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By Rev Mike Jones
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Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 1, 2008
My
life is consumed with doing work for Christ and His Church. I am glad. I think
the only hope for
A
concerted campaign is underway in
I do
not believe
Minister Message for Wednesday, July 2, 2008
MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
Get to
know your neighbor. It is amazing how your perception about those around you
will change when you take the time to do more than look at your neighbor from
behind drawn blinds. I live in a community where people regularly invite people
over for fried fish or coffee and cake; and it is a good place to live.
Turn
off the things that are depressing and polluting you. Have at least one or two
days each week when you do not watch TV or listen to Radio. Put good music on
your CD player and listen to refreshing music as you read a book, play games
with your family, or simply talk together as a family. Your will be amazed at
the difference it will make.
Give at least 5 compliments this week.
Let someone go ahead of you in a line. Give an anonymous gift to someone just to
make them feel better. Break a gossip circle by refusing to pass it on. Pray for
the president and the congress (I think we all will agree that they need it!).
Visit someone in a nursing home. Spend more time helping people than you do
gripping about situations. Read a chapter in the Bible each day and find a
principle you can apply to your life that day. Take your whole family to church
and discuss the sermon (instead of dissecting the preacher) at Sunday Lunch.
If
things are to change in
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 8, 2008
PRAYING FOR
THOSE WHO HAVE HURT YOU
At the
end of this great book, when Paul could have written with bitterness and anger,
he shows the heart of a true servant of God as he expresses his desires for
these people who had demeaned his character and conduct. Listen to what he
prayed for these people.
He
asked God to give them a pure life: “Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; …
that ye should do that which is honest, “ (2 Corinthians 13:7). He asked God to
make them perfect: “this also we wish, even your perfection. (2 Corinthians
13:9). And he asked God to help them live in peace- “Finally, brethren,
farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the
God of love and peace shall be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11).
All of
us face hurtful situations. Sometimes the hurt comes from rejection by family
and sometimes it comes from rebukes at work but regardless of where it comes
from we are tempted to strike back instead of return kindness for cursing. Read
again Paul’s prayer and follow his example; it is what Jesus would do (Matt
5:44).
Minister Message for Wednesday, July 9, 2008
CIRCLE OF
INFLUENCE
Your
standards help or hurt others. Paul said that if eating meat would cause his
brother to stumble in the faith then he (Paul) would no longer eat meat. Paul
was aware of the many eyes that watched how he lived.
Your
personality will encourage or discourage those who come in contact with you.
That is why wise king Solomon said, “Make no friendship with an angry man; and
with a furious man thou shalt not go:” (Proverbs 22:24). I personally like to be
with “positive people” who believe they can “do all things through Christ who
strengthens them”. Negative vibrations encourage people to be discouraged and
defeated.
Finally, and this is so important, your relationship with God will greatly
impact those around you. When God allowed Satan to attack Job it was Job’s
family that first felt the impact of Satan’s wrath. Ask the children of drunks,
drug users, and divorces if they have experienced this principle! Almost always,
the people around you suffer when you do wrong.
Who
you are impacts those around you. Will they suffer or rejoice because of you?
FINANCE
FAILURES
If God
is able to supply your needs so that you can “always have all sufficiency in all
things” why does your pay check end before the month ends? Why is it so
difficult for so many people to make ends meet even when they pray earnestly?
Here
are a few questions you need to ask yourself when you begin to doubt God’s
ability or willingness to help you in your finances.
Do I
really need the things I am seeking? Do I need these things now (delayed
gratification is a principle God continually stresses)? Will these things I
desire bring me closer to God or will they entice me away from service and
commitment to God?
Is God
afraid to trust me with more because I have misused the resources God gave me
previously? The verse at the beginning of the article shows that God “makes all
grace abound” to those who are “cheerful givers”. Do you use scriptural
principles in obtaining and disbursing your finances realizing that you must
give account to God for everything He has entrusted to you (Remember the
parables of the talents.)?
Is God
trying to test your faith (Remember the principle of delayed gratification)? Is
God trying to change you or move you to a different job or location through
this?
Rest
assured that God loves you and He is able to meet your every need. But He wants
the best for you so that the goods that He gives you are good for you. What a
great God!
Minister Message for Wednesday, July 16, 2008
MONEY SLAVERY
Here
are the two ways the Bible declares that a person can become a financial slave.
1. If
you borrow money then you become “enslaved” to the person or institute that
loans you the money- The rich ruleth over
the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7). Be
extremely careful about the debt you incur. Remember the mid eastern parable of
the camel- First the camel stands outside the tent. Then the camel puts its nose
into the tent. Then the camel puts his neck into the tent. Finally, the camel
occupies the tent while you freeze beneath the stars.
2. You
can become a slave to obtaining money or spending money- No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love
the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot
serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24). Many people have lost their holiness
and their happiness because they allowed themselves to be defined by what they
possessed or how much they earned.
Jesus
came to set you free. He will provide for our needs and protect us from greed.
Listen to His warning and learn proper perspectives about possessions from His
word today.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 22, 2008
VICTORIOUS
LIVING
1> The
Holy Spirit living in a Christian gives us Victory over Self-
Ye are of God, little children, and have
overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the
world. (1 John 4:4). We can make positive changes in our life and attitude
because the Holy Spirit gives us strength and direction.
2> Our
Faith in God plan and pardon gives us Victory over the temptations and trials we
encounter in the World- For whatsoever is
born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the
world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that
believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5).
3> The
Resurrection of Jesus gives us Victory over the sting and fear of Death-
Forasmuch then as the children are
partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same;
that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is,
the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime
subject to bondage. (Heb 2:14-15).
Christian living should be victorious living. Is that the way you live?
Minister Message for Wednesday, July 23, 2008
THE MASTER’S
VOICE
We were transferring files from our old computer at church to a new
computer. When we installed our church membership program on the new computer we
needed the password in order to set up the program and get everything to work.
Numerous phone calls led to the realization that no one whom I could contact at
that time knew the password. I tried every password combination I could think of
related to the church and nothing worked.
Finally, I simply looked up and told the Lord I really needed His help if I was
to complete this project. Suddenly, a familiar voice spoke a word to me (that
had nothing to do with the church or anything connected to the church). I typed
it in and watched the program open like a rose.
The
funeral service was in
People
ask me what the Master’s Voice sounds like. I simply tell them that if you are
one of His sheep then you have heard Him speak to you so much until you
recognize His voice; and you learn that obeying His voice is always the best
decision.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 29, 2008
WHY A WIFE
God
declared that man needed a helper “meet” for him. He needed someone who would
cooperate with him as he did his God assigned task but who would also challenge
him to look at things differently. Joining a man and a woman with their
different temperaments and talents was just the right mix.
Man
also needed someone who could communicate with him on a level beyond that of the
animals. He needed someone who could rejoice with a man in his victories, weep
with him in his defeats, and share with him in his daily discoveries. Women also
think differently than men (I know I got an “amen” on that one!!) and men needed
that perspective in order to invoke discussion that would lead to many of
mankind’s discoveries.
In
order to obey God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply”, mankind needed a mate
that was capable of reproducing. God did not put the sexual drive in mankind
simply to provide pleasure for the man. God expected fruit from this union of
man and wife and He made the process so powerful and so pleasurable until it was
an easy “task” for the man and woman to fulfill (Remember, it was only after sin
entered that the woman began having “sorrow in bringing forth children- Gen
3:16).
No
wonder the Bible declares, Whoso findeth a
wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. (Proverbs
18:22)
Minister Message for Wednesday, July 30, 2008
GIVE GOD A
CHANCE
God is
a great and good god. Like anyone who truly loves someone else, God wants things
to go well for the person of His affection. The problem most people have is they
do not give God the opportunity to do good in their life.
Give
God a chance to Bless you- And Jabez
called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and
enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest
keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he
requested. (1 Chronicles 4:10). God wants the very best for you. That does
not mean you will never have problems but it does mean that God will always work
things together for good in your life if you will let Him (Rom 8:28).
Give
God a chance to Guide you- For this God is
our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. (Psalms
48:14). God will never lead you into any place that His power cannot get you out
of! If you will listen to God’s directions then you will always be assured of
God protection and provision.
Give
God a chance to Save you- As for me, I
will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. (Psalms 55:16). God loved
you enough to send His only Son to die as a payment for your sins. He is
preparing a wonderful place called Heaven for all who become His children
through faith in Jesus Christ. Give yourself a chance by giving God a chance.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 5, 2008
WHAT DOES A
WINNER LOOK LIKE?
Many
people define winning as boasting (we beat you), bucks (“show me the money”), or
bigness (We had the largest crowd ever). Sadly, these measures of success and
winning have crept into the church and are being used as methods of defining
ministry.
Here
are three ways to Measure Success (adapted from a message by Warren Wiersbe)
that I think will help us to realistically look at what a winner is supposed to
look like.
1)
Am I where God wants me to be? God measures success by
what I do where I am with what I have. I am not in competition or comparison
with others. God simply expects faithful service and obedient living from His
servants.
2)
Is God glorified by my life and ministry?
God looks at motives more than actions. Am I building up myself or am I
building God’s Kingdom.
3)
Can God commend my work at the Judgment?
False results come when we manipulate people and manufacture success but
one day I will stand before the righteous judge and He will render a perfect
judgment on my works- Makes you want to pray harder and do more, doesn’t it?
Minister Message for Wednesday, August 6, 2008
GOD CHECKS
CHURCHES
After
telling each church about its good and bad points God pointed out a problem
designed to bring about self examination and, hopefully, repentance changes.
These four problems could easily be framed into four questions: Is your Love
Right? (Rev 2:4 The Ephesus Church had lost their first love and needed to get
back on track), Is your Doctrine Right? (Rev 2:14 The Pergamos Church had
allowed self serving principles to replace God given directives), Is your Work
Right? (Rev 3:1-3 The
If God
sat on the back pew in your church this Sunday with a clipboard and a check list
would He smile a lot or would tears begin flowing down His eyes? If you know the
answer, what will you do about it?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 12, 2008
APPLE TREES
I
never have been handsome. I was never athletic; I was always the guy chosen last
that everyone tried to put on the other team. I have always worked hard but it
was always the guy who came after me who reaped the financial benefits from my
labors. I am just a plain sort of fellow who when you read his name in the
newspaper obituary you will stop for a moment and think, “seems like I ought to
know that name from somewhere, let me think. Oh, well, I wonder if the Braves
won last night”. But, in spite of all of that, God has allowed me the great
privilege of seeing fruit produced from my life and ministry.
You
may not be the biggest tree in the forest and you may not have all the natural
talents and resources of other people but God can still use you to produce fruit
in His Garden. God simply ask you to be available for His use and faithful to
the job He has given you and then leave the results to Him- “I am the vine, ye
are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth
much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5).
Do not
be discouraged and do not quit. God can use even you if you will abide in Him.
Oh, did I tell you that my two little apple trees produced a dozen apples this
year?
Minister Message for Wednesday, August 13, 2008
GOD’S SUNSETS
As I
stood there mulling over death and destruction and watching the sun go down I
was reminded again of the stability and faithfulness of God. Mankind sometimes
seems bound and determined to destroy themselves and everything around them as
they continually look for better weapons of war and more reasons to use them.
God, on the other hand, faithfully and consistently shows us beauty and growth
as He uses every means available to display His magnificent character. And He
does this sunset after sunset.
In the
midst of debt, disease, drudgery of work, and even death you can still feast
your eyes on the beauty that God displays each day. Take a few minutes and watch
God shepherd the clouds across the sky in every changing patterns and pictures.
Marvel at how God plants wildflowers beside a bank of green shrubbery and trees
just so you can see a display of beauty as you dash through life. And do not
forget the sunsets.
God
displays the beauty of His character everywhere. Take time this week to soak it
in and let it refresh your soul.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 19, 2008
BACKSLIDING
BEHAVIOR
First
a person becomes SPOTTED BY THE WORLD- James 1:27 "Pure religion and undefiled
before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their
affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." You stray away from
God and the mud from the hog pens of the world splashes up and gets on your
garments.
Secondly, you cultivate a FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD- James 4:4 "Ye adulterers
and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with
God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." The
glitter and glamor of the world begins to sparkle in your eyes so you look for
opportunities to spend more time with the World.
Thirdly, you develop a LOVE FOR THE WORLD- 1 John 2:15 "Love not the world,
neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of
the Father is not in him." Time, energy, and devotion are now given to the world
and its pleasures instead of to the pursuit of holy living for God. Your source
of joy is now worldly amusements instead of Godly fellowship.
Finally, you get to the place you CONFORM TO THE WORLD- Rom 12:2 "And be not
conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Your actions, your attitudes, and your affections are now controlled by the
world system instead of the Holy Spirit.
The
good news from all of this is that you do not have to stay in the hog pen. The
Father is sitting on the porch awaiting your return right now.
Minister Message for Wednesday, August 20, 2008
HOW TO CATCH
A MONKEY
Anchor
a large jar with a small mouth opening to a place the monkey can see. Put an
apple in the jar and sit back and wait. The monkey will come along, put his hand
in the jar, grasp the apple, and then be unable to remove both his hand and the
apple. Unwilling to let go of his prize he will sit there while you capture him.
This
is one of those cases where man and monkey show similar traits. Time after time,
Men, also, have been caught in a "greed jar". One man actually drowned when he
fell into the water and refused to let go of his money belt as it dragged him
beneath the water. Another man escaped from his burning house but ran back in
and was later found with his burned hand grasped around his wallet. And there
are numerous cases of bright intelligent people who lost family, friends, and
jobs because they were caught with their hand in the "cookie jar".
Is it
any wonder that God made the last of the ten commandments, "Thou shall not
covet"? Get your priorities in order. Don't let money make a monkey out of you.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August26, 2008
WATCH YOUR
STEP
It was
early in the morning and I was on my way to the hospital. Ahead of me I saw a
woman crossing the four lane road and entering a dirt drive way leading to a run
down mobile home. Her steps seemed angry and choppy as she clutched her pocket
book in one hand and a gallon of milk in the other. It was evident that she had
come from a country store across the road. Having to get up and get out first
thing in the morning had been added to her already overloaded daily duties. She
was not a happy camper and her steps conveyed the anger in her heart.
As I
entered the lobby of the Hospital I looked up the stairway leading to the second
floor and an elderly woman slowly trudged up the steps one weary step at a time.
She would step up a step, rest for a moment, and then will herself to take
another step. I do not know what sick relative or serious situation awaited her
at the top of those stairs but I do know that climbing those stairs was an added
challenge to her day.
I
arrived in a hospital room where I sought to bring comfort and care to a young
man whose life had suddenly been turned upside down by the pains in his chest
and the anxiety of a heart test. I tried to walk with joy and confidence because
both were greatly needed that morning.
I do
not know what today holds for you but I do know that God is still in control and
you can walk with confidence knowing that God orders your steps and delights in
your way.
Minister Message for Wednesday, August 27, 2008
AQUAINTED
WITH MY WAYS
The 139th division of the Psalms reveals that God is aware of
everything that happens in my life. This is a good thing when something bad
happens to me and I need to know that God is aware of my situation. It is a
little frightening when I realize that God sees everything I do all of the time!
Not
only is God aware of what I do but David declares that God is “acquainted” with
all my ways. “Acquainted” implies that God is aware of what I do in a much more
intimate way that simply passing by and seeing me do something. “Acquainted”
means God also sees my motives and my hidden agendas- scary isn’t it?
I read
recently that we are changed by the Holy Spirit only as we respond to His
leading. If that statement is true (and I believe that it is) then we can trace
the lack of change in our life directly to rebellion against the leadership of
the Holy Spirit. Because God is “acquainted” with me, then the Holy Spirit knows
exactly what I need to change in order to become the great person God desires.
It is up to me, however, to follow the leadership of the Spirit and allow Him to
mold me and make me into that God honoring person.
God
knows who you are and what you need to be. Let Him do something great in your
life this week.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 2, 2008
GOD KNOWS
That
does not mean, however, that I understand or enjoy all of life’s twists and
turns. Often things will happen and I will find myself looking with questioning
eyes toward heaven and muttering under my breath, “You aren’t taking a nap, are
you, God?” That is when God gently but firmly reminds me that His ways are not
my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Sometimes it is much easier to understand and accept that a single tragic
incident can be used of God to shape and mold our life than it is to deal with a
long term burden such as a constantly sick husband or wife or a mentally or
physically handicapped child. We know God can heal and help but years of tear
drenched prayers have not changed the situation and we do not know how much more
“character” we need to develop! We try not to question God but we find ourselves
increasing doubting our own spiritual understanding; and sometimes we even
distrust our own spiritual standing with God.
I do
not have all the answers to your questions but I am absolutely convinced that
God “knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as
gold.” (Job 23:10). There I stand and in that truth I rest.
Minister Message for Wednesday, September 3, 2008
When
God is with you; and you are with God, then circumstances will work together for
prosperity and good- “And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that
the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.” (Gen 39:3). (See also
Romans 8:28).
When
you live according to Biblical Principles then God is able to make you prosper-
“Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in
all that ye do.” (Deu 29:9)
When
you trust God’s guidance more than men’s knowledge then God is able to make you
prosper- “And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness
of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah,
and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be
established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” (2 Chr 20:20)
When
you “delight in the law of the Lord; and meditate on his law day and night” then
you will be “like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his
fruit in his season; your leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever you do
shall prosper.” (Psa 1:2-3).
My
prayer for you- “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and
be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 1:2).
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 9, 2008
SPIRITUAL
PERCEPTION
You do not realize the value of language until you go to a place where
everyone speaks another language. It is so frustrating when you know what you
want but you are unable to convey that information to the people around you.
That is almost exactly what it feels like for a non-Christian to be around
Christians.
The goals of non-Christians are different from those of a Christian- Ro
8:5 For they that are after the flesh do
mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of
the Spirit. A non-Christian’s thoughts are centered around things like
pleasure, profit, or personal pursuits. A Christian’s goals, however, lead
toward glorifying God, gaining goodness, and getting others to know the
wonderful joy and peace they have found in a relationship with Christ.
The Understanding of a non-Christian is different than the perception of
a Christian- 1 Cor 2:14 But the natural
man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto
him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. When
a Christian talks about the “things of the Spirit” (the Holy Spirit’s gifts, and
teachings, and revelations) to a non-Christian it is like talking to them in a
“foreign” language. They hear what the Christian says but it does not make
“sense” because spiritual principles do not compute with natural perceptions.
Sometimes this frustration over
not being able to understand the goals and principles of the Holy Spirit causes
non-Christians to become angry and irritated with followers of Christ. Because
we follow a different leader and speak a different language then they find
Christianity strange and scary. But what a change takes place when they accept
Christ and learn to “speak the language”.
Minister Message for Wednesday, September 10, 2008
LIFE GOALS
Goals are important- “He who aims at nothing normally hits it”. Goals
provide energy and meaning to life- Where
there is no vision, the people perish: … (Proverbs 29:18). But you must
believe you can achieve a Goal or you will end up wandering through life and
never really accomplish anything- But let
him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the
sea driven with the wind and tossed. (James 1:6). Foggy Goals lead to a
reactive life where you always respond to life’s circumstances and situations
instead of an achieving life where you attain victories and maintain some
control over life’s happenings.
I have some personal and physical goals I want to reach but my main goals
in life relate to my relationship with God and my service to Him. My seven life
goals are: To be justified by the blood of Christ, purified by the power of the
Spirit, edified by the teachings of God’s Word, dignified by constantly growing
Christian character, unified with fellow believers in worship and work,
satisfied with the presence and peace of Christ, and glorified one day with God.
That is who I am and that is where I am going; what about you?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 16, 2008
PARTNERING WITH A BLESSING
God is using our dynamic young Pastor in a mighty way and it is a
tremendous honor to be part of this great work that God is building. I tell
people, however, that it is not a show to enjoy, it is a Blessing that they
should determine to be an active participate in. Here are several ways that I
encourage our people to partner in the Blessing (Ways that will also help you to
do more where you attend Church).
First of all, do not miss the Blessings- Be here each service to enjoy
and participate in what God is doing. Second, Share the Blessings- I tell our
people to tell others about the good things God is doing at Lebanon FWB Church
every chance they get. Third, Invite others to be a part of the blessing. God
did not call me to be a “salvation salesman” and I have little success at trying
to make people make a decision. It is not hard, however, to invite people to a
growing, thriving church where the presence of God and the power of God are
manifested in each service. As one man said, “It is just one beggar telling
another beggar where to find an abundant supply of bread!”
Finally, and this is so important, Do everything YOU can to do to make
sure the Blessings continue. God is doing a great work; let us try not to get in
His way! Let’s partner with the blessing and enjoy what HE is doing.
Minister Message for Wednesday, September 17, 2008
END WELL
I also pray that the Lord will help me with three areas of my life that I
have noticed as problem areas in other Seniors- I do not want to become Bitter
in my life or in my talk; I do not want to become a Beggar in order to get the
things I need (I expect God to take care of me even unto old age- Ps. 71:9); and
I do not want to allow anything to bring me into Bondage as my body, my mind and
my emotions age ( I have seen numerous older people become addictive to wrong
desires or things as they neared the end of their life).
They have entire TV shows about
people who thought they had won but ended up “dropping the ball” just before the
goal line. When my life story is shown on Heavenly TV I want the viewers to
congratulate me on a race well run and I want my Master to say, “Well done, good
and faithful servant”.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 23, 2008
BABY
CHRISTIANS
One of the greatest problems facing the Church today is the unwillingness
of Christians to grow beyond the “baby” stage into mature Christians. People
want to be born into God's family so they can get their names on the Heavenly
Inheritance roll book but they show little or no desire to grow into mature
Christian Disciples. As a result, many Churches stagnate and fail to grow
because the teachers and leaders in the Church have so many “babies” to take
care of until they spend all their time and energy in the “nursery” of the
Church instead of trying to reap a harvest in the “vineyard”.
“Baby” characteristics are easy to see in the average Church. Babies have
not yet learned to care for themselves so they need to be cleaned often (Many
Christians need constant trips to the altar to confess sins and renew
dedications because they never seem to be able to grow in the grace and
knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ). Babies love to be sung to and petted (Need
I say more!). Babies whine for milk but meat gives them problems (The average
Christian in the average church wants an exciting sermon; not a life changing
message from God). And Babies cry when anything does not go their way- Most new
churches in
What is in your diet- Milk or Meat?
Minister Message for Wednesday, September 24, 2008
1) God COMMANDS that we “not forsake the assembling of ourselves
together, as the manner of some is; but exhort one another: and so much the
more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25). I just figure that if God
tells us to do something then we ought to do it!
2) There is COMFORT in attending Church. The Church is the Body of Christ
(1 Cor. 12:27) and it delights Him when people come together to worship His
Father and fellowship as brothers and sisters in Christ. And what a comfort it
is each week to hear a message from God that shows me how to triumph in life
even as we face the trials and temptations of daily living.
3) There is CHEERFULNESS in attending Church- I was glad when they
said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. (Psalms 122:1).
Christians enjoy going to the "Father's" House and eating at His table so
they come to church with a smile on their face and a song on their lips
(Sometimes a “grumpy dwarf” will show up at church but if they will allow the
Holy Spirit to work it will not belong until that frown is turned upside down).
4) Finally, there is a CHANGE that takes place when you attend Church
each week. You grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and
watch in wonder as your vocabulary changes, your goals expand, and you become a
new creature in Christ (2Cor 5:17).
I plan to be in Church this Sunday. Hope to see you there.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 30, 2008
4 THINGS TO KNOW
We live in a constantly
changing world where a strong wind can almost double gas prices and where
foundational financial institutes can suddenly crumble and collapse. People used
to go to bed with confidence that the coming day would bring security and
accomplishment. Now they awaken each morning hoping the nightmare will end when
they open their eyes! In the midst of this turmoil and chaos there are 4 things
you need to absolutely know if you are to have peace in the midst of the storms.
1) YOU MUST KNOW WHO YOU ARE TRUSTING FOR YOUR ETERNAL
DESTINY- (2 Tim 1:12) For the which cause I also suffer these things:
nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded
that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Is your future hope build on the ROCK (Jesus Christ) or have you built on the
sinking sands of human philosophy?
2) KNOW WHAT GOD
EXPECTS OF YOU- (James 2:20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without
works is dead? God expects your faith in
Jesus to change who you are and what you do. If Christianity is simply talk but
not walk then you did not get the good stuff!
3) KNOW THAT
PRAYER WORKS- (1 John 5:15) And if we know that he
hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired
of him. Prayer is not magic but it is
mighty. Knowing God answers prayer will change your prayers; and your life
4) KNOW THAT YOUR OWN WILL DETERMINES WHO RULES YOUR LIFE- (Rom 6:16)
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to
obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of
obedience unto righteousness? Circumstances bring challenges and personality
present problems but who you yield to will determine who controls your life.
Knowing what you need to know is vital in a constantly changing world.
Minister Message for Wednesday, Oct 1, 2008
THE LIGHT LIFE
The pattern God used to create the world is the same
pattern He uses to create a new creature through a relationship with Jesus
Christ. Initially, a person has to realize they are “without form and void”
(They have no purpose and their life is empty and meaningless). This happens
when the Spirit of God “broods” over the person and enables them to realize they
are in darkness and despair.
That is when God wondrously
declares (Through His word, His workers, or the witness of the Holy Spirit),
“Let there be light”. This life giving and transforming light is directly from
the person of God (In creation it was not until day four that God created the
sun to assist the earth in its growth). Nearly 4000 years after creation, the
Son of God, Jesus Christ, declared “I am the light of the world: he that
followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”.
(John 8:12) and we saw this transforming power of God at work in our very midst.
When the Light shines in a person's life their life is transformed in three
wonderful ways; just like the world was transformed during creation. First, God
bring order and structure to a life that was without “Form”. Secondly, God
begins to “Fill” the person's life with the things necessary for that person to
be the new creation God intends for them to be. Finally, God enables the person
to be “Fruitful” as the fruits of the Spirit are manifested in their life and
they share the good news of Christ with others so they too can see the Light.
God wants to change you from a wasteland into a wonder. Allows His light to
shine in your life today.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 7, 2008
VESSEL VALUE
First, you must realize they are a “Chosen Vessel”- But the Lord said unto
him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the
Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: (Acts 9:15). Regardless of
what you may think about your talents and abilities a person must realize
God has chosen them and “God don't make no junk”.
Secondly, you must seek to be a “Clean Vessel”- If a man therefore purge
himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for
the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21). God
wants to honor you and use you but a dirty vessel means the Holy Spirit has to
stop working through you and begin working on you.
Finally, if a “vessel” is to have value it must admit it is an “Earthen Vessel”-
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the
power may be of God, and not of us. (2 Corinthians 4:7). It is not the
vessel that brings the blessing; it is what is contained in the vessel that does
the work!
Are you a clean vessel waiting on the Master to use you, or are you a dirty dish
sitting in the sink desperately in need of cleaning so you can be filled and
usable?
Minister Message for Wednesday, October 8, 2008
THE UNIQUE RESOURCE
Time is unique in the fact that it is irreplaceable. No matter how much you want
of it; the quantity of time will not increase. There is no substitute for time
so we should treat time as one of our most precious resources.
Time represents the passing of life so what you do with time determines what you
do in life. Yet many of us never realize the value of this unique resource and
we spend much of our time “wasting time”. In fact, of all the resources God has
given us, Time is probably the one most people manage (or mismanage) the
worst.
The Bible tells us that we are to “redeem time”- Redeeming the time,
because the days are evil. (Eph 5:16); Walk in wisdom toward them that
are without, redeeming the time. (Col 4:5). The Greek word used in these
verses for “redeem” means to rescue from loss. God realizes what a unique
resource He has given us when He gave us time and He does not want us to “lose
time”.
Time is a perishable resource given to you by God. No matter what you do, one
day your time will run out and you will face God to give an account about how
you have used your time. Will that be a time of rejoicing or a time of regret?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 14, 2008
PUTTING A HOLE IN GOD'S HEART
Minister Message for Wednesday, October 15, 2008
MOVING GOD'S MERCY
And Israel put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. (Judges 10:16).
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 21, 2008
SELF IMPROVEMENT
HALF A SORROW
"A shared sorrow is half a
sorrow. A shared Joy is twice a Joy”- Anon. “Bear ye one another's burdens, and
so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2).
One of the wisest men who
ever lived (Solomon) said it this way, “Two are better than one; because they
have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his
fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to
help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Even in creation, God said
that every thing was good until He looked and saw the lonely heart of man and
declared, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help
meet for him.” (Genesis 2:18). God knew that mankind needed someone who could
share his feelings and his failures so He made a suitable helper (woman) who was
able to cry when man sorrowed and laugh when man rejoiced. Suddenly the night
did not seem so dark or lonely and the successes of the day took on new and
energizing meanings.
Church is not
just about worshiping God; it is also about working together as a body of
believers in order to support the weak and to rejoice in the victories of God's
people. Church is about sharing sorrows so many ways until they seem to
disappear. Church is about “little blessings” becoming great victories as they
multiply in meaning and bring encouragement to the entire family of God. Church
is about people allowing God to work through them to help other people. Is that
what happens at your church?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 28, 2008
ALWAYS PLEASE
GOD
Salvation is a heart grieving (repentance), soul believing
(faith), life changing (born again) experience. It is not about being better or
joining a church, although this should happen. It is a radical change in a
person’s life brought about by the realization that they have failed in their
duty to others, to themselves, and, most of all, to God.
This realization brings them to understand that the heart of their
problem is the problem of their heart. Their self centered desires and behavior
produced attitudes and actions in their life which defiled their life and
destroyed their relationship with God and others. Now they recognize that only a
power beyond themselves can produce the long term changes they seek. This is
when they come to God and ask Him to totally transform their life by forgiving
their past and providing the power they need to have a new future.
God mercifully and graciously forgives them of their sin debt and invites
them into a new life of abundant living. But here is where the “bump in the
road” comes for so many. They assume “accepting Jesus” is simply a “get out of
jail free card” which enables them to turn over a new leaf and start down the
same road with a fresh beginning. In reality, God now calls them to begin the
self crucified life that was exemplified by Jesus Christ.
Jesus summarized His life and ministry in a simple statement, “… I do
always those things that please the Father” (John 8:29). When people ask me how
to live the victorious Christian life I tell them to learn to let God direct
their life instead of being controlled by their own understanding and desires.
It sounds simple but it still amazes me to see how few people (even in churches)
set as their goal in life to “always do the things that please God”.
Minister Message for Wednesday, October 29, 2008
HALLOWEEN
POLITICS
A difficult choice has to be made. This is my last article
before Halloween but it is also my last article before the election. I really
want to warn people about the dangers of dressing up as witches and demons and
using threats to obtain candy but I am very concerned with the upcoming election
and its impact on the foundations of
There are a lot of people who pretend to be something they are not at
Halloween and during an election. They dress up to convey a certain image but
underneath they are the same people they have always been. Beware of the “wolf
dressed up in sheep’s clothing” this time of year.
Everyone knows there is a lot of “candy” up for grabs right now and some
people will do weird and silly things to get some of that candy. People will beg
and threaten and go to a lot of trouble just to get everyone to give them some
candy because they know that a little bit from everyone will add up to a lot in
the end. Just remember, the free candy they want is candy YOU have to pay for.
The main thing that disturbs me about Halloween- and Politics; is that
everyone seems to be more concerned with getting and distributing “candy” than
they are about vital moral issues. People are willing to excuse any behavior in
order to “trick or treat” and they also seem willing to accept really bad moral
standards from any person or party that is willing to promise less taxes and
more prosperity.
Halloween and Politics; two similar events that we need to prayerfully
and carefully consider.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 4, 2008
ELECTION
THOUGHTS
There are two kinds of people in
the
Under the pressure and scrutiny of the public eye people often make
decisions and declarations that are “politically expedient”. In the isolation of
the election booth these people make choices that truthfully reflect the
genuineness of their character. Jesus said, “... out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaketh. (Matthew 12:34). If He were living in
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power
but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1). I believe
that sometimes God gives us great leaders in order to bless His people and I
believe that sometimes God gives us what we deserve in order to help us see the
error of our ways. Either way, God does right.
Regardless of the outcome of this election I plan to pray for our
president and keep on serving God. But I also plan to vote; so I can quarrel and
complain about the government when it does not operate in the way I think a
government should operate! Thank God I live in
Minister Message for Wednesday, November 5, 2008
HUNGER
One of the responsibilities of a Pastor is to seek to produce a hunger
for the word of God in the heart of his congregation. A good Pastor wants his
sheep to hunger for green pastures where they can be energized and renewed as
they feed themselves on the eternal word of God.
That led me to wonder, what makes a man hungry? Lack of food makes a man
hungry. Sounds simple but it is true that if you allow enough time to pass
without getting something to eat then you will become hungry. That is why we
have church and bible study on a regular basis; people should be hungry to hear
God's word by the time they return to God's house.
Exercise makes a person hungry. When I live my Christian life and do my
Christian duties I find myself constantly in need of the instruction and the
encouragement of the word of God. When I get slack in my Christian life I find
little desire to read and study God's word.
Aroma makes a person hungry (walking into a room where biscuits are
cooking or steak is frying almost always starts the hunger pains growing).
Prayer is called an aroma before God. When I talk to God in prayer it almost
always leads me to want to read God's word so that He can talk back to me.
Idleness (...an idle soul shall suffer hunger-Proverbs 19:15) also
produces hunger but it is for the wrong food.
When I fail to pray and live for God I find myself feeding on
entertainment instead of inspiration; and it just does not satisfy.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for
they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6). May you want the word today; and may your
cravings be satisfied.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 11, 2008
CHAIN LINKS
In 1858, a Sunday School Teacher named Mr. Kimball led a
This
evangelistic zeal in the heart of F B Meyer caused such a stir until he was
invited to come to
The ripple effect of Christian testimony and witness is often amazing.
Time after time when you read the life story of some “famous” Christian you find
that some dedicated Sunday School teacher or Christian worker serving faithfully
in an obscure place with little recognition was the first link in the chain of
their success.
Has God called you to a small place where you receive little recognition
or glory? Do you think your efforts
are having little impact so you are tempted to do less than your best? Just
remember that the seed you are sowing today may become a gigantic oak in days to
come. Be steadfast and faithful. God sees what you are doing; and He may want to
use you to start a mighty miracle.
Minister Message for Wednesday, November 12, 2008
PURPLE ROOMS
Maybe the reason I find it so
difficult to serve God sometimes is because I am painting the room purple when
God really wants it blue. Let me explain. My wife is a neat freak. I thought she
wanted me to bring her flowers and whisper sweet nothings in her ear in order to
build our relationship. After years of frustration and failure I discovered she
is much more interested in me getting a hair cut than she is in me whispering in
her ear! Her world revolves around a clean kitchen, a sparkling bathroom, and
rugs that are vacuumed each week. I discovered that if I am going to bring joy
to her life then the best place to start is to be neat myself and then offer to
help her get her housework done.
God declared “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my
ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my
ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah
55:8-9). Many times I believe people try to do the things they assume God wants
them to do while in reality God had a different agenda the entire time. As a
result, God does not smile as we think He should so we become frustrated and
disillusioned.
It may be a big help to your Christian walk if you would spend some time
with God finding out “what color He wants the room painted” before you rush off
to buy paint and started slapping purple paint everywhere. After all, it is
God's “room” we are painting and He is the one we want to please.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 18, 2008
SALVATION
STABILITY
There are basically four doctrines that people within the
Christian community use to identify the stability of their salvation
relationship with God. Since the Salvation decision is the single most important
decision in a person's life then I felt it was important for us to look at these
stability concepts regarding the permanence of your Salvation decision.
1) Repeated Regeneration- A person can be saved and lost and saved and
lost depending on how “good” they are at any particular time.
2) Repentance Renewal- When a saved person sins they will be lost unless
they “repent” of that sin before they meet God.
3)
Ridiculous Righteousness – A person can come to an altar at five and “accept
Christ” and then live like the devil for the rest of their life safe in the
knowledge that they made a “profession” of faith as some time in their life.
4) Resting Relationship- Salvation is based on continued faith in Jesus
Christ and his sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. In this relationship a
person is not saved by works but is saved by the Grace
of God in order to bring glory to God and to perform good works as
directed by God. This person does
not have to continually try to be righteous; they rest in the righteousness of
Jesus Christ.
Please be aware that these are broad brush strokes on the “canvas of
Salvation Stability” which contains a vast number of very fine and delicate
lines. The subject is important enough, however, to cause me to endure the
criticism from an article like this if it will get people to dive deeply into
the word of God and see for themselves the wonder and stability of the glorious
gift of salvation that is ours through faith in God's son, Jesus Christ.
Minister Message for Wednesday, November 19, 2008
CHRISTIAN
The word “Christian” is found only three times in
Scripture. Looking at these scriptures will give us an idea of what we should
expect as a Christian and what we should look for in those who claim to be
Christians.
1) Christ like Character and Conduct-
Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto
2) Committed Faith in the Sacrifice and Resurrection of Jesus Christ-
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul,
Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. A Christian is persuaded that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for his sins, who rose from the dead,
and who is coming back for His people some glorious day. You do not just believe
there “was a Jesus”; you get in the boat with Christ and sail away from the
shore of this life toward a Heavenly country.
3) Persecution and misunderstanding from those who are not Christians- 1
Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a
Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. A
Christian is in the world but not of the world. He has a different “King” so he
is looked upon with suspicion and fear by those who serve the god of this world.
Do people see in your life the characteristics of a Bible Christian?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 25, 2008
THANKSGIVING
THANKS
Thank the Lord
for Thanksgiving. Yes, I enjoy the season; cool days, crisp mornings, and
magnificent splashes of colors that awes the eyes and stir the senses. I also
like the food and fellowship; the smell of baking bread, the table loaded with
more than you can possibly eat, and the family getting together to celebrate
another year of love and blessings.
But most of all, I enjoy the “Thanks” of thanksgiving.
I thank the Lord for the people in my life who have molded me, loved me,
and allowed me to be a part of their life-
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
(1 Thessalonians 1:2)
I thank the Lord for the victories I have experienced because of His
power and provision- Now thanks be unto
God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the
savour of his knowledge by us in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)
I thank the Lord for loving me when I was unlovable and sending His dear
son, Jesus Christ to die as a payment for my sins and shortcomings- The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But
thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Corinthians 15:56-57)
I thank God that God likes me to thank God! -
By him therefore let us offer the
sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving
thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15)
If I could give you any advice today it would simply be “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). It will do you, and those around
you, good.
Minister Message for Wednesday, November 26, 2008
SPIRIT FILLED
THANKS
One of the marks of being “Filled with the Spirit of God”
is to be a thankful person- And be not
drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to
yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in
your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the
Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:18-20). Thanks
always for all things- that takes being Spirit filled!
One way to “bring the Spirit” to a Church Service is to sing praises and
thanks to God- It came even to pass, as
the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in
praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the
trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying,
For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled
with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; (2 Chronicles 5:13). The Spirit
came on the day of Pentecost when the people were in one accord; praising and
thanking God helps bring about that unity.
When people are filled with the Spirit and offer praise and thanksgiving
to God it “heals” them on the inside and makes them a blessing instead of a
burden- A merry heart doeth good like a
medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (Proverbs 17:22). Who wants
to be around or take advice from a “grumpy grouch”. A person’s praiseful spirit
helps them be a much more effective worker and witness.
Be a Praiseful Person this week. It will bless you and it will bless
those around you.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, Dec 2, 2008
ABOUT
CHRISTMAS
Christmas is not about a shopping holiday; it is about a
Savior’s Birth! It is not about presents, it is about His Presence. Christmas is
a celebration of God coming from heaven to earth in order that man may go from
earth to heaven. Christmas is about God becoming the son of man in order that
men could become sons of God. Christmas is not about football, family
gatherings, or festivals to celebrate the winter solstice. Christmas is about a
baby being born in
Christmas is a time to Give thanks
unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of
the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath
translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption
through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the
invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things
created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things
were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all
things consist. (Colossians 1:12-17)
The reason for Christmas is because
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).
It is a celebration of God’s love, of Christ’s coming to earth, and of hope and
help for all of mankind. It is not just a holiday; it is the birthday of God’s
Son and my savior. Keep that in mind this Christmas season.
Minister Message for Wednesday, December 3, 2008
GOD NEEDS
YOUR HELP
The situation developed at the front door of the Hospital
where I was about to visit some patients. An elderly man had just picked up his
wife from a hospital stay and loaded her into the car. He had left the car
running in order to keep it warm for her and some way in the process of loading
her into the car the doors to the car had gotten locked. Now the lady and the
key were both locked in the car.
Due to age and medicine, the lady in the car was unable to understand
that her husband needed her to push the button to unlock the door to the car. It
was heart breaking to watch this husband plead with his wife with all of his
patience and ability and yet watch as she looked at him with total
incomprehension about what he wanted her to do. It was a simple task for this
lady to lay her hand on the button and unlock the door but no amount of pleading
and begging could get her to push the button.
The Bible declares that Jesus stands at the door to our heart patiently
knocking and pleading for entrance in order to save our soul and bless our life.
I know it must be extremely frustrating to Him that so many people simply sit
and stare at Him instead of opening the door and allowing Him entrance. Oh, how
His heart must break as He watches us suffer and miss going “home” simply
because we will not unlock the door to our heart and let Him in.
Behold, I stand at the door, and
knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and
will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 9, 2008
MAN MISTAKE
God made it very
simple in the beginning. Anything is allowed except one thing (Eating from the
tree of the knowledge of good and evil). With everything but one thing man
wanted the one thing that would take away every thing so he disobeyed God and
ending up hiding in the bushes instead of walking with God. When I see people
make really bad decisions today I try to remember that their genes came down
from Adam!
Next came the excuses and man became a master of excuses- 1) Adam blamed
Eve and Eve said Satan make me do it (It was someone else’s fault). 2) Aaron
created a golden calf to worship while Moses was on the mountain getting the Ten
Commandments. When Moses confronted him he told Moses that he had simply cast
the people’s gold into the fire and a calf came out (Ex. 32:24). (Circumstances
lead me to do wrong). 3) When Esau sold his birth right for a bowl of beans he
blamed his hunger for his trespass (Gen 25:30). (My overwhelming Passion
persuaded me to do wrong).
Adam found that disobeying God puts you out of the garden of blessings
into the fields of briars. Eve found that listening to Satan words now meant she
had to start listening to her husband instructions even as she moaned with pain
in the birth of children (Gen 3:16-19). Both found the way into the
What a horrible story. And it would end so tragically if it were not for
the fact that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John
3:16). Aren’t you glad Christmas is about Christ?
Minister Message for Wednesday, December 10, 2008
MY MISTAKE
The holidays had come. Abundant food everywhere. Coffee and
choice of sweets for breakfast- Glory! Trying to get into the pumpkin cake I
looked at my wife and asked, “Who was the crazy who wrapped this cake up so
strangely until it is almost impossible to get into?” She smiled her pretty
little pixie smile and said, “I believe it was YOU who wrapped up that cake”.
“Oh,” I said. “You mean it was the handsome, intelligent, and fabulous
crazy that lives with you who wrapped up the cake.” Amazing isn’t it how a
mistake does not seem nearly as bad when it is YOU who makes the mistake!
The word “mistake” is not found in the Bible. The word “error” is found
only 13 times and many of those times it is used to describe a false doctrine.
One interesting time it is found, however, is in the earliest book of the Bible,
Job- And be it indeed that I have erred,
mine error remaineth with myself. (Job 19:4).
Job had several “friends” who came
to comfort him in his sickness but ended up chastising him by implying that his
problems were because of some wickedness or sin in his life (Which was exactly
opposite of the factual reason; he was persecuted by Satan because he was the
most righteous man of his time). Job was now telling his friends that if he made
a mistake then he would live with that mistake.
I have made many mistakes; from wrongly wrapping cake to wrongly accusing
people of errors. Thank God that He loved me enough to point out the mistakes
and then pardon my transgressions because of the sacrifice of His son. And that
is the real heart of what Christmas is all about.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 16, 2008
CHRIST AND
CHRISTMAS
Take Christ out
of Christmas? What planet did you come from? The reason for the season is the
celebration of the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Merchants and the
Media have seized upon the generosity and good will that flows so naturally from
this celebration of God becoming flesh and tried to make it nothing but a “blip”
on the yearly economic calendar. Take Christ and all He means out of the picture
and see the empty hollow holiday you have left.
The presents that are given at Christmas are given to symbolize the gift
that God gave on that first Christmas morning. Take away the giving of gifts at
this time of year and listen to the Merchants and Media squeal.
The decorations and festivities were originally intended to symbolize
various aspects of the celebration of the Birth of Christ. Without Christ all
you can decorate for is a weird nosed reindeer or a generous fat man who warns
you to earn any gift you receive by being good (which would disqualify many
Merchants and Media!!).
The Apostle Peter said Jesus was
“a rock of offence” (I Pet 2:8) to those who disregard the word of God. My love
for, and commitment to, God supersedes the wishes of a few people who want me to
stop celebrating one of the greatest events in the history of the world; the
birth of God’s Son. If this offends some people then so be it. I can only
encourage these people to stay in their undecorated homes, empty of any
Christmas gifts, and stop offending me while I celebrate the wonderful love of
God which was shown in the birth of His Son.
Minister Message for Wednesday, December 17, 2008
WICKEDNESS
CORRECTION
Thine own wickedness shall correct (discipline) thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts. (Jeremiah 2:19).
Jeremiah lived in a tumulus time of foreign war, economic
upheaval, and political turmoil (sound familiar?). The sinful actions and
attitudes of the nation had caught up with the nation and the “let’s play and
never pay” attitude of the people had produced a harvest of havoc in families,
in finances, and in moral values. Babies were killed as sacrifices to pleasure,
the elderly were no longer honored, and “eat, drink, and be merry” was the
guiding principle of much of society.
Like Jeremiah, we live in a troubled time where sinful practices and
principles have become the law of the land. Like the religious people of
Jeremiah’s day Society has turned away from the Bible and begun to do that which
feels right in its own eyes. And like the nation of Jeremiah’s day our nation is
suffering the chaos of moral collapse and financial ruin because of our wicked
ways.
People need to again be told that “it is an evil thing and bitter, to forsake
the Lord thy God, and to not fear Him”. It is an evil thing and bitter when a
few fanatics tell the vast majority we can no longer honor God on His birthday.
It is an evil thing and bitter when schools are told to condone and celebrate
“mother earth” but remain utterly quite about Father God. I greatly fear that
“our own wickedness shall correct us”.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 23, 2008
GIFT GUIDELINES
One of the most difficult
decisions some people face during this Christmas season is determining what gift
to give. When people have all they seem to need or when you do not know a person
well enough to know what they need then it is very difficult to get a gift for
that person. It is not that you do not love that person and desire to give them
a gift but you do not know what is appropriate or needed. Here are some “Gift
guidelines” that may help.
Be aware of the Potential of
the Gift. A gift can be a tremendous blessing as it shows love and concern but
it can also be a tremendous burden if it insults, injuries, or invites a person
to think or act wrongly. A gift should not empower a person’s weakness (no
alcohol to an alcoholic), promote a person’s wickedness (subscription to
Playboy), or develop a person’s worldliness (violent video games or movies).
Be Practical in your giving. Employ the principle of giving used by the Wise
Men: 1) Gold- Money gifts to help with needs 2) Frankincense (perfume)- personal
gifts for the individual 3) Myrrh- Service gifts that involve sacrifice (IOU to
baby sit or wash your car, etc).
Realize the Preciousness
of your gift- A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it:
whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. (Proverbs 17:8). When people sense
the love in your gift then they will delight in your care for them and your gift
will multiply in meaning.
Do not allow the pressure and
“politics” of gift giving to steal the joy that comes from sharing with others
this Christmas. And always remember that God’s gift to you is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:23)
Minister Message for Wednesday, December 24, 2008
MISSING CHRISTMAS
If we are not careful then
Christmas simply becomes a time when we feed our Greed, neglect those in Need,
and overdo our Feeds. Of course, it was never meant to be like this. Christmas
should be a time of peace on earth and good will toward men. It should be a
commemoration of God becoming a man which should bring about a time of joy and
jubilation.
Sadly, for most people, the Christmas season
is now equated with intense shopping, increasing stress, and unending sports on
TV. It is now a time of riotous parties, no available parking at the mall, and
the unspoken desire in the hearts of many people for Christmas to finally be
over so life can get back to “normal”.
My main concern is
not that the Atheist will kill Christmas; we seem to have done a good job of
that on our own! Darkness cannot win over light unless the light is producing so
much smoke and smudge until it stops itself from shining. This seems to be
exactly what is happening in our society today.
God gave
us Christmas. No government or group can take it from you. But if you are so
busy with your inn full of people until you do not have room for Jesus then you
will miss the message from the angels and overlook the manger with the Christ
child. And Christmas will just be a busy time instead of a blessed celebration.
Don’t miss Christmas this Christmas. May it be a time you are filled with God’s
love and centered on God’s Son, Jesus Christ. MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 30, 2008
IMPACT OF THE
KINGDOM
God was extremely good to the Church where I serve as
Assistant Pastor in 2008. We had great growth (We had to move out of our
Sanctuary into our
The motto of our Church is “A Church where God's Kingdom Impacts Your
Life”. With that in mind, we are surveying our congregation with several
questions at the beginning of this new year. I thought the questions were
important enough until they would be of interest to my readers as well as my
congregation.
1) How did
2) What can we do to help you live the challenge of allowing God's
Kingdom to impact every area of your life on a regular basis?
3) The Bible declares that the
Jesus preached the things “pertaining to the
Minister Message for Wednesday, December 31, 2008
MASTER
MOMENTS
I began writing
devotional articles for this newspaper in 1989. If you do the math on that it
means that I have written over 1000 devotional articles during that time (20
years times 52 weekly articles per year) [I also write another devotional
article each week for another “unnamed” paper which brings the total to nearly
2000]. Some of those articles have found their way onto people’s refrigerators
and into people’s lives; while others have found their way to the bottom of the
bird cage!
I am a preacher by calling so some of the articles have been mini sermons
and Bible lessons but the articles people respond to the most are the ones where
I share how God is at work in the every day details of my life. I “made a deal
with God” at the beginning of my ministry. I told Him I would try to be a good
servant for Him if He would be a good Master for me. Looking back it is easy to
see that He has done a better job with His part than I have with mine (!) but it
is those “Master Moments” where He does something extraordinary through or for
me that seem to be of the greatest interest to people.
As we begin a new year I ask for your prayers that I will always be a
good servant and a faithful Christian. In return, I promise that I will try to
share as many “Master Moments” with you as I can as I continue to live the most
exciting life possible; the life of a followers of Jesus Christ.