NEWSPAPER DEVOTIONAL ARTICLES
July - December, 1998

    These weekly articles were written by Rev Mike Jones for South Carolina Area Newspaper on a busy Pastor's schedule. Space was limited to around 300 words per article so in depth exposition is not possible.
    To receive Devotional articles like this each week via E-mail simply request them by clicking on the envelope at the right.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 1, 1998

DUTIES TO GOD AND GOVERNMENT

    One Lady had the joy of having her first child in a Florence hospital on the same day as another lady was having surgery in a Georgetown hospital. And it was my happy privilege to be able to have prayer with both of them before the doctors did their work. But that meant a lot of driving and a lot of time spent on the road and in hospitals.
    Finally, I arrived back home. As I walked in the door the phone was ringing to alert me of a death- and the day's work was getting pushed further and further behind. Details were finally dealt with and I could sit down to try to dispense with the pile of work on my desk that had to be completed that day.
    I was just getting started when suddenly an alarm bell rang in my mind and I remembered that a run off election was being held on this day. Honesty will force me to admit that the thought of skipping my duty this time did enter my mind. But I knew that, since most people would not participate in a run off election, my vote would be very important so I took 15 minutes and voted.
    I'm thankful I live in America where I have some small say in who does the business of government. Many times the people I like do not win and I'm stuck with other people's choices; but, at least, I had the privilege to vote for the one I thought should win. That is important to me because I learned long ago that Government, and God, require my active participation. In both cases, the rewards are worth the efforts.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 7, 1998

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.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 8, 1998

IN PRAISE OF PETTING

    Jones 16:3 (in the devised version) "Everyone loves a little bit of petting every now and then". This is the favorite verse of many people in our Church!! Including the Preacher! If it is your favorite verse also then you might want to learn the following guidelines. You will be surprised at how much petting you will get if you put them into practice.
    Don't React- Initiate- (Luke 6:31) And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Don't do unto others AS they do unto you; do unto them as you WANT them to do to you. The Bible tells us that (Prov 18:24) A man that hath friends must show himself friendly:. In the same way, a person who wants petting must be willing to pet others first.
    Don't expect love; give love- (Eph 5:25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Many husbands simply response to their wife and family. They never offer sacrificial unconditional love to those around them. They are so busy expecting love for themselves until they don't realize that even God did not ask for our love until He had first expressed His love for us- (1 John 4:19) We love him, because he first loved us.
    You will be amazed at the rewards that come from an unexpected bouquet of flowers or an offer to wash the evening dishes while your wife watches a little TV. You see, your wife already know "Jones 16:3"; she is waiting on you to learn it.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 14, 1998

FINGER FAITH

    The overcrowding that comes with growth has compelled us to add another Class Room to our church. Wishing to be as frugal as possible with our limited resources we decided to do as much of the work as we could ourselves. Most of the men who attend our Church are managers or office workers. The best way to describe our building program is that it has been "Interesting".
    While preparing to lay the foundation for the room we needed to drive a nail into the wall of the present church in order to hold a sting as a reference. The Assistant Pastor and another member were assigned this task. The Assistant Pastor was using a sledge hammer to drive the nail and the other member was trying to hold the nail in place. The other member now has some very bruised fingers!
    I wish I could put it down to ignorance but both men went to college; and the one with the bruised fingers is the principal of a local school. I'd really like to blame it on faulty equipment but it's hard to say a sledge hammer had a broken part. I finally had to say it was just foolish faith!
    The problem began when a Deacon said something to the Assistant Pastor as he was swinging the hammer. That caused him to take his eye off the target and hit fingernail instead of regular nail. First lesson, don't let others distract you in your work for the Lord.
    After the fact, both men acknowledged that they had doubts about the situation but went ahead anyway. Second lesson, Blessed are those who know they are in trouble and have enough sense to admit it.
    One finally lesson- faulty faith leads to hurt fingers. Make sure your faith is in the proper person (Jesus Christ) or you will end up hurting in the future.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 15, 1998

FAITH'S FRUIT

    Jesus said that faith without fruit is a faulty faith- (John 15:5) 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.
    Almost everyone knows that they are supposed to produce "Fruit" as a Christian; but many don't know exactly what that means. This brings confusion and doubt. Let's look at several "Fruits" that are expected in the Christian life.
1) Souls Won to Christ- (Prov 11:30) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
2) Christian Character produced by the Holy Spirit- (Gal 5:22-23) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
3) Change in behavior caused by your beliefs- (Mat 3:8) Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
4) Success and accomplishment in your work for God- (Phil 1:22) But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
5) Lips that bring praise instead of problems- (Heb 13:15) 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.
Fruitless branches are cut off. What are YOU producing?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 21, 1998

MISERY MUSIC

Lam 3:63 "Behold their sitting down, and their rising up; I am their music."

    I remember a song title from my younger days, "Killing me softly with his song". That is the lament of the writer in this verse of the book of Lamentations. The sorrows and pains of life had brought distress and discouragement that almost overwhelmed the writer.
    Instead of offering help and comfort to him, his associates were going about their normal business ("sitting down and rising up"). And to make it even worst, instead of offering encouragement and inspiration to the writer these friends were "killing him softly with a song". He had become a derision to be mocked in song when he really needed a friend that would pick him up and help him get started again.
    Perhaps you too have felt the "misery music" of people who brought you down instead of picking you up in your time of trouble. Rather than a melody of mercy you have been subjected to a hymn of hatred that produced grief in your heart instead of relief in your mind.
    Someone accurately said that "Life is a grindstone and whether it grinds a man down or polishes him up depends on the stuff he is made of." Don't let the "misery music" of others steal your joy and quench your desire for life. Rest in our Rock, Jesus Christ. His songs are always full of support and strength that will bring peace to your heart just as if you were a babe listening to the calming tunes of a loving mother.
    When you hear "misery music" take courage in Christ for "True courage is like a kite; a contrary win raises it higher."- J Petit-Senn.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 22, 1998

BIRD NEST BELIEFS

    I don't know why a bird decided to build her nest in the hanging plant beside our back door. Every time someone used the back door the bird would fly away so it took a long time to build her nest. When my wife watered plants the bird must have thought the weather was really weird when it would "rain" so heavily without a cloud in the sky!
    But, in spite of all those struggles, perseverance paid off and 3 baby birds came chirping into the world. They've flown away now but they left behind them the joy we received from watching them come into this life and develop their wings; as well as several valuable principles.
    First, I learned that if someone is really determined to produce new life then it's pretty hard to stop them. I try to keep that in mind when I'm out trying to win someone to commitment to Christ. Interruptions and inconveniences should not detour me from the most important business in all the world- telling someone the wonderful news of salvation through faith in Christ.
    Secondly, sometimes the people you are attempting to reach are in very difficult locations. There were numerous other plants this bird could have chosen but once she made her choice then the birds had to be born where they were laid.
    Finally, the singing of the new born birds was worth all the effort of the mother bird. Just like winning souls will put a song on YOUR lips and joy in your heart.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 28,1998

PURPOSE OF PROPHECY

    Many Christians seem to want to be on the Planning Committee for the Lord's Return instead of the Welcoming Committee! They are so busy trying to determine when and where the Lord will return until they are not making the needful preparations to be ready for His return; no matter when it may be. Peter wrote about the Purpose of Prophecy in his second epistle. We need to keep these purposes firmly in mind as we go about our Christian duties here on earth.
    In Second Peter 3:11-14 Peter tells us that the Purpose of Prophecy is not to entertain us but, instead, it is to enlighten us in order that the Coming of the Lord will:
    A) Prompt us toward Holiness- "seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness"- vs 11.If Prophecy simply stimulates your mind without changing your morals then it has failed.
    B) Push us to Witness- The way to "Hasten" the coming of the Lord is to win His Bride [Matt 24:14]. Witnessing saves the Lost and hurries the Lord- You can't ask for two greater incentives than that!
    C) Prepares us to meet God- vs 13 "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." The way to prepare for the Lord's return is to get Saved and then live a life of service and purity. Prophecy preaching should stress that.
    I don't know when the Lord will return. I just know that the welcome mat is out at my home and in my heart.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, July 29, 1998

PERSEVERANCE

"Dreams"
Author Unknown

I've dreamed many dreams that never came true,
I've seen them vanish at dawn,
But I've realized enough of my dreams, Thank God,
to make me want to dream on.
I've prayed many prayers when no answer came
tho' I've waited patient and long;
But answers have come to enough of my prayers
to make me keep praying on.
I've trusted many a friend that failed
and left me to weep alone;
But I've found enough of my friends true blue
to make me keep trusting on.
I've sown many seeds that fell by the way
for the birds to feed upon.
But I've held enough golden sheaves in my hands
to make me keep sowing on.
I've drained the cup of disappointment and pain;
I've gone many days without song;
But I've sipped enough nectar from the roses of life
to make me want to live on.

Rev Joe Moore shared this poem with me as one of his favorites. I hope it will inspire and encourage YOU today to continue in the task God has given you.

"Saturday Sermon" for Saturday, July 11, 1998

HOW TO CHANGE PEOPLE

    Don't you wish you could get your husband, wife, child, boss, or whoever to change? Wouldn't you give almost anything if they would start treating you with respect, appreciating your work, or doing something as simple as picking up their clothes instead of throwing them all over the floor!
    A primary truth that has been known and exploited for years is that your belief system determines your behavior- What you believe determines what you do. Cola companies and car companies have uses this principle in their advertisements to build empires. Politicians use it all the time as they try to put their "Spin" on anything that happens so your belief about the incident will favor their particular party.
    As Christians, we know the power of belief also. In the very beginning of the Bible we learn that dealing with Satan is not a Power encounter, It is a Truth Encounter. Satan's power does not reside in his physical abilities but in the lies that he proclaims. In the garden of Eden Satan did not attempt to overpower Eve; he simply used deceptive words to build unbelief. And this change of belief caused Eve to change her behavior; which has had eternal consequences.
    So in order to change behavior you must find a way to change a person's beliefs. If you use force or intimidation (threats or nagging) to change a person's behavior it will only be for a short time and will normally bring you to despair or depression as you see your way fail over and over again. They must start believing that picking up their clothes is a good thing for them and not simply a way to get you off their back.
    The wonder of Christianity is that the Word of God produces Faith in a person which, in turn, causes a change of behavior. The failure of modern day Christianity is that it has tried to change morality through laws and intimidation. When will we get back to plain powerful preaching? That is what produces Faith in an all powerful God; and that is what changes people.

"Saturday Sermon" for Saturday, August 1, 1998

FIREMAN FUNCTION

    The three new recruits reported to the fire station for their first day of work. The captain lined them up in a row and began their indoctrination. He looked at the first recruit and told him that his job was to keep the fire engine washed. The public looked at that engine every time they went out on a job and he was to keep it sparkling.
    Next, he looked at the second recruit and told him that his job was to keep the floor of the fire station clean and shining. Every visitor who came to the station would look at the floor first and he was to make sure it was mopped and swept each day. Finally, he looked at the third recruit and told him that his job was to make sure everyone's uniform was clean and neat. Everyone knows that a sloppy fireman is a sorry fireman so he was to keep clean pressed uniforms available for everyone.
    Then the Captain looked at these recruits and asked them what their function was. Number One said, "My function is to make sure we have the cleanest fire engine in town, Sir".
    Number Two said, "My function is to clean the floors every day, Sir"
    Number Three said, "My function is to assure we are the best dressed unit on the force, Sir".
    "No, No, No!" said the Captain. "Your Function is to fight Fires! Those other things are simply jobs you do while you await the need of your real function."
    There are a lot of Church members who seem to think that it is more important to wash the windows than it is to fight the fires raging all around them. They are good people and they work hard at sweeping floors or washing "fire engines". Their problem is that the main thing is no longer the main thing in their life. And won't it be sad to face God one day and have to say, "Every house in our town burned down but we have the cleanest Church you have ever seen!"

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 5, 1998

HINDERED FROM OBEYING

(Gal 5:7) "Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?"

    Sometimes Christians get sidetracked in their living for the Lord and end up off course so badly until they no longer look to truth as their guide. And that is a bad place to be!
    Here are 3 enemies that you need to avoid as you attempt your run for the Lord.
1) The Flesh- (1 Cor 9:26-27) "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." Don't allow your desires to divert you from your run for the Truth. Eve found out how badly that turns out!
2) Your Feebleness- (Jer 12:5) "If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?" Don't faint in the way because you have not waited on the Lord before you begin the race (Is 40:31)
3) Your Foes- (Psa 18:29) "For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall." When Jesus's enemies cornered him on a cliff (Lu 4:30) He simply walked through them. When He is on our side we can run through a "troop" of trouble and still pursue the truth.
Don't let anything hinder you from obeying the Truth.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 11, 1998

CHRISTIAN CRITERIA

    Rev Carroll Bazen recently preached a sermon at our church about 3 standards that will help you live a successful Christian life. I wanted to share them with you because living a successful Christian life is what every true Christian wants.
1. NEVER LOSE YOUR DESIRE FOR GOD- (Rev 2:4) "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." Keep a "hot heart" for God and for His work; remembering that lukewarm living makes God sick. Things of this world will attempt to steal your heart and dim your desire for God. The way to combat this is to be constantly thankful for what God has done and expectantly prayerful about what God will do in your life.
2. NEVER STOP LOVING PEOPLE- (John 13:34-35) "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. {35} By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." One day the entire world will be consumed with fire and everything that man has made will be destroyed. The only thing that will survive this future fire is the souls of men. Don't waste your time loving the temporary while missing the joy of caring for the eternal.
3. NEVER LOOK BACK- (Luke 9:62) "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." There is nothing behind you but death, decay, and destruction. Like Paul, you should say (Phil 3:13-14) "This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 12, 1998

BEATITUDE ATTITUDES

    Jesus taught us in the Beatitudes that we must change our concepts so that we look at life from a spiritual perspective instead of a fleshly view. When we begin to look at life through spiritual eyes we will see:
Our NEED- is spiritual instead of physical. We see ourselves as "Poor in Spirit".
Our REPENTANCE- We "Mourn" over offending God.
Our SUBMISSION- We realize how helpless we are so we rest in His strength as one of the "Meek"
Our HUNGER- Instead of filling ourselves with the husks of the world's pig pens we "Hunger and thirst after righteousness"
Our MERCY- Having been shown such great mercy we become "Merciful" to those we deal with.
Our PURITY- Longing for God causes us to forsake sin as we desire to be "pure in heart".
Our UNITY- Because God loved us so much we now long to share that love with others. That turns us into "Peacemakers".
Our SUFFERING- Because the light in our life exposes the darkness all around us we are persecuted. Amazingly, this persecution brings joy to our life because it conforms us more to HIM!
Jesus said that to follow these principles would make us "Blessed"; a word meaning "Greatly Happy". Are You?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 18, 1998

TO VALUABLE TO WASTE

    Imagine you have a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. The problem is that it carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening it deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!!
    Each of us has such a bank. It's name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against "tomorrow". You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so you get the utmost in health, happiness, and success!
    To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade. To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a pre-mature baby. To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet. To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train. To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident. To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is mystery
Today is a gift
That's why it's called the present!!
(Eph 5:16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 19, 1998

PROBLEM MOVING POWER

    We finally had to have "bigger barns". So much material had collected around the Church until we felt it was dangerous to keep it stored at the Church. We decided to purchase a pre-fabricated metal building for storage. A committee was appointed, a price was negotiated, and the building was purchased.
    When the person delivering the building arrived with this large metal house on his trailer (12 feet by 16 feet) I had serious doubts about the fact that he had not brought any help with him. I asked if he needed me to contact any of the men in the Church to aid him but he assured me he could do it alone.
    I then proceeded to watch with wonder and amazement as he used a battery powered wench to pull the building off his trailer. Before the building dropped he placed several pipes under the building. Once it was on the ground these pipes enabled him to use an iron bar to move the building exactly where I wanted it. Then he used a jack to raise the building enough to remove the pipes and put in the foundations blocks. In less than an hour this man had unloaded the building, set it up, and was leaving.
    You may be facing some problems in your life today that appear so big until you seriously doubt your ability to cope with them. The good news is found in (Phil 4:13) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." This verse does not say, "I can do all things" and then stop. It states that "I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST" who provides the strength for me.
Like the man who brought our building, you need to learn to work with patience and planning so you can make use of the supernatural power provided by the Holy Spirit living within you. This system will turn your overwhelming burden into a wonderful Blessing. If you don't believe it, comes look at a storage building that 50 men could not have manhandled into place but it was easily moved by one man who looked beyond himself for strength.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 25, 1998

SORRY PROPHET STORMS

    What do you do when the Preacher is the Problem? Where do you look for help when the problem solver is the source of the problem? How do you make people well when the doctor is carrying the infection?
    Read the first chapter of Jonah. God gave specific instructions to His prophet but Jonah decided to do his own thing and go his own way. The problem was with the prophet; but his rebellion rocked the boat for a lot of other people. In fact, when Jonah ran from the assignment given to him by God the sailors in the boat with Jonah suffered almost as much as Jonah. And isn't that the way it happens in a lot of Churches when the preacher falls?
    Because of Jonah's sin the sailors had to suffer Physical Discomfort (A fierce storm tossed their boat), Emotional Distress (Intense Fear gripped their heart), and Economic Difficulties (all of their cargo had to be thrown overboard). These same problems beset members of a church when their shepherd develops a wolf's heart or a pig's life style. Disappointment, distress, and discouragement storm through the flock and rock the confidence, and contributions, of many of the members.
    How did the Sailors return calm to their journey? They Exposed the Problem (Determined who was wrong and why it angered God), Acknowledged the problem was beyond their abilities to correct (They tried to fight the storm but failed), and, finally, Expelled the Problem (Threw the Preacher out until he was willing to get back in God's Plan). The results of these actions were Revival among the Sailors and Renewal for the Prophet.
    Sadly, some prophets fail to live right. Sadder still, such prophets bring storms and troubles to others as well as to themselves. It is wonderful that God's grace can restore such prophets and return them to their mission. But wouldn't it be much better is they obeyed God correctly and brought sunshine to their flock instead of storms?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, August 26, 1998

PREACHER PRACTICE

    (2 Tim 3:10-11) But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
   Sometimes it appears everyone knows how the preacher is supposed to live except the preacher! Having been a preacher for over 36 years, and having struggled with this attitude, let me share 9 traits with you that Paul wanted Timothy to remember about his life and ministry. Nine traits you should use as a measuring rod for preachers- and for members.
1) Doctrine- What I believe
2) Manner of Life- What I do as a result of what I believe
3) Purpose- What I strive to accomplish with my work
4) Faith- My Relationship to God
5) Longsuffering- My ability to stick to something
6) Charity- My Concern for others
7) Patience- My ability to bear up under pressure
8) Persecutions- The trouble that comes my way as a result of my righteous living and my powerful preaching
9) Afflictions- How I deal with the bodily weakness or physical circumstances that hinder my life and work.

Are these the kind of attributes you look for in a man of God? Or are you more concerned with his relationship with you than you are with his relationship with God

"Saturday Sermon" for Saturday, August 15, 1998

HALL SNAKES

    During my pastorate in Florida, I would normally walk to the Church office for my early morning Bible reading and prayer. One morning, when I had completed my devotion, I walked back to the parsonage to get another cup of coffee. While I was there I thought I'd see if my wife was awake.
    As I was walking down the dark hall to the bed room I felt something move under my foot. When I turned on the light I saw a rattle snake coiled up in the middle of the hall! I knew he had to be dealt with but I didn't have anything to kill him with so I walked back outside to pick up a hoe.
    When I returned, I couldn't find the snake! After looking for awhile, I found him behind the bedroom door. I tried to hit him just hard enough to stun him so I could get him out of the house because I didn't want to get a mess on the carpet. That's when my wife awakened and asked me what I was doing. When I told her, she was not as a happy camper!!
    We got the snake out of the house without causing too much of a mess but my wife never walked down that hall again without turning on the light. We tried to locate where the snake got into our home but it was several years later, while moving, that I finally found the hole in the hall closet through which the snake had entered.
    Snakes in the hall don't make for a happy home. There is always a little uncertainty about your safety. Think about that the next time you are tempted to allow filthy movies or dirty books into your home. The snakes of lust will always bring a little uncertainty into the joys of love. Instead of enjoying more freedom like you thought, you will find yourself having to watch every step you take. And that makes life miserable for you; and for your family.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 1, 1998

SALVATION SIGNPOST

    Ever been on a new road and started having doubts about whether it was the road you were supposed to be on? I have. Sometimes the map is not as clear as it should be so you take the direction you think you should take and hope you made the right choice. Boy, it sure does feel good when you finally come across a sign that tells you that you are on the right road and headed in the right direction.
    I remember the night I got saved. I was not raised in Church and I did not understand all the language used by Church people. All I knew at the time was that my heart was overwhelmed with the burden of my sinful life and I wanted to find the peace and forgiveness the preacher had been talking about so I came to the altar and knelt as he had instructed in his invitation.
    I didn't know HOW to pray; nor did I know WHAT to pray. Soon several people leaned over my shoulder and told me to "let go" of everything. I didn't know what to let go of but I sure was willing to let it go. Then several leaned over me and said for me to "hold on". I didn't know what to "hold on" to so I grasp that altar so hard until my knuckles turned white.
    Finally, the deacon who lived beside me came to where I knelt and asked me if I had trusted Christ as my Savior yet. Suddenly, the lights went on just like it does when you finally see the signpost on a new road. Instantly, my heart was filled with peace and joy and I knew my sins had been forgiven and I was now a child of God because I had trusted Christ as my Savior.
    If you are still wandering around looking for the right direction for your life let me point you toward the signpost you are looking for- (1 John 5:11-12) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 2, 1998

ABUNDANT LIFE BARRIERS

Jesus said, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

    Many people who claim to be Christians are unable to truthfully claim that they also are living an abundant life. Why is this? Warren Weirsbe lists five secrets to a fruitfully satisfying life found in the teachings of Jesus in John chapter 15. He explains that the secret of real living is bearing fruit. The secret to bearing fruit is to abide in Christ. The secret of abiding in Christ is found in obeying His commandments. The secret to obeying is learning to Love Christ. And the secret of Loving Christ is getting to know Him.
    Using this formula, it would seem that the abundant life must begin with a faith generated knowledge of Christ. It then must progress into a life that is radically altered because of the application of this knowledge in the actions of the person.
    Several things, however, act as barriers to the abundant fruitful life. Attitudes such as Pride (God resisteth the proud, but gives grace unto the humble- James 4:6) keep God from working in a life altering way in us. An unforgiving spirit will short circuit God's ability to work in us and through us (But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your father forgive you your trespasses- Matt 6:15). And a lack of devotional life will crimp our knowledge of Christ and change our relationship to one of conviction instead of comfort.
    Don't let barriers block your fellowship with God. That fellowship is the basis of the Abundant life; and the abundant life is what causes us to always be winners in Christ.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 8, 1998

BLOUSE BENEFIT

    I dropped my wife off at a department store while I went to an office supply store to purchase a web program to help with our new web site- www.graceandglory.com. When I returned to the department store my wife had found a blouse that was "simply beautiful"; and was on sale for half off! Naturally, there was no way we could not purchase it.
    When my wife handed the blouse to the sales clerk she exclaimed, "Oh, I wish I would have seen this. I have a cream colored skirt and I need something to go with it. This would be exactly what I needed." As the clerk rang up the sale you could tell from her tone and her talk that she felt really bad that she had missed the chance to get the right colored blouse at an unusually good price; especially since it was right under her nose the entire time.
    Solomon wrote, "They made me keeper of the vineyards but my own vineyard have I not kept." (Song 1:6). I am amazed sometimes when I see how easy it is to become so busy trying to do for others until you never have time to enjoy the blessings God has placed all around you.
    I learned early in my ministry that I was like a sponge. I can squeeze and squeeze in order to provide for others but if I don't take the time to relax and allow the living water to soak into my soul then I will soon run dry. And when you squeeze a dry sponge you only damage the sponge while providing no water for parched souls.
    That new blouse looks simply stunning on my wife. Too bad that sales clerk was so busy until she missed the joy of wearing that blouse with her cream colored skirt. Oh, by the way, when is the last time YOU sat at God's feet long enough to refresh your soul?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 9, 1998

WORRY-LESS FAMILY

    Recently, I overheard a lady tell her son, "If I would have known you would have turned out so good I would have saved myself a ton of worry while you were growing up."
    It is hard not to worry about children in today's society but I believe God gives us some great guidelines to enable us to worry less. They are found in Psalm 127.
    1) Look to God for guidance in raising your family- "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."
    2) Trust God to be there when you can't- "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep."
    3) Remember that Children are a Reward to Bless you; not a punishment to destroy you- "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
    4) Your children have tremendous potential for good, or evil, depending on how they are guided- "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth."
    5) Joyful confident living comes from strong family relationships- "Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."
    God WANTS to give you the wisdom you need so you can worry less and enjoy your family more. Let him.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 15, 1998

COUNTING STARS

God telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names (Psa 147:4).

    There are approximately 1 sextillion (1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000) stars in the galaxies of the visible universe. And God knows the name of each of them!
    It used to bother me when I thought about the fact that at 11am on Sunday Morning millions of people, in thousands of church, were all praying to the Lord at the same time. But that is no big deal to a God who knows the name of 1 sextillion stars. (In fact, God not only hears the prayers of all these people, He bottles them up for the perfume of Heaven- Rev 5:8.)
    I used to wonder if I could ever "slip through the cracks" with God since there are over Five billion people on the earth. Would it be possible for God to forget me, or fail to protect me from Satan's attacks, or miss a need that I have? A Billion only has 9 zeros but God knows the name of a sextillion (21 zeros) stars! He won't forget me or lose me.
    Are you discouraged or depressed today? Do you think no one cares; and even if they did care they could not do anything to help you? Look at the verse before the verse I quoted at the beginning of this article- (Psa 147:3-4) He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. {4} He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
    God does not just have a wonderful memory about names; He has a loving heart for people! He is concerned enough about you until He knows the number of hairs on your head. He even know every time a sparrow falls to the ground; and you are much more valuable to Him than sparrows (Matt 10:29-30).
    So the next time you feel down and wonder if you can count on God, look up at the stars; God knows them, and you, by name.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 16, 1998

BEEPER BOUNDARIES

    Due to the wonderful generosity of a local computer company, I have the use of a beeper. It has proved an invaluable aid to my visitation ministry and I try to remember to pray regularly that the Lord would return a tenfold blessing to this company because of their kindness.
    The Scope of the ministry the Lord has called me into dictates that I sometimes travel to other states. The range of my beeper is from the mountains to the sea in South Carolina and from Raleigh to Augusta as you go north and south. Once I get out of this area I no longer receive messages. The beeper is still functioning correctly and the signals are still being sent but I'm out of receiving range.
    I hope the spiritual implication is obvious to you. Many people live good and productive lives. Everything about them seems to function correctly. Yet, when God sends a "signal" to them about His will for their life they never seem to receive it. Somehow they have gotten out of range and God's message goes unheeded.
    Normally, if I get a beeper message it is important. Someone is in the hospital, or a marriage is breaking up, or someone needs something very important from me. If I miss the message it may produce very bad consequences.
    If you have not heard from God recently your problem may be that you are out of range of God's signal. And the messages you miss could have tremendous impact on you; and on those around you.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 22, 1998

MARRIAGE MOMENTS

    Monday mornings are very busy for me. Each week I write 3 newspaper columns, record 5 radio programs, and prepare at least 2 sermons and a Sunday Bible Study lesson. In addition, I manage a growing church with the normal compliment of sick people, sinners in trouble, seniors in need, and saints that must be encouraged and edified. And, in my spare time, I operate a faith ministry that gives away thousands of books, bibles, and tapes all over the United States.
    Monday mornings are my time to get everything in order, meet with my assistant pastor to plan our week, and catch up on my backlog of mail. That is why when my wife stuck her head into my office door around 8:30am and told me she wanted to invite me to carry her to breakfast that my first reaction was to ask her if she was still dreaming! But one look at that lovely face of hers stirred me to buzz my Assistant and tell him we would meet later.
    I stacked the mail back on the desk, closed the office door, and told my wife she had a date. We went to a local restaurant to eat and found that everyone else had already eaten breakfast by 8:45am so we had the place to ourselves. We ate a long leisurely breakfast during which we said more with our eyes than we did with our lips. When we left the restaurant I took the long way home so my wife and I could continue to talk as we looked at all the new homes being built and rejoiced in the beauty of the day.
    It was almost 11:00am when I finally got back to the office, and I had to work into the night in order to get my work done, but I wouldn't trade that breakfast for anything. My wife and I have been married for over 28 years. Each year our love has grown and each year we rejoice more and more that God brought us together. Part of the reason for this is that we learned early in our life that marriage is not days you endure but moments you seize.
    That same principle works in your relationship with God. Christianity is not a dreary religion that drags you down with rules and regulations; it is wonderful moments of life changing joy that you share with God. And those moments just keep getting sweeter the longer you serve Christ.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 23, 1998

LAUGH LESSONS

    I don't know of any great spiritual truth contained in the following little laugh lines. I simply know (Prov 17:22) "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Sometimes we need to stop being so serious for just a few moments and enjoy life. Then when we get back to the serious grind of living we can do so with more vim and vigor.
    Next week I will talk to you again about life, death, and serious situations. Right now it is time to remember the words of the wisest mortal man to ever live- (Eccl 8:15) "Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun."
--Did you hear about the man who turned his life around. He used to be depressed and miserable. Now he is miserable and depressed.
--There are lots of self help tapes out there. Someone told about buying one called "How to Handle Disappointment" When he got home and opened the box it was empty! -Jonathan Droll
--They say kids bring warmth into a home, and I tend to believe it. I get hot every time I see the phone bill!
--Charlie Brown- Sometimes I lie away at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night."
--One final thought that is more serious than silly- If you want your ship to come in, you must build a dock.

"Saturday Sermon" for Saturday, September 26, 1998

DEADLY SINS

    Church tradition lists 7 deadly sins: Pride, Covetousness (greed), Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Anger, and Sloth (laziness). They are called "deadly" because they are so common; and because they are so easy to fall into.
    Angus Wilson, in describing the awful sin of Envy, gives a good general illustration of why men would fall into these "deadly sins"- All the seven deadly sins are self-destroying, morbid appetites, but in their early stages, at least, lust and gluttony, greed and sloth know some gratification, while anger and pride have power as their source, even though that power eventually destroys itself. Envy, however, is impotent, numbed with fear, never ceasing in its appetite, and it knows no gratification, but endless self-torment. It has the ugliness of a trapped rat, which gnaws its own foot in an effort to escape.
    In reality there are 4 major "types of sin" that we need to recognize:
1) Innate Sins- The sin nature all men inherit because of the original sin of Adam- (Rom 5:12) "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
2) Wrong action Sins. The bad that we do because of the sin nature we possess- (Rom 3:23) "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Men sin because they are sinners. Environment and Circumstances may play a part in the fervency and frequency of sin but no one has to teach a person to do bad, it comes naturally.
3) Failure Sins. The good we know to do but fail to do- (James 4:17) "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
4) Personal Sins. Sins that may not be wrong for others but they are for us because we think they are wrong so doing them would be an act of rebellion against God- (Rom 14:23) "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
Regardless of how you categorize sin it is important that you realize that sin is serious and that God has provided a way to deal with the sin in your life- (Rom 6:23) "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, September 29, 1998

I'VE SINNED, WHAT NOW??

    David made a tremendous observation in Psalm 32 about sin in the life of a person. First he noted that the happy state of spiritual contentment (Blessed) can only come when the person comes to grips about his sin with God and with himself- (Psa 32:1-2) Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
    Secondly, he shows us several attitudes toward our sin and the corresponding results: You can HIDE your sin, try to pretend it did not happen, and live with intense guilt and anxiety - (Psa 32:3-4) When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer.
    You can also BLAME someone else for your sinful behavior and use that as an excuse for your sin as Adam did with Eve. This is the most common response once our sin is exposed.
    Or you can do the right thing, and the best thing, and acknowledge your wrong- (Psa 32:5) I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.
    Once David was willing to deal with his sin on a sincere level several things happened- God began again to answer his prayers and provide divine protection from the storms of life- (Psa 32:6) For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. And breaking the sin barrier allowed David and God to return to that special relationship they had before (vs 7)
    What are you trying to do with YOUR sin? Remember this, Sin will find you out and sin will take you further than you want to go. The answer to the sin problem is simple- (1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, September 30, 1998

GOD HATES THAT

    I decided early in my Christian life that anything God liked was something that I wanted to like and anything that God disliked was something that I wanted to stay away from. That is why I made a list of thing in the Bible that God Hates so I could make sure to avoid those things.
--God hates anything that tries to replace Him- (Deu 16:22) Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the LORD thy God hateth.
--God hates Corrupt Character- (Prov 6:16-19) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
--God hates hate- (Zec 8:17) And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.
--God hates customs that replace personal commitment (Rev 2:6) But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. (Rev 2:15) So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. (The Nicolaitanes became an "elite" group in the church that eventually controlled it. Note that their Deeds changed into a "Doctrine" in a short while. God hates it when people use His Church to build their kingdom).

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 6, 1998

TAXIDERMIST TRUTHS

    Recently, I drove by the parsonage of a local church and noticed that the Pastor had a sign outside advertising Taxidermist services. I almost ran off the road laughing so hard. I know a lot of preacher who spend their time stuffing the dead!
    According to Ephesians 2:1-2 a person who is unsaved is considered "dead" in sin- "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:" That is an apt description of many people who sit in pews on Sunday Morning. Like a corpse, they are dressed in their best finery but, like the dead, there is no breath of life or holy function about them.
    Many preacher seem to think their business is to make these corpses look at realistic as possible; and some have become quite expert at making them look so alive until it is almost impossible to discern they are simply mannequin men. But the saddest part of all is that most people are happy about the situation because it keeps everything "neat and in order".
    It is true that living men make mistakes and messes; but it is also true that a church full of corpses never accomplishes anything for God or man. Jesus came to raise men from the dead and give them new life. A taxidermist simply tries to make a dead body look at realistic as possible. Which is the mission of YOUR Church?

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 7, 1998

WATER BUCKETS

    It all began rather innocently. Someone noted that people were having to go across the road to a neighbor's well each Sunday Morning in order to get water. Seeking to help the situation, they decided to bring a bucket of water to Church. Thinking the best place to put the bucket so everyone could see that the water was available was at the front of the church, they put the bucket of water on the table in front of the pulpit.
    Now this person has a mission in life; bringing a bucket of water to Church each week for the people to drink. Soon the water bucket became a fixture in the Church and everyone expected it to be in its place each Sunday Morning.
    Next comes a new pastor to take over the leadership of the Church. The first Sunday he noticed that it was very distracting to have people come to the water bucket directly in front of the pulpit for water during the sermon. He tried to ignore the situation but as the days got hotter the traffic became regular; and he doubted people's ability to hear his sermon with all the distractions going on.
    He thought it would be a simple matter to move the bucket to another location in the Church. Did he have a lot to learn about water buckets and Church tradition!! By the way, everyone wished him well at his new church.
    (Jer 2:13) For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

"Saturday Sermon" for Saturday, October 10, 1998

STUMPS

    My neighbors across the street recently removed some pine trees in their yard. First, the men sawed all the branches off the trees. Then they removed the trees a little at a time by cutting them into sections beginning at the top of the tree. Finally, all that was left were some stumps sticking up just above ground level.
    The men then brought in a machine that ground the stumps into small pieces. Once these chips were raked up, it was hard to tell there had ever been any trees in the yard.
    Many people have sinful patterns or harmful habits growing in their lives. Some have been there so long until they have grown into good size "trees". Just like the trees in my neighbor's yard, it will now take a great deal of skill and work to remove them without doing major damage to the good things that surround them.
    When these people finally become so tired of the mess these "trees" produce in their life until they decide to remove them, they will devote a great deal of time and effort to cutting them down. Sadly, many will fail to seek help removing the stump of their problem and new branches and limbs will sprout up in a very short time.
    The principles of religion are normally all you need to cut down the "trees" in your life. But the remaining stumps can only be removed by the power of God at work in your life. Don't continue to stumble over these stumps. Commit yourself totally to God so His power can do a complete work on your problem. You'll be pleased with how nice your "yard" looks when the trees are removed; stumps and all.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 13, 1998

 ROACHES, SPIT, AND POTATO BINS

While traveling with my brother and his wife we decided to stop for a quick sandwich. We all ordered bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches and were ready to enjoy a time of refreshment before we continued on our journey. When my sister-in-law started to take a bite from her sandwich I noticed a big roach hanging from her lettuce! I know that most of that sandwich was still good to eat but somehow all of us lost our appetite right about then- (Gal 5:9) "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."

While standing guard duty one night I saw one of our officers come back aboard ship highly intoxicated. Soon I passed by the officer’s kitchen and saw that one of the stewards had been forced to get up at 2am and fix a steak for this officer. As I watched the steward he would spit on the steak, say very unkind words about this officer, and turn it over. Then he would spit on the other side as he repeated the process over and over. This officer was normally well liked but I did not have any desire for his steak, or his reputation, that night- (Eccl 10:1) "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour."

During the beginning of the Tet offensive in Viet Nam one of the men in my squad was caught hiding in the potato bin reading pornography while he was supposed to be on guard duty. At first we thought he would simply get a "slap on the wrist" but when he came up for trial we learned that being away from your guard position in time of war was a capital offense, punishable by death or life in prison. The punishment was severe but this man’s unrestrained lust could have meant the death of many people- (Prov 25:28) "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 14, 1998

A Nation's God

    Officially, America has no God. Everyone has the right to worship (or abstain from worshiping) who and what they please. Yet, one of the most basic laws of human nature is that everyone will worship something. There are lots of "Forces" out there vying for our attention. Let me point out several principles that are important in the God a nation chooses to follow.
    1. CHOSE THE RIGHT GOD- "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance." (Psalm 33:12). If I were going to chose a God I’d chose one with a proven track record of love and concern that would do me good and not harm. For several hundred years the majority of people in America have found this to be the Lord God.
    2. CHECK OUT YOUR GOD'S GUIDELINES- "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov 14:34). Part of the Joy of serving God is the peace and tranquility that comes to a nation who follows the moral and spiritual guidelines He gives. Chaos comes when men disregard God and "Every man does that which is right in his own sight" (Jud. 21:25).
    3. PICK A GOD BIG ENOUGH TO ENCOMPASS EVERYONE- "But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." (Acts 10:35). A Nation’s God must be broad enough to welcome every race and class into His "Fold" while being narrow enough to exclude the frivolous and the foul until they are ready to mean business about serving Him. God wants everyone but He requires that they also want Him.
    A Nation is made up of people. People don't serve a God by accident; a decision must be made. When God runs a survey of YOUR heart, who will He find is the God of your part of this nation?

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 20, 1998

UNDER THE TENT

    The late September sun boiled down as if it were the middle of July. The fact that most of the people were dressed in black only added to the intense heat and made each moment stretch into a never ending time zone. They came to the grave side service to show their respect for the recently departed because they were family or friends but the afternoon sun beating down upon them was trying to squeeze the concern out of them as surely as it squeezed out the sweat that ran through their make up or soaked their suits.
    Those who were able to stand or sit under the shade of the tent were almost comfortable, especially when the occasional breeze would bring it’s blessed relief. Watching the agony of those standing in the intense heat compared to the comfort of those who were seated under the tent made the preacher’s word that much more meaningful- (Rev 7:14-17) " These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them (Literally, pitch His tent among them!). They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
    Standing at that grave side on a hot September afternoon showed me as clearly as possible the fate of all men. Either they are under the tent with God in a place of relief and rest or they are standing outside, dressed in their very best, but still suffering without God’s comfort or peace. When the "Heat is on" the place to be is under the tent with God. And there is plenty of room, all you have to do is move away from the crowd and step into the shade.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 21, 1998

 SYMPTOMS OF UNBELIEF

    (Heb 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
    Many people who say they have faith in Christ show by their lives that they have all the symptoms of unbelief. In the Carnal Christian these symptoms include bickering and division (I Cor 3:3), an unwillingness to accept any responsibility in the work of God (Heb 5:12), and morals that conform to the world’s standards instead of to the principles of God.
    But there are other symptoms of unbelief that are evident in the life of far too many Christians today.
    First would have to be their lack of Prayer. "Ye have not, because ye ask not." (James 4:2). If we really believed that God could hear our prayers and would answer our petitions then we would bombard Heaven with our cries. Instead, we try every scheme in the world to get what we want and only pray as a last resort- and even then we have such little faith until we are greatly amazed if God does answer the Prayer!!
    Another Symptom of unbelief is our lack of Patience. Instead of trusting God to work in His own time we decide that someone must do something; and, like Abraham, we find that running ahead of God brings lifetime consequences.
    A final Symptom of Unbelief is our lack of Power. We don’t trust God for power so our lives are mere shells of Christianity that bring shame to us; and to God.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, October 27, 1998

TEMPTATION LIMITATIONS

    Want to know a GREAT truth? God puts limitations on your Temptations!! You thought Satan could tempt you as much as he wanted and in any way he desired but that is not true. You are God’s peculiar treasure (I Pet 2:9) and that means you are "hedged" about with a barrier that Satan can not pass without the permission of God (See Job 1:9-12).
    Also consider the tremendous truth found in I Cor 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Look closely at what that states, "Who will not suffer (allow) you to be tempted above that ye are able,". God know YOUR limits and He only allows the trouble to be big enough to build your character without overwhelming your faith.
    Every time a temptation comes your way God also puts a "Safety Valve" on it - " but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." I remember one time when my thought life was going off in the wrong direction and suddenly the phone rang. It was a "wrong" number but I knew it was actually the Lord putting me back on track. Or on another occasion when I was having a "Pity Party" and sinking deeper and deeper into depression. Just then the door bell rang; one of the neighborhood kids needed help to put the chain back on their bike. The glow in their eyes and the heartfelt hug after I repaired their bike sent me back to the office with a bounce in my step and peace in my heart.
    Don’t be discouraged or defeated. Your temptation has limitations and you will be able to handle anything that comes your way- (1 John 4:4) "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."

Miracle Message for Wednesday, October 28, 1998

WATER WILT

    My wife loves plants. Almost every room in the house has at least one plant, and most rooms have numerous plants. It takes a lot of time and effort for my wife to care for these plants but she is very conscientious about being sure they get sunlight and water.
    Several weeks ago she found a petite hanging basket on sale so she decided to put a small plant in it and hang it up. My wife is very short and she had me hang this plant very high in the wall in an area of the house we don’t normally look at.
    While talking with me the other day she suddenly shouted, "Oh No! I’ve killed it." I followed her gaze as we both remembered that new hanging basket for the first time in many days. It was a sad looking sight as it lay limp and wilted in its basket with its leaves starting to turn brown.
    I thought the only thing to do was empty the basket and start again since this plant looked well on its way to that great "garden in the sky". My wife, however had other plans. She trimmed the dead leaves, added some much needed water, and went about rescuing that plant from its sure death.
    I don’t know who has neglected you so that you are all wilted down but Jesus loves you even more than my wife loved that wilted plant; and He has just the kind of water you need to cause you to flourish and bloom again. That is because Jesus does not use tap water; He uses living water, and that can restore you no matter how wilted and worn you are.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 3, 1998

CHRISTMAS CONSIDERATIONS

    While getting my hair cut recently my lady barber started talking to a friend about Christmas. Both of them said they needed to have a yard sale or house cleaning in the next couple of months in order to accommodate all the new toys their children would get at Christmas. That immediately reminded me of a story in the Bible- (Luke 12:16-21) And Jesus spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
    Everyone in the Barber Shop agreed that Children today had too many toys and it just compounded the problem to consider all of the new toys that they would get at Christmas. But everyone seemed perplexed about what to do to remedy the situation. Several suggestions were finally given that seemed to make sense to most of the people there.
    One lady said that her parents were instructed to buy the grandchildren only one present and then to put any extra money they wanted to contribute into savings bonds for the children. Another said her parents did the same thing except they contributed some each year to a college fund savings account for each child.
    One told about the joy children received from a year’s subscription to a magazine for their age group. And some mentioned that their gift was a trip to a favorite place; this was especially appreciated because it involved personal participation by everyone.
    This Christmas you can let the stores convince you that you absolutely have to have a pet rock or a certain named doll or you can use a little common sense and get those you love a gift that will really mean something to them. Just don’t build bigger barns and wonder why God calls you a fool.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 4, 1998

ONE SIN, WHAT A PRICE

People sometimes tell me, "Oh Preacher, don’t be so hard. After all it’s just one little sin. What harm can one sin do?"

    Why don’t you ask Adam about the price of one sin. One bite of the forbidden fruit caused him to exchange the joys of paradise for the drudgery of earning his living by the sweat of his brow. It brought him spiritual death; and, eventually, the murder of his second born by his first born. It also brought the penalty of sin onto the entire human race. One sin, but the price was so huge until it can only be called incalculable.
    Ask Moses about the cost of one sin. Moses had defeated Egypt with only the power of God at his disposal. He had delivered his nation from bondage and was leading them through the desert toward the promised land. Over and over they tried his patience until this "meekest man on all the earth" (Num 12:3) became so angry until he disobeyed God and smote the rock instead of speaking to it. Moses realized the cost of that one sin as he sat on a lonely mountain looking over at the promised land; knowing he could look at its beauty but he could never live there.
    Sin will take you further than you want to go and sin will cost you more that you want to pay. The good news is that while - "the wages of sin {singular} is death; the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom 6:23). The cost of a single sin is extraordinarily high but God has paid the price for each and every sin and He offers pardon and forgiveness to everyone who turns from sin and trust the savior, Jesus Christ.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 10, 1998

DIVINE DIRECTIONS

SELFISH PRAYING

God WANTS to answer Prayers. He just doesn’t want to do you harm by fulfilling selfish request. So use your intensity to pray right- and then rejoice in God’s wonderful answers.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 17, 1998

SERMON FAITH

What makes a man get up before a congregation of people week after week believing that what he says will make a difference in the lives of those people; both now and forever? What is it that motivates a minister?

I know the first answer many would give is that he is motivated by money- although that would not motivate him to become a minister in my denomination! Thankfully, many ministers are now being paid a reasonable salary; but I have met very few who could not be making much more in another profession.

Some would say a man is a minister because of the lack of work involved in his duties (You know, who wouldn’t want a job where you only work 3 hours a week). My average work week is over 65 hours- and, according to the latest survey, the average for all pastors is 55 hours a week. Most pastors look with longing at those people who go to work at 8am and get to come home at 5pm.

I think there are three main reasons a man stands in a pulpit each week and delivers God’s message to the people. First of all is His Calling from God. The fire of God burns in his soul and he cannot remain faithful to God, and himself, if he does not proclaim the word of God.

Secondly, there is his faith in the Word of God. He is confident that it has the answer for every need of mankind. He does not have to rely on his own abilities or intellect; he can depend on the "sword of the spirit" to pierce into the depths of a man’s soul and show him his need of change.

Finally, a Pastor always remembers that God uses the "foolishness of preaching" to accomplish His work. And that really helps on those Sundays when a Pastor feels like his sermon has failed and the best thing he can do is crawl up under a rock and hide!

Pray for your Pastor this week; and be there Sunday Morning when He proclaims the Word of God. After all, it is a message from God.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 18, 1998

WRONG PAGE

At the beginning of our service recently the Song Leader announced the opening hymn number and the piano player began playing another song! It seems the Song Leader unintentionally reversed the order of our songs and announced the second song first. It was just a funny little moment for us but it reminded me of some real life situations.

Sometimes husbands and wives, or parents and children, "sing different songs" because they're on the wrong page thru failure to communicate. They are all talking but they are not listening to what is really being said. And there will be no Harmony in the Home until people begin to speak the same language.

This incident also reminded me that you need to address a problem as soon as it occurs; or else the music and the song will never match. Sometimes we try to pretend a problem doesn't exist and hope that it will go away. But the longer we ignore the problem the worst things become. You need to stop long enough to correct the problem before the disharmony becomes disaster.

If your life is all confused because it's on the wrong page just remember that Jesus can turn chaos into melody if you'll let Him. Get on the same page with God today so you can make beautiful music now; and look forward to singing the right song in that heavenly choir!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, November 24, 1998

REPAIRING DAMAGED LIVES

You could almost hear the panic in her voice. The secretary of another church in the area was working on the church bulletin on her computer and she couldn't get it to come up properly. I talked to her on the phone for a while and then went to where she was working. When I arrived I found that she had been using the same disk to record her files on for a long period of time and the disk had become corrupted. Now all of her files were "linked" together.

After much work and manipulation I was finally able to get the disk repaired enough to save some of her files. I then took the disk home with me so I could work on recovering the remaining files. As I was working I received a phone call from a church member desiring to talk about a problem she was having with someone else.

After I hung up the phone I realized that the computer problem and the personal problem were a lot alike; both were caused by failure to completely deal with past problems and both were complicated by being tied to other problems. Sounds like a lot of people I know.

The Good News I proclaim is that God is able to deal with the "corrupted files" in your life. I know that many times we pile problems one on top of the other until everything is so "linked" togther until we don’t think anything can be done. Just remember that Jesus took a woman who had been married five times, and was now living with a man, and transformed her into a village changing evangelist!

Your life does not have to be inoperative and ineffective. God has just what you need so you can have the peace you long for to enable you to become a productive part of God’s plan again. Just don’t sit at home frustrated with your own inabilities to get life to work. Come to God and let Him "repair" you today.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, November 25, 1998

MARGIE’S CASSEROLE

Margie helped serve dinner to Mrs. Opal’s family recently following Mrs. Opal’s funeral. With a tiny tear in her eye she told me the story of the casserole. And with wonder in her voice she told me what a difference it had made in her life in that community. A life made different by an act of Christian Love.

"Saturday Sermon" for Saturday, November 28, 1998

EXPECTATIONS

    Do you ever wonder why you feel "down and depressed" all the time? Maybe it's because you have set standards for yourself, or for others, that you, or they, cannot meet. Things never work out the way you want them to work and that develops feelings of anger and bitterness in your heart. Your problem is that your expectations are beyond what can be realisticly expected in real world living.
    This is a special problem for highly motivated individuals or for people whose life is spend helping others. They expect that their sacrifice will accomplish more than it does. When things do not work out like they think they should then depression and frustration sets in (The name that was coined for it during the past few years is "Burn out". You become so disappointed that you are not accomplishing what you want until you decide to quit trying to accomplish anything).
    Let's look at Five Goals in a person’s life that can cause great distress because they are based on UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS- This causes you to set a goal that it is impossible to reach and then you feel bad because you did not reach it!!
(1) I have the ability to change another person. God has given each of us a Free Will. That means you can influence a person and you can example the right model for a person but they must make the decision to change. Trying to force them only angers them and aggrevates you.
(2) I have the Capacity to help everyone. If you try to be everything to everyone you will soon be nothing to anyone.
(3) There should never be a limit to what I can do. Even Jesus acknowledged that, although provision was made for everyone to be saved, yet many will travel the wrong road.
(4) I am the only person available to help. Christians learn they are part of the Body of Christ. Each part much function with, and for, the rest if the body is to function correctly.
(5) I must never make a mistake. The Bible states in First John that the very act of saying we do not have sin is in fact a sin!
    These are expectations that ONLY GOD can accomplish; and even He can not accomplish them in the way some people expect them to be accomplished!
    Strive to be the best you can be. Remember,however, that you cannot do everything and you cannot be everywhere. So stop trying to take God's place. Instead, seek to fill your place in God's Plan. That is where you will find the peace and abundant life you are seeking.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 1, 1998

ELISE’S MINISTRY

    Mrs. Elise was special from the first time you met her. Her smile was infectious and her personality made you think that no matter who you were, you were one of her favorite people. She was a wonderful lady with a family that she loved; but her love extended far beyond her family. When she lived in a neighborhood, all the neighborhood was drawn to her home. When she had to move to an apartment her apartment became the center of many community activities. And when she finally had to move to a nursing home she set up "shop" in her room and it became her own little ministry area.
    But I remember Mrs. Elise for far more than her personality. I remember the impact she had on so many people. For several years she taught a Sunday School class at our Church. When she taught, however, she did much more than impart Bible knowledge to the young people she taught; she invested her life in them. Many of her students are grown and married now and they still talk about lessons learned and classes attended during the few years she taught here. She fulfilled the dream of every good teacher, she made a lifetime difference in her students.
    And then there was her mail ministry. If all the letters and notes of encouragement that she wrote were put end to end I believe they would circle the globe! Even when arthritis came to cripple her fingers I would still receive barely legible notes of encouragement on a regular basis. And like the other things she did, this ministry also caused many to emulate her and multitudes of people are encouraged by a letter or note of encouragement each month.
    I believe that one good example is worth a hundred sermons. That is why I talk of Mrs. Elise today. She made a long term difference in a great number of people because she thought that living her Christianity every day was much better than just talking about her "religion". A lesson I hope we all can learn and apply.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 2, 1998

Flash Lights

    My father-in-law was putting some things in his attic several months ago and accidently left his flash light up there. The next time he needed a light he realized it had been misplaced. He searched through all the drawers and closets in the house, and even crawled under the house, trying to locate it.
    Finally, we decided it must be lost for good and bought him another for a Birthday Present. When he went up into the attic to get some Christmas decorations this year, guess what he found?
    Jesus once asked his disciples, "Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?" (Mark 4:21). He meant by this that men tend to lose the light of their testimony when they become too busy (hidden under a bushel) or too lazy (hidden under a bed).
    As a pastor, it amazes me to see the number of Christians who are too busy to do anything for God; or too lazy to obligate themselves to Christian service. In the process of living they have lost the light of life; and have become a stumbling block instead of a light house that guides men away from danger.
    It doesn't have to be that way. Think back to where you lost your light, go back there, pick it up, clean it up, and let it shine again. God wants your light to shine, the world wants your light to shine, and you need to shine your light. So shine today.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 9, 1998

                                                            THREE PROPS IN PROBLEMS

    Most people are familiar with Paul's "Thorn in the Flesh". This was a problem in Paul's life that was allowed by God but administered by Satan. It was a very real and very painful problem (Paul said it "Buffeted" him. That means it hit him from every side). The purpose of the problem was to defeat pride in Paul's life. During his description of this problem Paul describes three attitudes that propped him up and turned this Problem into a plus.
1) PRAYER- Paul said he "besought the Lord" three times about this problem. He didn't just say a nice little "now I lay me down to sleep" prayer; He really prayed and poured out his heart to God. When problems plague you spend time talking with God. Tell Him your hurt and your doubts; as well as your desire for help. You'll be surprised what a difference it will make when you talk WITH God instead of AT God.
2) POWER- As soon as Paul realize God wasn't going to correct his problem he found that God's Grace was sufficient. This gave him the Power to endure the problem and focus on the really important things in life.
3) PLEASURE- Now, amazingly, Paul take Pleasure in his problems because they draw him closer to God!! Bitterness and bondage have been turned to blessing. The problem is now a plus. Glory!  Don't let problems knock all the props from under you. Use Paul's props and become more than conquerors through Christ.

BONUS GAME:
Looking for a quick little game for those Christmas parties. Here is one I made up for our Ministers and Wives Christmas get together. In their case, I gave the list below to 4 men and asked one to prepare a title, one to prepare an introduction, one to prepare a 4 point outline, and one to prepare a conclusion using the words they were given from the list below. Then I asked people to give each of them 4 numbers between one and thirty. The people who were giving the numbers had no idea what word went with the number.
You could use it to have 4 or 5 people prepare a sentence that incorporated all the words they were given from people's numbers- Example 19, 28, 17, 11– The thing I remember the most about Christmas is how the Camel (19) pulled the little red wagon (28) to Bethlehem (17) to carry the gifts (11) given to the new born savior.
Hope it helps.
1) CHRISTMAS
2) SHEPHERDS
3) WISEMEN
4) INN
5) TAX
6) ANGELS
7) GOD
8) MARY
9) JOSEPH
10) JOHN THE BAPTIST
11) GIFTS
12) LIGHT
13) SHEEP
14) MANGER
15) HAY
16) CAVE
17) BETHLEHEM
18) HEROD
19) CAMEL
20) DONKEY
21) GLORY TO GOD
22) PEACE TO MEN
23) SANTA CLAUS
24) REINDEER
25) COOKIES AND MILK
26) REDEMPTION
27) EMMANUEL
28) RED WAGON
29) STAR
30) PASTOR PRESENT

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 15, 1998

BAKED CAT

    While visiting with one of my senior saints recently she told me an interesting tale. Her clothes dryer is getting old and has developed a bad habit of the door popping open during the dry cycle. This causes the dryer to cut off and prevents the clothes from drying as they should.
    As she was going to the kitchen for a cup of coffee the other day she noticed the door had popped open. She knew the clothes had not had time to dry so she closed the door, restarted the dryer, and went for her coffee. When she got her coffee and walked back by the dryer she heard an awful noise.
    Afraid that the dryer was tearing up she opened the door to cut it off; and out popped her cat- very warm and very angry!
    People are a lot like this cat. They will many times look for a delightfully warm location to escape from the pressures of life; unaware that it can become dangerously hot. It will look so inviting and so comfortable until they, like Goldilocks, will fall asleep and awake to find themselves in a bear’s bed.
    Everyone needs a place to escape from the stress and strife of life. Christians find that the time they spend in a "prayer closet" brings peace to their heart while prodding the heart of God. They also find that studying and meditating on the Word of God brings peace and direction to their life. And, surprisingly, they find that acts of kindness and service to others actually energize them instead of exhaust them.
    Be careful which door you jump through when you are looking for comfort and escape. Some doors can be so nice for awhile but can suddenly turn into a really hot situation. If you don’t believe it, come meet a cat who will not go into the same room with the dryer anymore.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 16, 1998

THINGS I’VE LEARNED

One of the men in my Church recently send me a list of things "I’ve learned". I wish I could share the entire list but space constraints allow me to share only a few. I've learned:
-that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.
-that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
-that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.
-that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do.
-that you can keep going long after you can't.
-that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
-that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
-that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
-that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
-that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
-that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
-that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
-that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
-that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
-that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 22, 1998

SURPRISING GIFTS

    Several years ago a lady gave my wife and I a wall hanger that was covered with artificial fruit. Although it was nice, and appreciated by us, it was not something that we had longed for. Enclosed in the box with the wall hanger was a note, however, and it changed our entire outlook on this present.   
    The hanger that the fruit was attached to was an antique corn dryer. The corn dryer was rare; and expensive. It changed a plain present into a special gift.
    If you are having problems finding the right gift, or if the pressures of Christmas shopping are getting you down, let me share a few helpful hints to make your shopping a lot easier.
    Give a gift that will enrich the person receiving it. Don’t just try to finish your list, seek something that will fulfill a need in the life of the person to whom you are giving the gift- We still have the corn dryer. Its value is not in its value; its value is in the heart of love that shared such a treasure with us.
    Give a gift to someone who doesn’t expect it; or who can’t afford it- (Deu 15:11) "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land." You will receive as much joy from the giving as they will from the receiving.
    Finally, remember that Christmas is not about your presents, it is about His presence. If you leave Christ out of your Christmas celebration then Christmas will seem like a time of artificial fruit that has no taste and brings no joy. Look beneath the artificial hollowness of a stressful holiday season and find the true treasure that is the real reason for the season.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 23, 1998

GOD'S CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOU

    It began in a beautiful garden many years ago. The sun was bright, the birds were singing, and peace and joy reigned supreme. Suddenly, the cold breath of sin slithered into the garden as Satan brought doubt into Eve’s mind, Defeat into Adam’s actions, and Death into the life of all men. But God was not defeated!! He promised that a Savior would come to destroy the works of Satan and to deliver men from the bondage of sin and death.
    For nearly 4000 years men looked with Anticipation for this promised Messiah to come. Year after year they cried out to God to send the deliverer to set them free from the tyranny of sinful men and from the bondage of sinful desires that controlled their actions and destroyed their peace and prosperity.
    The Day finally arrives!! In a stable in Bethlehem, God comes to earth as a new born babe. Beside His manger bed sits an unmarried woman and an unemployed carpenter.
    Can this be the long anticipated one? Is this the one to defeat Satan and set us free from the bondage of sin and death? Yes, Yes, God has become flesh. Help and Hope have been born. Shepherds and wise men alike find that WHOSOEVER shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.
    That is your gift from God this Christmas; redemption and eternal life through His son Jesus. Open God’s present first this Christmas and find the joy your heart seeks!!

Lessons for Living for Tuesday, December 29, 1998

SUCCEEDING AS A SAINT

My Assistant Pastor, Rev Carroll Bazen, recently prepared a message on 5 things you need if you are to succeed in your Christian Life. They were so relevant until I thought sharing them with you would be helpful.

If you are to succeed in the Christian life then you need:

1) Forgiveness and Acceptance from God. You can never find happiness or fulfillment if you are alienated from God. That means repenting of sins, trusting Christ as Savior, and believing that you are now a Child of God. This brings pardon for your sins and peace for your heart.

2) A Consecrated Body. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is to be kept Wholly for God and Holy unto God if you are to succeed in your Christian walk.

3) The Anointing of the Spirit on your life and work. To try to do the work of God without the anointing of God is like trying to empty the ocean with a pitchfork. You will work yourself to death and never accomplish anything. The Bible command to be filled with the Holy Spirit is not an option; nor simply a denominational doctrine. Only divine unction produces divine results.

4) A Purposed Heart. A Successful Christian is one who had made a deliberate choice to follow God’s Plan. His heart is fixed on doing the will of God always; regardless of changing circumstances or persecution problems.

5) A Concerned Spirit. Luke warm living makes God sick. A successful Christian has a fire burning within that breaks their heart over sin and opens their mouth to warn others of the wrath to come. A contented Saint will not accomplish much for God.

I pray your goal is to be a successful Christian in 1999. If you follow these principles then you will have a far greater chance of succeeding at your goal.

Miracle Message for Wednesday, December 30, 1998

THINGS THAT DISPLEASE GOD

The last thing any true Christian wants to do is to do any thing that displeases God. Like Jesus, We want always to do those things that please the Father (John 8:29). That is why it is good to know 4 things that displease God.

1) Holding a Grudge Displeases God - (Prov 24:17-18) "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him." God will punish the wrong. We are to forgive and groan with them; not gloat over their problems.

2) Complaining about how God works His plan in your life displeases God- (Num 11:1) "And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp."

3) Unrepented Sin in our Life displeases God- (2 Sam 11:27) "And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD." David wanted to forget his sin without dealing with it but that didn’t suit God.

4) Keeping People from Coming to God displeases God- (Mark 10:14) "But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." God’s heart is broken over sinner; Christ died for them. Don’t stand in their way.