FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT

HE IS ALWAYS WITH US

2012-01-07T03:00:00.000-08:00

“And be sure of this:

I am with you always,

even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 18:20b NLT

~~~~~

As we face 2012, some people are expecting a year of clear sailing. Others have concerns over what the new year may hold. Whatever 2012 brings us, none of us have been on this stretch of our life’s road before. However, the good news is we will not be alone - our Lord will be with us all the way - whether we are skipping along smooth places or struggling over rough ground. His presence will make the smooth places all the more enjoyable, and because He is by our side we can be assured He will help us over the rough and difficult stretches! His promise is be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

If we had the choice, most all of us would choose a smooth path. But with everything going smoothly for too long, we are likely to begin to feel like we are in control of life, and the presence of the Lord won’t seem all that important to us.

On the other hand, if our path is rough and difficult for long periods of time, we soon become aware that we really are not in control, and when we are crying out to God for help, and no help seems to come, we begin to question – where is God, why isn’t He helping me with my struggles?

If that should happen, our focus needs to be redirected - off our struggle - and on the Lord’s promise, I am with you always. By faith we need to acknowledge and praise Him for His presence whatever we are going through. The smooth and the rough are both designed by Him to teach us to trust Him more. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that God promised, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. So we can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper.”

In 1897 Ludie D. Pickett wrote:

“When in affliction’s valley
I’m treading the road of care,
My Savior helps me to carry
My cross when heavy to bear,
Though all around me is darkness,
Earthly joys all flown;
My Savior whispers His promise,
“I never will leave thee alone.”

“No, never alone,
No, never alone,
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.”

Listen to Randy Knaps sing: NO NEVER ALONE

GOD SO LOVED…THAT HE GAVE

2011-12-03T02:00:00.000-08:00

“God loved the world so much

that he gave his one and only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him

will not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16 NLT

~~~~~

Most of us have been familiar with John 3:16 for so long that at times we have taken it for granted. Let’s take a moment to refocus on how incredible God’s love is.

When we consider the creation of heaven and earth - from the endless expanse of space to the microscopic forms of life – from angels – plants – animals - God is the creator of them all. As a climax to His creation He said, Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. The “us” in this passage is a reference to the Trinity. He designed us with the ability to communicate and have fellowship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as they have with each other. Of all His created beings, only people are made in His image - which is the only way He can have the warm and loving relationship He longs to have with us now, and throughout eternity.

We all know what happened in the Garden of Eden. Sin separated the human race from the God of love who also is the God of justice and requires that the penalty for sin be paid in full. Our sinful nature makes it impossible for us to pay the penalty we are charged with.

This is where God’s love comes to the rescue – He loved us so much that he gave his one and only Son. We get our first glimpse of the Son in human form as a helpless infant in the manger of Bethlehem. At the outset of His ministry He was tempted by the Devil, and each time He fought him off by quoting appropriate scriptures. Hebrews tells us He has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. That makes Him absolutely unique. Only He had the credentials to pay the penalty that human sin incurred.

Throughout the years of His ministry He was keenly aware why He had come to this world. He came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Repeatedly He said, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. Even though He knew He would rise again, He also knew taking our sin upon Himself meant separation from the Father, and that was unthinkable. So in Gethsemane He repeatedly cried out in prayer, My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. His love for us won out – He went to the cross and died in our place!

“Oh, love of God,
how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure -
The saints’ and angels' song.”

Click on THE LOVE OF GOD to Hear Billy Graham and The Gaithers

IT’S GOOD TO GIVE THANKS

2011-11-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

It is good

to give thanks to the LORD,

to sing praises to the Most High.

It is good

to proclaim your unfailing love

in the morning,

your faithfulness in the evening.

Psalm 92:1-2 NLT

~~~~~~

As December is associated with Christmas, so November automatically brings Thanksgiving to mind. To be thankful doesn’t take much of an effort when everything is going our way, but when hard times come it becomes more of a challenge.

Whether our situation in life makes it easy or difficult to give thanks, it is always good to give thanks to the LORD because everything our Lord allows to come our way is always for our good. To give thanks for His gifts makes them all the more precious to us. Not to be thankful for His provision reveals a proud and presumptuous heart which looks at His blessings as something deserved. That kind of attitude leads to grumbling and complaining when things don’t go our way, and that’s not good.

Relationships are strengthened where mutual gratitude is shown. When we express thanks to others, it lifts our spirits and the spirits of those whom we thank. It is good to give thanks.

Studies at the U of California at Davis as well as other studies find overwhelming evidence that gratitude has a profound positive effect on peoples’ lives. “Gratitude journals” – in which people make a daily list of things they are thankful for – have become a popular practice and have proven even helpful for people to come out of depression. It is good to give thanks.

Now if it is a good thing to thank each other and to think about things we are grateful for - how much better and how much greater the benefits if our thanks are also directed to the LORD. . . Most High! Thanking and praising God throughout the day for His unfailing love and faithfulness needs to be our goal. He wants us to continually PRACTICE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul writes “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” It is good to give thanks to the LORD!

THE LORD HOLDS US BY THE HAND

2011-10-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly.

He delights in every detail of their lives.

Though they stumble, they will never fall,

for the Lord holds them by the hand.”

Psalm 37:23-24 NLT

~~~~~~~

If you have a toddler, or ever had one you can easily remember how carefully you held their hand and helped them maneuver up or down steps – step by step until they cleared the last one. Even when they mis-stepped, they didn’t go crashing down the stairs; instead, they found themselves dangling from your hand until you safely set them down again. Children are a precious gift from God and every conscientious parent does everything possible to protect them from harm. It brings us incredible joy and satisfaction as we watch them develop and grow through the various stages of life.

If we who are so far from being perfect and so limited in our abilities - do as well as we do - in protecting our children from falling, how much more is our perfect – all powerful – loving heavenly Father able to keep us from falling.

We are so blessed that our spiritual safety does not depend on us holding onto the Lord’s hand. We wouldn’t be any safer than a toddler holding unto their daddies’ hand. The first stumble, and that little hand would lose its’ grip and down they’d go. Our safety depends on the fact that our Lord holds us by the hand. His grip is secure, and will protect us from falling. His promise is, Though they stumble, they will never fall. It was when we committed ourselves to Him, that He took hold of our hand, and now even though we (spiritually speaking), misstep at times - trip over things – lose our balance – get banged up, we never go down all the way! Because He holds us by the hand!!

The amazing truth is, that God almighty who created heaven and earth, not only has “The whole world in His hand," but personally holds each believer by the hand! We are precious to Him, and He delights in every detail of our life and lovingly directs our steps.

If you are going through troubled times these days, and it seems like you're all alone, and no one understands or even cares. Bad as it may seem, you really are not alone. He is holding you by the hand! Trust Him, He will hold you up, and once again set your feet on solid ground. He will lead you all the way home, step by step.

Listen to the Broolyn Tabernacle Choir sing: MY LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS

PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY

2011-09-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.

Ask God to help them;

intercede on their behalf,

and give thanks for them.

Pray this way for kings

and all who are in authority

so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives

marked by godliness and dignity.

This is good and pleases God our Savior.”

I Timothy 2:1-3 NLT

~~~~~~

We are living in troubled times. Our nation is involved in several military conflicts – one longer than any war we have ever been involved in. It has cost us thousands of precious lives and billions upon billions of dollars. Poor financial management on every level has brought us into deep financial problems - lost jobs – bankruptcies – foreclosures and a skyrocketing national debt – resulting in our nation losing its AAA credit rating. People of every political persuasion are angry and are expressing themselves in no uncertain terms. It’s easy to get caught up in the hateful, negative criticism of our president and elected officials.

But as Christians, we have a higher calling than to fill people’s ears and inboxes with corrosive ranting over our broken national economy, and blaming our political leaders for causing it or allowing it to happen.

Paul writes Timothy, I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Our higher calling is to pray for all people - not just for our family and close friends - and those who treat us right, but even for people who may treat us like dirt at times. We are to pray even for our enemies. Ask God to help them; that their needs may be met – intercede on their behalf - pleading with God that they will put their trust in Jesus and be saved - and give thanks for them. Even the worst of people have some merit for which we can be grateful.

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority. Our higher calling is not only to pray for people we commonly associate with, but also for governmental and civil leaders - for the president – judges – members of our national or state senate and congress as well as local officials - whether we voted for them or not. (Even the most inept or cruelest leaders are better than no leaders.) Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. - so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior.

JESUS NEVER CHANGES

2011-08-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

We live in a changing world. Over the past fifty some years we have gone back to the Dakotas many times to visit family. Not only did places look different, but our families kept changing - they were aging and there were fewer and fewer. Some died of old age, disease and some by accident.

Besides places and families changing, there are continuous clothes and hair style changes. Tattoos on women and body piercings on men are increasingly common. While these, for the most part, may be morally neutral, increasingly Christians are involved in life style changes which clearly are not morally innocent.

Practices which fifty or sixty years ago, were unthinkable, are becoming more common. Divorce used to be rare among Christians, now the rate is about the same as with non Christians. Living together before marriage is becoming more prevalent. Gay couples are becoming more numerous and are demanding the rights of one man one woman marriage partners. Unimaginable not too long ago - some Christians are now saying: "Gay couples should be granted the same rights as traditional partners."

Add to all the above changes – changes in our national security due to terrorists’ threats – worldwide economies on the verge of failure – widespread political revolutions around the world – earthquakes – violent weather conditions, etc. etc.

With all these changes around us, it is truly assuring that that which counts the most is eternally secure! God’s Word does not change with the changing culture of this world, it is eternally changeless, as God Himself is changeless. In John 1 John speaking of Jesus says, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God.” When Jesus became the incarnate Word He was the visible expression of the Word of God. In Luke 21 He said “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” To this, Hebrews 18 adds, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

ALL MAY CHANGE, BUT JESUS NEVER! GLORY TO HIS NAME!!

Listen to:

Yesterday, Today and Forever - Vicky Beeching

TRULY FREE

2011-07-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

“If the Son sets you free,

you are truly free.”

John 8:36 NLT

~~~~~

Frances Scott Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships in Chesapeake Bay during the War of 1812. Two years later he wrote “The Star Spangled Banner.” By congressional resolution and signature by President Herbert Hoover it became our National Anthem in 1931. Though we usually only sing the first stanza, it has four – each ending with “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”

In 1832 Samuel Francis Smith wrote “My Country, 'Tis of Thee” commonly referred to as “America.” Though we normally only sing stanzas 1, 3-4 it has eight. Freedom and liberty are common themes in our patriotic songs. Liberty - referring to being free from foreign control, and having the ability to govern ourselves.

Freedom was so highly valued by our forefathers that the First Amendment to the United States Constitution (enacted in 1791) addressed freedom of religion, speech, and the press, as well as the right to assemble and petition the government.

In our time some of those freedoms are being threatened. Special rights groups are attempting to pass laws which could deny Christians the freedom of publicly declaring their convictions which are deemed politically incorrect. Some are claiming freedoms and rights that end up denying the freedoms and rights of others. If this trend continues it could get downright scary.

However, the entire human race has always, and is now faced with a “freedom issue” which is more fundamental than any freedom which can be granted or denied by any civil government. The most far reaching, “freedom issue” is spiritual and has eternal consequences. When the first couple disobeyed God in Eden, they brought all humans under Satan’s rule – resulting in immediate spiritual death and eventual physical death for everyone. No military power is capable of overthrowing Satan’s rule of this world, nor is there anything we can do to free ourselves from Satan’s control. Only the sinless Son of God was able to break Satan’s’ rule over us by dying in our place and rising again. Only the risen Christ can set us free. Free not only from the consequences of sin, but also free to do the will of God. By faith in Him we are truly free no matter under what civil government we live.

Listen to: HE SET ME FREE - Gaither Homecoming

HONORING FATHER

2011-06-04T03:00:00.000-07:00

“Honor your father and mother.”

This is the first commandment

with a promise:”

Ephesians 6:2-3 NLT

~~~~~~

As a reader of this blog over time you have learned that I was the youngest in my family. My parents were in their 50’s when I came along, so the mental pictures I have of my Dad are images of an old man.

I remember him as an old gray haired man with a crippled right hand. In his sixties his hand was crushed when he tried to stop a water pump from sliding into the well. For some reason the doctor didn’t set the bones – he just sowed up the wound. Despite his handicap I remember my Father repairing barbwire fencing - plowing the vegetable garden with “Topsy” pulling a walk-behind single bottom plow. I see him peddling a large grinding wheel sharpening the blades on a sickle for the hay mower. He was always puttering around doing something. He never drove a car or tractor – horse drawn vehicles were his transportation.

My dad spoke a German dialect called Schwabish but virtually no English. He signed checks with an X. He never attended Public School, however he was able to read his German Bible which he most likely learned to do in German Sunday School Class.

I don’t remember my father having conversations with me that much or playing with me, but never the less he left a positive impression on me. He always prayed at every meal, and regularly led family devotions by reading a passage from his German Bible and leading in the singing of a hymn – after which everyone knelt and prayed out loud at the same time. He was faithful to see that his family attended church regularly. During testimony time at church I remember him often giving testimony of his faith in Christ. Though the words were pretty much the same every time – his sincerity could not be doubted.

The fifth commandment (to honor our parents) carries with it the promise of lifelong benefits. We honor them by obeying them - speaking well of them, and living a life that brings them joy and pride. Our parents are to be honored not only if they meet certain requirements, but simply because they have brought us into this world - giving us the gift of physical life and the opportunity to choose to serve God and spend eternity in heaven.

May we honor our fathers not only once a year but always – while they are alive and beyond - for as long as we live.

BLESSING MOTHER

2011-05-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

“Her children stand and bless her.

Her husband praises her.”

Proverbs 31:28 NLT

~~~~~

A mother has a most intimate relationship with her children. In a normal pregnancy she carries the child for nine months where it is fearfully and wonderfully made. What she eats and drinks or does to her body has a positive or negative effect on the child. She delivers it with great pain and feeds it with her own milk. Providing for its needs and welfare consumes her life. In a normal situation she has the greatest influence on the formation of that young life.

I was the last of my mother’s eleven children. As the “baby” of the family, by a number of years, I got a lot of attention, and probably was a bit spoiled. All my childhood memories of my mother are very pleasant. I can actually see myself, as a youngster, cuddled up on her lap and feel the warmth of her comforting arms around me.

During my grade school years I can see her working in the garden - butchering chickens and dipping them in scalding water and plucking the feathers – sometimes I helped with the feathers. She was a wonderful cook. I always sat next to her at the dinner table. I can see her bent over the wash tub, scrubbing clothes on a scrub board. Though my mother was a very hard worker, I don’t remember her ever pushing me aside. She always seemed to have time for me.

I was the only one in the family who went to school beyond the eighth grade. Living on a farm 20 some miles from a High School required that I room and board in town. During those years I broke my mother’s heart by going the way of the world. In my mind I can still hear her weeping and pleading with the Lord for my salvation. At the age of 21 I accepted Christ as my Savior. Just a few years later when she was in her 80’s she went to be with the Lord. I am eternally grateful for her love and prayers. I am the only one left of her children, and as long as I live I will stand and bless her.

We please the Lord by blessing our mothers as we recall and give testimony to the blessing she has brought into our lives. I encourage you to take the opportunity to stand up for your mother and bless her now and always. Most likely there is no one who has impacted your life more than she has. Let her know how much you appreciate her while you have the opportunity.

HALLELUJAH! CHRIST AROSE!

2011-04-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

“Father, if you are willing,

please take this cup

of suffering away from me.

Yet I want your will to be done,

not mine.”

Luke 22:42 NLT

~~~~~

When we read about early Christian martyrs being tortured for their faith in Christ, amazingly some of them sang praises to God and some even welcomed the flames that killed them. They wholeheartedly believed what Paul wrote, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Death held no fear for them. They knew Christ’s death assured them eternal life. Jesus taught, I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. (physical death) Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. (spiritual death – eternal separation from God.) As born again believers we can confidently face physical death because our Lord has suffered the spiritual death we deserve.

As Jesus approached the time of His crucifixion He said, “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.” The night He was betrayed He prayed in Gethsemane “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.

Jesus struggled so profoundly at the thought of dying for our sins because it meant complete separation from His heavenly Father. It meant the fellowship - peace - joy - glory and fulfillment which He had enjoyed with His Father from all eternity would be cut off. He would be in utter darkness, completely removed from all light. No wonder Jesus cried out from the cross, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? In absolute darkness – totally separated from His Father - He suffered the hell our sins deserve.

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. The Father was completely satisfied with the sacrifice of His sinless Son so on the third day after His death, having fully paid for our sins on the cross, He raised Him from the dead.

“Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!”
-- Robert Lowry

Listen to RESURRECTION - Guy Penrod

USING GOD’S GIFTS WELL

2011-03-12T03:00:00.000-08:00

“To those who use well

what they are given,

even more will be given,

and they will have an abundance.

But from those who do nothing,

even what little they have

will be taken away.”

Matthew 25:29 NLT

~~~~~~

This verse comes after the parable of the Ten Bridesmaids and the parable of the Three Servants which set the scene for the Final Judgment all of us are going to face some day. The point is there is no way of knowing when that day will come, nor will it be possible for us to make preparations once the day has arrived.

Ever since God has put people on this planet, He has given them gifts of ability, opportunity, and privilege along with the responsibility to use well what they are given. To use those gifts in a God honoring way results in getting more abilities, opportunities, and privileges which keep on growing and developing as we serve the Lord.

To neglect God’s gifts and not put them to use in this life will bring unimaginable tragic results – all abilities, opportunities, and privilege to know and serve God will be taken away, and those people will be cast into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. This kind of language is only used of people who refuse to put their trust in Jesus. Since God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Not to make use of the gift of salvation through Christ cancels out all other eternal gifts.

However, by putting our trust in Jesus, we take that first vital step which opens the door to the possibility of using all the rest of God’s gifts well. Whether those gifts are great and numerous or whether they are average or even minuscule – it really doesn’t matter. What really matters is - are we using well the gift He has given us.

I have to acknowledge that I often don’t use well opportunities the Lord gives me. Most likely I am not the only one who needs help in this area. But we must not take comfort in telling ourselves “others have the same problem.” Rather we need to cry out to God for His help because we truly want to be among those who on the Day of Accounting, will hear our Lord say, Well done, you were faithful over a few things, I will put you in charge of many things – let’s rejoice together.

Click on Change My Heart Oh God and let it bless you.

CALL ON HIM IN TRUTH

2011-02-26T03:00:00.000-08:00

“The Lord is close to all

who call on him,

yes, to all who call on him in truth.”

Psalm 145:18 NLT

~~~~~~~

It doesn’t take much time in the Scriptures to become aware that some of God’s promises are unconditional (meaning God will bring about what has been promised no matter what). For example, Jesus said,
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

God has also made promises that are conditional (meaning a condition or conditions must be met before the promised benefits can be realized). Our key Bible verse today is an example of a conditional promise. The Lord is close to all who . . .

The Lord is present everywhere, all of the time, and in that sense He is close to everyone, believers and unbelievers as well whether we are aware of it or not. But the closeness of the Lord referred to in today’s promise is something special! It is the sensing of the loving presence of the Lord which only believers are capable of experiencing, and only when they meet the conditions - call on him, yes, . . . call on him in truth.

To call on the Lord in truth is more than just saying some religious sounding words and going through the motions. It means, like David, sincerely calling out to God from the bottom of our heart – Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. As we turn from what offends God, He forgives us, and deep within we sense His comforting nearness.

When life moves along smoothly with few bumps we can be tempted to let the things of the Lord slip. Bible reading, prayer and Godly living are easily neglected, and before we realize it, we don’t sense His precious nearness as we once did.

On the other hand, our life may seem way out of control, with trouble on every hand – finances – health – marriage . . . and it feels like the Lord is worlds away. Then added to our aloneness is the realization that we have drifted from Him and have neglected our relationship with Him.

No matter what may have caused us to lose that close relationship we once knew with our Lord, it wasn’t the Lord who moved. The way back into that closeness is the same for all of us: CALL ON HIM IN TRUTH for The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.

DAY BY DAY

2011-02-12T03:00:00.000-08:00

“As your days,
so shall your strength be.”
Deuteronomy 33:25 KJV
~~~~~~~

It goes without saying - the days of our lives are not all the same. At times we are very thankful that they aren’t. Other times we wish certain days would never end.

Though our relationship with our Lord is an eternal one, He has a way of providing for us on a daily basis. This principle is so clearly seen in the daily provision of the manna in the wilderness, and in His teaching us to ask Him to give us this day our daily bread.

Whatever comes into our lives is allowed by our loving Heavenly Father, and with each day He provides what we need for that day. Days filled with “Ho-hum” and boredom, or days full of excitement and anticipation – His promise is - As your days, so shall your strength be. Days of good news filling us with gratitude and joy, or bad news that strikes pain and terror into our hearts – His promise is - As your days, so shall your strength be.

Almost 150 years ago this wonderful truth was captured by Karolina W. Sandell-Bergn (the “Fanny Crosby of Sweden”), in her beautiful hymn “Day by Day.” (tr. by Andrew L. Skoog)

Day by day, and with each passing moment,

Strength I find, to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,

I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure

Gives unto each day what He deems best—

Lovingly, it’s part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day, the Lord Himself is near me

With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,

He Whose Name is Counselor and Pow’r.

The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on Himself He laid;

“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”

This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation

So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,

That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation

Offered me within Thy holy Word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till I reach the promised land.

Click on DAY BY DAY and let this beautiful song encourage your heart today.

THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

2011-01-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

“A man will leave

his father and mother

and be united to his wife,

and the two will become one flesh.

This is a great mystery:

but I speak concerning Christ

and the church.”

Ephesians 5:31-32 KJV

~~~~~~~

Sixty years ago on the 30th day of January Donna and I were married in her home church, West Center Street Baptist in Madison, SD. It was 20 degrees below zero, but our hearts were anything but cold. I sang to her “I Love You Truly” and before God and witnesses we promised each other “to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

Marriage between a man and a woman has been God’s design from the beginning of time. As precious and meaningful as the husband and wife relationship can be, it is but a shadow of the infinitely deeper and eternal relationship between Christ and His Church (true born-again believers) - “The Bride of Christ”.

In New Testament times the Jewish custom was for the bridegroom to leave his father’s house to visit the home of his prospective bride and negotiate her dowry with her father. Once the price was paid the bride belonged to the bridegroom. However, she stayed at home and got herself ready for the wedding, while the bridegroom went back to his father’s house to prepare a place for his bride. When all was ready, the bridegroom came back to get her. Though she didn’t know when he would return, she prepared herself for the big day - continually looking for his return.

Wow, what an illustration of Christ, the bridegroom, and His bride, the Church! He came to this world to become one of us, yet without sin. Incredibly, He chose us to be His bride. Giving himself up for us on the cross He paid the dowry, making us His very own. After His resurrection as He was getting ready to return to His Father’s house, He encouraged His followers by telling them, I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. Some day, He is coming back to take us, His bride, home. We don’t know when it will happen, but it will happen!! First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

When our bridegroom comes for us, He will be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords - HALLELUJAH!!! (click on this link and let it bless your heart).

THE LORD BLESS AND KEEP YOU

2011-01-08T03:00:00.001-08:00

“The LORD bless you
and keep you;
The LORD make His face
shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV
~~~~~~~

This passage is probably the most famous blessing in the entire Bible. Aaron, the high priest, and his sons were instructed to pronounced it over the people of God. We recognize it as a blessing that is often spoken over a congregation by the pastor at the close of a worship service. Even though it is known as a benediction, I believe it can be very meaningful at the beginning of a new year. We are so familiar with it, it is easy to miss the depth of the meaning of the words. Allow me to bless your 2011 by paraphrasing these verses with the help of some Hebrew scholars.*

“May The LORD God who exists from all eternity bless you with gifts that meet your deepest needs, and may He like a Sheppard guard and protect you as He builds a hedge around you to keep you safe from the devourer.

“May the loving face of our eternal LORD; shine on you, warming your soul and spirit and driving away any darkness that may still linger in the corners of your life.

“May The LORD God who exists from all eternity be gracious to you making your life beautiful with warmth, love, friendships, community, and the material things you need.

“May The LORD God who exists from all eternity set His loving face on you, and give you peace (shalom);a peace which expresses itself in completeness, wholeness, and perfection; a peace which includes health, and soundness of body and soul; a peace that is rest, tranquility, and harmony; surrounded by prosperity and is a stranger to agitation and discord.”

May this blessing surround and fill your life throughout 2011 and all your years and days to come!

Click on link below to hear the Tyler Junior College
A Cappella Choir sing:

THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

*For those interested – here are the Hebrew scholars’ notes which I used to roughly paraphrase Numbers 6:24-26.:

When we see the word LORD in capital letters it stands for (Yahweh) God’s name which literally means “He who exists.” Bless in this passage is (barak) which means to “kneel down” and conveys the idea of respectfully kneeling down to present a gift. Keep is (shamar) which here refers to the guarding and protection a Sheppard provides for his sheep at night by building a hedge of thorny brush. Face (paniym) reflects the Hebraic sense of motion as the face reflects many different moods, emotions and thoughts. Shine (or) means to "give light" – “enlighten.” Gracious (hhanan) “A place of beauty”. Nomad camps consisted of many family tents, arranged in a circle, and were viewed as a place of beauty. Not just the appearance of beauty but the action, a place of warmth, love, friendship, community and sustenance. Coutenance (paniym) means "face." Give (siym) literally means to "set down in place." Peace (shalom) means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.

IT IS GOOD TO GIVE THANKS!

2010-11-27T03:00:00.000-08:00

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to the Most High.
It is good to proclaim
your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening.
Psalm 92:1-2 NLT
~~~~~~

Tradition has it that after the pilgrims had learned (with the help of the Indians) how to survive in this country they celebrated the harvest with grateful hearts. President Washington, as well as several other Presidents, made one-time Thanksgiving holidays. President Lincoln was the first to make it an annual observance on the last Thursday of November. In 1939 President Roosevelt set the fourth Thursday of November as our National Thanksgiving Day (approved by congress in 1941).

So last Thursday according to American tradition we observed Thanksgiving Day. Many families got together to catch up on the latest happenings in the lives of loved ones and feast on turkey and all the trimmings. It most likely was a good time of expressing gratitude for the good things the Lord has given this past year.

Our Scripture tells us, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord.” It is good and right because expressing thanks to Him honors and glorifies Him and acknowledges that HE is the source of the good things that we are enjoying. Sincerely giving thanks to the Lord not only pleases Him but it definitely has a very positive effect on our lives. It fills us with a sense of peace and an awareness of His favor, along with a desire to live close to Him.

Ingratitude on the other hand turns a cold shoulder to the Lord – taking for granted all the blessings that He so graciously gives. It’s an attitude which flows from a proud heart that feels it deserves all the good that happens in life and quickly grumbles and complains when anything unpleasant comes along. What an insult to a loving Father who consistently showers us with His unconditional love. And what a negative person, ingratitude turns us into – someone no one enjoys being around.

So it becomes quite obvious that expressing thanks to the Lord is the way to go not only once a year on a National Holiday, but every day all day long. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening. There is so much to be thankful for – spiritually – physically – materially - relationally and on and on. If we get to feeling a bit sorry for ourselves we need to be reminded that our Lord’s love endures forever, so whether we are on the mountain or the valley - It is (always) good to give thanks to the Lord!!

The song FOREVER by Chris Tomlin will stir your heart to give thanks.

GOD NEVER CHANGES

2010-11-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

“Whatever is good and perfect
comes down to us from God our Father,
who created all the lights in the heavens.
He never changes
or casts a shifting shadow.”
James 1:17 NLT
~~~~~

In the last four or five weeks we have observed major changes in our surroundings. From temperatures in the 80’s to hard frost, and even snow for some of you further north. Leaves on trees have changed from lush green to golds, reds and browns, and have been falling for some time now. It would truly be sad if this were the end, but we know fall is followed by winter, and winter is followed by spring, and eventually it will be summer again. Why does this happen year after year? Because, God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them mark off the seasons, days, and years.” Genesis 1.

In relation to the earth, the sun is fixed in place. The earth revolves around the sun once every 365 days and as a result we experience day and night every 24 hours, and the four seasons every year. The changing shadow on the sundial is not an indication that the sun is moving, rather it shows that the earth is moving.

In a sense, God is like the sun. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. If His light is hidden from us, and we find ourselves in the dark, it indicates that we have allowed the “world” to come between us and Him. When we experience spiritual “winter” it is because we have turned our face from Him.

God has always been good and perfect and will eternally remain the same. Every good and perfect thing that happens to us has its origin in Him – whether He uses people, nature or supernatural means, it ultimately is from Him. He can even use our spiritual “nights” and “winters” brought about by our carelessness and bring good out of them - if we acknowledge our errors and turn back to Him.

Our wonderful God never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He has been and will always be - loving, merciful, patient, and forgiving. No matter what we are going through, we can count on Him to be faithful! He doesn’t change!! ”In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens….. They will perish, but you remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. You will fold them up like a cloak and discard them like old clothing. But you are always the same.” Hebrews 1.

Listen to the song HE NEVER CHANGES and let it bless your heart.

I WILL BE WITH YOU

2010-10-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

“Do not be afraid,
for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name;
you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,

I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.”
Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT
~~~~~~

When God created us, He made us social beings that need others to interact with. And that is especially important when we find ourselves going through difficult times. Today’s scripture passage tells us how God has made provision for such times. We belong to Him not only because we are part of His creation, but even more so because He has ransomed us – He bought us to be His personal possession. And now He calls us by our name and assures us, “You are mine - I will be with you.” No matter what we go through in this life, we are never alone, He is always with us!

Having this personal relationship with Him doesn’t mean that we are exempt from difficult and scary times. His admonition, “Do not be afraid,” shows us that He wants us to focus on His promise instead of on what strikes fear into our hearts. He will be with us in every situation no matter how threatening it may be. He will not allow His ransomed ones to be destroyed.

When we are in deep waters way over our head, and our feet can’t touch bottom anymore, He will be there with us, holding us up and bringing us to solid ground again - all the while calling us by name, and reminding us that we belong to Him.

In rivers of difficulty with strong currents about to pull us under – no matter how hopeless the situation may look - His assuring promise is “I will be with you . . . you will not drown.” We are not alone in the struggle, He is holding our hand, He will not allow us to go under.

Even in the midst of the fire of oppression when we go through fiery trials, He will not allow the flames to destroy us. He is with us through it all, like the fourth man in the fiery furnace of Daniel 3.

Deep waters – rivers of difficulty and fire of oppression are allowed in our lives not to harm but to strengthen and purify us. Remember His word to us is, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. . . I will be with you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Click on DO NOT FEAR and let it bless your heart.

A SPIRIT OF POWER, LOVE, AND SELF-DISCIPLINE

2010-10-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

“For God has not given us
a spirit of fear and timidity,
but of power,
love, and self-discipline.
So never be ashamed
to tell others about our Lord.”
2 Timothy 1:7-8 NLT
~~~~~~

From time to time as we deal with people we face situations in which we feel intimidated or downright afraid. Some people are gripped with fear in front of a large crowd. All of us have found ourselves in a small group or even with just one other person, afraid to speak up lest we looked like a fool or be rejected. This sort of timidity and fear is especially common when we are attempting to tell unsaved people about the Lord. Some of us may feel threatened by negative feelings because of past failures or perhaps by actual demonic influences. Today’s Scriptures comes right to the point, God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity. Wherever that kind of hindering emotion may come from, it is not from God! What God has given us are three positive gifts which fully equip us so we will not be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.

First, He has given us a spirit of power. In Acts 1 Jesus told His disciples, You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere. To effectively tell others about the Lord, takes more than human ability, it takes the power of the Holy Spirit; and God has graciously given that power to every believer. We need to be reminded of that awesome reality every time we share the Gospel in word or deed – it’s not just us – it’s the power of God’s Spirit working though us!

Secondly, God has given us a spirit of love. This of course is not a reference to romantic love for someone of the opposite sex, but rather an unconditional God-like love for people. God’s unconditional love expressed itself most clearly through the sacrifice of His only Son for us who had turned our backs on Him. With that kind of love in our hearts we are enabled to witness to the lost no matter what it may cost.

Thirdly, God has given us a spirit of self-discipline. We may struggle with feelings of inferiority and fear at the very thought of sharing our faith. We don’t need to be controlled by such negative thoughts. Self-discipline is the ability to bring those impulses under control, and it’s one of God’s gifts to us!

THE BIBLE - GOD'S TEXTBOOK

2010-09-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

“All Scripture is inspired by God
and is useful to teach us
what is true and to make us realize

what is wrong in our lives.
It corrects us when we are wrong

and teaches us to do what is right.

God uses it to prepare and equip his people

to do every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
~~~~~~

The Bible is by far the bestselling book of all time. An estimated 6,000,000,000 copies have been printed in more than 2,000 languages and dialects. More than 100 million are sold world wide every year. There is no other book, which is used by millions of people every day, parts of which were written over 3000 years ago, yet it still shapes lives today! What is it about the Bible that makes it so special?

As we learn from Paul’s second letter to Timothy, both the Old and New Testament writings are inspired by God. “Inspiration” simply means “God-breathed.” God breathed His changeless Truth into the hearts of chosen prophets and apostles - so what they wrote was actually The Word of God. The various writings brought together became God’s textbook for His people which will never become obsolete. It provides us with all we need, to know Him, and live a life that pleases Him.

The Scriptures are God’s perfect standard by which we can learn what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. The writer of Hebrews adds, For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. In other words, it speaks to our conscience and convicts us when there is sin in our lives. 1 John assures us, If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Scripture is filled with promises that can fill our lives with peace and joy and a wonderful sense of fulfillment. However, to benefit from God’s Word we must respond to it in a positive way. It’s not enough just to know what it says. James cautions us, don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. But if you do what it says, then God will bless you for doing it. Our key verse assures us, God uses the Scriptures to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. There is nothing that can take its’ place; it alone is able to equip us to do all that God has planned for us to accomplish.

WE ARE GOD’S MASTERPIECE

2010-09-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

“For we are God’s masterpiece.
He has created us anew
in Christ Jesus,
so we can do the good things
he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10 NLT
~~~~~~

A masterpiece is a person's greatest piece of work. That creation which over time is acclaimed by his peers as the artist’s or craftsman’s very best work. However, when we are talking about God’s masterpiece it’s not something that can be framed – performed or displayed on a pedestal.

God’s creation is all around us – above us and beneath us. It is both physical and spiritual – temporal and eternal. How can we ever determine which is His greatest piece of work – His masterpiece? Where should we even begin? Is it a mountain range – a water falls – a rain forest – a flower – a precious gem or mineral – sunsets or the northern lights? Could it be one of the countless heavenly bodies He has flung into endless space? Could it be heaven - one of the holy angels or heavenly beings which worship Him continually? No, none of these are His greatest work!

Left purely to human insight, we would have never recognized God’s greatest piece of work. But one of His “peers,” the Holy Spirit, revealed the secret - born again believers are God’s masterpiece. Nothing in all of creation comes close to what He accomplished when He created us anew in Christ Jesus. Paul received this divine revelation and writes, Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Even before God created this world, He planned specific good things for us to do. But by sinning we died spiritually, making it impossible for us to carry out what He had in mind. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, .... He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. That act of grace in the life of the believer is God’s greatest piece of work, making us God’s masterpiece!!

TRUST IN THE LORD

2010-08-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord
their hope and confidence.
They are like trees
planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat

or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT
~~~~~~

Just before today’s passage Jeremiah said, This is what the Lord says: “CURSED are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land.” Then in absolute contrast he writes, But those who TRUST IN THE LORD and have made the Lord their hope and confidence - THEY ARE BLESSED.”

Trusting in the Lord – that is, focusing our hope and confidence in Him is at the very heart of experiencing God’s blessing as we go through trouble. Some of you are living examples of this truth. In hard and frightening times your hope and confidence has remained strong because you are planted along God’s riverbank and your roots reach deep into the water.

All of us have learned that Trusting in the Lord does not mean that we will be spared difficult and hard times in this life. In fact Jesus tells us, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Whatever He allows us to go through, if we continue to trust Him, and keep our hope and confidence deeply rooted in Him, will actually work out for our good.

Trusting in the Lord not only assures our survival, but enables us to live an abundant life even while we are hurting. Because our roots are deep in God’s water supply our leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Seeing the promising comfort of our green leaves, hurting people are drawn to us. By God’s grace we will have opportunity to let them know where our hope and confidence is rooted. To the degree that we keep trusting in the Lord, we will continue to produce fruit - not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought that may yet cross our path. The bottom line is, we will be BLESSED!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for being a faithful visitor to our blog site over the past few years. We have truly enjoyed meeting you here. Your email replies and the comments you posted have been a real encouragement to us. However, we believe the time has come for us to slow up a bit. So beginning with September, as the Lord provides, there will be just two posts a month.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN US

2010-08-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

“We received the Spirit of adoption
by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
The Spirit Himself bears witness
with our spirit
that we are children of God.”
Romans 8:15-16 NKJV
~~~~~~

No matter at what age we put our trust in Jesus as Savior, God gave us His Holy Spirit. In fact Paul tells us, “if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” As we grow in our understanding of God’s Word, we become more and more aware of the significance of the presence of the Spirit in our lives.

THE SPIRIT BEARS WITNESS:
One of the first things the Holy Spirit does in us when we become believers is, “He bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” When we put our faith in Christ we believed the promise that we had become children of God. The Holy Spirit speaks to our spirit reaffirming the truth that we indeed are children of God – in fact we have been officially adopted as joint heirs with His only begotten Son. And now, like His only begotten, we can call God Abba, Father. (“Abba” is the Aramaic term for “Daddy”) - an indication of an incredibly intimate relationship!

THE SPIRIT IS OUR SEAL:
Paul writing to the Ephesians said, “having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” In ancient times a king marked important documents with the imprint of his signet ring. The “seal” was a sign that the document was authentic. When timbers were shipped, the buyer’s “seal” was imprinted on each log, signifying ownership. A similar practice takes place in cattle country where ranchers brand their cattle and ship them to market. At market they are mixed with other cattle, but the brand or “seal” always settles the issue of ownership. The Holy Spirit living in us is God’s authentic seal which settles the question of ownership! We belong to God!!

THE SPIRIT IS THE DOWN PAYMENT:
When Paul wrote the Ephesians, “having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” he added, “who is the guarantee (down payment or first installment) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Making a down payment on a house implies that we will make full payment in the future. By giving us the Holy Spirit, God has given us the first installment of our inheritance and has committed Himself to give us the rest of it in the future. Presently we experience only part of it, but in the future we will have it all to enjoy forever! What a matchless secure inheritance!!

GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS

2010-08-14T03:00:00.001-07:00

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT
~~~~~~~~

A faithful person can be relied on and trusted in every situation. The closer the relationship, the more highly faithfulness is valued. While the faithfulness of a friend or business partner is highly valued, it cannot be compared to the value we place on the faithfulness of our mate!

There is so much unfaithfulness all around us in this world. A business partner goes back on his word, a friend betrays the trust we placed in him causing us deep disappointment and pain. But when a marriage partner who promised - “to love and to cherish; from this day forward, until death do us part” - has been unfaithful; that must be absolutely heart wrenching!

Our faithful LORD will never betray us and cause us such pain. His unconditional love never ends!! Even before we believed in Him, and still were hostile toward Him, He loved us. And now as believers, we have to admit that we are not always entirely reliable and trustworthy. Yet He continues to love us. Paul writes, “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” When we admit our shortcomings and repent, the Holy Spirit makes us aware that His faithful love has been there all the time! GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS!!

In addition to our LORD’S faithful and unending love, “His mercies never cease.” If we stop to think, His mercies are really too numerous to count. Besides the mercies we can recall, there must be countless more of which we are totally unaware. All through life He has been graciously and faithfully pouring mercies on us.

Our LORD’S mercies begin afresh each morning. He never runs out. Every morning there is a new supply, perfectly designed to meet the needs of our day! Every morning when the alarm goes off and we put our feet on the floor – our LORD is ready with fresh mercies! GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS!!

“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.”
T. O. Chisholm

Turn up your sound as you click on the link below –
take a moment to worship our Faithful LORD!!
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

WAITING UPON THE LORD

2010-08-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

“Wait on the LORD:
be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart:
wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Psalm 27:14 KJV
~~~~~~

Lately my computer has been getting spells when it is soooo sloooow – I click on something and it takes fooor evvvver to respond. Frustrating!! All I can do is wait. Most prolonged waiting becomes annoying whether we are caught in traffic - standing in line – sitting in the doctor’s “waiting” room or staring at a computer screen that’s not responding. But the “waiting” referred to in today’s scriptures is something quite different.

The Hebrew word used here, I am told, is “qāwâ,” which does not mean to passively stand by doing nothing, but rather it implies our involvement. It means to be expecting the Lord to act – to be hopefully looking forward for his response. For us to be able to do that requires some effort on our part.

First, waiting on the Lord requires: spending time studying his Word to get to know him better – to become aware of our shortcomings – to learn what pleases him, and to grow in faith.
Second, waiting on the Lord requires: spending time in prayer honoring and praising him for who he is and all he has done – bringing all our needs to him and believing he will grant us what he knows will be best for us.
Third, waiting on the Lord requires: spending time meditating on his limitless power – his absolute holiness – the endless wonder of his creation – his unconditional love that sacrificed his only son for our salvation.

The results of this kind of “waiting” is “he shall strengthen our heart.” The same truth is found in Isaiah 40:31 which many of us sang during the Charismatic Renewal in the 70’s - “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

As we study the Word and put it into practice – pray in harmony with his will – fill our minds with the awesomeness of our God – "he will renew our strength" to faithfully walk with him – have the endurance we need to victoriously run the race of life, and have the incredible ability to fly above the storm.

Turn up your sound - click on the link below and be encouraged!

THEY THAT WAIT UPON THE LORD

BUT GOD

2010-07-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

“My health may fail,
and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength
of my heart; he is mine forever.”
Psalm 73:26 NLT
~~~~~~

The other day I was reading Acts 7, and was struck with how often Stephen used the words but God in this chapter. In checking I learned that the phrase but God appears at least 50 different times in the Old and New Testaments. The words but God indicate that he is in control, he has the final word. He has made a difference in the past - is making a difference now– and will continue to make a difference in our world and in our personal lives forever.

Pondering this thought brought to mind a number of times when God intervened in my life bringing about wonderful results. My mother who had given birth to 10 children was in her 50’s when she was pregnant with me and felt so embarrassed that she tried to abort me – “but God“ protected my life and safely brought me into this world.

In my teens I was heading down the broad road of sin - “but God“ - had different plans for me. At the age of 21 his Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin and granted me grace to repent and trust Jesus Christ as my savior.

While attending Electrical Trades School I got a “Dear John” letter from my girl friend. My attempts to patch up the relationship failed. “But God” had someone else in mind for me. At the suggestion of my pastor, I enrolled at Sioux Falls College where I met and married Donna, the Sweetheart of my life, and the mother of our three precious children!

My intention at college was to prepare for a teaching career. “But God“ – opened an opportunity to teach an adult Sunday School Class which led into preaching every week – which led to changing my major from education to religion and graduating from The North American Baptist Seminary to enter the full time Gospel Ministry!

After 30 years of service in NAB churches, I received the fullness of the Holy Spirit by faith, and understandably, the denomination saw that as my having departed from the traditional Baptist Faith and so they severed relationships with me. “But God,“ has been more real and precious to me than ever and opened other avenues of service! I am in my 80’s now - “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”

I am sure you have had “but God“ experiences which would be an encouragement to the readers of this blog. Please feel free to post some as “comments.”

THE LOVE OF GOD

2010-07-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
~~~~~~

The song, “The Love of God” written in 1917 by Frederick M. Lehman and arranged by Claudia Lehman May was made famous by George Beverly Shea as he sang it around the world with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusades – on The Hour of Decision and his recordings. The secret behind the impact of this powerful song is the fact that its’ message is based on the word of God – John 3:16 and Romans 8:38-39.

God’s love is eternal – has always been – will always be! God not only loves, God is love. Human love, by- in-large, is conditional; we love people we are attracted to and enjoy being with. God’s love is unconditional; he loves us not only when we please him, but also when we offend him by our unbelief and disobedience. His love can never be earned or deserved – it is his free gift to all which can only be received by faith. God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

The closest that human love can come to God’s unconditional love is the love parents have for their children. Donna and I have three, and it is impossible for us to imagine a situation where we would sacrifice the life of any one of them to save the life of someone else; no matter how needy or deserving that person may be. But God’s perfect, unconditional love sacrificed his one and only Son for a world full of totally undeserving sinners – which includes you and me! Even though we had become his enemies by turning our backs on him from birth, and had chosen to live our lives according to our own desires, yet his pure and measureless love made provision for our forgiveness.

“Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints' and angels' song.”

Turn up sound and click on the link to hear
George Beverly Shea sing: THE LOVE OF GOD

DON’T BE AFRAID

2010-07-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

“Jesus spoke to them at once.

‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said.
‘Take courage! I am here!”
Mark 6:50 NLT
~~~~~

As a youngster growing up on the South Dakota prairie, I remember frightening storms that came rolling in from the west. Dark clouds built up until they became an ominous black wall with lightning flashing and thunder changing from a rumble to loud crashes. Then about a half mile across open fields, black dust clouds would start rolling toward us and we knew this could be dangerous. We had seen enough flattened crops - destroyed farm buildings - overturned and mangled machinery - to get fearful thoughts as those dust clouds came flying toward us.

Our farm house was small and not that sturdy. I remember a particular storm that had us worried. The wind was so strong and the rain so heavy it was feared that the dining/kitchen window which faced west would blow in, so large pillows were held against the window to reinforce the glass. What made this storm memorable was that an itinerant German AG preacher, his wife and their teen age son had come to visit us that day. As the storm raged and we were filled with anxiety they were singing praises to the Lord until the storm died down. When the storm was over, the window was still intact – no buildings were damaged - only the tops of some hay stacks had blown off. Could the praises of God’s servants have made a difference?

We know the presence of the Lord in the midst of the storm can make all the difference! The disciples found that out one stormy night on the lake of Galilee. Jesus had told them to get in the boat and go to the other side while he went up into the hills to pray. When they were in the middle of the lake, a violent storm swept down upon them. They were in serious trouble as they struggled with the wind and the waves, trying to control the boat with their ores. Jesus saw what was happening and about three o’clock in the morning he came to them walking on the water. They were terrified! Jesus knew what was going on in their minds, so he called out to them: “Don’t be afraid, Take courage! I am here! Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped.”

Life in this world can have its frightening storms. Some we see building up. Others hit us with hardly a cloud in the sky. Whatever the nature of our storm, Jesus sees what’s happening – he knows our struggle. Can you hear him over the noise of the storm? He is saying: “Don’t be afraid, Take courage! I am here!"

NEVER GIVE UP!

2010-07-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

“Everyone who asks, receives.

Everyone who seeks, finds.
And to everyone who knocks,
the door will be opened.”
Luke 11:10 NLT
~~~~~~~

I recently read about Winston Churchill’s last public speech – a commencement address. He was so frail he had to be helped to the podium. After standing there for a long time, he finally spoke – “Never give up! Never give up! Never give up!” Turning from the podium he was helped back to his chair. There was a dead silence - then the entire audience exploded into thunderous applause.

No matter how noble our cause, we will never succeed if we lose heart and give up. In this age of “instant this and instant that” we want results at the flip of a switch - the click of a mouse - a voice command or the touch on a screen. We sometimes wish we had that kind of control in our prayer life, but we don’t, and that’s good! We don’t always know what’s best. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to know what we should pray for. John tells us: “We are confident that the Lord hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”

We all have people or situations we have been praying for, and we believe we are asking for what “pleases him,” but nothing seems to be happening. There have been times we have gotten discouraged and felt like quitting.

“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” He told the story of the widow who repeatedly asked a wicked judge to grant her justice, but he kept ignoring her. Finally he said, “this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!.... Then the Lord said, Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night?”

Teaching about prayer at another time, Jesus told the story of the man who had unexpected company late at night. At midnight he knocks on the door of a friend asking for bread. The friend says, “we’re all in bed and everything is locked up, I can’t help you now.” But the man shamelessly keeps on knocking till he finally gets the bread. Jesus concludes the story by saying, “So I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

NEVER GIVE UP!!

LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

2010-07-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

“For the Lord is the Spirit,
and wherever
the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom.”
2 Corintians 3:17 NLT
~~~~~~~

Tomorrow is the 234th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the representatives of the original thirteen United States of America. Part of that Declaration declares, “We hold these truths to be self–evident, That all men are created equal, That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, That among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Our founding fathers did not say that government gives us the right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, but rather that these rights are gifts from God, and they committed themselves to protect those rights for the people. But, in our time some of these right are in danger!

I don’t mean to belittle our national government- For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. However, I wish to call attention to a higher level of unalienable God given rights.

Spiritual life- To all who believed on his Son he gives the right to become children of God, reborn—not physically, but spiritually by the Holy Spirit who gives birth to spiritual life. Jesus promises all who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.

In the kingdom of God, spiritual freedom is guaranteed. Jesus assures us you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free - you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Paul says, For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. Even creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.

The pursuit of Happiness is not the right to acquiring material things or the ability to control what happens to us so everything works out the way we want it to. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

THIRSTING FOR GOD

2010-06-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

“As the deer
longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God.”
Psalm 42:1-2 NLT
~~~~~~

I grew up on a farm in South Dakota and often worked out in the fields under a scorching summer sun. I can remember the hot dry winds of the “dirty thirties,” and how thirsty a person would get when the water jug was empty long before quitting time.

David spent a lot of time out in the open fields as a boy taking care of his father’s sheep and he knew what it meant to be thirsty. As an adult, he spent a lot of time running from his enemies, hiding in hot rocky barren places. He was always searching for water. Finding water, I can imagine him seeing a thirsty deer waiting near by. As he observed the deer, he may have thought, “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God.”

God has made us to thirst after him. Sometimes God sovereignly moves in our life, causing us to hunger and thirst for a closer walk with him. Other times we are drawn to know him better as he allows us to go through trying times which cause us to become keenly aware of how much we need him. Still other times the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and coldness of heart, and if we respond with true repentance, we realize a fresh thirst for God. But most commonly our hunger and thirst for more of God flows from an open hearted study of his word, and a prayer life rich with gratitude and praise.

Thirst for You
CeCe Winans

We thirst for You
We search for You
In a dry and barren land
W're longing for Your hand
To guide us to
A place where You
Can cleanse us with Your rain...
Baptize us once again
We thirst for You

Oh Lord we are waiting
Let Your river flow
Come flood our hearts again
Quench our thirsty souls

We thirst for You

Turn up your sound and listen to > AS THE DEER

A WORLD FILLED WITH GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS

2010-06-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

“We are looking forward to
the new heavens and new earth
he has promised,
a world filled with God’s righteousness.”
2 Peter 3:13 NLT
~~~~~

God created us in his own image so we could have perfect fellowship with him which would never end! He gave Adam just one restriction – not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, because that would bring death into the world. Adam and Eve ate, and death came! With death came every other evil. It got so bad that God had to wipe out the human race with the flood - destroying everyone except Noah, his family and the animals that miraculously came into the ark.

God started all over again with Noah and his family. But the consequence of Adam’s sin still brought death. Sin continued to rule in the hearts of people resulting in all sorts of corruption, violence and wars. God raised up prophets who foretold the coming of the messiah who would save repentant believers from their sin.

Two thousand years ago that messiah came in the person of Jesus, the sinless son of God, who died and rose again for our salvation. Though there are more believers in the world today than ever before, the vast majority of the world’s population does not believe in him. Wickedness is constantly increasing - lawlessness, immorality, violence, terrorism and wars are rampant around the world. Is God’s judgment going to fall again? Scoffers mock at the thought of another worldwide judgment.

God gave the rainbow as a sign that he would not destroy the world again with a flood. But Peter writes that “the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed." Like believers in Noah’s day were kept safe in the ark, so we as the believers of the end times will be kept safe in Christ no matter what we may have to suffer for our faith.

Peter continues: We are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

This has been God’s plan from the beginning! Some day it’s going to literally come to pass!!!

ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

2010-06-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

“God saved you
by his grace when you believed.
And you can’t take credit for this;
it is a gift from God.
Salvation is not a reward
for the good things we have done,
so none of us can boast about it.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
~~~~~

Some people, for whatever reason, have concluded that there is no life after death. They believe when they die it’s all over – they cease to exist. Those who believe in reincarnation think they once lived as someone else, and when they die they expect to come back again as someone else – hopefully someone better. Ideas like these come from the father of lies.

The Scriptures clearly teach that we are created in the image of God, and like God the spiritual part of us exists forever – either in heaven or in hell. In Matthew 25:31-33 Jesus, teaching about the final judgment says, “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.” Then in verse 46 equating the goats with the unrighteous and the sheep with the righteous he adds, “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Jesus came to this world, died and rose again, so we could have the privilege of choosing between eternal punishment and eternal life. 1 John 5:11-13 says, “And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.” It’s not hard to see which is the best choice.

As clear as such scriptures are, there still are some Christians who can’t say with full assurance that they are going to heaven. They come up with a weak “I hope so.” Why is that? Here are two basic reasons. Not remembering a specific time when we accepted Christ. However, knowing that we are now trusting him as savior, is more important than remembering a time or place. The other common reason for the lack of assurance is thinking we have to be good enough to go to heaven. We can never be good enough!! “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”

Turn up your sound and click on > BLESSED ASSURANCE

FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS

2010-05-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

“All Scripture is inspired by God
and is useful to teach us
what is true and to make us realize
what is wrong in our lives.
It corrects us when we are wrong
and teaches us to do what is right.”
2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
~~~~~~~

Some people have the tendency not to read instructions. They start putting the thing together - or start trying to operate the gadget – not really knowing how it works.

In this digital age, new communication devices are hitting the market in a steady stream – only to become obsolete in a very short time because somebody created something new and better. Replacing a ten year old computer or switching from a PC to a Mac certainly requires a good look at the owner’s manual. A brief overview will probably enable us to work some basic functions, but if we want to enjoy all the latest features of the new machine, we really need to become familiar with the instructions and follow them.

It is amazing how people go about attempting to live life without consulting God’s instruction book. They see what other people do, and pick and chose what suits them. The result of lives lived like that fill News Programs every day. It doesn’t have to be that way! God has provided life’s instruction book through inspired prophets and apostles - The Bible, and it never becomes obsolete! “It is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

It instructs us how we can be set free from the deadly consequences of sin – (something everybody needs to know and take advantage of). It tells us how to best get along with people – how to cope with life’s problems – how to see God’s loving hand, even in the hardest of times. It tells us how to experience his joy and peace - a sure hope for the future – the assurance of being raised from the dead and spend eternity with our Lord in heaven!!

James, our Lord’s half brother wrote, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” Just as with any instruction book, it is not enough just to know what it says - we need to FOLLOW ITS INSTRUCTIONS in order to reap the benefits.

THROUGH CHRIST

2010-05-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

For I can do everything
through Christ,
who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 NLT
~~~~~~

If we isolate the first phrase of this verse by its self, it sounds like absolute arrogance. No one “can do everything.” Furthermore, “everything” we can do in our own strength, is not always beneficial to ourselves or others.

The second phrase “through Christ,” is the heart of this verse and sets the parameter of what we can do. Whatever comes through our Lord is always good, and is a blessing to everyone it touches, and brings honor to God.

“I can do everything through Christ” does NOT mean we can do anything and everything we want to. Our desires can often be self-serving and have nothing to do with honoring God. Our perfect Lord will not “give us strength” to fulfill carnal and selfish desires.

Paul wrote these words while he was in a Roman jail for preaching the Gospel. These words are part of a thank you letter to the Philippians who supported him with gifts while he was in prison. He had just written “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” Then adds, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Through the strength that Christ gives, we can learn the secret of living victoriously in every situation – poverty or riches, (and I believe) in poor health or the peek of health. Often with financial prosperity and good health come inclinations to ignore God. We feel we are pretty much in control. There is victory over that temptation - “through Christ, who gives us strength.” On the other hand, financial need and poor health have a way of bringing discouragement and depression with them. But "through the strength that Christ gives, we can learn the secret of living" above those negative feelings and emotions!

By faith, we can join Paul in declaring, "I CAN DO EVERYTHING THROUGH CHRIST, WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH!!"

SAFE FROM THE EVIL ONE

2010-05-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

“I’m not asking you
to take them out of the world,
but to keep them safe
from the evil one.”
John 17:15 NLT
~~~~~~

Later in this prayer for the twelve, Jesus added, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” That means you and I are covered by this prayer.

When we pray for safety, it’s normally about things like – accidents – violent weather – terrorists – diseases – or anything else that threatens us or our property. Our physical well being is a natural concern when we are in danger. I am sure we would be amazed if we knew how often the Lord has protected us against accidents or illness, and all sorts of physical harm. But living in this world, we get sick and bodily harm comes to us like it does to everyone else.

When Jesus prayed that we might be kept safe from the evil one, his main concern was not our physical safety and comfort, but rather our spiritual welfare. His prayer is that we will remain faithful to him, and become more like him. When various misfortunes come crashing into our lives, the evil one whispers thoughts of doubt – fear – self-pity into our ears, telling us “God doesn’t love you. If he loved you, he wouldn’t allow things like this to happen to you.”

The troubles God allows into our lives are always for a good reason as James tells us, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (It takes God’s grace to see “troubles” in that light.) “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

The enemy of our soul is waiting to use every misfortune of life to do us spiritual harm. We are so blessed by Jesus’ prayer for our safety from the evil one, not only does it shield us against Satan’s intended harm, but actually makes misfortune a means by which we can grow in character, and in the likeness of Jesus!!

SHARING THE WAY OF SALVATION

2010-05-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

“You will receive power when
the Holy Spirit comes upon you.
And you will be my witnesses,
telling people about me everywhere.”
Acts 1:8 NLT
~~~~

In the early 50’s Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ wrote “The Four Spiritual Laws.”
“1. God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life.
2. Man is sinful and separated from God. Therefore, he cannot know and experience God's love and plan for his life.
3. Jesus Christ is God's only provision for man's sin. Through Him you can know and experience God's love and plan for your life.
4. We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God's love and plan for our lives.” After each “Law” Bright lists supporting scriptures.

In many communities, training sessions were held where people practiced on each other, then went out to share the “Four Laws” with non Christians. I recall being part of a team which was sent out to a small town to share the “Laws” with anyone and everyone who would listen. We knocked on doors – stopped people on the street – I shared the gospel with a utility man while he was hanging in his ‘Safety Harness’ at the top of a pole. He prayed the prayer! Whether he was sincere, only God knows.

We both know there are more conventional and acceptable ways of witnessing than sharing the gospel with someone at the top of a telephone pole. However we go about it, Jesus promises “when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…you will be my witnesses.” Peter instructs us, “if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.”

The most natural situation to share our faith is when our friends notice a difference in us, and start asking questions. If we are prepared to explain the way of salvation, and rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us, we are equipped to witness to anyone, a longtime friend or someone whom we have just met. Doing our part, we can leave the results in the hands of God.

GOD’S OPEN DOORS

2010-05-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

“I have opened a door for you
that no one can close.”
Revelation 3:8 NLT
~~~~~~

An open door can mean different things depending on the circumstances. Say for instance you come home at night, and find your front door standing open. Fear grips your heart! All sorts of threatening thoughts whirl through your mind. Someone has broken into the house – maybe they are still in there – the entire house is ransacked.” But you push aside your fears, and cautiously reach inside and turn on the light - everything is in order! Suddenly it dawns on you why the door is standing open - your neighbor had said something to you just as you were about to lock up, and you stepped aside to talk with him. You forgot to lock the door!!

There are also doors which are deliberately opened for us by our loving Lord so we can enter into the ministry and blessings he has for us. Paul repeatedly mentions such open doors. Concerning Ephesus he said, “There is a wide-open door for a great work here” and “When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me.” “When they had arrived at Antioch and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” God opened doors for Paul to enable him to accomplish the plans he had for him.

God also has plans for us, and he opens doors to make it possible for us to fulfill those plans. I can imagine him saying to us what he said to the church in Philadelphia, “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.”

It becomes our responsibility and privilege to recognize the doors God opens – step through them and proceed to carry out his plan for us. We don’t need to be afraid of what’s on the other side of God’s open doors – he will be there with us to protect and enable us!

HOW MUCH ARE YOU WORTH?

2010-04-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

“What is the price of five sparrows
—two copper coins?
Yet God does not forget a single one of them…
So don’t be afraid;
you are more valuable to God
than a whole flock of sparrows.”
Luke 12:6-7 NLT
~~~~~~

People often base their self-worth on material possessions – physical appearance – abilities – achievements – etc., which leads to arrogance and pride. If those standards determine self-worth then people who don’t measure up, see themselves as failures, and not worth much.

However, in God’s eyes our worth is not determined by what we have done or not done. Our worth is based on what God has done! God created us in his own image! No one else in all of creation can claim that. Talk about worth!! Our value is based on the value he places on us. He considered us so valuable that he sacrified his own son on the cross that we could be forgiven. Giving us his Holy Spirit to live in us is further evidence of the worth he placed on us. Galatians 4:6-7 says “And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.”

Take courage my friend, your true self-worth is not governed by the rise and fall of the material or social values of this world. Before the foundations of the world were laid God determined what our worth would be.

How much are you worth?!! It’s measureless!! Just think of all he has done to make it possible for you to spend eternity with him. That’s the value he has placed on you.

PRESS ON TO KNOW HIM

2010-04-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

“Oh, that we might know the Lord!
Let us press on to know him.
He will respond to us
as surely as the arrival of dawn
or the coming of rains in early spring.”
Hosea 6:3 NLT
~~~~~

Most of us, who trust in the Lord, have precious memories of the joy that filled our hearts, and the spiritual fire which burned in our souls when we first believed. But most likely since then we have also experienced times when the joy of the Lord had faded and the fire had died down to ash covered embers. What happened? What brought about the change?

In science there is a principle that says, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” The same principle is also at work in our spiritual lives. If we draw back from the Lord, by whatever degree, we are drawing closer to the enemy of our soul, and consequently lose joy and fire. This “backsliding” never just happens to us, it is brought about by personal choices we make.

Our key scriptures today from Hosea six is part of a call to God’s people to repent. They had drifted from him, and were about to suffer severe consequences. The prophet identifying himself with them says, “Come, let us return to the Lord… Let us press on to know him.” To know him implies more than just having information about him. It refers to taking deliberate steps to have an intimate relationship with him – a relationship which grows out of obedient submission to him.

If we have never been close to the Lord, or find ourselves not as close as we once were, we don’t need to be afraid to admit it to him. We can press ever closer to him, he won’t scold us or push us away. His arms are wide open to welcome us! Our “pressing on to know him,” has been on his heart all along - that’s what he has been waiting for. “He will respond to us favorably as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”

YOU ARE GIFTED BY GOD

2010-04-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

“In his grace,
God has given us different gifts
for doing certain things well.”
Romans 12:6a NLT
~~~~~~

We may have watched someone perform a very complicated task with ease, or listened to an instrumentalist or vocalist performing with exceptional skill, and thought, “I could never do that.” While that may be true, the good news is we are not responsible for other people’s gifts.

God has created us with specific abilities to accomplish the purpose he has for our life. “So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Romans 12:6b-8

Our gifts are those God-given abilities which we enjoy using to bless others. They may be different from other people’s gifts, but they are in no way superior or inferior in the eyes of the one who gave them. So we must guard against the temptation of comparing gifts. God knows which gifts are best suited for our personality, and will enable us to do well what he wants to accomplish through us.

No one is left empty handed. Everyone is gifted in some way, and all of us have the privilege and responsibility to discover, develop, and use those gifts to serve others. As we faithfully use our gifts, we experience a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, and bring glory to the giver.

BECAUSE HE LIVES

2010-04-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

“Don’t be alarmed.
You are looking for Jesus
of Nazareth, who was crucified.
He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!
Look, this is where they laid his body.”
Mark 16:6 NLT
~~~~~

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Churches will be crowded. Even people who don’t regularly attend will make a special effort to be there. Why? What is so special about Easter? Some people may make the effort because that’s what they traditionally do on Easter. But we who have a personal relationship with Christ, and attend church regularly celebrate Easter because it marks the anniversary of our Savior’s resurrection.

The reality of the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation on which the Christian Faith is built. Paul says: “if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost!..... But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead.” 1 Corinthians 15:17-18,20 On that first Easter morning the angel announced to those who visited the tomb: “He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.” Acts 1:3 reports, “During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive.” Because he’s alive we can confidently believe his teachings, and with full assurance claim all his promises.

Because He Lives
by William J. Gaither

God sent His Son – they called Him Jesus,

He came to love, heal and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Chorus:
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

And then one day I'll cross the river,

I'll fight life's final war with pain;

And then, as death gives way to victory,

I'll see the lights of glory – and I'll know He lives.

Click on this link BECAUSE HE LIVES to hear this beautiful song.

THE SUFFERING SERVANT

2010-03-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

"But he was wounded and crushed for our sins.

He was beaten that we might have peace.

He was whipped, and we were healed!"

Isaiah 53:5 NLT

~~~~~~~~~

700-750 years before the birth of Christ the prophet Isaiah, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote about our Lord’s suffering for our sins. Though this passage may be familiar to you, I encourage you to read it once again, prayerfully, and let it minister to your heart during these days before Good Friday.

“Who has believed our message? To whom will the Lord reveal his saving power? My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care.

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us strayed away like sheep. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all.

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins – that he was suffering their punishment? He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave.

But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD’s plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners.” Isaiah 53:1-12 NLT

A HARVEST OF BLESSING

2010-03-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

“So let’s not get tired
of doing what is good.
At just the right time
we will reap a harvest of blessing
if we don’t give up.”
Galatians 6:9 NLT
~~~~~

This time of year St. Louis gardeners are getting the "fever." I took my tiller into the shop the other day to get it ready. In a few weeks it will be time to buy seeds and plants. As usual I expect to reap a harvest.

Gardening takes work. The ground needs to be tilled – seeds sown the right depth – plants properly spaced – use soaker hose during dry spells – mulch - pull weeds – fight bugs and worms – put up chicken wire fence to keep the rabbits out. If deer are a problem – MOVE!! :-) :-) The point is, it takes work to produce a good harvest.

Life is sort of that way. We are constantly sowing and planting and it will unquestionably produce a harvest. Bad stuff doesn’t take any effort, it just seems to happen, and sooner or later it will bear its disappointing fruit. Planting good deeds not only takes effort, it also stirs up the opposition of our enemy who tries to get us to give up. But with God’s help, we will be able to faithfully keep on doing good, and “just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing.”

“Doing good” is simply doing whatever pleases God. Jesus perfectly demonstrated what that looks like. Luke reminds us, “God anointed Jesus …. with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good.” As born again people we, like Jesus, are anointed with the Holy Spirit, and able to do good deeds which are pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

“So let’s not get tired
of doing what is good.
At just the right time
we will reap a harvest of blessing
if we don’t give up.”

GOD IS READY TO HELP

2010-03-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

“God is our refuge and strength,

always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear

when earthquakes come

and the mountains crumble into the sea.”
Psalm 46:1-2 NLT
~~~~~~~

Earthquakes have caught our attention recently. On Monday a 6.0 magnitude quake hit Turkey. Another hit Taiwan last Thursday morning, registering 6.4 on the Richter scale. Before that was the 8.8 quake that struck Chile, and on January 12th the 7.0 quake that hit Haiti killing an estimated 230,000 people.

It seems earthquakes are on the increase, but those who study seismic activity say, not so. They tell us normally there are approximately 80,000 quakes per month – 2,600 per day and 2 per minute. Somewhere in the world an earthquake is felt approximately every 30 seconds. Of these only a relative few are capable of causing damage.

But how utterly terrifying it must be for people to be in a “big one” and have everything around them breaking apart with debris crashing down, injuring and burying them.

We may never be in a major earthquake, but even if that should happen, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” As believers we would not be going through the experience alone, because he has promised to always be with us.

Living in a fallen world there are other things that are more apt to shake, and break up our lives than an earthquake: like an accident – illness – financial disaster – marital problems – death of a loved one. . . . Whatever it may be, we need not give in to fear and despair - GOD IS READY TO HELP! He offers us his “refuge and strength . . . in times of trouble.”

WORDS

2010-03-06T03:00:00.000-08:00

“May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you, O Lord,
my rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 NLT
~~~~~

It is commonly claimed that women talk more than men, and there may be some validity to that, but it doesn’t take much of a search to find a guy who does most of the talking while his wife quietly stands by. I suppose personality has something to do with how much we talk.

The more we talk the more we are apt to stretch the truth about ourselves, and belittle others by passing on their secrets. Proverbs 10:19 is quite blunt about this – “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Whoa, that hurts!!

Words have incredible power to bring about positive or negative results. Again, Proverbs says, “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” We all have experienced the warm healing affects of kind words– making us feel appreciated, and loved. We also have felt the sting and demeaning power of angry and hate filled words. Being totally honest, we probably have to admit, our words do not always bring warmth and healing – too often they can have a tinge of bitterness to them, and cause pain to those we love most.

Jesus said, “What you say flows from what is in your heart.” So whether we are people of few or many words, it’s our words that convey our thoughts and feelings and define who we really are.

I don’t know about you, but from time to time I need to pray the Psalmist’s prayer: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW, and let it minister to your heart.
CHANGE MY HEART OH GOD

DAY BY DAY

2010-02-27T03:00:00.000-08:00

"We do not lose heart.
Though outwardly we are wasting away,
yet inwardly we are being renewed

day by day.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV
~~~~~~

“Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure

Gives unto each day what He deems best—

Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

~~~~~~

Every day, the Lord Himself is near me

With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on Himself He laid;“

As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,

”This the pledge to me He made.

~~~~~~

Help me then in every tribulation

So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,

That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.Help me,

Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till I reach the promised land.”

Karolina W. Sandell-Berg, 1865 ....

tr. by Andrew L. Skoog
TURN UP SOUND and CLICK ON LINK BELOW to Listen to this Beautiful Hymn.
DAY BY DAY

INNER BEAUTY

2010-02-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

“The Lord doesn’t
see things the way you see them.

People judge by outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7 NLT
~~~~~

America women spend $20 billion annually on cosmetics; $300 million on cosmetic surgery; $33 billion on dietary products. I couldn’t find any numbers on what men spend on bodybuilding, and whatever they feel will make them more attractive, but it must also be an astronomical figure.

Looking our best is important for all of us, but true beauty is more than what meets the eye. There is an INNER BEAUTY which is of greater importance. One of my nieces, who is a genealogist, recently posted some “Old Walker Photos” on Facebook. I could hardly recognize myself in some of those pictures. While people commonly judge us by what meets the eye – "the Lord looks at the heart.” I am wondering, as he looks at our hearts, what character traits does he see in us?

Peter wrote about a “beauty that comes from within.” Paul prayed that God “would empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your heart as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”

According to the scriptures, if we allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives, “the Lord—who is the Spirit—will make us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” That is the true INNER BEAUTY which the Lord is looking for!!

WITHOUT COMPLAINING

2010-02-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

“Do everything without
complaining and arguing,
so that no one can criticize you.
Live clean, innocent lives
as children of God,
shining like bright lights in a world
full of crooked and perverse people.”
Philippians 2:14-15 NLT
~~~~~~~

At times all of us complain about the weather – the traffic – our work load or whatever “gets our goat” at the moment. But some people complain none stop - about anything and everything. A constant complainer can be as annoying as “a dripping faucet.” We all prefer the company of people who are more positive and see their glass as “half full rather than half empty.” God miraculously provided Israel with daily “manna” in the desert, but they kept on complaining about it. “So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died.” God sees continuous complaining as sin!

Israel was complaining that they didn’t have the food they had in Egypt, ignoring that they had been delivered from slavery. All of us need to focus more on what we have rather than on what we don’t have. As believers we have been set free from spiritual slavery, and gratitude should dominate every facet of our life. Complaining reveals a selfish, ungrateful attitude. When we get our eyes off of our wants, and begin to focus on what we have – enough to eat – a roof over our heads – a family - transportation – a measure of health – living in a free country and on and on – gratitude to God will begin to flow.

We live in a fallen society with chronic complaining at every hand, but if we Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, doing everything without complaining and arguing . . .we will shine like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. That will be pleasing to our Lord and bring gratitude and joy to our own hearts.

REFLECTING JESUS

2010-02-06T03:00:00.000-08:00

“When they saw the boldness of Peter and John,
they could see that they were ordinary men
with no special training in the Scriptures.
They also recognized them
as men who had been with Jesus.”
Acts 4:13 NLT
~~~~

The moon we see in the night sky does not have any light of its own. The light it gives off is the reflection of the sun. The image we see on the water of a mountain lake is not the mountain; it is the reflection of the mountain. The smoother the water, the sharper the reflection.

Jesus was not the reflection of the Father’s glory, but rather the revealer of that glory, because he and the Father are one. He taught with divine authority, not having to depend on quoting the religious leaders of the day. His life and miracles clearly demonstrated that he had all power in heaven and on earth.

The religious leaders thought they had gotten rid of Jesus once and for all when they crucified him. Now here were these ordinary “blue collar” people with no formal religious education demonstrating the same boldness as Jesus did. They “recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” They were unmistakably reflecting him.

Whether we lack formal education or have a string of PhD’s after our name, as followers of Jesus we all have the privilege of reflecting him. The question is, how unmistakable is it to others that we have “been with Jesus” - how clear and sharp do we reflect him?

“Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me -
All His wonderful passion and purity!
O Thou Spirit divine,All my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.”
- Albert Orsborn

CHRIST'S AMBASSADORS

2010-01-30T03:00:00.000-08:00

So we are Christ’s ambassadors;

God is making his appeal
through us.
We speak for Christ
when we plead,
“Come back to God!”

2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT

~~~~~~~

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, an ambassador is “a diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representative in residence by one government or sovereign to another, usually for a specific length of time.”

As Christians, Christ has appointed us as his highest rank diplomats to represent the Kingdom of God here on earth. We are here on a temporary assignment as his “ambassadors.” When this tour of duty is over, he will call us to our eternal home with him in heaven.

Paul writes, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.” Philippians 1:27. If our conduct brings dishonor to the Gospel message, it will jeopardize our mission as his “ambassadors,” which is to “speak for Christ” – pleading with people to “Come back to God!”

What an awesome privilege and responsibility, to be Christ’s official representatives to everyone our lives touch – family – relatives – friends – neighbors – fellow workers – contacts of every kind!

The message that we are “Christ’s ambassadors” has really spoken to my heart recently. I encourage you to give it some consideration as well.

GRACE and PEACE

2010-01-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

“May God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
give you grace and peace.”
1 Corinthians 1:3 NLT
~~~~~~

Pastor Jared may have been doing this all along, but I just recently noticed that he closes his letters to the church with “grace and peace.” The phrase is used by Paul in his letters as part of his greeting to his churches and co-workers. Peter used it, and so did John.

“Chairein” -“Grace to you” and “Shalom” - “peace” were the standard Greek and Jewish greetings. “Chairein” sounds like “Charis”- “grace” and Paul connected a deeper theological meaning to it.

“Grace” is commonly referred to as “unmerited favor.” It is God showing us kindness – giving us gifts which are totally undeserved. Everything that God does and gives to his children is “grace.”

Salvation is a gift of “grace” which is ours through faith in Jesus Christ, and even that faith “is the gift of God.” It’s by his “grace” that “God shall supply all our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” No matter how difficult our situation in life may be, his promise is, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

By God’s “grace” we experience “peace” with God – with others and ourselves. The Hebrew word “Shalom” translated “peace” means a lot more than what comes to mind when we use the word. According to Strong's Concordance it means, “Completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.” WHAT A RICH GREETING!!

“GRACE AND PEACE” TO YOU AND YOURS!!!

GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES

2010-01-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

“He has given us great and precious promises.
These are the promises that enable you

to share his divine nature
and escape the world’s corruption

caused by human desires.”
2 Peter 1:4 NLT
~~~~~

A promise is only as good as the one who makes it. Some people make promises with no intention of ever keeping them. Others are totally sincere and have every intension of carrying out what they promise, but because of circumstances beyond their control, it’s impossible for them to deliver. God doesn’t have problems like we do. His very nature makes it impossible for him to be insincere or come up against a situation he can’t handle. Not only are his promises absolutely reliable, they are “great and precious.”

All of us, to some degree or another, are affected by “the world’s corruption” which surrounds us on every hand – calling - enticing – pressuring us to conform to its’ ways and values. Left to ourselves, we are naturally part of it with no way to “escape.” But by faith in Christ we are the recipients of “great and precious promises.” “God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Romans 8:29 “And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

Be encouraged! The more we become like Jesus, the more we escape the corruption of this world.

JEHOVAH JIREH

2010-01-09T03:00:00.000-08:00

“Abraham called the name
of that place Jehovah-jireh:
as it is said to this day,
In the mount of the LORD
it shall be seen.”
Genesis 22:14 KJV
~~~~~~

“Jehovah” is the personal name of God, and is traditionally translated “LORD” in English. “Jireh” conveys the idea “will provide” and literally means “will see to it.” In other words - The LORD will see to it that the need will be provided for. Genesis 22 is the account of God providing Abraham with a ram as a substitute sacrifice in place of his son Isaac. And in response Abraham names the place “Jehovah-jireh.”

“Jehovah Jireh My provider
His grace is sufficient
For me, for me, for me
Jehovah Jireh My provider
His grace is sufficient for me.

My God shall supply all my needs
According to his riches in glory
He will give His angels
Charge over me
Jehovah Jireh cares
For me, for me, for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me.”
By Don Moen

The God of Abraham is also our provider. If we walk in obedient faith as he did, the LORD “will see to it” that our need will be met, no matter how desperate it may be. May we be encouraged by this truth as we face the uncertainties of 2010.

Click and watch

THE NAME OF THE LORD

2010-01-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

“The name of the LORD
is a strong tower:
the righteous run into it,
and are safe.”
Proverbs 18:10 KJV
~~~~~

Life all around us keeps changing – things and bodies grow older and wear out, but “The Name of the LORD” doesn’t change, it remains “a strong Tower” of protection forever!

In ancient days, towers and castles were built on high places to provide protection against plundering invaders. When the alarm was sounded announcing an approaching enemy, people would as quickly as possible, get into the tower for safety. Because the tower was difficult to conquer, the invaders would usually move on to an easier target.

As believers in Christ, we have been made right with God (righteous) and that makes us prime targets for the enemy of our soul. As always, this New Year will not be an exception, he will be on the prowl day and night looking for opportunities “to steal and kill and destroy.”

Let’s not be fooled into thinking we can fight him off on our own. The only way we can be safe from Satan’s assault, is by trusting in “The name of the LORD,” which represents all that God is.

Whatever assaults may come our way in 2010, if we run into the strong tower of the LORD’s name, we will be safe!!

VISITORS TO THE CHRIST CHILD

2009-12-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

The shepherds
“hurried to the village
and found Mary and Joseph.
And there was the baby,
lying in the manger.”
Luke 2:16 NLT
~~~~

Though the birth of Jesus took place under such humble circumstances on earth; in heaven it was quite a different story. Angels of the Lord were dispatched to make the announcement and a special star appeared in the eastern sky.

On that historic night, hireling shepherds near Bethlehem were watching their sheep as usual; suddenly an angel of the Lord, in brilliant light, appeared to them. He announced “the Savior, Christ the Lord had just been born in Bethlehem.” He said they would recognize him when they saw a baby "wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." Then the whole sky filled with angels, who were praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels were gone, the shepherds said, “We’ve got to check this out!” They did - and found exactly what they were told. Just plain hireling shepherds doing their menial task, and God had shown them such amazing favor! They told everyone about it, and kept on praising God as they went back to work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The wise men
“entered the house and saw
the child with his mother, Mary,
and they bowed down
and worshiped him.”
Matthew 2:11 NLT
~~~~~~

The wise men came from the opposite spectrum of the social order. They were high ranking officials who studied the stars and advised the kings of the Medes. Somehow they came to know that a special star was announcing the birth of the Jewish messiah.

Two years after the star had first appeared they arrived in Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” They were told, “In Bethlehem in Judea.” Miraculously, the star reappeared over the house where the Christ Child now lived. “They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh…. they returned to their own country by another route.”

Whether we find ourselves at the top - at the bottom - or somewhere in between - on the social ladder of life, God wants us to follow his leading to “the Savior, Christ the Lord!” May our Christmas experience this year have been life changing as it was for the shepherds and wise men.

THE BIRTH OF JESUS

2009-12-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

”She brought forth her firstborn son,

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger;

because there was no room
for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:7 KJV
~~~~

God has a unique way of doing things!

To begin with, he allowed unkind rumors to spread around Nazareth concerning Mary and Joseph – Mary had become pregnant during their engagement. People rolled their eyes when she told them, that it was “of the Holy Spirit.”

And just when Mary was getting close to delivery time, they had to go to Bethlehem like many other people, for the census, because that’s where their relatives lived. By the time Joseph’s donkey got them there, the homes of relatives were filled, and Mary was going into labor – there was no time to lose. They needed a place to stay!

Hospitality in that society was taken very seriously. They did everything possible to accommodate visitors, especially relatives in need. Many homes were two story structures. The upper part was where people lived and entertained guests. The lower room often was for livestock. (KJV translates "kataluma" in Luke 2:7 as “inn.” The same word is translated “guestchamber” in Mark 14:15 and Luke 22:12 so it’s very possible that the best lodging Joseph’s relatives could provide at the time was the stable below the “guestchamber.”)

Joseph and Mary made the best of it. There was no time to waste. The baby was coming! We don’t know if there was anyone to assist Mary aside from Joseph. Even if the stable had just been cleaned, it still was a dirty, smelly place. The baby came - they cleaned him up the best they could – and Mary “wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger.”

The creator of heaven and earth, in the most humble and lowly of circumstances had become one of us – so he could die - that we might live!!

"Oh love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall for-ever-more endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.”
F.M.L.

May you and yours HAVE A MOST BLESSED CHRISTMAS!!!

THE PROMISED SAVIOR

2009-12-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

“The passionate commitment
of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!”
Isaiah 9:7 NLT
~~~~~

The love of God goes beyond all human comprehension!! He created people in his own image to have fellowship with them. When they yielded to the serpent’s temptation and disobeyed God - even before they knew that they needed forgiveness, God promised a Savior who would make forgiveness possible. To the serpent he said: “I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 This is a prophesy of Satan’s final destruction and Christ’s sacrifice for our sins.

Another reference to the promised Savior is made to Abraham in Genesis 22:18 “Through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed.”

900 years later God promised David: “I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong…..Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.” 2 Samuel 7:12, 16.

Isaiah 9:6,7 sees the promised Savior as clearly as if it had already happened. “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!”

The promise of our Savior was not an afterthought – it was in the Father’s loving heart from all eternity and he made it happen!

During these days before Christmas, may we KEEP LOOKING UP beyond the tinsel and decorations to the true meaning of the season.

A GOD-PLEASING MINDSET

2009-12-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

“Always be joyful.
Never stop praying.
Be thankful in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you
who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
~~~~~~~~~~~

Our mindset is our habitual mental attitude that determines how we will interpret and respond to situations. Our basic mindset is initially shaped by our family, friends, and the culture we grow up in. However, our mindset can be changed for the better or worse by what we focus our thoughts on.

As born again believers we always have reason to rejoice, no matter how many disappointments we may face. The fact that our sins are forgiven through Christ overshadows every negative thing we may be facing. So there is always reason to rejoice.

Our Father’s door is always open, and we can talk with him about whatever is on our heart, whether praise or a call for help. We can have a continuing mental or verbal conversation with him day and night no matter what we are doing.

All of us have things happen to us and we get into situations for which we are NOT thankful! But even in the midst of such painful and disturbing circumstances there are always reasons to be thankful because of the hope we have in Christ!!

God’s will for us is to make a habit of focusing on doing what pleases him in every situation. That will bring him glory, and a deep lasting peace to us.

WORK HARD AT DEVELOPING A GOD-PLEASING MINDSET and keep looking up!!

NOT WASTING LEFTOVERS

2009-11-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

After everyone was full,
Jesus told his disciples,
“Now gather the leftovers,
so that nothing is wasted.”

John 6:12 NLT
~~~~~

Are you still eating Thanksgiving Leftovers? So are we, and enjoying them! Timothy Jones of the University of Arizona studies food loss; he told CBS radio that, “Americans waste 14 percent of their food purchases, including leftovers and stale dated products. Jones estimates that the average family of four tosses out close to $ 600 per year in fruit, meat, vegetables, and other unidentifiable substances at the bottom of the crisper drawer.”

Jesus instructed his disciples to gather the pieces of barley loaves and fish that hadn’t been eaten. Though he had provided more food than the five thousand needed, he didn’t want the leftovers to be wasted. That’s a principle that can be, and needs to be, applied to every area of life. The less we have, the greater the necessity to be saving. The more we have, the easier it becomes to be wasteful, but wastefulness is never pleasing to the Lord.

Are you pleased with how you are controlling waste around you?

MAKE GOOD USE OF WHAT THE LORD HAS GIVEN YOU, and keep looking up!

ENTER HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING

2009-11-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him
and praise his name.”
Psalm 100:4 NLT
~~~~~~

If we stop to consider how we pray, we may be surprised how little thanksgiving and praise our prayers contain. I have found at times my entire prayer has been basically nothing but requests. It’s helpful for me to start out with praise and thanksgiving and keep mixing it with my requests throughout my prayer. When I do that, it enables me to make my petitions with greater confidence and expectation. When I only ask, ask, ask, something vital is missing in my heart. That sort of ties in with what Paul says in Philippians 4:6, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

What part does thanksgiving and praise play in your prayer life? This Thanksgiving Season may be an excellent time for us to start focusing on sprinkling our prayers with more thanksgiving and praise. It can make our prayer time an increasingly positive experience.

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING, and keep looking up!

OPEN THE FLOODGATES OF HEAVEN

2009-11-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

“I will bless my people…
And in the proper season
I will send the showers they need.
There will be showers of blessing.”
Ezekiel 34:26 NLT
~~~~~~

By the end of October, Missouri’s statewide rainfall average was more than 10 inches, making it the wettest October in 68 years and second only to 1941 which had 10.47 inches. Here in St. Louis we had 12.38 inches, setting a new record after 137 years. Two southeast counties recorded more than 15 inches of rain during October.

On the other hand, southeastern U.S. has been suffering the worst drought in over 100 years. At the end of October, Metro-Atlanta only had 120 days of usable drinking water left.

Spiritually, our entire nation is suffering a devastating drought which seems to be getting worse by the day. Actions and attitudes which were unthinkable a few decades ago have become common place.

Current divorce rate in the U.S. is between 41 and 50%. The trend is for singles to live together without getting married. Though abortion numbers have declined somewhat in recent years – 1,200,000 babies are still being aborted every year – that is almost 453,000 every day.

Approximately 14 million people in the U.S. are addicted to, or abuse alcohol. Nearly 2.5 million Americans have been said to have substance abuse problems, which is estimated to double to approximately 5 million, by the end of 2020. Violence and sex on TV is having a destructive effect on children and the younger generation. The Evening News is a constant stream of reports of lawlessness and perversion.

While approximately 1,350 successful churches are planted each year in the USA, about 3,750 churches close each year giving us a deficit total loss of 2,400 churches per year, 200 churches per month and 6.6 churches per day. Young people in there 20’s and 30’s are leaving various churches in droves.

It is obvious that we are in need of a soaking spiritual rain; a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit; a true revival in our churches that will have a positive effect on society all around us. Do we care enough to cry out to God with all our heart for the “showers of blessing” we so desperately need?

Let’s Pray-
O God, “Open the floodgates of Heaven, let it rain, let it rain!!”
In Jesus Name.
Amen

TURN UP YOUR SOUND AND JOIN MICHAEL W. SMITH @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qttxhgc8d9E

LET IT RAIN
Let it rain, let it rain.
Open the floodgates of Heaven
Repeat
“The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad.
Let the distance shores rejoiceClouds and thick darkness surround him.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
A fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.
His lightning lights up the world.
The earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord.
Before the Lord of all the earth.
The Heavens proclaim His righteousness.
And all peoples will see His Glory” (Psalm 97:1-6 NIV)

JOY IN HEAVEN

2009-11-07T04:00:00.001-08:00

“Count on it—
there's more joy in heaven
over one sinner's rescued life
than over ninety-nine good people

in no need of rescue.
Luke 15:7 The Message
~~~~~~~~

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were focused on the holiness of God and the demands of his laws and regulations. In addition to these laws and regulations, they burdened the people with hundreds of their own laws. They considered themselves more righteous than everyone else and looked with distain on outcasts of society.

On the other hand, Jesus came to reveal the grace and mercy of God and freely interacted with all sorts of people including the outcasts. In order to illustrate the loving and forgiving heart of God, Jesus told three stories which are recorded in Luke 15. You will recall them as, The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin and The Lost Son. Each story highlights the rejoicing when the lost was found.

When the man finds his lost sheep, he lets his friends know and they rejoice together. “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”

When the woman finds her lost coin, she shares the good news with her friends and they rejoice together. “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

When the prodigal son repented, and came back home, his father was watching and waiting for him. ”Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him….. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.” What a moving insight into what happens in heaven when a sinner repents.

Heaven is a holy, sinless place. Therefore anything or anyone with the stain of sin is denied admittance. God’s throne is surrounded by worshiping and praising angels – celebrating who God is and what he has accomplished through the sacrifice of his Son – namely forgiveness for repentant sinners and consequently an open door to heaven. Every time another lost person repents, there is a new outburst of joy in heaven. Heaven is a joyous place! Hallelujah!!

Let’s Pray-
Father, we thank you that “you are not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Help us to do our part to find the lost and add to rejoicing here on earth and in heaven.
Amen

MY FATHER’S HOUSE

2009-10-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

“In my Father's house are many mansions: . .

I go to prepare a place for you. . .
I will come again,
and receive you unto myself;
that where I am,
there ye may be also.”
John 14:2-3 KJV
~~~~~~

I do not have a picture of the house I lived in as a child, but I do have a clear image of it in my mind. It was a small four room farm house with a lean-to on the north side and a tiny entryway on the south. It had a kitchen, a living room and two bedrooms. It also had a cellar which was just a hole in the ground under the kitchen and living room. We didn’t have electricity, or running water, but it did have a “thunder box” which was especially handy when it was 20 degrees below zero outside.

The kitchen had a dining table with several wooden chairs and a home made bench. It also had a cast iron cooking stove with its fire box, oven and a water heating tank. We used “cow chips,” corn cobs and lignite coal for fuel. Sponge baths were taken in a metal wash tub when everyone else was in bed.

The living room had a kerosene space heater which also heated the door-less bedrooms. It had a peddle sewing machine, a few wooden chairs and a little pump organ which my dad played with one finger.

The lean-to was an unheated storage area. This is where we separated milk every morning and evening with a hand cranked cream separator. I also remember several large wooden barrels with salt brine to preserve pork.

The cellar had home canned goods and raw vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beets, etc. Coal was also kept there. We got to the cellar through a trap door in the kitchen floor.

While my earthly father’s house doesn’t exist anymore, my Heavenly Father’s house exists eternally! That same Lord who spoke all of creation into being has been back at the Father’s house for 2000 years now, designing and preparing a special place for each believer. Paul, making reference to an O.T. passage, says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” I know this scripture is primarily speaking about God’s plan of salvation, but I think it can also be applied to the place Jesus is preparing for us in the Father’s house.

Let’s Pray-
Jesus, we know our earthy father’s house, whether a shack or a multimillion dollar mansion, will be gone some day. But the place you are preparing for us is priceless and eternal, and what makes it most special, is that you will always be there!! Thank you for this precious hope!
Amen

WHAT TO THINK ABOUT

2009-10-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Fix your thoughts on what is true,

and honorable, and right, and pure,

and lovely, and admirable.
Think about things that are

excellent and worthy of praise.”
Philippians 4:8 NLT
~~~~~~

I read the other day that our brain, which weighs only about three pounds, has stored more information in it than the entire Library of Congress. Psychologists tell us that each person has about ten thousand thoughts per day. That’s incredible!

While some thoughts we have may be benign, most thoughts have a far reaching impact on our lives for good or harm. Our thoughts are seeds from which our words, emotions, and actions sprout. Good thoughts lead to positive feelings and actions, and a good outlook on life. On the other hand, habitual negative thoughts lead to self pity, depression, and even poor physical health.

Our mind is constantly bombarded by thoughts from our past, our present, from what we listen to, what we watch, and what we read. The society we live in effects our thinking and actions more than we would like to admit. If we are not careful, little by little we take on the values and ways of the world around us. Paul warns, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2

To the degree that we fill our mind with God’s Word and live by it, it will overcome the influence of the world around us and transform our thinking to agree with his. As Joshua says, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” 1:8

The mind of Jesus was filled with the Word of God, and he used it as a weapon to fight off the temptations of Satan. After he had fasted forty days in the desert, Satan put evil thoughts in his mind five times, and each time Jesus fought off the temptation with, “No! The Scriptures say,” and then quoted an appropriate passage. “Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.”

Our mind is the battle field where Satan attacks, but by standing on God’s Word we can drive off every evil thought – lust, greed, pride, dishonesty, unforgiveness , self-pity, etc., etc.

Let’s Pray-
Lord, help us to fill our minds with your truth and grace and not fall for the lies of the enemy.
Amen

GETTING ON, AND STAYING ON, GOD’S WAY

2009-10-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

“The sacrifice you desire
is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken
and repentant heart, O God.”
Psalm 51:17 NLT
~~~~

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, like me, there came a time in your life when you became aware that you were a sinner – separated from God and heaven forever. You realized, to some degree, that you were deserving of God’s holy judgment. It was when you admitted your guilt, and believed that the death of Jesus was for your sin, that you were saved. Drawn by his matchless love, you changed from being an unbeliever to being a believer. The reality of that change of direction was demonstrated by your changed life. The direction you were heading was leading away from God, now you are on his way and he is walking with you. That U turn, was the best turn you and I have every made! It is called repentance.

Though you and I have made that fundamental direction change in our lives, I for one must admit that my every day life is not perfect, and most likely the same is true with you. We still find ourselves with wrong attitudes – thoughts – actions or inactions. If we make excuses for our sin – try to hide it or ignore it, we will become like some of the people in the churches John mentions in Revelation. Five out of seven of those churches were called upon to repent (turn around) because they were drifting off of God’s way. One no longer loved the Lord and other Christians like they did at the beginning. Two of them had gotten into unbiblical teachings. Another had the reputation of being alive, but in reality was spiritually asleep. The fifth one, once on fire, had become lukewarm – they thought they were rich when in reality they were in spiritual poverty. All five were warned if they continued down the wrong way, they would experience God’s judgment. On the other hand, if they changed directions and got back on track they were promised wonderful blessings.

1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Confession of sin and repentance (turning from sin to God) is the hallmark of Christians who are walking in close fellowship with their Lord. The moment they become aware that they have veered off course, they make the correction that brings them back in line.

Let’s Pray-
Lord, I’m not as on fire as I once was. Show me where I have drifted from your way, and help me to stay close to you.
Amen

GOD IS NEAR AND KNOWS ALL ABOUT US

2009-10-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!”
Psalm 139:17-18 NLT
~~~~~~

When we feel all alone and like no one knows what we’re going through – we need to read Psalm 139 again. (What follows is my rough paraphrase of this Psalm.)

We need to be reminded that he knows everything about us. He knows everything we are doing and thinking even when he seems far away. He sees us when we are driving down the highway or resting in our bed. He knows what we are going to say even before the first word comes out of our mouth.

We are not alone! He’s out in front of us - leading the way and at the same time he follows us with his hand of blessing on our head. How wonderful is that?! It’s really too big for us to fully grasp. We can never get beyond his presence. Even if we got on this world’s most powerful space ship and flew to the farthest end of space – he would be there. Or if we took the most sophisticated deep ocean craft to the bottom of the ocean he would be there ready to guide, strengthen and support us. We can never get away from his presence. No distance or darkness can ever hide us from him.

He knows all about us. After all, he created us. He delicately formed us in our mother’s womb, making us wonderfully complex and unique. He designed us to perfectly fulfill his purpose. We need to be thankful for how marvelously he has made us. He saw our entire life before we were born. Incredibly every day of our life was recorded in his book before we took our first breath. Even now he has precious thoughts about us – more than we could ever count – more than all the grains of sand in the whole world.

After considering Psalm 139 these past few moments, I trust we have gotten beyond feeling sorry for ourselves. If we still feel that way, we are missing something. We need to refocus on the truth that he has always had our eternal best at heart. Everything he has done and will ever do is for our good and his glory. He is always with us, and his mind is filled with countless precious thoughts about us. What can be more reassuring?

Let’s Pray-
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23 - 24 NLT
Amen

GETTING OUR PRAYERS BEYOND THE “OUTBOX”

2009-10-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Keep on asking,
and you will receive what you ask for.
Keep on seeking, and you will find.
Keep on knocking,
and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7 NLT
~~~~~

Recently we had problems with our email. Some people mentioned that our “This Week’s Word from God” ended in their Spam box. So I sent out the “Could You Do Us a Favor” message requesting you to let us know whether you had a problem with the reception of our weekly mailing. Inexplicably, some of you just got the Subject Line with no message.

Out of 350+ mailings we had 80 some replies. Ninety % had no problem - ten % found our weekly mailing in their Deleted or Spam box. About this time our email began to do some strange things. Some “sent items” went into the “Outbox” and never got any further. Other messages ended up in the Deleted Items box. No matter what I tried – nothing helped. Talk about frustration!! After almost pulling my hair out for several days, I finally called the technical support line – which I should have done in the first place. To make a long story short – after about two and a half hours on the phone, most of my email problems have been resolved (I think).

There is a spiritual lesson here!! Sometimes our prayers don’t go beyond the ceiling - they go to the “Outbox” but don’t get any further. Something is blocking them from reaching their destination. God’s Word is our technical support line which points out the spiritual “bugs” which hinder our prayers from getting through to him. Listed below are three.

James 1 tells us that our prayers at times are ineffective because something is blocking them. He says, 6”When you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”

Like little children we at times pray for things that are not good for us and fortunately they don’t get beyond the “Outbox.” But when we ask according to God’s will, "14 he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” 1 John 5.

1 Peter 3:7 says “You husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.” Who would have ever thought this would keep our prayers from getting beyond the “Outbox.”

Let’s Pray-
Father, when something seems to be blocking our prayers from getting through, help us to go to your technical support line (your Word) right away and make the proper corrections.
Amen

PRIDE OR HUMILITY – THE CHOICE IS OURS

2009-09-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

“God opposes the proud
but favors the humble.
So humble yourselves
under the mighty power of God,
and at the right time
he will lift you up in honor.”
James 4:5-6 NLT
~~~~

Pride has been around for a long time. In fact it is older than the human race. Satan was the first creature to take credit for what God had done. God created him with “the perfection of wisdom and beauty”1 and he claimed it as his own accomplishment. He said, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.”2 For that pride God cast him down to become the prince of this world and Satan has been bringing the temptation of pride into every human life ever since - Adam and Eve being the first ones.

“Pride in our achievements and possessions, these are not from the Father, but are from this world.”5 So we may be good looking – be talented - have all sorts of degrees and titles – live in a dream house – drive the most expensive car – wear the latest designer clothes, etc., etc. Who has made all these things possible? A prideful attitude will say, “I have acquired these things by my own skills and efforts.” Our key scripture tells us “God opposes the proud.” Another passage states “he keeps his distance from the proud.”6 That’s not a good relationship to have with God.

The other option is to choose humility which is a much better choice. “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”3 “Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.”4 “Those who humble themselves will be exalted.”7 The choice is ours – pride or humility. Humility brings God’s blessings – pride brings his judgment. It’s not difficult to figure out which is the wiser choice.

Pride comes naturally without any effort on our part, but how do we humble ourselves? It seems to me humility begins with admitting that pride is sin - and then repent of it (turn from it). We further need to acknowledge that God is absolutely sovereign and that we owe him absolute obedience. It means we sincerely acknowledge to him and people around us that all we are and have is the results of his gracious work in our lives. It’s all a gift from him!

Let’s Pray-
Father we confess that pride creeps into our lives. Please forgive us and help us to humbly recognize and submit to your sovereign Lordship so that “at the right time you will lift us up in honor.”
Amen

Foot Notes:
1. Ezekiel 28:12; 2. Isaiah 14:13; 3. Proverbs 11:2; 4. Proverbs 18:12; 5. 1 John 2:16; 6. Psalm 138:6; 7. Matthew 23:12

THAT WHICH NEVER FADES AWAY

2009-09-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

“The grass withers and the flowers fade

beneath the breath of the Lord.
And so it is with people.
The grass withers and the flowers fade,

but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:7-8 NLT
~~~~~~

I picked some tomatoes and peppers from our garden the other week. They are still doing O.K., but the rest of the garden is done for the season. There was a head of cabbage left (which probably should have been harvested long ago). And there were a few beans that are all dried up. The Brown Eyed Susans and Cone Flowers have turned brown, but I think I’ll save them for a while longer and let the Gold Finch feed on them.

The prophet Isaiah says, “The grass withers and the flowers fade . . . And so it is with people.” Have you ever looked at the old family picture album and found it hard to believe that the teenager on those pages was really you? How the grass has withered and the flower faded. We are reminded of that every morning as we look into the mirror. But we are more than just a physical body that is growing older by the day. We are also a spiritual being which is nourished and built up by God’s word which never loses its vitality. “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” God’s word will never wear out and fade away.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.” 1 Peter 1:3-4 NLT

We may have received an inheritance from our parents or some relative (which by the way most likely has lost some value recently) and some day we will pass what’s left to someone else. However, in Christ “we have a priceless inheritance” which we will never have to give up. This inheritance is kept in God’s eternal safety deposit box reserved in our name, “pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.” It will never fade away!

James 1 mentions the withering grass and fading flower of human riches and achievements, then adds in verse 12 “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” Another precious and eternal gift from God which will never lose its’ value or fade away.

Let’s Pray-
Father There is no one like you!! Your gifts are priceless and eternal, with the reassuring promise that they will never fade away. May we never forget to be truly grateful.
Amen

WHAT ABOUT GIVING TO THE POOR?

2009-09-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

“If you have two shirts,
give one to the poor.
If you have food,
share it with those who are hungry.”
Luke 3:11 NLT
~~~~~

Like many of you, I am reading through the Bible again this year. I have been struck with how often the subject of “the poor” comes up. Mainly two issues are dealt with –we are to protect them against injustice, and help them out materially. In this post today we will just consider giving to the poor.

I’m sure you have noticed the Lord’s instruction to the farmers to not harvest the corners of their fields, but to leave them for the poor. The olive and grape growers were not to pick all the fruit, but leave some for the poor. There are many references both in the Old and the New Testament calling on people of every level of income to give to the poor. In fact John the Baptist said, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” That standard doesn’t leave any of us out.

O.T. passages tell us to give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, and God will bless us in everything we do – rescue us when we are in trouble –repay us – we will lack nothing. In the N.T. Jesus told the rich young ruler, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” In Acts Luke tells the story of Cornelius who gave generously to the poor and regularly prayed to God. An angel appeared to him and said, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!”

Our giving to the poor is something God definitely takes note of and blesses when it is done with the right motive. While God promises good things to us for giving to the poor, that must not be our primary reason for giving. Paul reminds us “If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.”

As Jesus said, “you will always have the poor with you.” There are countless individuals and agencies we could be giving to, but we can’t be giving to everyone. We need the guidance of the Lord to know whom we are to help. “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”

Let’s Pray-
Father you make provision for the poor through those who obey your word. Help us to be sensitive to your Spirit so we will faithfully give to those whom you have chosen to bless through us.
Amen

SATISFIED WITH WHAT WE HAVE

2009-09-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Don’t love money;
be satisfied with what you have.
For God has said,
“I will never fail you.

I will never abandon you.”
Hebrews 13:5 NLT
~~~~~~~

The old saying is “Money Makes The World Go Round.” Indeed we need money or some form of exchange of property or services to make a living. Money spells power. It enables us to acquire food - houses and land – services and gadgets - stuff and more stuff. The amount of wealth we have determines how much we can buy and do. One thing becomes obvious early on. The natural inclination is to always want more.

There is nothing intrinsically evil about wealth. Moses reminds us that “the Lord your God is the one who gives you power to be successful.” (Deuteronomy 8:18) Some great Bible characters like Abraham, Job and Solomon were very wealthy people. What makes money either good or bad is our attitude towards it. The more wealth we accumulate, the easier it becomes to put our trust in it rather than in the Lord. Moses warned about that. “When your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 8:13-14)

If that happens to us, we will find ourselves preoccupied with material things and spiritual matters will be less and less important to us. We have fallen in love with money and the power it gives us and we will crave more and more. That is a BIG RED FLAG!! “People who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Love of money opens the door to all sorts of dark thoughts and activities – ungratefulness – suspicions – cheating – lying – stealing - bad business deals - gambling – marital problems, etc. etc. No wonder it leads some people to wandering from the faith. The writer of Proverbs prayed, “Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.” (Proverbs 30:8-9)

The right attitude toward money is to take the opportunities the Lord provides us to make a living, and then be thankful for, and satisfied with, however he blesses us. He promises, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” That’s good to know especially during this economic downturn.

Let’s Pray-
Father please pour out your grace upon us that we may always love you above all else, whether our lot in life is to have enough – more than enough - or poverty. We choose to be satisfied with what we have.
Amen

GETTING A GOOD NIGHTS’ SLEEP

2009-08-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

“But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,

My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

I cried to the LORD with my voice,

And He heard me from His holy hill.

I lay down and slept;

I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.
Psalm 3:3-5 NKJV
~~~~~

“A record 43 million prescriptions for sleep pills were written by U.S. physicians in 2005, and by 2010 it has been estimated that the drug industry will take in at least $5 billion annually from these sales.”(1) It goes without saying, insomnia is a widespread problem in today’s society.

While for some people a medical condition may be the cause of their sleep problem – for others sleeplessness may be caused by worry and fear. Their minds are filled with “what if questions.” What if - I lose my job – we lose the house – this lump under my arm turns out to be cancer – and on and on. The enemy of our soul doesn’t run short of ideas with which to torment our minds and rob us of sound sleep.

David wrote Psalm 3 when he was fleeing from his son Absalom who was out to kill him and take over the throne. That sort of situation could cause a sleepless night for most anyone. In utter humiliation – running for his life from his son - David chose to fix his mind on the Lord instead of on the ten thousand who were determined to cut off his head. He cries out to God, and remarkably it’s not a plea for help, it’s an acknowledgment of who God is. “Thou, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.” With that confession he lay down and went to sleep. In the morning he woke up safe and sound. The Lord had been his shield of protection. In another Psalm David says, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” (4:8)

David’s focus on God’s provision instead of the danger he faces, gives us a good clue as to how we can overcome the doubts and fears that at times threaten to rob us of sleep. Isaiah agrees and testifies, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (26:3) Paul joins right in and exhorts us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Not surprisingly, Peter agrees with David and Paul and says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Let’s Pray
Father help us to keep our eyes on you and your promises rather than the frightening things which threaten us. In Jesus name.
Amen

To hear Kent Henry sing > “Thou O LORD are a Shield for me >>
Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtguK8RUpOs

(1)Source: SleepWeb (Marketdata Enterprises, Inc.) research

THE BENEFIT COMES IN OBEYING

2009-08-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Don’t just listen to God’s word.
You must do what it says.
Otherwise, you are only
fooling yourselves.”
James 1:22 NLT
~~~~~~

I have been studying and sharing the Scriptures, in one way or another, for more than fifty years. It has been a wonderful God-given privilege. It has transformed my life and the lives of many who received the teaching. But I have a confession to make. In studying the Word, I often saw passages as something other people needed to hear and obey. And to be perfectly frank, my mindset is still somewhat that way. I read a passage in the Bible or an article in a Christian magazine or website, and right off I see how it applies to someone else, and then only later realize – hey, I need to apply that to my life! Does that ever happen to you, or am I the only one who does that?

Most of us who go to church regularly love to hear good teaching and preaching of the Word. While it is comforting and reassuring, it also informs us of what we should and should not be doing. In Psalm 119:105 David says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” God’s Word reveals dangerous obstacles so we can avoid them, and it clearly illumines the right path to take. However, seeing what to do is not the same as doing it. As this week’s Word from God says, “You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” Wow, that really hits us where we live. The greater understanding we have of the Word , the more responsible we are to live by it.

Jesus says, “Why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.” (Luke 6:46-49) The part of our life which doesn’t obey the Lord suffers ruin. I see that as applying to my life as well as yours.

“When we walk with the Lord
in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey,
for there’s no other wayTo be happy in Jesus,
but to trust and obey.”
John H. Sammis

Let’s Pray-
Thank you Lord for the light of your Word.
Help us to obediently apply it to our lives first
before trying to apply it to others.
Amen

PRAISE THE LORD FOR ALL HE HAS DONE

2009-08-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget
the good things he does for me.

He forgives all my sins

and heals all my diseases.”
Psalm 103:2-3 NLT
~~~~~~

Over a hundred years ago Johnson Oatman wrote these familiar lines,

“When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”

It is always beneficial to recall “the good things” with which God has blessed us, but it is especially helpful when we are down and feeling sorry for ourselves.

Three thousand years ago King David was praising the Lord as he counted his blessings. In the process he challenges himself: “may I never forget the good things he does for me.” And as he pondered the good things the Lord brought into his life, two rose to the top of the list. ”He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.”

Forgiveness of sin is God’s most incredible gift! Without it we are eternally separated from him, which is what hell is – separation from God and every form of his blessing. No one, we or any other human or angelic being, can grant us forgiveness of sin! Only God can, and in mercy and grace he offers that forgiveness making it possible for us to be united with him eternally (which is heaven). How can we every praise him enough for his forgiveness?! May we never take it for granted, rather in gratefulness live a life which brings him honor and glory.

The second blessing at the top of David’s list was: “he heals all my diseases.” Without question, for believers, God is the healer of every disease, whether in time or eternity. All of us have experienced his healing, sometimes in answer to prayer, other times through medical means, still other times God just sovereignly touched us. All healing is from God, which like forgiveness of sin, is for his glory.

Obviously, God does not always heal. Why, because of sin or lack of faith? Possibly, but that certainly isn’t always the reason. Often the Lord holds back or delays healing to teach us to trust him as we “walk through the darkest valley.” It’s always meant for our best and his glory!

Revelation 21:4 assures us that perfect and eternal healing is reserved for every believer. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

Let’s Pray-
Oh Lord, “You were pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. You were beaten so we could be whole. You were whipped so we could be healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) “Let all that I am praise you Lord; may I never forget the good things you do for me.”
Amen

YOU ARE WORTH EVERYTHING TO GOD

2009-08-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

I will be your God
throughout your lifetime—
until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
I will carry you along and save you.
Isaiah 46:4 NLT
~~~~~

Do we have worth beyond the years we can make a meaningful contribution to society? What about that phase of life when others may consider us just an inconvenience or an expense to be avoided, will we still have worth?

“1.3 million abortions are performed in the US each year.”(1) The motivations for those abortions, no doubt, are varied. But without question, for many, inconvenience and/or the expense of raising the child, was a deciding factor. The child was considered not worth it.

On the other end of the life cycle “there are about 16,500 nursing homes certified to provide Medicare and/or Medicaid care in the United States, with approximately 1.8 million total beds. About 3.5 million people will live in a nursing home in the course of a year.”(2)

Go to any nursing home and you will find people who go weeks and months without a visitor. Aren’t they worth the effort? At times even their children find themselves “too busy” with their own families to stop by for a visit. Some are even scheming how they can end this drain on their inheritance.

But I am sure there are many nursing home residents whose loved ones would do anything to bless them. I know an elderly gentleman (let’s call him Carl) whose wife had Alzheimer’s. When he couldn’t take care of her at home any more, he admitted her to a nursing home. He drove miles to visit her regularly even when she didn’t know him any more. When she had to be spoon fed, Carl was there every day to lovingly feed her. This went on for over a year until the Lord took her Home. For Carl this wasn’t too inconvenient or time consuming. She was more than worth it all!

We live in a world where the unwanted unborn, the severely impaired, and the elderly are increasingly seen as a liability rather than an asset to society. The reasoning is - why spend time, energy, and money on something which will not yield an economic return.

Our heavenly father has a different set of values. He says, “I saw you as having infinite worth when I formed you in your mother’s womb. The cross shows how much worth you are to me, whether you are a youth, a helpless invalid, or in your white haired 80’s or 90’s. You are worth everything to me, that’s why I sacrificed my Son to save you.”(3)

Let’s Pray –
Thank you Father, that you consider us precious, even if others may not consider us worth their effort. We are so grateful that “Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue us all the days of our life.”(4)
Amen

Footnote:
(1) (Source: Finer LB and Henshaw SK, Estimates of U.S. Abortion Incidence in 2001 and 2002, Alan Guttmacher Institute, 2005)
(2) McKnight’s Long-Term Care News & Assisted Living
(3) Paraphrase of various scriptures
(4)Psalm 23:6 NLT

SELF-CONTROL ~ THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

2009-08-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Think clearly and exercise self-control….

You must live as God’s obedient children.

Don’t slip back into your old ways

of living to satisfy your own desires.”
Peter 1:13-14 NLT
~~~~~~

“Self” is that part of us which is in rebellion against God. It is our sinful nature which does not want to, indeed can not, obey God. It will dominate our life unless we allow the power of the Holy Spirit to bring it under control.

To the degree that we allow self to control us, it will really mess up our lives and the lives of the people around us. Paul refers to this in Galatians 5:19-21 just before he mentions the fruit of the Spirit. “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”

What a sickening list. You may or may not be struggling with some of these gross sins. But some of these sins in their “refined” forms may invade our thought life. Jesus taught that lustful glances and fantasies are the same as carrying out the act itself. Then there is that whole area of excesses of good things – eating –drinking – leisure – pleasure - clothing – spending etc., etc. What about - uncontrolled anger – profanity – critical spirit – selfishness - gossip - "and other sins like these."

I don’t know about you, but I have to admit there are areas in my life that need help with self control. The good news is that God has made a way to bring self under control. “Dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.”(Romans 8:12,13) Self-control is at the heart of all the facets of the fruit of the Spirit. To the degree that we allow the Spirit to bring our sinful nature under control, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness” will all flourish in our lives. The secret is to be filled (controlled by) the Holy Spirit.

Let’s Pray-
Father, self is in control in our lives too much of the time. We need the power of your Holy Spirit to be in control of self. We desperately need a fresh infilling of your Spirit! Please bring it about, whether in answer to pleading prayers, or by sovereignly touching our lives. Cause your Spirit to fill us once again!!
We ask it in Jesus name.
Amen

GENTLENESS ~ THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

2009-07-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Since God chose you
to be the holy people he loves,
you must clothe yourselves with
tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility,
gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 NLT
~~~~~~

Newer translations use the word “gentleness” rather than “meekness” to convey the meaning of the Greek word (prautes). The reason is - in today’s culture the word “meek” brings to mind someone who is sort of withdrawn, timid and shy - a “milk toasty” personality. The word originally conveyed the idea of strength. Classical Greek also used (prautes) of animals that were powerful, yet tamed and under control. In other words gentleness is power under control. That is why many present day translations use the word “gentle” instead of “meek” to convey the meaning of (prautes).

In Matthew 11:29 Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle (prautes) at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus had been given all power and authority in heaven and on earth, and yet refers to himself as “gentle.” That is power under control.

As parents we need to guard ourselves when we discipline our children. In times of frustration we can easily vent our anger on them and turn them against us and God. Paul warns about this in Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” Gentleness is power under control.

“Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.” (Colossians 3:19) In other words, always treat your wife gently – that’s power under control.

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” (Galatians 6:1) When a fellow Christian falls into sin, we can easily be judgmental and tell ourselves, “we would never do that.” Gentleness has the power to overcome such an attitude and enable us to help the fallen Christian back on track with the Lord.

In the business world, some people have the idea that they have to be cold and stern to show others who is in charge. The reality is, this is a sign of weakness. The strong person is “tenderhearted, merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient.” Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as true strength. -- Ralph Sockman

Let’s Pray-
Oh Holy Spirit, show us what hinders your work in our lives. Help us to be truly repentant, so the fruit of gentleness may mature in us.
Amen

FAITHFULNESS ~ THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

2009-07-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

“For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,

and his faithfulness
continues to each generation.”
Psalm 100:5 NLT
~~~~~~

Faithfulness – what a beautiful word! It brings all sorts of comforting and reassuring thoughts to mind. A faithful person keeps his promises – is reliable - trustworthy – loyal – never stops loving, no matter what the cost. As wonderful as that sounds, in all honesty we have to admit there are times when we have been less than totally reliable or trustworthy. We haven’t always kept the promises we’ve made. We have let people and God down. There is room for us to grow in faithfulness.

God has always been perfectly faithful, in every regard, all the time, and he sent his Son to personify what true faithfulness looks like in human form. When Jesus’ earthly parents missed him on the way home from the Passover festival, after searching, they found him at the temple asking questions of the religious leaders. Luke (2:48-49,51) says, his parents asked him “why have you done this to us?” And his response was “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” “Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them.” Jesus clearly was totally faithful to his heavenly Father and to his earthly parents.

As an adult, Jesus chose 12 disciples to proclaim his teaching after he was gone. They disappointed him repeatedly with their lack of faith and their squabbling over who would be number one. Even when they forsook him, he remained faithful to them. He prayed to the Father, “During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.” (John 17:12) Jesus remained faithful to them.

Even when it meant facing the cross, he was faithful to the Father. Mark tells us that Jesus fell to the ground and “cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (14:36) He was faithful to the point of suffering the penalty for our sins.

As we yield to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we grow in faithfulness to God. And faithfulness to God translates into faithfulness to our marriage partner – family members – friends – and everyone with whom we have a relationship. Being unfaithful to anyone is unfaithfulness to God, and calls for repentance. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9) God has made every provision to help us grow in faithfulness.

Let’s Pray-
Thank you Father, for giving us the Holy Spirit, to produce the fruit of faithfulness in our lives.
Amen

GOODNESS ~ THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

2009-07-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

“For the Kingdom of God

is not a matter of what we eat or drink,
but of living a life of goodness

and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 14:17 NLT
~~~~~~

What does it mean for something to be good? The word is used in all sorts of ways – good car– a good reason – good eyesight – good deal – good fortune – good person, etc., etc. From the way we commonly use the word, there seem to be three aspects to it.

First, something is called good when it fulfills its intended purpose or meets expectations. The first use of the word in scripture is concerning creation. At the end of each day’s work, God concluded that what he had done “was good.” At the end of the sixth day he “looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” Creation fulfilled God’s intended purpose for the natural world; it met his expectations, and that’s why he called it good.

A second kind of goodness is called morality. God created heaven and earth and everything that exists. He has all knowledge, power and authority, and so he is the one who determined what is morally right or wrong. Everything he says and does is governed by his own eternal moral law. He is absolutely righteous and just. He is the personification of love, mercy and grace. He is eternal truth and He never changes. Everything he does is good. The scripture bears abundant witness to that reality. Over and over it admonishes us to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Goodness is his nature and the heart of his character - he always does what is right. Through man’s disobedience the seed of death entered the human race, ruining man’s moral goodness. But God in infinite goodness made a way for us to become “a new creation” through Christ. Now as born again children of God, his Holy Spirit is able to cause his moral goodness to grow in our lives.

Thirdly, we call something good when it brings some sort of benefit. While salvation is by God’s grace alone, “living a life of goodness” as revealed in his Word definitely brings benefits. It makes God’s goodness visible to people around us and gives them a desire to know him. It makes us better marriage partners, better parents, better employers, employees or citizens. Above all, it makes us more Christ-like and so brings glory to God. As a bonus, it brings us “peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Let’s Pray –
Father we thank you for being so good and giving us your Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of goodness in our lives. Help us to repent of anything that hinders the growth of that fruit in us.
Amen

KINDNESS ~ THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

2009-07-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another,
just as God through Christ
has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32 NLT

~~~~~~~

The dictionary defines kindness as: “the quality of being warm-hearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic.” To be on the receiving end of kindness is a gratifying experience. It leaves us with a positive feeling towards those who have shown us kindness.

Kindness is one of the virtues of God. “He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians 1:7 NLT He also gives us the Holy Spirit to produce his fruit in us which includes “kindness.”

Our natural self-centeredness makes it a challenge to show true kindness.
Have you ever caught yourself showing “kindness,” for the benefit it would bring you or because someone was watching and you wanted to make an impression? True kindness is shown because it is the right thing to do regardless of the response. That’s how God shows kindness. He gave his Son for the salvation of sinful humanity regardless of our response. But of course, it’s only those of us who believe on his Son who benefit from his kindness.

The nine facets of the fruit of the Spirit begin with love because the other eight flow from it. Without God’s love in our heart, we are unable to have true lasting joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But with God’s love in us, these virtues will not only be present in our lives but grow and flourish to the degree that we love and obey him.

Opportunities to show kindness are all around us wherever and whenever our lives touch other people. It can be as simple as a genuine smile, or as demanding as forgiving someone who has seriously wronged us. In between these two extremes, the rest of life falls. Holding the door for a handicapped person – taking a meal to a shut-in – giving a deserved complement – baby sitting for a frazzled mom – visiting the sick - helping the poor - husbands helping around the house etc., etc.

Though we should never show kindness just because it may bring us some good in return: Jesus did say, “Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:37, 38 NLT

Let’s Pray-
Father, your immeasurable kindness surrounds us every day. May your Spirit increasingly produce that virtue in our lives.
Amen

PATIENCE ~ THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

2009-06-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

“We also pray that you will
be strengthened
with all his glorious power
so you will have all the endurance

and patience you need.”
Colossians 1:11 NLT
~~~~~

As we pointed out at the outset of the study on the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, there are nine facets to this fruit. The first three: Love, Joy and Peace basically deal with our thought life; especially in our relationship with God. Today we start with the second set of three: Patience, Kindness and Goodness which primarily have to do with our thoughts and actions towards people and our attitude during trials.

According to the dictionary, patience basically means “good-natured tolerance of delay, or incompetence.” Most of us get irritated when people cut in line in front of us, especially when we are in a hurry and have been in line for some time. We may mutter under our breath, or loud enough for the perpetrator and everyone else to hear. That certainly would not be an expression of patience.

Some people look at patience as “passive waiting or gentle tolerance.” But the words translated “patience” in scripture, are active, robust words. For example Hebrews 12:1 “let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Patience includes the idea of endurance and not only putting up with people who irritate us.

If we had our way, life would pretty much be without trouble or trials, and if we did have problems, we would want God to fix them in a hurry. But we know that’s not what life is like. There are wayward children who keep going down the wrong road, no matter what we say or do. There are medical problems that daily worsen, and God doesn’t heal, no matter how hard we pray. Why does God allow these trials to come into our lives, and why doesn’t he answer our prayers immediately? “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance (patience) has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4

No matter how long it takes for our prayer to be answered, or when answered is not what we asked for, the Holy Spirit will cause the fruit of patience to grow in us - if we keep on trusting the Lord!

Let’s Pray-
Thank you Father for making provision for our growth, even as we go through trying times. By your Spirit cause the fruit of patience to flourish in us, making us “perfect and complete.”
Amen

PEACE ~ THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

2009-06-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

“I am leaving you with a gift—
peace of mind and heart.
And the peace I give
is a gift the world cannot give.
So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27 NLT
~~~~~~

The gift of peace which Jesus gives, and the fruit which the Holy Spirit produces in us, is not dependent on the circumstances we face in this world. We can be in good health – be financially well off – have good marital and family relationships and still not have true peace of heart and mind.

We naturally are not at “peace with God,” and no matter how “good” life may be going for us, it cannot change the hostility we have toward God. Even neglecting him is a form of hostility because he requires our allegiance. The good news is that, “Our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies.” Romans 5:10 By faith in Christ we have “peace with God” and no longer are his enemies.

As believers we not only have “peace with God” but we also are able to experience the “peace of God.” The Holy Spirit produces a tranquility of soul, even in stressful and frightening times. Paul writes: “Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 It is incredible, but even in times of devastating news from the doctor’s office, a foreclosure notice, the death of a loved one, or being served divorce papers; the fruit of the Spirit makes it possible for us to “experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand," as we “Tell God what we need, and thank him for all he has done.”

We cannot manufacture the “peace of God;” it is produced in our hearts by the Holy Spirit as we trust and obey God. However, all of us have had times when the “peace of God” eluded us; our hearts were troubled and we were aware that God was not pleased with us. What causes that sort of situation? When we neglect prayer and time in the Word, it doesn’t take long before we find ourselves thinking and doing things that dishonor God. And in faithfulness the Holy Spirit holds back God’s peace to alert us to the fact that we are displeasing him and need to repent. Sin will rob us of the “peace of God” every time! But praise God, when we acknowledge our shortcomings and repent, God forgives and his peace is restored!! The closer we walk with God, the fuller we will experience his peace.

Let’s Pray-
Thank you Father for the Holy Spirit who causes the fruit of peace to grow in our “hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus.”
Amen

JOY ~ THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

2009-06-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sins are put out of sight.
Yes, what joy for those

whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”
Romans 4:7-8 NLT
~~~~~~

Joy and happiness are often used interchangeably. But happiness is usually associated with pleasing experiences such as material gain – success or when things turn out to our liking. On the other hand, joy (as related to The Fruit of the Spirit) is the product of the Holy Spirit’s work in our inner life.

The first experience of that divine joy came when we accepted Jesus as our savior, and the Holy Spirit assured us that our sins were forgiven. “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven.” Do you remember? How could you forget? “Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.” There is no joy that can compare with knowing we are right with God. All blessings (present and future) flow from that relationship! Having our sins forgiven is so incredible that “there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

The Holy Spirit produces joy in us even in times of trouble and trials, because by faith we know the Lord is going to bring good out of it. That is why James tell us, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” The way in which our society is heading, it is very possible that Christians, in the not too distant future, may have to endure costly persecution for our faith. Like Jesus, who “endured the cross, for the joy awaiting him,” the Holy Spirit will produce joy in our hearts as he enables us to see beyond the abuse to the reward that awaits the faithful.

The Bible says that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” It’s the strength we need to live a life that encourages others to turn to Christ. It’s the strength we need to “not grow weary in well doing.” It’s the strength we need to face our final hour without fear. C.S.Lewis reminds us “It is not so much the joy of the Lord that we are seeking as the Lord of Joy himself.” It’s when we seek him with all our heart that the Holy Spirit produces divine joy in us.

It reminds me of the little chorus we used to sing years ago.
“Joy, Joy, my heart is full of Joy.
Joy, Joy, my heart is full of Joy.
My savior dear is always near,
That’s the reason why my heart is full of Joy!”

Let’s Pray –
Father, thank you for the joy your Holy Spirit produces in us. Help us to turn from anything that stunts the growth of that divine fruit.
Amen

LOVE ~ THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

2009-06-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Love never gives up,
never loses faith, is always hopeful,
and endures through every circumstance.”
1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT
~~~~~~~

The fruit of the Spirit has many facets. Over the next weeks (the Lord willing) I will attempt to look at the nine facets recorded in Galatians 5:22.

All true believers have the Holy Spirit living in them. The fruit of the Spirit are the Godly qualities that grow in us to the degree that we are yielding to the Spirit’s control.

The word love is used in many ways in today’s society. “I love my wife – my cell phone – coffee – springtime – etc.” “Making love” is another expression. But the love we’re talking about today is unconditional divine love, the love that was demonstrated in the life of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 13 tells us this kind of “Love is patient and kind.” It endures mistreatment and hardships without grumbling and complaining. It has the capacity to return good for evil, and to pray for those who persecute us! This love enables us to be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven us.

“Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.” If we feel bitter and unhappy because of other people’s advantages, or possessions, we are not displaying God’s love. The same is true if we get “the big head” and brag to appear better – richer etc. than others.

“Love is not rude.” It is not ill-mannered - disagreeable or discourteous in manner or action. Instead, it is polite and treats others as it desires to be treated.

“Love does not demand its own way.” Demanding our way is pure selfishness and it will destroy any relationship in a hurry.

“Love is not irritable.” What a sobering thought, whenever I get irritated or annoyed, I am not showing love. “Love doesn’t keep a record of being wronged.” It’s ready to forgive and move on. "It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.” It’s always on the side of what is right.

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” It’s not the nature for Godly love to give up, because Love is who God is!

Let’s Pray –
Father, Jesus perfectly lived your unconditional love even to the point of dying on the cross for us. Help us to fully yield to your Spirit so his fruit will fully mature in our lives.
Amen

PENTECOST

2009-05-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

“But you will receive power
when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.
And you will be my witnesses,
telling people about me everywhere—
in Jerusalem, throughout Judea,
in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 NLT
~~~~~

Tomorrow is Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost simply means “fiftieth.” It marks the day when “the Holy Spirit came upon” the 120 believers, as Jesus promised he would. It happened on the 50th day after the resurrection. Associated with that outpouring of the Holy Spirit is “speaking in tongues” which seems “scary” to some people who are not Pentecostal.

When I was 9 or 10, some Pentecostals tried to rent our rural church to hold meetings. They weren’t allowed to use the church, but were offered the church barn – where they conducted meetings for several weeks. During those meetings my oldest brother and my three sisters became Pentecostals. In those days they were mockingly referred to as “Holy Rollers” by some non Pentecostals

After I became a Christian (at 21) I soon responded to God’s call to enter the ministry. My graduating thesis from seminary was entitled, “The Various Views of The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” I entered the research with a closed mind and basically tried to show that the Pentecostal experience was not meant for today.

Well, that changed for me during the Charismatic Movement which swept this nation and much of the world in the 1970’s. I too, became a Pentecostal, and it transformed my life and ministry in a positive way.

But the point I wish to make today is when Jesus announced to his disciples, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,” he didn’t make “speaking in tongues” the issue. Instead he said, “You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—” that was the main issue then and still is today.

When we yield to the power of the Holy Spirit and allow him to control our lives he fills us with himself and a glorious joy floods our heart - we lose our inhibitions and fears and have a burning desire to tell others about Jesus. Being filled with the Spirit doesn’t mean that we have more of the Holy Spirit, rather it means that he has more of us! We need to turn from, and empty ourselves of, all that is displeasing to God in order to give him full access to every part of us – body – mind and soul.

Let’s Pray –
Father, help us to repent of every sin – the wrong we have done and the good we failed to do. Holy Spirit, in the best way we know how, we invite you to fill us once again and rule every part of our being so that others may see Jesus in us.
Amen