Everyday Encouragement

                        Pastor Dave's Daily Truth
                                                     "Help for the Daily Grind"
                                                  Unless otherwise noted, all material is written and produced by Pastor Dave Deppisch
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What did Jesus Preach? Friday 5/25/12

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17
To repent means to have one's life turn around from sinful to faithful, from self-serving to serving others, from greed to graciousness, from evil to good, and from wrong living and wrong thinking to walking in righteousness. The weird thing is that you can't do it yourself. There must be a true conversion of the heart-- as Jesus explained to Nicodemus in the Gospel of John (Chapter 3), "You must be born again." It is God who does the work in you, and though many try to repent of their own effort, they fail because the sinful nature is still dominant. Only when born "from above" can a person possess the Holy Spirit-- or I should say, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the true believer. But it is God who gives us the gift of faith and writes His laws upon our hearts.

Once Saved.... Thursday 5/24/12

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.
1 John 5:13
Reading John's first letter is revealing. We can KNOW that we have eternal life. And yet many Christian denominations still preach that you can lose your salvation--or that you must work to secure it. What kind of God would save someone only to allow them to be uncertain of the future life in Heaven? Do not live in fear-- live in perfect love of God through Jesus Christ with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit! Perfect love casts out fear. Faith is the victory!

Walk this way---- Wednesday 5/23/12

Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bring forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he does shall prosper.
Psalm 1: 1-3
Wisdom is walking the path of righteousness; Obedience to God shows our love for Him. To be blessed in the real sense of the word is to be spiritually content in knowing that your salvation is secure in the Lord, that your future is dependent on God's providence, and no matter what worldly circumstances come your way, you will bear fruit and prosper.

It is NOTHING you did or can do!!! Tuesday 5/22/12

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:4-10
Dead people cannot raise themselves to life, cannot repent by themselves, and cannot seek God. This is the work of God the Holy Spirit alone and no one can claim to be a Christian because of something they "did"-- because dead people can't do anything for themselves. That's what GRACE is all about and why it's so AMAZING!

Kingdom Purpose... Monday 5/21/12

Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Romans 14:16-18
The liberty we have in Christ (which is freedom from the Law that condemns) is wonderful. However, we cannot use that liberty to hurt other Christians since we would be putting material things and freedoms ahead of behavior that would trump righteousness and peace and joy in the holy Spirit. Temperance when it is called for to help others is not an abridgement of our liberty in Christ, but our ability to honor God through constraint.

Spirit and Truth... Sunday 5/20/12

"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:24
Most Christians know this verse well. But how many understand what it means to worship God this way? To worship in spirit means to be involved with the spiritual realities of Jesus Christ, of sound doctrine and righteous living, of fellowship, prayer and love of God and man. It concerns itself less with public sacrifices and the traditions of men. To worship in truth means that your life reflects the revelation of God’s word and the New Covenant as revealed by Jesus Christ—we live neither with a license to sin nor with the chains of legalism, but we adhere to the truth of Christ and therefore have been set free to experience the liberty to worship found only in Christ!

Godly living vs. sloppy grace... Saturday 5/19/12

... be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Titus 2:6-8
The example here is simple. Just because we live as Christians under the grace of God through salvation in Jesus Christ, doesn't mean we get sloppy about our dedication to the word of God, to doctrine that shows us how to live as brothers and sisters in Christ, and to act and speak as if we are speaking to the Lord Himself. If we are truly indwelt by the Spirit, then reverence, good works, integrity, and incorruptibility should follow supernaturally. How are you stacking up to those qualities?

Accepting God's will... Friday 5/18/12

The Bible reveals a lot about human nature. When man encountered God or His messenger and was given a task, the reactions ran the gamut from unquestioned acceptance to do His will to running the other way. Abram (later named Abraham by God) was told to pick up and go-- and he did so without hesitation. Moses first encountered the LORD and when told what to do needed reassurance that he was really the one to carry out God's commands. Gideon tested the LORD's will, and others struggled too. In the New Testament after the Holy Spirit had come to indwell the followers in the Upper Room-- the boldness of the early church was remarkable.
How about you? Are you truly born again and filled with the Spirit? Do you exhibit a boldness for Jesus Christ and are you ready to do His will without hesitation? Once you know your His will for your life-- follow it with with all your heart and mind and soul and strength-- the same way we are to love the LORD!
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Someone sold you "HOPE"? Thursday 5/17/12

Let us hold fast the confession of [our] hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
People will put their hope in politicians, money, the stock market, self-defense, family, friends, their job, the government--- a lot of things that given time will not fail to disappoint you. Put your hope in Jesus Christ-- the only One who is true to His word, fulfills His promises, and is more precious than anything the world could offer!

On a low Carb diet??? Wednesday 5/16/12

And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35

The One Bread all Christians need to truly satisfy their hunger is Jesus, the bread of life. With the bread of life there are no calories, no carbs, there is no heartburn, no indigestion--just a spiritual filling that satisfies the hunger we have for love, justice, fellowship, peace, truth, and righteousness. Don't leave the Bread of Life out of your daily diet!

Effortless Love.... Tuesday 5/15/12

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4: 7-8
The command to love one another has noting to do with earning God's love or becoming "worthy" . We truly love one another because He first loved us. Therefore, since love is of God, those who claim to be born again, and say they know God, must be able to love one another in the body of Christ. There is something the believer receives when born of the Spirit-- a love is gifted into them that they did not have before and it is unlike any human experience of love. The popular bumper sticker states that Christians are "forgiven” . But true believers are so much more than that- they are born again and are new creations by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

It's a new day! Monday 5/14/12

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Do not dread any day of the week---if you love the LORD you will awake each day to His compassion and great love. Thank God it's MONDAY!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday at Island Dragway!!! Sunday 5/13/12

When I was a kid growing up in New Jersey I used to love the radio commercials for Island Drag way. The DJ would shout the commercial-- " see the smoke, smell the burning rubber..Sunday at Island Drag way." I never went there, but I did race a few times at Norwalk, Ohio and set the world reaction time of .00001 second! So what has this all to do with Sunday? I got to thinking about the Sabbath. Whether you observe it on Saturday or Sunday doesn't matter to me. But how you observe the LORD's day does matter to Him. So often the most important element winds up being a football game, a movie, a NASCAR event, or maybe sleeping in and "observing" the inside of your eyelids. Maybe it's time to truly honor God and set this day apart from the others by making Him the focus and object of our love and devotion.
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20:8

Strange flesh anyone??? Saturday 5/12/12

He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude 1:6-7
If God doesn't tolerate sin of any kind, why should I have to tolerate sin shoved in my face as if it were something to be proud of? Answer: I don't have to and I won't and neither should anyone who calls themselves a Christian. Hear that Obama, Biden, Pelosi, and many many others who claim tolerance is something they have because of their religion!

Stupid Bumper Sticker! Friday 5/11/12

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.
Matthew 10:34 The words of Jesus pertain to the fact that some--even in our own families--will reject even the idea of the need for a savior and reject Jesus who stated that He is the only way, the truth and the life! The "coexisters" would have you believe that their beliefs are every bit as valid as Christianity and therefore we should accept them and their faith as every bit as truthful. But lies are still lies even if you call them something else. There can only be one Truth, not many. God is not the author of confusion and His Truth is found in all creation, in His word (the Holy Bible) and in His son, Jesus Christ. Coexist? Maybe. Coequal? Never.

Obama supports gay marriage... Thursday 5/10/12

The truth is that a vast majority of Americans oppose gay marriage. North Carolina just defeated the idea 60% to 40%. Even in California the sentiment is against it. So politics aside, why did a president who calls himself a Christian come out in support of it? I am just going to say it: He is NOT a true Christian. I could give you other reasons and perhaps I will devote this devotional to exposing his twisted scripture. But for now, aside from his obvious effort to attack the Christian religion over things like birth control and abortion, Obama has sealed this election as one which is so black and white, that no one should have any problem coming to a conclusion when they vote in November. I for one think it will be a landslide against him. But other than voting, I will pray for and accept God's will-- and in the meantime do all I can to rally true believers to rid our White House of this Chicago thug socialist poseur!
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
3 John 1:11

Christianity--the reasonable faith... Wednesday 5/9/12

Here's what so-called secular psychologists think the Christian faith is all about: Christianity is, for many, a religion of authority. How do Christians know that Jesus rose from the dead? They have authorities that tell them so. How do they know the Bible is true? They have authorities that tell them so. And since the authorities tell them the Bible is true, than the Bible becomes an authority in everything it says. What should they think about abortion, euthanasia, or homosexuality? They will look at what their authority says. And so many Christians find themselves bound to their authority, and this establishes their worldview.
And here is what is missing from the argument against Christianity. How do Christians know that Jesus rose from the dead? Faith and Reason tell us that Christ indeed rose from the dead. How do they know the Bible is true? Faith and Reason again! What should they think about abortion, euthanasia, or homosexuality? Faith and Reason and the fact that if we know Christ is indeed Lord, then His word is true. Faith and Reason trump "authorities" since Christ is the ultimate truth and therefore the only authority. What really establishes a Christian's worldview is Truth-- and it is arrived at by the gift of Faith and is examined with sound Reason. Before you think Christians are simply mindless, non-cognitive robots-- you must understand that Christianity, the Resurrection, and the Gospels have been examined by experts for two thousand years. Many have tried to disprove their validity only to become true believers. The only authority that binds us to our worldview is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit-- something no secular psychologist could ever understand unless they were to be born again.

Fiddling on the roof? Tuesday 5/8/12

A roofer man was nailing shingles on a steep rooftop when he suddenly started to slide toward the gutters. As he went over the roof's edge he grabbed the gutter and held on, his feet dangling in mid air. Unable to look down and see how far it was to the ground, he cried out to the Lord, " Help me dear God." He heard a voice reply, "I will help you." Then the voice asked, "Do you trust me?"
"Yes, I trust you," gasped the roofer. "All right then. Let go," said the Voice. Then the roofer asked, "Is there anybody else up there who can help me?"

This story is indicative of people who in many circumstances cannot or will not believe in God. They refuse to rely on faith and simply trust God. The same God who is revealed to them as perfect and trustworthy, a God who never changes and cannot lie. When dire circumstances come for you, will you- can you rely on the One who holds your very life in the balance?

A good Perspective... Monday 5/7/12

R.C. Sproul, Jr. recently lost his wife to cancer. His strength of faith is notable, but in his devotional he lays out the way we all should think of the calling that God has for our lives:
He is the one who called me, and when He calls, we go. Of course, I must remember that He didn’t call me because of my gifts. Instead He gifts me because of His call. My glory isn’t that I am needed. Rather, His glory is that He not only meets my needs, but uses me, a beggar, to meet the needs of others. I need to give up the need to be needed. I need instead to give thanks for being used. R.C. Sproul, Jr.

D-I-V-O-R-C-E Sunday 5/6/12

"For the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says the LORD of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously." Malachi 2:16
If God hates divorce, why are so many Christians filing for one? The church today is pretty slack regarding divorce. Far too many preachers are quick to forgive someone who has been divorced (good), but equally as quick to suggest it as wonderfully permissible. The problem is that too many preachers don't want to preach the hard sermon. Instead of preaching the whole word of God they would rather look for all the fluff and promise and skip the parts that deal with sin, selfishness, covetousness, and greed. They are filling churches with people who are made to feel good about themselves instead of having a real reverence for God's will.

Cinco de Meato! Saturday 5/5/12

'And bring the fatted calf here and kill [it], and let us eat and be merry; Luke 13:23
This is how the saga of the prodigal son ends. The Father has not only forgiven the errant son but goes further to clothe him and share his wealth. The proverb spoken by Jesus is remarkable in that while metaphorical, it closely parallels how God receives us who return to Him. And to those vegans who think Jesus was a vegetarian- He obviously ate the kosher foods of the day including lamb and beef. This weekend as you remember the grace of God in your life, don't be slack, "kill the fatted calf" ( ribs, burgers, ribeyes, etc.) and make merry in thanksgiving to the LORD!

Holy Heat... Friday 5/4/12

But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: Hebrews 10:32
The writer urges those who may be tired in the struggle as Christians to remember the endurance and the Spirit they exuded when they first came to Christ (were born again). Isn't that interesting? We are certainly not facing the same trials the early church encountered, but we too can grow weary. When you start to fade--rely on the Holy Spirit and return your mindset to those days when His illumination was bright within you! Ask for Fresh Fire from above!

Most Christians (including ME) need more... Thursday 5/3/12

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matt 23:12

For everything... Wednesday 5/2/12

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Prayers: of Thanksgiving; to give Glory to God; our Supplications and Petitions; In His will; with gratitude; for joys and sorrows; for daily bread; for our loved ones; for everything!

PURE Religion... Tuesday 5/1/12

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, [and] to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

Wow-- visit orphans and widows in their trouble! A Christian walk shows itself in simple, practical ways. It helps the needy, it is encouraging to others, primed with patience, and keeps steers clear of the corruption in the world. Pure, undefiled Christianity.

Motivation... Monday 4/30/12

Why do I write this Daily Truth? There are days when we may get well over 100 visitors and page views and other days less than 20. I don't write this for money or fame or ego. It's a passion for God's word and if it helps one person-- myself included, then it's worth the daily effort.
The apostle Paul understood why he did the things he did once he was apprehended by the Lord. "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the [life] which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
I am nowhere near Paul or any Christian for that matter because I know myself too well. This pilgrim has a lot of progress to go on this journey.

He knew it would happen... Sunday 4/29/12

Edited from story by Todd Starnes
As many as 100 high school students walked out of a national journalism conference after an anti-bullying speaker began cursing, attacked the Bible and reportedly called those who refused to listen to his rant “pansy a&*ed.”
The speaker was Dan Savage, founder of the IT GETS BETTER project, an anti-bullying campaign that has reached more than 40 million viewers with contributors ranging from President Obama to Hollywood stars. Savage also writes a sex advice column called “Savage Love.”
Savage, and his husband, were also guests at the White House for President Obama’s 2011 LGBT Pride Month reception. He was also invited to a White House anti-bullying conference.
Savage was supposed to be delivering a speech about anti-bullying at the National High School Journalism Conference (snip) But it turned into an episode of Christian-bashing.
Rick Tuttle, the journalism advisor for Sutter Union High School in California, was among several thousand people in the audience. He said they thought the speech was one thing – but it turned into something else. “I thought this would be about anti-bullying,” Tuttle told Fox news. “It turned into a pointed attack on Christian beliefs.”Tuttle said a number of his students were offended by Savage’s remarks – and some decided to leave the auditorium. “It became hostile,” he said. “It felt hostile as we were sitting in the audience – especially towards Christians who espouse beliefs that he was literally taking on.” (snip) the speech was laced with vulgarities and “sexual innuendo not appropriate for this age group.”
"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me (Jesus Christ) before it hated you. John 15:18

Comments

Do you think Savage would have attacked Muslims? The conviction of the Holy Spirit is a mighty force. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD...A.V.D.

In the President's Secret Service... Saturday 4/28/12

The sordid tale of the US Secret Service who partied and hired hookers in Columbia is getting a worldly treatment in the media. From outrage and condemnation to out and out excuse making by some TV commentators and newspaper editors. You see, in God's economy there is black and white, right and wrong, saved and unsaved. In the world's take on things there are plenty of "gray areas", truth and morals are relative, and as bad as some people may know the are they can always point to someone worse.
But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. Colossians 3:25

The 'gates' of Hell... Friday 4/27/12

"Therefore thus says the Lord God: 'Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation'" Isaiah 28:16
Jesus Christ is the foundation of His church and this statement by Isaiah is fulfilled by Christ when he says to Peter: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18

The "gates" of hell refers to death, Satan, and his fallen angels. Hell and the Devil will not prevail in Christ building His church nor will they prevail in snatching any of the elect from His hand! Thanks be to God through His son Jesus Christ!

A Caffeinated Christian's Cup... Thursday 4/26/12

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. Hebrews 4:9
We who are born again of the Spirit have a great promise in the LORD. We may struggle in this life, but through His Spirit we can "rest" in the joy and knowledge of our salvation. And after the Earthly struggle--yet again we enter into His rest. But the point is that His kingdom, His Holy Spirit is in us and ready and able to comfort us, guide us, embolden us and ultimately allow us who are faithful to experience a reality that all those outside of Christ can not comprehend.
I usually have a large cup of coffee in the evening and it's soothing and relaxing but sometimes hours later I find myself struggling to fall asleep. It's usually the coffee that's keeping me up, but I have found the antidote for those sleepless nights. I pray more deeply and fervently and with greater clarity in those sleepless hours. If I fall asleep- well then that's OK. But more often than not my prayers quiet my racing mind and bring me a rest that sleep cannot provide.

A Big FAT Hello! Wednesday 4.25.12

Do you think the Apostle Paul was always happy, never tired, never weary, always in the best of moods. Many who have read his letters would say "yes". But I know he suffered all things and temptations like we do. The key was to not be "Paul" but to show the life of Christ in him! So maybe you don't feel great, but the Spirit within you (if you are born again) is always ready to carry you. Hello!!!!

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the [life] which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

No other gods... Tuesday 4/24/12

And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." Exodus 3:14
There is but one God who doesn't share His glory with any other god. No "man upstairs", no "higher power", not "the force" within the universe. God alone is the great uncaused cause of all we can see and not see. God is not an object or idol, but the One who is the Creator of man and his world and all that is in it. He is a personal God who loves us- but because He is also a Holy God he could not commune with us in our fallen state. Thus the need for His son Jesus Christ, the word of God and Savior of all who put their hope and trust in Him. Today, make time to contemplate God's holiness, God's grace, and His providence.

Shhh... I think I hear the LORD... Monday 4/23/12

Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
1 Kings 19:11,12
Many Christians today seek God in great displays of nature, or in miraculous occurrences. Elijah experienced the message of the LORD in the still small voice. God directs us today with the Holy Spirit, not in great displays of noise and thunderous shouting, but in the small still voice of truth that the Spirit speaks into our hearts and minds. Listen for it and then follow it-- that's what we should do.

Do we live to serve Him? Sunday 4/22/12

Chuck Colson, a former aide to Richard Nixon, evangelical leader, author and nonprofit founder who went on to found a worldwide prison fellowship ministry after his conversion to Christianity...dead at the age of 80. Chuck is remembered as one of the infamous Watergate figures-- but in truth he repented and Christ changed his life and his whole focus.
He also was involved in the Manhattan Declaration, the 4,700-word declaration speaks in defense of the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty. It issues a clarion call to Christians to adhere firmly to their convictions in these three areas. The measure of a man is not what he accomplishes for himself, but what he accomplishes for Christ and the kingdom.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matt 6:33

Facing the Opposition... Saturday 4/21/12

Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6: 7
From the earliest days of the church the word of God had a wondrous effect as the church grew and thrived. But also from its beginning, there was heresy, division, legalism, cults arose, and the organized church became political and did many ungodly things. Other affronts came from without- cults arose and, like Islam, grew into large movements. Today the church struggles from much internal division, and much outside oppression from both other religions and governments. Through it all the word of God still spreads and the Word will stand forever!
For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

The Hardest Law to keep... Friday 4/20/12

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Galatians 5:14
So you say it's hard to love your neighbor? It's even harder to love yourself! If you truly examine the real "you" , the depths of unrighteousness, unforgiveness, anger, resentment, envy, lust, doubt, arrogance, etc. make themselves known. We want to make the measure how much we pray, how much of the Bible we know, how many things we “don’t do.” But the measure is how we treat our brothers and sisters in Jesus. As Luther said, “Whenever you are angry with your brother for any cause, repress your violent emotions through the Spirit. Bear with his weakness and love him. He does not cease to be your neighbor or brother because he offended you. On the contrary, he now more than ever before requires your loving attention.” Neither can any one love his neighbor as himself, except him that loves God above all.

Only through His Spirit... Thursday 4/19/12

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5: 44-45

Read the words of Jesus a few times through-- slowly meditate on them. You will realize this is something you cannot do. Not on your own that is but only with the help of the Holy Spirit.

God's Holiness demands it... Wednesday 4/18/12

"Therefore it shall be, when the LORD your God has given you rest from your enemies all around, in the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess [as] an inheritance, [that] you will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget. Deut 25:19
I love it when those who do not even try to comprehend the character of God get all incensed over His telling Israel to wipe out an enemy. God knew that in order for His chosen people to remain faithful they needed to come apart from evil, and at times the only way was to destroy the evil around them or the evil which possessed Israel's promised land. And when His people didn't obey and decided to allow the enemies into their camp-- tragedy, illness, slavery and dispersion followed them. These foreign peoples were not what we might consider "refined". They were given to sexual sin, moral decay, and even child sacrifice. In other words God saw them for the evil people they were.
And so it is sometimes with us. We cannot seek God among evil, nor can we grow in the grace and knowledge of Him by consorting with the enemy. If you think you can live closer to God by surrounding yourself with wickedness you're really not smart at all. We are called to be sanctified-- to come apart from the world-- to be in it but not of it!

What it means to witness... Tuesday 4/17/12

And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33
When we witness to someone we testify to the truth. To testify (as used here in the New Testament in the Greek) comes from the word MARTYRO ( from which we get the English word MARTYR.) When the apostles witnessed by testifying about the Christ there was such a seriousness and telling of the truth that they were willing to go to their death spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All but one of the apostles suffered martyrdom, and John was spared in exile. But John was preserved to write the great letter of REVELATION in which we see that the living Christ is victorious in bringing His kingdom to fullness. Can you testify to what He has done for you?

It's real... Monday 4/16/12

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt 10:28
The word Hell appears in the Bible about 32 times. While the word Heaven is used over 500 times. The sad thing is that more people will experience the eternal damnation of Hell than will enter into Heaven. Knowing that all those who reject Jesus Christ will share in the agony of Hell for eternity, should make us not only witnesses for Christ --- but eternally grateful that He saved us!

One on almost every corner!! Sunday 4/15/12

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
When Christians say they have a hard time getting to church I have to wonder. They surely don't live here in Tennessee.
We may be known as the buckle of the Bible Belt and the truth is that in our county there are more churches than McDonald's and convenient marts with gas stations.
Think about it-- Church is the place where you can consume the Living Bread and the Living Water and fuel up for the week ahead. Still want to stay home? Come see why church members are happier, healthier, and generally much more helpful to those they meet then the service you get at many McDonald's or your local convenience mart.

A Pressing Matter... Saturday 4/14/12

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:14
The goal of a Christian according to Paul is to win the prize...let's think about that for one minute. First, if we are already saved, what "prize" is Paul talking about? Could he mean the crowns he would receive for doing the LORD's work while on Earth? Could he be talking about some Heavenly reward of which he received a glimpse when, in a vision, he was caught up to the third Heaven and saw wonders inexplicable?
I am not sure I know exactly the prize Paul refers to here, but this I know. Too many Christians are given the gift of salvation and stop "pressing on". Too many get the gift of faith and then never share it. Many Christians rarely read the Bible, hardly ever pray, and never seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Paul's example here is to never stop growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Our duty is to mature in the faith, and to not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ-- to simply keep pressing on. Are you?

Truth or Consequences.. 4/13/12

One of the most enjoyable, silly, funny, and yet thought provoking comedy-dramas on TV is PSYCH. I was watching the season finale in which , at the very end, an honest detective confronts an old partner who was on the take. The honest detective (as part of a season ending cliffhanger) is shot because he speaks the truth when he discovers that his ex-partner was a dirty cop.
It begs the question, "Is there ever a good time to lie or at least not acknowledge the truth?" Before you answer that put yourself in a situation where someone is holding a gun on you and the answer you give will either spare your life or get you killed. I know what you're thinking-- it depends on what they are asking you. The apostle Paul spoke the truth relating to the Christ, and also relating to righteousness and paid with his life-- when it comes to the things of God we cannot lie. So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? Galatians 4:17

The only news worth reporting... 4/12/12

It's impossible to turn on the radio, TV, or open any newspaper without seeing the darkness that we wrestle with each day. Politicians at odds over free trade, free markets, taxes, entitlements, and corruption at the highest levels of government-- balanced with killings, racial strife, oppression of religious rights, unemployment, inflation, natural disasters, and uncivil talk, political correctness, unconstitutional moves by certain leaders that go unchallenged by those who could stop the madness but are more interested in saving their cushy jobs and enjoying more perks than and old time coffee pot.
How does one who has been saved from the world react? If you are born again what should you do to combat the evil in the world today? The answer is simple. People need the GOOD NEWS-- the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's meant to be shared with the world that is literally being torn apart by unspeakable evil. Christ is not just the answer to the problems of this world-- He is the ONLY answer. If you are a born again Christian your duty is to share the good news of the gospel with all you meet. Jesus declared the prophesy of Isaiah fulfilled in His ministry which is now ours: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4: 18.19

Depends on what you mean by "IN"... 4/11/12

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? 2 Cor 13:5

There is a great difference in the Greek meaning of the word IN--if we see it used as EN it means simply IN. But when we see it used throughout the New Testament as believing IN Christ, the word used is EIS which means INTO. We can believe in Christ the person, and even believe that he is the son of God. But when we believe INTO Him, it means we have come to commune with Christ in such a way as to have received the gift of faith and been filled with the Holy Spirit. We are "wed" to Christ in a covenant relationship so much more than simply believing EN or IN Him!

Speaking the Truth...His way 4/10/12

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:15-16
There are many ways to speak the truth: Plainly,calmly, directly, harshly, angrily, self-righteously, OR- we can speak the truth with love. When we have knowledge of the Truth then we are set free. Freedom is nothing unless we use it to tell others about Christ. Our job is to speak the truth in love and then get out of the way, allowing God to do His work in others. And in doing so, we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, and in fellowship with others who have come to know the Truth!

New creation-- new wardrobe! 4/9/12

The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13: 12-14
Each day we are urged to dress accordingly-- to dress with righteousness, and walk in the light so as to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ. Kill the fleshly desires and be ready to share the joy of the Lord!

He is Risen...He Lives! 4/8/12

But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. "And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." Matthew 28: 5-7
Perhaps no event in history has been examined more than the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Historians, legal scholars, atheists, Christian apologists, philosophers, scientists-- all have poured over the evidence and the overwhelming conclusion is that Jesus indeed rose from the dead. There will always be skeptics, conspiracy theorists, and scoffers-- but ultimately it takes the gift of faith to truly believe, and faith is not a conscious decision but truly something which is a gift from God!
By the way, did you know that Mohammed is dead. Buddha is dead. Confucius is dead. All the founders of the world's major religions are dead and gone-- but Jesus Christ overcame the world. He overcame the grave! He is our living hope, our living healer, our living intercessor, our living High Priest, our living God. How could anyone put their faith in someone or something that is DEAD?

A Deafening Silence... 4/7/12

..is what was heard between the cross and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most of the disciples were hiding- frightened that they might be brought before the Jewish leaders and jailed for their association with the Messiah. They were confused, forlorn, hopeless-- because they did not understand that Jesus had predicted His own victory over the grave. I can imagine the shock, frustration, and silence in the upper room and the feeling of utter helplessness.
It is interesting that so much speculation has been put forth about what Jesus was doing between His death and His resurrection. This much I know. It was the Sabbath and no work was to be done on that day. I believe that God rested much like we read about in Genesis. Then on the first day of the week, Jesus is resurrected -- and the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in every believer who puts faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Once I was dead in my sins, but God made me alive again! My resurrection day was August 24th, 1997. My prayer is that you who are reading this have experienced the miracle of rebirth made possible by God's grace!

Good Friday-- His pain, our gain 4/6/12

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. John 19: 17,18

Nothing I can write or say can come close to describing the shame and disgrace of the cross. As well, nothing I can write or say comes close to relating the ultimate victory of the cross of Jesus Christ over sin, preceding His ultimate victory over death. hell, and the grave.

I can never show enough gratitude, love, and thankfulness for what He accomplished at Calvary.

One trip you don't want to take... 4/5/12

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:5
There is no doubt in my mind that much of the world hates Christianity for one reason (with many tangents). Jesus says He is the ONLY way, the ONLY truth, and the ONLY life! There is no other way to salvation. It's exclusive of all of the world's religions, cults, belief sysytems, philosophies, political and social constructs. The declaration of Christ forces man to agree or disagree. There is no room for argument, no other truth, no other way, no other name through which man can be saved. That's why it is so reviled, so scorned. His truth exposes sin for what it is. With Christ "truth" is not relative- it's black and white. But I suppose they hate Christianity also because the truth which the Lord brings is convicting. It's not politically correct. It spares no sinners sin--but also opens the way for all sinners to repent and to be saved.
The world is heading to hell in a handbasket-- you're either along for the ride, or watching it pass you by.

God's Touch... 4/4/12

One of the hottest shows on TV right now is TOUCH-- ultimately it's about how the human race is interconnected through seemingly disparate events and occurrences. Martin Bohm (Kiefer Sutherland) is a widower and single father who is haunted by an inability to connect to his emotionally challenged 11-year-old son Jake. But when Martin discovers that Jake can predict events before they happen, everything changes. It's entertaining at least to think we are connected and in truth we are since we all come from Adam and Eve. Scientists recently discovered the "Adam" gene which shows how we all came from a common ancestor. I am not surprised since I have read the Bible.
But my heart goes out to the church of Jesus Christ because all who are born again Christians are truly connected by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It would be nice if we all acted like God's presence was dwelling within us, instead of allowing our carnal nature to keep us separated and unable to truly touch each others lives.
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21.

Seven messages of the Cross
from www.blueletterbible.org 4/3/12

THE cross of Calvary was ever casting its terrible shadow across the path of Christ. It is interesting and instructive to mark Christ’s repeated reference to His death.
The death of Christ is:
The testimony to man’s sin.
And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. – (Acts 20:22-23)
The triumph of God’s grace.
But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. – (Hebrews 2:9)
The trysting place where God and the sinner can meet.
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. – (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
The title to eternal life.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. – (John 12:24)
The temple for refuge.
He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. – (Hebrews 9:12-14)
The teacher for instruction.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, – (Titus 2:11-12)
The tether for binding.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – (Galatians 2:20)

For once you were dead... 4/2/12

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

If we truly believe that our old self (dead in sin) has been raised from the dead with Christ, then we must stop living with our minds and hearts in this world. You are now a spiritual being- so don't get stuck in the muck of this world- instead look to Christ who has given you life through the Spirit!

April Fools-- according to the Bible 4/1/2012

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Pro.1:7

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Proverbs 18:2
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back Proverbs 29:11

A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. Proverbs 18:6

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence. Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools. ..
Proverbs 26: 3-12

Maybe not so Sharp(ton) 3/31/12

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

The lips of the righteous feed many; But the foolish die for lack of understanding.
Proverbs 10:21
The Rev. Al Sharpton warned that an escalation in civil disobedience and economic sanctions would be imminent unless Trayvon Martin shooter George Zimmerman was apprehended immediately.
The whole US is, if not following this story, certainly aware of the shooting death of a black Florida teen by an Hispanic neighborhood watch enforcer. We have been treated to so many changes in the sage- so many "facts" that have now become rumors, and testimony of eyewitnesses that seems to contradict those who want the blood of George Zimmerman. But we don't know all the facts and instead of rushing to judgment- as the New Black Panthers did by putting a bounty on the shooter's head along with so many other judgments founded on little if any facts-- we have been treated to a case of " Let's have a hanging-- then the trial". And here is the "Reverend" Sharpton leading the charge with his race baiting comments. Is he really looking for justice or for ratings for his TV show on MSNBC--which is curretnly at the bottom of the cable TV barrel in the standings?

FORGIVENESS 3/30/12

When we sin—we are not so much breaking laws as we are breaking the very heart of God. Sin is relational infidelity!

Thank God that His forgiveness is infinite--

if we will confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive them—and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

In Christ Alone... 3/29/12

"And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God [to be] Judge of the living and the dead. "To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins." Acts 10: 42,43
Only God can forgive sin...and Jesus preached repentance and offers forgiveness to those who believe in him. The word BELIEVE here is used as trust from the heart. More than mere head knowledge of who Jesus is, this trust is rooted deep within the core of one's being. The only way you get that assurance in your heart is if you are born again. Christ is the fulfillment of prophecy from the beginning-- He is the Alpha and the Omega-- and His is the only name through which anyone can be saved.

I am not amused! 3/28/12

In Greek mythology the Muses were considered the source of knowledge. In our English language to muse means to think, ponder, consider, and even to gain understanding. But if you put an "a" in front you get the word "amuse" which is the negative or opposite of thinking or knowledge. It's mindless or simple entertainment. Hence the word Amusement!
That's where we are today as a nation-- in a state of constant amusement whether on Facebook, Twitter, TV, Movies-- we are constantly being fed news, information, and entertainment that for the most part is amusement. We have stopped thinking things through and allowed the media to dictate what they want to so many who have accepted it as truth.
Solomon sought much wisdom above all else, and even so allowed "amusement" for much of his life to be its focus, so he lamented in his final years:He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; And a wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment. Because for every matter there is a time and judgment, Though the misery of man increases greatly. Ecc 8:5,6
Solomon had a thousand wives, but the problem with that is you also get a thousand mothers-in-law! Not amusing!

Talking Trash heap 3/27/12

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Do you ever simply get sick of all the garbage world spews forth? Like the story below, or the glorification of people in Hollywood, or the greed and avarice all around us? Do you get worn out thinking about how divided we have become as a country and how self-serving and closed minded we seem to be? I am talking in terms of our world. A world which glorifies self, in which truth is relative, and class warfare is becoming the main battleground in politics? Well I get sick of it--but then I remember that if I stop conforming to the pattern of this world and renew my mind in God's word, His promises, and in the power of the Holy Spirit-- then I am able to cope with whatever the world throws at me.

A Judgment from 1,500 miles away! 3/26/12

Trayvon and Zimmerman

As Philadelphia prepares for another demonstration over the shooting death in Florida of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, Mayor Nutter on Sunday characterized the teenager's death as "an assassination." Nutter also joined the increasing calls for the arrest of George Zimmerman, the Neighborhood Watch volunteer who fatally shot the unarmed Martin in February. "I've called this nothing short of an assassination," Nutter said. "This individual Zimmerman followed Trayvon for some period of time. Trayvon was not a threat to him."
How stunningly brazen and over-the-top is the judgment of George Zimmerman by so many who don't even know the facts of the case? This is proof positive that we rush to form opinions and take sides when our emotions get ahead of our reason. We judge before any evidence is presented, and we condemn before there is even a trial! I don't know all the details except that Zimmerman has been called a white person by the press when indeed he is Hispanic and from a multi-racial family. I also know that the president of the United States weighed in on the side of the young man who was shot to death before he knew any of the details either, and instructed the US Justice Department to investigate the matter. Further, his wife, First Lady Michelle, recently told David Letterman that they raise their children with the morals of the South Side of Chicago. Where then is the outrage for several people who were shot and killed on Chicago's south side in the last few weeks? Where is the concern for the little three year old girl killed in a drive by shooting in the moral South Side of Chicago? If there were ever a time when we should heed the words of Jesus it is now:Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matt 7:1,2

"That they may be as one..." 3/25/12

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2

The apostle wants the church at Philippi to be like-minded, in the Greek it's SYMPSYCHOS (meaning joined together in soul). How fitting it is that the church of Jesus Christ, consisting of brothers and sisters, be joined together in soul-- since the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead resides in each and every believer! How can we not be a community of life and love with one single focus?

Blessed Slavery 3/24/12

For he who is called in the Lord [while] a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called [while] free is Christ's slave. 1 Corinthians 7:22
Pretty confusing sometimes because in his letter to the Galatians Paul says you are no longer a slave but free. Here the word for slave in Greek is Doulos, and some of the translations substitute the word Servant for Slave. What Paul is saying is that if you are in Christ Jesus as a free man you become a slave (under the Master) to Christ. You are not a servant but a slave, because we are compelled to surrender all to Him who gave His all for us. And a slave who is chosen by God through Christ is truly free in the liberty of Jesus, and one who was "free" and is born again gladly exchanges that "freedom" to be obedient to the Lord. Confusing? Just love the Lord with all your heart and mind and soul and strength and don't worry too much about labels.

Temptations are everywhere! 3/23/12

Blessed [is] the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
Have you ever really thought about how many times a day we are tempted to do something we ought not to do? Temptation doesn't have to be big and bold and obvious-- it comes in subtleties and often we give into it while we are trying to justify our actions at the same time. The participation in a dirty joke, or gossip, or even stealing a little time from your employer by stretching the lunch hour. Succumbing to temptation happens a lot more than we realize. James suggests to endure it and in doing so win God's approval. He also suggests and easier way-- make like Joseph when he was groped by Potiphar's wife, and RUN!

Blessed insurance...assurance... 3/22/2012

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
I Thessalonians 1:5.
The apostle Paul here is reminding us that the word he spoke was not the word of men: it came "not only in word," he said, "but also in power and in the Holy Spirit." And in assurance! The truth of God's word emboldened through the Holy Spirit is not only Blessed Assurance-it's also our insurance against those who would distort the gospel or add to and detract from the simplicity of its message.

An awesome job we are given... 3/21/2012

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
An ambassador brings a word from the King-- in this case the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is an alien in this world, but his message is one that speaks not from his opinions but from the authority of One above all. As ambassadors for Christ, we carry the gospel message not just as a messenger-- we are true representatives of the King. Therefore we must be honorable for we reflect the glory of God Himself!

Worship the Creator, not His creation... 3/20/2012

"And [take heed], lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and [when] you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the LORD your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage. Deuteronomy 4:19

The warning to Israel thousands of years ago can be applied to Christians today. In a world which worships everything but God, do not become obsessed with what God has made, become obsessed with He who made everything by the spoken word!

Keep on keeping on 3/19/2012

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
The one element that should motivate us to go beyond weariness is the gratitude we have in Christ Jesus for our salvation. 'Nuff said!

A reasonable Faith 3/18/2012

"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18
God has given us strong reasons to believe in Him! The intricacies of creation, the fulfillment of prophecies, miracles, signs,and wonders. The filling of the Holy Spirit, the promises delivered to those who are faithful. The Christian faith is based on sound reason and truth.
This promise is made to sinners who have strayed from the fold. God desires us to take hold of His word and return to His truth even though our sins have been rooted deeply not unlike the deep colors of scarlet and crimson-- with repentance and confession the pain of rebellion will end. God's desire is to restore us, and we exist and remain alive only because of His mercy and loving kindness--His longsuffering. A reasonable believer turns back to God and desires to be made clean, to be rid of the scarlet stain of sin.

The Agony of Victory... 3/17/2012

Apostle Paul in Chains

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Philippians 3:12
Paul's use of the phrase "press on" literally means to endure a difficult path-- or from the Greek "aganizo" to agonize over. Paul was consumed with working toward the ultimate goal of continual growth in knowing Christ and Him crucified. Do we "agonize" over our walk with Him? Do we "agonize" to get everything we can from God's word? Take time to commit to knowing Christ better through diligent study and your walk in the Spirit.

Walking while waiting... 3/16/2012

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4: 1-3
There is a Christian walk to which we are called according to the explanation of the apostle Paul. All of us are to bear with one another in love and keep the UNITY of the Spirit. That alone is a constant challenge in any church where we are all struggling with our carnal nature, or our biases and preferences. There is another calling I have felt for a long time-- to preach and to teach and possibly to pastor a church. I have had the opportunity to do all those things, yet allowing God to lead me to where I can be used requires the same attributes Paul describes in this verse. Might I suggest that if you are waiting to move into that for which you have been called, that you set your mind and heart on growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. In doing so you will be ready in season and out of season to serve God and carry out His will.

Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble.. 3/15/2012

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,1 Peter 5:6
Let's face it. There are things Jesus said that even for the most ardent follower are hard to take. Humble yourselves. The apostle Peter here reminds his readers that Jesus was the Son of God yet brought a humble spirit-- subject to the will of the Father. Because our human tendency is to seek our own glory, we are apt to shun humility or be pretty good at faking it. But remember, the exaltation you receive in Heaven for true humility on Earth is worth denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Jesus!

Transformers...

The theme of LEVERAGE is about a collection of criminals who have turned to do good deeds. They still use their skills but, like modern day Robin Hoods, use them to bring down the bad guys. Isn't that how we all were before we came to the saving grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ? We were dead in our sins, and had no desire for good.
Romans 3:10-18 proclaims: As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one;there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." "The poison of vipers is on their lips." "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness." "Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know." "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
Yeah, that pretty much nails who I was before I was born again. I've come a long way since then-- but oh, I have so much farther to go!

The only CHANGE we can HOPE for... 3/13/2012

“History proves that the white man is a devil,” said Malcolm X. “Whites are liars,” said Jeremiah Wright. “I love to harass white folks,” said
Derrick Bell. “Don’t tell me words don’t matter,” President Obama once said. And he was right. Words do matter. The words of his mentors that have rooted hate so deep in the black community that it has become a cancer, a sore that bleeds violence, a stain on the soul.
While white racism continues to decline year by year, black racism has advanced to the White House and into the hearts and minds of millions. It leads to everything from discrimination to murder. It led to a thirteen-year-old boy screaming as fire ate at the flesh of his face, burning away the white skin that his attackers had been taught to hate so much. (Daniel Greenfield-- Front Page Magazine)
What Greenfield and others who see the increase in violence and hatred (not just in America but throughout the world) do not realize is that there is only one answer to the problem. Jesus Christ. Only the person who is apprehended by Christ and born again can truly become a selfless, loving individual. Only Jesus Christ alone can create a new being-- one who stops lusting and hating and seeking after selfish gain. Jesus is God the Son who makes it possible for those who believe in Him to replace hate with love, and selfishness with servant hood. While the world tears itself apart over political differences, social injustices, and far reaching inequalities-- only the Lord can restore a soul to a state of grace.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17

Time for a change... 3/12/2012

Daylight Savings Time! Springing ahead one hour according to scientists is harder to adjust to than a three hour jet lag. We "gain an hour" of time and
"lose an hour" of sleep. People tend to stay up longer since it's lighter later,
and the general amount of extra sunshine lifts most everyone's mood.
Time is an interesting concept. Time is marked in many ways by man. By the hour glass, the sundial, the stopwatch, the atomic clock-- time ticks away the moments of our lives. Yet for God, everything occurs in the fullness of time and according to His providence. But God Himself is TIMELESS!
If Time is the duration of change, and God never changes-- then God is timeless and infinite. We think so much about the one hour change we make on our timetable, but do we stop to consider our lives, our actions, our faith and our service in terms of Eternity?

Much more than a "mentalist" 3/11/2012

Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) is the Mentalist on TV. His uncanny ability to see clues about people from keen observation of their physical appearance as well as how and what they say is what makes the show so good. He also is brutally honest in his assessments to the point of making many whom he questions very angry.
Two thousand years ago Jesus Christ engaged a woman at a well, but using His divine omniscience He spoke into her life. The conversation in the 4th chapter of the Gospel of John went thus: "I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.
What you have just said is quite true." "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks."God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."
The Son of God knew this woman's sin and used his insight to declare His divinity. It was no parlor trick, not a con game-- but the plain honest truth. She reacted with astonishment and joy and brought the whole village to see the Messiah.

The Walking Dead 3/10/2012

OK, I'll admit it. I am a huge fan of AMC's The Walking Dead. The post-apocalyptic drama in which "walkers" (aka zombies) have pretty much taken over America (or at least Georgia). The show has a huge following among many people I know and work with-- but is it good wholesome Christian entertainment? Well, it's not on par with The Bells of St. Mary's or The Waltons, but I believe there are lessons to be gleaned from the show.

1. Walkers need to be disposed of with head shots.
2. The characters have to deal with the questions of God, good, evil, and survival while at the same time interacting with an incredible range of emotions.
3. There is hope and despair, and more hope and despair.
4. There is one scene in a little Baptist church with three "walkers" that reminds me somewhat of a few places where I have preached sermons.
5. While the season unfolds, I find that the delineation between good and evil becomes a central struggle, not between the survivors and the "walkers", but within the group of survivors itself. The extreme stress portrayed in The Walking Dead brings out the best in some and the worst in others. The "hook" for me is not the offing of the walkers, but the choices made by the members of the group in light of their predicament.
Christians today are not unlike this group of survivors. We may not be attacked physically by walkers, but we are being attacked by those who are dead in their trespasses and who mindlessly hate good and celebrate evil, for as the Bible states:
“You are from your father The Devil, and the desire of your father you are willing to do; from the beginning he has been murdering men and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him; whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from what is his, because he is of falsehood and is also its father.” John 8:44

Believers need to awaken to the truth... 3/9/2012

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34
Paul is quoting a line from a play-- not Proverbs or the Gospel-- but he uses the quote as truth because the Corinthian church had started to believe strange things about the resurrection. Influenced by the Greeks and perhaps the Sadducees, some of the church no longer believed that Christ rose from the dead. This is essential to understand Jesus Christ as God, and to ignore this truth or be dissuaded by false doctrine instead of renewing one's mind to the truth of the Gospel was indeed sinful.
Of course the Corinthians had a smorgasbord of sinful behavior from which they were feasting, but this essential truth was being undermined at the risk of their very salvation. Wake Up! If someone comes to you with a message other than the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ they are trying to deceive you-- and you must awake and renew your mind in the truth.

It ain't over when it's over... 3/8/2012

     One of the most imaginative TV shows of recent years was PUSHING DAISIES. It was about a man with an ability to wake the dead with his touch, but he had to touch them dead again within 60 seconds or else they'd live and someone nearby would expire. There's a whole lot more to the plot, but suffice it to say it was an endearing fantasy. I am sure many faithful Christians denounced it due to its not dealing with the finality of death in the right way.
     However, some 2 thousand years ago one man walked this Earth who had the power to raise the dead. Jesus Christ truly brought some back from the dead, solely for the glory of God the Father and for fulfillment of prophecy. He healed the sick, cured the blind, made the lame walk, and cured the lepers. But His greatest miracle was His ability to forgive sins.
Today, ALL those who trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior are forgiven.
     While some today are still healed in a miraculous fashion, they will all eventually die. But ALL those who trust in the LORD Jesus are born again into eternal life- once dead in their sins, but now alive in Christ!

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5

Who is truly in authority over your life? 3/7/2012

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked [man] rules, the people groan.
Proverbs 29:2
Our government officials have been getting "failing grades" from citizens--- and the dislike of our elected officials (and some who are appointed to their position) has been growing louder in recent years. So there's a lot of groaning you may hear, especially in this election year. However, if Jesus Christ has authority over your life- for He is the only one who is righteous-- then you should be overjoyed and blessed beyond measure!

Let the river run... 3/6/2012

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7: 37-39

The living water Christ speaks of is the gift of the Holy Spirit. Some who profess to be Christians truly do not posses the Spirit and show no fruit thereof...and those who do receive the Spirit also give much as the river flows out of the heart.Check your heart and you will know if the Holy Spirit dwells in you.

Seek and you shall find... 3/5/2012

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:10
The key to understanding what it means to trust in God is to first know this: that if you know His name-- he has chosen you. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. Only those who are sought by God and chosen by God can seek after Him. The Bible tells us no one is good, that no one seeks God. It means that God seeks us and saves us by grace through faith through Christ alone. Only then are we able to seek Him and truly learn His ways and His will for us!

NO OTHER GOSPEL... 3/4/2012

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8,9
How much more clearly could the apostle Paul tell the church about not listening, not believing in, and not giving heed to a different gospel that the simple message of Jesus Christ? And yet cults and false religions then and now preach a gospel that denies the resurrection of Christ, denies the Trinity, does not give credence to the sinless life of Jesus, or to His virgin birth. Other gospels deny the divinity of Christ, and instead preach a gospel of works.
How can you know that the gospel you hear is not a counterfeit gospel? Simple! By knowing the true word of God from the Holy Bible so well that, when someone preaches a lie, you immediately know it!

Ripe for Sharing... 3/3/2012

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22,23
I talk to Christians all the time who wonder if they are truly Spirit filled. God's word tells us how to know for sure if we have not quenched the Holy Spirit within us! Are you producing fresh fruit in your daily walk? Check your "produce department" to see that there's nothing rotting.

The Headline that Counts! 3/2/2012

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Perhaps the most quoted scripture from the word of God-- this should be the headline we as Christians pay attention to. It's easy to glean horrible news from places like the Drudge Report or other news aggregates. We must renew our minds in the hope we have in Christ and not dwell on the failures of man who has made himself into a little god in a quest for power and money and control. Life is short- don't waste it on worldly pursuits...For what [is] your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. James 4:14

STOP IT! 3/1/2012

Sometimes we Christians need a good laugh and to remember the words of Jesus when he said, "Fear not"! He said that many times because we have a natural inclination to fear, yet with the help of the Holy Spirit, God's word and the fellowship of like minded brothers and sisters in Christ, we should be able to be emerge as more than conquerors. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 1 John 4:18

One of my favorite comedians is Bob Newhart...and one of his funniest bits was STOP IT! If you have a few minutes watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0lr63y4Mw

Hope that does not change! Leap Day 2/29/2012

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always [be] ready to [give] a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 1 Peter 3:15
Christians have the HOPE of the Lord- our Salvation, our Strength in times of trouble, our Peace, our Provider, our Deliverer. True followers of Christ put their trust in Jesus and not in some secular government, or monetary system, or even a survival shelter. Faithful Christians focus on the hope they have in everlasting life, and stand ready to share the good news with those who are hopeless. There will always be trials and tribulations, but true Christians share the joy of the Lord no matter what this world dishes out.

No good deed shall go unpunished... 2/28/2012

A Louisiana church was ordered to stop giving away free water along Mardi Gras parade routes because they did not have the proper permits. Pastor Matt Tipton said volunteers from his church were handing out free coffee and free bottles of water at two locations along a Mardi Gras parade route when they were stopped by Jefferson Parish officials. The church volunteers were cited for failing to secure an occupational license and for failure to register for a sales tax. The Louisiana church was ordered to stop giving away free water along Mardi Gras parade routes because they did not have the proper permits.
Ken Klukowski, a senior legal fellow at the Family Research Council, said the citation was absurd. "This is a perfect example of why so many people have a problem with big government,” Klukowski said. “The idea that a church needs a permit to hand out water to thirsty people is unfortunate.”
He said it’s hard to believe that the government would get in the way of citizens helping each other out – “especially a church which was just doing its duty to be good Samaritans and help those in need.” (Fox news)
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink Matthew 25:35 Jesus spoke of true love (charity) and he never had to have a permit!

What 'sound' does that doctrine make? 2/27/2012

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits” Matt. 15:16
False prophets--cults--false religions! What does Christ mean by their "fruits" they can be recognized? When Jesus talk about the fruits, He means to be aware of their doctrines. There is a checklist of dotrines you should know: 1. Are those who are preaching truly proclaiming the Name of the only true and living God as the Trinity — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
2. Do they believe and teach that Jesus Christ is the only begotten and true son of God and that He IS God?
3. Do they say that Jesus is was fully man and fully God, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified, died, buried and rose again on the third day appearing to many witnesses before ascending into Heaven?
4.Do they preach the finished work of Christ on the cross as the atonement and source of salvation for those who will believe in Him?
5. Do these "prophets" preach a gospel that tells you to put your trust in your good works as the way to salvation?
If so, then you are being asked to trust in your own effort to be saved. That is spoiled fruit-- rotten on the vine-- because salvation is of the LORD! Jesus said "you must be born again"... it is the gift of God through His grace, and not by works so that no one can boast.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after there own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; - 2 Timothy 4:3

So you take it 'literally"? 2/26/2012

Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." John 2:19
John relates in his gospel (in an editorial aside) that Jesus was speaking of his resurrection on the third day. At the time the Pharisees thought Jesus was mad, and Jesus' apostles were mystified by His statement. Jesus also prophesied that the Temple that was standing during His time would be destroyed and not one stone left on another.
This was one of the most important prophecies made by Jesus, because in 70 AD the Romans destroyed the temple. Today, many Evangelicals are hoping and waiting for the Jews to rebuild the literal temple as one of the sure signs of the end of the age. But they fail to understand that the temple has already been raised up-- in the person of Jesus Christ on the very day our Lord was resurrected.

Call me a 'name dropper' 2/25/2102

Some people love to "drop" names of celebrities or well know people that they have some connection to. It makes them feel important and to stand above others. Just the other day I was talking to Rick Santorum on his private cell phone line and asked him how that Satan thing was working out for him. What amazes me is the name we as Christians should always be using (dropping) is that of Jesus. If you are born again, adopted into the family of God and a co-heir with Christ, name-dropping the Lord is not only appropriate, it's the one name we should be proud to bring into most every conversation.
...so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2:10-11

God's Word is unlike any other... 2/24/2012

For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things [are] naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we [must give] account Hebrews 4:12.13
You can read any book on philosophy, psychology, even any so-called holy book of other religions like Islam, Mormonism, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc., but you will not find living truth and power that comes from the heart and mind of God Almighty. Lots of people can submit to another belief system through feelings, fear, and convenience. The difference is that God's word digs deep within the believer, and the actual work of believing is a gift from God, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. The difference for a Christian is that he is apprehended by Jesus Christ-- chosen by God. In the others (false religions) mentioned, one has to choose to be a believer. However, a Christian is chosen by God as one of the elect. In truth, no one chooses to follow Christ, but those who are chosen and adopted into the family of God!
Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Ephesians 1:5

Save Dave-- a special Daily Truth from my wife! 2/23/2012

Many years ago, probably in 1982, while Dave was working in radio he lost his job and listeners were not happy about what the radio station had done to Dave. So, the listeners began a petition to "Save Dave". In spite of the efforts put forth by the people Dave was not rehired...he was not "saved". Some years later after many more miles and job losses Dave was saved, but he wasn't "saved" by listeners of a radio station who didn't want to lose their local talk show host, Dave was saved by God. Thank You LORD.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

Cleanliness is next to Godliness?? 2/23/2012

Americans spend billions on products to make their hair shiny and clean, keep their underarms dry and odor free, whiten their teeth, shave, and ensure a fresh breath. Billions on a regimen to not be offensive to others, or to themselves! The saying "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" is not found in scripture. The Old Testament book of Leviticus deals with the issue of cleanliness and impurity so that the Israelites would be clean. It was a sign of separation from the other nations. However in the New Testament, cleanliness finds mention in relation to the cleansing of the believer's life.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
However, there's nothing wrong with being well groomed and odor free especially if you are witnessing about Jesus Christ to others. Let's face it, if you go around sniffing your pits and breathing on your hand to check your breath, you probably need some maintenance!

Looking for the antichrist? You don't have far to look... 2/22/2012

... every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, I John 4:2,3
According to the word of God this means every person who does not CONFESS Jesus has the spirit of the antichrist! Wow, do you know what CONFESS means? It means to trust Jesus and live for Him as a servant/slave. Now, seems like there's a whole lotta antichristing going on in the world today.

Who's Your Daddy?? 2/21/2012

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15

We were cut off from the family of God through the sin of Adam-- but through Jesus Christ the Father adopts us into His family, giving us the right to become sons of God, and joint heirs with Jesus!

If God is not Sovereign, then who's in charge? 2/19/2012

I returned and saw under the sun that--The race [is] not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and CHANCE happen to them all. Ecc 9:11
If you believe in a God who is sovereign, then you cannot believe in CHANCE! Nothing happens in this world without the foreknowledge and allowance of a Holy God. Solomon understood God's ultimate rule over the universe but the translators in the NKJV leave something important out of the translation. The Hebrew word Hizdamnut literally means "Divine opportunity". The providence of God leaves nothing to "chance".
The sovereignty of the God of Scripture is absolute, irresistible, infinite. When we say that God is sovereign we affirm His right to govern the universe, which He has made for His own glory, just as He pleases.
We affirm that His right is the right of the Potter over the clay, i.e., that He may mold that clay into whatsoever form He chooses, fashioning out of the same lump one vessel unto honor and another unto dishonor. We affirm that He is under no rule or law outside of His own will and nature, that God is a law unto Himself, and that He is under no obligation to give an account of His matters to any. (A.W. Pink)

Had a rough week? 2/18/2012

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 2 Corinthians 11:25-27
You gotta love the apostle Paul! He's not complaining here, but this is recorded I believe for all of us who have run into some rough times along life's highway. Paul never wavered in his faith in Jesus. He preached Christ and Him crucified with a passion unequaled. You might want to bookmark these verses for the next time life throws you some obstacles. Sure makes me forget about my "troubles".

Empty wallet, full Gospel... 2/17/2012

Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." Acts 3:6
There are countless Christians who do not have silver and gold (or any wealth), and many Christian churches that are hurting for material support. The lesson here from Peter is that he possessed something more valuable than money -- faith in the power of Jesus Christ.
How often do we as believers think more on the lack of resources and less on the powerful resource that is our LORD Jesus? The name above all names is Jesus who heals, provides, and above all saves His people.
Don't concentrate on what you don't have-- focus on the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ and all He offers us. A Christian, a church, a congregation without spiritual power is poor compared to those who are rich in Spirit and in Truth!

Coffeehouse Christians... 2/16/2012

...we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ...Ephesians 4:14
There's certainly nothing wrong with talking Christianity over a cup of coffee. The problem comes when, because of the atmosphere, aroma, and ambiance of the coffee house we sometimes tend to want to more agreeable-- even so much as to compromise sound doctrine. People will tell you doctrine isn't important, but it is truly essential.
The same Jesus a true Christian follows as LORD and Savior is not the Jesus of the Mormons (brother of Satan; born of a mother and father god) and is not the Jesus of the Jehovahs Witnesses who teach that before His earthly life, Jesus was a spirit creature (Michael the Archangel) who was created by God and became the Messiah at His baptism. According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jesus is a mighty one, although not almighty as Jehovah God is. According to their own (erroneous) translation of the Bible, Jesus is not co-equal with the father and is a little "g" god.
Now Mormons would most likely not be in a coffeehouse because they don't drink coffee or hot drinks. Not sure about the Witnesses-- the point is that even among fellow Christians there is sometimes a great lack of knowledge about such doctrines as Justification, Heaven, Hell, Salvation, and more. It's important to know what you believe--even more important to understand why you believe it. While you're up, would you get me an Espresso?

Read this slowly, Then follow the instructions... 2/15/2012

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13
I know as a preacher I sometimes get caught up in correct doctrine (and I know doctrine is important) or the finer points of justification or election. But I read this chapter over several times when I feel my theology becoming more important than following Jesus' who told us:"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12

I go to the h.o.p. do you? 2/14/2012

Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [Will be] accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations." Isaiah 56:7

I'm going to get a bit old fashioned here, but I have to tell you that one of the trends in the church today is disturbing. When we come together to praise God on the Sabbath, we enter the house of prayer. It's supposed to be a sanctuary where we come with respect and in a prayerful attitude, ready to worship our God and to praise His name. I'd like others to be in a quiet and solemn preparatory state in anticipation of singing hymns and hearing the word.
But today's church sanctuary resembles a crowd at a football game. There is plenty of time within most services and afterwards to shake hands and hug necks. But upon entering the LORD's H.O.P., I believe we should be in hushed tones of prayer and supplication, thankful for the opportunity we have to come boldly before His throne.
(OK--so you disagree- that's OK. We're still brothers and sisters in Christ.)

Morning "pick me up" ... 2/13/2012

Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22,23

Something to remember when climbing out of bed before starting your day-- you got up this morning because God isn't finished with you! It's a new day so make the most of it.

Sunday morning report card... 2/12/2012

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42
I often wonder how the Church of Jesus Christ is really doing throughout America today. Aside from the many denominations, non-denominations, offshoots of denominations, home churches, TV churches, churches in movie theaters, traditional, unconventional, old school, new school, etc. How are we as Christians really being steadfast in the apostles' doctrine? How are we really when it comes to fellowship? When we break bread do we truly take the time to remember His body being broken for us? Do we pray as Paul suggested to the Thessalonians-- "without ceasing?"

Can't get no satisfaction... 2/11/2012

He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes; Psalm 147:16
I have to laugh. Walking beside a fellow traveler in mid winter here in Tennessee and it's 65 degrees. I commented on how mild and wonderful this winter had been and how it was a nice break from the cold and ice. He said, "Yeah, but we'll pay for it this summer I bet."
Well, whether God provides mild weather in winter or cooling breezes in summer, some folks just will not be satisfied! Two days later we had our first snow showers and a forecast of a few days in the 30's. I'm sure that guy is complaining about the snow right about now.

The least heeded advice today.. 2/10/2012

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5.6
The world screams to us, "You can do anything you want, be anything you want. There's a formula to follow and success will be yours." The formula most often spoken of is the path of self-esteem. Believe in yourself and you can achieve anything.
But God's word says the opposite. The least trusted should be man himself, who is full of depravity, full of hedonism and full of self-fulfillment. The world seduces many into gaining all they can...yet the beginning of knowledge comes from fearing God, and true guidance comes from trusting Him to lead us into the right paths. When we seek His will, His wisdom, His righteousness, everything will be in His care whether we are "successes" as the world sees it, or successful in growing in His grace and glorifying Him. That's the real reason we are here!

Are we all abortionists now??? 2/9/2012

During the last presidential election, Catholics voted by a margin of 55-45% for the most pro-death President in history. Of course, Mr. Obama started out by covering up the crucifix at Georgetown and Notre Dame before delivering a speech, so as not to offend Muslims or Atheists, proceeded to declare that “America is not a Christian nation,”, then bowed before a Saudi king.
Should we be surprised when this secular humanist, pro-abortion President now attacks religious freedom by backing regulations which force Catholic hospitals—against their will and the tenets of their religion—to fund and or even perform abortions? (W.K.Stoos - Canada Free Press)
Since Roe v Wade in 1973, the USA has become increasingly pro-life--to where now the majority of Americans are against abortion. We have allowed the slaughter of untold millions of babies because of the unchecked terror from organizations such as the Planned Baby-Killers of America (Planned Parenthood) and the increasing movement among the entertainment industry to marginalize the sanctity of life. How can Mr. Obama call himself a Chrsitian all the while backing policies that tear at the very heart of God? As the Almighty knew the prophet Jeremiah he also knows all of us:Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou came forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5

Despicable Me! 2/8/2012

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
Each time I read these verses I think of how base, ignoble, and foolish I was until Christ apprehended me. Since that time I have grown in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and continue to preach, write, and witness for His glory. To realize that God often uses the despicable to turn and show His glory, is to find hope that all of us sinners can, through His grace, astound the scoffers of this world!

Uncle Sam's 'poor card'... 2/7/2012

"For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. Mark 14:7
Jesus rebukes Judas for being indignant about the precious fragrance which was poured over our Savior. Judas thought it a waste that could have done much for the poor--although we know that was not his intent since Judas was motivated by greed and not by any benevolent or philanthropic conscience. The interesting rebuke comes full circle in America today when politicians claim they need to tax people more to take care of the poor. Yet in most cases much of the money is wasted, diverted, or simply used to grow a government workforce which itself is beholding to the political party which created it.
There was a time when American churches did the real religion of taking care of widows and orphans-- until some in government figured out how to create a dependency on their programs and thus removed the church from the vital work of caring for the poor.
You say I am getting political and this has nothing to do with the scripture? Are you certain? The poor are still there and still in need, while Christ has ascended and we await His return.
In many ways the church of Jesus Christ has allowed the secular society to do the work of what James called "true religion"! We have sat back and allowed a government to chip away at religious freedoms, to attack Christianity while allowing false religions to increase in activism within our legal system.
If every Christian church member in America tithed-- and every church served its community by helping those who cannot help themselves-- welfare, food stamps, ADC and other programs would vanish.

The ultimate day.... 2/6/2012

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, [there] you may be also. John 14:3
Take time this week in your work and play and leisure to think about just how short life is and how we are going to spend eternity-- some of us with Christ in Heaven, and others who scoff at Jesus will spend eternity in Hell. You know, eternity is a long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long,time...and then some!

A Lamp unto my feet... 2/5/2012

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
Following Christ is not always easy-- but it's easy to know when you've gotten off the path of righteousness. When you walk in darkness you will stumble. To correct that you must return to the path that is lighted. Simple solution-- not always easy to follow. Praise God for sending us the Holy Spirit to guide us, the Bible to instruct us, and a Savior who intercedes for us!

Just Do It... 2/4/2012

     Nike's iconic marketing of JUST DO IT was genius! It laid bare all the excuses in an attempt to get people to do what they might otherwise put off. It showed athletes and not-so-athletes enduring rain, snow, pain, and the dark to reach their goals.
     Christians could learn a thing or two about living. Read God's word--and DO IT! Forget the mind games, the excuses, the distractions and amusements of this world. All those goals you've set before you may seem too much-- but Just Do It!
       When Paul said he "pressed on" it comes from the Greek "agonizo" (agony). He was snake bitten, beaten, shipwrecked, stoned, and suffered a thorn in his side--yet he just did it! Looking for a role model? Look no further than Paul:
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Philippians 3:12

How's that "love" thing working out for ya? 2/3/2012
A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. John 13:34-35

Groundhog Day... 2/2/2012

DON'T DRIVE ANGRY!

GROUNDHOG DAY starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell is one of my favorite movies. My wife doesn't like it--but how could you not? The theme is about a self-absorbed weatherman, Phil Connors, stuck in Punxsatawney to do a story on the groundhog, when each morning he wakes up to the same day. Finally he realizes to get to February 3rd he must change who he is and do good deeds. The culmination of his perfect day shows his metamorphosis from an egotist to a rather caring, helpful and kind person. The problem is that Phil Connors (Bill Murray) could become such a wonderful person and yet be lost. There are a lot of "nice" people, people who do charitable works, who are philanthropists, who work for Habitat for Humanity, who work in soup kitchens...but unless they come to believe and trust in Jesus Christ, all those works mean nothing!
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:10; But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 6:46

Free from the chain gang.... 2/1/2012

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36
Freedom! Liberty in Christ! If you are a Christian you possess this-- so be sure to live like you are free-- no longer a slave to the things of this word.

Withering sound bites... 1/31/12

All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:6-8
How easily we get caught up in the flesh-- be it politics, sports, chasing money, work-- we have the propensity to think more of the temporal than the eternal. God's word is eternal-- and those who read His word and do it, are not controlled by the flesh nor worldly things, but have the perspective of eternal life with God and their hope in Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of their life.
This is life as it should be lived, keeping our eyes on Jesus, and as the old hymn says, " and the cares of this world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

More time praying, less time tweeting... 1/30/12

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16
As Christians we should live in a state of continual prayer as Paul tells us in his letter in 1 Thessalonians (5:17-- Pray without ceasing). But we ignore the power of prayer--the power of fervent prayer from one who is righteous through being justified by faith in Christ--and who prays, knowing that He is the great High Priest interceding for us with the Father. So put down your cellphone, close the laptop and PRAY!

God said, "Let there be light".... 1/29/12

The Apostle Paul speaks about the light brought to us by the gospel: But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:3-6

Politics and religion... 1/28/12

Of the increase of [His] government and peace [There will be] no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:7
There is an old saying that one should never discuss politics or religion. I never heeded this advice when I spent some years as a radio talk host. Politics to me was great grist for the mill and I didn't care who I offended. Then I was apprehended by Christ, born again and sealed with the Holy Spirit. I spoke much about Jesus Christ being the only way to the Father. I talked about the cults like Mormonism and the evil (and so called by stupid politicians-- "peaceful") religion of Islam. I offended a lot of people who are advocates of Political Correctness. I didn't care then and I don't care now. PC is straight from the pit of HELL.
You can, if you want, be a non-offensive Christian. Ignore the Gospel of Christ, never witness, never tell people about the one true God-- and you'll be helping others straight into an eternity in hell.
Or you can boast in the Lord who, as Isaiah foretold, will establish His kingdom forever-- and all the politically correct, non-offensive, mamby-pamby, wishy-washy, doubting Christians will answer to Him for their own lack of zeal. The apostle Paul wrote," For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16

No Baptists, no Lutherans, no Catholics,
no Presbyterians, no Methodists in Heaven... 1/27/12

Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. Revelation 14:1
I don't often do this--but this time allow me to let you read what Charles Spurgeon wrote about this part of the Revelation of St. John: “And who were these people, ‘having his Father’s name written in their foreheads?’ Not Bs for ‘Baptists,’ not Ws for ‘Wesleyens ‘not Es for ‘Established Church.’ They had their Father’s name and nobody else’s. What a deal of fuss is made on earth about our distinctions! We think such a deal about belonging to this denomination, and the other. Why, if you were to go to heaven’s gates, and ask if they had any Baptists there, the angel would only look at you, and not answer you, if you were to ask if they had any Wesleyans, or members of the Established Church, he would say, ‘Nothing of the sort;’ but if you were to ask him whether they had any Christians there, ‘Ay,’ he would say, ‘an abundance of them: they are all one now - all called by one name; the old brand has been obliterated, and now they have not the name of this man or the other, they have the name of God, even their Father, stamped on their brow.’”
I agree with Spurgeon that those who are indeed in Christ will be with the Lord-- but to me doctrine, sound doctrine,
is important enough to make sure that if I do pastor a particular church that I agree with their standard of doctrine and they with mine!

One Way...One Truth...One Life 1/26/12

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6
Many people will hate you when you quote our Lord using this verse. They will tell you Jesus was a great prophet, or a good man, or a wonderful rabbi, but that he is not the only way to God. The problem is this: If Jesus was good and wonderful and even a great prophet--wouldn't he also be a liar if he didn't speak the truth? So you see-- He is the son of God and He is the only truth, the only way, and the only life. There is no life in any of the myriad of gods that have been concocted by man with the help of the Devil. So you will face Christ one day and give an account. Was he truly your redeemer, or just a nice guy? Your answer will ring throughout eternity.

Lord it's hard to be humble... 1/25/12

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5
Humility! That's not the message you get from the world today--and unfortunately you don't hear it in many churches. The world is telling you to look out for number 1 and to grow in self esteem. It's yours for the taking. Some preachers extoll the virtues of claiming stuff and gaining prominence by partnering with Jesus.
But the truth is that true followers of Christ (while they may be co-heirs) become 'slaves' to Him. The word in Greek is doulos (slave). The apostles understood what Paul expressed when he said, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain." If we truly love the Lord with all our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves-- there won't be room for self-esteem-- only Christ esteem!
Your Bible translation may use the word bond servant. But a servant serves out of duty-- while a slave is compelled to serve because he belongs to the Master. I can be your servant in Christ, but a slave for Christ would be my highest calling.

Holy Spirit Power... 1/24/12

Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. Luke 4:14

Fellow Christian! Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by the cares of this world? Has your get up and go got up and went? What is probably missing is the power of the Holy Spirit inside you. Seek Him, ask for Him, welcome Him and you will realize the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead resides in you-- if you believe! It's a wonderful promise and great mystery, but our Lord fasted, prayed, and overcame temptation with the power of the Holy Spirit-- and you can do the same.

Saved-- then rejoice over it! 1/23/12

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:18
Too many Christians say they are "saved" but then allow themselves to frown, fret, worry, and be drawn in by the troubles of everyday life! You don't have to "suck it up", you just need to dwell on the fact that you have been redeemed through the grace of Jesus Christ and express the joy of your salvation in the LORD!

I tell my "sabbath" friends... 1/22/12

One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. Romans 14:6

Paul here is talking more about principles than specific issues. In such regarding days of observing worship to Jesus Christ our Lord, it should be left up to the conscience of the individual. But whatever we do, we must be able to do it unto the Lord. We are not to claim conscience as an excuse to partake in sinful behavior.

Church growth and development... 1/21/12

Some pastors I know are fixated on numbers. Having 500 or 1,000 members or more translates into success for their ministry. Yet God looks at the heart, and I would contend that you might find more faithful and fruitful Christians in a church of 100 than in some of the mega-churches of today. Does that mean we shouldn't care about church growth? Not at all. But if that is our focus instead of praising, worshiping and glorifying God--we have misplaced our affections.
Whenever I work with churches intent on growing, I remind them that first they must be a praying church and one that values the preaching of God's word without compromise. Start with those elements, and God will take care of the increase.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Bring back the Puritans! 1/20/12

Bunyan's own experience and the language of the Bible were the sources of The Pilgrim's Progress.

Dr. Joel Beeke writes: Puritanism grew out of three needs: (1) the need for biblical preaching and the teaching of sound Reformed doctrine; (2) the need for biblical, personal piety that stressed the work of the Holy Spirit in the faith and life of the believer; and (3) the need to restore biblical simplicity in liturgy, vestments, and church government, so that a well-ordered church life would promote the worship of the triune God as prescribed in His Word...
The Puritans have been miscast by Hollywood, and the brunt of many jokes over the years--but if they truly existed to satisfy the three needs listed above, maybe we need to return to the Puritan basics in our churches in doctrine, personal piety, and simplicity?
John Bunyan is perhaps one of the most famous writers of the Puritan era with his Pilgrim's Progress. Before Bunyan's death there were 13 editions published, with some additions. Since then it has been continuously in print and has been translated into well over a hundred languages.

So what is your gift? 1/19/12

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2
Many Christians wonder what God's will is for their life-- for work, for ministry. If you want to know--start with the renewing of your mind through prayer and God's word. Discover your gift and then use it to glorify Him! It might be teaching, preaching, administration, mercy, giving... surely if you seek His will you'll find out where God can use your gift for His glory.

Read from the source! 1/18/12

All Scripture is “breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” 2Tim 3:16-17
Amazing how we have the actual word of God at our disposal, yet many Christians prefer to read Christian-inspired novels or self-help books masquerading as Christian literature. Real help, real instruction, real meat to equip us is found in the Holy Bible. It's not sinful to read secular or Christian inspired material-- as long as we return to the source in which God speaks directly to His people!

Gimme that old time religion... 1/17/12

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.. James 1:27
People who say "I don't have a "religion", I have a relationship"-- miss the point of what pure religion is. No relationship with Jesus Christ is true without separating from the worldly traps and staying pure. Nor can one have a relationship that doesn't reach out to meet the needs of the most helpless among us. James was saying that the Holy Spirit compels us to do good works-- and if you're not compelled, maybe you have grieved the Holy Spirit or you're not truly born again!

The joy of troubles... 1/16/12

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 2-4
Your faith will be tested and on trial more than you could ever imagine. From outside influences and even more so from the inside. But as you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, you will persevere-- with the help of the Holy Spirit unto a mature faith. When we greet troubles with joy, God takes on the burdens allowing us to work through anything!

Time is the duration of change... 1/15/2012

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day [is] as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Peter 3:8
The Lord's "time" is not man's-- nor is it comprehended by man. Peter is saying that God's plan is unfolding according to His will, and time as we understand it or mark it is irrelevant in the face of eternity and how God operates. He operates on His schedule, in the fullness of time, and God never changes, so therefore He is timeless, eternal, and as the psalmist says-- there is no shadow of turning with Him.

Tebow's fans and foes... 1/14/2012

If Denver beats New England in this weekend's playoff it will be considered by many a true miracle. In what may be the highest rated (most watched) playoff game in history, Tom Brady and the Patriots should by statistics and according to the bookies, mop the floor with the Broncos. The difference is this. Tim Tebow-- win or lose, will still be a solid Christian, gracious and humble no matter the outcome-- and assured of his salvation. Too bad the same cannot be said for his critics, many who have such disdain for the man who is simply bold about his faith in Jesus Christ. I plan to enjoy the game no matter which team wins. I am one who doesn't mind watching if Tebow struggles and falls -- not as one of his critics would, but as a brother in Christ who knows that the game of football will not change who Tim Tebow is-- but the way he plays may lead others to change the way they are in their relationship to the Lord!
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Philippians 3:12

Sovereignty of God 1/13/12

For He says to the snow, 'Fall [on] the earth'; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.Job 37:6
People who wonder if God is in control when things like snow, rain, storms, and the like happen need to learn about the sovereignty of God. Nothing is created, nothing happens without His foreknowledge and without His allowance. Even the dark deeds of Satan must have permission-- but all is under God and all for His purposes!

Mitt Romney wins the evangelical vote in NH! 1/12/12

Seems the Evangelicals have begun to solidify around the nomination of Mitt Romney (Mormon) in their quest to find someone to oust Barak Obama. I see no problem voting for a person based on their record, their moral compass, or their religion. However, I do see some people taking such an implicit endorsement of the man as an endorsement of his religion. That is a problem. To the Latter Day Saints (the Mormons) , Jesus is not the only begotten son of God to them--just a god. Their idea of salvation-- and a whole host of other heresies and falsities should make the evangelical Christian certain it is known that they may support the man and the party, but not his beliefs. Can a Mormon be a good president? Yes. Have we had non-Christian presidents in our history? Absolutely! No matter who you support, remember that while faith is an important element, if it is an issue at all it should be specified that you do not endorse someone's false religion. The real problem in true Christianity today is too many true believers know nothing about false religions. Just because the word "Christian" is in the name doesn't mean it follows the one true Jesus revealed by the Holy Bible.
For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or [if] you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted--you may well put up with it! 2 Cor 11:4

They hated Christ even more... 1/11/12

The criticism hurled at Tim Tebow has been ubiquitous. He hasn't suffered for praising our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If anything, Tim's miraculous comebacks in the face of all the naysayers have only won him more fans. Our hope is that because of the media coverage, more will come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. And that those Christians who have not been vocal about their faith will be inspired to give God the glory and thanks in everything!
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 2 Tim 1:8

The gift you can't return... 1/10/12

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the giftof God,
Ephesians 2:8
Most Christians can recite this verse, but they need to understand that faith is indeed a gift. It's not a decision like deciding what tie to wear, or what club to join. We are born again and then we believe-- we receive the gift of faith! That, brothers and sisters, is a miracle of God's grace and makes you chosen by God.

It ain't over til it's over... 1/9/12

"I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; [the] night is coming when no one can work. John 9:4 Jesus had only so much time to accomplish the work which God had planned for him to do before his earthly mission was completed. We who believe are not unlike the Lord, who, having been given new life, should be about the Father's business including witnessing, caring for the needy, loving our neighbors and enemies, and doing the good works that He has prepared for us in advance. Your work isn't done until you've breathed your last breath. If you woke up this morning, God's not done with you yet!

Comfortable??? 1/8/12

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all 1Thes 5:14
Paul tells the brethren to comfort the fainthearted. Boy how that word has changed in our English understanding. To comfort in the Greek meant to encourage, to prod, to embolden. So when God "comforts" you or a brother in Christ "comforts" you, it should be a push or a prod of encouragement t move you to courage from a position of timidity! Comfort isn't sitting in a La-Z-Boy recliner for the Christian...it's being moved to a level where we are strengthened by God's word and the Holy Spirit.

Quid est veritas? 1/7/12

Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no fault in Him at all. John 18:38
Pilate wonders "what is truth"--but he finds no fault in Jesus. Interesting that people today think truth is relative, but in each person we find lies, distortions, errors, and most of all sin! So the true son of God, Jesus Christ, was without fault, free from sin. He is the way, the truth and the life! Even those who wonder what truth is, can find no fault in the perfect One!

Resolve or commit? 1/6/12

There is no word that translates into 'resolution' in the Bible. And there is no equivalent in the Greek or Hebrew for the word 'commitment' either. But if you made a resolution to pray more, read the Bible more, or be a more faithful Christian that's a great start. However, now's the time to commit to those types of resolutions by intentionally following through.
The apostle Paul sets the tone for such a commitment in his letter to the Philippians: Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Phil 3:12

Take time today to follow this prescription! 1/5/12

Let All Things Praise the LORD
Praise the LORD!
         Praise God in His sanctuary;
         Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
         Praise Him for His mighty acts;
         Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
         Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
         Praise Him with the lute and harp!
         Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
         Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
         Praise Him with loud cymbals;
         Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

         Praise the LORD!   Psalm 150

Why bother with evangelism?? 1/4/12

Stoning of Stephen- First Martyr and Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Rome:' as it is written:“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good,
not even one.” “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
“Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” ' Romans 3:10-18
When we read this we wonder why should we bother to tell our friends about Jesus Christ when no one seeks God, no one has any inherent worthiness. God saved me but why bother with telling others of the Gospel when unsaved people are only going to be saved because God chooses to intervene? Why??? Because we are commanded to do so!

The Almighty accountant.... 1/3/12

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; Matthew 6:19-20
I have often heard preachers defending wealth and success and material gain as blessings from above. Abraham was wealthy and he was a favorite of God-- so you should aspire to be wealthy. Or they say " You can do more for the kingdom with wealth than being a poor Christian.
Have we become so warped? So self-absorbed? Do we really believe wealth makes more difference than prayer, or money more of an impact than witnessing? It's not a sin to seek gain in this world, as long as you are seeking God first.

Be vocal in faith... 1/2/2012

Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Mark 10:48

Many times we are either warned, afraid, embarrassed, or threatened to be silent concerning our faith. But if we truly believe, make this the year to cry out loud to the Lord Jesus Christ. Be bold in your faith. Do not be ashamed of the gospel-- Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 2 Tim 1:8

Resolution Rock 1/1/2012

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:26.27
This year everything you do should be done with one resolution. That it all be done to give God the glory! Build your every moment, activity, work, play, prayer, even your thoughts on God's word in light of the revealed truth of Jesus Christ. Don't just know what He said-- DO IT!

In the year of our Lord..Anno Domini 12/31/11

It's New Year's Eve. With each passing year since my regeneration in Christ, this date becomes less important. For each day as a Christian should be the most important of one's life. My wife Angie is fond of saying, "If you woke up this morning, God's not finished with you yet."
The point is simple. Each day holds it's own promise, each day offers new opportunities to witness, to worship, to pray, to intercede, to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord, to love our neighbors-- and our enemies, to pray and praise the God who holds our very next heartbeat in His hands.
To some it's a new beginning. A chance to lose that weight, set goals, start over and aim for success. But with Christians, it should be yet another day in which God has set aside for us good works He has prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
That is our daily duty, as is taking up our cross and following Him. Yes tomorrow morning after the stroke of midnight it will be a brand new day, but God's mercies are new every morning!
The real significance of New Year's Eve for our family is that it marks the wedding anniversary of our son Kenneth to Hannah back in 2005. And this year they celebrate their New Year anniversary with a beautiful addition to the family, Georgia (Gigi), born November 11th, 2011!

Remaining faithful... 12/30/11

Now the LORD blessed the latter [days] of Job more than his beginning; Job 42:12
Job had every right according to his wife to curse God (and die). Blessed in the beginning, then losing all he had and experiencing sorrow upon sorrow heaped on his losses, the natural man would have blamed God and indeed cursed Him. But Job was a godly man, spiritually mature and understanding of God's sovereignty and His providence. Because he remained faithful, God blessed him even more abundantly in his latter days. We could learn from Job! In spite of what happens to us, in everything give thanks to the Lord and remain faithful. Try that as we head into the new year.

House of Prayer... 12/29/11

Then He taught, saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it a 'den of thieves.' Mark 11:17
Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My houseofprayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [Will be] accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a houseofprayer for all nations." Isaiah 56:7
Here we see prophecy fulfilled by Jesus after driving out the moneychangers from the Temple. Indeed then as it is now, churches should be houses of prayer. Seems we have plenty of song and glitz and preaching, but the evangelical world has strayed from church being a house of prayer-- indeed Jesus is showing us we need to have an attitude of prayer at all times. Prayer is the incense of our worship, thankfulness, petitions and supplication lifted up to God Almighty.

Grace for the journey... 12/28/11

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4:7
Grace comes to those of us who are born again, through no effort of our own. We receive those gifts in different proportions depending on what our Lord determines we need. The grace he gives us is sufficient to overcome, to grow in sanctification, and to contribute to the Kingdom of God. But even those things we accomplish for Him are not of our own doing, but through the help of the Holy Spirit and grace!

Creation is of the LORD! 12/27/11

Here's a thought for you atheists who love peanut butter and do not believe in God!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZFG5PKw504&feature=related

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good. Psalm 53:1

Christmas stocking stuffers.. 12/26/11

So amongst the many nice Christmas wishes and stocking stuffers this Christmas was the wonderful gift my wife so wonderfully prepared for our Christmas Eve dinner. I told her she moved like the Tasmanian Devil while she prepared fresh baked rolls, stuffed Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes with a unique nut topping, and even found time to make a pot of spaghetti-- none of the aforementioned came out of a can or was Kroger or GFS side dish special! She put a lot of love into setting the table, and then setting the table with a load of great food! It was a day for carb loading and family laughter, opening a few gifts and just enjoying one another. Above all, we shared in the joy that we are followers of Jesus Christ, the founder of our feast-- and the author and finisher of our faith. Merry Christmas and thanks for the greatest gift of all--Jesus!

The first noel... 12/25/11

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
With the prophecy of thousands of years finally fulfilled, the Hope of the world was born. God's Son-- His only begotten son-- not only changed the course of history, but changed the plight of mankind so desperate for a Savior. While we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, remember that the gift of salvation He brings is only good if we put our faith in Him.

Obedience, faithfulness... 12/24/11

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
Luke 2:4,5
Joseph listened to the messenger (angel) who delivered God's will that Joseph not abandon Mary but, in spite of his doubts, he should be faithful to his betrothed. We Christians may not be visited by angels, but we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within who leads us in truth and righteousness. It's up to us to be obedient to His leading and faithful in doing His will.

Start spreadin' the news.. 12/23/11

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." Luke 2:15
God's entry into the world in the form of Jesus is hard to understand for those who do not believe! He did not come in a glorious and triumphant announcement to the leaders of Israel. The angels appeared to shepherds (who were a little above slaves on the social scale and not considered good witnesses) to announce the birth of the Savior. Just as the New Testament records that the resurrected Lord is first seen by women- also not credible witnesses at the time of Christ. God seems to chose the lowly, the meek, the inconsequential to perform His most amazing tasks. As he said to the Apostle Paul-- 'for my power is made perfect in (your) weakness"

What did Jesus Do... 12/22/11

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
God becomes one of us through the incarnation of Jesus Christ...a miracle that makes salvation possible just as Christ's triumph over death gives us hope. But think about this-- the Word that spoke the universe into existence, by whom all things were made, humbles himself to share in our human experience-- all of it including pain, suffering, temptation--all things but sin! That's what Jesus did for you and me. What will you do for Him?

The Bread of Life... 12/21/11

Modern picture of Bethlehem

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. Luke 2:4,5
Bethlehem in Hebrew means "House of Bread". It is no wonder that the prophecy spoke of this place from which a Savior would come, the Messiah! Jesus is the Bread of Life, and Bethlehem is the city of King David the lineage from which the Messiah would come! Coincidence? Nothing happens by chance when God has foreordained it to be!

The virgin birth... 12/20/11

And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." Luke 1:46&47
It is foundational in Christian doctrine to believe that the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and she conceived a child who was to save His people. Like the resurrection of Jesus, His miraculous birth sets before us the fulfillment of prophecy and God's promise. All it takes is faith in God's word and in the Savior Jesus Christ! Do you believe? And if you do, what are you doing about it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z75tEiGet3Q&feature=related

This child named Jesus... 12/19/11

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.Luke 2:21
Click the link below and listen to Michael Card's rendition...and remember, He came to die for us as the Lamb of God. JESUS means "He saves His people".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBZiPRPogn0

Twas the weekend before Xmas... 12/17&18/2011

And all through the nation, Christian churches were giving Xmas presentations,
Some were traditional, and other were cross-cultural,
And in the midst of it all it seemed very natural.
The Catholics and Lutherans had liturgy and spectacle,
While the Pentecostals were busy looking respectable.
The Baptists with mangers and the Methodists with plays.
Were busy repeating those wondrous refrains...
Some of the churches were having gay old meetings,
While the "seeker-sensitive" gang was busy with seating,
The mega-churches were full and parking hellacious,
At the Presbyterian meeting the parking was spacious,
And somewhere outside the big services for the season,
The Lord Jesus Christ coming -- Emanuel -- was still the reason.
So this Xmas week as you partake of good cheer
Remember it is Jesus Our Savior we should hold dear!

Holiness/Happiness/Blessedness 12/16/11

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed [are] the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." Rev 14:13
The great truth I have uncovered in my life through the understanding of the word of God is that happiness follows holiness and equals blessedness. Blessed in the original Greek means to be full of love and joy through our relationship with Jesus Christ.
The way to happiness ( meaning to be blessed ) is through holiness. When the Founding Fathers of America spoke of the pursuit of happiness, it was with this Greek definition in mind. Not "whatever floats your boat" or whatever pleasure you desire. It meant something much deeper and it calls for a life of holiness. Holiness, Happiness, Blessedness-- all three elements of a true Christian.

Proud Christians... 12/15/11

By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4
There's a thin line between pride in being a Christian and in being a proud Christian. When God gets the glory for anything we have done then that is the start of humility. Truth be known, anything you might accomplish is done only by the power and grace of God through the Holy Spirit. If you are born again - the deeds you will do in your lifetime have already been prepared for you! How can we become proud when God's sovereignty and will are simply being worked out?
One of my favorite verses is Romans 8:28-- For we know that ALL things work together for good to them who love God and are called according to His purpose.
If you have been called--- it's according to His purpose, therefore be humble before God, for what you do for the Kingdom is worked together for good by God Himself.

My 'humility' needs some work... 12/14/11

Got these blocks for our grandson Max for Xmas-- and my lovely and very intelligent wife mentioned that they were for 1 to 5 yr olds. I thought that when we purchased them the bag said 2 and up. I was so sure that I held to this contention whereupon my lovely and very intelligent wife told me I was mistaken

Well, as you can see by the picture on the right I was definitely wrong.
The point of all this is-- Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall---

Seems pride is the antithesis of humility-- and the one thing I have an abundance of! You would think after being wrong so many times I would by now have simply resigned myself to the fact that I will ususally be wrong, could avoid arguments by swallowing my pride, and then-- on those very rare occasions when I am right ( oh so rare), accept it with a humble spirit.
I am working on it!

Worship that means something... 12/14/11

"God [is] Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
John 4:24

Worshiping God in spirit shows our concern for spiritual realities of His realm instead of a show of sacrifice for all to see. To worship God in truth means you worship according to the whole council of God’s word, even more so in the revelation of the New Testament.

Damnation vs. condemnation... 12/13/11

The word DAMNATION occurs in the King James Version in 11 verses, yet not in the New KJV nor the NIV. The word is changed to condemnation-- but I have to agree with the KJV translators here. Damnation and condemnation may mean the same, but damnation really packs a wallop when reading God's word. There is a finality and seriousness to damnation that just isn't the same as condemnation. Just sayin'!
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:29

Dear God, It's Monday and I want to get this right... 12/12/11

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
No matter how hectic, or restful, or tragic, or beautiful this past weekend was, Monday hits like a ton of bricks sometimes. Every morning God wipes the slate clean if we are repentant, and we are allowed a renewal of His mercy and grace. Be thankful!

All the days of the afflicted are evil... Proverbs 15:15 12/11/11

Usually if you come across a devotional of a website that chronicles a daily word like this one, especially near to Christmas time, you'll get a lot of fluffy stuff. One of the grittiest shows on TV is Breaking Bad. It chronicles how good intentions, when mixed with illegality and immorality, most of the time go bad-- really, really bad.
You start down a path of wrongdoing and with each bump in the road your ability to turn around becomes harder. Lies compound the problem when it becomes impossible to keep the stories straight. Above all, the soul can reach a point of darkness so black that the conscience becomes seared.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

Providence-- purpose of God 12/10/11

But indeed for this [purpose] I have raised you up, that I may show My power [in] you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth. Exodus 9:16
Moses relays God's message to Pharaoh that underscores the hand of the Almighty in seeing His purpose fulfilled. Here He uses the Egyptian ruler to ultimately bring about His will that the chosen people would be freed to go to the Promised Land -- and that Pharaoh would succumb to the power of one true God that He be glorified!
God still uses His sovereignty to carry out His purpose today... in spite of the hardened hearts in the world that would deny His power and glory-- or even His existence.

Open to evil... open to disaster 12/9/11
And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the LORD. 2 Ch 12:14

King Reheboam, son of King Solomon who was wise, was a profound disappointment. He was very foolish, and because of his folly the kingdom was divided. Here was a man who had been given incredible advantages and opportunities, yet he ended in abject failure. He sought the counsel of fools, but most importantly he did evil and neglected to seek the LORD. Many are given great resources, but because of selfish desires and evil intent, they wind up in deplorable conditions within their characters, their soul, their hearts--and often in their physical being.

Christian character.... 12/7/11

A [good] name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
Proverbs 22:1
How we get a good name (reputation) and how we keep it depends on the goodness of our character. A person who strives to follow Christ and love others is a Christian, while one who claims to be a Christian but has a terrible reputation has taken the name of Christ in vain.

Foundation of faith... 12/6/11

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
John 1:1
This first sentence of the opening of John's gospel is only 17 words, yet there have been volumes spoken, written, and taught about Jesus Christ-- the Word who was in the beginning from eternity with the Father and the Holy Spirit and spoke the universe into existence. The LOGOS - the foundation of life and this universe who lowered Himself to human flesh so we could behold His glory, with all the attributes of God! True faith begins with believing in Him who existed from before the foundation of the world.

_ 12/5/11
If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion [is] useless. James 1:26

That pretty much needs no explanation!

Are you stirred up??? 12/4/11

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

The danger we face as Christians is attending church in order to get something, maybe to feel good or get some favor from God. I thought we were supposed to come together to worship God, and to learn more about His ways and His character and how to live a solid Christian life. Too often the word of God is replaced with a message of self esteem and self improvement that does not line up with the message from scripture. Instead of picking up our cross and following Jesus, many churches today tell you to follow steps to success so you can feel better about yourself. Trouble is, this life for Christians is not about US! It's about seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness, but we have changed that to seek anything that would make us feel better about ourselves.

Fat in America... 12/3/11

"When I have brought them to the land flowing with milk and honey, of which I swore to their fathers, and they have eaten and filled themselves and grown fat, then they will turn to other gods and serve them; and they will provoke Me and break My covenant. Deut. 31:20
The LORD knew that the enjoyment of the Promised Land would be tempting in many ways..even unto forgetting Him who brought them from slavery to their new land.
America-- founded on Judeo-Christian principles and with laws based on the same, has also grown fat and long since forgotten the providence which God set forth. Our other gods are self-esteem, money, politics and power, sex, greed, avarice...and so the nation founded for religious freedom has grown into a fat infidel-- save for the efforts of some to see the true Light be rekindled.

The true Overcomer... 12/2/11

A fact of history! . If Christ be not risen, our faith is vain. The whole of the New Testament revelation rests on this as an historical fact. On the day of Pentecost Peter argued the necessity of Christ's resurrection from the prediction in Psalm 16, one of the messianic Psalms prophesying the fulfillment of God's promises. Our Lord clearly intimates his resurrection in Matthew 20:19 Mark 9:9; 14:28; Luke 18:33, and John 2:19-22. Yet there are those who scoff at the most scrutinized event in human history and go so far as saying that Jesus never claimed to be God. Obviously those folks have never truly opened the Bible and investigated the facts.
Many will say-- hey, we're getting ready for Christmas. But I want to remind you that early Christians--even unto the founding of America-- rarely if ever celebrated "Christmas", but solemnly observed Resurrection Sunday and the holy week. It's a fact of history and of faith we should always hold dear and ready to dwell on--for because He overcame the grave, we who believe in Him will also enjoy eternal life!

Our purpose-- doing His will 12/1/11

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven Ecc 3:1
This acknowledgement of Solomon's is truly remarkable in that it reveals that all of us, all things, all circumstances will go through changes-- seasons of life -- and they actually are measured by God's sovereignty (purpose under heaven). There is no such thing as coincidence, chance, or luck. God's hand moves from creation and across the record of history to accomplish His will.

The doctrine is in... 11/30/11

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.1 Timothy 4:16

Paul exhorts Timothy, and this should really pertain to every pastor, to examine constantly one’s life and one’s doctrine. Not doing so would mean danger in his personal life and possible destruction for his congregation. Staying true to sound doctrine would keep him from leading others astray or falling short of salvation, even unto creating false converts.

Those who hear a pastor should be hearing doctrine. A pastor's calling should not to be simply to entertain, amuse, or even help with practical things, but to present Biblical doctrine, and to stay true to living those doctrinal principles.

_Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 11/29/11

To quench means to put out the fire of the Holy Spirit, or dampen His influence in our lives through doubt, indifference, by any action or thought that puts God lower than earthly concerns. While the person of the Holy Spirit within us is a member of the Trinity ready to give us those things we need to accomplish the will of God in our lives, the fire must be stoked by our belief, our prayers, our desire to please God and to be faithful in all circumstances.

Leaderless America and a leader who snubs God.. 11/28/11

Folly [is] joy [to him who is] destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly. Proverbs 15:21
I have refrained from political statements but today I cannot help it. President Obama plays golf and watches basketball games while the world heads towards financial ruin-- much of it caused by him and his party's penchant for spending more than it takes in. Republicans for the most part are also complicit in helping to send America into a great recession/depression as we will follow the likes of Greece, Italy, Spain, and others into default. Either Obama is without discernment of economic principles or he knows exactly what will make America a once-great nation and is happily helping her decline. Pray that Godly wisdom would engulf Washington and stop the folly of fools who have set themselves above the citizens who put them in their exalted position.
This so called leader also sent a letter of congratulations to Muslim leaders on the ending of their holy pilgrimages, but couldn't find it in his heart to thank God Almighty when he did his annual Thanksgiving address to Americans.

Thanksgiving--all weekend, and every day...

Psalm 26:7 That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving And declare all Your wonders.

Sales, football. STUFFING (most of this weekend) and among all the family get togethers... I hope you took time to thank the One who gave it all so that those who follow Him will be eternally giving thanks in Heaven.

Black Friday vs. Good Friday

Once upon a time in America, Good Friday was so widely observed that stores closed for all or part of the day and Christians were allowed to take the day or part of it to observe the solemnity of remembering the passion of Jesus Christ. Today, and in some cases starting Thursday at 10pm, millions of people will arise early or not sleep at all so they can be at some retailer offering Black Friday specials. More news time, ad dollars, and energy is spent on this annual pilgrimage than one of the holiest days on the Christian calendar. Hordes of shoppers all pressing against store doors awaiting the start of the race to excess. Compare that to Good Friday in modern day America where Christ might get a nominal mention in the newscast sandwiched by stories of Easter egg hunts and ads featuring chocolate Easter bunnies.

Talkin' True Turkey... Have a great Thanksgiving!!! Give Him thanks...

The Christian story of the first Thanksgiving has been modified, refried, and generally mystified by the liberal elements of history revisionists. For the real telling go to this link:

http://petermarshallministries.com/commentary.cfm?commentary=191

Refried beans... thankful to know what's in 'em! more Thanksgiving Thoughts

Braving the trip to a Mexican restaurant (which gringos all seem to love except me) we settled in for an authentic Mexican meal. I really think there is only one Mexican dish but it comes with 15 different names and configurations and the Mexican cooks must be laughing behind our backs. And no meal is without refried beans. First, they were never fried , second they therefore cannot be refried. It's essentially smashed beans cooked with some lard that resembles tile grout. It's the staple that keeps people from getting hungry for Mexican food again an hour after eating. I passed. But the rest of the meal was jalisco steak-- and once you scrape off the onions and save the mushrooms and melted cheese, it was a pretty good ribeye! I also observed other plates on some tables when we first came in to the restaurant and it seems their portions of refried beans went uneaten too. Just think, somewhere there's a whole bunch of floor tile wondering where the grout is!

A Puritan Prayer... we should all be thankful for God's grace....

Things Needful
Thou Eternal Source, Author of all created being and happiness, I adore thee for making man capable of religion,
that he may be taught to say: ‘Where is God, my Maker, who giveth songs in the night?’
But degeneracy has spread over our human race, turning glory into shame, rendering us forgetful of thee.
We know it is thy power alone that can recall wandering children,can impress on them a sense of divine things,
and can render that sense lasting and effectual;
From thee proceed all good purposes and desires,and the diffusing of piety and happiness.
Thou hast knowledge of my soul’s secret principles,and art aware of my desire to spread the gospel.
Make me an almoner to give thy bounties to the indigent, comfort to the mentally ill, restoration to the sin-diseased,
hope to the despairing, joy to the sorrowing, love to the prodigals.
Blow away the ashes of unbelief by thy Spirit’s breath and give me light, fire, and warmth of love.
I need spiritual comforts that are gentle, peaceful, mild, refreshing, that will melt me into conscious lowliness before thee,
that will make me feel and rest in thee as my All.
Fill the garden of my soul with the wind of love,that the scents of the Christian life may be wafted to others;
then come and gather fruits to thy glory.
So shall I fulfill the great end of my being-- to glorify thee and be a blessing to men.

Getting away...if you are getting to God Thanksgiving Thoughts --all week

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." Matt 26:36
How strange it is that I would pick this verse so near Thanksgiving, for it precedes the Passion itself. But Christ needed to get away and be alone with the Father. He did so knowing what He was about to endure. If Jesus prayed in this situation then we who do not know what the next moment will bring should often be alone with our Lord to seek His peace, wisdom,comfort, restoration, and joy. T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G!

Recharge, restore.... Thanksgiving Thoughts

And the next [day] we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave [him] liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
Acts 27:3
As busy and as itinerant a preacher that Paul was, even he needed time to rest and recharge. Even the Energizer Bunny's batteries run down eventually! If you are the kind that keep going and going and going, stop at take time to refresh once in a while.

Feasts abounding Thanksgiving Thoughts

And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever. Exodus 12:14
The LORD GOD set forth feasts for His people as a remembrance of deliverance and of His sovereignty. In America, we set forth Thanksgiving as a day and a time to especially thank God for His mercy and kindness in guiding and protecting our country. Originally a feast of many days with the Native American Indians and the Pilgrims, the day has long since turned to Turkey, Football, and anticipation of the busiest shopping day of the year known as Black Friday. This year, stop to consider all God's blessings on our country, on your life, and let everyday be Thanksgiving.

Truer love there never was... 11/18/11

For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 1 John 3:11
Love in this context is from the Greek word agape. It is a love that carries with it the idea that this love is a conscious decision to give of one's self to others, not for any purpose of fulfilling our own desires but for simply helping others. It's a selfless, caring, and unusual kind of charity that gives without expecting anything back-- be it a tax deduction or even a kind word. It is the purest form of Christian love. It is personified in the Christ who went willingly to the cross to pay the dreadful penalty of sin in my place.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

(D)anger -- dang me... 11/17/11

A wrathful man stirs up strife, But [he who is] slow to anger allays contention. Proverbs 15:18
If we are born again and walk in the Spirit, and do not quench the Spirit by our own pride and selfishness, then no amount of excuse can blot out the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the reality that angry times could have been avoided or at least been settled without a contentious argument. When you read these Daily Truths, remember, they are applicable to everyone-- and I write them to correct myself!

God in Us-- Enthusiasm!!! 11/16/11

These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13

It's important to remember that God the Holy Spirit is not some uncaring presence just floating around looking for something to do! The Holy Spirit actually resides in us and helps us throughout our Christian walk in a very real and personal way.

Step into His light... 11/15/11

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light Ephesians 5:6-8
One is truly born again when there is a wholesale change brought on by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Stop doing stupid sinful stuff! Walk in the light!

The straight and narrow... 11/14/11

No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God
Luke 9:62
The obvious moral is that when plowing we must keep our eyes on a fixed point ahead so as to keep the rows straight. So we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. There is another part to this lesson. Looking back at our past, be it to revel in our accomplishments or fret about our failures is detrimental to our growth as Christians. The same can be said in looking back at our sins and "living" them over again. When past sin pleasures the mind we give the devil a foothold in our lives that can cause our Christian walk to stumble and fall. Forget the past by living for the now-- this moment which is all we are guaranteed -- and make the most of it.

Never preach using speculations, opinions and theories of men! 11/13/11

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. I Timothy 4:16
A pastor's job is to live righteously before the Lord, and to make sure his teaching is sound. A true Christian pastor would never leave any doubt, say for instance, that you must be born again to see the kingdom of Heaven. Or that Jesus Christ is the only way, truth and life. He would never deceive his congregation into legalism or any part of the word of God taken out of context. For those who follow false teaching are themselves in danger of perishing.

Do not drink of a watered down Christ! 11/12/11

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:8-10
Ungodly men revel in twisting the truth to fit their desires, and in traditions that have nothing to do with your Christian walk. From the early church to today, deceivers are everywhere, desperately trying to defeat the Truth that is Jesus Christ. To avoid the counterfeit you need to know what is real. Get to know Christ and don't stop growing in the knowledge and grace of Him.

Whole lotta covetin' going on... 11/11/11

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17
Although the last of the Ten Commandments, covetousness is in many cases the root of most sin. Lucifer coveted the praise and glory due only God, David coveted Bathsheba, Israel coveted other nations that had kings and demanded their own-- which eventually caused great trouble. Today we covet others successes if we are not in the proper Christian mindset. We covet many "things" we don't have instead of being content with all that God has blessed us with. Solomon coveted the idea of many wives but paid a terrific price for marrying 700 wives! Namely, 700 mothers-in-law. It was the original 700 Club.

Set apart for service... 11/10/2011

"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth." John 17: 17-19
In Jesus' prayer he prays for the sanctification of the apostles (being set apart) by God's truth. We, like the apostles, have been set apart for service!
Not for mutual admiration but to holiness and a separateness from the world. Our Lord prays continually for us-- He is our great high priest who intercedes for us so that we too can be overcomers of the world by remaining faithful to the Truth!

My struggle with division... 11/9/2011

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine. Titus 2:1
I grew up in the Catholic Church and never knew Jesus Christ. Went through communion, confession, confirmation, etc., yet was as lost as any heathen could be. Years went by and having tried a number of denominations (some "normal" and some aberrant) I still remained a hardened skeptic. Then one Sunday God reached down and through the Holy Spirit I was regenerated--born again. It was not a decision, nor was it something I did, for I was dead in my sins and Christ made me alive. I did not become a "Christ follower", or simply a believer, but more as the apostle Paul said I became a slave for Christ. The Greek word is doulos*. But modern translations use the word servant.
     Here's the problem with being a servant. A servant can quit being a servant, but a slave-- even if he runs away-- is still a slave, bought with a price, and he is not his own!
     Do you understand that when we are born again and sealed with the Spirit God owns us and makes us one of His children. We can run away, we can grow cold and distant, but God in His love and mercy still remains our Father. We are sealed with the Spirit until the day of redemption.
     I feel such sorrow for those who cannot comprehend that they were apprehended by Christ-- and He does not lose ANY of His sheep. The scriptures are so clear on this point, yet many Christians live in constant fear of losing their salvation. Lots of Christians laugh at the idea of Eternal Security. So I am adding a very long page on this site dedicated to helping those who live in fear and bondage by adhering to unsound doctrine will learn for themselves that God's word is clear - if you are truly saved then you are saved indeed!
* For he who is called in the Lord [while] a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called [while] free is Christ's slave   1 Cor 7:22

Compared to Hell... it's refreshing! 11/8/2011

Oh the INSANITY of hot flaming BBQ sauce. It amazes me how we love the hot stuff and how it makes us sweat and it burns the mouth and the gullet and eventually the stomach! We toy with it, are proud of our macho ability to take the heat. But the hottest BBQ sauce in the world is like cold water on the tongue compared to what awaits those who do not repent and come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13: 49,50

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