Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Ephesians 6:23, 24 ESV)
I've always liked the Thanksgiving time together with families and food. It is during this time, in the midst of a very hectic schedule, we are able to drop all the busy-ness for a few days and just enjoy being together. It's the lull before life gets really hectic with the Christmas season bearing upon us.
If I may, I would like to challenge you to be a little more purposeful this Thankgiving day. Yes, we need to have a thankful heart - but shouldn't that be a regular daily thing that we should do and have?
We need to go deeper than that. We need to have purpose in our meeting together. In some way - we must extend God to those who have come to be with us on this day - even to those who arn't believers.
If you don't mind, I would like to help you in the way you minister to your family and friends on Thanksgiving Day. That, these qualities would emminate from your being to every person you touch and connect with (whether it be someone you like or don't like).
Paul, in Ephesians gives us a helping hand in the way we should be purposeful when connecting with our friends and family. He tells us:
1- That we would extend peace, love and faith that comes God the Father and The Lord Jesus Christ.
It is not something that I can do on my own but it is something that can come to and through me by God's almighty power. As you connect with your family say a quiet prayer of peace and love and faith over them. As you reach out to hug them - send a quick prayer to God to bring these needed characteristics into their very soul. As you look into their eyes - ask God about their real need and what it is that you can do to help them. Ask God to reveal to you how to pray for them and how to be a blessing to them.
2- That grace and unconditional love would be realized by them and that they would have an understanding of who God is and what He can do for them.
People are devoid of real love today. There are many substitutes and there are many distractions. People avoid being real and genuine because they don't know God's unconditional love for them. Our pride hinders us from receiving God's Grace and peace. As the come through your doors - remember the grace that God has given you and now pray that grace upon their lives also.
Your friends and family might not know that you just sent a prayer heavenward on their behalf. They might not know that they are on your prayer path today. But this I do know - My God hears my prayers and great results are going to come because of those prayers. He will somehow come through and the lives of my family and friends will come into alignment with Him and His purposes.
Have a great Thanksgiving Time this year!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Monday, November 25, 2013
YOU HAVE FAMILY!
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, (Ephesians 3:14, 15 ESV)
I had one of the most amazing "life experiences" this week as I took my mom to Santa Barbara to attend the funeral of her only brother who recently died. It was interesting to be able to see and connect with some of my family of whom I hadn't seen in many years. One cousin, I hadn't seen since she was a teenager and now had a family with 3 beautiful kids. As we sat around the table reminiscing about the past and our lives now - I was impressed with this very fact - "You have family."
As we got ready to leave - we said our goodbyes, exchanged phone numbers and promised to stay in touch. I took a picture with my phone for showing my family and remembering later. When we got home, I pulled up the picture to show my wife and family, and as I did - something really interesting happened... the face tag from my phone tagged my cousin's face asking if it was me. I've never had that happen with anyone - not even with my own brother or sister. There had to be enough similarities in our facial features to identify her and I as the same person.
Later on I decided to give her call and talk to her and tell her about what my phone did. This is where is gets interesting and amazing. As she answered the phone - I began to tell her what happened on my phone and I said, "You Have family!" She, in return, began to tell me of the lost feeling that she felt because of her dad's passing recently and her mom years ago. She was asking, "How do fit" and "Who am I connected to?" I was able to reiterate over and over "You have family." The DNA would prove that and the resemblance is unmistakable. It was an amazing time of reconnecting and reestablishing our family ties.
There are some lessons for us spiritually as well. If you have given your heart to Christ - "You have family." It's a very big family and there are many family members you haven't even met yet. I like what Aimee Grant's song has to say - "You've got your father's eyes." When I look at you - I can see Jesus and when you look at me - you can see Jesus also. We've got His DNA (the blood of Christ) and we've got His characteristics. "You have family today!"
Perhaps you've strayed away and have not been very connected but "You got family today." Don't neglect our times together. Don't think coming to church is not very important. We need each other and can be a great blessing in ministering to each other's needs. "You have family today!"
I had one of the most amazing "life experiences" this week as I took my mom to Santa Barbara to attend the funeral of her only brother who recently died. It was interesting to be able to see and connect with some of my family of whom I hadn't seen in many years. One cousin, I hadn't seen since she was a teenager and now had a family with 3 beautiful kids. As we sat around the table reminiscing about the past and our lives now - I was impressed with this very fact - "You have family."
As we got ready to leave - we said our goodbyes, exchanged phone numbers and promised to stay in touch. I took a picture with my phone for showing my family and remembering later. When we got home, I pulled up the picture to show my wife and family, and as I did - something really interesting happened... the face tag from my phone tagged my cousin's face asking if it was me. I've never had that happen with anyone - not even with my own brother or sister. There had to be enough similarities in our facial features to identify her and I as the same person.
Later on I decided to give her call and talk to her and tell her about what my phone did. This is where is gets interesting and amazing. As she answered the phone - I began to tell her what happened on my phone and I said, "You Have family!" She, in return, began to tell me of the lost feeling that she felt because of her dad's passing recently and her mom years ago. She was asking, "How do fit" and "Who am I connected to?" I was able to reiterate over and over "You have family." The DNA would prove that and the resemblance is unmistakable. It was an amazing time of reconnecting and reestablishing our family ties.
There are some lessons for us spiritually as well. If you have given your heart to Christ - "You have family." It's a very big family and there are many family members you haven't even met yet. I like what Aimee Grant's song has to say - "You've got your father's eyes." When I look at you - I can see Jesus and when you look at me - you can see Jesus also. We've got His DNA (the blood of Christ) and we've got His characteristics. "You have family today!"
Perhaps you've strayed away and have not been very connected but "You got family today." Don't neglect our times together. Don't think coming to church is not very important. We need each other and can be a great blessing in ministering to each other's needs. "You have family today!"
Saturday, November 23, 2013
WHO ARE YOU TRUSTING TODAY?
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10, 11 ESV)
What would you want to convey to someone knowing that you only have a short time to live? What words of advice would try and impart to those you love?
When my dad was on his death bed and had but a few hours to live - I asked him if there was anything he wanted to say to the family. If was funny - because he said "I would have gone to Disneyland more often with the family." It wasn't "Go, and work hard and make a lot of money." It was - "Spend time with your family. Don't let the pressures of life overwhelm you and enjoy life while you can." Very deep. Very interesting.
Paul was winding his ministry down and was trying to convey to his readers that which was the most important thing to say. He uses this word, "Finally" - meaning "This is it. Here is what I want you to remember." He tells them "to be strong in The Lord and in the strength of HIS might and to put on the whole armor of God." In other words - "there are a lot of things you can put your strength in, but there is only one thing that will make you strong for dealing with the issues of life - that is, being strong in The Lord.
Paul then goes on to tell us how we can be strong - it is by putting on the armor of God. He then takes the time to explain how a soldier is to dress is the same way that we are to dress ourselves everyday.
We are to put on...
- The Belt of Truth
- The Breastplate of Righteousness
- The Shoes of peace
- The Shield of Faith
- The Helmet of Salvation
- The Sword of the Spirit
These things, if put on everyday would help you to be strong in the ways of The Lord and against the real enemy which is Satan and his demonic forces that will come at you in every way possible.
In doing so, you will "be able to stand against the wiles (tricks) of the devil."
May I encourage you today to evaluate what it is that you are putting your trust in and what it is that is most important in your life. Who is it that you trust in and what are you doing to remain strong? Victory is your today if you are trusting in God and doing what He has asked you to do. You are an overcomer and God has given you the tools to win whatever battle you are fighting.
What would you want to convey to someone knowing that you only have a short time to live? What words of advice would try and impart to those you love?
When my dad was on his death bed and had but a few hours to live - I asked him if there was anything he wanted to say to the family. If was funny - because he said "I would have gone to Disneyland more often with the family." It wasn't "Go, and work hard and make a lot of money." It was - "Spend time with your family. Don't let the pressures of life overwhelm you and enjoy life while you can." Very deep. Very interesting.
Paul was winding his ministry down and was trying to convey to his readers that which was the most important thing to say. He uses this word, "Finally" - meaning "This is it. Here is what I want you to remember." He tells them "to be strong in The Lord and in the strength of HIS might and to put on the whole armor of God." In other words - "there are a lot of things you can put your strength in, but there is only one thing that will make you strong for dealing with the issues of life - that is, being strong in The Lord.
Paul then goes on to tell us how we can be strong - it is by putting on the armor of God. He then takes the time to explain how a soldier is to dress is the same way that we are to dress ourselves everyday.
We are to put on...
- The Belt of Truth
- The Breastplate of Righteousness
- The Shoes of peace
- The Shield of Faith
- The Helmet of Salvation
- The Sword of the Spirit
These things, if put on everyday would help you to be strong in the ways of The Lord and against the real enemy which is Satan and his demonic forces that will come at you in every way possible.
In doing so, you will "be able to stand against the wiles (tricks) of the devil."
May I encourage you today to evaluate what it is that you are putting your trust in and what it is that is most important in your life. Who is it that you trust in and what are you doing to remain strong? Victory is your today if you are trusting in God and doing what He has asked you to do. You are an overcomer and God has given you the tools to win whatever battle you are fighting.
Friday, November 22, 2013
IS YOUR ATTITUDE IN THE RIGHT PLACE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. (Ephesians 6:5-8 ESV)
When I was around 10 or 11 years old I had my first job - mowing my neighbors yard and I got $3.00 per week. Slowly, I started doing other houses too and in a sense had my own little business. My dad had instilled a good work ethic in me by teaching me how to do a good job on our own lawn and I was able to carry those principles into that first job and every job that I've had since then.
It's interesting in looking back after all these years that I've noticed that there are two types of employees - 1- Those who work just to live - those who just come to work just to pick up a paycheck and go home, and 2- Those who come to work with a sense of purpose and meaning. These are those who are not just working for their earthly bosses but are working for something higher and bigger than themselves - for some purpose and plan that serves mankind with a God-type purpose. These are those who see their paycheck as a way to fulfill their ministry in life and not just to pay the bills. Yes, they need to pay the bills but they also see their lives has having purpose and a mission that is from God Himself. These people know that when they are work they are trying to please God and not man - that they are bondservants of God and are endeavoring to do God's will. They come with a sense of destiny and mission to work everyday. It might be cleaning some toilets or picking up papers from the parking lot or giving food to the needy but it's all about pleasing God our Father.
May I encourage you today to reaccess the reason you go to work - is it to just get a paycheck or is it to serve a purpose that is bigger than your life? Are you being a man pleaser - doing and saying the things that will impress your boss? Or, are you a person that is ultimately serving God and His mission of touching and ministering to a broke and hurting world.
I pray that God would change your heart today and give you a sense of purpose and thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve Him today where your are and whatever you are doing.
When I was around 10 or 11 years old I had my first job - mowing my neighbors yard and I got $3.00 per week. Slowly, I started doing other houses too and in a sense had my own little business. My dad had instilled a good work ethic in me by teaching me how to do a good job on our own lawn and I was able to carry those principles into that first job and every job that I've had since then.
It's interesting in looking back after all these years that I've noticed that there are two types of employees - 1- Those who work just to live - those who just come to work just to pick up a paycheck and go home, and 2- Those who come to work with a sense of purpose and meaning. These are those who are not just working for their earthly bosses but are working for something higher and bigger than themselves - for some purpose and plan that serves mankind with a God-type purpose. These are those who see their paycheck as a way to fulfill their ministry in life and not just to pay the bills. Yes, they need to pay the bills but they also see their lives has having purpose and a mission that is from God Himself. These people know that when they are work they are trying to please God and not man - that they are bondservants of God and are endeavoring to do God's will. They come with a sense of destiny and mission to work everyday. It might be cleaning some toilets or picking up papers from the parking lot or giving food to the needy but it's all about pleasing God our Father.
May I encourage you today to reaccess the reason you go to work - is it to just get a paycheck or is it to serve a purpose that is bigger than your life? Are you being a man pleaser - doing and saying the things that will impress your boss? Or, are you a person that is ultimately serving God and His mission of touching and ministering to a broke and hurting world.
I pray that God would change your heart today and give you a sense of purpose and thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve Him today where your are and whatever you are doing.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
HOW TO BE A GREAT AND GODLY PARENT OR GRANDPARENT
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV)
Fortunately, as a child, I was given a good role model in regards to what a godly father was like in order that I also might be a good father and grandfather to my kids and grandkids. There are a number of areas where people fail in life but these two things should not be one of them. We MUST learn how to be a good child and we MUST learn how to be a godly parent. The way that we have treated our parents will in many aspects be reflective of how we will relate to our Heavenly Father in heaven. And, the way we father our children often is a reflection of how we view how God has been a father to us and our personal lives.
Fathers are instructed in this passage to "not provoke your children to wrath." I've seen fathers do this in so many way - like teasing their children to the point of frustration. I've seen fathers give in to fits of anger to the point of yelling and screaming and even beating their children. And, I've seen fathers provoke their children by making unreasonable demands on them causing them to be provoked.
Instead, the scriptures tell us to "them bring up in the nurture and admonition of The Lord."
You might ask "How do I do that - what do I need to do?" I believe some of the answers are found in
Deuteronomy 4:9... "Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them to thy sons, and thy sons' sons;"
Notice the principles:
1. Keeping your soul with all diligence. They are going to learn more by your example more than any other way.
2. Don't forget all that the Lord has done for you.
3. Teach them to your sons and your sons' sons. It is sad that the mighty works of God are difficult to transmit to the next generation.
The truth is, I have been given the help and strength and authority to do just that. God has given me His Word to instruct me and help me lead in the right and godly way. I can influence many future generations because I am following the examples that have laid down before me.
The way to do this is by the power of God. As I come alongside God's power, even with my weaknesses and mistakes - God takes over and and brings blessing to my children and grandchildren, even in spite of me.
Here's the key...
Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
May God richly bless and give you the grace to be the most godly parent to your children that you can possible be!
Fortunately, as a child, I was given a good role model in regards to what a godly father was like in order that I also might be a good father and grandfather to my kids and grandkids. There are a number of areas where people fail in life but these two things should not be one of them. We MUST learn how to be a good child and we MUST learn how to be a godly parent. The way that we have treated our parents will in many aspects be reflective of how we will relate to our Heavenly Father in heaven. And, the way we father our children often is a reflection of how we view how God has been a father to us and our personal lives.
Fathers are instructed in this passage to "not provoke your children to wrath." I've seen fathers do this in so many way - like teasing their children to the point of frustration. I've seen fathers give in to fits of anger to the point of yelling and screaming and even beating their children. And, I've seen fathers provoke their children by making unreasonable demands on them causing them to be provoked.
Instead, the scriptures tell us to "them bring up in the nurture and admonition of The Lord."
You might ask "How do I do that - what do I need to do?" I believe some of the answers are found in
Deuteronomy 4:9... "Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them to thy sons, and thy sons' sons;"
Notice the principles:
1. Keeping your soul with all diligence. They are going to learn more by your example more than any other way.
2. Don't forget all that the Lord has done for you.
3. Teach them to your sons and your sons' sons. It is sad that the mighty works of God are difficult to transmit to the next generation.
The truth is, I have been given the help and strength and authority to do just that. God has given me His Word to instruct me and help me lead in the right and godly way. I can influence many future generations because I am following the examples that have laid down before me.
The way to do this is by the power of God. As I come alongside God's power, even with my weaknesses and mistakes - God takes over and and brings blessing to my children and grandchildren, even in spite of me.
Here's the key...
Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
May God richly bless and give you the grace to be the most godly parent to your children that you can possible be!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
STILL IN LOVE AFTER 40 YEARS OF BEING MARRIED
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, (Ephesians 5:25 ESV)
I've been maried over 40 years to the same woman (Denise) of whom I met while I was in High School. Her family started attending our church one Sunday and the rest is history. I noticed her when she walked through the doors of the church and haven't taken my eyes off of her since. When we eventually got married - at that time we had no clue about where our journey would take us and the situations and people that we would encounter along the way. We had to learn to trust in God to lead us and help us with every decision and difficulty that we would encounter. We made a lot of mistakes but daily we discovered that the the mercies of The Lord are fresh and new and available to us every day. Our journey has taken us many places and we had the opportunity to pastor four wonderful churches along the way and have met the most wonderful people who are now are friends. Our daughters have brought us much blessing and our grandkids have been like the topping on the ice cream. As I look back I feel like a very blessed man.
I remember before I got married that my dad had the"talk" with me about marriage and love. He talked to me about loving your wife in the same manner as Christ loved the church. I was told that it wasn't a perfect church that He loved but one that was filled with many flaws and imperfections. In fact, the scriptures tell us that He loved the church so much that He "gave himself up for her." My dad modeled that in the way he treated and loved my mom and I have always tried to model that in my life in the way that I've treated Denise. I have often failed and I've made many mistakes along the way. There have been many great days but there have also been some very difficult days because of the struggles of life and the struggles of two walking together in agreement along the same road. What I've discovred along the way is this: The struggles are what make you strong. The difficulties are what define you and help you to understand what it is that you really believe.
I look back over the 40 years and realize that a lot has changed and much is still the same. The problems and difficulties might have different faces but the same God who was with me in the beginning is the same God is daily helps me now. I am quicker to bring my needs before God and I find comfort in the fact that Denise and I can still reach out our hands together and often even with words unsaid to know that we can do whatever is before us with help and strength of God Almighty.
I look forward to what lies ahead. I am committed to loving and walking with Denise to the end of our lives together - that my kids and grandkids and even my church will look at me and say, "That's the way I want to live my life - that's the model that I want to emulate" in my marriage." I pray that I would never fail my wife, my kids, my grandkids or my church in this regard. Amen.
I've been maried over 40 years to the same woman (Denise) of whom I met while I was in High School. Her family started attending our church one Sunday and the rest is history. I noticed her when she walked through the doors of the church and haven't taken my eyes off of her since. When we eventually got married - at that time we had no clue about where our journey would take us and the situations and people that we would encounter along the way. We had to learn to trust in God to lead us and help us with every decision and difficulty that we would encounter. We made a lot of mistakes but daily we discovered that the the mercies of The Lord are fresh and new and available to us every day. Our journey has taken us many places and we had the opportunity to pastor four wonderful churches along the way and have met the most wonderful people who are now are friends. Our daughters have brought us much blessing and our grandkids have been like the topping on the ice cream. As I look back I feel like a very blessed man.
I remember before I got married that my dad had the"talk" with me about marriage and love. He talked to me about loving your wife in the same manner as Christ loved the church. I was told that it wasn't a perfect church that He loved but one that was filled with many flaws and imperfections. In fact, the scriptures tell us that He loved the church so much that He "gave himself up for her." My dad modeled that in the way he treated and loved my mom and I have always tried to model that in my life in the way that I've treated Denise. I have often failed and I've made many mistakes along the way. There have been many great days but there have also been some very difficult days because of the struggles of life and the struggles of two walking together in agreement along the same road. What I've discovred along the way is this: The struggles are what make you strong. The difficulties are what define you and help you to understand what it is that you really believe.
I look back over the 40 years and realize that a lot has changed and much is still the same. The problems and difficulties might have different faces but the same God who was with me in the beginning is the same God is daily helps me now. I am quicker to bring my needs before God and I find comfort in the fact that Denise and I can still reach out our hands together and often even with words unsaid to know that we can do whatever is before us with help and strength of God Almighty.
I look forward to what lies ahead. I am committed to loving and walking with Denise to the end of our lives together - that my kids and grandkids and even my church will look at me and say, "That's the way I want to live my life - that's the model that I want to emulate" in my marriage." I pray that I would never fail my wife, my kids, my grandkids or my church in this regard. Amen.
Monday, November 18, 2013
FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT!
... Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:18-21 ESV)
Imagine with me that you have a bucket and you want to fill it with two ingredients - 1) with rocks and 2) with sand. There are two ways you could do this... 1) you could put the sand in first and then try to put the rocks in (which won't work very easily) or 2) you could put the rocks in first and then fill in the cracks with the sand (which does work.)
In a sense, that is much like our Chritian life - we have accepted Christ and have allowed Him into our heart (the rocks) and then He comes and fills in all the cracks with the Holy Spirit (the sand) making it a complete and full life.
I know that is a simple analogy but it helps us see how God wants our lives to be - full of Christ and full of the Holy Spirit.
When Christ and the Holy Spirit have filled our lives there is an obvious outflow and change that takes place. It fills all the cracks of our lives that we wouldn't normally fill or would neglect if given to ourselves. When we are filled with Christ and the Holy Spirit - It is noticeable to both you and those that are around you on a daily basis.
First, there is a different way that we talk to one another - "addressing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart." When we're full of God - we want to share it, talk about it, and live it out so that others notice a difference.
Second, there is a different way that we talk with God - "giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of The Lord Jesus Christ," We develop this attitude of thanks to God for coming and saving us and setting us free.
Oh, by the way - there is another outcrop of being filled with the Holy Spirit - Thirdly, it's not about me anymore. It's about "submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." Because of Christ - we now are committed to growing together and learning to submit to one another in love.
BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT TODAY! Ask God to come in and fill all the cracks and spaces of your life so you can be complete and whole and that it will be evident in the outflow of what is coming out of your life.
Imagine with me that you have a bucket and you want to fill it with two ingredients - 1) with rocks and 2) with sand. There are two ways you could do this... 1) you could put the sand in first and then try to put the rocks in (which won't work very easily) or 2) you could put the rocks in first and then fill in the cracks with the sand (which does work.)
In a sense, that is much like our Chritian life - we have accepted Christ and have allowed Him into our heart (the rocks) and then He comes and fills in all the cracks with the Holy Spirit (the sand) making it a complete and full life.
I know that is a simple analogy but it helps us see how God wants our lives to be - full of Christ and full of the Holy Spirit.
When Christ and the Holy Spirit have filled our lives there is an obvious outflow and change that takes place. It fills all the cracks of our lives that we wouldn't normally fill or would neglect if given to ourselves. When we are filled with Christ and the Holy Spirit - It is noticeable to both you and those that are around you on a daily basis.
First, there is a different way that we talk to one another - "addressing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart." When we're full of God - we want to share it, talk about it, and live it out so that others notice a difference.
Second, there is a different way that we talk with God - "giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of The Lord Jesus Christ," We develop this attitude of thanks to God for coming and saving us and setting us free.
Oh, by the way - there is another outcrop of being filled with the Holy Spirit - Thirdly, it's not about me anymore. It's about "submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." Because of Christ - we now are committed to growing together and learning to submit to one another in love.
BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT TODAY! Ask God to come in and fill all the cracks and spaces of your life so you can be complete and whole and that it will be evident in the outflow of what is coming out of your life.
Friday, November 15, 2013
THE CLOCK IS TICKING
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15, 16 ESV)
When we hear 10, 9, 8,7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, when we get to zero, we all expect something to happen. It might be an explosion of a bomb going off, or it might be the final seconds of a game before we burst out in joy over our victory. There is the end of something and the beginning of something else. From the moment we are born, we are assigned a clock which is ticking. We like to think the clock is ticking in our favor. When we see a little child, we think, that child has seventy or eighty years ahead of him or her. The reality is, the child is losing time at the rate of 86,400 seconds each and every day.
By the time the child reaches 35, the child will have 500 days left to live. This 500 days is based on subtracting the time spent sleeping, working, tending to personal matters, hygiene, odd chores, medical matters, eating, traveling and miscellaneous time stealers from the next 35 years.
When we think of stewardship, we often think of money, but time is something God expects us to be good stewards of as well. How we spend our time is going to be of tremendous importance when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Have you ever heard someone say, "I would like to read the Bible but I just do not have the time." If you were to read the bible from Genesis to Revelation at the speed of someone doing the Scripture reading it would take seventy one hours. If you broke that down into minutes and divided it into one year, that means in only twelve minutes a day, you could read the Bible from cover to cover.
When we provide a stewardship of how we spend our time, it will be based on what we have actually done, not what we intended to do. Nobody is going to be rewarded for good intentions. The psalmist prayed, "Lord teach us to number our days."
Our problem stems from us overestimating the time we have left. What do John the Baptist, good King Josiah, and Jonathan the son of King Saul all have in common with Jesus. All of them had an appointment with death before they reached their fortieth birthday. Yet each one of them found the time to do the will of God for their lives.
When we truly number our days, we have a different outlook on life. For instance if you knew you only had 24 hours left to live. What book written last year would you want to read? What soap opera would you desperately want to see? What football game would you not want to miss that night? What amount of that time would you want to rush back and spend at the office on your job? What hairstyle would you feel you had to get? What movie would you just have to see? What outfit would you be dying to buy? What car would you just have to ride in?
Most of us would not be interested in calling our favorite secular artists to come and sit with us. We would not be calling for the bartender to come be by our side. If we had our own business, we would not be calling for all our clients and customers to come be with us. No must of us would be calling for our family and close friends. Some of us would even want to have a worship service remembering the goodness and promises of God.
The reality is, we do not know how much time we have left to give in service to God and to each other. What would you say to your child, if you knew today is the last time you will get to see them? What would you say to your parent, if tomorrow was your last time together? What would you do differently toward your husband or wife this week, if you knew this week was your last one together? My friends, it should not take a crisis in life for us to love another as Jesus told us to do.
A good stewardship of our time, recognizes all of our time belongs to the glory of God. Whatever we do, which cannot be done to the glory of God, needs to be eliminated from our lives. Every day the clock is ticking. Each time you look at your watch, look at your spiritual watch and ask, "Am I doing what I’m doing to the glory of God. Am I making the best use of my time?"
Each of us here determines each day, just how much of Jesus we are going to let into our lives. You have got as much of God in you right now as you want to have. I guarantee you, a large part is based on your stewardship of your time. If you do not have time for God in your schedule, you do not have much of God in your life.
Yes, the clock is ticking. Are you using your time wisely today?
When we hear 10, 9, 8,7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, when we get to zero, we all expect something to happen. It might be an explosion of a bomb going off, or it might be the final seconds of a game before we burst out in joy over our victory. There is the end of something and the beginning of something else. From the moment we are born, we are assigned a clock which is ticking. We like to think the clock is ticking in our favor. When we see a little child, we think, that child has seventy or eighty years ahead of him or her. The reality is, the child is losing time at the rate of 86,400 seconds each and every day.
By the time the child reaches 35, the child will have 500 days left to live. This 500 days is based on subtracting the time spent sleeping, working, tending to personal matters, hygiene, odd chores, medical matters, eating, traveling and miscellaneous time stealers from the next 35 years.
When we think of stewardship, we often think of money, but time is something God expects us to be good stewards of as well. How we spend our time is going to be of tremendous importance when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Have you ever heard someone say, "I would like to read the Bible but I just do not have the time." If you were to read the bible from Genesis to Revelation at the speed of someone doing the Scripture reading it would take seventy one hours. If you broke that down into minutes and divided it into one year, that means in only twelve minutes a day, you could read the Bible from cover to cover.
When we provide a stewardship of how we spend our time, it will be based on what we have actually done, not what we intended to do. Nobody is going to be rewarded for good intentions. The psalmist prayed, "Lord teach us to number our days."
Our problem stems from us overestimating the time we have left. What do John the Baptist, good King Josiah, and Jonathan the son of King Saul all have in common with Jesus. All of them had an appointment with death before they reached their fortieth birthday. Yet each one of them found the time to do the will of God for their lives.
When we truly number our days, we have a different outlook on life. For instance if you knew you only had 24 hours left to live. What book written last year would you want to read? What soap opera would you desperately want to see? What football game would you not want to miss that night? What amount of that time would you want to rush back and spend at the office on your job? What hairstyle would you feel you had to get? What movie would you just have to see? What outfit would you be dying to buy? What car would you just have to ride in?
Most of us would not be interested in calling our favorite secular artists to come and sit with us. We would not be calling for the bartender to come be by our side. If we had our own business, we would not be calling for all our clients and customers to come be with us. No must of us would be calling for our family and close friends. Some of us would even want to have a worship service remembering the goodness and promises of God.
The reality is, we do not know how much time we have left to give in service to God and to each other. What would you say to your child, if you knew today is the last time you will get to see them? What would you say to your parent, if tomorrow was your last time together? What would you do differently toward your husband or wife this week, if you knew this week was your last one together? My friends, it should not take a crisis in life for us to love another as Jesus told us to do.
A good stewardship of our time, recognizes all of our time belongs to the glory of God. Whatever we do, which cannot be done to the glory of God, needs to be eliminated from our lives. Every day the clock is ticking. Each time you look at your watch, look at your spiritual watch and ask, "Am I doing what I’m doing to the glory of God. Am I making the best use of my time?"
Each of us here determines each day, just how much of Jesus we are going to let into our lives. You have got as much of God in you right now as you want to have. I guarantee you, a large part is based on your stewardship of your time. If you do not have time for God in your schedule, you do not have much of God in your life.
Yes, the clock is ticking. Are you using your time wisely today?
Thursday, November 14, 2013
COME OUT OF THE DARKNESS
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (Ephesians 5:8, 10, 11 ESV)
For the most part, I lived a very sheltered life from the ways of the world and the darkness that it survived in. As children living in a pastor's home we were still exposed to certain behaviors of people and saw what sin did to their lives - but to actually see and live in the darkness of sin was a whole new story.
After I started pastoring my first church in the state of Washington I became a Police Chaplain and Reserve Officer and would do ride alongs with our local police department and "BAM" my eyes were opened. I couldn't believe that people actually lived and did some of the things that I was being exposed to. I saw firsthand the ugliness of sin before my eyes - especially after midnight. Almost every person we dealt with in that darkest hour was either high or carrying some sort of weapon or involved in some criminal activity. My heart went out to the abused and lonely - to the prostitutes and down and outers. I cried with those who lost their babies to SIDS and pleaded with the suicidal to come down from that ledge - that their lives were worth living and that I wanted to help them. To this day, those images are still engraved into my heart as I minister to the needs of people that pass by my life. And in reality - there are very few surprises anymore except that which seemed abnormal to me back then is a normal occurance in my life now.
What I do know is this - all that stuff is darkness and God wants us to start living our lives in the light. He wants us to come out of the darkness and into the light. Because we continue to live in this world and have not yet arrived in heaven - there is this tendency to stray over to the dark side and that's not where you want to live. Some people are quite strong and are able to live in and around the darkness because their lights shine brightly but for most of us - we need to get out completely.
Paul simply says that we should "... try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." (If you want a complete list of the sins that are places of the dark - just read this whole chapter.)
I think we tolerate a lot of darkness and choose not to expose those dark we don't want to upset the apple cart in our lives or that of others. But it is clear that we have a higher calling and we are to seek after the light and live in that light. If there are things in your life that are hidden and you don't want anyone to know about - you are living in the dark. If you are drawn to certain sins and constantly obsess about it - you are living in the dark. If your tongue speaks evil things over others - you are living in the dark.
Some time ago, I took some college young people to Hawaii (I know, life is hard sometimes) for a leadership training. While we were there - we got up very early one morning to go to the top of a Volcanno on the island and look for the sunrise in the east. As we gathered together with a number of other people at the top of the mountain there was one thing we were all looking for - we all wanted to see the light. I cannot describe in words the wonderful feeling that we had when the light first appeared. It was almost spiritual in nature. People even started cheering.
I pray that we would all live for and antipate the light to come into our lives today. Yes, we still live in much darkness because we still live on the earth but we need to hear Jesus saying to us today - "Come out of the darkness into the light. Come into my arms of protection and I will give you rest today." May God's light shine into your lives today!
For the most part, I lived a very sheltered life from the ways of the world and the darkness that it survived in. As children living in a pastor's home we were still exposed to certain behaviors of people and saw what sin did to their lives - but to actually see and live in the darkness of sin was a whole new story.
After I started pastoring my first church in the state of Washington I became a Police Chaplain and Reserve Officer and would do ride alongs with our local police department and "BAM" my eyes were opened. I couldn't believe that people actually lived and did some of the things that I was being exposed to. I saw firsthand the ugliness of sin before my eyes - especially after midnight. Almost every person we dealt with in that darkest hour was either high or carrying some sort of weapon or involved in some criminal activity. My heart went out to the abused and lonely - to the prostitutes and down and outers. I cried with those who lost their babies to SIDS and pleaded with the suicidal to come down from that ledge - that their lives were worth living and that I wanted to help them. To this day, those images are still engraved into my heart as I minister to the needs of people that pass by my life. And in reality - there are very few surprises anymore except that which seemed abnormal to me back then is a normal occurance in my life now.
What I do know is this - all that stuff is darkness and God wants us to start living our lives in the light. He wants us to come out of the darkness and into the light. Because we continue to live in this world and have not yet arrived in heaven - there is this tendency to stray over to the dark side and that's not where you want to live. Some people are quite strong and are able to live in and around the darkness because their lights shine brightly but for most of us - we need to get out completely.
Paul simply says that we should "... try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." (If you want a complete list of the sins that are places of the dark - just read this whole chapter.)
I think we tolerate a lot of darkness and choose not to expose those dark we don't want to upset the apple cart in our lives or that of others. But it is clear that we have a higher calling and we are to seek after the light and live in that light. If there are things in your life that are hidden and you don't want anyone to know about - you are living in the dark. If you are drawn to certain sins and constantly obsess about it - you are living in the dark. If your tongue speaks evil things over others - you are living in the dark.
Some time ago, I took some college young people to Hawaii (I know, life is hard sometimes) for a leadership training. While we were there - we got up very early one morning to go to the top of a Volcanno on the island and look for the sunrise in the east. As we gathered together with a number of other people at the top of the mountain there was one thing we were all looking for - we all wanted to see the light. I cannot describe in words the wonderful feeling that we had when the light first appeared. It was almost spiritual in nature. People even started cheering.
I pray that we would all live for and antipate the light to come into our lives today. Yes, we still live in much darkness because we still live on the earth but we need to hear Jesus saying to us today - "Come out of the darkness into the light. Come into my arms of protection and I will give you rest today." May God's light shine into your lives today!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
IMITATORS OF GOD
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1, 2 ESV)
There is a TV commercial that I remember seeing a number of years ago of a boy walking with his father along a trail by a stream of water. If I remember right - the Father reached down and picked up a rock and threw it toward the water. The boy, seeing this, copied and did the same thing. The father did other things which the boy tried to copy and emulate also. Finally, they sit down against the base of a tree and the father took out his cigarettes to light up and put the cigarette package on the ground next to him. The boy looked up at his dad with admiration and then down at the cigarettes and picked them up and took one out as if he was going to smoke it also. The point of the commercial was that your children will emulate what you do in your life - good or bad.
For some reason - that really made an impression on my life as a young father that I need to always watch what I do and say because little eyes are always watching me in what I do.
In this passage we are encourage to be imitators of God and follow Him as "beloved" children. Our eyes are to be so tuned in to Him and His ways. We should be students of who God is and how He operates in our lives. Our driving desire should be to be more like God in every way. To, walk in love as Christ lived and walked on this earth. Paul tells us also to "Follow me as I follow Christ." In otherwords, find those people who are on the path of following God and imitate them as they are learning to imitate God. In doing so, Ephesians states that we will be "a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
I have heard it said that when we were born - that was God's gift to us but the way we live our lives is our gift back to God. May I encourage you today to look at God closely and discover who He is and what He wants and then follow Him fully and become that fragrant and acceptable offering which is pleasing to God in every aspect of your life. It is then that you will discover the most joy and contentment you could ever have. It a life filled with peace.
There is a TV commercial that I remember seeing a number of years ago of a boy walking with his father along a trail by a stream of water. If I remember right - the Father reached down and picked up a rock and threw it toward the water. The boy, seeing this, copied and did the same thing. The father did other things which the boy tried to copy and emulate also. Finally, they sit down against the base of a tree and the father took out his cigarettes to light up and put the cigarette package on the ground next to him. The boy looked up at his dad with admiration and then down at the cigarettes and picked them up and took one out as if he was going to smoke it also. The point of the commercial was that your children will emulate what you do in your life - good or bad.
For some reason - that really made an impression on my life as a young father that I need to always watch what I do and say because little eyes are always watching me in what I do.
In this passage we are encourage to be imitators of God and follow Him as "beloved" children. Our eyes are to be so tuned in to Him and His ways. We should be students of who God is and how He operates in our lives. Our driving desire should be to be more like God in every way. To, walk in love as Christ lived and walked on this earth. Paul tells us also to "Follow me as I follow Christ." In otherwords, find those people who are on the path of following God and imitate them as they are learning to imitate God. In doing so, Ephesians states that we will be "a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
I have heard it said that when we were born - that was God's gift to us but the way we live our lives is our gift back to God. May I encourage you today to look at God closely and discover who He is and what He wants and then follow Him fully and become that fragrant and acceptable offering which is pleasing to God in every aspect of your life. It is then that you will discover the most joy and contentment you could ever have. It a life filled with peace.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
WE CAN'T GO BACK TO THE WAY THINGS USED TO BE
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:17-32 NIV)
All of us can say "I used to live this way but now I live this way." We should all have a testimony of the way things used to be but because of the grace of The Lord Jesus - we've all turned our lives around.
I remember as a child doing something really stupid one time. I was playing with some of my friends around a little creek by our house when all of a sudden we noticed a skunk that had meandered into our path. Here's the stupid thing I did - I took by BB gun and popped him with a BB and he didn't like that it all. He immediately turned his tail toward and covered us with his presence. Upon arriving home my mom wouldn't let me in the house and made me shed my clothes which she put in the trash can. I then had to take a tomato juice bath to get the smell off me. Even then - it lasted for days.
The problem was this - those were my favorite jeans and shirt that were now in the trash can. I was tempted to retrieve them but every time I got close - I changed my mind.
Isn't that like a lot of as Christians? We're given a spiritual cleansing yet we want to go and put on our old clothes again.
Paul warns us in this passage that we can't go back to the way things were. We can't live like we used to in the past. He then goes on to elaborate the way we used to live and warns us to not go back to our old way of doing things. Notice this extensive list:
- We used to be darkened in our thinking and separated from God
- We used to given over to sensuality and indulged ourselves in all kinds of impurity
- We used to be full of greed
- We used to be full of deceitful desires
- We used to speak falsehood to our neighbors
- We used to steal
- We used to speak unwholesome words
- We used to grieve the Holy Spirit of God
- We used to have bitterness, rage and anger
- We used to brawl
- We used to slander
- We used to have malice in our life
- We used to have unforgiveness
But we are no longer the way we used to be. We have been set free and now we can live and enjoy our lives. Don't go back to old life and habits. Keep your eyes forward and on the grace and mercy of Christ. Don't put on those old and sinful characteristics - desiring it's pleasures. Give yourselves fully to the work of Christ and allow Him to bring His blessings and promises to your new life. That is where the blessings of The Lord are found today.
All of us can say "I used to live this way but now I live this way." We should all have a testimony of the way things used to be but because of the grace of The Lord Jesus - we've all turned our lives around.
I remember as a child doing something really stupid one time. I was playing with some of my friends around a little creek by our house when all of a sudden we noticed a skunk that had meandered into our path. Here's the stupid thing I did - I took by BB gun and popped him with a BB and he didn't like that it all. He immediately turned his tail toward and covered us with his presence. Upon arriving home my mom wouldn't let me in the house and made me shed my clothes which she put in the trash can. I then had to take a tomato juice bath to get the smell off me. Even then - it lasted for days.
The problem was this - those were my favorite jeans and shirt that were now in the trash can. I was tempted to retrieve them but every time I got close - I changed my mind.
Isn't that like a lot of as Christians? We're given a spiritual cleansing yet we want to go and put on our old clothes again.
Paul warns us in this passage that we can't go back to the way things were. We can't live like we used to in the past. He then goes on to elaborate the way we used to live and warns us to not go back to our old way of doing things. Notice this extensive list:
- We used to be darkened in our thinking and separated from God
- We used to given over to sensuality and indulged ourselves in all kinds of impurity
- We used to be full of greed
- We used to be full of deceitful desires
- We used to speak falsehood to our neighbors
- We used to steal
- We used to speak unwholesome words
- We used to grieve the Holy Spirit of God
- We used to have bitterness, rage and anger
- We used to brawl
- We used to slander
- We used to have malice in our life
- We used to have unforgiveness
But we are no longer the way we used to be. We have been set free and now we can live and enjoy our lives. Don't go back to old life and habits. Keep your eyes forward and on the grace and mercy of Christ. Don't put on those old and sinful characteristics - desiring it's pleasures. Give yourselves fully to the work of Christ and allow Him to bring His blessings and promises to your new life. That is where the blessings of The Lord are found today.
Monday, November 11, 2013
WHY GO TO CHURCH?
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:11-16 ESV)
People often wonder - "What is the importance of pastors, teachers, churches, etc?" I think this passage answers that question quite well. Let's look what is said:
Ephesian 4:11-16 lists the 5-fold ministries of the church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers) with the intended purpose of establishing strong character values in each and every one of us.
1. To equip the saints for the work of ministry - God never intended for you to sit on the sidelines but to get involved in some sort of ministry to others (both in the church and outside). We are called to serve and help one another. Leaders of the church should be pointing every person in the direction of helping everyone to lovingly serve the needs around us.
2. For building up the body of Christ - As each of us use our gifts and talents - the church (the Body of Christ) is built up and edified. If all of us are doing what we're supposed to do - the burden doesn't land on just a few but is equally shared. There is someone that needs your touch and gift today.
3. That we might all attain a unity of faith - There are so many thoughts and ideas about God, church, life - it is so important that the 5 Fold Ministries lead people into a unity of faith. Can you imagine what would happen if we were all on the same page - going the same direction?
4. To have a knowledge of the son of God - I want to know all I can about Jesus and what He has done for me and how He wants to be in my life. I want to know Him more and more and more. He is my life and He is my God and Savior.
5. To walk in maturity - We need the 5 fold ministries to teach us about growing up and becoming everything that God wants for us. Those in leadership need to be models and mentors to those they lead. We need them to teach us to not be like a boat that is tossed by every wind and doctrine, human craftiness and deceit, but that we are solid and stable in the ways of The Lord.
As leaders teach, lead and speak the truth in love - we (God's church) will be strong and able to minister with strength to the needs of people in and out of the church. As leaders lead, we will be as one - ministering to one another in love and will be the church that God wants and intends.
A church can be shallow and wide or it can be deep and strong. I want to be part of the church that is growing and maturing and walking strong amidst a sinful and crooked generation. We've been given the truth and we've been given godly leaders to help us grow and mature and love.
I pray that each person reading this would find that church and pastor that can help them to be what God wants for your life. If you don't have a good church and pastor - find one that will help you to be a better and stronger Christian. These leaders are responsible to before God to hold you and themselves accountable to God.
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (Hebrews 13:17 NIV)
People often wonder - "What is the importance of pastors, teachers, churches, etc?" I think this passage answers that question quite well. Let's look what is said:
Ephesian 4:11-16 lists the 5-fold ministries of the church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers) with the intended purpose of establishing strong character values in each and every one of us.
1. To equip the saints for the work of ministry - God never intended for you to sit on the sidelines but to get involved in some sort of ministry to others (both in the church and outside). We are called to serve and help one another. Leaders of the church should be pointing every person in the direction of helping everyone to lovingly serve the needs around us.
2. For building up the body of Christ - As each of us use our gifts and talents - the church (the Body of Christ) is built up and edified. If all of us are doing what we're supposed to do - the burden doesn't land on just a few but is equally shared. There is someone that needs your touch and gift today.
3. That we might all attain a unity of faith - There are so many thoughts and ideas about God, church, life - it is so important that the 5 Fold Ministries lead people into a unity of faith. Can you imagine what would happen if we were all on the same page - going the same direction?
4. To have a knowledge of the son of God - I want to know all I can about Jesus and what He has done for me and how He wants to be in my life. I want to know Him more and more and more. He is my life and He is my God and Savior.
5. To walk in maturity - We need the 5 fold ministries to teach us about growing up and becoming everything that God wants for us. Those in leadership need to be models and mentors to those they lead. We need them to teach us to not be like a boat that is tossed by every wind and doctrine, human craftiness and deceit, but that we are solid and stable in the ways of The Lord.
As leaders teach, lead and speak the truth in love - we (God's church) will be strong and able to minister with strength to the needs of people in and out of the church. As leaders lead, we will be as one - ministering to one another in love and will be the church that God wants and intends.
A church can be shallow and wide or it can be deep and strong. I want to be part of the church that is growing and maturing and walking strong amidst a sinful and crooked generation. We've been given the truth and we've been given godly leaders to help us grow and mature and love.
I pray that each person reading this would find that church and pastor that can help them to be what God wants for your life. If you don't have a good church and pastor - find one that will help you to be a better and stronger Christian. These leaders are responsible to before God to hold you and themselves accountable to God.
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (Hebrews 13:17 NIV)
Saturday, November 9, 2013
I KNOW LIFE CAN BE HARD... BUT GOD!
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV)
On April 9th of 1942 the United States was fighting alongside Philippine soldiers in the Battle Of Baatan (in the Philippine Islands) with Japan. Unfortunately, the battle was lost and thousands of Philippine soldiers and hundreds of U.S. soldiers were imprisoned. The Japanese were unprepared for this amount of prisoners and weren't prepared to deal with them. There was no food for three days and they had to drink from polluted waters. They were forced on a 80 mile walk to an area more north of where they were. They were treated brutally and many lost their lives and those who survived suffered lifetime illness' and problems.
One of my dear friends - Jim, was forced to walk this walk and suffered blindness for the rest of his life. Even years later - it was a very difficult thing for him to share his experiences. But through it all - this trial didn't bring out the worse in him as it did in others but brought out the graciousness of The Lord and the fruits of the spirit in ways that only Christ could put in a man.
The traits in this passage of humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with another in love and eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace were all amplified in my friend. He taught me about forgiveness and kindness in ways that I would have never learned on my own.
I would like to say that these traits are a natural thing that we would be endowed with but I can't. Usually these characteristics are developed through much difficulty and much hardship forcing us to see and feel and understand the other side of life.
How will I learn humility unless someone humiliates me? How will I learn gentleness unless someone has been harsh and rough with me? How will I learn patience unless I am having to deal with the impatience in myself and with others? How will I deal with love and unity unless I am living amongst hate and disunity? How will I learn about peace unless I experience the ugliness of hate in and around me?
I know that life can be hard... but God. He can take every trial and heartache and difficult place and retool it for the good of helping and blessing others.
My friend Jim went through a terrible time and suffered much during his whole adult life. I was blessed to know him and his lovely wife Inez and their five children. To be in his home and in their lives was a highlight of my ministry. I learned about trusting God in the midst of hardship and I learned about allowing His gift of grace to be in and extended through me.
Trust God today with all your hurts and pains and sufferings and allow Him to mold and remake you into His image. In doing so, you will bring glory to Him and see the gift of peace begin to rise up within you and your life.
On April 9th of 1942 the United States was fighting alongside Philippine soldiers in the Battle Of Baatan (in the Philippine Islands) with Japan. Unfortunately, the battle was lost and thousands of Philippine soldiers and hundreds of U.S. soldiers were imprisoned. The Japanese were unprepared for this amount of prisoners and weren't prepared to deal with them. There was no food for three days and they had to drink from polluted waters. They were forced on a 80 mile walk to an area more north of where they were. They were treated brutally and many lost their lives and those who survived suffered lifetime illness' and problems.
One of my dear friends - Jim, was forced to walk this walk and suffered blindness for the rest of his life. Even years later - it was a very difficult thing for him to share his experiences. But through it all - this trial didn't bring out the worse in him as it did in others but brought out the graciousness of The Lord and the fruits of the spirit in ways that only Christ could put in a man.
The traits in this passage of humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with another in love and eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace were all amplified in my friend. He taught me about forgiveness and kindness in ways that I would have never learned on my own.
I would like to say that these traits are a natural thing that we would be endowed with but I can't. Usually these characteristics are developed through much difficulty and much hardship forcing us to see and feel and understand the other side of life.
How will I learn humility unless someone humiliates me? How will I learn gentleness unless someone has been harsh and rough with me? How will I learn patience unless I am having to deal with the impatience in myself and with others? How will I deal with love and unity unless I am living amongst hate and disunity? How will I learn about peace unless I experience the ugliness of hate in and around me?
I know that life can be hard... but God. He can take every trial and heartache and difficult place and retool it for the good of helping and blessing others.
My friend Jim went through a terrible time and suffered much during his whole adult life. I was blessed to know him and his lovely wife Inez and their five children. To be in his home and in their lives was a highlight of my ministry. I learned about trusting God in the midst of hardship and I learned about allowing His gift of grace to be in and extended through me.
Trust God today with all your hurts and pains and sufferings and allow Him to mold and remake you into His image. In doing so, you will bring glory to Him and see the gift of peace begin to rise up within you and your life.
Friday, November 8, 2013
YOU ARE SO LOVED BY GOD!
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV)
I am fascinated when I see feats of strength by men and women who are able to perform unusually difficult things with their bodies - like strapping an airplane to their body and walking it down a runway or to lift an inordinate amount of weight all by themselves. To see their bodies work through whatever pain or uncomfortableness they might have is truly amazing.
But that didn't come naturally. There might be a certain amount of natural born strength that they have because of their DNA but it mostly comes through hard work in the gymnasium with workouts and weights, etc.
But there is another type of strength that Paul prays for in this passage: a strength in our inner being. It is the strength of knowing and understanding about the love of God in our lives. God is love - period. Paul prays that as we come to know "Him" we will also come to know his deep and caring love that He has for us and the extent that He would go to prove to us how deeply loved we are by Him.
It is a little difficult for us to understand this type of love because as we live on earth - love is often measured by how little there is and hateful mankind can be. We look at the places where we don't have love and where we don't love like we should and wonder how can God really love us and what does real love actually look like. We live with hurts from those who are in our lives that have shown us anything but love and confuse that with type of love that God gives to us.
This passage helps us past that hurdle. I can't understand or know God or love on my own. My mind and heart are too finite - too corrupted. But it can be known by the power of Christ working in our lives. Paul tells us "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."
You can't manufacture that love or even understand it without the power of God who is ABLE to reveal it to you in abundant ways. When God sent His son Jesus to die for our sins - that was the ultimate proof of His love to us. Who would do that with His only son? Who would go to such great lengths to reveal His nature to us? It can only be by a God who really loves and cares for us - who is willing to lay down His life for each and every one of us.
May I encourage you today to stop for a moment and thank our Heavenly Father for loving and revealing Himself to you and your life.
YOU ARE SO LOVED BY GOD!
I am fascinated when I see feats of strength by men and women who are able to perform unusually difficult things with their bodies - like strapping an airplane to their body and walking it down a runway or to lift an inordinate amount of weight all by themselves. To see their bodies work through whatever pain or uncomfortableness they might have is truly amazing.
But that didn't come naturally. There might be a certain amount of natural born strength that they have because of their DNA but it mostly comes through hard work in the gymnasium with workouts and weights, etc.
But there is another type of strength that Paul prays for in this passage: a strength in our inner being. It is the strength of knowing and understanding about the love of God in our lives. God is love - period. Paul prays that as we come to know "Him" we will also come to know his deep and caring love that He has for us and the extent that He would go to prove to us how deeply loved we are by Him.
It is a little difficult for us to understand this type of love because as we live on earth - love is often measured by how little there is and hateful mankind can be. We look at the places where we don't have love and where we don't love like we should and wonder how can God really love us and what does real love actually look like. We live with hurts from those who are in our lives that have shown us anything but love and confuse that with type of love that God gives to us.
This passage helps us past that hurdle. I can't understand or know God or love on my own. My mind and heart are too finite - too corrupted. But it can be known by the power of Christ working in our lives. Paul tells us "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."
You can't manufacture that love or even understand it without the power of God who is ABLE to reveal it to you in abundant ways. When God sent His son Jesus to die for our sins - that was the ultimate proof of His love to us. Who would do that with His only son? Who would go to such great lengths to reveal His nature to us? It can only be by a God who really loves and cares for us - who is willing to lay down His life for each and every one of us.
May I encourage you today to stop for a moment and thank our Heavenly Father for loving and revealing Himself to you and your life.
YOU ARE SO LOVED BY GOD!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
HERE - YOU DRIVE!
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace... (Ephesians 2:13, 14 ESV)
When I took Life Guard Training in High School we were taught one major principle about life saving techniques - you can't help some who is fighting you in the water. Somehow you've got to get them to trust you and let you do your job and sometimes this had to be done by force in order to bring the help that they needed.
There was a time when we were all at war with God. It was a time that we walked in rebellion and against His teachings and plans for our lives. It was a time when we lived for ourselves and did our own thing - only to find out that we can't fight God over this and be happy.
Like Jonah of the Old Testament - we have all run in the opposite direction so that we wouldn't have to deal with hearing God challenge our hearts to walk in His ways. I could give you testimony after testimony of those who finally stopped fighting and arguing with God and surrendered fully to Him. Each and everyone will tell you this - the peace the comes at that point is unbeliable and undescribable. It floods your soul and settles your spirit.
May I encourage you to take and heed this message today? If you are running from the voice and call of God - stop fighting Him. God knows what is best for you and what is the place where you will experience the most peace in your life. He knows what your heart and desire need in right now. Stop arguing and arm wrestling Him because you will never win. No matter how big or subtle your battle might be - stop it. Let God take control and be the master of your life and destiny.
As I write this, I'm reminded of a story that my mom tells of my grandfather and grandmother arguing while they were driving somewhere (my mom and her brother were in the back seat). They were driving an older car that wasn't put together like the cars of today. As they were turning a corner - the steering wheel just came off in my Grandfather's hands and they drove off into a corn field. My grandfather simply turned to my grandmother and said, "Here - you drive" and handed her the steering wheel. My mom says that after a short silence - everyone started laughing.
This is exactly what we should be doing in our lives - give the wheel to God and let Him drive and we become the passengers just going along for the ride.
That's something to think about!
When I took Life Guard Training in High School we were taught one major principle about life saving techniques - you can't help some who is fighting you in the water. Somehow you've got to get them to trust you and let you do your job and sometimes this had to be done by force in order to bring the help that they needed.
There was a time when we were all at war with God. It was a time that we walked in rebellion and against His teachings and plans for our lives. It was a time when we lived for ourselves and did our own thing - only to find out that we can't fight God over this and be happy.
Like Jonah of the Old Testament - we have all run in the opposite direction so that we wouldn't have to deal with hearing God challenge our hearts to walk in His ways. I could give you testimony after testimony of those who finally stopped fighting and arguing with God and surrendered fully to Him. Each and everyone will tell you this - the peace the comes at that point is unbeliable and undescribable. It floods your soul and settles your spirit.
May I encourage you to take and heed this message today? If you are running from the voice and call of God - stop fighting Him. God knows what is best for you and what is the place where you will experience the most peace in your life. He knows what your heart and desire need in right now. Stop arguing and arm wrestling Him because you will never win. No matter how big or subtle your battle might be - stop it. Let God take control and be the master of your life and destiny.
As I write this, I'm reminded of a story that my mom tells of my grandfather and grandmother arguing while they were driving somewhere (my mom and her brother were in the back seat). They were driving an older car that wasn't put together like the cars of today. As they were turning a corner - the steering wheel just came off in my Grandfather's hands and they drove off into a corn field. My grandfather simply turned to my grandmother and said, "Here - you drive" and handed her the steering wheel. My mom says that after a short silence - everyone started laughing.
This is exactly what we should be doing in our lives - give the wheel to God and let Him drive and we become the passengers just going along for the ride.
That's something to think about!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
20 Purposes For The Blood Of Christ
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13 ESV)
As a child our family lived near a slaughter house. For the most part it was unnoticeable, but in the hot summer months together with the Santa Ana winds we often got the brunt of the smell that drifted our way. I knew one man who worked there who shared an interesting fact about people who worked in slaughter houses: People who work with the blood of animals have very clean hands - almost bleached. He would then show us his hands and how clean they would look. The blood was a natural cleansing agent.This passage of scripture speaks of the means for our coming closer to God - it is by the shed blood of Christ. People often wonder - "Why is the blood so important? Why did Christ have to die and shed His blood? What difference does it make in my life?" Well, I want to answer that today by giving you 20 Purposes Of The Blood Of Christ." (Compiled by Frank Viola)
1. It brings forgiveness of our sins
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:27, 28 ESV)
2. It gives life to those who consume it
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. (John 6:53 ESV)
3. It causes us to dwell in Christ and He in us
Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. (John 6:56 ESV)
4. It is the means by which Jesus purchased the church
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20:28 ESV)
5. It is the means by which Jesus becomes our atonement through faith
...God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (Romans 3:25 ESV)
6. It justifies us and saves us from wrath
Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (Romans 5:9 ESV)
7. It redeems us
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, (Ephesians 1:7 ESV)
Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1:18, 19 ESV)
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, (Revelation 5:9 ESV)
8. It brings those who were far away from God near to Him
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13 ESV)
9. It grants us the forgiveness of sins
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13, 14 ESV)
10. It brings peace and reconciliation to God
And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:20 ESV)
11. It has obtained eternal redemption for us
He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:12 ESV)
12. It cleanses our conscience from dead works to serve the living God
How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
(Hebrews 9:14 ESV)
13. It is the means by which we enter the most holy place with boldness
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, (Hebrews 10:19 ESV)
14. It speaks a better word than the blood of Abel
And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. (Hebrews 12:24 ESV)
15. It sanctifies us
So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. (Hebrews 13:12 ESV)
16. It equips us for every good work
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20, 21 ESV)
17. It cleanses us from all sin
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7 ESV)
18. It bears witness in the earth along with the Spirit and the water
This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. (1 John 5:6-8 ESV)
19. It is the means by which Jesus washes and frees us
And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood (Revelation 1:5 ESV)
I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14 ESV)
20. It is the means by which we overcome the accuser of the brethren
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:11)
I'm so thankful today for the sacrifice that Christ made for me by the shedding of His blood by which brings me freedom and salvation from my sins.
As a child our family lived near a slaughter house. For the most part it was unnoticeable, but in the hot summer months together with the Santa Ana winds we often got the brunt of the smell that drifted our way. I knew one man who worked there who shared an interesting fact about people who worked in slaughter houses: People who work with the blood of animals have very clean hands - almost bleached. He would then show us his hands and how clean they would look. The blood was a natural cleansing agent.This passage of scripture speaks of the means for our coming closer to God - it is by the shed blood of Christ. People often wonder - "Why is the blood so important? Why did Christ have to die and shed His blood? What difference does it make in my life?" Well, I want to answer that today by giving you 20 Purposes Of The Blood Of Christ." (Compiled by Frank Viola)
1. It brings forgiveness of our sins
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:27, 28 ESV)
2. It gives life to those who consume it
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. (John 6:53 ESV)
3. It causes us to dwell in Christ and He in us
Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. (John 6:56 ESV)
4. It is the means by which Jesus purchased the church
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20:28 ESV)
5. It is the means by which Jesus becomes our atonement through faith
...God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (Romans 3:25 ESV)
6. It justifies us and saves us from wrath
Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (Romans 5:9 ESV)
7. It redeems us
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, (Ephesians 1:7 ESV)
Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1:18, 19 ESV)
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, (Revelation 5:9 ESV)
8. It brings those who were far away from God near to Him
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13 ESV)
9. It grants us the forgiveness of sins
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13, 14 ESV)
10. It brings peace and reconciliation to God
And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:20 ESV)
11. It has obtained eternal redemption for us
He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:12 ESV)
12. It cleanses our conscience from dead works to serve the living God
How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
(Hebrews 9:14 ESV)
13. It is the means by which we enter the most holy place with boldness
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, (Hebrews 10:19 ESV)
14. It speaks a better word than the blood of Abel
And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. (Hebrews 12:24 ESV)
15. It sanctifies us
So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. (Hebrews 13:12 ESV)
16. It equips us for every good work
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20, 21 ESV)
17. It cleanses us from all sin
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7 ESV)
18. It bears witness in the earth along with the Spirit and the water
This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. (1 John 5:6-8 ESV)
19. It is the means by which Jesus washes and frees us
And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood (Revelation 1:5 ESV)
I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14 ESV)
20. It is the means by which we overcome the accuser of the brethren
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:11)
I'm so thankful today for the sacrifice that Christ made for me by the shedding of His blood by which brings me freedom and salvation from my sins.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
GOD HAS NOT FORGOT YOU
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
As you might know, my daughter's family lives with us right now so our house is a beehive of activity all the time. I have an 8 year old grandson who is using a lot of his spare time to create and build things from Lego's (tiny pieces) to paper airplanes to whatever his mind creates. He has a book that tells you how to design the coolest airplanes out of just a plain piece of paper which he has mastered and has even built some of his own concoctions. To spice things up, last week, his father went with him to the hobby store and brought back two model planes for them to put together. It was fun to watch them work and build to bring this raw creation to life. They took the first plane out of the box and looked at all the parts, separated them, filed off rough edges and began to assemble it to the specifications of the box with all the decals, etc. When they were done they had this beautiful airplane that was the product of their work together. It sits where we can all see it and my grandson can show us the work that he and his dad did together.
When you were created - it took the work of God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Together they collaberated and created a "workmanship" that is unique in such a way that there is no other person with your fingerprint or your DNA in the whole world. Just as there are no two snowflakes that are alike - it is true that there is no one else exactly like you. You are unique and different from everyone else in all of creation. In fact, the Greek definition of "workmanship" gives us more meaning to this word by defining it as "a poem." We are God's poem today. We are His masterpiece today.
I know that it is easy to get down on yourself and to feel like every thing around you is a mess and a failure but you must look at what God says about you - that He has a plan and a purpose for you (Jeremiah 29:9). You must remember that it is He who created you and it is He who can fix you. You were created for "good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Don't sell yourself short today about God's plan for your life. Don't allow the enemy to steal from you God's dream and design for your life. You have been designed by God and there is no detail of your life that He doesn't see. May I encourage you today to stop and remind yourself that you are important to God and that he has not forgotten you. He cares about every need that you have and so wants to be part of your day today. Trust Him to lead you and trust Him to reveal His perfect will for your life so you can serve Him in a new and fresh way that will bring glory to His name! Say with me right now, "I was created by God and I am special to Him today. He has not forgotten me and He wants to lead me and bless my ways in all I do and say. I'm going to trust Him fully. Amen!"
As you might know, my daughter's family lives with us right now so our house is a beehive of activity all the time. I have an 8 year old grandson who is using a lot of his spare time to create and build things from Lego's (tiny pieces) to paper airplanes to whatever his mind creates. He has a book that tells you how to design the coolest airplanes out of just a plain piece of paper which he has mastered and has even built some of his own concoctions. To spice things up, last week, his father went with him to the hobby store and brought back two model planes for them to put together. It was fun to watch them work and build to bring this raw creation to life. They took the first plane out of the box and looked at all the parts, separated them, filed off rough edges and began to assemble it to the specifications of the box with all the decals, etc. When they were done they had this beautiful airplane that was the product of their work together. It sits where we can all see it and my grandson can show us the work that he and his dad did together.
When you were created - it took the work of God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Together they collaberated and created a "workmanship" that is unique in such a way that there is no other person with your fingerprint or your DNA in the whole world. Just as there are no two snowflakes that are alike - it is true that there is no one else exactly like you. You are unique and different from everyone else in all of creation. In fact, the Greek definition of "workmanship" gives us more meaning to this word by defining it as "a poem." We are God's poem today. We are His masterpiece today.
I know that it is easy to get down on yourself and to feel like every thing around you is a mess and a failure but you must look at what God says about you - that He has a plan and a purpose for you (Jeremiah 29:9). You must remember that it is He who created you and it is He who can fix you. You were created for "good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Don't sell yourself short today about God's plan for your life. Don't allow the enemy to steal from you God's dream and design for your life. You have been designed by God and there is no detail of your life that He doesn't see. May I encourage you today to stop and remind yourself that you are important to God and that he has not forgotten you. He cares about every need that you have and so wants to be part of your day today. Trust Him to lead you and trust Him to reveal His perfect will for your life so you can serve Him in a new and fresh way that will bring glory to His name! Say with me right now, "I was created by God and I am special to Him today. He has not forgotten me and He wants to lead me and bless my ways in all I do and say. I'm going to trust Him fully. Amen!"
Monday, November 4, 2013
A FREE GIFT TO YOU
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9 ESV)
John 8 records a story about a woman who is caught in adultery and is now standing before her accusers. Imagine the shame that she must have felt to be dragged by these religious leaders in front of Jesus and having all her ugly sins exposed. According to the law she should have been stoned. As Jesus was hearing this He bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger and eventually says, "Let him among you who has not sinned throw the first stone." Slowly, one by one, each of the religious leaders left the woman's presence because each of them were guilty of sin in their own lives. Jesus, upon seeing this, looks at the woman who is standing before Him alone and says, "Is there no one who condemns you? Then, neither do I - go and sin no more."
What a story of grace. This woman didn't deserve His forgiveness but received it any way. She received a gift that only God can give to any person.
But this is not just her story - it is all of our stories. It might or might not be the sin of adultery but it could be any sin that you have carried in your life - some of which might be secrets you've carried for years and years. It is a sin that is shameful and dirty to you and in reality is holding you back from a real freedom in Christ.
Imagine that it is you who has been pulled before the religious leaders pointing all your ugly sins and secrets out before Christ. Imagine the shame and humiliation you must feel at that time. (By the way - this is exactly what Satan does every day in regards to your life - he bring accusation daily to your life of your past). Imagine in that moment that you feel your failure again and again when all of a sudden Jesus stands up and says, "Is there no one who condemns you? Then, neither do I - go and sin no more."
Oh the liberty and the freedom to experience God's grace when we need it most. We didn't deserve it. We can't work for it. We can do nothing but receive it.
It is that grace that is available to you today. Is that grace that you can receive freely in your life. You don't have to live with your secrets any more and you don't have to carry the burden of sin over your life. You are free - totally free. Now go and "sin no more."
John 8 records a story about a woman who is caught in adultery and is now standing before her accusers. Imagine the shame that she must have felt to be dragged by these religious leaders in front of Jesus and having all her ugly sins exposed. According to the law she should have been stoned. As Jesus was hearing this He bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger and eventually says, "Let him among you who has not sinned throw the first stone." Slowly, one by one, each of the religious leaders left the woman's presence because each of them were guilty of sin in their own lives. Jesus, upon seeing this, looks at the woman who is standing before Him alone and says, "Is there no one who condemns you? Then, neither do I - go and sin no more."
What a story of grace. This woman didn't deserve His forgiveness but received it any way. She received a gift that only God can give to any person.
But this is not just her story - it is all of our stories. It might or might not be the sin of adultery but it could be any sin that you have carried in your life - some of which might be secrets you've carried for years and years. It is a sin that is shameful and dirty to you and in reality is holding you back from a real freedom in Christ.
Imagine that it is you who has been pulled before the religious leaders pointing all your ugly sins and secrets out before Christ. Imagine the shame and humiliation you must feel at that time. (By the way - this is exactly what Satan does every day in regards to your life - he bring accusation daily to your life of your past). Imagine in that moment that you feel your failure again and again when all of a sudden Jesus stands up and says, "Is there no one who condemns you? Then, neither do I - go and sin no more."
Oh the liberty and the freedom to experience God's grace when we need it most. We didn't deserve it. We can't work for it. We can do nothing but receive it.
It is that grace that is available to you today. Is that grace that you can receive freely in your life. You don't have to live with your secrets any more and you don't have to carry the burden of sin over your life. You are free - totally free. Now go and "sin no more."
Saturday, November 2, 2013
BUT GOD...
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— (Ephesians 2:4, 5 ESV)
We all have our stories. All of can all look back and reflect about some of the things we did before becoming a Christian. It's not pretty. It's a story of failure, defeat, sin and more sin. Those things we did fill us with much shame and disgust that we are embarrassed that we would have even gone down that path. "BUT GOD" showed up and changed everything. He filled us with His loved and gave us His forgiveness. We were once "dead in our trespasses" but now we have been "made alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved." I was reading a passage of scripture the other day from Luke 7 - about a woman coming to Jesus and washing his feet with her tears and wiping them with her hair. Jesus tells Peter... "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:37). She realized that her sins were many and she was so thankful to find hope and life again. None of us are exempt from this - whether your sins were little or many - we all have to have that time when God steps in and have a "But God" experience. That, we realize that it is by His grace we are where we are today. The past is past and over and now our hearts are like the woman crying and kissing the feet of Jesus - so glad to be free and so glad that God showed up and gave a new lease on life - "But God!"
We all have our stories. All of can all look back and reflect about some of the things we did before becoming a Christian. It's not pretty. It's a story of failure, defeat, sin and more sin. Those things we did fill us with much shame and disgust that we are embarrassed that we would have even gone down that path. "BUT GOD" showed up and changed everything. He filled us with His loved and gave us His forgiveness. We were once "dead in our trespasses" but now we have been "made alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved." I was reading a passage of scripture the other day from Luke 7 - about a woman coming to Jesus and washing his feet with her tears and wiping them with her hair. Jesus tells Peter... "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:37). She realized that her sins were many and she was so thankful to find hope and life again. None of us are exempt from this - whether your sins were little or many - we all have to have that time when God steps in and have a "But God" experience. That, we realize that it is by His grace we are where we are today. The past is past and over and now our hearts are like the woman crying and kissing the feet of Jesus - so glad to be free and so glad that God showed up and gave a new lease on life - "But God!"
Friday, November 1, 2013
FIVE PRAYERS FOR YOUR LIFE
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:15-23 ESV)
Paul tells the Ephesians that he is thankful for the Ephesian Christians and that he remembers them in prayer all the time. He proceeds in mentioning Five Specific Prayers for them - which we should be praying for ourselves and for those around us.
1- That God would give them the "Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him..."
Wouldn't be great if all of us prayed this prayer? That... God would fill us with the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation of who He is. We need to know the God whom we serve. We need to know His attributes and strengths - what He likes and dislikes. The word "knowledge" is a word of intimacy. It means to thoroughly know - to be acquainted with. It means to be recognizable. In other words - you know God intimately and completely.
2. That you might have "the eyes of your heart enlightened."
The idea is that of illumination and understanding. Life has a way of blinding us to truth about ourselves and situations around us. We need the Holy Spirit to come and take the blinders off our spiritual eyes that we would know and do God's will for our lives.
3. That you would know what is the "hope of your calling."
Everyone of has a calling to fulfill here on earth. We have a mission to accomplish. God has given us gifts to be used and deployed. The problem lies in the fact that some of us have no clue about what God has put in us and what is His calling in our lives. Paul prays that we would "know" the hope of our calling.
4. That we would know... "what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."
Think about that - we are His inheritance. We are His prize and jewel. Jesus loves us and wants us to be everything that we can be in life. Not only that but we also have an inheritance in Christ. Someday we shall stand with Him and God will lavishly pour out blessing upon blessing upon your life for your faithfulness on earth.
5. That we would know "what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ."
The Greek word for power is the word for strength, ability. It has the idea of miracle working power. Do you need a miracle today? God wants to give that to you. He wants to bless you with an understanding of his greatness and power in your life.
The answer to these prayers do not come from any strength of your own but only by the working of Christ's power in your life. As you depend on Him for your daily needs - His knowledge and power and strength will be released in your life today. Every Christian should pray these five prayers daily over their lives and over those in their personal circle, family, friends, pastor, church, etc. When you do - watch out - Miracles are on their way!
Paul tells the Ephesians that he is thankful for the Ephesian Christians and that he remembers them in prayer all the time. He proceeds in mentioning Five Specific Prayers for them - which we should be praying for ourselves and for those around us.
1- That God would give them the "Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him..."
Wouldn't be great if all of us prayed this prayer? That... God would fill us with the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation of who He is. We need to know the God whom we serve. We need to know His attributes and strengths - what He likes and dislikes. The word "knowledge" is a word of intimacy. It means to thoroughly know - to be acquainted with. It means to be recognizable. In other words - you know God intimately and completely.
2. That you might have "the eyes of your heart enlightened."
The idea is that of illumination and understanding. Life has a way of blinding us to truth about ourselves and situations around us. We need the Holy Spirit to come and take the blinders off our spiritual eyes that we would know and do God's will for our lives.
3. That you would know what is the "hope of your calling."
Everyone of has a calling to fulfill here on earth. We have a mission to accomplish. God has given us gifts to be used and deployed. The problem lies in the fact that some of us have no clue about what God has put in us and what is His calling in our lives. Paul prays that we would "know" the hope of our calling.
4. That we would know... "what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."
Think about that - we are His inheritance. We are His prize and jewel. Jesus loves us and wants us to be everything that we can be in life. Not only that but we also have an inheritance in Christ. Someday we shall stand with Him and God will lavishly pour out blessing upon blessing upon your life for your faithfulness on earth.
5. That we would know "what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ."
The Greek word for power is the word for strength, ability. It has the idea of miracle working power. Do you need a miracle today? God wants to give that to you. He wants to bless you with an understanding of his greatness and power in your life.
The answer to these prayers do not come from any strength of your own but only by the working of Christ's power in your life. As you depend on Him for your daily needs - His knowledge and power and strength will be released in your life today. Every Christian should pray these five prayers daily over their lives and over those in their personal circle, family, friends, pastor, church, etc. When you do - watch out - Miracles are on their way!
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