Issues of the Day

2010-11-09T20:16:00.005-06:00

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2010-09-21T13:57:00.002-05:00

Discipline of our Children and the Gospel

How can too seemingly unrelated thoughts, the Gospel of Christ and the discipline of our children go hand in hand? As a parent I know that discipline becomes necessary and sharing the Gospel to our children becomes necessary. At times both are difficult tasks. We get frustrated when discipline falls on deaf ears and the Gospel falls on "rocky" soil. What would happen if the two met on the same ground and one of the key ways that you ministered the Good News of Christ and His saving grace was through the way we discipline?

Before we arrive at the story of how we finally brought the Gospel and discipline together, let me share with you my motivation for this. I was praying and seeking ways to discipline our children in a better way. I began to pray and meditate upon Ephesians 6:4, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." The discipline of the Lord occurs to lead us to holiness. Therefore, I knew that discipline and the Gospel must come together in order to bring my children to the understanding of Christ and lead them to Him.

I have often prayed for opportunities to share the love of Christ to my son and daughter. I truly desire to see the come to Christ and I believe as parents Karen and I bear the responsibility to make Christ known to them. Finding ways to communicate the Gospel is a difficult thing sometimes when it comes to relating to a four year old, and especially to a 15 month old. However, in nightly devotions we have begun to emphasize Scripture memory which included the 10 commandments. Of course, our daughter was unable to declare, "You shall have no other gods, " as she does good to say mom and dad and bite! Our son, on the other hand, has done well in memorizing the commands. We have also shared what it is called when we break the commands of God and the forgiveness that God offers through His Son Jesus. We have talked of Jesus coming to earth, His dieing, resurrection, and ascension; yet we understand we must communicate the message in all parts of his and her life.

This brings me to thought of discipline. I am not sure about other parents, but discipline is often a difficult thing to do. Kids at a young age, and I am sure at an older age, can throw fits to make the most patient man pull out every strand of hair one by one. Taking things away from our son escalated the "fit," and a light spanking usually made him laugh or yell, "That hurt!" How were we to effectively discipline when the current form of discipline was just not working.

After a disobedient moment from our son that was followed by a four year old "fit," I stopped him where he was at and began to calmly talk to him. The first words that I said were this, "...do you know that I love you?" He looked at me and then said, "yes, I know." Then I asked, "Why are you acting like this knowing this is not obeying mom and dad." With no response we then talked about the commandment to obey your mom and dad, which was followed by the explanation of even though we break God's commands he still loves us. And this continued for a few moments as we then began to talk about grace and forgiveness. Without asking him to say, "I'm sorry," tears flowed down his face and he apologized quickly. This particular behavior has now occurred fewer times if almost none at all. I truly believe after this conversation for the first time he was sorry.

Now with any sin that we commit against God, especially as believers there is consequence. God still disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:7-11). As my son has learned, grace is extended when he quickly turns and seeks forgiveness for his actions. He has also found that a continual disobedience will lead to discipline. On one day he lost television privileges for the day, yet by night fall he had exhibited a change. The action he was doing had gone on all day, after taking away the television he stopped completely, and later apologized. Later that night he received his television and understood that it was grace.

Teaching him the Gospel, even through discipline has become a tremendous pairing. He is starting to understand the Gospel and in all honesty he is taking his wrong actions and learning from them. I admit I do not always do a good job in bringing the two together when discipline is necessary, yet it is my hope that I would grow in that direction. I am also sure that there are other adaptations to this, and maybe even articles and books to teach upon this; however, after prayer and seeking the Scripture we believe this to be a way to discipline.

I pray that you find this useful to you in your household. You may already discipline with the Gospel in mined. Ultimately I pray that each of seek to minister the Gospel to our homes on a consistent basis.

Your thoughts?

2010-09-20T09:24:00.002-05:00

Is It a Cover Up?

In Sunday's edition of the Messenger Inquirer an article was posted concerning the upcoming Equestrian Games that will take place in Lexington. The title of the article was, "City Offers shelter to homeless amid Equestrian Games." The shelter that is opening will be available from September 22-October 10, the days that the equestrian games will take place.

Reading closer in the article you find that the city will be hosting food vendors and concerts in Phoenix Park. Why is this so relevant to the homeless sheter opening? Phoneix Park is where 100 to 130 people routinely sleep during warm weather.

The very idea that the city is offering additional homeless shelters is a very kind gesture, yet I wonder is this to "cover up" the problem of homelessness during a world wide event? If this were the city seeking a more permanent solution surely they would have opened the additional beds year round rather than for a few weeks.

We are good at trying to believe that there is no problem with a certain issue as long as, for a brief time, we can cover up the issue. What good will it do to simply place the homeless in a shelter for a few weeks and then let them back out as soon as the event is over? How will it help to address the issue of homelessness if for only a few weeks they are provided for?

Maybe it is time that each of us in our country begin to see that problems really do exist in our world. Honestly, it is sometimes easier to think that problems do no exist. Maybe if we ignore the issue, or sweep it under the rug it will finally disappear. Homelessness is just one of the many issues that we try to cover up. How else do we "cover up" issues? We believe that because we are in a small town that abortions do not exist in our town. We believe that when the churches are full all around the town that lostness does not exist. We believe that when we are well fed that hunger is not an issue. Do you see where this is going?

Hopefully we all see that covering up the issue is not the answer. The answer to the issue is to confront in the love of Christ. May we be faithful in confronting the issues of our day with the love and grace of Christ.

You're thoughts?

2009-07-29T12:10:00.003-05:00

The Perfect Gift

Buying a gift for someone is often a very difficult task for me. I struggle with the ability to find a gift that will be just the right thing for the person. Just before purchasing the gift I am left thinking, "I wonder if they already have this gift?"

There was a gift that was given to this world; it was a gift that money could not buy, nor could any man earn. This gift was wrapped in perfect love. The gift was hoped and longed for by those of the Old Testament, and it was revealed in the New Testament. The gift is available to those who would repent and believe in faith. Even more, the gift was given to pay a debt that we could not pay. Yet, the One who paid the debt owed nothing.

Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The payment for our sin deserves death and we had an inability to pay such a debt. Yet, God in His love for us (John 3:16), gave us His Son as a perfect payment for our sinfulness. Through His death and His resurrection we have forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. Hallelujah what a Savior, He is the gift that no one can purchase yet by grace through faith we receive Him!

2009-07-22T12:08:00.003-05:00

A Convenient Life

Have you ever noticed how everything is relatively convenient in our country? We have convenient stores where we are able to buy almost anything and everything in one small store. Even more than local convenient stores, we are given places like Wal-Mart where you can have your eyes checked, go to the bank, get a haircut, grocery shop, buy a new wardrobe, and buy the latest popular music; and you do all this while your oil is changed in your car. When we are too busy or too lazy to cook, fast food is just right around the corner. Convenient living is all around us and often times the more convenient it is the more we enjoy it!

One area of our life that should not be controlled with the word convenient is the area of our life that defines who we are. We must do away with living in a convenient Christianity. Often times rather than being controlled by the fact that we proclaim that Jesus is Lord, we run trying to control when it will be convenient for us to worship and love the Lord. Even Sunday morning worship has become a matter of convenience; if there is nothing else going on we will go to worship. Sometimes we go, yet we are so busy in the afternoon that we fail to even worship while we are there; we just go through the motions.

The reality is, the life as a believer in in Christ is anything but convenient. The life in Christ is uncomfortable and requires giving up of ourselves to the control of the King of King and Lord of Lords. Matthew 10:37-39 says, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever find his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." The life in Christ is radical and against everything that resembles our culture. It requires of each to give everything for the sake of following Christ.

2009-07-16T09:55:00.003-05:00

Idolatry in America

Do you worship at the altar of any idols? Maybe the question would better be asked, do you love an object, food, sports teams more than you love God? Or, do you share in your love for the object, food, sports team, etc. more than you love God. When speaking to a stubborn Israel God said in Isaiah 48:11, "For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another."

God does not share His glory with another, He alone is God. Yet, we in America look more like the nation of Old Testament Israel by the way that we expect to worship God and then run rampant with our idols. It is time as believers that we give up our idols and run to the Living God. Pray that God would reveal your idols to you and then repent of your idolatry and devote yourself to God.

Here is a video by Pastor Mark Driscoll concerning idolatry. Let the Lord use this to speak to you concerning the great idolatry that is in America.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCjHm9kzHBg

2009-07-15T10:08:00.003-05:00

The Routine of Safety

Living life courageously as a believer is often times most difficult because we enjoy the routine of everyday life. We are content with being "pew dwellers" because there is safety in those pews. Yet, the life in the pew is not the place that God has called us to dwell. We, as believers, are called to take the message of the cross to a lost and dieing world. This message of the cross is offensive; therefore, it is dangerous. Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18 says, "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Those perishing in our world find the message crazy, yet as believers we find life.

Let us live boldly and courageously in a world that is dieing. Let us not take the easy road and may we all break from the everyday routine that is found happy dwelling in pews rather than following in the footsteps of Christ. Follow the link below and watch the video it is a blessing to watch as Pastor Francis Chan describes the need to break out of the routine of safety.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA_uwWPE6lQ

2009-07-10T09:48:00.003-05:00

A Psalm That Says it All

Psalm 145
A psalm of praise. Of David.
1 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

2009-07-08T12:29:00.003-05:00

The Death of an Idol

In recent days we have been overwhelmed with media coverage concerning the death of a legendary singer. Overwhelmed may be an understatement, yet I have come to notice a few things in the midst of all of this.

1) We are, as Americans, consumed with idols. The top rated show for years has been "American Idol," a legendary pop idol dies and the nation stops, and we follow sport stars and movie stars as if they hold the future in their hands. We really couldn't call our nation atheistic for lack of belief; rather we should call ourselves polytheist, which is the worship of many gods. Idols have overtaken us, we enjoy to look upon them and in all reality worship them.

2) We really do focus much on this life rather than the life we should long for as believers. We are consumed with this present life and the things of this world. After the death of Michael Jackson people were spending thousands on memorabilia, tickets that cannot be used, and even trying to buy tickets to the funeral. Have we not realized that our treasure is not found on this earth?

3) Have you ever heard of Albert Hermiston and Nathan Junker? I would guess you probably have not. Who were they? They were two church youth leaders who found that the life of one of their students was more important than their own. The student was drowning, they jumped in to rescue him. They rescued him, yet they lost their life. They were real heroes, where was the press coverage of two courageous men who died so that someone might live? National media was more interested in the death of an idol than the death of two heroes.

Michael Jackson was a music legend, yet the world has bowed down to him as a god this past week. We are more consumed and brokenhearted over the death of an idol than we are over the reality that thousands around the world will die and go to a Christless eternity in Hell. I believe our priorities have become mistaken.

In a closing thought, Dr. Alvin Reid, a professor at Southeastern Seminary said, "We are practicing atheism in the way we teach our children." He is correct! When we worship at the feet of idols and still try to say we worship God we have tried to share in our devotion. Hear the warning from God in Isaiah 42:8, "I am the Lord! That is my name! I will not share my glory with anyone else, or the praise due me with idols." He is Lord, no one else. We will either worship Him as Lord, or else we show ourselves not worshipping Him at all.

2009-06-25T09:11:00.002-05:00

Live with Urgency, Our Days are Numbered

Have you ever used the phrase, "I'll get to it tomorrow?" I would say that phrase or a phrase that parallels it is used more often than it should be. We all live as if we live on the earth eternally. We have failed to remember that time here is short. So, the question of the day is: What do you do in the time that you have?

Psalm 39:4-5, "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath." Our days are short compared to the span of eternity. The Psalmist said that God has made our days a mere handbreadth; a handbreadth is one of the smallest measures in the Hebrews system. We are limited in our time to accomplish as much as possible. Let us live with urgency as our days are short and numbered. In everything you do, make sure it is done in knowing that that moment might be your last. We will be more intentional about sharing our faith with others, more intentinonal about teaching and praying and preparing our children, and we will do the things that matter rather than waste time on things that will never matter.

This is best described in a new song that was written by Point of Grace. I heard this for the first time a few months ago during church service, and this song says all that has already been discussed. Read carefully the words:

Wake up to the sunlight with your windows open
Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress, use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes

And have what you want, but want what you have And don't spend your life looking back
Turn up the music Turn it up loud Take a few chances and let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it Looking back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew And it's not what you did It's how you live

So go to the ballgames and go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children, dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don't run from the truth 'cause you can't get away, no Face it and you'll be okay

Oh, wherever you are and wherever you've been
Now is the time to begin
So give to the needy, and pray for the grieving
Even when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man And make peace with God, and make peace with yourself
'Cause in the end, there's nobody else
- Point of Grace, How you Live

What matters most is the fact that we are obedient to God in life, that we are faithful to our families, and that we strive to live the Great Commission in all areas of our life. Let us live with urgency because our days are numbered.

2009-06-24T10:12:00.002-05:00

Living with Urgency For Your Children's Sake

Exodus 12:7, 12-13, "Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the lands of Egypt."

The people of Israel had heard a very specific command directly from the Lord by the servant Moses. They were called to place the blood of a spotless lamb on the doorpost on a certain day and at a certain time, and those who had blood on the doorpost would be protected when the Lord passed by that night. Do you think that the parents in every household acted with urgency to obey the commands of the Lord? I am sure that they did, the life of their firstborn child depended upon their obedience.

Do you act in similar urgency with your children? You should, their life depends on it! We must understand that anyone that does not come to Christ for salvation will face the impending judgment of an eternal death in Hell (John 3:3, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:5-13). We must, as parents, live in urgency to ensure that our children hear the message of the Good News of the Salvation that is found in our Lord. Not only must we share with them the Good News of Salvation in the Lord, we must also live out the message that we have come to believe in.

Busyness has prevented us from being faithful to the mandate to teach our children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Ephesians 6:4). At times we have went part of the way in the command, yet because of "things" getting in the way we have failed to continue the task. In all essence at times we have slaughtered the lamb, but in the rush of life we failed to place the blood on the doorpost. We just forgot to do the rest! At other times we didn't even get started, we just hoped for the best for our children.

We must all live in urgency for the sake of our children. Those whom God has given to you in your care are your responsibility. Let us teach them as if their life depended on it, and it does depend on it! Walk in a manner so that they know you are a follower of Christ, teach in a manner so that they know what you say is real. The power of the Gospel is transforming, we need God; let us show our children that they need Him to, without Him they will perish!

2009-06-23T10:06:00.002-05:00

Reflections of Father's Day

Father's Day 2009 was a memorable one, it was the first with two children. The day was very simple, yet a most enjoyable day; maybe the most enjoyable for many days. The day began celebrating for a brief few moments with my dad, then we darted from their house to church. The drive from my parents to church was long, as always; yet we arrived in time for a wonderful time of worship with a tremendous church family.

The remainder of the day, after church would remain quiet simple. A quick bite of lunch, followed by xbox, naps, and just resting. After naps Caleb was able to assist me in working on the air conditioner, I couldn't ask for better help. Later on, the grill was fired up, food was later on the table as I enjoyed cooking on Father's Day. So far, my day had consisted of all that I enjoy. I had spent time with my family, went to church, and had the opportunity to cook supper. The night finished with a scared son, a thunderstorm rolled through. He was very frightened that we were having a "tomato watch," also known as a tornado watch in the weather world. There is nothing more special than a son running to his father for protection; I too remember the days of doing the same and now I have the opportunity to be the protector.

Now that my day has been summed up, I wish to reflect some general thoughts that plagued my day. The first was church attendance. I must say that I do not focus on church attendance as I used to; I find it much more important to focus on those whom God has given you in that day to pastor. However, a few weeks ago on Mother's Day the church was full, yet on Father's Day the attendance was quiet different. Maybe vacations and illnesses and work just happened to fall onto the same day, that happens this time of year; however, we must also ask: "Where did the men go? Where are the fathers of faith?" Again, maybe it just happened that on Father's Day there were illnesses and vacations and work that prevented the families from being in church. If it was not the illnesses, vacations, and work; may we seek to pray for the men of faith to rise up.

The second observation was quiet simple. The newspapers and television ads focused, just as on Mother's Day, on the large gifts for dad. I heard a disappointing ad that sad, "Give dad what makes him happy." Again, I must say as I did on Mother's Day if it takes a gift to satisfy dad, especially a large one, then we have really missed the point of honoring fathers. I received the greatest gift, a homemade card that featured both Bethany and Caleb's hand drawn on, and a wonderful piece of artwork by Caleb drawn on the card (move over Picasso). Yet, the greatest gift of the day was the ability to sit down and spend the day with two precious gifts of God.

For those fathers who may read this may I direct your hearts to a couple of passages for you to meditate and pray through. May we all seek to live Godly lives in our families, and seek to be Godly leaders in the home: Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Matthew 10:37-39, Ephesians 5:1-6:4, Colossians 3:18-25, 1 Peter 3:1-7).

2009-06-16T11:41:00.002-05:00

A Transplant of Self

Have you ever thought long and hard about what takes place in an organ transplant? I am not an expert on the matter; however, I do understand that an organ transplant is needed when an organ is failing because of disease or injury. I also understand that for a person to be an organ donor, most often, the one donating must have died.

Now notice the amazing relation to the way in which an organ transplant is needed and the need we have in Christ. We were dieing and diseased in sin. With no hope to be found, we look to the cross. There at the cross we find hope from our punishment of sin, our own death. Yet, at the cross we see the crucified Christ. He was sinless perfection, and He died in order that we might live. Just as in organ transplant; one must die, they donate the healthy organs, and the one who was dieing lives.

Galatians 2:20 says, "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." In salvation we die to self, and put upon the nature of Christ (Romans 13:14). The difference in organ transplant and the work of Christ at salvation; notice the second sentence of Galatians 2:20. It is Christ who now lives in me. Our whole self is transplanted; we are changed.

We will try to reject this transplant while on earth; temptation will becoming overwhelming and sin hard to resist. Let us look for the way out that God has promised. Yet, when we do sin let us be encouraged that the love of Christ will continually call back his own in loving kindness. Let us strive to live in the nature of Christ, a life that is lived in faith.

2008-09-02T14:46:00.001-05:00

The Great Paradox of Christianity

According to a Barna Research Study in 1997, 80% of Christians believe that God helps those who help themselves.[1] This finding is a great tragedy in modern Christianity as it is contradictory to the foundational teaching of grace. We sing about grace, we teach about grace, we rejoice because of grace; however, a majority of those claiming to be affected by grace say that God helps when we help ourselves.

As believers in Christ we should be well aware of the magnitude grace has on our lives. Grace comes to us not because we have earned God’s favor. Grace does not come to us because we have been good about improving ourselves; grace is a gift of God. If grace was brought about in our own goodness we would have something to boast about. Yet, we were dead in our trespasses and grace came to us through the person of Jesus Christ and awakened us from the dead. (Ephesians 2:4-10)

The great paradox of Christianity comes when those who claim to have been born again by the grace of God claim that God will help when we put forth the effort to help ourselves. A Christian is one who is saved by grace and kept by grace. Our attempts of right work are still not enough apart from grace (Isaiah 64:6). When clothed in the righteousness of Christian at our salvation our works become for the praise and glory of God (Matthew 5:16, John 15:8, Philippians 1:11, 1 Peter 2:12).

If we were able to obtain grace by our own righteousness, we would not have a need to be counted righteous in Christ. However, because we are a sinful people we are in need of the work of God in us. Let us reverse the thought that somehow God is helping when we are first doing the work. Remember that the first man and woman were hiding from God because of their “works.” Even in the midst of the punishment that God handed down for sin, grace was still very real in the story of Adam and Eve.

May we recognize more fully the gift that was given to us by God in His Son Jesus Christ. For apart from this gift of grace we would be dead in our trespasses, unable to help ourselves. Let us be more submissive to the leading of God and no longer self-reliant. Our self-reliance will send us down a pathway of destruction and loneliness.

[1] Barna, George. Growing True Disciples. Colorado Spring: Waterbook Press, 2001. 77.

2008-08-29T09:52:00.000-05:00

A Call to Prayer

This morning I am calling you as a believer in Christ to fervent prayer. Even though you are busy with the holiday weekend, it is time that we as Christians commit to prayer over the next days as the most recent hurricane threats begin to come through. Currently there are two storms that have a potential of making impact on many lives. It is time that the people of God begin to pray diligently as these storms pose threats on lives. Here is how I would suggest you pray:

1) Pray that the storms would weaken, or move away from any land.
2) Pray for the leaders of the local and national government as they make final preparations for these storms. Let us pray that God would give them wisdom to help the people who might be affected.
3) Pray for the people of the areas that could be affected. Let us pray that they might seek refuge from the storm early and pray.
4) Pray for the churches in those areas. Let us pray that through whatever the circumstance that happens that the local church will make Christ know through the situations.
5) Pray for the relief organziations. Pray that God would send dedicated workers to the fields, and prepare them now that they might have strength and endurance through any tragedy.

2008-08-19T12:50:00.000-05:00

Meet the Philippian Jailer

While on our journey to meet those whom we encounter in our making Christ known, we are confronted with the third person that Paul met on his journey. After casting out the demon of the girl who was telling fortunes, her owners had Paul and Silas cast into prison. Before they were to be in prison they were severally beaten and locked in chains in their prison cell. Yet, this did not stop Paul and Silas; we find that around midnight the two began to pray and sing hymns to God. Suddenly and earthquake took place, there chains were broken free, and Paul and Silas meet a jailer. (Acts 16:16-40)

After the earthquake the jailer found the prison doors open, upon finding this site he assumed the prisoners had escaped. Under the pressure of feeling that he had failed his job, he decided it would be best to take his life. Paul and Silas assured him that they were all alive and the man then desired to know how to be saved. They immediately shared with him how he and his households could be saved. They went to his household where we find that they were all baptized.

Paul and Silas met a man that you probably meet along the journey everyday. By what we see, he was a man who worked nights and had a family that he loved at home. His job meant everything to him, as one mistake gave him a desire to commit suicide. He knew the consequences of his failure at his job, and he felt it best to just kill himself. Yet, immediately being confronted with Paul and Silas he saw a need of salvation; not just for himself, but also for his household.

This man who worked night shift and had a family needed someone to intervene in the most difficult point of his life. Because we are often not a relational people, even at work; we may miss the guy or girl directly next to us that is in deep need. We must be a relational people and get to know those around us. Every person that you meet has a story, there story may look perfectly happy on the outside. Failure to get to know the stories of people may result in a failure to see the needs they have, which may result in a great consequence in their own life. People need people to talk to; most importantly people need someone to show them to Jesus. Make Him known this week by becoming a relational people and getting to know the stories of those you see everyday.

2008-07-22T09:17:00.000-05:00

Meet the Slave Girl
Acts 16:16-21

Paul and his traveling companions continued their journey in the Macedonian region, and after meeting Lydia and leading her household to Christ they set out to go to a place of prayer. On their journey to the place of prayer they met a girl who earned money as a fortune teller (Acts 16:16). She began following the group and crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God” (16:17). After this took place for many days, Paul intervened in the life of the slave girl. He cast out the evil spirit from her, and she was free from the spirit that bound her.

The freedom that Paul provided to a girl who was bound by an evil spirit led to the anger of her masters who could no longer receive money from this girl. However, the girl was free from the evil that was present in her life. There are many “slave girls” in our world today, and many of them you will meet along your journey of ministering to others. Inviting them to church is most likely not going to work because they are so bound in their sinfulness that they honestly do not see a need for change.

Some of the “slave girls” that you meet along the way are those who are addicted to something. The addiction may be a substance, or it could be many other things. They are in the world wandering around and in need of someone to intervene into their lives. Simply inviting them to church will never be enough; they need someone to show them that there is another way to live. It may take many months to show them, yet with enough work and activity into their lives they may eventually see there great need of salvation.

Too often we cast the “slave girls” into a category of “unable to reach,” or “unable to change.” We see the addiction and we believe that Christ Himself could not even change them, so why should we bother. We would much rather meet the “Lydia’s” on the street who will come when we invite; therefore, we have far much less work. Yet, the whole world is not Lydia; honestly, she is only a small portion of the world’s population.

Jesus, before He ascended, commanded those gathered to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), there is no distinction made by Jesus in the word nations. That means that we are called to go to call people, and that even means those whom will not listen. We may find that those who aren’t listening may require an extra amount of intervention, and if that is the case let us be faithful not to cast them off as “not interested” and move on. The gospel of Christ is a need for all people, not just those who will listen.

Consider your own life, did you desire to listen from the beginning. For me, I did not want to hear the reality that I was a sinner. Yet, God in grace sent faithful people who revealed the Gospel and through the work of the Holy Spirit convicting I was enabled to repent and believe. It may take some time to intervene, but don’t cast out the “slave girls.” Be faithful in going to all people, pray for God to open your eyes to all those in need of Christ..
You have met to people along the journey. We met Lydia in the previous article and now we have met the slave girl. These are but two kinds of people that you will meet on your journey. Each will require a different approach, and each will require a different amount of care; however, they both needed the Gospel.

2008-07-17T10:38:00.000-05:00

Meet Lydia
Acts 16:11-15

There are three main types of people that you will meet while having a missional mindset. The three types of people are those Paul encountered on his journey into Philippi. Paul was led to Philippi after having a vision of a man begging for help and asking for Paul to come to their rescue. The three people that Paul met may be very similar to a friend, family member, a neighbor, or some other acquaintance. The most important thing that we all must realize in our missional mindset is that all are in need of Christ, and all people must be dealt with differently because everyone has a different story.

A lady who dealt in purple cloth was the first person that Paul would meet. He found her while searching for a place of prayer. Her name was Lydia, and according to Acts 16:14 she was a worshipper of God. She was there with a group of ladies praying and searching for God. Most likely the group of ladies gathered together often, and most likely it was an informal meeting. Paul used the opportunity to minister to these ladies by sitting down and speaking with them (Acts 16:13). And according to Acts 16:14, “the Lord opened her (Lydia’s) heart to respond to Paul’s message.” Immediately following the salvation of Lydia in Acts 16:15, Lydia and her household were baptized.

Lydia is someone that you will always wish to meet while you are sharing Christ and also inviting people to church. She was a seeker who desired to know more about God, she just didn’t know how to get there. She was seeking how to know God, yet her sinfulness made this an impossible task. In other words she desired to have head knowledge about God, yet a personal relationship she had not yet understood. And when the Gospel of Christ was shared with her, the Lord opened her heart for salvation.

There are Lydia’s out in our world today. Some of the Lydia’s are those who may have attended church as a child and have never been back again. Some Lydia’s desire to know more about God because of a tragedy in their life, a recent change of life, or for some other various reasons. They need someone to simply sit down with them and share with them that salvation is found in the Lord. They need to hear that they are sinful and separated from God, yet Christ died in their place so that they might have forgiveness of sins. They need to know that Christ died so that they would not have to face their punishment of sins, and if they repent of their sins then they shall be forgiven.

Lydia was a “seeker,” and she needed someone to explain to her the Good News. There are some out there today who are “seekers.” They are seeking something to fill their lives, and they need Jesus and cannot realize it. You are called, as a believer in Christ, to seek out the Lydia’s and show them the way. The Lydia’s of the world will listen, you just need to go and talk.

Be faithful this week in sharing the great message that Jesus came to save sinners, and He died so that they might live. Seek out the Lydia’s, they are searching for someone!

2008-07-16T11:34:00.000-05:00

Hear the Call

Have you ever looked into the face of hurt? Have you ever looked into someone’s eyes, and saw their cry for help? If you begin to look, there are cries for help all over the world, but not only thousands of miles away; some may be with you at work or maybe they are your neighbors or family. Either way, as believers in Christ we must be attentive to the hurts of others, as this is what Christ did when He ministered while on earth. I believe too this is our calling as Christ followers, and it is a calling not to be rejected.

In Acts 16:9 it says, “During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” Come over and help us was the words that Paul heard in the night in a dream, and upon hearing those words he left to go and preach the gospel in Macedonia. There was no hesitancy because there was a cry from help coming from a land.

Upon arriving in the Macedonian region in a town called Philippi, we read that Paul ministered to three different people. We can be sure there were probably more, but the lives of these three were shared by Luke, the writer of Acts. Each of these three individuals had a different story; each had a cry for help. The most amazing thing about each person was the fact that each one would have to be ministered to in a different way. You cannot approach every person in the same way; some need more work than others. Whatever the need though, it can be met in Jesus Christ and we must be faithful in sharing the truth of the gospel.

The reality is most people will not come to you seeking help. The hurt that they are in has forced them to hide behind a mask. Go to where they are at, seek out those which are lost, lead them towards Christ, and let Him be the one to bring forth salvation in their hearts. Let us be continually diligent in helping those who are crying out, “Help Me! Come to where I am at!”

In the next three post we will meet the three people whom Paul met and get a glimpse of their story as we seek to reach those who are lost.

2008-02-27T09:20:00.000-06:00

The Joy of the Journey

As a child there was a profound joy in spending my days at Granny’s. Those days were often filled with games, imagination, and “hard” work. The “hard” work was involved in the baking of homemade sugar cookies. The “hard” part was not eating all the cookie dough, and then afterwards not eating so many cookies that I would be sick. The cookie dough was a delicacy, yet it did not compare to the taste of those cookies after they came out of the oven. The cookie dough only provided a small glimpse into the sweetness of the baked cookies.

Believe it or not, this is very much the way the Christian life should be lived. We understand that Heaven will be the greatest wonder that we shall ever behold. Just to know that Christ has fashioned with His own hands the place of our eternal dwelling (John 14:1-4) should be enough to cause us to overflow with joy. The experience will only be greater as we know that our everlasting existence will be with the Father. We will be in the presence of Almighty God, and we shall bow down before the feet of Christ and see the nails that paid our ransom. We shall experience love as we never have before!

Yet, as Christians we must recognize that Heaven is where we are pressing towards now.. We are to enjoy the sweetness of our relationship with Christ now. Our life with Christ now should be, as the old song says, “a foretaste of glory divine.” We must use the present moments that we have to enjoy the greatness of knowing Christ. Too often our lives our soured in disgust as we press through this life as if we had nothing to live for here in earth. “To lives is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). The greatness of living for Christ should be a foretaste of that which is to come.

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Our pressing on should be met with great joy even amidst the trials and tribulations. We must know that the trials that we shall face in the race are preparations for our future joy in Heaven. The joy of the journey is knowing that Christ is our Lord, and the journey should grow sweeter each day. You see, this journey here is much like the cookie dough that I love to eat. It is only a glimpse of the glory that is waiting. Paul stated in Philippians 3:20-21 that, “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies, so that they will be like his glorious body.” You see, the glimpse of glory is nothing compared to the final product.

This for our lives means that we are to live our Christian life with great passion for the things and ways of God. It should be our goal to live as strangers on this earth, who are citizens of Heaven (1 Peter 1:17). We are able to experience the “inexpressible and glorious joy” we are receiving the “goal of our faith, the salvation of our souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9). We must desire to know Christ more on a daily basis! Our life that we live now is to be to the glory and praise of Jesus Christ. Lukewarm Christianity will never accomplish that. Being a “Sunday Christian” will never accomplish that!

Let us live now in the fullness and joy of our relationship with Christ. Remember it should be a foretaste of the glory that is to come. The final product will be so much better, but the joy that comes before is so sweet that we should enjoy every moment that we are granted.

2008-01-23T11:28:00.000-06:00

Looking into the Face of Reality

As humans, we are often afraid to face reality. America proves that they love reality television, yet when is reality television real? When was the last time that reality television looked like your life? In reality, we would rather cover up a difficult situation than confront it. We would rather cry peace than let someone see our hurts and our weaknesses, even in the midst of tragedy.

Webster’s Dictionary describes reality as, “The state of actual existence.”[1] We are not a fan of reality because it will show the existence of our weaknesses and our inabilities. We too do not like the idea of reality because we are often presented with difficulties that are not easily accomplished on our own. This is what happened to the prophets of in Ezekiel’s day. The nation of Israel was about to be destroyed, yet they went through the streets crying out “peace” to all who lived there. They masked the reality for the people who lived in Israel; therefore, setting unreal hopes into the lives of people. The “false prophets” went so far as to building flimsy walls and covering them with whitewash to mask the reality. Those walls would easily fall to the ground when the rains began to fall, leaving the people asking many questions. (You can read the entire story in Ezekiel 13)

There are at least two different ways we mask reality in our lives that is much like the false prophets masking the destruction of Israel in Ezekiel. The first way in which we mask the reality is in the way in which we live out our faith. We proclaim Christianity in the halls of the church, but when we exit the doors of the sanctuary the mask comes off and the person you are is shown bright. Truly inside the church walls our lives looked very consistent with a heart that desired to worship the living God, yet when reality is shown we act as if we had never heard or encountered the Living God. Jesus warns the teachers of the law and Pharisees about this when he said, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are whitewashed tombs, which looks beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness” (Matthew 23:27-28, NIV).
Masking our faith is hypocritical, and it is living in a lie. Reality will be seen in our lives when we are face to face with the living God. Our lives should be a reflection of our faith. If we desire to live in the reality of the relationship with Christ, we must live out our faith. We must show our, “faith and our works” (James 2:18-19).

The second way in which we mask over the reality of our faith is often in difficult situations. We feel that we are able to withstand the difficulties of a trial without any help from God or from others. Our stubbornness places upon us an unnecessary burden and causes us to fail to place our hope and trust in Christ. It is not reality to think that we, as believers, can make it through life without the help of Christ. Peter tells us to cast our burdens onto Him and Jesus tells us come to Him and He would give us rest (1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 11:28-30). In our response to the situations that are difficult, we either pretend they are not there or we feel we can carry it on our own. By the time we notice the reality of the situation we are overwhelmed and overcome by pain and hurt.

Facing reality will never be an easy task. Facing reality will always make us step back and see who we truly are. Often times seeing who we truly are scares us. We often see the mess we have made of ourselves. Yet, when we cast our cares, burdens and anxieties upon the Lord; He will take care of them. When we recognize the sinfulness of our hearts, God will forgive us and cleanse us from all our sins (1 John 1:9). Face the reality of every situation; don’t cover it up pretending it is not there. Live out your faith in the reality of who God has called you to be. Ultimately when we face reality, we are faced with the most difficult task of swallowing pride and crying out to Jesus for help. Don’t be afraid to face reality, be afraid when you continually cover up reality in an attempt to make yourself look better or to look flawless.

[1] The New American Webster Handy College Dictionary. Third Edition. New American Library: New York, New York. 1995.

2008-01-17T10:36:00.001-06:00

Eat the Word

God’s Word is provided to us to give us spiritual nourishment. God’s Word is our spiritual food that we need daily. We have no problem running to the refrigerator several times a day for a quick bite or a large meal. Often times God’s Word sits on our shelves for weeks at a time as if our soul never needs nourishing. Many have ran to read Chicken Soup for the Soul, while those stories are inspiring, they could never feed the soul.

When Ezekiel was called into ministry, the most unusual thing happened to him. God told Ezekiel to eat the scroll that was before him. Ezekiel 2:9-3:3 states, “Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out to me. In it was a scroll, which he unrolled before me. On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe. And he said to me, ‘Son of Man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel.’ So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.’ So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.” I am most amazed at the final response of Jeremiah in the eating of the scroll. He proclaimed that it was as sweet as honey in his mouth. God’s not only filled but it also satisfied.

We must recognize that God’s Word will fill our spiritual hunger today, and at the same time it is so satisfying. We often treat the Word of God as if it was molded bread or soured milk. If you would only open up God’s Word and let it speak to you, you will be more satisfied in your Christian Walk. Most importantly you will become deeply satisfied in your Creator. God’s Word is readily available to you, open it up and let if feed you. Devour the Word of God, it is the greatest delicacy that will ever be placed in your path. It will fill you and satisfy you. May we all proclaim with Ezekiel, “It tastes as sweet as honey in my mouth!”

2008-01-16T12:44:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning the Certainty of God’s Promises

Are we able to ensure that God’s promises are certain? Often times we feel that we have been neglected or left alone, other times we feel as if the God would ever bring deliverance to our lives. Other days we doubt that God can still “move mountains” with the faith of a mustard seed. The world and the pressures of it cave in on top of us so much so that we lose the reality of what we are doing and the promises that God has made to us. The doubt, the loneliness and the lack of faith are often common instances in the life of the believer.

The people of Israel, in the midst of their exile, were finally given a message of hope from the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah, speaking the words of God, promised to the people that restoration would come about. Even though the streets of Jerusalem had no one in them, God would restore that land and provide for them a hope. He even promised one who would come from the lineage of David and this would provide salvation for Judah. His name would be called “The Lord our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 33:15-16).

Yet, how could the people of Israel be sure that this was true. Yes, the Lord had promised it; but in the midst of exile it would seem as if all was hopeless. God gave the people a great confirmation that His promises would be revealed. We read in Jeremiah 33:20-21, “This is what the Lord says: ‘If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night no longer come at their appointed time, then my covenant with David my servant-and my covenant with the Levites who are priests ministering before me-can be broken and David will no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne.’” The promise of God was so sure that God said that the only way to break the covenant was to stop the pattern of day and night.

We understand that we cannot change the coming and going of day and night. We too understand that there is no power on earth that change the coming of day and night. Even more, there is no activity in the skies that can change the coming of day and night. The only one who has power to change the coming of day and night is Almighty God. And He promised that He would send a “righteous branch,” therefore He will send a righteous Branch. The righteous Branch was Jesus Christ. His promise was fulfilled.

Let us proclaim with gladness then, “His Love endure forever.” In the midst of your trials and uncertainties trust in the steady hand of God. His promises to you are sure, His covenant is enduring; we are what changes consistently, not God. Let us remain steadfast in the hope of the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. Be assured that God is with you always, and in this rejoice today.

2008-01-03T11:10:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning Reaching Out

If we could only begin to see the sorrow of the people of our world, we then would be able to minister to their hurting hearts. Ezekiel 3:15 states, "I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Abib near the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I say among them for seven days-overwhelmed." Ezekiel had just received the call of God to go to minister the people who were in exile. They were Ezekiel's people whom he knew and they all spoke the similar language (Ezekiel 3:4-6). Ezekiel had a great task of ministering to the hard hearts of the Israelites. Yet, when Ezekiel was removed by the power of the Spirit to the place where the exiles were located he sat down among them. He was overwhelmed by what he had seen in those seven days.

Seven days is often a period of mourning. When Job had been struck down his friends came and sat with him for seven days without speaking. This period of mourning must have been a great difficulty for Ezekiel. He is among his own countrymen, they are in exile, and they too would have been mourning because of the hardships they were now going through. This sitting among the people would prepare Ezekiel for his most difficult ministry among them.

In our own lives, we need to be placed among the people of the world and see the hurt and the pain that the world experiences. We must sit among the people and notice the wickedness of the hearts, the empty lives, and the search for meaning that is taking place. Once we are able to see the empty lives that people are living, we must then take them the hope of the gospel. It was shortly after Ezekiel sat among the people that he began to call the people unto repentance. If we can symphatize with the hurts of the world, we will have a deep sorrow to take to them the gospel message. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4).

This week begin to observe the emptiness that many people experience on a daily basis. Mourn over their lostness in prayer. Cry out to the Father on their behalf. Be overwhelmed by what you see. Then take the joy of the gospel to the hearts of the sinful and share with them the hope that is found in the gospel.

2007-12-22T00:05:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning Christmas

Christmas Meditation 3

Matthew 1:21, "She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."

Can you imagine being Joseph? I can imagine that he was scared, confused, lonely, angry, and sad all at the same moment. The love of his life is pregnant, they are not married, and the baby is not even his. By looking from the surface it would seem that His whole life was collapsing in around Him. In verse twenty of this same chapter in Matthew we find that the angel told Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. He was assured that all that had happened was by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Yet, even among the fear and anxiety of that moment, the fear would have to be calmed when Joseph heard the name that he was to name the child. Joseph was to call the baby's name, Jesus. His name would be Jesus because He would save His people from their sins.

On that day Joseph heard the sweetest name on earth. That name Jesus, still has the power to save the sinner and open the eyes of the blind. There is no other name as precious as the name of Jesus. During Christmas, we must take time to reflect upon that name, the name that is above all names. We must take time during this busy time of year and just think upon that name Jesus.

This Christmas, take time to just think upon the name of Jesus. Take it a step farther and as you think about the name Jesus, begin to write out the many ways you know that the Lord Jesus has effected you.

2007-12-20T15:30:00.001-06:00

A Thought Concerning Christmas
Christmas Meditations 2

I began to notice the first Christmas decorations at some point in the month of October. As with every year, we all complain that the Christmas “madness” begins earlier every year. Since Christmas seems to start so early every year, by Christmas day we are ready for Christmas to end. The day after Christmas is like vacation because the madness is over. And once Christmas is over we have 365 more days to prepare for that day again.

However, can you imagine what Christmas would be like if the only thing that we did during Christmas was to celebrate the birth of Christ. What if we never had presents, decorations, or a Christmas dinner to go to every night of December? What if next year we all stopped the “madness” and focused on Christ? If this were to take place most stores would go broke and people would go about their lives the same as they do every other day.

In a different scenario, what would happen if we stopped celebrating Christ on Christmas? Would anybody notice? The stores would be packed until the day before Christmas, most would still be off work, families would still join together for meals, and everything would still be decorated.

Isn’t it amazing on how little Christ plays into a holiday that Christians have set up to honor the birth of the Son of God? We argue that stores no longer say, “Merry Christmas.” This often times even outrages us during the holiday season. Yet, is it right to get upset about “Merry Christmas,” and still forget Christ on Christmas Day?

In the rush to end this Christmas, don’t forget why we as believers in Christ celebrate Christmas. In Luke 2:19 we find the shepherds telling many about the angels that they had seen that led them to the manger. In all the excitement we find Mary in a very humble state. Luke 2:19 says, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” This Christmas we need to learn from Mary. We need to sit down and take in the greatness of Christ and what it really meant for us that He was born into the world. Don’t let Christmas pass you by and you miss the Savior.

2007-12-19T11:04:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning Christmas
Meditation 1

Christmas calls God’s people to action and an attitude of praise. We believe in a Christ who came to us so that we may have forgiveness of sin and peace with God if we would repent and believe. It is by faith that we believe in Christ and repent of our sins. It is by faith that we believe the baby born in a manger was to be the sacrifice for sin. It is this faith that leads us to action and ultimately a lifestyle of praise before God.

When the Shepherds first heard the message proclaimed that a Savior had been born, they immediately left all and went to see the baby. The response of the Shepherds going reveals their faith in what was proclaimed. Once they arrived and had seen the baby, they left and spread the word about what they had been told. We too find that when they returned from seeing baby Jesus, they returned glorifying and praising God. (Luke 2:8-19).

The response of the shepherds is much like our own, or it should be. Once we believe in faith the story that was told to us, it requires action. The first action that we take in our faith is in repentance of sin. Our second action is that we are called to tell others and to praise and glorify Almighty, Sovereign God. Those two actions coincide one with another, they can never be separated. Ultimately faith requires action and praise. Actually faith will propel us to action and praise. Is there any other response for the believers?

J.C. Ryle stated, “May we always believe implicitly, act promptly, and wait for nothing when the path of duty is clear. The journey that is begun in faith will generally end in praise.”[1]

[1] Ryle, J.C. Luke. The Crossway Classic Commentary. Crossway Books: Wheaton, Ill. 1997. 38.

2007-12-04T11:16:00.000-06:00

The Golden Compass
A Christian’s Response to an Attack on the Church

1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

On Friday, a new blockbuster hit will appear at movie theaters. This new movie has many great actors and actresses, and the overall production of the movie looks fabulous for all who enjoy fantasy movies. The movie is based upon a trilogy of books by Philip Pullman that he calls His Dark Materials. While this movie does present an excellent cast and a “nice” story line, there is a need to raise warning flags concerning this movie.

After receiving emails concerning this new movie, I felt it necessary to do some amount of research concerning this series. I have yet to read any of the books, nor have I watched the movie; however, based upon comments by the author of the books, comments by the director of the movie, and comments by Dr. R. Albert Mohler, who has read the books and watched the movie, I must raise warning flags concerning this movie.

Dr. R. Albert Mohler wrote his synopsis of the movie and the books in his latest blog entry and he states,
This is not just any fantasy trilogy or film project. Philip Pullman has an agenda -- an agenda about as subtle as an army tank. His agenda is nothing less than to expose what he believes is the tyranny of the Christian faith and the Christian church. His hatred of the biblical storyline is clear. He is an atheist whose most important literary project is intended to offer a moral narrative that will reverse the biblical account of the fall and provide a liberating mythology for a new secular age.
The great enemy of humanity in the three books, The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass (together known as His Dark Materials) is the Christian church, identified as the evil Magisterium. The Magisterium, representing church authority, is afraid of human freedom and seeks to repress human sexuality.
The Magisterium uses the biblical narrative of the Fall and the doctrine of original sin to repress humanity. It is both violent and vile and it will stop at nothing to protect its own interests and to preserve its power.
Pullman's attack on biblical Christianity is direct and undeniable. He once questioned why his books attracted little controversy even as the Harry Potter books attracted so much. He told an Australian newspaper that what he is "saying things that are far more subversive than anything poor old Harry has said. My books are about killing God."[1]
Clearly there is a danger that is hidden within the movie. One that is probably not as obvious in the movie, due to the watering down of the book; however, the danger is still present. There is a clear agenda that is taking place within the books of an author who has claims of being an atheist. When your books are “about killing God,” there is a problem that Christians must be ready to deal with.
To make the point even clearer, the director of the movie Chris Weitz has made a very clear distinction of what the movie is about. He is quoted by the Daily Telegraph, a Brittish Newspaper, saying “in the books the Magisterium is a version of the Catholic Church gone wildly astray from its roots’ but that the organization portrayed in his film would not directly match that of Pullman's books. Instead, the Magisterium will represent all dogmatic organizations.”[2] As noted by the director, the movie is not only portraying the Catholic Church, but all relgious orginizations. The church itself is being attacked!
As I continued to research, I felt it necessary to see what the author, Philip Pullman, had to say about claims of his atheisma and attack on the church. There is clear evidence that he has no regard concerning the God whom we worship and Christianity. Pullman commented on the church saying,
The trouble is that all too often in human history, churches and priesthoods have set themselves up to rule people's lives in the name of some invisible god (and they're all invisible, because they don't exist) – and done terrible damage. In the name of their god, they have burned, hanged, tortured, maimed, robbed, violated, and enslaved millions of their fellow-creatures, and done so with the happy conviction that they were doing the will of God, and they would go to Heaven for it. That is the religion I hate, and I'm happy to be known as its enemy. [3]
To declare oneself as an enemy of the church is a blatant disregard for the person of God and for those who worship the Almighty God. For a person to declare that they are an enemy of God, and then to act upon that is even more dangerous.
When asked if there was a God Pullman stated, “I don't know whether there's a God or not. Nobody does, no matter what they say. I think it's perfectly possible to explain how the universe came about without bringing God into it, but I don't know everything, and there may well be a God somewhere, hiding away.”[4]
There is clear evidence that this is a dangerous movie and a dangerous book series. According to comments by Dr. R. Albert Mohler, as well as others; the books push the anti-Christian theme more than the movie. Most would encourage mature believers in Christ to watch the movie, as the movie is well made. However, many have said that this is not a children’s movie. Even more, the books supposedly (according to those whom have reviewed the books) have a very graphic sexual nature, especially in the third book of the trilogy, The Amber Spyglass. It is within this book that the two main characters do participate in a sexual act. You must remember that the books main characters are thirteen.
What are Christians to do with this? The Catholic League and some Christian organizations have called for a boycott. I do not believe that this is the answer. There will still be many people to go and see the movie regardless of a boycott. A public declaration of a boycott may help Pullman make his point more clear about the downfalls of organized religion. A boycott would almost be favorable for a man like Pullman, who does feed off of religious organizations making these moves. When asked about the boycotts by religious organizations Pullman clearly stated, “I'm delighted to have brought such excitement into what must be very dull lives.”[5] So you see, it will only encourage the author for Christians to boycott.
However, there is a clear solution. Research the movie even more. Be aware of the dangers that are hidden within the movie. The movie may hide many of the anti-church/anti-Christian themes; however, be aware that people watching the movie will only desire to read the books. The books do include this dislike of religious organizations very openly. Parents, only you can determine if you feel that your children and your family is strong enough in their faith to see a movie such as this. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide in this matter. The same goes for every person contemplating watching this movie or reading the books, you must let the Spirit of God guide you.
In conclusion, the power of movies and books can be great. Hateful words, spoken in “love” by Christians against people like Pullman can have many negative affects as well. Christians, this is an attack on the church; most importantly this is an attack on Christianity. Pray for Pullman and those who have put so much into supporting this movie, pray that they will see the real and true glory of the Almighty. Be ready to talk to friends, family, co-workers, and others about this movie. I am sure many you know will see this movie or read the books. Always be prepared to give a defense.

[1] Mohler, R. Albert. “The Golden Compass-A Briefing for concerned Christians.” 4 December 2007. Accessed 4 December 2007.
[2] Hannam, Lewis. . "Philip Pullman film stripped of religious themes", The Daily Telegraph, 2007-10-14. Accessed 4 December 2007.
[3] Pullman, Philip. http://www.philip-pullman.com/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=12, December 4, 2007.

[4] Pullman, Philip. http://www.philip-pullman.com/about_the_writing.asp, December 4, 2007
[5] Ibid.

2007-10-04T14:02:00.001-05:00

A Thought Concerning Illegal Immigration

The people of God must be able to defend their position on social issues that ultimately affect our every day life. In the next few devotionals I desire to deal with those issues and hopefully provide a scriptural basis for some of these issues. Illegal immigration is one of those issues that have gripped our media in the past months. On one hand you have people arguing that this is America, and it needs to stay that way. This side exclaims that we have no room for people from other countries. The other argument, often held by Christians, believes that we must love all people; therefore, we must love the illegal immigrants. To deport the illegal immigrants would not be love. How do we reconcile the two? The sad reality is that both sides of the argument have showed much hate to those trying to better their life.

Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment in the law was. He responded with this, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-29). To love God and love people is our command. Many would believe if we insist on illegal immigrants being deported from our country that we do not honor the commandments of Christ. A recent poll showed that over 80% of Christians held to that very view. If we are against illegal immigration does that mean that we do not love those have immigrated into our country?

In recent months, I too have read and heard very hurtful comments to those who do move into our country. Most often those views are held towards those who moved here legally or illegally. We hear hate statements, “This is our country, stay out.” This comes from Christians and non-Christians alike. Ultimately this attitude is against scripture. Our country was founded upon immigration; we all have heritages from other countries. We; therefore, have no right as Americans to say those who come legally should be excluded.

Looking through scripture I believe that we can truly reconcile the debate. First and foremost we must be people that love God and love people. If we are doing this, ultimately we are going to love the illegal and legal immigrant. We cannot say I dislike them because of their language, customs, etc. Christians are to love all despite the differences. All have been created in the image of God. However, illegal immigration is exactly what it says it is, illegal. We can’t overlook that. We have to be a people that uphold the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-2). We must conclude that there should be stricter laws and those laws should be enforced. Yet, we must view it the same way we do drinking and driving, theft, murder, and speeding; we would all agree that those illegal behaviors must be dealt with. That doesn’t mean that we don’t love the thief and the murderer, we just simply believe that the law must be held to the highest standards.

Illegal immigration is a problem that our country will be divided over for years to come. We can never stop loving those who strive to better themselves in America, yet we must help them find other means rather than in illegal ways. If at any time that we fail to see that illegal or legal immigrants or any other person is anything less than people created in God’s image then we have sinned.

2007-10-02T13:39:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning God's Plans

Acts 8:1, "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria."

Throughout history, evil man has never been able to stop the plan and purpose of God. Often times in Biblical history those who meant to cause harm, often brought about the intended purpose of God. In Acts 1:8 the apostles were told to take the gospel first to Jerusalem, then to Judea and Samaria and then to the ends of the earth. In Acts 4:18 the Sanhedrin commanded Peter and John to no longer speak in the name of Jesus, and all of this came to a culmination with the stoning of Stephen in chapter seven. It would seem that the gospel would stop, especially with great persecution breaking out in Jerusalem. Notice; however, where the people were scattered to, Judea and Samaria. The very next place that God had commanded the people to go after they ministered in Jerusalem.

This is one of many places that the evil of man has resulted in the plan of God being accomplished. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, and through all of Joseph's ordeals he ended up gaining favor in Egypt. This was important during the seven years of draught, which had Joseph devising a plan to have enough food for the Israelites. Too, let us never forget the great injustice done to our Lord on the cross. Evil man beat and crucified the innocent Christ, yet in the plan of God this was to accomplish the salvation of man.

Biblical history can prove to us that God will not be stopped in the spreading of the gospel and completing His purpose. Many will try to stop the gospel from entering countries, removing Christ from the public places, the destruction of marriage by the way of homosexual marriages, and large number of abortions; however, in the end God's word will still stand in our culture. No matter how many times people try to stamp out the Lord, the Word of God will stand forever. Nothing can stop the work of God, even when our leaders wish to strip our country of our religious values; God will work out His plans even through them.

2007-09-24T11:23:00.000-05:00

A Thought from Brother Lawrence

Brother Lawrence wrote a wonderful piece about remaining in the presence of God. Richard Foster stated, "Perhaps no other writing in all of Christian literature so beautifully and simply expresses the joy of living in the presence of God." This work gives us a picture of living daily in the presence. The book that he wrote was called, "The Practice of the Presence of God." Here is a small paragraph from this magnificent work:

But when we are faithful in keeping ourselves in his holy presence, keeping him always before us, this not only prevents our offending him or doing something displeasing in his sight (at least wilfully, but it also brings to us a holy freedom, and if I may say so, a familiarity with God wherein we may ask and receive the graces we are so desperately in need of.

In short, by often repeating these acts they become habitual, and the presence of God becomes something that comes naturally to us. Give God thanks with me for his great goodness towards me, which I can never sufficiently admire, and for the many favors he has done for so miserable a sinner as I am.

2007-09-12T14:19:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning the Shepherd

Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."

One of the greatest commentators on the Psalms is undoubtedly Charles H. Spurgeon. In his commentary on Psalm 23:1 he writes this concerning our wants:
"It is not only 'I do not want,' but 'I shall not want.' Come what may, if famine should devastate the land, or calamity destroy the city, 'I shall not want.' Old age with its feebleness will not bring me any lack, and even death with its gloom will not find me destitute. I have all things and abound; not because I have a good store in the bank, not because I have skill and wit with which to win my bread, but because the Lord is my Shepherd. The wicked always want, but a gracious spirit dwells in the place of content."

Today, find out what it really means to you to know that God is your Shepherd; and because He is, all your needs are provided.

2007-09-05T13:56:00.001-05:00

A Thought Concerning the Morality of our Culture

It can be said that the morality of our culture is quickly fading. What was once considered obscene is now normal, and the things that were once offensive is now "just expected." As christian families try to set aside moral standards for their children, the world offers the alternative. Amazingly as Christians we have lowered the standards to more closely align ourselves to the popular culture.

According to a recent study conducted by the Parents Television Council the amount of violence on television during family hour (7:00-9:00 cst) has increased 52.4% since 2001. In that same period of time the amount of sexual content has increased by 22.1%. Even more, 90% of the 208 television shows from 2006-2007 contained objectionable material. (Information from www.parentstv.org) The council stated that, "Corporate interest has hijacked the family hour from the family."

It has not been long since families could enjoy a night of television without the fear of thier children being exposed to material that we found offensive, that is now almost impossible. . We know; however, that we cannot shelter ourselves and our children from the lack of morality in society. They are forced to see the images on billboards, magazines, television, and just in what people wear. They are even forced to hear offensive language in normal conversations. Can we do anything? Are we able to confront society with this problem?

There are at least two places of scripture that you should turn to for the answer to the problem. The first is in Romans 12:2. "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." Let us not be conformed and fall into the trap of "it's normal." Let us stand for what we know is right and what we know is wrong, there are no grey areas when it comes to morality. While we remove ourselves from conforming to the ways of the world, ask God to continue to cleanse your mind of what you have been exposed to and to transform you daily. Remember this and write it somewhere to remember: No longer will I conform, but I will be transformed by God!

Another passage that gives us guidance in confronting the culture comes from Proverbs 22:6. "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." In this proverb we are commanded on how to raise children. Train them in the way they should go is a clear statement that we can live by. Teach them what is right, and pray that in the end they will not turn from your teachings. Yes, sometimes they still turn from you despite the amount of time you spend teaching them. However, train them so that in the future they will hopefully know and do that which is right.

Today:
Pray that God would protect you and your family from material that would destroy your family and most importantly your relationship with Christ. Continue teaching your children right from wrong! Remember there is not grey area for them to dwell in, either it is wrong or it is right.

2007-08-31T11:59:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Doubt and the Grace of God

This is a devotional written by Dr. Albert Mohler, the President of Southern Seminary. He writes concerning doubt and the grace that we are held in by Him.

The fact is that many Christians struggle with doubt. Indeed, the most thoughtful believers are most likely of all to understand what is at stake, and thus to suffer pangs and seasons of doubt.
Doubt can be healthy. It can drive believers to a deeper knowledge of what we believe and a deeper embrace of the truth of the Gospel. It can deepen our trust in God and mature our faith. At the same time, doubt can be a form of sin . . . a refusal to trust God and his promises.

The Christian Gospel is the good news that God saves sinners through the atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ -- his cross and resurrection. Salvation comes to those who believe in Christ -- it is by grace we are saved through faith. But the faith that saves is not faith in faith, nor faith in our ability to maintain faith, but faith in Christ. Our confidence is in Christ, not in ourselves.

There is a sweet and genuine emotional aspect to the Christian faith, and God made us emotional and feeling creatures. But we cannot trust our feelings. Our faith is not anchored in our feelings, but in the facts of the Gospel.

This weekend, even in doubt, trust in the grace of God that holds us in Him. Aren't you glad that our faith is not based on emotion, and that we are not secure in our doubt. We are secure in Him! Praise Him for that!

2007-08-29T15:13:00.000-05:00

*I wish to apologize for the lack of devotionals placed here, they will become more regular again.

A Thought Concerning The Pure in Heart

Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

Webster's Dictionary describes the word pure as, "free from pollution." Jesus teaches us that we are blessed when our hearts are pure. So ultimately we are blessed when our hearts are free from "pollution." The Bible even declares that our sins are like scarlet, and since they are like scarlet what can ever take away the cloud of pollution that is in our hearts. The great news about our sins being as scarlet is that God promises to make them white as snow.

Sin darkens the heart of every man, that is why we can truly proclaim that all have sinned. Sin is our master before we receive Christ as Lord. With sin as our master, we are separated from God. However, when we receive Christ the separation is gone. Christ did so by His death on the cross. Colossians 2:13-14 says, "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away nailing it to the cross." The sins are gone and that which once darkened our hearts has now been illuminated by the light of Christ by the way of the cross (2 Corinthians 4:6).

The promise of Matthew 5:8 is that, "we shall see God." That is not now, but it is future. Evidently this verse is too saying if we do not have a pure heart we will not see God. That was when there was a separation. Rejoice in the fact that God made a way that we could see Him. Yes, that is true happiness. Remember blessed means "happy." So happy are you when the pollution of sin has been removed from your heart because you will see God.

Today: Rejoice in the gift of salvation that has given you a pure heart. We too must recognize that often sin creeps back into our lives. Pray for God to continue to purify your heart, even though we know we are kept eternally by His grace we have need for daily repentance.

2007-08-15T12:32:00.000-05:00

A Thought from the Reformer Martin Luther

The great reformer Martin Luther stated the following concerning our freedom in Christ based on Galatians 5:1:

It is best to be watchful and constant, so that you may keep and hold fast the freedom with which Christ has made you free. Those who are complacent and negligent cannot keep this freedom, for Satan has a deadly hatred of the light of the Gospel- that is to say the doctrine of grace, liberty, consolation, and life. Therefore, once he sees it begin to appear, he fights against it with all his might and force, stirring up storms and tempests to hinder its course and overthrown it. Therefore, Paul warns believers not to sleep, not to be negligent, but constantly and valiantly to resist Satan, so that he does not spoil them of the freedom that Christ has purchased for them.

Today, praise God for the freedom in Christ.

2007-08-01T11:24:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning our Knowledge of God

I am unsure how a Christian can go through a day, much less a week or months without picking up their Bible during the week. According to Colossians 1:10, growing in the knowledge of God is pleasing to Him. Without our growth in the Lord, we are unable to please Him. A doctor expects a child to continue growing, yet if at age 2 they were still at birth weight there would be a problem. The doctor would run test, and try to understand this lack of weight gain. Don't you think that we, as "born again" believers, should be daily growing in Christ.

Even more, once we lose sight of who He is, we lose sight of who we are in Christ. And once we have lost sight of who we are in Christ we can quickly fall into the trap of sin. Removing ourselves from the study of scripture will quickly cause us to lose focus on the Glory of God. Once we have done that, we begin to lose sight of our purpose. At that point we sail into troubled waters. We must keep a growing knowledge of who God is, that is one way we please Him. Studying our Bible will also show that you have a daily dependence on God because you know you cannot grow without the "Bread of Life."

Today, pick up your Bible and begin to read again! Grow in Him! If you are reading daily, keep up the good work and press on to know more of who He is. Reading the Bible is a new adventure each day!

2007-07-31T11:25:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning the Merciful

Matthew 5:7, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy."

The idea of being merciful follows closely behind the idea of being humble. The inability to show mercy to someone, declares you to be a bully; and I have never known of a humble bully. If we deny mercy to someone we make ourselves out to be the judge. We then declare who deserves mercy and who does not. Who gave us the right? Have we become God? We certainly have not been given the option of who deserves mercy and who does not. We are not called to do that.

In all actuality, we are called to show love; even to our enemies! Even more, we are called to extend forgiveness to those who have hurt us. Why do we feel it is a necessity to hold grudges against others? Does God hold the past sins for the believer over our head? Absolutely not. He has chosen to show us mercy in His Son, Jesus. Without that mercy, the Bible declares that we deserve death (Romans 6:23). Yet, when we pray to accept Christ, our sins are forgiven and mercy has been shown. Therefore, it is our duty to show mercy to all as we have been shown mercy.

The end of Matthew 5:7 , declares that we shall be shown mercy. That is the promise that is given if we too show mercy. There is a coming judgment for all people. For the believers in Christ we will have to stand and face a judgment by fire. We will all be judged for the things that we have done. This does not determine your salvation; however, it will be a very intense time of looking at your works as a believer. The good works will be refined as gold and silver, and the things we have done wrong (refusal to show mercy), will be burned up like hay, wood, etc. We must seek forgiveness for the injustice to others and most importantly unto God before our day of judgment. Doing this before the day of judgment is a most difficult task, as we do not know the day or the hour that judgment may appear.

This week, search out those you have been refusing to show mercy too. Go and forgive them for the wrong they have done to you. In the same manner, if you have wronged someone, go and seek their forgiveness. We must be going and forgiving as the Father has first forgiven us.

2007-07-25T13:19:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Our Satisfaction

Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."

"I am so hungry!" "If I don't get something to drink, I am going to die of thirst!" Do those two statements sound familiar? Is it something that you often say, or hear around your house? I know that I use those statements, and sometimes quiet often. When we get a hunger or a thirst for something, we try to satisfy that need. Fast food restaurants are making it easier, as everything can be "large" sized. Even now without the "large" size, many places have increased what a small really is. We live in a world where we are to be satisfied in some way. We all desire to be filled when we are hungry and thirsty!

Now, with the scripture above in mind; do you ever feel that way towards righteousness. Do you ever hunger and thirst so much for righteousness that you could feel faint if you were not nourished by God? Our verse today tells us that we are blessed when we hunger and thirst for righteousness that comes from God, in Christ. Righteousness is meaning to be and do what is right. You would be considered a righteous person if you constantly do what is right. You have integrity about you is another way of looking at it.

Are you so hungry to be right before God and to show His works to all people that you literally hunger and thirst for God's righteousness. We know that we cannot be righteous on our own. We can do some good, yet we are still sinful in God's eyes. Yet, when we come to a relationship with Christ; His righteousness is granted unto us. However, it is a daily struggle to continue in that righteousness. Therefore, we must hunger and thirst to be right in God's eyes. Too often we crave what is right in this world and what would please someone else, more than we crave the righteousness that comes from God!

Today, begin to show your hunger and thirst for God's righteousness by submitting yourself to God in prayer and Bible study.

2007-07-23T14:18:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Humility

Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the Meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

Meekness is not weakness, rather it is actually a very strong quality that a person inherits from God in Christ. The world would view meekness as a weak quality, yet in Christianity it is one that should be practiced and desired more fully in our daily lives. Meekness takes on the meaning of being humble and self-controlled. It is an attitude of submission before God and the ability to be in a lowly state while we live here on earth. We want nothing of ourselves promoted, yet we let God be glorified and Him take the credit for all things.

This quality is one that is very difficult to practice. We live in a world that is all about getting ahead and staying ahead. There is a reality that people are always fighting for 1st place. In having the quality of being meek, we have to be able to withstand the hate and ridicule given by our enemies. Being humble brings about a self-control in the situations that would present themselves as "fighting" opportunities.

We find in Psalm 37 the same verse that Jesus speaks. However, in Psalm 37 we also see that having this disposition of meekness often will bring about great problems from our enemies. Even though the enemies are causing problems, we find in this chapter that bows of the wicked will be broken (v. 15), their day of destruction is coming (v. 14), and we have an inheritance that endures forever (v.18.) So truly, the promise for being meek is sure. We shall inherit the earth, that is how we are blessed, "happy," people. When will we inherit though? We shall inherit when the end has come. It is in the future that we inherit. It is after we have passed away from this earth and enter into His presence. Then one day, Christ will reign for 1000 years, and according to scripture we shall reign with Him (Revelation 20:6).

Today, read Psalm 37. Pray that God will continue to humble you so that you will have self-control in all situations. And when you are out in the world ministering, may they see Him and never us! Praise God that we as humans have the inability to be humble, yet by His grace we are humbled in His sight!

2007-07-18T11:10:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Your Mourning

Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Within the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins with the Beatitude statements. One of those statements was looked at yesterday, and I want to examine each of the statements in the next few post. Within these Beatitude statements, there is something that is very consistent with each. The first half of each of these statements concerns the person who is blessed, and the second half deals with a promise. All put two of the promises take place in the future, which is indicated by the word shall. Two others, verses 3 and 10, and those two statements are immediate promises. Too, each of the eight beatitudes have statements of being blessed that are contrary to that which we would desire (ex. poor in spirit, mourn, hunger and thirst).

Verse four, that we examine today is a future statement. We know that if we mourn, we will, at some point, be comforted. That is an amazing promise because often in life we will mourn. We lose loved ones, we experience an illness, friends turn their back on us, and any other problems that may arise. We are reminded by the writer of Ecclesiastes that, "there is a time for mourning and a time for laughter" (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Lamentations 3:20-24 provides us another place that describes the author in a great time of mourning. Yet, the author, Jeremiah, is reminded of one thing and because of that he has hope. That one thing is the fact that God's mercies are new every morning.

Yes, you may cry for a while; however, morning is coming. You are blessed in your mourning because the Comforter is with you. You will be comforted. It may not feel like it at the moment, but your rejoicing is coming. Jesus promised it, so we can believe it. You cannot comfort yourself, we must let Christ work! Remember our inability, is God's ability. Even our ability, is God's because He gave it to us. And when we feel we are strong, try not standing on your own. HE is stronger, trust in that for your comfort.

Today, read Psalm 30 and meditate on the words that are found there. Let the words of the Psalmist minister grace to your hearts today.

2007-07-17T09:13:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning the Poor in Spirit

Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the Poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."

Daily we are faced with the consistent idea by many that life isn't fair. Many then search for meaning in daily living and look to many "guides" to direct them in the right path. Upon the paths they are directed, they still find no satisfaction. We turn to money, only to find that it runs out. Others turn to drugs/alcohol, only to find that once the high goes away the problems remained. Some turn to family and friends, only to be disappointed by their weaknesses or the inability to help. Where then shall we turn to? Where should we go?

Jesus in the opening line of the Sermon on the Mount stated the most unusual thing, "Blessed are the poor in Spirit." Blessed is a word that has a meaning of "happy." When was the last time that you were told you were happy if you were poor? The idea of being poor in Spirit is, according to John MacArthur, "the opposite of self-sufficiency" (MacArthur Study Bible). On our own we recognize that we cannot do it; therefore, we become bankrupt. We become so poor in Spirit that we have no where else to go, so we turn to the All Sufficient King!

Once we have turned to the All Sufficient King, we recognize that our lives do have purpose and meaning. We find that in the poorness of Spirit, there is great joy. Actually, the promise that is attached with being "poor in Spirit," is a place in the Kingdom of Heaven. We become bankrupt to the world, yet we gain Heaven. We sacrifice self at the cross where Jesus died, and there we find hope in the midst of hopelessness. Yes, happy are we when we see our inability and we recognize Christ's ability to save us! When you become poor in Spirit, you gain all the riches that flow from God in Christ. When you remain self-sufficient you lose all true joy and true happiness.

Today, read through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. Let the Lord guide you as you see your inability to please God apart from Christ. Thank Him for making you poor in Spirit. If you feel you are holding on to some self-sufficiency then let it go and sacrifice it at the cross. Praise God today for true happiness found in Christ.

2007-07-13T14:40:00.001-05:00

A Thought Concerning the Cost of Discipleship

Jesus stated in Matthew 9:37, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." We have a great opportunity in front of us. Christ declared that there is much to be harvested, yet only a few that are working in the field. We should be eager to go out and show the world Christ! We are already promised a harvest. The only thing that Christ ask of us is to go out and work in the fields.

I believe the problem with our lack of going is the fear of the great cost. We are told daily that the reason gas prices are so high is do to the high demand and the low supply. Jesus stated there is a great demand for people to work in the fields (share the gospel), yet there is a low supply of workers. As the number of workers grows smaller the demand grows higher; therefore the one who is working will have to work harder.

Think about this for your weekend: The demand for workers is high, the supply is low; therefore, the cost to you is great. Yet, to follow Jesus we must forsake all and follow Him!

Pray then as Jesus told us to in Matthew 9:38, "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest fields."

2007-07-12T10:22:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning our Talents

How do we become good stewards of the things in which God has bestowed upon us? Stewardship is usually used in the terms of how we use our money; however, we too need to look at stewardship as how we use our gifts that God has given us. Too often we either hide our gifts or we fail to use what God has given us. Often times we treat our gifts of the Spirit like I do my lawnmower. Only when the yard desperately needs mowing do I bring out the mower. We do this with the gifts God has given us by only displaying them when we are pressed to. We should be using the gifts at all times, as they go to the edification of believers.

I had the great opportunity on July 11 to watch some of Americas best basketball talent. While I was able to see this talent, I also came across some of the more talented coaches in basketball. I was amazed at how hard these players worked so that they would be noticed by these coaches. The parents pushed these guys to work hard and they did all they could with the gift of playing basketball. We are more likely to show our basketball talents, even if we have none, than we are to display the glory of God through the talents He has blessed you with.

When was the last time that you were able to speak kind words to a neighbor and encourage them? When was the last time you used your ability to cook to bless someone who was in need? When was the last time you called someone and used your gift of encouragement? When was the last time that you volunteered to help out with various things at the church because you knew you had a gift to do those things? You see God has given each believer gifts that flow from Him. These gifts are given so that we might go and build up the body of Christ. Not only that, we too have the opportunity to use our gifts and lead other people to Christ. Remember, gifts of the Spirit aren't reserved only for those who stand up in leadership at the church! They are given to all people.

Today, read Matthew 25. Pay special attention to verses fourteen through thirty.

2007-07-10T12:25:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Compassion

Do you believe that compassion has began to run out among Christians? As more and more people die without knowing Jesus, many of them neighbors and even family members; we sit comfortably knowing that we are going to Heaven. The sick cry for someone to come, yet often we are so inward focused that we fail to hear. Other times the amount of "stuff" that we have to do gets in our way.

If you truly claim to be focused on the future glory of Heaven, we would have more compassion on all people. Why? Because we desire to see God in His fullness and be near Him; therefore, we strive to do all we can while here on earth to draw near to the heart of God. I find it hard to believe that God would ever be too busy to reach out to the sick or share compassion and mercy towards a lost sinner.

While Jesus was on earth, dwelling among the people, He always had compassion on the sick and those who needed help. More than one occasion in scripture we read that Jesus had compassion for people (Matthew 9:12, Matthew 9:36, Mark 8:2, Luke 5:31). These are just a few of the example where we see Christ in His compassion reach out to those who needed a Great Physician. Jesus took care of their personal needs (healing and feeding of the 4,000 and 5,000) and He died a criminal's death so that our sins would be atoned for.

You see Christ was not inward focused. He was focused upon the glory of the Father. If our heart is to be near God and to glorify Him in all our ways then we will not be inward focused and we will never be too busy to do the work of the kingdom. In the midst of Jesus trying to go and bring back one to life a woman reached up and touched Him. This woman had been sick for many years. Christ immediately stopped and healed her. Jesus had somewhere else to be, yet He always found time to show compassion to those who were sick.

Seek the Lord today and ask Him to forgive you for failing to show compassion to those who were in need. Ask Him to make you more aware of the ways in which you can be compassionate towards one another.

2007-07-06T13:24:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Forgiveness

Here is a short thought for your weekend concerning forgiveness:

Claiming to be a Christian and failing to forgive those who have hurt you is no Christianity at all! Failing to forgive and in the same manner saying you are forgiven is a contradiction. Our extension of forgiveness is a picture of the new nature, which is Christ, that is in us!

2007-07-05T15:19:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Freedom Pt. 2

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1).

As mentioned in the previous blog, too often we take advantage of the freedom that has been granted to us. Often times, the greatest freedom that we take advantage of, is the freedom that God has granted to us. We are often lured into the sins of the world faster than a fish after a worm. We then bite quickly, only to be hooked into that path of sin.

How many times do we have to be pulled out by God before we realize that we cannot keep taking advantage of the freedom He has granted us. Let us renew our minds daily, so that Christ may work in our lives to continually free us from our sinful lives. When temptation strikes, run from it. Escape it! Whatever you need to do, do it! Let us never take advantage of the freedom God has granted us by remaining in sin. The sad reality is; however, we will celebrate more freely on the 4th of July than we ever will on Sunday morning. Yes, freedom in our country is great, but freedom in Christ is far greater.

2007-07-03T09:41:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Freedom

Freedom is such a wonderful word! Webster's Dictionary states that freedom is "the state of being free." Just the thought of being free, takes away any form of slavery and it allows for great privileges that were once not available. Yet, everyday people take advantage of freedom and/or neglect the freedom granted to them. We live in a day where crime rates continue to rise and church attendance continues to drop! We have been granted the freedom of religion, yet people neglect to attend the church of their choice; therefore, freedom is neglected. Others choose to commit crimes, and by doing so they have taking advantage of the freedom that was granted to them.

We are a blessed people in America! We are a free nation! We have so many freedoms that have been bestowed upon us. How often have you given thanks for the ability to live in this country! Tomorrow as you go out and celebrate Independence Day, remember the freedoms that God has granted unto you. In the midst of the fireworks, food, swimming, and all the rest; allow for time to praise God for all that has been done for us in this nation. We are a spoiled people in America. Let us humble ourselves at the mercy of God and praise Him for the bountiful blessing of freedom. Always remember the price that was paid so that you might have the freedom in the country. And most importantly, remember the price that was paid so that you might have freedom from sin; that price was paid by Christ on the cross.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

2007-06-21T13:06:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning our Future Home

When our eyes shall see Him in His glory, we shall drop this life of pain. When our eyes shall see Him in glory, death will be no more. When our eyes shall see Him in His glory, we shall have no more fears. When our eyes shall see Him in His glory, we will worry no more. When our eyes shall see Him in His glory, what will we have left behind?

You will be ushered into a place that is far beyond our grasp. We often stand in amazement at beautiful homes that we see on our drives. We stand in amazement at the beauty that comes from some of these places. As a child, when going to Lexington; I would always be in awe at the large castle that is in that city. It is so large, and it has those large gates at the entrance. Seeing something so magnificent makes you wonder who lives in a place like that, or I always did. Then I would often think to myself, “What would it be like if I lived there?” There are probably more rooms in that place than one can count on their fingers and toes.

The place where we are going is far greater. Jesus described it as a place with many rooms (Jn 14:2). When John saw the vision of the new heaven he described it as God dwells with men (Rev 21:3), a place where all tears are wiped away (21:4), a place where there is no crying, pain or death (21:4), it is a place where is shines with the glory of God (21:11), the brilliance of the city was like jasper that is crystal clear (21:11), there were twelve gates within the city (21:12), walls were made of jasper and the city of pure gold (21:18), the twelve foundations were made up of many precious stones (21:19-20), the gates were of pearl and the great street was made of pure gold (21:21), the Lamb and the Lord God Almighty are its temple (21:22), the Lamb is the light of the city (21:25), and no sin will enter in 21:27).

We find earlier in the book of Revelation that there are angels who surround the throne and continually praise God. The same picture is found in Isaiah where they cry, HOLY, HOLY, HOLY. The descriptions given are only a small picture that the Bible paints for us. For we are not fully sure of what it will be like when we see it. Yet, the streets of gold, the walls of jasper, the gates of pearl and the precious foundations will not compare to seeing God face to face! 1 John 3:2 states, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

2007-06-20T14:13:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Faith

Matthew 16:8-9, "Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, "You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?"

This incidence in the life of Christ took place just before the confession of Peter, which many suggest is the turning point of the gospel. After Peter's confession, the story turns toward the movement towards Jerusalem for the death of Christ. The scripture mentioned takes place right after the feeding of the four thousand, as well as feeding of the five thousand. Too, we read in two chapters back about Jesus walking on water and calling Peter to come to Him. Now Jesus is prompted to say what He did in Matthew 16:8-9 as a response to the disciples not understanding what Jesus meant by, "Be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (Matt 16:6).

Jesus of course was not speaking of what they were to eat. He was speaking specifically concerning the false teachings that would flow from the Pharisees and Sadducees. In verse twelve of chapter sixteen we read, "Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees." This comes after Jesus had taught them concerning His earlier words.

Isn't it amazing that Jesus was teaching them so that they might understand to be on guard against false teachings, and their minds ultimately went to food. They were concerned they wouldn't be able to eat, Jesus was trying to prepare them from false teachings. In the feeding of the four thousand, the disciples were confused because they had no idea how they could get enough food in a remote area to feed a large crowd. Earlier Jesus fed 5,000 with less bread. This time there were 4,000 people and two more loaves of bread. Yet, as always they doubted. Yet, in the talk about the yeast of the Pharisees the disciples were still concerned about food.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught them not to worry about what they would eat. He told them to seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, then these things would be added. Often times in the midst of our circumstances, whether good or bad, we are more focused on the temporal than the eternal. Therefore, we lack faith. Faith is hindered by temporal thinking. Faith is increased when we seek first the Kingdom. This happens because we have yet to see the eternal, but we trust that it will come. The temporal (food, health, etc) is what we have now. We focus not on the fact that it will all soon pass away. We truly have our guarantee towards the eternal, in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. However, we have yet to see the Kingdom in its fulness.

Being careful of false teachings, as Jesus warned about the Pharisees yeast, is taking care of eternal things. It is protecting our hearts. That is focusing on the kingdom and the things God desires of us. Let us run the race with faith, looking toward the finish. Let us lay aside the thought of the bumpy road that we are on, and trust that Christ will bring you off of it eventually. Keep a Kingdom focus. The Christ who provided for the 5,000 and for the 4, 000; "is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Therefore, He will provide for you. Watch out, there will be false teacher. Keep your kingdom focus. Quit looking at your stomach, look to Christ.

In your prayer time read Matthew 6:25-34. Praise God for being the eternal God and that when all is passed away, He will remain. Delight in what God has given you and rejoice in that which awaits you. Seek repentance for the times that you have focused more on the temporal than the eternal.

2007-06-19T12:22:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Evan Almighty

If you watch television and keep up to date with new movies, you will notice that on June 22 the movie Evan Almighty will be released at theaters. This is a story concerning a modern day Noah who must build an ark and prepare for a flood. God is portrayed by Morgan Freeman, as this is a sequel to the movie Bruce Almighty. I must say that knowing this is a sequel from Bruce Almighty; I am quiet reserved to call this a Christian film. That movie was quiet offensive in many ways. However, the one who wrote the movie is a proclaiming evangelical Christian.

Evan Almighty is listed as a comedy, and one that is supposedly good for the whole family. Those who have reviewed it claim the movie to be very good and excellent for the family (Based on Responses found from thinkchristian.net). I would agree that if there is a good movie that is approved for families, then those who enjoy the movies should take advantage. It is not often that movies are good for the entire family!

I caution Christians concerning a few things though. I feel that it is a disgrace that they portray the story in the way they do. As one person commented on ThinkChristian.net, "Would someone please read Genesis 6:5-8 and tell me what’s so funny about that?" I feel that the movie is crossing Biblical lines in making a mockery out of something as serious as the ark. The ark was created to save Noah's family because they "found grace in the eye's of the Lord.” The world was destroyed because of the wickedness upon the earth. There is not much funny about this story, especially as we see it pointing to the eventual redemption by Christ. We see a great picture of grace as well as restoration. Yet, the idea that this is a comedy is absurd.

In this too, we must ask ourselves how God was able to meet with them face to face. God came as man in the person of Christ. Now, Christ is at the right hand of the Father where He will reign. When Christ returns it will be as the reigning King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I have a problem with a movie portraying God as coming to man again. Since Christ has come to redeem those who would call on His name, why would God create another way out of His destruction? Christ’ death on the cross gave man a way to God and to spare us from God’s wrath. We need not an ark, we need Christ. If the ark could save again, then why did Christ have to die?

Lastly, we must remember the covenant that God made with man through the sign of the rainbow. God promised that He would never again flood the entire earth. I have a problem with a movie that proclaims otherwise. This movie shows the world being flooded. We must be careful watching anything that would discredit a promise of God.

In conclusion; this may be a good, wholesome family movie. If you are a movie goer, this movie would probably be excellent for a good laugh. However, you must remind your kids that this has no truth concerning the Bible. This movie is not good to be portrayed as a Biblical account. It must not be! I think it is wrong that the movie call itself, "A Comedy of Biblical Proportion." This has nothing to do with the Bible other than using the names Noah and God, as well as using the ark and flood that took place many years before. If you go to the movie, be careful not to mix this movie with the truth of the Scripture. I pray that Christians will never replace this for the Biblical account.

In your prayers today, pray that God would give you great discernment as you prepare to go to movies with your family and for you to view yourself. Not just this movie, but all movies. Ask for God to show you if it would be bad for your family to watch a certain movie or not. Let Him guide every step of your life, even the kind of entertainment that you enjoy.

2007-06-18T14:27:00.000-05:00

A Thought to Start your Week

As you plan your times of prayer this week. Think on the words of the song "Sweet Hour of Prayer." May this help you see what prayer is. Then read in Matthew 6 where the Lord taught the people to pray. Meditate on that passage! Let God speak to you about what prayer really is.

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare. By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!The joys I feel, the bliss I share,
Of those whose anxious spirits burn With strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place Where God my Savior shows His face,
And gladly take my station there, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! May I thy consolation share,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,I view my home and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I’ll drop and rise To seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing through the air,“Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!”
- William Wolford, 1845

2007-06-14T17:46:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Father's Day

Romans 12:1-2, Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God- which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

In the 1920’s France decided it was time that they build a great line of defense to overcome any invasions by the Germans. They were highly afraid of another World War. Therefore, they decided that they should build a great wall of defense. So they built this large wall of defense. They placed forts in strategic locations, so that they could not be defeated. This wall stretched all around the perimeter of the country of France. They stopped the fort just shy of the border of Belgium, in one of the large forest regions. The leader of the country at the time felt no need in having that guarded, it would take years just to conquer the forest; or so he thought.

As the Second World War broke out, the general was confident in his safety because of the great wall. The Germans fast approached and stopped on the border. They acted as if they were not going to go through. The French rejoiced in their victory. Yet, what they did not realize was the loss they were about to take. The unguarded region was eventually walked through. In less than one month France was taken over. In less than three weeks, the capital of France was destroyed. What would take years to destroy in the eyes of the people was destroyed in less than a month. The untouchable people were destroyed quickly. The wall provided only a sense of protection.

I tell you the truth, we too face a great crisis today; one in which we face the potential to fall if we are not careful. How? The area that we should fear the most is that of being people who walk in the righteousness of Christ and pray with great passion for the people of God and for the lost world. Men, on this Father’s Day, God is calling you to be men of righteousness and men who would stand on the front lines praying intensely for their family.

Have we failed to remember the many dangers and hidden snares that await you and your family in this world? With the amount of snares, you can’t afford not to be praying. Have you realized the drug dealers that are waiting to lure your child in to their dream world? Have you noticed the man that desires to steal your wife away? Do you know that there are women out there that would desire to destroy your marriage? Have you failed to see the danger that awaits you and your families as you turn on the television? You say, oh that stuff will not happen to me. Yes it will! You say, I would not cheat on my wife; or my wife will not cheat on me. Yes, it can happen! Sin will cause it. Yet, stand with me and say, "by God’s grace; I will not turn my back on God!" By God’s grace I will fight for my family and the enemy will not win. He may take hold for a moment, but he will not win! We are under God’s grace, let us live like it and pray as if our family’s lives depended on it!

Men I plead with you today, to pray diligently for your families and for their trusting in God's grace!

2007-06-13T10:59:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Genesis 3:1-7

Now the serpent was more shrewd than any of the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Is it really true that God said, ‘You must not eat from any tree of the orchard’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit from the trees of the orchard; but concerning the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the orchard God said, ‘You must not eat from it, and you must not touch it, or else you will die.’” The serpent said to the woman, “Surely you will not die, for God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will open and you will be like divine beings who know good and evil.” When the woman saw that the tree produced fruit that was good for food, was attractive to the eye, and was desirable for making one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate it. She also gave some of it to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

As you read the story of the deception of Satan that brought sin into the world, be noticing of how he, Satan, was able to cause them to sin. Yes, he made it look enticing. He also twisted the Words of God around to make them sound better. Yet, Eve had all the provisions from God that she needed; Adam had all the food that any man could want. Yet, they felt they needed nourishment some other way. If Satan can convince you to trust in something or someone other than God for your provisions, then he has won that battle.

Satan will not cause us to sin as believers. We cause ourselves to sin. That is our struggle! What Satan will do, is cause us to trust and to turn to some other source, rather than turning to Christ. That is what he was trying to do to Job, and that is how he tricked Eve into eating of the fruit. The list could go on. Right now the church worldwide is struggling because we want to look like the 21st Century church and culture. What we need to do is look more like what Christ told us to be! We should be forsakers of all things to follow Christ; therefore, propelling us into faithful service to a lost world. Often times we are more concerned if we are relevant enough, rather than reaching our neighbors beside the church.

In your time of prayer today, seek out what you have been trusting in rather than God. Then ask Him to forgive you for failing to turn to Him in all situations.

2007-06-11T09:48:00.001-05:00

A Thought Concerning Amazing Grace

Is there anything greater to think upon than Christ? When we think of Christ; we ultimately think of salvation, death to sin, the great sacrifice, the Lamb of God, and many other thoughts that come to mind just thinking upon Christ. I am sure that often times you think of other things as well; hopefully you think of grace! Grace is an undeserved gift that comes from God, through Christ. Grace is God's loving kindness towards us that brings about our salvation. Without grace, we would be hopeless. Read the words of the original version of Amazing Grace. The last verse is different than what we have in today's hymn book. Meditate on all the words as you think upon God's Amazing Grace.

Amazing Grace
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,Will be forever mine!
- John Newton

In your quiet time today, read one of the gospel accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection, and then meditate on what God would have to say to you.

2007-06-08T08:57:00.001-05:00

A Thought to Learn Patience by the Example of Christ

Read the following and think upon the words that are expressed from a story found in Nelson's book of Illustrations. Even more, as you read this; think of your busyness, lack of patience, and the need to do only that which you know you can feasibly accomplish. Let the words speak to you and work in your heart.

Missionary J. O. Fraser who worked among the Lisu peoples of China, once commented about the necessity of waiting on the Lord to do His work without the frantic, panicked rushing about that characterizes much of our labor. He said:
In the biography of our Lord nothing is more noticeable than the quiet, even poise of His life. Never flustered whatever happened, never taken off His guard, however assailed by men or demons in the midst of fickle people, hostile rulers, faithless disciples—always calm, always collected. Christ the hard worker indeed—but doing no more, and no less, than God had appointed Him, and with no restlessness, no hurry, no worry. Was ever such a peaceful life lived, under conditions so perturbing?

Geraldine Taylor, Behind the Rangers: The Life-Changing Story of J. O. Fraser (Singapore: OMF International, 1998), 191. Morgan, Robert J.: Nelson's Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000, S. 602

2007-06-07T09:24:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Teens and Eternity

I was greatly concerned as I picked up the most recent Western Recorder (KY Baptist Newspaper). Within this issue, there was an article concerning teenagers and their view of eternity. The article begins by stating, "Many teens are confused about what it takes to get to heaven..." In this survey of more than 1000 teens, they found that, "only 28% of American teenagers who are trusting only in Jesus Christ as their means to get to heaven." Even more, the study found that 60% agree "that they will go to Heaven because they are religious." Others agreed that they will go to heaven because they are kind to others.

Have we driven our kids into the idea that they have to continually strive to please others that they feel the need to add to the cross for forgiveness? Or, have they watched as churches provide them no answer to the world's problems; therefore, they try to solve them on their own. Jesus Christ is the center of Christianity, He is all that will provide salvation. It may seem foolishness, as Paul taught, to those who are perishing; however, Christ and the cross through grace by God is our only hope of Heaven. There is nothing anyone can do to find favor in God's eyes. We must submit ourselves to Him, and trust in Christ for our salvation. His work was final, there is no other work for salvation.

In your prayers today, pray for the teenagers of the church. Lift them up to the Lord and pray that God will protect them from our world of confusion. Ask God to allow them to spread the truth to their peers and to all the world. Pray for your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc. asking God to grant unto them the ability to see their need for salvation and to call on Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. We must teach them the way of the cross, all others will lead to destruction!

2007-05-29T10:33:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Freedom

After observing another Memorial Day, I am convinced that many have lost the meaning of what the day symbolizes. The day, originally created to honor the troops who died in the North during the Civil War, is now designated to honour all of our fallen troops. Many too use the day to decorate the graves of loved ones who have passed away. Yet, the day is now designated more for cookouts, parties, and a celebration of summer. This way of celebrating, for the most part, takes away the true reason we celebrate. We should celebrate because of freedom in our country. There have been many throughout history, and even today, who will die for the freedom of America. Yet, we have taken the freedom and forgotten it.

I have no doubt, that this way of life is no different than many in Christianity. Christ died to set us free! He came to give us freedom from a bondage of slavery. Our master was sin, and that is what we lived for. Yet, at salvation Christ works to free you from your unrighteousness; therefore, giving you freedom. Christ death is freedom, His resurrection is new life in this freedom that we have. Yet, how often do we neglect such a great freedom? How often do we trample upon the grace that has been given. When you think of the work of Christ on the cross, remember Christ has set you free; LIVE IN IT!

Today in your prayer spend time meditating on Galatians 5:1!

2007-05-25T11:08:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning the Jesus of Today

Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ IS the same yesterday and today and forever!"

If the Christ of yesterday is the one who died for us and who was there in creation, then what does he do to stay the same today. He went in and stood in our place to intercede on our behalf in the past, but even today He still intercedes on our behalf. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, as our sin bearer, making the intercession for us.

Romans 8:34 states, "Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Concerning this verse, the Reformed Study Bible states, "There can be no condemnation for us if our enthroned sin-bearer intercedes for us in heaven.." Because of Christ death in the past, we have forgiveness. Because of Christ resurrection in the past we have new life. Because of Christ' position at the right hand of God we are no longer condemned! Rejoice Christian, Christ is the same person yesterday and today. He continually acts as priest on our behalf, making intercession so that we are not condemned, as we deserve, for our sins.

Meditate today upon Romans 8:31-39 and praise God that He has sent a Christ that remains the same yesterday and today!

2007-05-24T12:06:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning the Necessity of Proclaiming Christ

We live in a time that proclaiming Christ to all is necessary. As we look at the person of Christ, we must note in our mind that it is necessary, above all things, to proclaim Him in all places. Can you imagine a time when Christ was not proclaimed? If we are not careful that will happen. Can you imagine a Christless Christianity? That is even harder to imagine! Yet, that would be the devil's desire; to develop a Christianity where Christ was never proclaimed. You see, when Christ is proclaimed, Satan is on the defensive. The demons, according to James, believe and tremble. Michael S. Horton clears this matter up for us in his most recent article in Modern Reformation Magazine.

"What would things look like if Satan actually took over a city? The first frames in our imaginative slide show probably depict mayhem on a massive scales: widespread violence, deviant sexualities, pornography on every vending machines, churches closed down and worshipers drug off to City Hall. Over a half-century ago, Donald Grey Barnhouse, pastor of Philadelphia's Tenth Presbyterian Church, gave his CBS radio audience a different picture of what it would look like if Satan took control of a town in America. He said that all of the bars and pool halls would be closed, pornography banished, pristine streets and sidewalks would be occupied by tidy pedestrians who smiled at each other. There would be no swearing. The kids would answer 'Yes, sir,' 'No, Ma'am,' and the churches would be full on Sunday...where Christ is not preached."

You see it is not Satan's plan to start more casinos, fill up the bars, and have sexual acts displayed in the public. No, that comes from the heart of sinfully, deprived man. The thing that would prove Satan's work in the world would be the removal of Christ! For it is by the preaching of Christ that people hear the gospel, believe the gospel, repent of their sins, and become disciples of Christ. Let us never fail to uphold Christ, no matter how foolish it is to those who hear.

Suggested Prayer
Father, may I always proclaim Christ wherever I am at. Convict me when I have failed to proclaim the glory of Christ, for that too is your glory. I ask this through Christ. AMEN!

2007-05-23T11:17:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning The Yesterday Jesus

Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ IS the same yesterday and today and forever!"

As you think upon the Christ, who was in the beginning (John 1:1), we should be quickly reminded of the eternal nature of Christ. He was in the beginning, and He will be until the end. The Jesus who was there in creation, is the one who holds all things together (Colossians 1:17). Christ has always been! There was never a time that He was not.

When speaking of Christ as the one who there are creation, we must too look before the world created when He was the sacrificial lamb that God would send into the world among a sinful people. This Lamb went to the cross, thereby, preparing us a way to have fellowship with God. The Christ of yesterday went to the cross on our behalf, so that we might have forgiveness of sin. He went to the cross so that we would have access to the Father. He did this out of obedience to the Father and out of a love that only flowed from the Father.

Even though the blood was shed in yesterday's time, we can rejoice because the blood will cleanse today and forever. Because of Christ, we no longer have to make a yearly sacrifice. He is the final sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. May we be ever grateful for the Christ of yesterday, who offered Himself for us on the cross.

Down at the cross where my Savior died,
Down where for cleansing from sin I cried,
There to my heart was the blood applied;
GLORY TO HIS NAME!
- Elisha Hoffman

Suggested Prayer:
Father, we praise you this day for your Son Jesus! We thank you that He is eternal and that His blood will cleanse always. I am grateful today and always for the blood that was shed on my behalf. I thank you, Father, for granting me access to come to your throne because of Christ. It is through Him that I can come boldly and pray before you. Thank you for sending your Son on my behalf, I know I could never pay the debt of sin. For it is in the precious name of Christ that I pray, AMEN!

2007-05-22T11:48:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Christ

Recently, we looked at several names of God that are found in the Old Testament. For the next few post, I wish to share with you thoughts concerning who we believe Christ to be. Search out the scriptures and read of Christ as you find these words fulfilled there. Grow to love Him more daily as you search more of Him. I challenge you to read in one of the Gospels the stories of Christ and what He has done for you and for others. I share with you today from the Westminster Confession of Faith concerning Christ.

The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance and equal with the Father, did, when the fullness of time was come, take upon Him man's nature, with all the essential properties, and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin; being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance. So that two whole, perfect and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably jointed together in one person, without conversion, composition or confusion. Which person is very God, and very man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man (Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter Two: Section 2).

Within the above passage from the confession of faith, we see Christ as fully man yet also fully God. We find such great thought concerning the one who came to dwell among us and to die for us. Learn of Him today, love Him more today, and worship Him in all areas of your life today.

Take time to meditate upon Colossians 1: 13-23

2007-05-17T10:46:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning the Word of God

2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

We must trust in all of the Word of God. It is all useful for us, we cannot accept the parts that we like. We must take it all in, from Genesis to Revelation. The Word of God will work in your heart to prepare you for daily living. Think upon the following quote by C.H. Spurgeon and let it minister to your heart today.

I would recommend you either believe God up to the hilt, or else not to believe at all. Believe this book of God, every letter of it, or else reject it. There is no logical standing place between the two. Be satisfied with nothing less than a faith that swims in the deeps of divine revelation; a faith that paddles about the edge of the water is poor faith at best. It is little better than a dry-land faith, and is not good for much.

2007-05-16T09:45:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Jerry Falwell

Today, many across the country continue to mourn the loss of an outspoken pastor. Often times he spoke wrongly, as many do in our world. However, his impact as pastor, founder of Liberty University, and speaker for those who wish to see good in America will be remembered for the ages. While reading the opinion of many, I am completely convinced that our world is in chaos. There are many that are celebrating his death. Not the fact that he lived a good life, but the fact that he is dead. What a sad world we live in!

I never completely agreed with Falwell in all that he said. Yet, if we were to think about it; how many in the world do you 100% agree with. Falwell made statements that many viewed as hate statements, and often times they came across as that. Yet, those complaining of his statements of hate, are now taking the opportunity to hate in return. They are slandering him, even in his death. Let us not remember the statements about 9/11. Let us remember that he started with a congregation of 35 members, and now that congregation has nearly 24,000 members. Let us remember his heart to see people come to Christ and that is evident in his witness of how he brought the church up. God has used Mr. Falwell in many ways, let us rejoice in the many he led to Christ through the preaching of the gospel; and let us be grateful for the many men and women that he helped prepare for the ministry at Liberty University.

Suggested Prayer:
Father, we are grateful for a servant such as Mr. Falwell. Many people are focusing on his faults, yet Father we recognize we have our own faults. We thank you for the faithful service of Jerry Falwell. We pray for his family, co-workers, and many friends during this time of grieving. Father, give us boldness to go into the world and take a stand for Christianity. For it is in the name of the One who gives life, Jesus Christ. AMEN!

2007-05-15T11:08:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Restoration

Genesis 8:21, "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done."

In Genesis 8, we see God restoring the land after the Great Flood. Once Noah and his family was able to come out of the ark, Noah built and altar before the Lord. Noah became as a priest, as he sacrificed clean animals and clean birds as a burnt offering. The idea of clean animals and birds was a picture of what was to come in the sacrificial system of the law. This not only is a picture of the sacrificial system to come, but also a picture of the pure sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

Once the sacrifice has been made by priest Noah, God found the aroma pleasing. Meaning that the sacrifice was acceptable to God as a propitiation (appeasement) for sin. In other words, the sacrifice satisfied God's wrath. Therefore, God, in His heart, stated that He will not destroy all creatures in the way He has done. He will not flood the earth. This sacrifice that appeased God's wrath on man kind was a picture of the final sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. By His death on the cross, the wrath of God is satisfied for those who would believe. God offers to restore us, not by a sacrifice that we prepare; but by the sacrifice that He prepared, through His Son, on the cross.

Let us be ever grateful for the restoration that God offers to our depraved souls. The inclinations of our heart are evil. Yet, God in His mercy did not destroy us. He took His Son, sacrificed Him on our behalf; thereby, restoring the hearts of those who would trust in Him. Believers in Christ, the wrath is gone it has been satisfied. Rejoice and tell others what Christ has done.

Suggested Prayer:
Our great God of restoration, we praise you this day for sending one who could satisfy your wrath because of our sins. Forgive us for the times that we have failed to recognize such a great gift that you have given. Forgive us too, for the sins that we have committed. I praise you for saving me, yet Lord I know I am in need of forgiveness often. Thank you for not leaving me. Help me to resist the paths of sin, lead me through the paths of righteousness. For it is in the name of the One who paid the price for our sins, AMEN.

2007-05-11T10:04:00.000-05:00

A Mother's Day Prayer

Today, in honor of all the Mothers that read this; I have included a Mother's Day Prayer. This is found in a book of worship helps, with an author that is unknown. It comes from Psalm 90, meditate on that passage as well as the prayer. Say a special prayer for the mom that God has given you, or the mom that you once had.

Lord as we thank you for our mothers, we ask You to be their dwelling place, reminding them that from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Teach them to number their days, to seize each moment, to avail themselves of every opportunity to trust You and encourage us. Teach them to satisfy their children early with Your love, that these youngsters may rejoice and be glad all their days. Bless our Mothers. Establish Thou the work of their hands. In Christ we pray, AMEN.

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-09T21:50:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning God's Love in Us

When thinking of the Love of God we must think upon how God works within us in that love. We too must see that there are attributes that God has that He also shares with us. Those attributes are called communicable attributes. Think upon how God's love shapes your life as read the following.
The attribute of love is a communicable attribute of God. “God’s love means that God eternally gives of Himself to others” (Grudem, 198). We find in 1 John 1:8 that God is love. God is a God who has given Himself to us through His Son, because He so loved us (John 3:16). God’s love is a standard that we cannot fully attain in our personal lives. His love is far greater than the human mind can comprehend. This love is evident too in the person of Jesus Christ, as He gave Himself up for us. Therefore, the love of God is giving, it is sacrificial, and this love is extended to all people.
How then does God give us His attribute of love? Jesus proclaimed that we should, “love the Lord your God with all your heart, sand with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Therefore, we express our love that God has given us by loving Him in return. The second portion of our love that God has given to us comes in the next statement in that same chapter by Jesus. In Matthew 22:39 we find that we are to, “love our neighbor as yourself.” In understanding this amazing love of God that has been given as an attribute to us, we find that we are to love God above all because He first loved us; and secondly we are to have that deep love for our neighbor. We must realize that we can only have a love that is honoring unto God because God has given us that attribute as believers. Non-Christians are unable to love the Lord with all their heart because of sin. It is too against the nature of man to love others above themselves. Not to say non-Christians do not have sacrificial love because they do; it is to say that only God can provide in our hearts a desire to love like that.

2007-05-02T12:17:00.000-05:00

A Thought about Desiring God

I wish to share with you a reading by John Wesley. Ask yourself, "Do I desire God above all things?" Then ask God, "Do I desire you above all things." Here are the words of Wesley:

"Beware of desiring anything other than God. Jesus said, 'The eyes is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good your whole body shall be full of light.' Do not allow the desire for tasteful food or any other pleasure of the senses, the desire for pleasing the eye or the imagination, the desire for money or praise or power, to rule you. While you have the ability to fell these desires, you are not compelled to feel them. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free."

Do away with everything that you care about, more than your Savior! The passage that Wesley mentions comes from Matthew six when Jesus was speaking of storing up treasures. What are your eyes fixed upon? Remember the words of Paul in Colossians when he said for us to set our eyes towards heaven. Let us take a deep look at who we are in Christ today.

2007-04-30T09:23:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Yahweh Ro'i

One of the most popular Psalms begins like this, "The Lord is my Shepherd..."(Psalm 23:1). Yahweh Ro'i is the name that was used of God to say that He is our Shepherd. He is the one that will continually lead us into the paths that we must go. Often times that path leads us beside still waters and in the green pastures; however, other times we are led into the valley of the shadow of death. Yet, with our Yahweh Ro'i we fear no evil. We have no fear of the valley because we know that the Great Shepherd is leading us and will keep us in His hands.

Even though we recognize Him as the Great Shepherd we still have great fears that slip into our lives. The uncertainty of the path ahead often plagues our daily life. We can't see into the future and we as Christians are called to "trust and obey." Catherine of Genoa stated, "The creature is incapable of knowing anything except what God gives to it from day to day. If it (we) knew beforehand what God intends for it (us), we would never be at peace." What a powerful quote! We need to put that into perspective as we fear for the future.

Know that God is guiding us and that He is the Great Shepherd. He is the one that will go before us and "work our all things for the good of those who love Him." We must too remember that what is often times good for us according to God, may not be what we would consider good to us. Just trust that He is the One that is leading you. Truly, if you could see what God had for us in the future, we would fear more than with the uncertainties of the future.

Suggested Prayer:
Jehovah Ro'i, we praise you for leading us into the green pastures and beside the still waters. We too praise you for leading us into the valley of the shadow of death. We trust that where you lead we will be kept by your grace, and for that we have no fear. We submit to you as our Shepherd asking you to lead us. Convict our hearts if we are failing to follow your plan. Father thank you for all that you have led us through and all you will lead us through. It is in the name of Christ that we pray. AMEN!

2007-04-26T11:41:00.000-05:00

A Quick Thought Concerning Job

I will have a name of God on the blog tomorrow; however, I wish to share something from the reading of the one year Bible plan. If you are following along on the blog or you plan to get the plan on Sunday, read this passage and read it again and again.

Job 1:1-5
In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. He had seven sons and three yoke of Oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest among all the people of the East. His sons used to take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When a period of feasting had run its course Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." This was Job's regular custom.

Notice v. 1, that Job was a blameless and upright person, and He had a fear of the Lord and hated evil. God's righteousness was upon Job, just look at how much he hated sin and wished even for his children to do good and follow God. After each feast was over he would have the children purified, and then offer a burnt offering early in the morning. Do you hate sin so much, and desire that your children live a life of Godliness that you are consistently on your knees praying for their salvation (if they have not been saved); or if they have been saved are you praying that they would stay clear of sin and be protected by the power of the Holy Spirit. I challenge you to start today. Read again the parts of Job that are in bold above, let it minister to you as the Spirit leads.

2007-04-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Yahweh Shalom

We are introduced to a key character in the Bible in Judges chapter six, who has a name of Gideon. Gideon lived in a day when the Midianites had control of Israel because of the wickedness of the Israelites. Once the Israelites had cried out in their great oppression, God called Gideon through an angel that sat down to speak with him. The angel gave him the clear instruction that he was going to lead the people out of their bondage. Of course, as human instinct sets in Gideon made many excuses. Therefore, Gideon wanted a sign that God would be with Him as it was promised. So Gideon prepared a sacrifice, and the sacrifice was consumed with great power. At that moment the angel left Gideon.

Gideon, even though a doubter over a calling from God, came to a point where he had overcome his fears. He cried out to the Sovereign Lord, and the Lord promised Gideon peace and the affirmation that he would not die in the battle for the Israelites. Therefore, Gideon built an altar and called it, Yahweh Shalom. God had shown forth His peace to Gideon over what looked like an impossible situation.

Today, God has not placed an angel in your life to comfort you. We now have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling in our hearts that Jesus called our, "Comforter." You may think that you have impossible task that God called you to and that you will not be able to complete them. Call on the Sovereign Lord, because He was Yahweh Shalom in the OT, and He will be Yahweh Shalom until; the end of times.

Suggested Prayer
Yahweh Shalom, we thank you for the peace that is granted unto us by your Son, Jesus Christ. We rejoice that if we accept Him as our Savior that you free us from sin, give us peace with You, and place the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. We realize that you truly are the God who gives us peace, and for that we praise you. Father, I need peace in my situation. And my situation is ________________, Sovereign Lord may I trust in you to grant the peace in due time. For it is in the Name Above all Names that we pray, AMEN!

2007-04-23T10:37:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning El'Elyon

As often noted, God is given many names in the Old Testament that describe His character. We find within these character traits ways in which God has worked throughout history in the lives of His people. The name El'Elyon is no different. The name was ascribed to God in the blessing of Abram by Melchizedek. Genesis 14:19 states, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of Heaven and Earth.” This name of God Most High was used again two additional times in the description of God’s Lordship. The name that is given is El’Elyon, which means “Most High God.” According to the Theological Dictionary, “El’Elyon denotes exaltation and prerogative and belongs to ‘monarchical theology,’ for it speaks of absolute right to Lordship.” He is the God that is set apart above all others with this name. This name speaks of His strength, sovereignty, and supremacy above all things.
Theologically speaking, the God who is above all shows Him as distinct from all other gods. Melchizedek proclaimed, in the blessing of Abram, by saying that God is the, “possessor of Heaven and of Earth.” This declares that God possess all things. Our understanding of God should be shaped by the fact that He and He alone is Lord over all. We find that the God most High is the giver of the kingdom to His saints (Daniel 7:18), the possessor of judgment (Daniel 7:22), and the possessor of time (Daniel 7:25). Ultimately, this name El’Elyon describes God’s transcendence because He is set apart and far above all.

Suggested Prayer
El'Elyon, we recognize that you are Sovereign over creation. We see that you are exalted above all and that you are the God that posses all. We praise you in your transcendence, that you are the God that is seated on your throne. We realize that you are the high and exalted King. Father, we too thank you that you came near to us through your Son Jesus Christ so that we might have access to you. May we always acknowledge your supremacy over our lives, and when we fail to do so convict us of our unwillingness to trust you. For it is in the name of the One who gave us access, AMEN!

2007-04-18T17:52:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Jehovah-Jireh

I wish to continue to give you a few of the names that are found of God in the Old Testament. One comes from the story of Abraham having to take his only son Isaac to the altar fro sacrifice. This story is found in Genesis 22. And it is within this story that the sacrifice was like no other. As Isaac asked the Father, "Where is the Lamb?" Abraham trusted and replied with, "God will provide." However, the one to be slain that day was Isaac. Just as Abraham was about to slay Isaac, a call from heaven came to Abraham. As Abraham looked over God had provided a lamb.

Abraham goes on to name the place in verse fourteen of that chapter, "The Lord Will Provide." That name in Hebrew is Jehovah-Jireh. What a beautiful name of the Lord. He is the covenant God, which is what Lord means. And He has made a covenant with His people. Part of that covenant flows from His very nature, providing for His people.

The greatest way that our Jehovah Jireh has provided for us is through the lamb that was slain on our behalf. That was the lamb that God provided in our place. I am sure there are many other instances where God has provided for you. Reflect on those today and may they go to work in your heart and in your life as you praise the Lord who will provide.

Suggested Prayer

Jehovah Jireh, we call on your name as our covenant Lord who provides. We praise you for providing for all our needs and providing for us. Most importantly we praise you for providing us our lamb that was slain for our sins. For it is through Him that we pray and we rejoice in that even now. Forgive me when I have failed to notice the many ways that you have provided for me and that I have kept glory for myself for those things that I have. For it is through the name of the Lamb that was provided for us! AMEN!

2007-04-16T15:00:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning El'Olam

Have you ever contemplated the thought that we serve a God that is everlasting. He is a God that is unchanging, He is a God that is inexhaustabile. Our God, does not tire out or fail. His works are from beginning to end. He is the first of all things and He will be here when all of life is over. The word El'Olam is an Old Testament name of God that is given to mean the "everlasting God."

In this world, all that we own will one day vanish. It does not matter if it rust, burns up, or just sits there until you are gone; fact is that we will lose all that we have on this Earth. We willl exchange this life for something far greater. However, we must recognize that our God is the one who does not chage. He is Everlasting. Have you ever noticed that the Duracell batteries that are supposed to keep going and going and going are eventually in the garbage because they have exhausted their use. God does not run out, He is everlasting.

Suggested Prayer
El'Olam, thank you for being everlasting. Thank you for being the One that does not change and that does not fail us. You alone are everalasting, and because you are everlasting we realize that we are not. Therefore, we thank you that through your Son, we can have everlasting life with you. Guide us so that we take the message that you are the God that does not change, but continues on forever. Help us to share the message boldly to a world that is quickly fading away. For it is in the name of Christ that we pray. AMEN!

2007-04-12T13:14:00.000-05:00

A Thought About Knowing God

Galatians 4:9, "Now that you know God-or rather are known by God.

Do we really know God? Can we ever gain an understanding of His fullness? You see our knowing God is not dependent upon our knowledge of the Holy, but it is dependent on the Holy One's knowledge of us. We can never fully know all there is to know about God, it is impossible. Our feeble minds cannot comprehend all of His greatness. Yes, the heavens declare His majesty; yet even they cannot display all of the glory. However, the fact that He knows us as His child changes things completely. The fact that He knows who we are, means we are His children; and if we are a child of God we will spend all of eternity getting to know who God is.

Look at how J. I. Packer in his book Knowing God describes God knowing us. "I am graven on the palms of His hands. I am never out of His mind. All my knowledge of Him depends on his sustained initiative in knowing me. I know Him because He first knew me, and continues to know me. He knows me as a friend, one who loves me; and there is no moment when His eye is off me, or His attention distracted from me, and no moment, when his care falters."

Suggested Prayer,
Father, it is a true joy to know I can call you Father. When I could not come to you; you provided a way by first coming to me. I realize that I could never contain your glory in my feeble mind. I recognize, however, that you are the Holy God who knows me. Therefore, I have the opportunity of knowing who you are. Thank you Father for sending your Son so that I might have access to know you. I also know that I am not worthy enough to call you friend, yet you call me friend. I know that I am not worthy to be your son, yet you call me child. Help me Father to glory in you alone and recognize that it is by your grace alone that I am able to come to you. I trust this through faith knowing that you hear my cry. In the name of the One who came, who died, and who now lives forevermore. AMEN!

2007-04-10T12:44:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning the God Who Lives

Psalm 18:46, "The Lord is alive! My protector is praiseworthy! The God who delivers me is exalted as king!

God never leaves you; He even acts in the past, present and has planned the future to provide for you. This is not a God who is dead, but one that is living. He protects us from the ways of evil and delivers us from the paths of unrighteousness. In the midst of our trials, He is the One that is walking beside of us and going before us. He is the immovable rock who gives us strength (Psalm 18:31-32), and He is the God who illuminates our darkness (Psalm 18:28).

Days of trials are very common in the life of all people. Suffering is one universal experience that we all share. We realize that all suffer in various ways and not one person's trial is the same as the other. However, we affirm that we all suffer. The great news about those who are born again is that we serve a LIVING GOD who protects us. Does that mean we are protected from suffering? NO! It does mean that He provides us strength, and in that strength; it may mean that we lose our life. If that is so, we spend eternity with the eternal God.

Rejoice, HE IS ALIVE!

Suggested Prayer,
Our Immovable Rock, we praise you for being our strength and our protection. You are the God who cares for us despite our often disobedience. Forgive me for the many times that I have failed you today. May I proclaim in all places, at all times that you are alive. You are the God that makes my way blameless, help me to set my eyes on that way. In the name of the Risen Christ, AMEN!

2007-04-09T12:49:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning the Day After

The day after Easter poses a problem and an opportunity for those who are Christians. The day after Easter should be a day of fresh renewal after celebrating the resurrection of our Lord. What you do with the renewal will either present a problem or an opportunity. The problem comes when we do nothing with the renewal that we have within our lives. The opportunity comes when we take this renewal of the joy of our salvation and share it with gladness.

What will you do today, tomorrow, and the rest of the week? Will the message affect you, or will your life stay the same? We must, with gladness, share the good news of our Lord. The day after Easter is when the hearts of many lost people are left in search of something. Many of the lost went searching for a place to belong on Easter Sunday, will you take the lead and help them continue their search.

Suggested Prayer:
Father, thank you for Resurrection Sunday. Thank you for the fellowship of the believers in our church yesterday. Help me to search out the lost, who I recognize need you so much. I understand that there are many searching for an answer today, help me to show them that you are the way. I thank you for the gift of salvation that you have given unto me. For it is in the name of the one who gave His life and is alive forever more. AMEN!

2007-04-04T11:34:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning His Pain Before Being Handed Over
Holy Week 2007

Luke 22:44, "And being in anguish he prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."

Have you ever considered the pain that Christ went through before He was even handed over for the Crucifixion. Even upon entry into Jerusalem He wept. The pain of Jesus who could see the sin of man, and then realizing that He was to be the sacrifice for those sins. The pain became so great that while praying blood fell. He was in the midst of the recognition that He would do the Father's will and the cup would not pass from Him. The words of John MacArthur best express this:

"Before He ever set foot in that garden, He knew the awful truth about what He would have to endure. But He was nonetheless prepared to submit Himself completely and unreservedly to the Father’s will, in order to accomplish the eternal; plan of redemption.

In His prayers that night He grappled with these very issues in the most candid terms. It is one of the most astonishing and mysterious passages in all of scripture. It reveals His own striving with the terrifying reality of what He was about to endure. Here we have an amazing window into the heart of the God-man" (The Murder of Jesus, John MacArthur).

Suggested Prayer:

Father, I can never understand the great grief that you Son went through on my behalf. I do, however, praise you for the gift of salvation that was bought upon the cross. I thank you that your Son loved me so much that He would die for my sins. May I always proclaim the cross and the resurrection. May I always be reminded of the great grief that He went through on my behalf. For it is in the name of the Spotless, Lamb that was slain. AMEN

2007-04-02T10:34:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning His Death
HOLY WEEK 2007

Isaiah 6:5-6 "'Woe to me!' I cried. 'I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lip, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.' Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, 'See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.'"

We must come to a clear recognition that when Christ died on the cross, He did for us what we could not do. There was no way for us to find our own cleansing from the enslaving power of sin. Just as Isaiah, when he had seen the Lord, recognized there was a great need for his sins to be removed. The amazing part of this passage comes from the angel coming and touching Isaiah's lips with the coal to atone for the sins. We do not even see Isaiah try to find his own forgiveness, it came to Him.

We celebrate this week in great amazement of the wondrous love that Christ had for us. Take time each day this week and meditate upon Christ death for us. May you recognize that when you could not go to God; God sent forth His Son to provide the way. We couldn't do it, but Christ can. Recognize that our weaknesses and impossibilities becomes God's strengths and possibilities. God is the One and only One who will provide your way. Call out to Jesus in the midst of your sins and He will forgive you of all unrighteousness.

Suggested Prayer:
Father, thank you for access through your Son, Jesus. It is through Him that we come to you, seeking all that you would have for us today. Open our hearts to your Word, help us to gain a greater awareness of your power and might over our lives. May we recognize the greatness of your power. May we see you in your glory and confess before you our sinfulness. For it is in the name of the Risen Christ that we pray. AMEN!

2007-03-28T15:57:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning His Holiness

Today, I want you to reflect on an old hymn that centers completely on the holiness of God. God is holy, that is who He is. So read closely and let the Lord bless you.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

2007-03-26T11:08:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning His Knowledge

This morning I challenge you in your prayer time to recognize the great knowledge and power of our awesome God. Instead of a guided prayer, read Psalm 139:1-10 which is below, and meditate upon it. Make it your prayer. Study this passage and enjoy the time with God in this Psalm. Cultivate a daily habit of acknowledging the great knowledge of God through your prayers. Read the Psalms with great enthusiasm and use them as your words to the Father.

Psalm 139:1-10 (Net Bible)
O Lord, you examine me and know.
You know when I sit down and when I get up;
even from far away you understand my motives.
You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest;
you are aware of everything I do.
Certainly my tongue does not frame a word
without you, O Lord, being thoroughly aware of it.
You squeeze me in from behind and in front;
you place your hand on me.
Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension;
it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it.
Where can I go to escape your spirit?
Where can I flee to escape your presence?
If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there.
If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.
If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn,
and settle down on the other side of the sea,
even there your hand would guide me,
your right hand would grab hold of me.

2007-03-23T09:14:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Theology

In today's culture the knowledge of the scripture has continually decreased. With the knowledge decreasing the amount of sound doctrine has likewise decreased in all places. All Christians should recognize that there is a great need to have a base of what they believe and why they believe it. 1 Timothy 4:3 states, "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." Let us not be ones who caters to those with itching ears, let us stand for the truths of scripture. I have included a study of why we study theology. Take time to look over that and truly think upon the importance of studying the Word to build your beliefs. There are eight reasons listed, take time to check each one personally.

WHY SHOULD WE STUDY THEOLOGY

“American culture is arguably heading more and more in an entertainment oriented and anti-intellectual direction, and this approach is not without its effects on American Christianity” (Shane Rosenthal, “Why Study Theology”). As Americans continue to have the mindset described by Rosenthal it is clear to understand that we are facing a near crisis. With this outcry of entertainment and a desire not to use the intellect we face a potential generation who has no understanding of the depths of scripture. This will lead to a weak and superficial Christianity. The Bible has been created so that we can know the God whom we worship, yet when we stop consulting it we have a potential for having false worship. If we fail to read the great need to spread the message of Christ to all nations, many more people will enter hell without ever hearing the good new of Christ. It is time to have a deeper knowledge of Christ and we must find it in the study of theology.
We must first deal with the question of, “What is theology?” I believe that a simple definition of theology would be the study of God. This definition is very broad, yet we find in this definition many things such as our sinfulness, the gift of Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit, the second coming of Christ, and many other key truths. Within the subject of theology we need to recognize that the need for studying theology comes in eight distinct areas. Those areas are for the teaching ministry, interpretation of scripture, a defense of the truth, reformation concerns, apologetic concerns, ethical concerns, missions, and worship. We need a clear understanding of theology to be able to accomplish all eight of those areas. Let us look at these eight reasons with a focus on scripture to gain a clearer understanding of why we study scripture.
1. We study theology for the purpose of teaching.
Those who desire to be ones that will teach at any level within the ministry of the church must study theology. How should one who teaches lead others to learn the scripture, if that person has not first learned the most basic principles themselves? Colossians 1:28 says, “We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” According to Paul there is a great task given to teachers because the teacher is trying to present everyone perfect in Christ. Paul states that he teaches with wisdom. How can one teach with wisdom, if they do not have the knowledge to teach? The teacher must be constantly studying the depths of scripture and prepared for the ministry of proclaiming God’s Word to people who need to hear the great depths of scripture.
2. We study theology for the purpose of interpretation.
This purpose goes back to that of Colossians 1:28 where Paul mentions that we teach with “wisdom.” It would be unintelligible to just pick and choose certain things within the scripture and declare it your beliefs. By doing this we would end up taking scripture out of context and we would not have a clear understanding of what the entire Bible teaches on certain points of scripture. We must interpret the scripture in light of the author’s intent of meaning and we find that intended meaning by searching through the entire text of scripture. Once we have this text we are able to interpret, and for that reason it makes the study of God much clearer.
3. We study theology for the purpose of defending the truth.
There is a distortion of truth that has taken place among our churches today because of a lack of understanding theology. Because of this, we must be diligent in studying theology so that we can have a defense of the gospel. The Apostles in Acts 15 had to stand for a defense of the truth and they had to defend themselves against a group of religious leaders. In this instance of scripture they were trying to stand against the teaching of circumcision for salvation. During this time there had been many gentiles who had come to know the Lord and the religious leaders were trying to require circumcision. The believers gathered together and shared scripture and from this were able to stand up for the truth against the demands of the religious leaders. We too must be prepared to defend the truth of the scripture.
4. We study theology for the concern of reformation.
If our culture is anti-intellectual and entertainment driven we must in some way curb that and give the people of God a Biblical mindset. The only way for a person to have their minds cleared from the garbage that is placed in daily will be to turn to the Lord’s word and search it out in the scriptures. While searching through the depths of scripture they will see a need for a renewal in the mind. We too must have that daily renewal. Paul states in Romans 12:1, “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.” Studying theology will change our mind from the pattern of the world and then we will be able to see where God will lead us and to see how to stay in His will.
5. We study theology to be able to answer the question from the non-believers.
In the midst of teaching his readers to stand strong in persecution, Peter taught them the need to have a sound theology. He states in 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” Peter understood that in any culture, persecution or not, people will wonder about the hope that you have. How can we expect to defend the hope that we have if we do not know about that hope ourselves. We study theology so that we can reach out to the unbelievers effectively and not with disrespect.
6. We study theology for the sake of ethics.
Do we know why we conduct ourselves in the manner we do when it comes to obeying the standards that are set before us in our society? It is within our human nature to be disobedient and to go against the rules. Yet, with a clear study of theology we understand more clearly why we don’t go against the rules. Jeremiah ask the question, “Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other god you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my name, and say, ‘we are safe’-safe to do all these detestable things” (Jeremiah 7:9-10)? Our theology gives us this understanding of what is ethical and unethical.
7. We study theology to be prepared to meet with other religions in missions.
Can a missionary answer the question, “Why can’t I serve many gods?” without ever studying theology? Absolutely not, it is because of theology that they are able to gain an understanding of who the One God is. If we have no knowledge of this God it will be very difficult to proclaim our God to a culture who has never heard. This goes back again to 1 Peter where we are to be ready to reveal why we have the hope that we do in Christ.
8. We need theology to appropriately know how to worship.
John 4:24 tells us that, “God is Spirit, and His worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth.” How can one worship in truth if they don’t know the truth. Truth is found by studying the Word of God and gaining and understanding from it. As we build our theology we learn more and more of how to worship.

2007-03-21T08:49:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning Prayer

1 Thes. 5:17, "Pray without Ceasing."

Is there any more simple command in the Bible that comes with more difficulty? We all have many excuses not to pray, yet if we recognize the great need of prayer in our life we will realize we can't live without it. We are all too busy, yet one author said if you are too busy to pray at the end of the day then you are really just too busy. Prayer is what will keep us going because it is there that God fills us and sustains us.

May we all never forget the necessity of prayer. Whether your time be in the morning or in the evening, pray! Find your quiet place and spend those moments with God. It will be the only thing that will help you prioritize your life so that you are not too busy to pray. And if you ever feel that you are beyond the need of prayer, then pray for forgiveness because you have declared your independence from God. Spend time with Him today, let it fill you with great joy.

Suggested Prayer:
Father, I know that I am not always faithful in prayer. However, I know that I am in great need of you and I need to depend on you for everything. You are my strength, I am completely nothing without you. I will trust in you for all things and I make my commitment to be more faithful in prayer today than I was yesterday. And I will build off this commitment each day. For it is in the name of the One who provided my ability to pray. Amen!

2007-03-19T11:50:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning the Hidden Sin

Romans 7:24-25, "What a wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin" (NIV)

We are so often caught into the power and grips of sin. So much that we become slaves to sin. However, as children of God we have this realization that sin cannot dwell within us. With the sin that is trying to dwell in us and the Spirit of God working in us to stop that nature we have a constant battle for the purity of our soul. In our weakness we often give in to sin, only later burying that sin deeper and deeper. Don't you think it is time to confess that sin before God and begin to live as a slave to God's law and not a slave to sin. In the question of "why not now?", St. Augustine answers this fully. Please spend time and read this quote by Augustine and let it dwell richly in you with the scripture of Romans 7 in your mind at the same time.

"I probed the hidden depths of my soul and wrung its pitiful secretes from it, and when I mustered them all before the eyes of my heart, a great storm broke within me. Somehow I flung myself down beneath a fig tree and gave way to the tears which now streamed from my eyes. For I felt that I was still in the captive of my sins and in misery I kept crying, 'How long shall I go on saying, 'Tomorrow, tomorrow?' Why not now? Why not make an end of my ugly sins at this moment.'"

Suggested Prayer:
Father, in our hearts we bury sin so deep. Often times we let the sin tear at us until we have nothing left. Uncover my hidden secrets which are already revealed in Your light. Show me what I need to confess and help me to repent of those sins not just try to forget them. I know that I often times hide from my sins, help me to face the wrong that I have done to you. I recognize that my sin requires justice before you, thank you for sending your Son to provide my salvation and bringing justice to my sins. For it is by your grace and through your Son that I pray! AMEN!

2007-03-14T12:17:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning the Way God Reveals Himself

In today's devotional I have included a paper that I wrote concerning the revelation of God. God reveals Himself to us in many ways, but there is a distinct difference in the way God reveals Himself in nature and the way He does so for those who hear the message. Take time to read the passage from Romans 1:18-32 before you begin to read the article. It is a little long, however, take time to read it!

THE DOCTRINE OF GENERAL REVELATION:
A LOOK AT ROMANS 1:18-32

Revelation of God describes the way in which He reveals Himself to His people. While preparing to study such a mystery, we must realize that God has made Himself known in two distinct ways. The way that all people see the glory of God is through general revelation. We will sometimes see that general revelation is defined as natural revelation. Special revelation is the other way in which God makes Himself known, through the person of Jesus Christ. Both types of revelation reveals the glory of God, yet only special revelation will draw us into a saving faith.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). This verse can be used as a principal to define how God reveals Himself to all creation. We are able, through the heavens; to see that there is a God. Our text, in verse 20 even declares that “since the creation God’s invisible qualities…have been clearly seen.” Through creation man should not only be able to just see the glory of God, they should be able to know and understand what has been made (v.20). Even verse 19 declares to us, “Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.”
Even though all men can see that God is God through creation, this is not a saving knowledge. There must be an understanding that the word know in verse 19 is a word that is used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe general knowledge about something or someone. The word is often used to describe someone who is an acquaintance. Thomas Schreiner in his commentary on Romans states, “The knowledge of God described is hardly a saving knowledge. Paul’s purpose is to show that the knowledge of God that all people have through observing the created order is suppressed (v.18) and distorted (v.21-23), so that all without exception have no excuse (v.20)” (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, 85).
God’s revelation through nature, fails to have saving implications because of the depravity of man. F.F. Bruce in his commentary on Romans stated, “They had the knowledge of God available to them, but did not see fit to acknowledge God” (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, 78). They knew who God was and failed to glorify God (v.20); therefore, God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts (v. 24). Man was failing to glorify God for who He was and made idols, and yet it did not stop there. Once they were worshipping other gods, they exchanged natural relations between man and woman and had homosexual relations. They were given over in the depravity of mind as they did not see it necessary to have this knowledge and were filled with evil of every kind (v.28-31). Because of the depravity of man it is clear to see from the evidence of scripture that natural revelation is not saving knowledge.
Since the time that sin entered the world, man has had the inability to recognize God in His majesty, even through His power of creation. We must even look at the way in which God dealt with the people in the days of Noah. God destroyed all the earth and the people on it except for the eight that was saved through God’s grace on the ark. After the flood man continued in their sinfulness, they were unable to see the consequence of their depravity, even after sin caused the earth to be destroyed. One can recognize that the God of creation demands such a decree as deserving of death for committing sin (v.32); therefore, one would assume that with this general revelation man would turn from their sin and live to glorify the Almighty. Yet, because of the depravity they continue in the sin.
General revelation is not enough for people to see their separation from the holy God. Even if they could recognize the great separation, there is nothing in nature that reveals their way to the creator. It is only through the special revelation of the Son of God that man is able to see their sinfulness. Jesus Christ claimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). Many will not even see the great revelation, given by God, upon the cross because of their failure to listen to the message of Jesus Christ. It was by His death that we are declared not guilty from our unrighteousness. We find in Romans 1:17, “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed.” There is no option for the unbeliever. For anyone to be able to cast aside the idols that they worship, put away the unnatural relations, and to go to the throne of God; all must go the way of the cross. At the cross God has revealed Himself in a special way so that, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
This places a great burden upon all believers. As followers of Christ we must recognize that the depraved mind needs to hear the gospel message. They can see God in creation, yet they need to hear and be able to understand the cross of Christ. Romans 10:14 poses the question, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” All will stand one day, without excuse (20), so we must all with great persistence do all we can to share the message so that God will reveal that special message to the lost hearts. Yes, God if He so chose, could cause all creation to reveal His special revelation. However, God calls us to share with others. It is the commission that is given unto us. Man has yet to see the glory of God in the creation; therefore, we have to take that message of hope so that they might know and glorify God.

2007-03-12T10:04:00.000-05:00

A Thought Concerning the Things We Value

Today, I include a passage written by Louie Giglio concerning the things that we value. He takes a focus then and places it on worship. Enjoy this quote and really let it play in your mind.

Think of it this way: Worship is simply about value. The simplest definition I can give is this: Worship is our response to what we value most.That’s why worship is that thing we all do. It’s what we’re all about on any given day. Worship is about saying, "This person, this thing, this experience (this whatever) is what matters most to me . . . it’s the thing of highest value in my life."That "thing" might be a relationship. A dream. A position. Status. Something you own. A name. A job. Some kind of pleasure. Whatever name you put on it, this "thing" is what you’ve concluded in your heart is worth most to you. And whatever is worth most to you is—you guessed it—what you worship.Worship, in essence, is declaring what we value most. As a result, worship fuels our actions, becoming the driving force of all we do.And we’re not just talking about the religious crowd. The Christian. The churchgoer among us. We’re talking about everybody on planet earth. A multitude of souls proclaiming with every breath what is worthy of their affection, their attention, their allegiance. Proclaiming with every step what it is they worship. Some of us attend the church on the corner, professing to worship the living God above all. Others, who rarely darken the church doors, would say worship isn’t a part of their lives because they aren’t "religious." But everybody has an altar. And every altar has a throne.So how do you know where and what you worship?It’s easy: You simply follow the trail of your time, your affection , your energy, your money, and your allegiance. At the end of that trail you’ll find a throne; and what ever, or whoever, is on that throne is what’s of highest value to you. On that throne is what you worship. Sure, not too many of us walk around saying; "I worship my stuff. I worship my job. I worship this pleasure. I worship her. I worship my body. I worship me!" But the trail never lies. We may say we value this thing or that thing more than any other, but the volume of our actions speaks louder than our words.In the end, our worship is more about what we do than what we say (Louie Giglio, The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life).

Have a great Monday!

2007-03-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning Lawlessness in Our World

Psalm 119:136, "Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed"(NIV)

Our world is abounding in lawlessness. We are living in a day where there is no absolute truth and morality is at an all time low. Even Christians contend for homosexual marriage and abortion. As a born again believer we should all be on our knees crying out as the Psalmist did in Psalm 119:136. We need to be sorrowful for the sins the world is committing. It should break our hearts to see the sin that the world is in.

I believe, however, that we have been so accustomed to see this breaking of God's law that we just ignore it now. As the lawlessness continues to flood the church will you be sorrowful in prayer concerning the falsehood that is rapidly increasing. Yes, we look for a day where there will be no sin. As our longing grows stronger each new day for the land of no tears, we should hate sin more and more. It should become a stench in our nose. Love the sinner, hate the sin that they are living in. Don't stop there though! Continue you on in the sharing of the gospel.

Suggested Prayer:
Father, I recognize that lawlessness is abounding on every corner. I even recognize that it has slipped into the churches. Father, forgive me first of all for the times that I have broken your law. Help me to be a better witness to your grace so that others may turn from their wicked ways. Open the doors to share the gospel everywhere I go. Here I am, Lord send me! For it is the name of the One who died to take away the sins of the world! AMEN

2007-03-07T14:48:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning the Eternal Word

In the midst of all the mess in our world today, including the many who will claim to be Jesus, there is one thing that we can be assured of. That one thing is the Eternal Word that God has breathed through in the work of the Bible. Everything else in this life will pass away, yet our Lord's promises will stand. Psalm 119:89, "Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens" (NIV)

We live in a world of disappointment. We find disappointment from those we care about, our jobs, ourselves, and many other places. We recognize that the disappointments are part of a nature of sin. Yet, our God has the Word that will stand forever and never let us down. Within this Bible you can find comfort for tomorrow, peace for today, and forgiveness for your past. You say, "Tomorrow may never come, so how can I have comfort in it?" How? The truth is, if you have repented of your sins and given your life to the Lord the comfort for tomorrow is found in our hope of Heaven. What joy it is to know that no matter what God has a way of speaking to us from His eternal Word.

Suggested Prayer
Father, thank you for the Word that will never pass away. You display your glory to your people through the pages of scripture and we thank you for that. Give me the strength to be the one who will always trust in the eternal Word. Father, thank you for speaking to Godly men many, many years ago so that we could enjoy your Word today. May we delight in it always!

2007-03-05T09:52:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning the Lost Tomb of Jesus

I am still amazed of the many who will try to disprove the person of Jesus Christ. After watching the new documentary concerning the finding of Jesus' bones I am more amazed than ever. The evidence was laughable, yet many people will still consider the evidence because of the dramatization that was added to the documentary.

The overall fact is a group of people have found a tomb, they have found inscriptions from the tomb that has names such as Jesus, Mary, and a few others that have some relation to the Christ of the Bible. Yet, the inconsistency of their research made it clear that there were to many ifs to answer and to many hows to find fact in what they had to say.

Let us be assured, as Christians, their are no bones of Christ. When those who went to the tomb to prepare the body of Christ there was never mention of bones being found. I believe that if the bones would have been there the Bible would have read, "We found the bones of Jesus but His spirit is gone." Of course, there was no Jesus. He was completely gone! He appeared to over 500 people! Today, be assured the full Jesus is in Heaven with the Father where He makes intercession on our behalf. Let us rejoice today in the fullness of His resurrection!

Suggested Prayer:
Father, we thank you for sending your Son to us in bodily form to show us the way to you. We thank you that He not only showed us the way, but He also prepared our way to you by the way of the cross. We thank you for the sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. We thank you that we have access to you because of your Son. I recognize that if it were not for you then I would have not opportunity for salvation. For it is in the name of the One who is ALIVE FOREVERMORE! Amen.

2007-03-02T10:20:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning Preparation

Have you ever procrastinated on something? Are you one that waits until the last minute to get all that you need accomplished? I can assure you that if you responded yes to either question you are not alone. I am one of the world's worst about waiting until the last minute to accomplish something. Always waiting until the last minute puts a strain on you, you are not able to accomplish the project to the best of your ability, and often times you are so tired after that you don't have the ability to enjoy what you have done.

I believe that we approach Sunday morning the same way. We wait until the moment that we step inside the church to prepare to worship. If we wait that long we are tired, stressed, and are really unable to enjoy the fellowship of all believers and most importantly we are to tired to even praise God. Begin now to prepare yourself for Sunday morning corporate worship. Everyday should be a time of private worship so that when you arrive in the sanctuary your joy overflows into the service.

Use the following Psalm as your prayer today. Make it personal and give thanks just as David did when he wrote Psalm 100.

Psalm 100 (NIV)
Shout for Joy to the Lord all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

2007-02-28T13:34:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning the Blood

1 Peter 1:18-19 "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb wihtout blemish or defect" (NIV).

In the midst of a week where a documentary will be shown concerning the bones of Jesus being found, I believe it would be necessary to go and meditate for a moment upon Jesus and the work done for us on the cross. We know, by faith, nothing within the documentary could be true. We know that Christ is alive! There will be many who will follow the lies that will be revealed, yet we must be ready to defend our case. We can only do so by knowing ourselves what our theme of life will be. It will all glory unto God, and we will glory in the cross of Christ that allowed us access and we will glory in the resurrected Christ because through this we receive eternal life. Take for a moment and ponder the song "There is a Foundatin"

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel's veins,
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains
Lose all their guilty stains, Lose all their guilty stains
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains

E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been my theme and shall be till I die
and shall be till I die, and shall be till I die Redeeming love has been my theme and shall be till I die

For today's prayer, sit quietly before the Lord meditating upon the words of scripture and the words God has given us in this song and give thanks to the Lord for all He has done through your salvation.

2007-02-26T11:30:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning Our Greatest Need

Psalm 116: 6, "The Lord protects the simple hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me (NIV).

What is the greatest need that you have? Of course our mind goes to food, water, money to pay the bills, a car to drive to work, etc. We all have many items that we feel that we need. We ultimately realize that God meets all of the things that we need. Often times, however, our wants gets in the way of our needs; and then when our wants are not met we feel that God has left us. Ultimately we need to realize that God, in time past, saw a great need of man and provided for him. The following is a passage from D.A. Carson's book A Call to Spiritual Reformation, and the passage focuses around our need for the Lord.

"If God had perceived that our greatest need was economic, he would have sent an economist. If he had perceived that our greatest need was entertainment, he would have sent us a comedian. If god had perceived that our greatest need was political stability, he would have sen us a politician. If he had perceived that our greatest need was health, he would have sent us a doctor. But he perceived that our greatest need involved our sin, our alienation from Him, our profound rebellion, our death; and He sent us a Savior."

Suggested Prayer
Father, than you for showing us our need. When in the darkness of sin and despair we were able to see the light that you provided so that we may see the Savior who would take away our sin. Thank you Father, for giving me all that I need in Christ Jesus. It is by His stripes that I am healed, and I thank you for that. Help me to recognize that my greatest need is not something physical because you will provide for that, but to recognize that my greatest need is a life dedicated to you. Thank you that I have access to that life. Help me to rely on You for that. For it is in the name of the one who came to meet our need, Amen!

2007-02-23T09:32:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning God's Control

Psalm 115:1, "Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness" (NIV).

We have a current problem in Christianity today that I believe can be defined in a lack of acknowledging the glory of God. Acknowledging the glory of God comes in praise Him in all His attributes. Glory defines the sum of all His attributes and describes who God is. He is the One who "fills the earth with His glory." The problem that we have is we often define which attribute that we enjoy the most of God and forget about the rest. The one that we desire to acknowledge is that He is the Sovereign God! WE DO NOT like the fact that He is in complete control.

There is a popular slogan at a restaurant that used to say, "Have Breakfast with the King;" and that same restaurant uses the slogan, "Have it Your Way." We have those same to philosophies with God. We desire to meet with Him in our morning time, yet we want it on our terms. We like to have things OUR way, yet God demands much more. Realize today that you cannot have it your way when you meet with the King of Kings. He is the One who is in control, let us be faithful in submitting to that.

Suggested Prayer:
Father, we pray as the Psalmist proclaimed, "Not to us, but to your name be the glory." Yet, so often I try to pick and choose where I want you to have control. Open my blinded eyes and remove the scales that cover the parts that says "I'll do it my way." I know that I have become selfish so many times; help me to realize that it is not about me, but about you. You are the One whom the "heavens proclaim of your glory." The heavens have never proclaimed my glory, only Yours. Teach me today to love you more and to honor you more in my walk with you. It is in the name of the One who paid my access to You. AMEN!

2007-02-21T08:18:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning Paul's Blessing

2 Thessalonians 3:5 "May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ" (ESV).

Paul, writing in the last chapter of his second letter to the Thessalonians gives a farewell asking the people to pray for him and those in ministry with him. He closes out this prayer request with an encouragement in their ministry and then gives them a spiritual blessing. Not only does Paul give us this blessing, he gives us a focus concerning two foundational principals of our Christian faith.

Paul first tells them to direct their hearts to the love of God. Is there a greater love to ever be found. God loved us while we were still His enemies, and by His grace and mercy He brought us out of the pit of sin. Therefore, today direct your hearts to the love of God. Then direct your hearts to the unwavering, steadfast Christ! He is the one that made it possible for you to even go to God. He paid the price to satisfy God's justice. Turn your hearts this morning to this great Triune God!

Suggested Prayer
Thank you, Father, for having such great love and for giving us love that is unchanging. Thank you for providing my salvation. I realize that I couldn't make it to you without Jesus. Without that, I would stand in your judgment facing an eternal punishment. Give me strength to always turn my heart to you. It is the name of the One who Died, was buried, and rose again; AMEN!

2007-02-19T15:27:00.000-06:00

A Thought about Monday

Psalm 18:1, "I love you, O Lord, my strength" (NIV).

No matter who you are, Mondays are hard! You have had a wonderful weekend, and it is almost impossible to get ready and go on Monday morning. If we only had one more day to rest we would be satisfied. However, Monday comes and we have to get out and go. We wake up on Monday morning with a frown on our face and look as if the world had ended. Then you check your calendar for the week and you have no idea how you are going to accomplish everything that needs to be accomplished.

Let me suggest a new way to wake up on Monday morning and head back to work. Take Psalm 18:1 and proclaim that every Monday morning as you wake up. Just say God I love you, be my strength this week. Once we realize that we have God as our strength, I believe we will all have a better outlook for a cold, cloudy Monday. Quit relying on your own strength to accomplish all that needs to be done. Rejoice in the Lord because He is our strength.

Suggested Prayer:
Father, forgive me when I wake up and I frown because the day has arrived. Help me to cherish each day as a day that you have blessed me with. May I rejoice in your love for us as I worship you daily. Thank you for being my strength! My I never trust in my own strength. For it is in the name of the One who Bears our Burdens! Amen!

2007-02-16T11:31:00.000-06:00

Thought Concerning the Desires of the Heart

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). Just meditate on that scripture for a few moments and then think to yourself, "What really drives me?" Do you have a delight for the Lord? If your heart wants nothing more than to glorify God, your outward expressions will reveal that as well. Read the following written by the great theologian Jonathan Edwards in his devotion "Engagement of the Heart.

“The nature of human beings is to be inactive unless influenced by some affection: love or hatred, desire, hope, fear, etc. These affections are the "spring of action," the things that set us moving in our lives that move us to engage in activities.

When we look at the world, we see that people are exceedingly busy. It is their affections that keep them busy. If we were to take away their affections, the world would be motionless and dead; there would be no such thing as activity. It is the affection we call covetousness that moves a person to seek worldly profits; it is the affection we call ambition that moves a person to pursue worldly glory; it is the affection we call lust that moves a person to pursue sensual delights. Just as worldly affections are the spring of worldly actions, so the religious affections are the spring of religious actions.”

You see it truly is the heart that drives you to do many things, whether good or bad. As you prepare for corporate worship on Sunday morning, even now, set your heart upon the Lord and worship Him in your quiet place. He will give you the desire of your heart, but you must delight yourself in Him.

Suggested Prayer
Father, thank you for showing me that you care to provide for the desires of my heart. However, I know that what I always desire does not match up to my delight in you. Often times I am driven by the things of this world. Forgive me for the times that I have not set my affections upon you. Help me to set my affections upon you. For it is in the Name above all Names that I pray, AMEN!

2007-02-14T08:39:00.000-06:00

A Thought about, what else, LOVE

Today is the day of love, it is Valentine's Day! Among all who should know about love it is Christians. Christians should know what love is more than anyone, because we know God's love. I share with you a familiar passage today just to encourage you about what love is.

I Corinthians 13
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (NIV).

Suggested Prayer

Father, thank you for showing me what love is. Thank you for sending the ultimate picture of love in your Son, Jesus. Because of Him I now know what love is. Help me now to fulfill what your Word proclaims love is. Forgive me when I failed in any of these areas that are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13. Guide me today in the way of love. In the name of the One who Came and showed us love, AMEN!

2007-02-12T12:49:00.000-06:00

A Thought About Being a Disciple

"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed Him" (Matthew 4:18-20, NIV).

Have you ever thought what it really meant to be a disciple of Christ? Have you ever sit down and "counted the cost" of following Christ? If you really meditate upon the verse above you will recognize quickly that the call to be a disciple is not easy. You will quickly find that it is really a difficult call. Can you imagine anything that would cause you to leave everything you once knew and start living a new life.

Being a Christian is more than just praying a prayer and going to church. Becoming a Christian demands a radical change in your life. We even find in John 3:3, "You must be born again to enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Being born requires everything new. We must recognize that when we repent of our sins that we have a responsibility far greater than anything we have ever had before. Within that responsibility God calls us to a life Holy living. Having a life that demands holy living is far different than the life before Christ.

Suggested Prayer
Father, thank you for calling me out and saving me. However, I know that I have a great responsibility of living a holy life. This is not an easy thing for me, please help me Father. Show me that I need to be in your Word daily and praying at all times. Thank you for never leaving me or forsaking me, I know that I could not live this life alone. Show me my sins and create in me a clean heart. For it is in name of the One who walked among us, yet never sinned! Amen

2007-02-09T09:56:00.000-06:00

A Thought about the Death of Christ

This morning, it is my desire to see God fill you with great joy in knowing what Christ has done for you. It is my prayer for all of you reading that you will stand in awe of the Savior who died for you. Just read the words of the following song that was written by Charles Wesley:

And Can it Be?
(Verse 1)
And can it be that I should gain and interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love!
How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

(Verse 2)
He left His Father's throne above; So free, so infinite His grace.
Emptied Himself of all but love, and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me.

(Verse 3)
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickning ray,
I woke the dungeon flamed with light.
My chains fell off my heart was free. I rose, went forth and followed thee.
Song written by Charles Wesley

Suggested Prayer:
Father, may we find such great joy in the death of your Son that we do nothing but glory in you all day. Thank you for providing the greatest gift man has ever known. Thank you that while I was in the prison of my sins that you broke through with a might and power know one could ever know and changed me forever. Thank you for removing the chains that had me bound into slavery to sin. Now, send me out and I will follow you wherever you lead. In the Name of the One who Bled in my Place! Amen!

2007-02-07T21:32:00.000-06:00

A Thought Concerning Forecast

Did you know that the weather is predicting 1-3 inches of snow for Saturday night? This isn't unusual this time of year, yet it still generates a lot of excitement. It will be the source of many prayers (for or against), people will change plans, figure out what they may need to cancel, buy the necessary bread and milk, and ultimately let the thought take over their life. I ask you, has the forecasters ever been wrong? Have they ever predicted snow and we only had rain; or maybe even nothing at all?

It is not my desire to make you turn against weather forecasters or to stop watching the weather because of their inaccuracy. I watch as much as anyone else because I find it fascinating. However, what I do desire is that you will begin to think of how much faith we place in the words of humans. Do we ever place that much trust in the Lord? Realize this, 100% of everything that is declared in His word is true. Yet, when was the last time that God was your only conversation piece, your source for deciding your plans, caused you to cancel your trip to the basketball game, and required you to stop where you are at?

You see, if you will turn your self over to a complete dependence on God, He will be your everything. He is all the nourishment that we need and He will never give us a wrong forecast. Place your trust in Him and He will do all you need and provide all you ever desired. He will stop you where you are at and change you for His glory. Praise God today for His life changing plans!

Suggested Prayer
Father, forgive me for the many times that I have trusted humans much more than You. Thank you for meeting all my needs and supplying all that I could ever desire. Show me where I need to be more dependant upon you. May I always look to you for my current issues and my future plans. Thank you for guiding me in my life. It is in the name of the One who Made the Way Straight! Amen!