. I know about food, medicine, and canceled debts when things just look like they can't get any darker. I am acquainted with a missionary to Columbia who's compound was surrounded with angels during one of the many revolutions there. He never saw them - but the invading soldiers did! They related the story to this missionary after the conflict. Remember, we are never alone. God's army is bigger than Satan's army. God is always by our sides. He knows what we need even before we ever ask or think. And best of all, HE WILL SEE TO IT THAT WE ARE SUPPLIED FOR THE TASK, if we will only trust and obey. There really is "no other way!" Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Sometimes things really get spicy when we do what God wants us to do. Take Elisha. He had been feeding the King of Israel information that would protect them from attacks by the king of Syria. Obviously the heathen king was not thrilled with the arrangement. At first he thought there was a traitor in the inner circle - that's how good the information was! When it was pointed out that Elisha, the prophet was the culprit, an army was dispatched to take care of ONE MAN! Do you think the Syrian king was a bit leery of crossing Elisha and his God?
Sometimes we get all excited about doing something for Jesus and it seems like everyone from non-believing family, to good Christian friends, to solid church leaders, try to talk us out of it. I know of a woman who was told that age 53 was too old to begin the life of a missionary. Now at 83 she has made a mighty big impact on Dominica's orphaned children problem! If God tells you to do something, nothing should stop you - NOTHING!
Elisha's servant looked out the window of their cottage the next morning and saw the mighty army. I can hear it now. "My Lord, Elisha, we are in big trouble now! Look what has been sent our way. We are surrounded. We cannot escape. Maybe we should give ourselves up and hope for the best. Perhaps they will spare our lives if you will just promise to keep your prophesies to yourself."
"Friend," Elisha says calmly, "don't worry." Looking to heaven he prays, "Lord, open his eyes to see what You and I see." "Holy God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! Look at that! I see a whole army of angels. The cavalry has indeed arrived! We are SAVED, Elisha. WE ARE SAVED!" Friend," Elisha speaks with great patience, "you should never doubt God when He sends you on a mission. He will provide all your needs - even a security force if needed."
What was true for Elisha is still true today. God always provides for His willing servants. I recall stories of provided funds, airline tickets, and support for missionaries. I know about food, medicine, and canceled debts when things just look like they can't get any darker. I am acquainted with a missionary to Columbia who's compound was surrounded with angels during one of the many revolutions there. He never saw them - but the invading soldiers did! They related the story to this missionary after the conflict. Remember, we are never alone. God's army is bigger than Satan's army. God is always by our sides. He knows what we need even before we ever ask or think. And best of all, HE WILL SEE TO IT THAT WE ARE SUPPLIED FOR THE TASK, if we will only trust and obey. There really is "no other way!" Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
1 Sam 23:17
"And he said to him, "Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that" 1 Sam 23:17
Jonathan knew the truth. He would never be king. It didn't make any difference what his father wanted, he was not king material and he knew it. He was satisfied with the role that God seemed to have made for him - second in command.
We need to be just like Jonathan in this respect. It makes no difference what we want to be, or what our parents want us to be, or what our spouse thinks we should be. What is important is that we be content with what God wants us to be. If He wants us to lead thousands, we will and be happy about it. If he wants us to lead a solitary life and write books, fine make it so, we will be content doing it.
Our problem is that we often look to the glamorous things to do. We want the good life. We want the high profile tasks. We want. . . . Then, when we get it, we are not satisfied. Something is missing. It just isn't enough. Why? Because we are not what we were created to be. We will never be satisfied until we fulfill that role.
Could this explain why so many people change jobs frequently? Could this explain the arguments and fights that take place in Church board meetings? Is it possible that this is why there is so much in-fighting and back-biting in the Fellowship of God? Indeed, it could be. We need to spend our time doing what God wants. He will lead us in paths that will satisfy us. As a matter of fact, if you are not fulfilled in your present position, perhaps you are in the wrong one. Are you there because you want to be there, or because God put you there?
Mostly, God will use you where your talents and enjoyments lie. He will never make a cook out of someone who hates to be in the kitchen. Likewise, he will never make a mechanic out of someone who likes to cook.
He has given you the talents and abilities you have for His purpose. Use them for Him and you will find contentment. Amen and Amen.
Jonathan knew the truth. He would never be king. It didn't make any difference what his father wanted, he was not king material and he knew it. He was satisfied with the role that God seemed to have made for him - second in command.
We need to be just like Jonathan in this respect. It makes no difference what we want to be, or what our parents want us to be, or what our spouse thinks we should be. What is important is that we be content with what God wants us to be. If He wants us to lead thousands, we will and be happy about it. If he wants us to lead a solitary life and write books, fine make it so, we will be content doing it.
Our problem is that we often look to the glamorous things to do. We want the good life. We want the high profile tasks. We want. . . . Then, when we get it, we are not satisfied. Something is missing. It just isn't enough. Why? Because we are not what we were created to be. We will never be satisfied until we fulfill that role.
Could this explain why so many people change jobs frequently? Could this explain the arguments and fights that take place in Church board meetings? Is it possible that this is why there is so much in-fighting and back-biting in the Fellowship of God? Indeed, it could be. We need to spend our time doing what God wants. He will lead us in paths that will satisfy us. As a matter of fact, if you are not fulfilled in your present position, perhaps you are in the wrong one. Are you there because you want to be there, or because God put you there?
Mostly, God will use you where your talents and enjoyments lie. He will never make a cook out of someone who hates to be in the kitchen. Likewise, he will never make a mechanic out of someone who likes to cook.
He has given you the talents and abilities you have for His purpose. Use them for Him and you will find contentment. Amen and Amen.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Acts 14:9-10
"He [the cripple] listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. Acts 14:9-10
I am struck at how close Paul walked with the Lord. Consider what a discerning spirit it must require to be able to look at someone and judge the level of their faith. I believe that sort of discernment is not a natural thing, but the result of walking close enough to God to know His mind on a matter almost instantly. How then do we achieve for ourselves this marvelous closeness to God? How can we be sensitive to the smallest prompting's of the Holy Spirit? God made a promise back in Proverbs as to how He WILL direct our paths. There are three things we must do, and then God promises that we will have His mind in what we do.
The passage in Proverbs 3 goes like this: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." So, in order to be sensitive to the mind of God and to walk in His straight paths we must do three things:
1) Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Trust is more than belief. To believe in something, you must simply acknowledge it's existence. We must rely on God with our whole heart.
2) Lean not on your own understanding. We need to acknowledge that we don't have a good perspective on the situation, so our understanding is not complete. Little children do this quite well. When they are lost in a crowd and they can't see above people's knees, they have no way of knowing the direction to go. But Daddy is tall, and he can see over the crowd of people to where they need to go, so all a child has to do is hold Daddy's hand and not worry about anything else. So it should be with us. God can see where we're going, and we can't. We need to realize that and give up trying to find our own way.
3) In all your ways acknowledge Him. This means more than simply giving God a friendly nod. It means that wherever you are, whatever you're doing, invite God to be a part of it. Live life in the knowledge that He is really there right beside you, as real as if He were standing there in the flesh. If you can't invite God to come along, you probably shouldn't be there.
Then, if we do those three things, Proverbs 3 promises us that God will direct our paths. That's how we can be sensitive to going God's way. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
I am struck at how close Paul walked with the Lord. Consider what a discerning spirit it must require to be able to look at someone and judge the level of their faith. I believe that sort of discernment is not a natural thing, but the result of walking close enough to God to know His mind on a matter almost instantly. How then do we achieve for ourselves this marvelous closeness to God? How can we be sensitive to the smallest prompting's of the Holy Spirit? God made a promise back in Proverbs as to how He WILL direct our paths. There are three things we must do, and then God promises that we will have His mind in what we do.
The passage in Proverbs 3 goes like this: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." So, in order to be sensitive to the mind of God and to walk in His straight paths we must do three things:
1) Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Trust is more than belief. To believe in something, you must simply acknowledge it's existence. We must rely on God with our whole heart.
2) Lean not on your own understanding. We need to acknowledge that we don't have a good perspective on the situation, so our understanding is not complete. Little children do this quite well. When they are lost in a crowd and they can't see above people's knees, they have no way of knowing the direction to go. But Daddy is tall, and he can see over the crowd of people to where they need to go, so all a child has to do is hold Daddy's hand and not worry about anything else. So it should be with us. God can see where we're going, and we can't. We need to realize that and give up trying to find our own way.
3) In all your ways acknowledge Him. This means more than simply giving God a friendly nod. It means that wherever you are, whatever you're doing, invite God to be a part of it. Live life in the knowledge that He is really there right beside you, as real as if He were standing there in the flesh. If you can't invite God to come along, you probably shouldn't be there.
Then, if we do those three things, Proverbs 3 promises us that God will direct our paths. That's how we can be sensitive to going God's way. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Isaiah 45:3
"I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel." Isaiah 45:3
"I have never been in this place before. It is new ground for me and I find I am way out of my comfort zone. I am scared to death to trust Him at this level. I had to confess to the Lord I have not been able to accept or believe His love for me in this area." Those were the words I expressed to a friend when I was in a difficult place in my life. It was that day when I confessed those words that God led me to this passage of scripture.
What we perceive as dark periods in our lives are designed to be treasures from God. They are actually riches stored in secret places. We cannot see those times in this light because of the often accompanying pain or fear that prevents us from accepting these times as treasures. They have a particular purpose from God's viewpoint; "so that you may know that I am the Lord who summons you by name."
You see, unless we are cast into times in which we are completely at the mercy of God for breakthroughs in our lives we will never experience the faithfulness of God in those areas. We will never know how personal He is or that He can be trusted to meet the deepest needs in our lives. God wants each of us to know that we are "summoned by name." Every hair of our head is numbered. Every activity we are involved in He knows. His love for you and me knows no bounds, and He will take every opportunity to demonstrate this to you and me.
Has God brought you into a place of darkness? Trust Him today to allow Him to reveal that hidden treasure that can be found in this darkness. Let Him summon you by name. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
"I have never been in this place before. It is new ground for me and I find I am way out of my comfort zone. I am scared to death to trust Him at this level. I had to confess to the Lord I have not been able to accept or believe His love for me in this area." Those were the words I expressed to a friend when I was in a difficult place in my life. It was that day when I confessed those words that God led me to this passage of scripture.
What we perceive as dark periods in our lives are designed to be treasures from God. They are actually riches stored in secret places. We cannot see those times in this light because of the often accompanying pain or fear that prevents us from accepting these times as treasures. They have a particular purpose from God's viewpoint; "so that you may know that I am the Lord who summons you by name."
You see, unless we are cast into times in which we are completely at the mercy of God for breakthroughs in our lives we will never experience the faithfulness of God in those areas. We will never know how personal He is or that He can be trusted to meet the deepest needs in our lives. God wants each of us to know that we are "summoned by name." Every hair of our head is numbered. Every activity we are involved in He knows. His love for you and me knows no bounds, and He will take every opportunity to demonstrate this to you and me.
Has God brought you into a place of darkness? Trust Him today to allow Him to reveal that hidden treasure that can be found in this darkness. Let Him summon you by name. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Lam. 3:24
"The LORD is my portion, says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him" Lam. 3:24
It's not unusual. It happens all the time. Two little boys fight over the biggest piece of cake. Two little girls struggle over who has the most candy. Even adults have their own version of the same conflict. It is not unusual for an employer to tell a trusted employee, "Don't tell the others what kind of raise you received." Inevitably the information "leaks" and someone is offended. "How could he get that kind of raise? I have been here twice as long as he has." We all seem to want the largest piece of the pie whether it is figurative or literal.
Jeremiah has his own version of the eternal battle over portion size. "The Lord is my portion" Therefore I hope in Him." In this short poetic sentence the prophet puts to rest the struggle for himself, and sets the example for us. Let's look at what he means.
First, Jeremiah says that God is enough for him. He will not participate in the selfish frivolities of the average man. He is content with what God wants him to have. He may be given a luxury villa on a prestigious street in Jerusalem. Or, he could live in a humble shack on the edge of the Kidron Valley.
Paul said something similar, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Phil. 4:11) Both Paul and Jeremiah have learned the key to success in God. Be content with whatever God give you.
Second, Jeremiah has placed his expectations for the future in the God who supplies his every need. "I hope in Him." He doesn't place his trust in the Jerusalem Stock Exchange. He doesn't insist on a large MPF to provide for his retirement. He isn't looking to climb over anyone's back to reach the next rung on the "prophetic" ladder. Jeremiah has placed his total dependence on God who brought him safe thus far.
There is great peace in Jeremiah's position. Think about it. That confidence in God prevents ulcers. Prilosec, eat your heart out. Jeremiah didn't worry about anything. He trusted God, God was his portion, his provision, his all-in-all. What did he have to worry about? He didn't need to wonder whether the rain would water his crops. He didn't have to worry when the boss invited him into the office for an "update." ("Is he downsizing me? How will I pay the bills? How will I feed my family? Why did he have to set the appointment five hours from now?") Jeremiah took life one day at a time knowing where his provision came from. He knew that if something happened to him, God would provide for his family.
We can learn a lot from Jeremiah's simple statement. If we can learn to trust in the Lord like he did, we won't have a worry in the world, but most of us continue to seek our provision in our own efforts. We work hard at worrying ourselves into reflux city. Then we complain to God that we can't sleep at night because the antacid hasn't kicked in. It would be wise if we would, with Jeremiah, say that God is our portion therefore we will have hope (trust, confidence) in Him. Amen and Amen.
It's not unusual. It happens all the time. Two little boys fight over the biggest piece of cake. Two little girls struggle over who has the most candy. Even adults have their own version of the same conflict. It is not unusual for an employer to tell a trusted employee, "Don't tell the others what kind of raise you received." Inevitably the information "leaks" and someone is offended. "How could he get that kind of raise? I have been here twice as long as he has." We all seem to want the largest piece of the pie whether it is figurative or literal.
Jeremiah has his own version of the eternal battle over portion size. "The Lord is my portion" Therefore I hope in Him." In this short poetic sentence the prophet puts to rest the struggle for himself, and sets the example for us. Let's look at what he means.
First, Jeremiah says that God is enough for him. He will not participate in the selfish frivolities of the average man. He is content with what God wants him to have. He may be given a luxury villa on a prestigious street in Jerusalem. Or, he could live in a humble shack on the edge of the Kidron Valley.
Paul said something similar, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Phil. 4:11) Both Paul and Jeremiah have learned the key to success in God. Be content with whatever God give you.
Second, Jeremiah has placed his expectations for the future in the God who supplies his every need. "I hope in Him." He doesn't place his trust in the Jerusalem Stock Exchange. He doesn't insist on a large MPF to provide for his retirement. He isn't looking to climb over anyone's back to reach the next rung on the "prophetic" ladder. Jeremiah has placed his total dependence on God who brought him safe thus far.
There is great peace in Jeremiah's position. Think about it. That confidence in God prevents ulcers. Prilosec, eat your heart out. Jeremiah didn't worry about anything. He trusted God, God was his portion, his provision, his all-in-all. What did he have to worry about? He didn't need to wonder whether the rain would water his crops. He didn't have to worry when the boss invited him into the office for an "update." ("Is he downsizing me? How will I pay the bills? How will I feed my family? Why did he have to set the appointment five hours from now?") Jeremiah took life one day at a time knowing where his provision came from. He knew that if something happened to him, God would provide for his family.
We can learn a lot from Jeremiah's simple statement. If we can learn to trust in the Lord like he did, we won't have a worry in the world, but most of us continue to seek our provision in our own efforts. We work hard at worrying ourselves into reflux city. Then we complain to God that we can't sleep at night because the antacid hasn't kicked in. It would be wise if we would, with Jeremiah, say that God is our portion therefore we will have hope (trust, confidence) in Him. Amen and Amen.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Esther 4:16
"Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!" Esther 4:16
Preparation is the key to success. The more complicated the task, the more preparation is needed. It takes very little preparation for me to clean the floor of the house. All I have to do is to sweep the floor. It took more preparation for us to say go camping. We had to get the tent, the sleeping bags, the air mattress, the food, clothing. And this is just the big stuff! It took hours to prepare for this short trip - and then we forgot a few things!
Esther was getting ready to put on the performance of her life. Everything depended upon what she did - not just for herself, but for all the Jews in all of captivity. Even though she was queen, she knew she had to prepare. She dolled herself up. She ordered special food to be made ready - that means the cooks had to get all the ingredients and tools to do Esther's wishes. She cleaned her quarters. Her maids pressed her best dress. But this was just the outward things.
Esther knew she had a lot of spiritual preparation to do as well - and she could not do it alone. She asked all the local to fast and pray with her and her maidens. This was all out war for the welfare and lives of hundreds of thousands of Jews. After the three days of spiritual warfare through fasting and prayer, she was ready to walk in on the King - something that was very dangerous. If the King was not pleased - she would die immediately.
What preparation are you making for your life? No, I'm not talking about the Inland Revenue Department and the children's educational fund. I'm asking about the spiritual battles you are facing - or are soon to face. Do you spend any time fasting? Praying? Studying the Word? If you should come under spiritual attack today, would you have the strength needed for the battle? Are you interceding for your kids' spiritual lives? Do you spend time in prayer for your Church services each week? Or do you just show up on Sunday morning hoping that something good happens. When is the last time you prayed and fasted for your community? Your country? Your national government?
I'm afraid that most of us just stroll through life, taking it as it comes, with little or no preparation. We wouldn't do our employer that way, but we seem content to let our spiritual lives develop as they may. And our spiritual lives are much more important than our jobs - jobs are temporary, life is eternal. How many jobs have you had in the past 10 or 20 years? How many lives will you spend in eternity? See what I mean? We take it for granted that we will get to heaven, but we make little preparation to get us there. Amen and Amen.
Preparation is the key to success. The more complicated the task, the more preparation is needed. It takes very little preparation for me to clean the floor of the house. All I have to do is to sweep the floor. It took more preparation for us to say go camping. We had to get the tent, the sleeping bags, the air mattress, the food, clothing. And this is just the big stuff! It took hours to prepare for this short trip - and then we forgot a few things!
Esther was getting ready to put on the performance of her life. Everything depended upon what she did - not just for herself, but for all the Jews in all of captivity. Even though she was queen, she knew she had to prepare. She dolled herself up. She ordered special food to be made ready - that means the cooks had to get all the ingredients and tools to do Esther's wishes. She cleaned her quarters. Her maids pressed her best dress. But this was just the outward things.
Esther knew she had a lot of spiritual preparation to do as well - and she could not do it alone. She asked all the local to fast and pray with her and her maidens. This was all out war for the welfare and lives of hundreds of thousands of Jews. After the three days of spiritual warfare through fasting and prayer, she was ready to walk in on the King - something that was very dangerous. If the King was not pleased - she would die immediately.
What preparation are you making for your life? No, I'm not talking about the Inland Revenue Department and the children's educational fund. I'm asking about the spiritual battles you are facing - or are soon to face. Do you spend any time fasting? Praying? Studying the Word? If you should come under spiritual attack today, would you have the strength needed for the battle? Are you interceding for your kids' spiritual lives? Do you spend time in prayer for your Church services each week? Or do you just show up on Sunday morning hoping that something good happens. When is the last time you prayed and fasted for your community? Your country? Your national government?
I'm afraid that most of us just stroll through life, taking it as it comes, with little or no preparation. We wouldn't do our employer that way, but we seem content to let our spiritual lives develop as they may. And our spiritual lives are much more important than our jobs - jobs are temporary, life is eternal. How many jobs have you had in the past 10 or 20 years? How many lives will you spend in eternity? See what I mean? We take it for granted that we will get to heaven, but we make little preparation to get us there. Amen and Amen.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Gen. 1:11
"Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth"; and it was so" Gen. 1:11
"Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" That philosophical question has its roots buried deeply in evolution. The biblical answer is simple, God spoke and it happened. Just as Adam was created out of the dust of the earth, vegetation and animals came into being at the spoken Word of God, that was the seed.
The Word of God has always been the seed. Jesus tried to tell us that when He spoke the parable of the soils. When the disciples admitted that they did not understand what the Master was talking about, He told them. "The seed is the Word of God." (Luke 8:11) Of course Jesus had an allegorical message hidden in His earthly story - because the soil was the hearts of men.
Again, we could return to John 1 where we discover that "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." In verse 14 John makes it clear that the Word of creation is the Son of God, Jesus. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among men." The Word planted the vegetation in the soil at creation and the seed of God was again planted in earth before Caesar Augustus announced a worldwide census. And that seed became Jesus, the son of Mary, the Savior of the world!
Isn't it amazing what God can do with the spoken Word? He spoke and there was light. He spoke and the light separated from the darkness and the heavens were formed. He spoke and plants sprouted on the face of the earth and produced fruit after their own kind WITH SEED IN THEM. At the spoken Word, the order of the earth came into being that caused the seed to drop into the ground and sprout and bring forth carbon copies of the parent plants.
Amazing, simply amazing, and "modern" scientists are seeking to discover how to make life. The story is told about a conversation between God and a mighty scientist. The two were talking about life and its origin when the scientist told God that he could produce life just like God did. "I can take a lump of clay and plant certain chemicals in it and it will bring forth life, just like you did." With this the scientist knelt on the ground and began his work. "Wait a minute," God said, "make your own clay."
While science is discovering that they can "create" life via cloning, they have yet to discover how to make the cell they empty and the DNA they inject into it. They need donors for both parts of the process! And where did the donors come from, don't let them fool you; they really don't know. But you and I know. They came from God who SPOKE them into existence!
Let us remember that Jesus is not only the LIGHT of creation, but He is the WORD that spoke the light into being. As such, He can shed His light on our darkness and speak into being His likeness in us, He can re-create us into His image again and restore us to God's fellowship, the fellowship broken when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. We can, and we will walk with the Father and talk with Him face to face because the Word has purified us and planted His seed in us, His Holy Spirit. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
"Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" That philosophical question has its roots buried deeply in evolution. The biblical answer is simple, God spoke and it happened. Just as Adam was created out of the dust of the earth, vegetation and animals came into being at the spoken Word of God, that was the seed.
The Word of God has always been the seed. Jesus tried to tell us that when He spoke the parable of the soils. When the disciples admitted that they did not understand what the Master was talking about, He told them. "The seed is the Word of God." (Luke 8:11) Of course Jesus had an allegorical message hidden in His earthly story - because the soil was the hearts of men.
Again, we could return to John 1 where we discover that "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." In verse 14 John makes it clear that the Word of creation is the Son of God, Jesus. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among men." The Word planted the vegetation in the soil at creation and the seed of God was again planted in earth before Caesar Augustus announced a worldwide census. And that seed became Jesus, the son of Mary, the Savior of the world!
Isn't it amazing what God can do with the spoken Word? He spoke and there was light. He spoke and the light separated from the darkness and the heavens were formed. He spoke and plants sprouted on the face of the earth and produced fruit after their own kind WITH SEED IN THEM. At the spoken Word, the order of the earth came into being that caused the seed to drop into the ground and sprout and bring forth carbon copies of the parent plants.
Amazing, simply amazing, and "modern" scientists are seeking to discover how to make life. The story is told about a conversation between God and a mighty scientist. The two were talking about life and its origin when the scientist told God that he could produce life just like God did. "I can take a lump of clay and plant certain chemicals in it and it will bring forth life, just like you did." With this the scientist knelt on the ground and began his work. "Wait a minute," God said, "make your own clay."
While science is discovering that they can "create" life via cloning, they have yet to discover how to make the cell they empty and the DNA they inject into it. They need donors for both parts of the process! And where did the donors come from, don't let them fool you; they really don't know. But you and I know. They came from God who SPOKE them into existence!
Let us remember that Jesus is not only the LIGHT of creation, but He is the WORD that spoke the light into being. As such, He can shed His light on our darkness and speak into being His likeness in us, He can re-create us into His image again and restore us to God's fellowship, the fellowship broken when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. We can, and we will walk with the Father and talk with Him face to face because the Word has purified us and planted His seed in us, His Holy Spirit. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Prov.8:19
"My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver" Prov 8:19
I've been to the one of the local supermarkets and seen some fruit that is like Solomon's in today's verse! It sure seems like the cost of living keeps rising by the week.
But that is not the fruit that Solomon is talking about. He is talking about the same thing Paul was writing about in Galatians 5, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." (Gal 5:22-23 NKJV) These are the fruits that have a value far greater than gold for several reasons.
1) Each fruit can only be raised at great expense. Ever found a "love" tree from which you could pick a bit of love and put it in your basket? Of course not. Love is expensive. It costs the human spirit a great deal to acquire. It can only be purchased by giving it away. That's right, give love away and you are sure to gain more than you give. The same is true of joy, peace, all of the fruits. They are acquired at great cost to the collector.
2) Each fruit has value that cannot be counted in gold. What price would you put on a pound of love, or a quart of peace? The giver of love is relinquishing something that has cost him blood, sweat, and tears. The person who receives it receives a great honor as well. Love is not thrown to the wind to be sown on the roadside. It is planted with love, suffering, and pain. It is literally the very life of the giver. And peace comes right with love - especially the love that comes from the Father, for that love is the most costly of all.
3) Each fruit is in such demand that the cost is high. Not that there is a shortage of supply! No, there is sufficient for everyone to get all he or she wants and needs. The problem is that few people want to give up what they have. Many are there who are "fruit hoarders"! They get a little love, peace goodness, gentleness, and it's like they put it in a fruit jar with a tight lid. Then, then the jar is full, they clamp down the lid and bury the jar and all in some dark, dank hole. The only problem is that when the gifts are treated so, they rot away. When the hoarder returns to his cache, he finds nothing there but an empty jar.
Indeed, my fruits, your fruits, our fruits are much more valuable than gold. And the income from them is much more valuable than silver! Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
I've been to the one of the local supermarkets and seen some fruit that is like Solomon's in today's verse! It sure seems like the cost of living keeps rising by the week.
But that is not the fruit that Solomon is talking about. He is talking about the same thing Paul was writing about in Galatians 5, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." (Gal 5:22-23 NKJV) These are the fruits that have a value far greater than gold for several reasons.
1) Each fruit can only be raised at great expense. Ever found a "love" tree from which you could pick a bit of love and put it in your basket? Of course not. Love is expensive. It costs the human spirit a great deal to acquire. It can only be purchased by giving it away. That's right, give love away and you are sure to gain more than you give. The same is true of joy, peace, all of the fruits. They are acquired at great cost to the collector.
2) Each fruit has value that cannot be counted in gold. What price would you put on a pound of love, or a quart of peace? The giver of love is relinquishing something that has cost him blood, sweat, and tears. The person who receives it receives a great honor as well. Love is not thrown to the wind to be sown on the roadside. It is planted with love, suffering, and pain. It is literally the very life of the giver. And peace comes right with love - especially the love that comes from the Father, for that love is the most costly of all.
3) Each fruit is in such demand that the cost is high. Not that there is a shortage of supply! No, there is sufficient for everyone to get all he or she wants and needs. The problem is that few people want to give up what they have. Many are there who are "fruit hoarders"! They get a little love, peace goodness, gentleness, and it's like they put it in a fruit jar with a tight lid. Then, then the jar is full, they clamp down the lid and bury the jar and all in some dark, dank hole. The only problem is that when the gifts are treated so, they rot away. When the hoarder returns to his cache, he finds nothing there but an empty jar.
Indeed, my fruits, your fruits, our fruits are much more valuable than gold. And the income from them is much more valuable than silver! Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
2 Cor 1:20
"For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us"2 Cor 1:20
Some things in life have to be predictable. Imagine a world where the forces of gravity change every morning. One day you get out of bed and can't move because you weigh 600 pounds. The next day you weigh 35 pounds and can jump 100 feet high! Or, suppose from one day to the next the traffic laws changes. Today you drive on the left side - tomorrow you drive on the right. Imagine the turmoil when we forgot which day was which.
We have come to expect some consistency in our lives. Without it chaos would reign supreme. Now think about our world as it exists today. Moral values are based upon what the "majority" (more likely a group of people who choose to be the morals police of the nation) of the people think they are. When I was a youth - back in the dark ages - TV standards didn't allow people to get into bed with each other. Even husband and wife slept in separate beds or always appeared with one foot on the floor. Now, because people have changed their moral foundation to meet their present expectations. Anything goes on TV. Husband and wife, boy friend and girlfriend, man and man, woman and woman, it makes no difference, they get into bed together - and not just to have a nice conversation!
Not so with God. Today's verse says that when He makes a promise, He keeps it. Whether it is a promise of blessing, or a promise of discipline, or a promise of destruction, God keeps his promises. You can count on it. You can also count upon His grace and mercy tempering the promises of evil. God is very patient with us - He gives us sufficient warning - but He always follows through. Ask the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. Ask King David. Ask Ananias and Sapphira.
Isn't it good to know that something - no - Someone in this world is consistent? Amen and Amen.
Some things in life have to be predictable. Imagine a world where the forces of gravity change every morning. One day you get out of bed and can't move because you weigh 600 pounds. The next day you weigh 35 pounds and can jump 100 feet high! Or, suppose from one day to the next the traffic laws changes. Today you drive on the left side - tomorrow you drive on the right. Imagine the turmoil when we forgot which day was which.
We have come to expect some consistency in our lives. Without it chaos would reign supreme. Now think about our world as it exists today. Moral values are based upon what the "majority" (more likely a group of people who choose to be the morals police of the nation) of the people think they are. When I was a youth - back in the dark ages - TV standards didn't allow people to get into bed with each other. Even husband and wife slept in separate beds or always appeared with one foot on the floor. Now, because people have changed their moral foundation to meet their present expectations. Anything goes on TV. Husband and wife, boy friend and girlfriend, man and man, woman and woman, it makes no difference, they get into bed together - and not just to have a nice conversation!
Not so with God. Today's verse says that when He makes a promise, He keeps it. Whether it is a promise of blessing, or a promise of discipline, or a promise of destruction, God keeps his promises. You can count on it. You can also count upon His grace and mercy tempering the promises of evil. God is very patient with us - He gives us sufficient warning - but He always follows through. Ask the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. Ask King David. Ask Ananias and Sapphira.
Isn't it good to know that something - no - Someone in this world is consistent? Amen and Amen.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Prov. 6:2-3
"You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend" Prov 6:2-3
Ben Mattlock is famous for it. Perry Mason and even Denny Crane used it as a tool quite frequently. Sure, these are characters in made for TV dramas, but the truth is still there. These men use the guilty person's words to trap them and force a confession.
We certainly have been trapped by our own words in times past. I know I have. That little white lie, the bending of the truth to satisfy my own desires, the twisting of a story to shed the best possible light on my position, all of these are traps that we lay for ourselves. Do you know what the biggest problem liars have? Keeping track of their lies! I'm reminded of the verse that says, "be sure your sins will find you out." That is never more true than with lying. Lies will eventually get you into deep trouble. One particular politician, no names mentioned has gotten himself in many jams with his stretching of the truth.
There is only one cure for lying - tell the truth. That is Solomon's advise. If you are caught in a trap of your own words, go to the person you lied to and confess your sin to him. Plead with him to forgive you. Swallow your pride and admit your guilt.
Ouch! That hurts! We don't like to swallow our pride, it sticks in our throats like dry cornbread. We hate being humbled. But, I ask you, "Which is worse? Being humble before the one you sinned against? Or being caught in a lie (or more likely a series of lies) and have your dishonesty made public in a court of law?" I think Solomon had a good thing going. Best not to stretch the truth - but if you do, confess it quickly. Honesty really is the best policy! Amen and Amen.
Ben Mattlock is famous for it. Perry Mason and even Denny Crane used it as a tool quite frequently. Sure, these are characters in made for TV dramas, but the truth is still there. These men use the guilty person's words to trap them and force a confession.
We certainly have been trapped by our own words in times past. I know I have. That little white lie, the bending of the truth to satisfy my own desires, the twisting of a story to shed the best possible light on my position, all of these are traps that we lay for ourselves. Do you know what the biggest problem liars have? Keeping track of their lies! I'm reminded of the verse that says, "be sure your sins will find you out." That is never more true than with lying. Lies will eventually get you into deep trouble. One particular politician, no names mentioned has gotten himself in many jams with his stretching of the truth.
There is only one cure for lying - tell the truth. That is Solomon's advise. If you are caught in a trap of your own words, go to the person you lied to and confess your sin to him. Plead with him to forgive you. Swallow your pride and admit your guilt.
Ouch! That hurts! We don't like to swallow our pride, it sticks in our throats like dry cornbread. We hate being humbled. But, I ask you, "Which is worse? Being humble before the one you sinned against? Or being caught in a lie (or more likely a series of lies) and have your dishonesty made public in a court of law?" I think Solomon had a good thing going. Best not to stretch the truth - but if you do, confess it quickly. Honesty really is the best policy! Amen and Amen.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Phil 3:20-21
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." Phil 3:20-21
I've said it before and I'll say it again. We cling far too hard to this life. We all claim to want to go to heaven - but not today! We become ill with a possibly terminal disease - and we fight it with all our resources. We want to stay alive. Why?
There is the need of family and responsibilities. We want our children to grow up with a mother and a father - and that is good. We want to make sure our children and grand-children are able to go through university if they want to - and that is good.
There is the need of excitement. I don't know what life has to offer tomorrow, but I want to try it. I've not done all the things I want to do yet. I haven't tried sky diving, or bungy jumping. I haven't seen Spain, or Greece, or Israel. I haven't even been to Singapore, although it is not too far from Hong Kong.
There is the need of fulfillment. I don't think my life is finished. There is still a lot of work to do. I have a house to build, a boat to buy, a job to finish. We could even be spiritual - I haven't had time to become a missionary yet. I haven't preached the perfect sermon yet. I haven't . . . and the list could go on and on and on.
The simple fact is this: if we didn't cling so hard to this life and all its needs, and clung instead to God, maybe we would be living life fuller. We have our life mapped out. But don't you think that God could map you a more exciting route? I suspect He could - and would if we let Him. We want so much to get from point A in our lives to point B, that we forget that God may have some special things for us along the way. If we will let Him be our guide, if we will claim our citizenship in Heaven instead of on earth, if we won't cling so hard to this life, then God will make our lives much richer than we could ever dream possible. And all that stuff that keeps us on earth? It is nothing compared to what God has in store. The BEST is yet to come. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. We cling far too hard to this life. We all claim to want to go to heaven - but not today! We become ill with a possibly terminal disease - and we fight it with all our resources. We want to stay alive. Why?
There is the need of family and responsibilities. We want our children to grow up with a mother and a father - and that is good. We want to make sure our children and grand-children are able to go through university if they want to - and that is good.
There is the need of excitement. I don't know what life has to offer tomorrow, but I want to try it. I've not done all the things I want to do yet. I haven't tried sky diving, or bungy jumping. I haven't seen Spain, or Greece, or Israel. I haven't even been to Singapore, although it is not too far from Hong Kong.
There is the need of fulfillment. I don't think my life is finished. There is still a lot of work to do. I have a house to build, a boat to buy, a job to finish. We could even be spiritual - I haven't had time to become a missionary yet. I haven't preached the perfect sermon yet. I haven't . . . and the list could go on and on and on.
The simple fact is this: if we didn't cling so hard to this life and all its needs, and clung instead to God, maybe we would be living life fuller. We have our life mapped out. But don't you think that God could map you a more exciting route? I suspect He could - and would if we let Him. We want so much to get from point A in our lives to point B, that we forget that God may have some special things for us along the way. If we will let Him be our guide, if we will claim our citizenship in Heaven instead of on earth, if we won't cling so hard to this life, then God will make our lives much richer than we could ever dream possible. And all that stuff that keeps us on earth? It is nothing compared to what God has in store. The BEST is yet to come. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Prov. 22:17-18
"Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge; For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips" Prov. 22:17-18
Our elders used to say, "Be careful what you say, you may have to eat your words." At least twice in the Bible prophets had to eat a scroll or book. Ezekiel had to eat a scroll in Chapter 3 of his book. John ate a book in Revelation 10. In both cases the word was the Word of God. Also in both cases the taste was like honey - sweet. However, John's book gave him a stomach ache! I have had to eat my words - and they didn't taste like honey either. Few of us like to admit that we said something that was wrong. Another proverb tells us that it is better to be silent and thought a fool than to open our mouths and prove it!
I admit. I used to be a know-it-all. (Carmel, hush. Don't you dare tell them that I still am!) OK, she is right. But at least I try to keep my knowledge to myself unless it is asked for. It is times when I open my mouth and volunteer my "wisdom" that I get into trouble.
Solomon has a bit of wisdom for us. If we will listen to his advice, and if we will seek knowledge, and if we keep his advice, it will be pleasant for us. I don't know about you, but that kind of struck home with me. Solomon was, and is, the wisest man to ever live. Why don't I read more of his words? Proverbs is not on my favorite reading list. There are some who read a chapter of Proverbs every day - there are thirty-one chapters and about half of the time there are thirty-one days. That makes for a nice combination. But it has been years until now that I have read the whole book. I sometimes pick and choose what I want to read from Solomon's little book of wisdom. We should all read Proverbs. That way we would be getting some of the wisdom that Solomon has to offer us. Amen and Amen.
Our elders used to say, "Be careful what you say, you may have to eat your words." At least twice in the Bible prophets had to eat a scroll or book. Ezekiel had to eat a scroll in Chapter 3 of his book. John ate a book in Revelation 10. In both cases the word was the Word of God. Also in both cases the taste was like honey - sweet. However, John's book gave him a stomach ache! I have had to eat my words - and they didn't taste like honey either. Few of us like to admit that we said something that was wrong. Another proverb tells us that it is better to be silent and thought a fool than to open our mouths and prove it!
I admit. I used to be a know-it-all. (Carmel, hush. Don't you dare tell them that I still am!) OK, she is right. But at least I try to keep my knowledge to myself unless it is asked for. It is times when I open my mouth and volunteer my "wisdom" that I get into trouble.
Solomon has a bit of wisdom for us. If we will listen to his advice, and if we will seek knowledge, and if we keep his advice, it will be pleasant for us. I don't know about you, but that kind of struck home with me. Solomon was, and is, the wisest man to ever live. Why don't I read more of his words? Proverbs is not on my favorite reading list. There are some who read a chapter of Proverbs every day - there are thirty-one chapters and about half of the time there are thirty-one days. That makes for a nice combination. But it has been years until now that I have read the whole book. I sometimes pick and choose what I want to read from Solomon's little book of wisdom. We should all read Proverbs. That way we would be getting some of the wisdom that Solomon has to offer us. Amen and Amen.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
1 Peter 1:8-9
"Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls" 1 Peter 1:8-9
"Stop it!" she cried indignantly. "I will not do that! Now go away and leave me alone." Silently, ashamedly, dejectedly, the interloper backs out of the door, but a smirk crosses his face as he turns to leave, "I may go now, but rest assured, I will return." He whirls and saunters down the hallway to the bank of elevators.
The struggle this woman faced is one we face every day...the trying of our faith. It may have been a perverted temptation that caused our heroine to cringe. It could have been the temptation to lie or steal or cheat or speak falsely, but she was victorious... this time. Will she be equally firm when temptation visits again? She did the right thing. She stood firm. She denied the tempter entrance into her domain. How long can she hold out for surely the visitor will return again ... and again ... and again? If she continually turns her back on the fatal attraction, she will find her faith and her resolve strengthened and the accuser will visit less frequently. But he will use the time to devise more subtle temptations. Will she be in tune with her God enough to see the new attempts and flee from them?
Ah, the troubles and trials of the believer in Jesus. Have you ever wondered why God doesn't save people, let them preach in their newfound zeal for a few months, then "take them home"? I have. Many of the people I have ministered to in the past have. It is not an uncommon thought - one that often comes to us after a failure. That's when I ask "why?" We don't like to fail. We don't enjoy falling. When we sin, we feel miserable wondering if we will ever "get it right." Those are times when our faith is tested. Those are times when we must dig deep into our spiritual reserves and find the strength to start over again. We all struggle with temptation. We all stumble from time to time. We all fail to meet God's expectations... that is what sin is.
The difference is this: God forgives and forgets; we degrade ourselves and ponder the nature of our sinful lives. It isn't God who condemns us. He forgives. It isn't the Holy Spirit that makes us feel like failures. His lifts us up and leads us into righteousness. We are the ones who cast condemnation upon ourselves because we listen to the accuser of our souls. The accuser would have us cast ourselves upon the spear of blame and impale ourselves condemned to die in the lost condition from which God redeemed us through Jesus Christ.
The object, the goal, of our faith is salvation. We need to take our sight off of our failures and focus on the beaming face of God as He sees us, as He wants us to be - perfect. And if He sees us whole and blameless, we must believe that, that is what we are through the blood of Jesus. In this way our faith is made whole and strong and perfect and we are victorious. Amen and Amen.
"Stop it!" she cried indignantly. "I will not do that! Now go away and leave me alone." Silently, ashamedly, dejectedly, the interloper backs out of the door, but a smirk crosses his face as he turns to leave, "I may go now, but rest assured, I will return." He whirls and saunters down the hallway to the bank of elevators.
The struggle this woman faced is one we face every day...the trying of our faith. It may have been a perverted temptation that caused our heroine to cringe. It could have been the temptation to lie or steal or cheat or speak falsely, but she was victorious... this time. Will she be equally firm when temptation visits again? She did the right thing. She stood firm. She denied the tempter entrance into her domain. How long can she hold out for surely the visitor will return again ... and again ... and again? If she continually turns her back on the fatal attraction, she will find her faith and her resolve strengthened and the accuser will visit less frequently. But he will use the time to devise more subtle temptations. Will she be in tune with her God enough to see the new attempts and flee from them?
Ah, the troubles and trials of the believer in Jesus. Have you ever wondered why God doesn't save people, let them preach in their newfound zeal for a few months, then "take them home"? I have. Many of the people I have ministered to in the past have. It is not an uncommon thought - one that often comes to us after a failure. That's when I ask "why?" We don't like to fail. We don't enjoy falling. When we sin, we feel miserable wondering if we will ever "get it right." Those are times when our faith is tested. Those are times when we must dig deep into our spiritual reserves and find the strength to start over again. We all struggle with temptation. We all stumble from time to time. We all fail to meet God's expectations... that is what sin is.
The difference is this: God forgives and forgets; we degrade ourselves and ponder the nature of our sinful lives. It isn't God who condemns us. He forgives. It isn't the Holy Spirit that makes us feel like failures. His lifts us up and leads us into righteousness. We are the ones who cast condemnation upon ourselves because we listen to the accuser of our souls. The accuser would have us cast ourselves upon the spear of blame and impale ourselves condemned to die in the lost condition from which God redeemed us through Jesus Christ.
The object, the goal, of our faith is salvation. We need to take our sight off of our failures and focus on the beaming face of God as He sees us, as He wants us to be - perfect. And if He sees us whole and blameless, we must believe that, that is what we are through the blood of Jesus. In this way our faith is made whole and strong and perfect and we are victorious. Amen and Amen.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Psalm 81:7
"You called in trouble, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah." Psalm 81:7
It's scary! It's a disease that most men have. It seldom seems to strike women, and little children are totally immune to the infection. The disease is known by its scientific name,
It's scary! It's a disease that most men have. It seldom seems to strike women, and little children are totally immune to the infection. The disease is known by its scientific name,
Women, you know what I mean. I can put something down and return to pick it up in ten minutes - and it is gone. After careful non-scientific analysis and observation, I have come to the conclusion that what I am looking for is not what I see. I may be looking for my wallet - black, flat, about 3-4 inches square. But, if I have placed my wallet on the nightstand and it slides off an item there and lands - in plain sight - on its side on the nightstand top, I can't find it. It is there, totally visible, but I am looking for a flat, black, square not a black item about 3-4 inches LONG and a half inch thick! Carmel walks in after my frantic, fifteen-minute search and finds it in ten seconds. How does she do that?
Sherlock Holmes, in one of his masterful mysteries, finds a stolen letter that has eluded the meticulous and repeated searching of Scotland Yard - and he does it in one short visit to the perpetrator's home. That's right. It was hidden in plain sight. The obvious is often overlooked.
Asaph, in today's verse, tells us that God sometimes hides us in a place we will never recognize: "in the secret place of thunder..." In a different Daily Word, I discussed the way God hides us FROM the storm. Today we see that we can be hidden IN the storm.
"That's crazy!" I can hear you already. "Why would God hide us in the middle of the storm? I need protection from it and God puts me IN it?"
Can you think of a better place to hide? Who in his right mind would hide from the storm IN the storm? Oh, but God has a purpose. He uses the storm to make us strong. When we are vulnerable, we learn to trust the Father. That total trust, that total confidence in the Father is something that will serve us well in coming adventures. But that trust is not learned in the comfort of our living rooms. We don't develop it in the pew on Sunday morning. We will never grasp this gift if we are always in our "comfort zone". No, we learn trust when we have no other choice - in the storm.
Asaph continues by telling us that God tests us "at the waters of Meribah." Meribah means "place of strife". In that place where trouble seems to be all around us, God proved us, He tried us, He strengthened us. You see; God never promised us a life of ease and luxury. What He did promise is that He would "be with us always." When we are in the midst of great trials and tribulations, instead of asking God to deliver us, we should ask the Father to teach us and make us strong! He gives us refuge in the storm for that very reason. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
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