JANUARY - JUNE, 2009 NEWSPAPER
DEVOTIONAL ARTICLES
By Rev Mike Jones
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Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 6, 2009
LASTING
CHANGE
Many people will initiate changes such as weight loss or
character improvement during the first part of 2009. Sadly, most of them will
abandon those changes in a very short time. They meant well but the change they
were seeking to accomplish required more effort, endurance, and pain than most
people were willing to invest into the project.
I
tell people that maintaining change is a like learning the difference between
Pity and Compassion. Pity is someone else’s hurt in your mind while Compassion
is someone else’s hurt in your heart. Real change comes when the desire for
change moves from your mind into your heart..
Jesus told His disciples in Luke 14:28-32 that they should not “pick a fight
they could not win nor begin a building they could not finish.” In both
instances Jesus said a person needed to consider their resources and be willing
to fully commit to the project before they began to build or battle.
In the same way, the only method to guarantee success in change is to
consider the full cost of the change and then commit to that change with all
your heart. Jesus did not call disciples to “try me for awhile and see if you
like my life style”. He demanded that they leave their tax tables or fishing
nets and fully commit to walking with Him. A change so radical until Jesus
called it dying to self and being born again as a child of God.
You and God have the ability to produce any change in your life that is part of
God’s plan. It is just a matter of determining what change God wants in your
life and then joining God with all your heart in accomplishing that change.
Minister Message for Wednesday, January 7, 2009
INSIGHT
INFORMATION
I am a “note taker”. Almost always, I have a note pad of
some kind with me as I travel or attend meetings. From time to time I look back
over these notes to remember information and to reflect on any insight I gained
from the message or meeting. I thought I would share some of this insight
information at the beginning of a new year in the hopes that it would be
beneficial to you.
Listening to a large number of speakers has led me to realize that some
speakers Manufacture the “Word” (They take a scripture and “depart there from”
so they can share some thoughts about things from their own perspective). Some
speakers Manipulate the “Word” in order to get it to say what they want it to
say. Some speakers Misuse the “Word” by taking the scripture out of its context
or by claiming promises for themselves that God gave to others. But, thank the
Lord, some speakers Minister with the “Word” so that people are changed and
problems are solved.
Here are some sentence thoughts to make us “ponder”: It is easier to talk
About someone that it is to talk To someone. No plan will work unless you are
willing to stop planning and go to work. Christians should not be Police looking
for law breakers. They should be Physicians looking for someone to heal. Many
good people were good before they became godly but being good did not make them
godly.
One final thought to help make 2009 a success- Inspiration should lead to
dedication which should lead to participation which should lead to perspiration
which will lead to jubilation.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 13, 2009
COMPLACENT CHANGE
Change seldom comes by chance. Almost always there must be
a determination of what needs to be changed and a desire to bring about that
change before lasting change takes place. In the same way, simply wishing for
change is generally a waste of time that ends up producing heartache and
discouragement instead of the results you desired. Something must produce change
before change will be produced.
If you do what you have always done then you will get what you have always got.
Change is produced when circumstances or situations develop to the place where
adjustments to the circumstances or alterations to the situations are more
desirable than leaving things as they are. In other words, if you are happy
where you are then you will not move to where you need to be.
So the question will have to be, “Is there anything in your life that is
brothering you to the point that you are willing to do what it takes to change
your circumstances or situation?” If you are complacent with your circumstances
then it will be difficult, if not impossible, to produce change in your life.
Jesus was
well aware of the relationship between complacence and change. That is why He
gave warning such as this one about the approaching world catastrophes- And take
heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting
(gluttony) , and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon
you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of
the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted
worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before
the Son of man. (Luke 21:34-36)
Minister Message for Wednesday, January 14, 2009
WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART?
The Bible often uses the word “heart” to represent the “driving force” in a
person’s life- He did not have a “heart” to do the task or his “heart” would not
let him give up. With that is mind I would like to show you some things in your
“heart” that will greatly impact your life.
Your Treasure (Those things you count valuable in life) will impact your ”heart”
in motivations and methods of operation- For where your treasure is, there
will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:21)
Your Thoughts (Your perception of circumstances or your preoccupation with
situations) will have a great influence on your “heart” and what you say and do-
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: (Proverbs 23:7). In fact,
Jesus said your thought life was so influential until the thought was like the
deed- But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her
hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Matthew 5:28)
The Troubles that come into your life can either destroy your “heart” or develop
you into a person of great character and conviction- Let not your heart be
troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (John 14:1) Peace I
leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto
you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
The best advice I can give to enable you to have a good “heart” is to Trust
in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
(Proverbs 3:5)
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 20, 2009
PRESIDENTIAL
PRAYER
Today is the day things “change” in America. A new president and a new
administration will take the reins of power and launch their agenda for the next
four years. The Bible commands us to pray for our leaders-
I exhort therefore, that, first of all,
supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all
men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (I Tim 2:1-2); so I want to
share these prayers for our new President.
I pray for Safety for the President. There
are a lot of “weird thinking people” in the world and the thought process of
some of them does not contain the logic necessary to make proper decisions.
May God’s protecting hand be with our new President.
I pray for Sense for the President. May he have the wisdom that is needed
so he can deal with the problems America
faces and lead in developing the tremendous potential that sill lies within the
minds and heart of the people of America.
I pray for Stability for the President. Millions of people believe their
agenda is absolutely the only course of action that should be followed by the
new President. I pray our new President will get his instructions from the Word
of God and take his directions from a consistent walk with God. May he hear the
voice of God above all the clamor and noise that will assault him each day.
Finally, I pray for Success for the President. May he establish a
prosperous and peaceful country where those of us who desire to live right and
do right can “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty”.
Minister Message for Wednesday, January 21, 2009
PRIORITY PRINCIPLES
Jesus said that man=s entire obligation to
religion could be summarized in 2 principles- Love God above everything and Love
your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:29‑31) And Jesus answered him, The first
of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: {30}
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
{31} And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
But how does that work in real life? How can we show our love TO GOD?
Jesus made that simple enough- (John 14:15)
If ye love me, keep my commandments. We show God we love Him truly
by doing what He tells us to do.
How, then, do we show the love OF GOD to those around us? Again, Jesus
said it would be easy enough for those who were not Christians to know those who
were true followers- (John 13:35)
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to
another.
These two principles will guide you to a wonderful and fruitful life. But
they must be practiced and not just talked about- (1 John 3:18)
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in
deed and in truth.
Do you want a GOOD week? Look for opportunities to put these two
principles into practice and you will be wonderfully surprised with the
difference it will make in your life.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 27, 2009
BARBER
BLESSING
It started when
I told the Barber he was a vital part of my ministry. He thought at first that I
might be joking but I assured him I was serious. Then I went on to explain that
my appearance had a big bearing on the way people listened to my sermon. I told
him that if my hair was unkempt and looked bad then numerous people in the
congregation would be distracted from the message I was trying to get inside
them by what they could see on the outside of me.
It
was amazing to see the transformation that took place in my Barber. Suddenly he
saw himself doing something important instead of simply servicing another
customer. He became animated in his conversation and diligent in his hair
cutting procedure. In fact, it became one of the best hair cuts I have received
in a long time, even to making sure the hairs in my nose, in my ears, and along
my eye brows were cut just right!
This was another example to me of what a difference it makes in a
person’s life when they feel the task they are doing is important. The sense of
being needed, coupled with a feeling of accomplishment, is one of the biggest
motivators in the world. When people feel like what they are doing has value and
merit their attitude toward their work is entirely different from a person who
feels their work is not required or is not appreciated.
If you feel your Pastor or the other people at Church are not living up
to their potential try a little bit of positive praise. You will be amazed at
the change in a person who is praised for the good he does instead of being
constantly criticized and belittled.
Minister Message for Wednesday, January 28, 2009
COPIER COVER
Something was wrong
and it was baffling to the lady helping us with our church bulletin as well as
to me. The Church has purchased a new (to us) copier in the middle of the year
and we had watched in amazement as copy after copy rolled out of this machine
without the need of changing the toner cartridge.
Finally, just before Christmas, the copier told us it needed a new toner
cartridge and we called our copier company for service. The technician came,
replaced the cartridge, and the copier went back to doing its usual great job.
Three weeks later, however, the copier suddenly stopped working and declared it
needed another toner cartridge. Something was wrong with this picture!
The copier company had left us a spare cartridge so we assumed the new
cartridge was defective and decided to replace it with the spare. That is when
we found that the technician had forgotten to remove the cap from the cartridge
when he installed it into our machine. The toner could not do its job because it
was still trapped inside the cartridge.
Many people who claim to be followers of Christ do not make much of an
impression on the world. Maybe the problem is the fact that they are not
prepared to empty themselves into the work of God because a “cap” of pride or
personal ambition remains in their way. What a difference it would make, and
what an impression they would make, if they would yield everything to God so all
barriers could be removed and God could flow through their life as He desires.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 3, 2009
MARRIAGE AND
MINISTRY
On February 6th, I celebrate being married to
the lovely Princess Paula for 39 years. She has been a good companion and a
faithful spouse and I continue to rejoice in God’s direction in leading us to
join together as husband and wife. I certainly have no desire to lose her and I
have no inclination that I would seek to “replace” her if something were to
happen to her. As my wife likes to remind me, she is my “good thing” from the
Lord- Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good
thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. (Proverbs 18:22)
Forty-Five years ago on January 10, 1964 I was ordained into the Gospel
Ministry. As a 16 year old boy there were many things I did not know about the
Bible and about serving God. I did know, however, that God had called me into
His work and put a fire in my soul to preach His word and share the good news
about Jesus Christ and I was determined to do what I could where I was with what
I had.
Since that time God has blessed me in amazing ways and I have seen many
wonders of the Lord as He has directed my ministry and allowed me to preach in
numerous countries all over the world. During those forty-five years I have also
seen the “dark side” of Christianity as preachers sinned, churches split, and
members grumbled about anything and everything. Through it all the fire still
burns and I am determined to fight a good fight and finish the course in such a
way until God will be honored and lives will be changed.
A good wife and a meaningful life; all because I chose to follow God’s plan for
my life. Does it get any better than that!
Minister Message for Wednesday, February 4, 2009
WINNERS AND
LOSERS
Losers lose
because Losers are losers. Winners win because Winners are winners. Sometimes
Losers win but they are still Losers. Sometimes Winners lose but they are still
Winners. Winners have something
inside them we call “heart” or “the will to win”. Whatever it is, it is the
driving force that causes a Winner to practice longer, play harder, and
accomplish more regardless of the circumstances or the situation.
Christianity is not a “magic portion” that suddenly causes all of your
problems to disappear, your bills to melt away, and your circumstances to all of
a sudden become favorable. In fact, when a person comes to God through faith in
Jesus Christ and becomes a believer he will probably encounter more persecution
and additional problems. The difference in a Christian, however, is that he has
suddenly become a “Winner” and he now can face life with confidence and courage.
When a person become a believer in Christ their body becomes the temple
of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinth 3:16).
This simply means that God moves in and you go from being a Loser into being a
Winner- 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).
How can YOU be transformed from a Loser into a Winner? Ask God to come
into your life and give you His winning ways-
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and
he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any
man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be:
if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (John 12:25-26).
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009
GIRDLES
Looking for something special for your wife for Valentine’s
Day? How about a girdle? Just kidding, I will not be responsible for the harm
that will come to you if you give your wife a girdle and she thinks that means
she is fat! Instead of giving your wife a girdle how about seeing if she can
help you learn about some girdles worn by men of God in the Bible.
[The Bible reference for the answers would many times tell you the answer
so the reference and the answer can be found under “quiz” at
www.ministerministry.com]
What preacher preached with a Linen girdle that was good for
nothing?
What preacher wore a “Curious” girdle?
Name two preachers who wore Leather girdles?
What man of God wanted his enemies to wear a “Cursing” girdle?
What man of God wore a girdle of Righteousness and
Faithfulness?
Who was the man of God whose girdle was used as a handcuff?
Who was last seen wearing a Gold Girdle?
One final “Fun Fact”. Who
was the preacher who was told to preach naked; without a girdle or anything
else?!
Minister Message for Wednesday, February 11, 2009
WIVES
Rather than tell you to love your wife on Valentine’s Day
(You are supposed to do that all the time!), I thought I would share some
interesting things about wives in the Bible. Hope you will take the time to look
up the answers; and I hope these questions will help you realize that all
marriages have to deal with, and learn to adapt to, less than perfect
conditions.
Who was told to preach on the day his wife
died?
What Preacher was married to a prostitute?
What Preacher’s wife caused him problems because she was from a different
nationality?
What
man worked for a wife for 7 years and then ended up with the wrong wife?
Whose wife talked like a “foolish woman” and ended up having 20 children?
What wife controlled her husband’s affairs but ended up being eaten by dogs?
Whose wife tried to interfere in a trial being presided over by her husband?
Whose wife helped him rob from the Church?
Because giving
you the scriptural reference to these would many times also give you the
answers, I have placed the scriptural references and the answers to these under
“Quiz” at www.ministerministry.com.
Hope you got most of them.
One more question; and I will
give you the answer to this one. What did Jesus have to say about marital gender
and commitment? And he answered and said
unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them
male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother,
and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they
are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let
not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:4-6)
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 17, 2009
SMALL GODS
It was my first
time in Sidney, Australia and I was browsing a local book store. A small book
caught my attention and I immediately knew I had to own a copy. The book was
written by J. B. Phillips and was entitled “Your God is too Small”. I have read
the book several times and it has some good content but the title of the book is
still the most intriguing part.
I personally believe there are three major factors contributing to the
decline of respect for Christianity in America today. One factor is the Disgrace
of Christian Leaders. It is difficult to respect a religion being preached by
men of questionable character with high moral standards in the pulpit but low
moral standards in their own personal life.
Another factor in the decline of Christian influence is the Dilution of
Christian Authority. This is epitomized by an ever increasing number of
“personal churches” led by men who cannot live with other Christians so they go
out and start their own little movement which is basically going back to the
worst time in Biblical history when “every man did that which was right in his
own sight”.
In my opinion, however, the most
devastating factor in the decline of Christianity is the Defeatist Attitude
exhibited by many people who call themselves Christians. When the prophet Elijah
wanted to call a nation back to God he issued this challenge, “the God that
answers by fire, let him be God.” This immediately struck a positive cord with
the people because they were looking for a God who was big enough to be a God
they could feel confident in following.
If your “god” is so small until He cannot help you in life then I would
fear to trust Him in death. I am glad I serve a God who is big enough to make me
more than conqueror in life and who has defeated death, hell, and the grave.
Minister Message for Wednesday, February 18, 2009
PROVEN
PROVISION
For nearly 20 years I have operated a Faith Ministry that
allows me to help people come to Know Jesus Christ as their Savior and then to
Show Jesus Christ in their changed life. It is called Minister Ministry because
the purpose of the ministry is to minister (serve) by helping people come to a
greater awareness of God’s pardon and provision. It is a “Faith Ministry”
because it relies entirely on God’s provision to operate- nothing is sold nor is
a “suggested donation” suggested.
Recently I had the opportunity to do some work for someone and they
graciously gave me a gift of $500 as a means of showing their appreciation. Like
most people, I have numerous “holes” that this money could go into but Minister
Ministry was low on funds and I needed to purchase some bibles and other
materials to give away so I felt like the Lord would have me give the money to
the ministry- “Freely you have received, Freely give” (Matt 10:8).
Several days after I gave the money to the Ministry I received a letter
(which was post marked on the day I gave my gift). Inside was a note saying God
had impressed the letter writer to give a personal gift to my wife and I. I
thought it might be a few dollars to allow us to go out to supper or something.
Imagine my surprise when I opened the check and it was written for $500 (Is
there a “Glory” anywhere in the house!!).
God told us to “prove” Him in the matter of finances (Mal 3:10). Over and
over He has proven faithful in my life. He is a great and wonderful God.
Lessons for Living for February 24, 2009
BARRIERS TO BLESSINGS
Why do so many Church Members live lives of defeat, despair, and quite
desperation when God said, “In all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us.” Ro 8:37?
What hinders Christians from being vibrant and victorious?
I believe the answer is found in a simple verse that describes how an
entire nation ended up wandering in the wilderness waiting to die instead of
triumphantly living in the promised land-
Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.
(Psalms 78:41)
We limit God when we fail to follow His leadership. The most important
statement in the Bible (I believe) is “The Just shall live by Faith”. This
statement is used as the “backbone” of 4 Books in the Bible and describes the
purpose and plan of the Bible in one concise sentence. It also describes the
reason people fail to follow God’s leadership; they do not really believe God’s
plan for their life is the best plan. They spend their time second guessing God
and telling God why His plan will not work in THEIR life instead of joyfully
walking with God into the abundant life.
We also limit God when we fail to trust Him to help us handle the
Challenges of Life. The Children of Israel could only see the giants and walled
cities they would have to overcome. Unwilling to believe in God’s great power
they chose the slow death of wilderness wandering instead of triumphant kingdom
living and ended up spending their lives walking in circles instead of enjoying
the grapes and grain of the promised land.
God has great things in store for you if you will follow His leadership
and trust His power. The barriers to your blessings are erected by your response
to God’s leadership.
Minister Message for Wednesday, February 25, 2009
CHRISTIANITIY
IN ACTION
People will sometimes ask me if I know someone who “stands out” in their
Christian walk. My immediate answer is that the best Christian I know is my
wife. She is a prayer warrior, a Christian Lady in modesty and character, and
she consistently practices what I preach! Several recent incidences will show
you what I mean.
It had been a very busy week the week before and my wife was looking
forward to several “down” days where she had to simply do the “normal” things.
In order to get some real rest my wife decided to work extra hard on Monday so
she would have just a few things to do on Tuesday.
Monday night she sat in her chair very tired but knowing she would be
able to sleep late on Tuesday and enjoy a much slower work pace.
Suddenly the phone rang and my wife heard her sister in law say she was
sick and needed my wife to help her at her business on Tuesday. This would mean
the end to all my wife’s plans and anticipated rest but she knew she needed to
make the sacrifice. My wife worked all day at this business, came home just in
time to get ready for the Ladies Meeting at our Church, and finally arrived
home, exhausted, around 9:00pm.
She said she was going to sit in her chair for awhile and unwind so I
went back to my computer to finish some work. When I looked in on my wife later
she was writing encouragement notes for people so that I could mail them the
next day. Now you know why I consider her one of the best Christians I know.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 3, 2009
HOW TO LOSE
AN ARGUMENT
Genesis is the book of beginnings so it is not surprising
that among the beginning of all the good things you also find the beginning of
bad things- The first sin, the first murder, and the first argument. It is this
first argument (between Satan and Eve) that I want to look at today and see if
we can learn some lessons to help us avoid conflict.
First, Eve went wrong because she received Wrong Information- Gen 3:4
“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die.” As you well
know, not only did Eve end up dying but the curse of sin and death was brought
on the entire human race. It is amazing how many people end up in conflict over
wrong information (Just look at all the false internet rumors floating around
demanding you stand against a problem that does not exist).
Secondly, Eve went wrong because she failed to consult the Source of the
Conflict. Eve and Satan argued about what God said but instead of waiting to ask
God what He really meant when He came down for His evening walk Eve decided to
reason with the devil and ended up with disastrous results.
Finally, Eve went wrong because she felt compelled to justify her
position by enlisting someone close to her (Adam) to see things from her point
of view. Normally, those close to us will more easily see things our way so we
bring them into the problem and the “mob mentality” easily convinces us that
surely we must be right because others agree with us!
Sometimes the best way to win an argument is to simply walk away- Pr
26:20 “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no
talebearer, the strife ceaseth”.
Minister Message for Wednesday, March 4, 2009
CONFLICT
CONSEQUENCES
It is not
normally a good policy to “pick a fight with God” but Adam was the first man so
he had no one to turn to for wisdom and advice and he ended up picking a fight
he could not win. In this initial conflict with God several consequences of
conflict stand out.
Conflict breaks Fellowship. As soon as Adam disobeyed God he tried to
hide from God. In the same way, when you find yourself at odds with someone the
first thing you want to do is avoid that person. Jesus, however, commanded us to
go to that brother and seek every means possible to restore the broken
fellowship (Matt 18).
Conflict exposes areas in our life we do not want others to see. When
Adam got out of fellowship with God he immediately realized he was naked and
exposed. In the same way, conflict often reveals our pride and temperament
failures which brings shame and increases the break in fellowship.
Conflict promotes passing blame to others. Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed
the serpent, and the serpent was probably looking all around for someone to whom
he could “pass the buck”! Normally conflict is not solved until people are
willing to face their own failures and responsibilities.
Finally, conflict impacts those close to us. Not only did Adam suffer
from this conflict but Eve and the serpent also suffered destiny changing
consequences. Homes, communities, and even countries have all suffered horrible
results because a small misunderstanding was allowed to irritate and grow
instead of being handled with love and understanding.
The command of Jesus that if “thy brother hath ought against thee; first
be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift to God” (Matt
5:23-24) is a good life principle.
Lessons for Living for March 10, 2009
REVELATION
ROAD
One of the good things about the book given by God (The
Bible) is that the Father continuously inserts directions for people so that
they can easily find their way to live with Him forever. Since this is time for
my “spiritual birthday” [I was born again on Monday, March 19, 1962], and since
so many people like to talk about the Book of Revelation; I thought I would
share with you the “Revelation Road to Salvation”. If you are a fellow pilgrim
then you will rejoice in seeing the wonderful plan once again. If you are
heading in the wrong direction then you should read this “road map” carefully so
you won’t continue on the road you are traveling and end up in a very hot place.
The Need to Turn around and change your direction:
“But
the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part
in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
(Revelation 21:8).
The offer to change your life and your destination is given to everyone
because Jesus died for everyone- “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art
worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and
hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and
people, and nation;” (Revelation 5:9)
You enter God’s Road to a Heavenly Home by
opening your heart to God through an act of Faith- “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)
I am going to Heaven; are you?
Minister Message for Wednesday, March 11, 2009
SALVATION
ASSURANCE
I
was Born Again on Monday Night, March 19, 1962. I did not come from a religious
background and I did not understand much about the Bible or Christianity but I
did recognize the fact that there was a deep dark hole in my life that was being
filled with self and sin and, as a result, I had no peace or joy. When I heard
that God would clean the “junk” out of that hole and replace it with His love
and mercy I literally jumped at the chance to ask Him to come into my life and
make me a new creature.
Almost immediately, the enemy of my soul
(Satan) began to attack me and point out how often I stumbled and messed up as a
new born baby just beginning to grow in the Christian life.
These attacks caused me to study the scripture (your attack back fired on
you didn’t it Satan!!) where I found wonderful promises from God about the
security of our relationship. Here are a couple of those promises from just one
book of the Bible (John).
“He
that believeth on him is not condemned: …” (John 3:18). “But as many as received
him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe
on his name:” (John 1:12)
A person can believe and receive or doubt and do without. I choose to put
my past under the blood and my future in the hands of Christ. I hope you will do
the same- “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that
believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
(John 3:36)
Lessons for
Living for Tuesday, March 17, 2009
TEACHING AND PREACHING
Almost immediately after I
became a child of God (March 19, 1962), I felt God’s call on my life to preach
the Gospel. Emotionalism Christianity pretty much ruled the day in my circle of
Christianity during those early days. If people shouted and cried and ran up and
down the aisles then everyone thought it was a great service. If the sermon had
“meat” but no great emotion people would say as they shook your hand upon
leaving, “Keep praying and trying. You will get it after awhile!”
Some way, in the mercy and grace of our Great God, I became convinced
that God wanted me to stir people’s minds as well as their hearts. I took a lot
of criticism from people but I could not shake the burden of my heart to teach
as well as to preach. Only later did I find Ephesians 4:11- “And he gave some,
apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and
teachers; (This should actually be translated “Pastor teacher”) and gain
confirmation that God did indeed call “weird” people like me!
I am convinced that a spokesman for God has three main responsibilities:
1) Evangelize (Declare unto people their broken relationship with God and then
show them how to be part of God’s family). 2) Educate (Direct, inform, guide,
and instruct people in the ways and worship of God). 3) Exhort (admonish,
persuade, and urge people to abandon their sinful ways so they can live the
wonderful life God created them to live).
Forty seven years ago God forgave my sin debt and made me one of his
children (Glory!). Now each day I try to walk with Him and grow more like Him. I
still have much to learn but, if God will help me, I will share with others not
only that I know God but also how I grow with God.
Minister Message for Wednesday, March 18, 2009
PRESSING PROBLEMS
Did you know
that the word “crowd” is not found in the Bible? I was thinking recently about
how people keep people from coming to Christ and decided to look up “crowd” in
the Bible. That is when I found that the word “multitude” or “press” is used
instead of the word “crowd”.
The Greek work for “press” is actually derived from the root word for vehicle.
“Press” actually means “a throng of people who carry you along”. Having spent
time in India I can relate to this situation. Sometimes the people are so thick
until you find yourself swept up in a river of humanity and you actually have to
work your way to the edge and hope for a place to break out of the “press”.
In
the Bible this “press” of people caused problems with people trying to get to
Christ for Healing (Mark 2:4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the
press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up,
they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.); for family time (
Luke 8:19 Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at
him for the press.); and for Salvation (Luke 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who
he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature).
The woman with the long term issue of blood had the right answer- When she had
heard of Jesus, (she) came in the press behind, and touched his garment (Mark
5:27). Work your way through the people and the problems until you can get to
the feet of Jesus. That is where you will find peace in the “press”.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 24, 2009
WRITING THE
WORD INTO YOUR HEART
And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his
kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which
is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read
therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to
keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be
not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the
commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong
his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
(Deuteronomy 17:18-20)
When God gave
instructions to Israel concerning the duties of a king He listed an unusual
requirement. The King was instructed to personally write a copy of the Law
(Possibly the book of Deuteronomy) and then read his written copy each day in
order to learn to reverence God and obey His commandments. It is interesting to
note that the favorite book of the King of kings (Jesus Christ) was Deuteronomy
(He quoted more from this book than all other scripture combined).
If you are really serious about incorporating the word of God into your memory
and into your life then you might want to do a “kingly thing” and take the time
to write (or type) a book of the Bible and then spend a month or two reading
your copy. I know it is available on computer and in writing but it is easier to
get it into your heart when you write it yourself. What a great adventure lies
ahead of you!
Minister Message for Wednesday, March 25, 2009
GOD’S CHILD
The heart of Christianity is that faith in the sinless
sacrifice of Jesus Christ can change us from an enemy of God into a son of God.
What glorious good news! Religion tells us how bad we are and how hard we will
have to work in order to placate an angry and vengeful God. A relationship with
God through Jesus Christ changes that “angry God” into our loving Heavenly
Father!
Now, instead of a far off God who is remote and uncaring I have a loving
Heavenly Father who delights in having fellowship with me. Yes, I submit to the
authority of this Father and painfully learn that disobedience brings punishment
but I also realize that the reason for the punishment is not the wrath of God
but His love- “Ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto
children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when
thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth
every son whom he receiveth.” (Hebrews 12:5-6).
Having the great God of the universe as my Father gives me access to an
abundant source of help and supply- “But my God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19). It also
means I never have to face problems or perils alone- “Be content with such
things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
(Hebrews 13:5).
How can you know this wonderful relationship with God? “As many as
received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that
believe on his name:” (John 1:12).
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 31, 2009
REVIVING THE
CHURCH
Dr. Harry Reeder, III is a church growth specialist and the
pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, Al. In his seminars he
lists ten symptoms of a declining Church: 1. They become program focused. 2.
They are nostalgia Dominated. 3. They are personality dependent (certain people
always have to “run” the church). 4. They suffer lack of resources; both
financial and people. 5. Each year brings numerical decline (normal loss in a
church each year due to death, desertion, and division is 10% of membership.
Anything less than a 10% growth rate is a loss). 6. They are in a maintenance
mentality (everyone is so busy just keeping things going until they have no time
or energy for growth). 7. The people are defeated and making excuses (The people
blame the pastor and the pastor blames the people). 8. Many in the church have
loss hope for any meaningful and lasting change. 9. There is a vacuum of good
leadership (Old leaders are tired and young leaders have moved to other
locations). 10. The church begins to “Play the victim” (We are suffering because
we are doing things right. The other churches in the area who are growing must
be turning liberal or compromising).
I think all of these things are relevant and true but I am convinced the
“missing ingredient” in churches today is the lack of being Christ Centered.
Jesus said HE would build His church (Matt 16:18) and if HE was lifted up then
He would draw all men unto himself (John 12:32). Satan is not trying to stop
church from having programs; he is trying to prevent them from preaching Christ.
So let us make preaching Christ our goal and marvel at what God will do to
revive His church and change this world.
Minister Message for Wednesday, April 1, 2009
WE WOULD SEE JESUS
A young preacher had just graduated from Divinity School
and taken his first Church. Week after week he tried to impress the people with
the depth of his understanding of the Scriptures or the relevancy of his
message. And week after week he left the pulpit with a feeling of failure.
One Sunday when he arrived at the pulpit and started to put out his notes he saw
a sign taped to the top of the pulpit. It contained a simple statement, "We
would see Jesus". Hurt and bewildered, the young preacher stumbled through the
message and made it back to the parsonage. Waves of anger washed over him that
someone would be so callous. This was followed by waves of depression and
anxiety. He tried to lie down and get some sleep but that simple statement kept
pounding in his mind, "We would see Jesus".
Finally he rolled off the bed into a kneeling posture. Beside the bed tears of
repentance washed through his soul as he acknowledged his pride and arrogance.
What a change the new day brought. Instead of strutting among the people he
looked for ways to serve them; and, in the process, to serve the Lord.
Day after day this happened until several weeks had passed. Then one Sunday,
when he entered the pulpit, he found another sign taped to the pulpit, "Then
were the Disciples glad when they had seen the Lord".
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 7, 2009
VAIN FAITH
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how
say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no
resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen,
then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found
false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up
Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead
rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is
vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ
are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men
most miserable. (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)
Twice in this extremely important portion of God’s Word Paul states that
if the resurrection of Christ did not take place then your “faith is vain”. In
the original Greek it literally declares “If Christ is not risen then our
preaching amounts to nothing and your faith is empty, unfounded, and without
effect”.
It is not enough to believe that Jesus was a “good man” with “good
teachings” who will help us live “good lives”. Jesus came to show us that we can
never be “good enough” to satisfy the righteous Judgment of God. Then He died in
our place to pay our sin debt. Finally, He was raised from the dead conquering
sin, death, and hell so that you and I could not only become, but also live
like, children of God. Christianity without the resurrection is empty and
powerless!
Minister Message for Wednesday, April 8, 2009
CONSIDER THE
CRUCIFIXION
It is easy for us to look into the face of a new born
infant and marvel at the greatness of God’s work in creating such a person of
love and life. It is difficult for us to picture that same God approving, let
alone designing, the act of the man and woman who produced that child! Yet, the
very first command given by God to the created man and woman was to “be fruitful
and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Gen 1:28). This literally means that
husbands and wives were to have sex often enough until they would have children
enough that the world would be repopulated. When is the last time your preacher
preached on regular marital sex?
It is easy for us to dream about a marvelous place called Heaven where
pain and sorrow are a thing of the past and eternal bliss is the joyful
privilege of each inhabitant. It is more difficult for us to picture the pain
and sorrow Jesus suffered in order for people to gain access to this Heavenly
bliss. Picturing the throne in Heaven is easy; picturing the thorns in His head
as he died for you and I is more difficult.
Bunny rabbits, new dresses, and chocolate candy make Easter a fun time
for all. Watching the Son of God suffer in agony on a cruel cross is not nearly
as appealing, yet, there would have been no resurrection Sunday if it were not
for crucifixion Friday.
Do not become so busy “admiring the baby” this Easter until you forget
how it came into existence. Remember that God was just as much in the function
of the cross as He was in the fruit of the resurrection.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 14, 2009
RELIGIOUS
SHAMS
When we talk
about something being done in “Vain” we normally mean something that has no
impact or effect. The original Hebrew for “vain”, however, is rooted in the word
Sham or Fraud. That is why so many religious activities are listed in the Bible
as being in “vain”.
It is a Sham to use God’s name to curse people or to put down people-
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not
hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Exodus 20:7)
It is a Sham to go through the motions of religion while a world
desperately needs to hear about a life changing God- Bring no more vain
oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the
calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn
meeting. (Isaiah 1:13)
It is a Sham to use prayer as a formality when it can be used to activate
all of God’s power and provision- But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as
the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
(Matthew 6:7)
It is a Sham to preach Christ as a good moral prophet and not as the
crucified, risen Son of God- And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching
vain, and your faith is also vain. (1 Corinthians 15:14)
It s a Sham to talk about religion and never put it into practice- If any
man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth
his own heart, this man's religion is vain. 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. (James 1:26-27)
Is your religion a “sham” or a life changing experience with God?
LUKE WARM
RELIGION
Jesus talked about a group of religious professionals who
made a big show but were in reality nothing but beautifully decorated graves-
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited
sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead
men's bones, and of all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27). How terrible that must
have been to teach about God and His wonders and yet be cold and dead on the
inside.
Something more awful,
however, would be to have just enough “religion” to deceive your heart, deaden
your conscience, and ruin your soul. Your only desire was to use God as a “hell
insurance policy” so you gave God lip service but were never willing to commit
your life and energy to His word and work. Everyone in the church and the
community seemed to like you and you were such a “good old boy” until you
convinced yourself that you were a child of a God you did not know and did not
particularly like.
When the
preacher preached on sin you thought he was talking about other people. When the
Holy Spirit called during the invitation you could only think about getting
first in line at the restaurant. You came to church sometimes, what more could
God expect?
How awful it will be
to stand before God with great expectations about rewards and Heaven and listen
with amazement and horror as God looks at you with cold judgmental eyes and
declares, “I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of
iniquity.” (Luke 13:27). Then the Truth that could have set you free will
finally show you how blind you really were.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 21, 2009
THE TWENTY
DOLLAR PENNY
One of the great joys of walking with the Lord is to sense
and hear His constant guidance. God does not “tie my shoes” but I do expect Him
to provide the resources I need in selecting my shoes (A little thing between
God and I. He gave the children of Israel shoes that lasted 40 years (Deut 29:5)
so I expect Him to provide me shoes when I need them).
I am in one of my busy times right now with numerous projects going on
that demand my attention and time. Recently, on the way to work, I stopped at a
local country store for a sausage wrap for breakfast. As soon as I got in the
car that morning I had begun telling God how busy I was as I “complained” about
all the things I had to do. When I came to the counter to pay for my breakfast I
was one penny short and the “give a penny, get a penny” tray beside the cash
register was empty. I ended up having to use a twenty dollar bill to pay for
breakfast just because I was a penny short.
On the way back to the car I
looked down and there was a penny shining on the ground beside where I had
parked my car. Suddenly, “the world stopped as I realized what had happened”.
I was so busy complaining to God about
how He was running my life until I failed to give Him an opportunity to help me
by showing me what I would need in a few moments. Thank the Lord it only cost me
a broken twenty that time. May God help me in the future to listen to His voice
so I can hear His wonderful plans instead of focusing on my passing problems.
Minister Message for Wednesday, April 22, 2009
ENDING RIGHT
I do not like a
movie or book in which the “bad guy” wins. The “anti-hero” seems to be the rage
right now in a society which seems determined to turn all values and morals
upside down but I think teaching people that “bad” is really “good” will be
something that society will one day greatly regret.
I attended a funeral recently where the deceased was just a few months
older than I am. I realize more each day how close death is and how important it
is for me to keep my affairs in order. This was also a week in which many in the
media, including our president, proclaimed that America was no longer a
Christian nation so we should abandon Christian principles and practices and
become like the nation of Israel during one of the darkest times in their
history, “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which
was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25)
All of this led me to once again look at three life principles for living
in the last days. First, I want to live until I die. I refuse to let the
increasing darkness that surrounds me keep me from enjoying the light of God
that lives in my heart. Secondly, I
want to be an example until I expire. I want people to see the grace and
goodness of God in my life and realize the “good” I proclaim is better than the
“bad” heroes they are told to follow. Finally, I want to be finished when I
finish. I do not want to waste my time and energy numbing my mind with
“entertainment” when God has a job for me to do.
May God make it so.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 28, 2009
BLACK ROCKS
If a million people tell you a black rock is white it does not change
the color of the rock nor the ability of clear sighted people to see that it is
a black rock. If Society and the government call sin an alternate life style it
does not change God’s attitude toward those who engage in this life style nor
does it change God’s judgment on those who promote or participate in such
activity (Luke 17:28-30).
Some
preachers in our country are giving up on their stand for righteousness and holy
living because of the recent wave of propaganda being disbursed by the liberal
media. Let me encourage you to continue to stand steadfast for God's Word and
God's Ways. I have read the end of the Book and although Satan and his followers
make a big roar toward the end I know that when the dust settles Saints will be
singing on streets of gold while Satan and his followers will be crying in a
lake of fire. And nothing the media says will change that.
God and the
world are looking for people who are Christian by practice as well as by
profession. The world is desperately seeking people who will declare God’s love
and display God’s love as God has written about it and shown it in the Bible.
This means loving people enough to point out the dangers of disobedience as well
as the delights of walking in God’s will.
You can tell me all day
long that a black rock is really white but you do not fool me and you certainly
do not fool God. Sadly, who you may fool is yourself; and that would be a sad
way to live and to die.
Minister Message for Wednesday, April 29, 2009
FIRM BELIEF
I am
not the smartest man in the world but I did graduate as valedictorian from my
high school. I am not the most sophisticated man in the world but I have
traveled to over a dozen foreign countries and have been exposed to various
cultures and most of the world's predominate religions. I am not someone who has
accepted certain religious teaching simply because I am from the South. I
question God about everything: Why do some people suffer and others do not? Why
do some people who live like the devil make lots of money while others who do
right all their life barely earn a minimal living. Why does God have to beg
people to serve Him while people eagerly flock to serve Satan? There is very
little God and I do not discuss.
Christianity is a major part of my life now but, sadly, I had little
exposure to the Church and its structure in my early life so I was not “brain
washed” into accepting certain beliefs without first examining them logically
and in the light of real world living. The Core Beliefs in my life are based on
years of Christian living and hours of Bible Study.
I want you to understand this so you will realize when I say that the
Bible is the complete and unerring word of God that I am not saying this simply
because it is what people expect me to say. I believe sin is wrong because the
ultimate judge of all mankind, God, has declared it to be wrong and not because
I have an “Axe to grind” or a prejudice to promote.
God is the only God. Not because I say so but because it is so!
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 5, 2009
REST
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28). This is one of the great promises of Christ
that seldom seems to be claimed or enjoyed by His harried and ever busy
followers. In fact, many churches pride themselves on the busyness of their
schedule! Someone needs to reminds us again that it was the sin of being too
busy to take time to spend time with God that eventually led to captivity for
the nation of Israel (2 Chron 36:19-21).
One of the problems in our society today is that many people do not know
what it means to “rest”. They equate “rest” with entertainment, shopping, or
taking time from the busy schedule of work to take on an equally busy schedule
of amusements (Think of the miles and miles of things to keep families “busy” on
their vacation at places like Pigeon Forge or Myrtle Beach).
The Word “Rest” used by Jesus in this verse comes from a Greek word
meaning to Release, to Relieve, or to Refresh. Those terms describe exactly what
a person should look for when they seek meaningful rest. Real Rest comes when
you are able to Release your stress, Relieve the normal responsibilities that
press you down, and Refresh your soul and body so that you are renewed and
re-energized.
Real rest does not necessarily come from laziness (doing nothing). Real
rest is when you engage in something that “reconnects” you with God and with
yourself. It is stressful for me to have to write an article but it is greatly
refreshing to be able to spend time with God so that the article flows from our
communion together. I pray you find some way to “rest” this week.
Minister Message for Wednesday, May 6, 2009
BABY
BOGGLERS
I
thought it would be interesting to talk about babies in the bible as we approach
Mother’s Day. Here are some questions to (hopefully) get you to digging in the
Bible- which would make your mother proud!
1.
What Baby was
Named "The Glory is Departed"
2.
What Baby was
Named "This is not my Child"
3.
What Baby was
Named "God is among us"
4.
What Baby's
Cry saved a nation?
5.
What Baby
greeted his cousin while still in the womb?
6.
What Baby was
called to preach before he was born?
7.
What Baby was
filled with the Holy Ghost from the time of his birth?
8.
When will it
be safe for Babies to play in Snake Pits?
9.
When did
Mothers have boiled baby for breakfast?
10.
What man’s
wives had a "baby war" in order to win his affection?
11.
When does a
Baby receive his corrupt nature?
12.
When does a
Baby receive his soul?
13.
How old does a
Baby have to be in order to go to Hell when they die?
14.
When does an
old man become a Baby?
15.
Will Babies go up in the Rapture?
May you “be like a baby” this week as you hunger and thirst for the word of God - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1 Peter 2:2) [Answers to this quiz can be found Here ].
Lessons for Living
for Tuesday, May 12, 2009
SUNDAY
MORNING BELIEVERS
What would you think of a man who showed up at his home
once each week, went straight to the bed room, where he asked his wife to be
really enthusiastic about being intimate with him with the hope that they would
have yet another child for him to boast about. After their encounter he would
then throw some money on the table and tell the wife to make sure the kids were
taken care of and educated right. He would then walk whistling out the door as
he called over his shoulder to his wife that he would look forward to another
good time with her next week.
What would you think of a Church Member who showed up once each week for
Sunday Morning Services where he expected to have a “goose bump” experience as
he “worshipped” the Lord and anticipated new converts to be born again and
brought into the body of Christ. He would throw a little something into the
offering plate and then tell the preacher as he left the service to make sure
these new converts were well educated and cared for. He would then go about his
life and feel good about himself until the next Sunday (if he felt good) when he
would again show up for another “good experience”.
Jesus calls people to Worship Him, Walk with Him, and Work for Him. Someone has
to practice for the singing, care for the nursery, teach the classes, and do the
one hundred and one things that must be done if a Church is to be a growing
vibrant Body of Believers. People do not accomplish this if you only show up to
Worship God on Sunday Morning.
Minister Message for Wednesday, May 13, 2009
FIVE FOLD
PURPOSE
Several great things have come out of the venomous and vicious attack of
the Christian Church by the liberal community. First, their obvious hatred and
loathing of fundamental Christianity gives a true picture of their “tolerance”
(Anything they want MUST be accepted while anyone who disagrees with them is a
bigot and a fraud).
Secondly, the accusations the liberal community keeps throwing at the ministry
and methods of the Church have caused the Church to take a long overdue look at
its core beliefs as well as its perceived behavior. No longer can the Church
expect to be respected and honored just because of its present name or its past
accomplishments. Inquiring minds want to know and the Church better be ready to
justify its reason for existing. It also must be able to validate its authority
to issue life changing and society controlling declarations.
With these things in mind, I have prepared a five-fold purpose statement for the
Church where I am assistant Pastor. Our Church exists in order to: 1) Provide
opportunities for people to participate in the worship of Jehovah God, 2)
Proclaim the Gospel which can change your life by bring you to Faith in Jesus
Christ , 3) Shape your Life by
Developing Christian Values in your life, 4) Enrich your life through fellowship
and interaction with a Christian Community of fellow believers, 5) Educate you
in the word of God so you will be able to enjoy abundant life as well as defend
your Faith in an increasingly skeptically world.
The Christian Church should not stop because of a “barking dog”. Instead,
it should seek to share the good news of Christ with that “dog” so it will
become a “sheep” and enjoy life with the Good Shepherd.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 19, 2009
BUG BARRIER
The official Board of our Church normally meets after
Prayer Meeting on the first Wednesday night of each month. Because many of the
men come directly to church from their work they have no opportunity for an
evening meal. We have begun providing something for them to eat at the beginning
of the board meeting to help with this situation. During a recent Board meeting
we kept having bugs fly all around our meeting table trying to get into our
food.
We checked all the windows and doors in the office complex and could not
find where the bugs were coming from but their presence continued and was soon
making life miserable for everyone. Finally, one of the men noticed that the top
of a mini blind was moving. Upon investigation he found that someone had
unhooked the window latch and the top window had slide down about two inches. As
soon as we closed this window completely our bug problem ceased.
If you have something in your life that is continually “bugging you” then
you need to find out where the “bugs” are coming from. If the “bugs” are not
coming from the usually suspected places (mistakes you make or wrong activities
you engage in) then you might need to look higher.
When God sent the flies upon the Egyptians in order to get them to let His
people go, those flies came only upon the Egyptians and not upon the people of
God. If you have “bugs” that are bugging you then there must be a reason God is
allowing them to come upon you. It would
be to your advantage to find out why the barrier has been let down and then make
sure it is repaired.
Minister Message for Wednesday, May 20, 2009
POWER OUTAGE
A lesson giving
incident occurred at a local church recently. Just before time for Wednesday
Prayer Service the power to the church went off. No lights and no Air
Conditioner forced the suspension of normal services. A short time of prayer and
fellowship outside the building took place but it soon became obvious that no
time limit could be given for resumption of power so almost everyone returned
home.
As the last group of people was getting ready to leave they saw a repair
truck from the power company come by and stop at a pole just down from the
church. They observed as a repairman threw the switch on the pole transformer
and then watched in awe as a bright spark of fire burned in two a small branch
that had fallen across the lines. Now one of the men had to go back into the
church and turn off all the lights and make sure the Air Conditioner was
correctly set. Power had been restored.
The prayer power of this church was stopped (for that night) because a
small limb fell across the power path. I hope you see the lesson in this
incident. Often it is not the big problem that sets back our prayer life.
Instead, it is usually a relatively small obstacle such as bitterness, anger, or
lust that “trips us up” and stops the flow of power in our prayers.
Christians serve a big God who is able to do big things for His people.
If the light of His power is not shining in your life then I encourage you to
look for whatever is blocking the power and remove its hindering influence. You
will be amazed at the difference the power makes!
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 26, 2009
THE PATTERN
TO FOLLOW
Jesus is not
only our Savior; He is also our example. His call to His disciples was to
“follow me”. His assurance was that if they would “follow Him” then He would
“make them fishers of men”. In other words, the pattern I will show you will
change your life from mundane fishers of fish into world changing fishers of
men. What a life changing challenge!
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry He returned to His hometown and went
into the Synagogue “as usual”. The first thing Jesus wanted to teach His
disciples was the importance of regular attendance in the house of God.
When asked to speak at the Synagogue, Jesus immediately asked for the
scroll of Isaiah and turned to the place designated in our Bibles today as
chapter sixty one, verses one and two. It has to be obvious to His followers
that Jesus was a well versed student of the Word of God so this should also be a
pattern in their own life.
From these verses of Scripture Jesus spoke about God’s call to service:
God gives Power for service (“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me”). God has a
program of service (“He has anointed me to preach, to heal, to set captives
free, and to give sight to the blind”). And God has a Period of Service (“The
Acceptable year of the Lord”). Again, He showed His Disciples the pattern that
God wanted them to follow in their life and ministry.
Are you just wandering through life wondering what to do with the energy
and ambitions God has given you? Jesus provided the pattern you need to follow.
Jesus said this pattern would lead to Abundant Life. Try it today.
Minister Message for Wednesday, May 27, 2009
WORKING FOR
THE WIND
Listen to
these words of contemplation from Solomon- Ecc 5:16
this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go:
and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?
Solomon was well aware that we brought nothing into this world and we can
carry nothing from this world so he wanted us to ponder the profit of what we do
while we live in this world.
Solomon realized that the few short years a person lives in this world can be a
blessing to the person and to others or they can be wasted and squandered. He
refers to someone who lives such a wasted life as someone who works for the wind
and has nothing to show at the end of life’s journey but an empty hand full of
invisible air.
What a horrible end
to a person’s life to realize that all of their work has no more value than a
bucket full of air! No wonder Jesus admonished His followers to “Labour not for
the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting
life, …. “(John 6:27). Jesus knew that “working for the wind” produced no joy in
this life and no rewards in the live to come.
Determine today to make your life count for God and eternity. Do not just “get
through life”; make a difference in the world around you and you will find it
will make a difference in you. Stop
complaining about your lemons. Look for some ice for your lemonade! You are
important to God and you have a task only you can accomplish. Make your life
more than a passing breeze.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 2, 2009
TOLERANCE
Our president
continually calls on us to be “tolerate” toward those who have wrong beliefs and
wicked behavior. That is hard for me to tolerate!
When a persons “rights” are more important than a baby’s life; that is hard for
me to tolerate. When scientific speculation is promoted as more trustworthy than
the Word of God; that is hard for me to tolerate.
When people’s desires for alternative marriages supersedes God’s
principles for marriage; that is hard for me to tolerate.
I love people and I value their view point. That does not mean, however, that I
have to condone wrong behavior or wrong beliefs in order to let everyone feel
good about themselves. A child may want to play in a busy highway but I have
enough love for that child to do everything within my power to keep them from
doing themselves harm.
I realize
that people have a free will. I also realize that most people’s opinions are
shaped by where they live, what they listen to or watch, and by parental
oversight or lack of oversight. I understand, and tolerate the fact, that people
like different foods and different clothes than I like. My tolerance ends, and
my responsibility begins, when these people want to go play in a snake pit
because the snakes all have such pretty colors!
I strongly suggest our president become more than a once a year at Easter Church
attendee before he suggest I abandon Biblical Beliefs and learn to “tolerate”
activities and actions that harm people’s character and standing with God. May
God help us to continue to realize that sin separates us from God and do all
within our power to stand steadfast and faithful to God and to His word.
Minister Message for Wednesday, June 3, 2009
THREE TRUTHS
Here are three truths every graduate needs to consider:
TRUTH NUMBER ONE: GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE. You need to find that plan and walk in it- (Psa 16:11) Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. There are three kinds of people in the world: (1) Those who don't know what is happening, (2) Those who simply watch what is happening, and (3) Those who cause things to Happen. What I want you to realize is that even if you belong in that first group, the group that doesn't have a clue about what you are supposed to accomplish, you can still rest in the fact that God has a plan and He gladly reveals that plan to those who seek His will for their life.
TRUTH NUMBER TWO: THE WORLD IS OUT TO DESTROY YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD BY DESTROYING YOUR PURITY. To be successful in life you must make a conscious determination to live pure-(Dan 1:8) But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank:.
TRUTH NUMBER THREE: NO ONE KNOWS HOW BIG YOUR BOOK IS OR HOW MANY CHAPTERS YOU HAVE LEFT TO WRITE. ARE YOU READY IF THE BOOK ENDS TONIGHT? (Eccl 11:9) Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
Congratulations on finishing this chapter in your life. May the remainder of your life be filled with God’s grace and goodness.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 9, 2009
WHAT IS GOD
DOING?
Most of the interaction between God and His followers
centers around three areas. Recognize these areas and you will be greatly helped
in your understanding of what God is trying to do in your life. And that will
fill you with joy as you grasp how much love and effort God is putting into
shaping your life.
Understand that God Punishes you in order to get you to sin less-
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he
receiveth. For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure;
but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. (Hebrews
12:6,10). God does not punish us in order to harm us but “for our profit, that
we might be partakers of his holiness”. What a great goal God has for us!
Realize the God Prunes you in order to get you to produce more-
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every
branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
(John 15:2). Isn’t that amazing? God does not stop His work on us until we reach
our full potential! Such love is overwhelming.
Finally, understand that God wants us to live a life of Piety in order to be
like Him- But as he which hath called you
is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be
ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:15-16). God calls me to be holy not so
that I will miss fun but so that I will become like God! It does not get any
better than that!!
Minister Message for Wednesday, June 10, 2009
CONSTANT
CONNECTION
And
when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the
LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions. (1 Kings 10:1)
The world was all abuzz about a new king. His wealth and his power were
talked about in caravan camps and palace board rooms throughout the region. His
architectural triumphs were admired in cultural centers and intellectual
institutes all over the mid east. But his wisdom was always where people
“dropped anchor” when they talked about him.
One of the great attributes of Solomon’s wisdom was the fact that his
wisdom was always coupled with his dedication to the Lord. In fact, in the
original Hebrew the words mean that people marveled at Solomon’s wisdom because
of his “constant connection” to the Lord. What a great thing to say about the
intellectual prowess of anyone!
When the enemies of Daniel were looking for a way to find fault against
him they realized they could not “find any occasion against this Daniel, except
we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” (Daniel 6:5). What a
great testimony!
When Jesus wanted to reassure His followers about the tragic
circumstances He was about to face He said, “He that sent me is with me: the
Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.”
(John 8:29). What a great way to face life; constantly connected to the Father
because you always do those things that please Him!
When people comment to others about you do they talk about a physical
trait you possess or do they talk about how you are “constantly connected” to
the Lord? Your real testimony hinges
on that answer.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 16, 2009
DAD’S DESIRE
It is usually difficult to know what to buy for a Dad. The
flowers and candy that come so easy on Mother’s Day just do not seem appropriate
for Dad. So instead of trying to solve that problem I thought I would share
three desires that our Heavenly Father wants for His Children and which would
make great “gifts” for any Dad.
First, Our Heavenly Father wants His Children to Guard their Heart. Among
other things, a person’s speech (“out of the abundance of the heart the mouth
speaketh.” Matthew 12:34) and a person’s standards (“Keep thy heart with all
diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23) comes from your
heart. A good Father wants a child with a good heart.
Your Heavenly Father also wants you to Guide your Life. He wants you to
make sure the road you are traveling will end up where you need to be. He does
not want you to be too lazy to walk your chosen path or so lustful for wrong
things until you venture off the path of life into the swamp of sin and ruin.
Finally, your Heavenly Father wants you to Grow your Soul. Many people
today live like a dog seeking nothing but food, fornication, and frolicking with
the pack. God made you for more than that and He wants you to develop your
potential and personality into the great person you can be.
There are many gifts a Dad could receive this Father’s Day but any Dad
would be thankful to know his child was guarding his heart, guiding his life,
and growing his soul. This will take a lot more commitment than buying a gift
card but it sure will delight your Dad.
Minister Message for Wednesday, June 17, 2009
GENERATIONAL
GOD
(God) shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name, (Jeremiah 32:18)
People in America are finally beginning to realize that Sin
is not just a short term pleasure that is easily repented of and carries no
consequences. God declared many years ago that abandoning Him for something else
would have long term as well as immediate repercussions and today in America the
Lustful Generation (I want it all and I want it now) has given birth to the Lost
Generation (I had it all but now I have lost my money, my morals, and the
meaning to Life). God told us and we just would not listen:
Thou shalt not make thee any graven image,
or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth
beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down
thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth
generation of them that hate me, And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that
love me and keep my commandments. (Deuteronomy 5:8-10).
The good news is that just as Sin brings long term repercussions so does
righteousness- And the LORD said unto
Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes,
and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart,
thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. (2
Kings 10:30)
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 23, 2009
RELIGIOUS
REALITIES
Following God does not give you the world but it does change your world. Jesus depended on women’s gifts to support Him, Fish to pay His taxes, Strangers to give Him a grave, a fellow worker to take care of His mother, a small boy to provide the food when company came, wicked women to wash His feet, and converts and critics to invite Him into their home for a meal. Jesus died a pauper but His death enabled millions to inherit the riches of God’s Grace and mansion in heaven.
A relationship with Christ may cost you your relationship with family and friends but it will bring you into the family of God and allow you to invite your earthly family to join your heavenly family in the greatest adventure it is possible to undertake- Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And (Jesus Said) every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (Matthew 19:27, 29)
When you come to know Peace with God (salvation) and the Peace of God (the Holy Spirit’s presence within) you will also enter into warfare with the world, the flesh, and the devil. Many people shy away from coming to God because of this warfare but God has declared we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (Romans 8:37)
The realities of religion are not always what we expect but the reality of a relationship with God through Christ is the greatest joy you will ever know. Join me in walking with God today.
Minister Message for Wednesday, June 24, 2009
LIFE’S ROAD
Sometimes life's journey takes us
down dark roads of doubt and uncertainty, dreary roads of weariness and despair,
or dreaded roads of pain and tragedy. Sometimes life’s roads are bumpy with
unforeseen obstacles or unexpected events when we were anticipating smooth
traveling with life’s “car” set on cruise. And sometimes the scenery along
life’s road is not what we desire or anticipated as we watch loved ones suffer
or families dissolve.
We think we know about how long
Life’s Road will be but it never seems to match our health, our wealth, or our
estimations. Healthy people die
suddenly and unexpectedly. Wise People who “did all the right financial things”
have recently seen their retirement move much farther down the road through
circumstances completely out of their control. Many people who thought they
would be active for many years to come find themselves staring at a ceiling from
a hospital bed instead of looking at the Grand Canyon as they had envisioned.
Two principles I want you to remember as you travel Life’s Road. First, the King of kings has sent a helper (The Holy Spirit) to walk with us, strengthen us, and hold our hand as we journey to the King's house. Learn His voice and listen to His directions. Secondly, don't let the distraction on the road take your eyes off your destination. One day (O Glorious Day!) the struggles of the road will end and be forgotten in the joy of finally arriving at the Father’s House.
One final thought. Life’s road has a broad way and a narrow way. Make sure you are on the narrow way leading to eternal life and not on the broad way leading to destruction.
Lessons for Living for June 30, 2009
ASSURANCE
The Bible declares that Abraham was so persuaded of the
promises of God (Rom 4:21) until he
Aagainst hope believed in hope@.
Christians today need that same kind of Assurance as they face an uncertain
world. Thankfully, the Bible gives us three important areas of life that we can
have complete assured assurance about.
1) God=s
Care: (Romans 8:38‑39) For I am persuaded,
that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor
things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other
creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ
Jesus our Lord. Nothing that Satan, circumstance, or live can throw at us is
able to overcome the love that God has for us. God loved us when we were
unlovable. Jesus loved us enough to die for us when we were dead in trespasses
and sin. Be assured that God=s
love is one constant you can cling to in an ever changing world.
2) God=s
Keeping Power- (2 Timothy 1:12) …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. You should have a persuaded
assurance about your salvation. The author of our salvation has already
conquered death, hell, and the grave; never worry that Satan will be able to
overcome you. You can walk away from God but God will never walk away from you.
3) God=s
Future Plans- (Hebrews 11:13) These all
died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off,
and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were
strangers and pilgrims on the earth. What a privilege to know that we do not
need to know the future as long as we are walking toward it holding God=s Hand!
I have a persuaded assurance about God=s Care, my salvation, and the
future. Do you?
Minister Message for Wednesday, July 1, 2009
BOOK BOX
I had to carry my wife to the Dentist recently. In the
center of the waiting room was a book box. The first hour that I waited no one
looked inside this book box. Finally, a young girl came in, went straight to the
book box, opened it, and began to look through the treasure of books it
contained. Soon all the children in the waiting room were busy looking through
the box.
I am a child of
God who is waiting for the soon coming return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ. While I am waiting, I realize God has left us a book full of treasures
and truths that needs to be explored. But many days it just sits in its place,
gathering dust, while people busy themselves with must less important things.
What if, like this little girl, I could open the lid and get people to see the
wonderful things contained in this blessed book? It might cause such excitement
until soon everyone would want to look into the book!
Citizens of the
One day heaven and earth will pass away but the word of God will endure forever.
Let=s
make it our business to use the freedom God has so graciously given us to share
God=s Book with all the other
children around us. Who knows, it might just lead to them becoming our brother
or sister in the Lord!