Thursday, December 31, 2009

Year End Check Up

Revelation 20:11-15 (NLT) 20:11 And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. 14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.

This is the last day of 2009. It brings to a close a year mixed with a both good and bad. For me personally, it has been a year of much healing from past wounds and hurts. It has also been a year of healing on my body – recovering from three surgeries. I woke up this morning asking myself how I wanted to end 2009 and how I wanted to enter into to 2010. On the bad side, I am painfully aware that there are many areas of weaknesses in my life still and there are still areas of wounding that still plague my mind and heart. On the good side, I AM moving forward and I AM seeing the grace and sovereignty of God working in my life. I do see how God is using me and I do see His anointing in me in a fresh and new way. I am so blessed with the fact that my family is walking with God. I am unusually blest to have my parents with me still as they have been such a blessing and strength in my life. There is not a day that goes by that I do not give thanks to God for my bride, Denise. We’ve been married 36 plus years. She is such a gift from God. To have two beautiful daughters, Michelle and Erin, and their husbands walking with the Lord is such a blessing also. I also have the blessing of three grand-children who fill my life with such laughter and such joy. Whenever I hold them – I feel as if the Holy Spirit Himself is ministering to my heart. The passage of scripture from Revelation that we read today talks about the day of Judgment that every one of us will someday face. We will be accountable for our words and our actions. We will be responsible for things that we have harbored in our thoughts. As for me, I want to leave 2009 with a good heart. I want to walk in total forgiveness and I want to move forward to 2010 with a clean conscience. I am excited about what God has in store for the future. I am excited about His plans for my life. I like what Psalms says – “His mercies are new every morning.” As I started writing this – I was thinking I was going to be more negative then positive. As I read over again – I really do have a lot to thank God for. I am so blessed! So… goodbye 2009 and hello 2010.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

We Have The Victory!

Revelation 12:10-11 (NLT) 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.

We live in such a temporal way of thought. We only think about the “here and now.” The Bible not only tells us how to live the “here and now” but it also paints a picture of what is going to take place in eternity. In regards to our walk with God – we win. What Jesus did on the cross put the nail on the coffin of Satan and his cohorts. The blood of Jesus defeated him and took away his power in our life. We have the victory now and will ultimately see him thrown down to earth in defeat. Don’t ever underestimate the power of the blood of Christ. Christ shed His blood that you and I can live in victory both now and forever more. Praise God – we are victorious today. Say that. Believe that. Live that out in your life.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Praise Be To The Lord

Psalms 150:6 (NLT) Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!

In a way, the book of Psalms parallels our spiritual journey through life. We will face highs and we will face lows. In either case – we need to trust in and give praise to God. We will have both - blessings and troubles, joy and grief, successes and obstacles. Throughout it all, God is at our side, guiding, encouraging, comforting, and caring. We must be men and women of praise to the Lord for all that He is and all that He has done. God is sovereign and we must recognize and trust Him that He knows what is best for our life. Therefore… I will give praise to my Lord and Savior and King.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

What Type Of Christian Are You?

Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT) 3:15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!

What type of Christian are you? Do you take your faith seriously? Do you read your Bible daily and apply its teachings to your daily life? Do you pray? Do you love God with all your heart? Do you love others? A simple yes or no will quickly reveal the type of Christian you are. Ah, but maybe your arguing with me right now by saying, “But I’m not that bad either. I go to church every week and I even pay my tithe. I even teach Sunday School.” Whoopee! The book of revelation calls this condition being “lukewarm.” You are not too hot and you’re not too cold. That’s unacceptable. Jesus tells us that just as “lukewarm water or food” doesn’t feel well in your mouth or stomach – neither does it feel right to God. He says that He will spit us out of His mouth. God is not looking for people who have a lukewarm relationship with Him. He wants people who are completely sold out to Him and are willing to pay the price of serving God. He wants people who are sold out for the principles of God and who are willing to carry the cross of Jesus everywhere they go. I don’t want to be “lukewarm” for God. I want to be totally immersed in His presence and in His love. I want to live for Him with my whole heart soul and mind. I want to be pleasing to my heavenly Father. How about you today? What is your experience with Christ? What are you doing for Him? Decide today to jump into this thing called “Christianity” with your whole heart, soul and mind. I have. It works for me and millions of others around the world. It will work for you also.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Loving God's Way!

1 John 4:16-21 (NLT) 4:16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 19 We love each other because he loved us first. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.

What a great message on this Christmas Eve - that we would love one another as God loves us. Over 2000 years ago – God showed His love to the world by sending His only son to a world filled with hostility, hate and evil. This was the ultimate proof of His love that He had for the world. Now God tells us to love as He has already loved us. Loving others becomes the test as to whether God is really working in our hearts. There will never be a shortage of opportunities to love. Misunderstandings, hurts, and disappointments push people into conflict with one another. Jealousy and pride push people apart. Sin is present everywhere. Today, Christmas Eve 2009 is your opportunity to practice loving like God loves. To love others is the proof that God is working in our lives and that we are growing in the things of love. Today is your opportunity to forgive others. It is your opportunity to walk in a clear conscience to God and to one another. This is the message of Christmas. It is the message of love.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Jesus' Desire For Us

John 17:21 (NLT) I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

Jesus’ prayer to the Father was that we would be one. He prayed that the church would see the oneness that He had with the Heavenly Father and that we would emulate it down on earth. It breaks my heart how Christians have so many issues with each other and have so many problems just getting along. It bothers me how the church has been so spiteful to each other because of their own personal agenda’s. The lies of Satan have filtered down into people’s hearts. Relationships are damaged or strained. People don’t talk to one another. People gossip about one another. Come on church! Let’s stop it now for the sake of Christ. Let it begin with us. Let us take the first step. Let us become one as Jesus and the Father are one. The world is looking on. They want to know if we are sincere enough. It’s time for the church to be what God has called us to be – ONE!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Dead Men Walking

John 11:32-44 (NLT) 11:32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. 34 “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?” 38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” 40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

This passage of scripture gives a number of lessons to us today. First, Look at how Jesus is connected to us. When He saw the people grieving over Lazarus – He also grieved and wept with them. Jesus is not detached from our hurts, disappointments and needs. He understands the grief we experience in life through death or loss in our lives. Secondly, notice this about the story… He shouts for Lazarus to come out of the grave. He comes, walking out the grave but he still had his burial clothes on. Jesus commands the people to “unwrap him and let him go.” Remember, he had probably been the grave for a while. He probably smelled – really bad. He probably didn’t look all that great either. People come into our lives with all their grave cloths on. They smell of sin and the world and God commands each of us to take their grave cloths off. It’s not always pretty and its not something that everyone wants to do. It’s what pleases the Lord. I was one of those persons walking with grave cloths on. Someone lovingly, obediently reached over and helped me step out of them. It is now my responsibility to help others step out of their grave cloths and become the person that God wants them to be.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Watch The Father

John 5:19 (NLT) So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.

I remember a commercial a long time ago where a Father and son we’re sitting under a tree. The father takes out a cigarette and begins smoking. The little boy, looking up to his father in admiration picked up the cigarettes and started to put one in his mouth also. He saw what His father was doing and wanted to emulate it. Of course – it is only natural for children to watch their parents and want to follow in what they are doing. It’s no different in the Christian realm. We, as the kids of God should be watching everything about our heavenly Father. We should follow His ways and His steps. Jesus teaches a lesson here – WATCH THE FATHER. When your eyes are focused on Him and when your ears are hearing what He is saying – then you should do those things also. As a pastor, I often pray this pray before I preach and before I make any major decision. I ask myself “What is the Father doing and how would He do this?” This little step has helped me in many ways and has helped me to make the right choices and decisions. Put your eyes on Father God and He will never let you down.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Worshipping God

John 4:23-24 (NLT) 4:23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

People try to define where and how we can worship God. But God is everywhere. He is not confined to a building. Nor is He is confined to a certain city or country. He is Omni-present – He is everywhere. He is not confined by time or space. You and I can worship Him simultaneously anytime and in anyplace. Just come to God with what you have. Come to Him just like you are. You can speak boldly and honestly with Him. Perhaps it’s been awhile since you have brought worship to Him. You don’t need to wait any longer. He is waiting for you right now. He is waiting for me. Take a few minutes to let Him know how much you love Him and how much you are thankful for what He has done.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

How To Grow Your Faith

2 Peter 1:5-9 (NLT) 1:5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

We've all been given a seed to plant and harvest in our lives. It’s the seed of faith. The way we take care of that seed will determine the amount of fruit that you have in your walk with Christ. There are choices that I must make for my faith to grow. I must make decisions about the type of life that I’m going to live and the way I will live out my life. It’s interesting that Peter says that we need to supplement our faith with certain characteristics like moral excellence and knowledge and self control and patient endurance and godliness and brotherly affection. These are the ingredients that bring on the growth of faith. These are that which makes us productive in our Christian life. There are times when I didn’t add these ingredients into my faith causing my faith to be puny and unfruitful. When these ingredients are added to your faith – it will grow. You will have confidence. You will be excited about life and what God wants you to do.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Test Of Leadership

1 Peter 5:1-4 (NLT) 5:1 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

It is a good reminder to me to read and reread these passages on eldership. It reminds me of who I am and what I’m supposed to do. But this isn’t just a “pastoral” check list – it’s a leadership checklist. Peter describes several characteristics of good leaders in the church: (1) they realize they are caring for God's flock, not their own; (2) they lead out of eagerness to serve, not out of obligation; (3) they are concerned for what they can give, not for what they can get; (4) they lead by example, not force. All of us lead others in some way. Whatever our role, our leadership should be in line with these characteristics.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

What Kind Of Faith Do You Have?

James 2:14 (NLT) What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?

I see all sorts of levels of faith – from the very shallow to the very deep. I see people who claim to have a lot of faith but their live does not measure up to it. This is a very bothersome to me. There needs to be a correlation between what we profess and how we live. We can’t proclaim one thing on Sunday and another for the rest of the week. If asked, would your friends know about your faith? Would they be able to say that you are even a Christian? Think about that today. Think about how others are seeing you live out your life. Think about how God sees your faith. Are you living out what Jesus taught in the scriptures? Your actions and your attitude and your beliefs prove that you are walking with Jesus or not – not just your words.

Monday, December 14, 2009

The Discipline Of The Lord

Hebrews 12:5-6 (NLT) 12:5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

This is not a verse that I necessarily like but it’s an important verse. No one likes to be corrected or disciplined. However, without it – we would never grow. As a father, discipling my children or even my grandchildren is at times very hard. I remember my dad or mom saying “this hurts me more then it does you.” At the time I didn’t believe it at the time but when I was having to discipline my own kids – I knew what they meant. God the Father so loves us and will do anything to help us become the men and women that God wants us to be. Discipline is part of growing up. We must not make light of it and always remember that God does this out of heart of love for us.

Friday, December 11, 2009

God Really Knows Me

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT) 4:14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

I don’t just serve a God who does not relate to me. I serve a God who identifies with everything I go through. He understands my weaknesses and my needs. He invites me into His Holy place and always offers me grace and help in my time of need. This overwhelms me. I know that God loves and cares for me even when I was unlovable and a real jerk. I am always so grateful for His love and tender mercies to me. I feel blessed to worship a God like this.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

God's Word

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NLT) 14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Unlike many people I have had the great privilege of being raised in a Christian home. I relate to this verse. I gave my heart to Christ at a very young age on my mom’s knee. I have been taught the scriptures throughout my whole life. I have done the same with my kids and they are now teaching their kids the same principles. I have learned over the years the important of trusting in Christ and have for the most part led my life by its principles. I am thankful for that heritage and am blessed in my life now because of it. God’s Word has been my strength and my source great joy. It has warned me and has given me the direction in which I should go. I am grateful for godly parents who taught this too me. I am so blessed today.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

My Job Description

Titus 1:6-9 (NLT) 6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. 7 For an elder must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. 8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. 9 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.

Talk about pressure. My life is a fish bowl. Everything I do is scrutinized, observed and judged. I’m not only being judged by God but by all those I lead and by those I live with. Yet, it isn’t something that I resent or have any bad feelings toward. I am glad to be an example to those around me. God, in His grace has helped to work these areas out in my life. Not that I’m perfect. I have failed in many of the above areas but by His grace I’m getting better. My sermons will not be remembered as much as the way I live my life. I do this, not for my status or gain but I do this for HIS glory. I am honored to be counted worthy to be an elder in the church of Jesus Christ.

.

Walking In Contentment

1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NLT) 6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.

Many people spend their whole life searching for contentment but never find it. We look for happiness in things, places and people. True contentment can only come when we are living out the lifestyle of godliness. It is when we allow Jesus to be first and foremost in our life. For a lot of years I placed my contentment in what other people thought about me or by the things that we’re in my life. I measured success in worldly ways. To be honest – I just didn’t get it. I was always frustrated with what I had and was always looking for greener pastures somewhere else. A few years ago, as I was facing some major hurtles in my life. I had a choice to run away or a choice to walk in contentment God’s way. I am so glad I chose the later. I chose to trust that God would bring me through and I chose to trust in His Word. I am now at greater peace then ever before. I only wish that I would have learned these lessons years ago. I am content and I am excited for what God has in store for me, my family and NLC.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Forgiving Others

Colossians 3:13-14 (NLT) 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

I was thinking about the idea of forgiveness this morning. Actually, I’ve been thinking about it for the last few days. If you’ve been a Christian for any amount of time – it is an issue that will have be dealt with time and again. Here’s the irony… I will never learn about forgiveness unless I actually have someone to forgive. So, God knowing the lessons I need to learn places me in situations with people that just rub me the wrong way – that get my “goat” as the might say. I have to deal with misunderstandings, untruths, personality differences and even my own character flaws that can become so apparent in my life. Jesus teaches that when we forgive and forgiven all that we can that we need to do it again. When I do that – I begin to have the heart of God in my life. Paul also teaches about “clothing” ourselves with love. This is a deliberate action. When I get up in the morning I put on the appropriate clothing for the day. Spiritually speaking, we need to consciously “put on” this suit of love before we even leave the house. It’s much easier to do it before you leave the house then to have to do it while you’re in a tense situation. I’m learning ever so slowly and haven’t fully arrived. I thank God for His grace that teaches me and leads me along the way.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Sin Is Sin!

Ephesians 5:6 (NLT) 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.

I do a lot of counseling – especially this time of the year. People seek my advice on relationships, jobs, family, finances, health, and personal difficulties of all kinds. It just amazes me at the excuses people come into my office with. They justify their sin and turn it around as if God Himself had given them the permission to participate in this particular sin. Don’t get me wrong – there are those who respond to Biblical counseling. They repent and move forward with their lives. They know that they have done wrong and they want to do what is right. I praise God for those opportunities to help people “see the light.” Yet it grieves my heart very much for those who “just don’t get it.” They have bought into the lie. They have made up their mind. It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks or says – not even God. The scriptures make a promise here that God’s anger will fall on those who disobey him – without fail. It also promises that we will “reap what we sow.” Sin is a serious matter with God. He is waiting so patiently for all of us to turn around and come to Him. It is then that He will open up His arms to us and receive us with much joy.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

God's Desire For Me

Romans 15:13 (NLT) 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I don’t mean to be selfish – but I want this prayer in my life. To have joy and peace and hope – wow! What is happening on the outside of a person isn’t always reflective of what’s happening on the inside. Oftentimes we are torn up inside, dealing with depression, condemnation, negativity, etc. Paul knows that because he dealt with the same things. The enemy is always messing with our heads. We worry and fret. We sulk and stew. The list could go on and on. God’s plan for us is to have joy and peace. His plan is for us to have a confident hope that He is in control and is going to take care of things in my life. It comes down to Lordship. It comes down to trust. Who are we making Lord in our lives and do we really trust God? I have failed many times in this area but I’m so thankful for the mercy and grace of God for leading and helping through every day. Yes… I do trust God and I know He has good plans for me and not for evil. Yes… I have confident hope in God today and know He has a great plan for my life.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Reason For Problems In Our Lives

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Contrary to the worlds thinking, as Christians we’re taught to rejoice when we have troubles. That is so opposite of our human nature and the way many people think. You might ask – “Why do we rejoice?” The answer is simple - we know the end result. We know that God promises to use these things to help us be strong spiritually and even mentally and physically. We would never learn characteristics like endurance and strength of character and hope is we didn’t go through difficulties and troubles. I never like trials in my life. In fact, I still struggle about the rejoicing part. I would much rather be grumpy, grouchy, angry and – well… you know what I’m talking about. I’m learning in this area. However, I can say after being on this earth for 55 years – I do see these principles working in my life. I am stronger. I am more trusting. I know God has His hand on me. I still don’t look forward to any trial but I do know that God’s promises are true and that if we allow Him – He will fill our hearts with much peace and much love.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Getting Right With God

Romans 3:23-25 (NLT) 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,

There are a lot of ideas out there about how to “get” to God. Some people feel that you need to work extra hard and others think you need to chant a certain prayer. Getting to God is as simple as accepting what God has done for us by sending Jesus Christ as the payment for our sins. His blood was shed as the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. Man is very empty and is looking everywhere to fill that emptiness. The only thing they find is more emptiness. God made a way – through Jesus. He fills the void in our life. We didn’t deserve His love but He gave it anyway. He made a way for all of us to be right with God. He paid the penalty of our sins. It is available for us right now – God’s underserved kindness because He loves us.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Love God, Love People!

Matthew 22:36-40 (NLT) 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

The foundation of our faith rests on this principle – Love God and love people. Jesus was asked about what was the most important commandment in the law and this was His answer. When these two principles are activated in my life – I am most peaceful and contented with my life. When I love God I will want to do everything that He wants me to do including loving those that around me. I like what John Piper says, “God is most glorified when I am most satisfied in Him.” My life should be consumed in being satisfied in the presence of God. God’s arms are always open to us. He is just waiting for us to run to Him and trust in Him. It is then that we will be able to reach out and love others in the way that God has received us unto Himself.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Don't Be Afraid

Matthew 14:27 (NLT) 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

The disciples we’re trying to get to the other side of the lake when a sudden storm blew in on them. As hard as they tried – they we’re out of control and weren’t able to make any headway. Jesus, knowing this, comes out on the water toward them. Seeing Him, they thought He was a ghost. Jesus speaks to them telling them to not be afraid, to take courage because He was there. This physical storm is not unlike the storms we face. Things are going well and all of a sudden a storm will blow into our lives. Thankfully, Jesus is never far from us. He sees what we’re going through and He knows the fears we all face. He speaks to us at just the right time and He knows just what to say. All of us need to take note of this story because we all face fears in our lives. We need to trust in our Almighty savior and believe for God to step into our darkness and bring deliverance our way.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Loving Others

Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT) 43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Jesus raises the bar by telling us that we need to love our enemies as well as our neighbor. It’s an easy thing to love those who don’t love us. Jesus says that even non-believers can do that. As believers – we have a higher standard. We are to rise above what is normal and go the distance when it comes to love. As I read this passage this morning I was struck by the fact that I would rather do what is easy rather then what is hard. It’s easy to love my friends and my family. It’s hard to love the unlovable at times. Or is it? On my own – I would never be able to do that. But with God’s power I not only can but I take pleasure in loving everyone. I really enjoy reaching out to those who don’t feel loved or haven’t experienced the love of God. In fact, a lot of what I do in life is measured by the fact that I’ve become a loving person in spite of those who are unlovable around me. My prayer is that I would be able to grow in my capacity to love people – even those that don’t love me in return.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Who Loves You?

Matthew 3:16-17 (NLT) 16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Two of man’s greatest needs are to love and to be loved. What God the Father spoke over Jesus is what every son and daughter wishes to be heard in their own lives – “You are my dearly loved Son/daughter, who brings me great joy.” Sadly, so many have never felt that blessing from their father and spend a lifetime searching for that blessing in their own lives. They search for validation, significance, value, etc. As a result – many look in the wrong places and end of making decisions that affect them for their lifetime. The great thing about God is that what He said over His son Jesus is what He wants to say over each and every one of us – “you bring me great joy.” Think about that – I BRING GOD JOY. I am His son. He loves me so much.

To wish you we're someone else is a waste of the person you are - Anonymous

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Lessons On Weaknesses!

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NLT) 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Sometimes I wonder why I’m wired the way I’m wired or why I was made the way I way made. Given the opportunity – I think I would have put in a different order to the maker - taller, smarter, wiser and healthier. There are certain areas of my life that seem boggle me up and set me back. There are certain parts of my personality that always get me into trouble with some people. The list could go on and on. This passage tells us that those things are here to keep me from have a pride issue. Paul recognizes that and says “that’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses… because it causes me to lean on and depend fully on the power of God – therefore I really am strong.” It’s a hard pill to swallow but its an important one. God knows me better then I know myself and He wants me to come to Him, trusting and believing that He will work all things out in my life.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Lessons On Giving

2 Corinthians 9:6-9 (NLT) 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

I have been taught the blessings of giving ever since I was a child. It was ingrained in me as my parents modeled that in their own lives and began to teach the same principles to me and my siblings. I can honestly say over the years that God has abundantly blessed me and my family. I’ve seen miracle after miracle. Tithing and the giving of offerings is part of who I am and I have reaped its rewards over and over. Last month was a very tight month for the church financially. A fellow minister came into to talk to me about their ministry in the area. While they we’re talking to me I felt a prompting by the spirit of God to give to their ministry $500.00 (money that we really didn’t have). Because I was obedient and planted those seeds – God has looked very favorably on the church this month financially. Last Sunday the church gave to a family who was hurting financially. They had been faithful in their giving – now God was giving back to them. God never fails! You read what you sow. God promises to generously provide all that we need. We need to trust Him in this area of our life.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Longing For Heaven

2 Corinthians 5:1-2 (NLT) 1 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing.

The older I get the more this verse comes alive to me. The thought of heaven compared to living on earth is almost too overwhelming. To think about being in heaven with our Savior and to be out of the pain of our present bodies is a wonderful thought. But the reality is this… I’m not in heaven yet and I still have to live with this present body. I still have to come to God daily and seek out his mercy and grace. I still need to go to work and I still need to pay the bills. I still need to deal with the things of this world. That’s not all bad news because I have been promised a helper to come along side me and give me the grace I need. Praise God for the Holy Spirit who is with me and wants to help me through my day by day living experience. God is good!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

No Regrets

Job 42:16-17 (NLT) 16 Job lived 140 years after that, living to see four generations of his children and grandchildren. 17 Then he died, an old man who had lived a long, full life.

I think that if I was to write the epitaph of Job’s life I would have said something like this – “Job lived 140 years – he had a lot of kids and grandkids. Job lived out his life in depression and trouble and died bitter and angry at God and the world.” Thank God, I’m not Job’s God. The scriptures say that “he died, an old man who had lived a long, and full life.” Think about that for a second. His life was full in spite of the trials and troubles he had. He did allow the hellish attacks from Satan or his friends to bring Him down. He came to the end of life full. He wasn’t bitter or angry. He found His peace in God and His sovereignty over man. He fully trusted God who always remained faithful to him – even to the end.

Friday, November 13, 2009

More Spirit Praying

1 Corinthians 14:15 (NLT) 15 Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand.

When we pray – we should be engaging both our intellect and our spirit. Most of us pray with our intellect, asking God for things and praying for situations that we have in our lives. But we must press in to pray with our spirit. It’s times like these that I don’t really know how to pray. This usually starts with the intellect but soon becomes a burden in your life that needs to be released. It is then that we need to allow the spirit to pray through us and for us. I believe that more and more people would find release in their lives if they would just allow more spirit praying to happen. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. I tend to carry things. I tend to pray with my understanding. Breakthrough comes through praying in the spirit. I need breakthrough in my life.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Intricately Made

1 Corinthians 12:18-21 (NLT) 18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

When I think about God creating man – I think He did it with a smile on His face. Sometimes – I think He might have even laughed. We are so different. We have so many variations. Some our tall – and some are short. Some are skinny and some are… well you know. When I look at all the parts our body has – it is truly amazing. They are all important. They all coordinate. The feet face a certain direction. Our hands have fingers to pick things up with. Our mouth is centered just right. It’s not on the side of our head. Our eyes are shaped and placed so we can have the maximum sphere of vision. And for some of us – we have hair on the top of our heads. Isn’t that funny? Every part has a place and every part in important. Yet, in the same way – God has put the body of Christ together in the same way. We are all so different yet we are all so important. Every one has a special place and every one is very special to God. We need each other in order to function.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

God's House

Psalms 122:1 (NLT) 1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

I was born into a Christian home. In fact – I was in church the first Sunday after my mom came home from the hospital. I love going to church. I love being around God’s people. Going to church can be a chore or it could be a delight. If you have unconfessed sin in your life – it is probably a chore. But if you are close to God and enjoy his presence – it is something that you look forward to do and you will be eager to worship and praise God with other saints. Something within us should stir with expectancy as we prepare to go into God’s House. Not only are we going to worship God almighty with other Christians but we are going to receive that which we need for the upcoming week.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Running The Race

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NLT) 24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

As a kid, I lived in a small rural community. It was mostly farmland with the biggest crop being oranges. Our community was surrounded by mountains with the rolling hills coming right down to our doorstep. I played in those hills from morning to night. One day, while I was in the mountains playing with my brother – I noticed a bunch of runners from the local High School running up and down the mountain. I remember my brother and myself running with them just for the fun of it. What caught my attention was that I noticed that most of them we’re wearing weights around their ankles to help them build up endurance. I made a remark to one of the young men saying that they could go faster if they took those off. He explained to me that when they run the actual race they take them off but when they are practicing they keep them on to make their legs stronger. That picture has never left my mind. This scripture depicts this very thing. We, as Christians must discipline our bodies in such a way that when needed – we can run the race with strength and endurance. We have to discipline our lives with prayer and with the reading of the Word. We must always run our race to win and we must always run with integrity that we would never be disqualified.

Monday, November 9, 2009

The Mind Of Christ

1 Corinthians 2:16 (NLT) 16 For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.

One of the benefits of getting to know God is that we also begin to have the mind of Christ. People often tell me that they have a hard time understanding God – that He seems far away. But if we’re honest – have we taken the time to get to know Him? Have we spent time in His Word? In Prayer? I am blessed to know many elderly people. Over the years – they have come to realize the importance of God in their lives. They have developed an ongoing conversation with Him. To be around them – it as if God was sitting right next to them. They have such a peace. So – as the scripture states – Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? The answer is still the same. I can. He hasn’t moved. I just need to come along side Him and purpose in my heart to get to know Him better. It is then that we will have the mind of Christ.

Friday, November 6, 2009

God's Kid

Galatians 4:6 (NLT) 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”

As I write this – my grandson Kyle is with Denise and I this weekend. He is adopted. His parents, Gary and Michelle absolutely love this young boy. We all do. I love the way he calls his dad “dada” and his mom “mommy.” Even though he is not theirs by birth – He is fully their child. He has their last name and will be part of their inheritance some day. He and I are alike. We are both adopted. Well, maybe not physically but I am adopted spiritually. I was a cast off and God came down and made me one of His kids. He is not just my father but He is my “abba” or my daddy. I am so blessed! As Christians – we need to come to our father and know that he loves us so much. We ARE one of His kids.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Pleasing God!

Galatians 1:10 (NLT) 10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Some people spend their whole life trying to please other people around them. It could be a family member, our co-workers, our neighbors, etc. In trying please others we often lose our own identity and we don’t even know who we are. God wants me to just be me. He made me and accepts me just like I am. I know that I’m wired differently then a lot of people. There are those who love me just like I am and those that don’t. I have to be true to myself and my calling. God has called us to holiness and to righteousness. I am so glad that He loves me and accepts me. I serve only an audience of one – my Heavenly Father.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Clear Conscience

Job 27:6 (NLT) 6 I will maintain my innocence without wavering. My conscience is clear for as long as I live.

Much of what I have to deal with is in ministry is people’s conscience. Either they are living with something from their past that has paralyzed them in the present or they are living with some sort of sin and have not accepted the forgiveness of God. In the midst of all the accusations, Job was able to declare that his conscience was clear. Only God's forgiveness and the determination to live rightly before God can bring a clear conscience. How important Job's record became as he was being accused. Like Job, we can't claim sinless lives, but we can claim forgiven lives. When we confess our sins to God, he forgives us. Then we can live with clear consciences.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Serving God

Mark 14:6-8 (NLT) 6 But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? 7 You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time.

This woman came to Jesus with her expensive perfume and immediately poured it on His feet and began to wash His feet. “Some” of the disciples we’re indignant and began to scold her. Jesus’ response – “Leave her alone – she is doing a good thing.” We are often judged by others about our motives and criticized on how we handled things. As a result – our spirit shuts down and we can’t seem to move forward in what God wants for our life. I think that all of us need to hear Jesus’ words – “he/she is doing a good thing.” We must give what we can to God and know that God accepts our gifts of love and sees our hearts.

God Knows

Job 23:10-12 (NLT) 10 “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. 11 For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. 12 I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.

Eliphaz had just attacked Job accusing him of some secret sin. There are a lot of people who would try and accuse and condemn us. It might have even been true but Job knew his God. He knew that God didn’t condemn him for his past and he knew that God forgave him and still forgive him. He knew in his heart the way that he had gone and he knew that he had stayed true to God and His ways. This passage shows me that Job had a special relationship with God. He had a confidence in his heart that didn’t give any room to the enemy and his accusations. Job loved God so much that he loved His word more than daily food. He wanted to know him and he wanted to be in the center of God’s will. May we be so in love with God that it won’t matter what people think. We should be so confident in God and His love that we can rest in who He is to us.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

God Is Watching

Psalms 121:1-8 (NLT) 1 I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! 3 He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. 4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. 5 The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. 6 The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. 7 The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. 8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

The pilgrimage to Jerusalem is a very steep incline with the city at the top of the hill. People would travel together to keep each other company and to be watchful to one another. There we’re always those who would try to rob and take advantage of these weary travelers. Periodically they would stop together and meditate on God’s promises. Psalm 121 was one of their meditations. It was sung together. It was an assurance that God will always take care of His kids and that He will watch over every part of our life. The idea of God watching me is good because I sometimes don’t watch over myself efficiently. Praise God… the Lord stands beside me and the Lord is my shade.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Let My Light Shine

Mark 4:21-22 (NLT) 21 Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. 22 For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.

Light was meant to be placed in a place that would illuminate the area around it. It was not meant to be hidden. Too many people profess to know Christ and yet they hide His light so others can’t see it. They put a “basket” or a “bowl” over it. I wonder what “basket” or “bowl” do we put over our light to hide it. Could it be stubbornness or pride or anger or some hidden sin? Could it be complacency, disobedience or resentment? We can’t allow these things to “snuff” out our light. If I’m going to grow the way that God wants me to grow I must not hide anything in my life. I need to allow the light to come forth and to shine and allow God’s growth to take place in my life.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

I Will See God!

Job 19:25-27 (NLT) 25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. 26 And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! 27 I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!

In ancient Israel a redeemer was a family member who bought a slave’s way to freedom. Job, in the midst of his darkest hour, dealing with the worst of Satan and mankind, found a confidence. It was this – He KNEW that God was going to come through for him. He KNEW that he would be vindicated by God. He KNEW that God was faithful and would take him through this ordeal. He was confident that God’s justice would triumph in his life. I get so caught up in the here and now that I sometimes don’t see the whole picture. No matter what trial I might be going through - God is always faithful to His kids. God’s word teaches us over and over that God is on our side and that we shouldn’t despair. The victory is ours today.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Trembling In God's Presence

Psalms 114:7-8 (NLT) 7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob. 8 He turned the rock into a pool of water; yes, a spring of water flowed from solid rock.

When God gave the law at Mount Sinai, the mountain trembled in God's presence. Even with our great technology, the seas, rivers, and mountains still present us with formidable challenges. But to God, who controls nature, they are as nothing. When observing the power of an ocean wave or the majesty of a mountain peak, think of God's greatness and glory, which are far more awesome than the natural wonders you can see. To tremble at God's presence means to recognize God's complete power and authority and our frailty by comparison. We must not treat God’s presence lightly or irreverently. God has the power – even to move mountains. He has the power to touch and change our lives right now.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Meditations!

Psalms 48:9-10 (NLT) 9 O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple. 10 As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory.

The word meditate means to “think over and over about something.” We are to think over and over about the unfailing love of God. He is a God of mercy and grace. He has loved us and continues to love us. He extends His hand to us – always beckoning us and drawing us to Him. He has given us victories to be remembered and He helps us in times of trouble. We should never shrink back at giving Him the praise He deserves.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Why Am I Here

Acts 20:24 (NLT) 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

We often feel that life is a failure unless we're getting a lot out of it: recognition, fun, money, success. But Paul considered life worth nothing unless he used it for God's work. What he put into life was far more important than what he got out. Every so often I must test my motives and look at the why I am doing what I’m doing. Life is not about my job but it is about doing God’s will and work. I want to always be about my Father’s business and doing what he wants for my life.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Dreams Fulfilled!!

Psalms 126:1-6 (NLT) 1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! 2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” 3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! 4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. 5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. 6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.

God's ability to restore life is beyond our understanding. Forests burn down and are able to grow back. Broken bones heal. Even grief is not a permanent condition. Our tears can be seeds that will grow into a harvest of joy because God is able to bring good out of tragedy. When burdened by sorrow, know that your times of grief will end and that you will again find joy. We must be patient as we wait. God's great harvest of joy is coming!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Do I Really Trust God

Do I Really Trust God?

Job 10:8-22 (NLT) 8 “‘You formed me with your hands; you made me, yet now you completely destroy me. 9 Remember that you made me from dust— will you turn me back to dust so soon? 10 You guided my conception and formed me in the womb. 11 You clothed me with skin and flesh, and you knit my bones and sinews together. 12 You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care. 13 “‘Yet your real motive— your true intent— 14 was to watch me, and if I sinned, you would not forgive my guilt. 15 If I am guilty, too bad for me; and even if I’m innocent, I can’t hold my head high, because I am filled with shame and misery. 16 And if I hold my head high, you hunt me like a lion and display your awesome power against me. 17 Again and again you witness against me. You pour out your growing anger on me and bring fresh armies against me. 18 “‘Why, then, did you deliver me from my mother’s womb? Why didn’t you let me die at birth? 19 It would be as though I had never existed, going directly from the womb to the grave. 20 I have only a few days left, so leave me alone, that I may have a moment of comfort 21 before I leave—never to return— for the land of darkness and utter gloom. 22 It is a land as dark as midnight, a land of gloom and confusion, where even the light is dark as midnight.’”

Job knew the promises of God and what God had done for him but he really didn’t trust God fully. He viewed God in a suspicious way. He was always waiting for the other shoe to drop and that God was looking for something to blame Job. I would venture to say that a lot of people treat God that same way – that they know about God and His goodness but can’t really trust Him in the grand scheme of things. I want to be a place in my life where I can fully trust Him and fully follow Him – no matter what the circumstance is. It is only then that I can fully have the peace of God in my life.

Compassionate Heart

Job 6:14 (NLT) 14 “One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty."

I probably never have looked at this verse the same way that I do now. As Job makes his speech – I can literally put myself in his shoes. I feel what he feels as he vents during his depression. It amazes my that people don’t have compassion with those that are weak around them. Job says it right – we should be kind to those who are fainting. We don’t know what they’ve gone through. We don’t know what they are thinking. It’s a terrible thing to go through depression - It even worse to go through it with people who are heartless. We should treat others as we would want to be treated.