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By Rev Mike Jones
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Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 5, 2010
CONTINOUS
GIFTS
Christmas is a fading memory. The bills are coming in and
many people find they not only ate too much in December, they also spent too
much! So much for the “all year long Christmas spirit” everyone wanted to keep.
Let me give you a few suggestions for some Gifts that “keep on giving”.
Give these gifts and you will find that the illusive spirit of Christmas is
indeed possible all year long!
The First Christmas was about God loving the world enough to give His
only begotten Son so give the gift of Love and find a joy this year you had not
anticipated. The Son of God was given in order to provide forgiveness for the
sins of mankind so add the gift of forgiveness to your list and wonder at the
freedom you will feel when you are no longer bound by a spirit of anger and
animosity.
The Angels and Shepherds proclaimed “Glory to God” at Christmas. Make the
opportunity each day to find a way to glorify God in your language and your life
and wonder at the blessings that will flow back to you as you bring blessings to
others.
Finally, share with everyone this year that a Savior has been born so
they can now face life with help and hope. Patrick Henry wrote in his will: “I
have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I
wish I could give them and that is faith in Jesus Christ. If they have that and
I had not given them one shilling, they would be rich; and if they have not that
and I have given them the entire world, they are poor indeed”.
Give so that others may really live and make this coming year the best
year you have ever experienced.
Minister Message for Wednesday, January 6, 2010
WHILE YOU ARE
LIVING
A pig and a cow met in the barnyard. The pig lamented his
lack of popularity. He complained that people always talked about the cow’s
gentleness and kind eyes while always using the pig’s name as an insult. The pig
admitted that the cow gave milk and cream but maintained pigs gave a lot more.
“Why”, the pig complained, “we pigs give bacon and ham and people even pickle
our feet. I do not understand why cows are esteemed so much higher than pigs.”
The Cow thought for a minute and then said, “Maybe the difference is that
cows give what we have while we are still living!”
What are you giving “while you are still living?” I am thinking of a man
who decided to designate the mission work in India in his will so he could help
build churches when he died. As he
began to think about the needs, however, he decided not to wait until he died in
order to do what needed to be done so he gave money that has already been used
to build numerous churches in India. Hundreds of people worship in block
buildings instead of searing sun or pouring rain because this man decided to do
something while he was still living.
What a miserable time it is going
to be for some people when they come to the end of life and find that instead of
looking forward to treasures laid up in heaven their whole life has been spent
accumulating possessions they have left to be fought over by ungrateful children
and covetous tax collectors.
Wouldn’t it be much better to do some good “while you are still living” in order
to enjoy what you have accomplished while you are anticipating your coming
reward?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 12, 2009
BOTH SMALL
AND GREAT
When I look at the mighty accomplishments of some people I
sometimes feel such a small and insignificant part of the Kingdom of God. Then I
remember the way God uses small things and I determine to do the best I can
where I am with what I have.
An old article from the “Sword of the Lord” newspaper declared that a
flea can leap 200 times it length. A man would have to jump 1200 feet to jump
the same proportionate distance. A
housefly takes 440 steps in a half second in order to travel 3 inches. A man
would have to run 20 miles a minute to equal this feat.
It also said that Turnip seeds, under good conditions, increase their
weight 15 times a minute. In rich soil a turnip seed may increase its weight
15,000 times a day. It is said that there is no force more powerful than a
growing squash. A squash 18 days old has been harnessed in such a way that in
its growing process it lifted 50 pounds on a lever mechanism. Nineteen days
later it lifted 5,000 pounds.
The Bible declares that God “will bless them that fear the LORD, both
small and great.” (Psalms 115:13). If I will be faithful to God and to His call
on my life then God has promised to bless me in spite of the smallness of my
accomplishments. That is not an excuse to do little but it sure is an
encouragement to realize God will bless what I do with the same zeal that He
blesses the accomplishments of “great” preachers. It is not the number of
talents that God gives me but my use of those talents that God is judging. May I
be faithful to do the “little things” well.
Minister Message for Wednesday, January 13, 2010
AMBASSADOR OR
EMBARASSMENT
Ambassador is a
big word for a little girl but she had studied hard for her part in the Church
play. Over and over she repeated on the way to Church, “I am an ambassador for
the Lord”. The play began and the little girl looked out at all those people
looking back at her and her brain quickly “froze”. Trying her best to remember
what she was supposed to say she blurted out, “I am an embarrassment for the
Lord” instead of “I am an ambassador for the Lord”!
I can sympathize and emphasize with this little girl because many time I
feel I am more of an embarrassment than an ambassador for the Lord! No, I am not
going out and getting drunk or committing adultery or things like that. But
sometimes I have to really work at showing “Christian nice” when the flesh is
angry and irritated. And your perceived attitude is very important because a
basis principle of life is “You can say ‘I love you’ a thousand times and people
may or may not believe you but you can give the impression you hate someone and
they will believe it instantly and forever”.
Every day my attitude and my actions point to the greatness of God or the
failures of His servant. David wrote in one of his Psalms “Let not them that
wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that
seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.” (Psalms 69:6). May that
be the prayer of every Christian this year as we seek to be Ambassadors, instead
of embarrassments, for the Lord.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 19, 2010
WORST THAN
EXPECTED
A wife went to her family doctor and told him she was
having trouble with her husband because he thought he was a refrigerator. The
Doctor declared it a harmless delusion that would soon pass. “But Doctor,” the
woman said, “When he sleeps with his mouth open, the little light keeps me
awake.” Sometimes problems are deeper than they appear!
One of those “head scratching” verses in the Bible declares that the Heathen
were worst toward God’s people than God wanted them to be-
And I am very sore displeased with the
heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped
forward the affliction. (Zechariah 1:15).
There are two way of interpreting this verse. It could mean that the ways of the
heathen so tempted the people of God until the result was a worst punishment
from God than God originally planned. It could also mean that God allowed the
Heathen to be used to punish His people and the Heathen punished them more than
God had intended. Either way it is a little “scary” to hear that punishment for
God’s people went beyond God’s original plan.
In recent days I heard about a fallen preacher whose “besetting sin” (alcohol)
was a possible contributor to his death. Over and over he had the opportunity to
repent and change his life but he continued “playing with fire” until the heat
stopped comforting him and ended up consuming him.
It was not the will of God that this preacher ended up perishing instead of
being productive but when you dance with death there are times death decides to
lead instead of follow. Sometimes when you allow sin a place in your life it is
the light instead of the refrigerator you need to be concerned about!
Minister Message for Wednesday, January 20, 2010
TWISTED TRUTH
A fictitious story is told about a racing contest between
the United States and the Soviet Union. Both governments commissioned their best
engineers to produce the fastest automobile possible. After much experimenting
and preparation, the day arrived for the contest. The American car won by
inches. This was rather hard for the Russians to handle so their leading
newspaper carried the following report: “Russia and the U S competed in a long
awaited race yesterday. Both cars broke all former speed records. The Soviets
came in second, and the Americans finished next to the last!”
Sometimes you can misrepresent the truth in such a way until the truth is
no longer the truth even though it is still the truth! We recognize this in
politicians who say things in such a way until a clear statement can be
explained later in an entirely different way than the way it was originally
expressed. We also recognize it in Church Members who proclaim a principle one
way when it applies to others and another way when it applies to them!
A statement by the Apostle Paul to the Church at Corinth shows how such
twisted truths will end- Therefore judge
nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the
hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts:
and then shall every man have praise of God. (1 Corinthians 4:5).
Paul declares that God will “bring to light the hidden dark things and expose
the counsels of the hearts”. It is hard to twist the truth when the original
motive and meaning are exposed. When this happens the truth will twist you
instead of you twisting the truth.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 26, 2010
SPIRITUAL
PERSON
Rev. Earl Hendrix, one of the leading Free Will Baptist
Pastors in South Carolina, published an article in his church newspaper in 1975
about the qualifications of a “Spiritual Person”. It was so good until I kept it
all these years so I can look over it from time to time to examine my own life.
I realized recently that it might be beneficial to others also so I am sharing
it with you.
The Positive Side of a Spiritual Person: He is led by, and filled with,
the Holy Spirit. He studies God’s
Word and puts into practice the principles of God’s Word. He communes with God
daily through prayer and devotions. He is faithful in his love for, and his
attendance at, Church. He is a soul winner and supports the efforts of his
church to reach the world for Christ. He will be friendly, courteous, and joyful
in his daily life.
On the Negative Side, a Spiritual Person is not critical of others, not a
fault finder, not a back biter, not a gossiper, not a busy body, and not a
talebearer. He does not retaliate but forgives as he was forgiven. He does not
tear down but seeks to build up.
The Apostle Paul told the Church at Corinth that he “could not speak unto
them as unto spiritual people, but as unto carnal (Fleshly minded), even as unto
babes in Christ.” 1Co 3:1. This carnal fleshly mind and attitude is much too
evident in many churches today as people seek to be self gratified instead of
Spirit led. May God help us to determine to be Spiritual People who will daily
be conformed into the image of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Minister Message for Wednesday, January 27, 2010
BREAKFAST
I realized I had made a mistake but it was too late to
correct it so I asked God to cover for me. I was presenting a program at a local
minister’s breakfast recently and made the mistake of ordering breakfast. Before
I arrived at the breakfast I remembered that I had given my wife my last five
dollars the day before in order to get something to eat when she took her father
to the hospital. I had planned to just skip breakfast- I’m fat so it would do me
good to skip a breakfast.
When I arrived and was setting up the equipment for my presentation the
waitress asked me if I wanted the special today and I told her yes. It was only
after she left that I realized I had ordered breakfast. That is when I had to
ask God to come to my rescue.
The breakfast was good and the presentation went well. I greeted the
people as they filed out and then began repacking my equipment wondering what I
was going to do about paying for breakfast. Just as I was reminding God about
His promise to care for me one of the preachers came back into the room and
said, “Mike, I was about to forget. I wanted to buy your breakfast today.” Is
there a Glory anywhere in the house?
God is a good God and I am so very thankful to be one of His servants.
Sometimes He has to work extra hard in order to help me with my stumbles and
mistakes but, like a Rock, He is always there and always dependable. What a joy
to see His hand at work and to experience once again His unfailing love.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 2, 2010
DOING WHAT
YOU DO
In the words of Clint Eastwood, “A man has to know his
limitations!” A profound statement that has spiritual implications.
Multitudes of people struggle in their walk with God because they think
they are supposed to do everything that needs to be done. Unwilling to accept
the fact that they are just one part of the body of believers they attempt to do
everything and end up exhausted and discouraged. Look at these examples of good
things that great spiritual leaders did not do.
John did no miracles- And many resorted
unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this
man were true. (John 10:41)
Jesus did no Baptizing- When therefore the
Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more
disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
(John 4:1-2)
God will provide
everything you need in order for you to do what God has called YOU to do. It
will be a great achievement in your life when you willingly accept God’s plan
and purpose for your life. Stop craving positions or crying over lack of
provisions for something God did not plan for you to accomplish.
Learning your limitations gives you tremendous potential to do what you
are supposed to do instead of living with the frustration and failure of
attempting things that God planned for someone else to do. When everyone does
their part the Christian life is a thing of beauty.
One warning that must be recognized. Learn the difference between limitations
God puts on your life and obstacles Satan puts in your path. The first you
accept, the second you overcome. Blessed is the man who knows the difference.
Minister Message for Wednesday, February 3, 2010
RELATIONSHIP
NEEDED
Multitudes of people falter in their work for God because
they do not receive the reward or recognition they think they deserve. I have
seen people who stopped coming to Church and stopped their work for God because
someone at the Church failed to express love or appreciation to them in the way
they expected. They did not get their hand shook, their back slapped, or their
ears tickled in the way they wanted so they abandoned the wonderful fellowship
of the family of God and began nursing their hurt in their shell of self pity at
home. It was horrible to watch them as their heart shriveled and the light of
life dimmed into the darkness of anger and despair.
Jesus went about doing
good as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and proclaimed the good news of a
great God but He was despised and rejected
of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our
faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Isaiah 53:3)
Sodium and Chloride can both be poisonous to the human body. Add them together
in the proper proportions, however, and they become Salt which is necessary for
the body. Hydrogen is extremely flammable and Oxygen is the fuel of fire but mix
them together in the proper proportion and they become water which is used to
extinguish fires. Do not allow Satan to use Pride and Self Pity to separate you
from needed relationships. The results can be disastrous.
There is coming a day when the righteous judge shall judge righteously
and all the wrongs shall be made right. On that day you will be glad you
remained steadfast and faithful to the work God called you to do.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 9, 2010
FAMILY
ACTIVITIES THAT BUILD LOVE
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)
You can talk about love or you can do something about love. Here are 35 inexpensive activities that will help bring your family closer together:
1) Have devotions around the kitchen table 2) Attend a Church softball game 3) Plant flowers or a garden 4) Take a trip on a city bus 5) Play card and board games at home 6) Fly a kite 7) Take a nature walk or bike ride 8) Take a day trip to somewhere special 9) Visit the Library or Zoo 10) Go fishing 11) Make Homemade Ice Cream 12) Do a Bible people puppet show for the grandparents 13) Wash the car together 14) Carry homemade brownies to a shut in 15) Play catch or Frisbee 16) Camp out in the back yard 17) Go roller skating 18) Look thru the family album 19) Have an indoor picnic 20) Visit the State Capitol 21) Feed some birds 22) Visit a Planetarium, a museum, the local airport, a newspaper office, or TV Station 23) Create a Bible Quiz for your Sunday School Class 24) Clean out the garage or attic 25) Walk to a neighbor’s house for a visit 26) Have a fast food progressive supper 27) Have a sing-along 28) Write to a missionary 29) Cheap choice children’s night [Child decides what to do but it must be cheap] 30) Children teach parents how to text 31) Get pictures and information and pray for federal and state government leaders 32) Let the kids help you pay the bills one month (it will be eye opening for them!) 33) Start a saving account with your children 34) Have a hug family members day. 35) Start a family Prayer List and celebrate the answers.
Minister Message for Wednesday, February 10, 2010
PUTTING LOVE
INTO ACTION
The Bible commands us to make Love real in conduct and in character: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things (1 Corinthians 13:1-7). Here are 10 Actions that will help turn love from lips into life; and make a tremendous difference in people.
1) Replace words (Let me know if you need me) with actions (wash dishes / cut grass)
2) Look for ways to encourage instead of criticize
3) Share a meal, and a listening ear, with someone in need.
4) Give Gift cards for gas and meals for no special reason.
5) Email or text someone a "thinking of you" message
6) Clean the house of the sick.
7) Enter into a covenant with someone to pray for their spouse, children, or financial needs.
8) Defend someone whom others are criticizing.
9) Invite visitors at church to sit on your pew or move to their pew
10) Turn off TV or Computer, tell your spouse they are more important than those things, and then rub their feet or scratch their back.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 16, 2010
PAUL’S
VISIONS
A vision is something your outer eye or inner heart “sees”
that provides insight, motivation, or inspiration. The Apostle Paul had several
“visions” that changed his life and directed his ministry.
Paul had a vision of a risen Lord that led to his Salvation (And
as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about
him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto
him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And
the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick
against the pricks. (Acts 9:3-5)
Paul also had visions about his Service
(And a vision appeared to Paul in the
night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into
Macedonia, and help us. Acts 16:9), Support (Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but
speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee
to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. Acts 18:9-10),
Strength (And the night following the
Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified
of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. Acts 23:11), and
Safety (For there stood by me this
night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul;
thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that
sail with thee. (Acts 27:23-24)
Paul’s visions transformed him. May God give you “eyes to see” His plans
for you and renew your life and spirit today.
Minister Message for Wednesday, February 17, 2010
GIVE ME TOO
MUCH
It was a
birthday party and one of the men was cutting and passing out birthday cake.
Person after person would say, “Cut me a small piece. Do not give me too much.”
Finally, the man’s nephew came up for his cake and said, “Uncle Mac, give me too
much!” Love that kid because that is just what I ask God, “Give me more than
enough. Give me too much!”
I am not a greedy covetous person who begs God for too much in the way of
physical blessings. I try to take the approach of the writer of Proverbs when he
asked God to “give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient
for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be
poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” (Proverbs 30:8-9). I try
to be satisfied with what God is satisfied with me having.
I also try not to be proud or vain and ask God to give me too much in the
way of position or privilege. I try to remember that “Pride goeth before
destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18-19) My life
goal is to help people; not merely to impress them.
The place I ask God for too much is in my relationship with Him. I want
to be nearer and dearer to God every day. I do not want just a little bit of a
relationship with God. I want “too much” of His Presence so that people will
look at the Lord in my life and desire to know Him with all their being. That is
when “too much” will be just enough.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, February 23, 2010
CONSIDER
SIN’S CONSEQUENCES
And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face. (Hosea 7:2)
God considers in wonderment the fact that men do not
consider the consequences of Sin. Sin destroys Lives, divides Families,
distresses God, and dooms a person to Hell. Sin produces rotten fruit, wrong
rewards, a blemished testimony, and missed blessings. Sin promises you happiness
but produces bondage, beatings, and burdens. Here are ten consequences to
consider the next time you want to invite Sin into your life and activities.
1)
Sin is never satisfied. One Sin leads to more sins-
deeper and deeper you are drawn into its captivity.
2)
Sin incurs God’s displeasure and invites God’s
discipline
3)
Time spend in sin is forever wasted
4)
Sin widens its circle of impact to include those around
the sinner
5)
Sin limits your ability to serve God as you should
6)
Sin blocks your Prayer Power-
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: (Psalms
66:18)
7)
Sin leads a person to act like a fool-
Then said Saul, I have sinned: …behold, I
have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly. (1Sam 26:21)
8)
Sin hardens your heart against others and against God
9)
Sin brings God’s punishment and earns God’s wrath-
The Wages of Sin is death (Rom 6:23).
10)
Sin will find you out- But if ye will not
do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find
you out. (Numbers 32:23). The consequences of Sin are certain- Thank God for
the mercy and forgiveness that can be ours through Faith in Jesus Christ.
Minister Message for Wednesday, February 24, 2010
HOW TO ENJOY LIFE.
There are many “formulas” for happiness in the world today,
Yet more and more people are enjoying life less and less. Here are 6 Bible
principles for enjoying life that will work for you if you will work them.
1)
COMPLAIN LESS- (1 Pet 3:10)
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his
tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: It is amazing how
much more you enjoy life when you don’t let your tongue get ahead of your brain.
2) GIVE MORE- Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38) Greed and coveting shrink the soul. Giving gives back more than you gave!
3) LAUGH LOUD- Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19) Rejoice in the blessings of God. Celebrate life.
4) PRAY HARD- Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24) Pray believing; receive with delight.
5) LIVE RIGHT- Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (Heb 1:9) You never regret doing right. Life is good when you are good.
6) DRAW NEAR- It is good for me to draw near to God: (Ps 73:28) The heart is a restless hunter seeking only God. The good life is the God life.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 2, 2010
AMERICAN
IDOLS
When God decided to give man rules to live by (the Ten
Commandments) it is interesting to note that the first two of these commands
were requirements that nothing be placed before our obedience to, and affection
for, God- Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee
any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that
is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not
bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous
God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and
fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them
that love me, and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:3-6)
While most people in America do not make physical “idols” to bow before
and worship, it is increasingly obvious that Americans are more and more giving
their allegiance and affection to idols instead of to God. These American Idols
normally come into our lives down one of three avenues: Idols that Numb our Mind
include obvious things such as drugs and alcohol. Also included are the Idols of
entertainment addiction and communication control (try to take a cell phone from
a child!).
There are also Idols that Occupy
our Hands and make us either too busy to serve God or too worn out to study
God’s word or do God’s work. Have you ever noticed that people find time for
everything but devotions and duty to God?
Finally, there are Idols that Steal our Heart- Sinful activities and selfish
ambitions take priority over God in our life and heart.
Something is number one in your life. If it is not God then it is an Idol.
Minister Message for Wednesday, March 3, 2010
NEHUSHTAN
Hezekiah removed the
high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces
the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of
Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.[A piece of Brass]
(2 Kings 18:4)
God sent a plague
of snake among His people because of their sins (Numbers 21). When they cried to
God for deliverance God told Moses to raise up a brazen serpent and any man who
looked on that serpent with faith would be delivered. The people were so
impressed with the power displayed by this act until they began to worship the
serpent instead of the God who used the serpent to deliver them. Hezekiah
realized that a good thing had become an Idol so he had it destroyed.
I heard a preacher recently elevate the word of God above the God of the
Word and I thought within myself, “Nuhushtan”- your priorities are out of order.
The Bible is just another book unless it carries the authorship of God’s Spirit
and the authority of God’s Sovereignty. When we begin to worship the Bible
instead of the God of the Bible then the blessed book become just a “piece of
brass”.
Multitudes of people have fallen into this trap and they now worship
their Church instead of the God of their Church (If you do not believe it try to
change something in the Church!). Or the rituals of their religion have replaced
the joy of the relationship God desires. Like a child at Christmas they would
rather play with the box instead of the gift that came in the box.
Don’t worship the symbols; worship the Savior. The symbols are only “Nehushtan”.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 9, 2010
COMMITTED
COMMITMENT
I was eating lunch with my nephew recently. Our conversation was about
the need of “Commitments” in life and some way our conversation came to my
needing to write a newspaper article. “Uncle Mike”, he said. “You always have to
write a newspaper article!” I laughed when I noticed my wife shaking her head
“Yes!”
This is my 21st year of writing 2 newspaper devotional
articles each week- that is 104 articles each year! I receive no compensation
and very little acclimation and it gets to be really hard work some weeks but
God put it in my heart and I will try to continue until God closes the door or
tells me to stop.
The Apostle John summarized what I try to accomplish each week-
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may
have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with
his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be
full. (1 John 1:3-4)
Sometimes writing is like an overflowing well and I cannot write the words on
the page fast enough. Other times writing is like trying to get water out of a
rock; you just keep hitting your head against that rock until the rock breaks
and the water flows! Regardless, the water has to flow two times each week.
Talking about the articles helped my nephew understand a little about
commitment. Commitment means stepping up to the plate and doing your best every
time it is your turn to bat. Sometimes you hit a home run and sometimes you
strike out but you always walk to the batter’s box when it is your turn. Even
when God takes me out of the lineup and makes me a designated hitter I am
committed to that kind of commitment.
Minister Message
for Wednesday, March 10, 2010
CHARACTERISTICS OF FOOLS
The Bible declares that I am not to call a man a fool (Matt 5:22) so I am simply going to list 8 characteristics of a fool and let you “judge a tree by the fruit it bears” (Matt 7:20). A Fool:
1)
Walks a Wicked Way with no regard for God-
The fool hath said in his heart, There is
no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that
doeth good. (Psalms 53:1). Notice the remaining Corrupt Characteristics of a
Fool.
2)
Slanders Other-
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and
he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. (Proverbs 10:18)
3)
Mocks at Sin-
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the
righteous there is favour. (Proverbs 14:9)
4)
Despises Instruction-
A fool despiseth his father's instruction:
but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. (Proverbs 15:5)
5)
Contentious-
A fool's lips enter into contention, and
his mouth calleth for strokes. (Proverbs 18:6)
6)
Meddlesome-
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
(Proverbs 20:3)
7)
Self Confident-
He that trusteth in his own heart is a
fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26)
8)
Dishonest-
As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth
riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his
end shall be a fool. (Jeremiah 17:11)
There is, however, one “foolish” thing you should take heed to-
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it
pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (1
Corinthians 1:21)
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 16, 2010
THE WONDER OF
THE WORD
The Bible is miraculous in its:
1)
Inspiration-
For the prophecy came not in old time by
the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
(2 Peter 1:21). In some supernatural way God moved the writers of the Bible to
write exactly what He wanted written while at the same time allowing them to use
their own personality and passion as they wrote. What a Great God!
2)
Compilation- It is 66 Books which were complied
over 1500 years. 37 Old Testament and 29 New Testament Books were written by
around 40 different writers and yet harmony about the Divine purpose and plan
can be traced through them all.
3)
Preservation-.
For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in
heaven. (Ps 119:89). The Bible has existed in its completed form for nearly
2000 years. Customs and technology have changed but the Bible still remains
settled as the Word of God. Many have tried to fight God’s word but they lie
silent in their graves while the Word of God continues to speak to multitudes
each day.
4)
Circulation- The Bible is available in over 1000
languages with over 30 million copies printed each year. It continues to be the
number one selling book year after year after year.
5)
Transformation-
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians
3:16). Following this verse the writer tells how the Word of God dwelling in
your heart changes you, your family, and your work ethic.
Do not just wonder at the Word. Let the Wonder of the Word work wonders in your
heart and life today.
Minister Message for Wednesday, March 17, 2010
THE MIRACLE
BOOK
If we are to “know
that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.” (Psalms 135:5)
then there are three things we must be sure about- we must 1) Believe God’s Word
is true, 2) See God’s Wonders as authentic, and 3) Fear God’s Wrath is real. We
must be convinced that God communicates to man, demonstrates Himself in the
world, and obligates Himself to justice. Anything less is simply a “placebo” God
designed by our minds to ease our pain, complain to about our problems, or offer
us comfort when death, disease, or disaster comes our way.
The first thing we must believe about God is that His Word is true. Our
denomination declares that “We believe the Scriptures are infallible and
inerrant and that the Bible is without error and trustworthy in all its
teachings”. We believe the Bible is
1)
The Originator of our Faith-
So then faith cometh by hearing, and
hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
2)
The Penetrator of our Heart-
For the word of God is quick, and
powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing
asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of
the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
3)
The Regenerator of our Souls-
Being born again, not of corruptible seed,
but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
(1 Peter 1:23)
The Bible is a Miracle Book about a Miracle
God who can do miraculous things in your life. Do not let the wonder working
power of God get dusty on a shelf. Read the Bible this week and let the miracles
begin.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 23, 2010
CROSS CHANGES
What makes you what you are? Why do you think, talk, and
act as you do? Can you change? Should you change? Life questions that impact
each of us.
Several factors determine who you are. The genes you receive from your
parents, the language and culture you receive from your community, and the
individual character traits you receive from God all combine to develop you into
the person you are today. The color of your skin and the color of your eyes were
passed down through your family line. Your primary language and your prejudiced
world view were developed as you interacted in your family and community. Your
personality traits have been sharpened or dulled by the contacts and conflicts
you experienced as you traveled life’s highway. A lot of things have combined to
make you who you are.
Can you change? You can lose weight, color your hair, and learn another
language. You can develop better manners and learn to look at people and
problems from a different world view. You can educate your mind, train your
voice, and improve your living conditions. You can become a better person but
there are some things you cannot change.
You cannot change the sins of your past or the state of your heart. “Good
People” with a good education, good manners, and nice homes molest children,
commit adultery, and do harm to other people. Environmental and educational
changes fail to transform the corruption of the human heart.
God knows all this so He provided a way to so drastically alter the state
of the human heart until it was called being “Born Again”. This is made possible
by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And that is what the Easter story
is really all about.
Minister Message for Wednesday, March 24, 2010
CROSS
REACTIONS
Jesus hung on a cross, condemned to die because He
(truthfully) claimed to be the Son of God. During His three years of ministry He
had fed the hungry, healed the sick, raised the dead, and captivated the people
with His teachings and parables. But He would not toe the religious
establishment’s “political line” so he was railroaded through the courts and
sentenced to die by a “judge” who admitted he found no fault in him and was
simply bowing to the pressures of the community leaders.
The reactions of people during the horrible hours Jesus spent on the
Cross were amazing. Some Railed at Him-
And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou
that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and
come down from the cross. (Mark 15:29-30). The word “railed” here is the
Greek work for blasphemed and refers to someone talking with contempt about
another. Jesus had given them only good things and now was dying for their sins
and they rewarded Him with contempt. You would not do that, would you?
Some spectators gambled for his clothes (the “what is in this for me”
crowd). Some tried to give him
vinegar to drink when he thirsted (the “let’s pretend to help but actually make
it worst” crowd). Some people just waited for Him to die (The “let’s see if
anything extraordinary happens that we can gossip about” crowd).
One man watched from a cross and was so impressed until he asked Jesus if
he could be part of His Kingdom. Everyone reacts to the cross in some manner. I
hope this man’s example will inspire your reaction.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 30, 2010
EASTER
RECONCILATION
Easter is about the reconciliation of God and Man in order
for the bond of fellowship to return to their relationship. In the garden of
Eden God would come down each day in order to enjoy a time of fellowship with
Adam and Eve. The disobedience of sin broke God’s heart and broke this
fellowship. God could not ignore this rebellious act so, like anyone who loves
another, God immediately began to plan a way to restore His relationship with
man. This is what the Bible, and human history, is all about. And this is why
the Son of God ended up dying on a cross as a substitute sacrifice for all of
mankind.
One of the primary
principles of the universe is the sowing and reaping rule. Actions produce
consequences. This is a wonderful positive principle but it is a horrible
negative standard. Everyone wants to sow and reap bountifully when there is good
involved but those same people want to sow and reap nothing when there is
groaning instead of gold at harvest time! The Law of sowing and reaping remains
steadfast, however, in bad as well as in good. That means the wages of sin are
death no matter how much God loves mankind.
Jesus did not go to the cross as a grand gesture of love. The cross was the only
way to pay our sin death and deliver believers from eternal separation from God.
Easter is not about wearing new clothes to church; it is about becoming new
creatures for God. Easter is not about hiding eggs; it is about finding new life
in Christ.
Sin claimed man at a tree in
the Garden of Eden. Christ claimed victory over sin and death on a tree at
Calvary. God and man can once more walk together- Glory!
Minister Message for Wednesday, March 31, 2010
IT IS
FINISHED
God always has
a plan. Even before man sinned in the garden God had a plan to redeem mankind
and restore him to full fellowship. As that plan came to its conclusion, Jesus
could proclaim to His Heavenly Father- “I have glorified thee on the earth: I
have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” (John 17:4). Later, as the
blood dripped from his sinless body while hanging on a cross,
Jesus could proclaim to a lost world- “It is finished” (John 19:30) and
die with the full assurance that His job was complete.
The Apostle Paul came to a point in his life where he could look around
at a world that desperately needed the Gospel he preached and yet proclaim with
full confidence, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have
kept the faith:” (2 Timothy 4:7). There was a world of needs still to be met but
Paul could gratefully say to the God who had called and sustained Him that he
had completed the task which God had set for him to do.
I began preaching the gospel at the age of 14 and for 48 years I have
tried to faithfully proclaim the word of God and declare the wondrous works of
God. Now I feel that I can say about the Pastoral part of my ministry, “It is
finished.” On Easter Sunday I plan to retire from the Pastoral Ministry and
concentrate on Promoting the missionary heart of God, Preaching the infallible
Word of God, and Writing about the glorious wonders of God.
I have not finished the book of my life yet but I have finished this
chapter. I am excited beyond words to see what God will do in the next chapter.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 6, 2010
LIFE
PRINCIPLES TO KNOW
It is not what we do not know that hurts us; it is what we are certain of that is wrong! Here are some Life Principles that I Know that God wants me to Know.
1) I know Salvation is through Faith in Christ- These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13). Salvation involves a Conviction Time, A Crisis Time, A Commitment Time, and a Confession Time that acknowledges your faith in Christ.
2) I know God is Dependable: For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)
3) I know I am special to God- Ps 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself.
4) I know God is Steadfast- Ec 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it. (Malachi 3:6)For I am the LORD, I change not;
5) I know it is best to Serve the Lord- Ec 8:12 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God,
6) I know that what I do for God means something in eternity- 1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord
Minister Message for Wednesday, April 7, 2010
BACK TO
BASICS
Here are a few things that will help you stabilize your
Christian Life so you can recapture the joy and zeal you once had in your walk
with the Lord.
Remember that you repented of your sinful nature and turned your life over to
God. The three marks of true Repentance are:
1)
Acknowledgement and Confession of wrong doing-
Luke 3:7-10
2)
Desire to abandon wrong actions- Luke 3: 11- 14
3)
Willingness to make Restitution- Luke 19:8
Stop trying all the new “ideas” that sound good but do not produce Christian Joy
and Growth. Billy Graham in his book “Guide for Christian Living” list 10 Rules
for good Spiritual Health:
1)
Read your Bible Daily
2)
Learn the Power of Prayer
3)
Rely constantly on the Holy Spirit
4)
Attend Church Regularly
5)
Become a Witnessing Christian
6)
Let love be the ruling principle in your life
7)
Be Obedient to God and His Word
8)
Learn how to Meet Temptation
9)
Be a Daily Genuine Christian
10)
Live above your circumstances
Realize that you can and should live a victorious Christian Life. The Three
enemies that Christians battle are The World System, The Desires of the Flesh,
and the Accusations of the Devil but we know
we are of God and have overcome them:
because greater is he that is in us, than he that is in the world. (1 John
4:4).
Christianity is a great way to live. Get back to basics and let your life
be an abundant life.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 13, 2010
PASSION
PRAYER PROMISES
As Jesus ate the “last supper” with his disciples He gave them four Prayer Promises that are absolutely astonishing in their implication. How poorly we live when God had promised us such magnificent blessings!
1) Authority to “sign the name of the Son” on the checks we present to the Father- And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14). It would change a church if the Pastor had a service where he read these verses and then gave people ten minutes to silently contemplate the implications; and then repeated the same process twice more before dismissing the people with the admonition to put this day’s sermon into practice!
2) Assurance to know our petitions are correct because we let the living Word direct our desires and request- If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7)
3) Confidence in the long term results of our prayer relationship with the Lord- Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (John 15:16)
4) Jubilation as we see God working through our prayers to build His Kingdom and expose His Glory- Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)
In His last moments with His disciples Jesus shared these Promises. Let us consider them and apply them in that context.
Minister Message for Wednesday, April 14, 2010
RECAPTURE THE
BLESSING
Sometimes the
burden of the burden causes us to miss the blessing of the blessing! I have seen
Pastors become so burdened down by the disinterest of the lost, the dissensions
among the members, and the duties of the church until they lose their enthusiasm
for the work of the Lord. They become weary in well doing and it becomes
increasingly easy to hear bitterness in their sermons. I think that is what the
writer of Hebrews had in mind when he wrote-
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root
of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
(Hebrews 12:15)
Do not allow the needs of people to overwhelm you. If you do you will
eventually lose energy to minister because you will try to BE God instead of
SHOW God. Keep your eyes on the vision God has given you and remember it is
God’s responsibility to work miracles in the lives of people.
Know and maintain boundaries in your ministry. Some plant, some water, but God
gives the increase (I Cor 3:6). Do what God has called you to do and allow other
members of the body to do what God has called them to do. No one will be
overburdened and everyone will enjoy seeing the harvest God produces.
Make spending quiet time with God a priority-
But they that wait upon the LORD shall
renew their strength; (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting is the hardest work you will
work but it will lead to the most productive accomplishments you will
accomplish.
Jesus did not heal everyone or go everywhere. He simply “did always
those things that please the Father” (John 8:29). Keep that as your vision and
see how much better life will be for you!
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 20, 2010
DO WHATEVER
HE SAYS
The last words of Mary, the mother of Jesus, recorded in
Scripture are at the beginning of the ministry of Jesus when she told the
servants at the Wedding Feast, “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5). What
a tremendous sermon in such a few words!
In the early part of my walk with the Lord a major emphasis of preachers
and Bible teachers was the need of complete commitment and absolute obedience. I
was taught that becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ meant denying yourself,
taking up your cross, and following Christ (Matt 16:24). Christianity was not
about how God could serve me but about how I could serve God.
Sadly, I have watched that change in recent years. Preachers now talk
about God as a great “force” in the sky who exists only to provide people with
Health, Wealth, and Success. Seldom is anything mentioned about sacrifice,
service, and steadfast obedience. As a
result, Christianity is now looked upon by many as just another motivational
method or a better than normal “get rich quick scheme”. Because of this
Christianity is no longer respected as a Moral Compass and a Transforming Truth.
Motivation to change comes from inspiration, desperation, or stimulation. People
who are trying to build their kingdom instead of God’s kingdom know this and
incorporate these methods into their messages. Biblical “God Change”, however,
only comes from regeneration which is a supernatural work of a supernatural God
and demands taking up a cross instead of taking up bigger offerings!
The Christian Life is best lived by those who determine to completely and
absolutely obey the directions given by the Son of God, Jesus Christ. It is
world transforming when the followers of Jesus determine that “whatever Jesus
says to you, do it”.
Minister Message for Wednesday, April 21, 2010
EMPTY WINE
BOTTLES
Sometimes Christians act more like water than wine and that
is not the way it is supposed to be! During the first service of the early
church the preacher (Peter) had to tell the spectators that his congregation was
not “drunk with wine” because of the extraordinary events happening in the
service (Acts 2:15). The Apostle Paul later told the Ephesian Church to be so
revolutionary in their behavior until it would resemble being “drunk with wine”
(Eph 5:18).
The problem today is that many people are controlled by the wine of the
world instead of the transforming power of the “wine of the spirit”. The “wine
skins” of many Christians are empty and dry and their lives show forth the same
emptiness and dryness.
Why
does the “Wine” get out of the bottle? Two illustrations involving Jesus and
wine give us some guidance: 1) At the Wedding Jesus attended in Cana the
wineskin was empty because of the Demands of People (The crowd at the wedding
was consuming more that expected or was larger than anticipated). 2) During a
Sermon (Matt 9:17) Jesus declared that wine got out of the wineskin because of
Damage to the Wineskin (The fermentation process demanded that New wine must be
put into new wineskins or the old wineskin would burst).
Is that why you are acting like water instead of “wine”? Has the stress
of dealing with people problems or the demands of daily life turned you into a
leaking vessel instead of a bubbling believer? All Jesus had to do at the
wedding was find some vessels willing to be filled and then allow the water in
them to be changed into wine. Let it happen in your life today. It will change
everything!
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 27, 2010
WASTE
Volcanic Ash had caused our flight from Delhi, India to
Newark, New Jersey to take a route directly across Russia to a point 50 miles
from the North Pole where we then headed down across Canada into America. It was
a 15 hour flight with a completely loaded plane since so many other flights had
been canceled. In the process of getting everyone on board my normal aisle seat
had been changed to a window seat.
Now a 62 year old man who takes fluid pills was trapped on the inside of
a three seat section with 2 other big men beside me. And to really make it
interesting, our seats were directly against the wall of one of the toilets on
the plane. In case you do not know, airplane toilets use air pressure to flush
the toilet which meant that for 15 hours I heard a constant chorus of “whoosh”
noise from the wall directly behind my head. It was an interesting flight!
I always try to learn something good from every situation so as I sat in
misery for 15 hours listening to the “whoosh” sound behind me I began to think
about Waste and its part in the plan of God. Two things immediately came to
mind. Waste is a Necessary activity (God designed us to continually discharge
waste from our body lest it “poison” us) and a Regular activity (ask a 62 year
old man on fluid pills!).
All of us have things in our life that do not belong there (all have
sinned and come short of the glory of God). It is necessary that we deal with
these problems on a regular basis or they will “poison” us. Thank God that Jesus
Christ provides the way to dispose of the waste of sin and make us clean again.
Minister Message for Wednesday, April 28, 2010
BLOCKING
SNAKES
One
morning while we were staying in India I noticed that the water was not draining
out when I took my shower. I hated to trouble my host but felt he needed to know
about the situation. He immediately knew that the source of the problem was a
blockage at the screen wire placed at the end of the drainage pipe. He said it
was a common situation and easily corrected.
Then he went on to explain the reason for the screen wire and the
constant problem it presented. It seems that Kite Snakes like to swim through
sewage and crawl into the house through the drain opening. Since Kite Snakes are
very dangerous he preferred to unblock the sewage pipe on a regular basis rather
than step on snakes in his bath room!
It is amazing to see the changes that are taking place in India.
Advertisements and TV programs carry images that would never have been tolerated
on my first trip to India 10 years ago. Someone took the “screen” off the sewage
pipe and the “snake” has crawled into the house!
I think progress is a great thing and I am very happy to see improvements
in the standard of living in India. Better roads, better water, and better food
are all very positive signs. It saddens me, however, to see the morals of India
headed down the same path that has corrupted America.
The good news is that I was able to meet with many men and their families
who realize that Biblical Values are the only “screen” that will preserve the
safety and purity they desire. These men realize that when the “snake” got into
the garden it corrupted everything and they are determined to deny him entrance.
May God give us men like that in America.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 4, 2010
AUNTIE’S
EXAMPLE
Missionaries to
India, Carlisle and Marie Hanna, knew they were going to go to the Mission field
before they were married. When they announced their wedding someone offered to
buy the Wedding Dress for Mrs. Marie but she told them she hated to spend that
much money in a dress that would only be worn one time and it would be helpful
if they would contribute that money to their mission account instead.
Mrs. Marie then made herself a beautiful white dress that she wore on her
wedding day; and for 10 years after her wedding on special occasions in her
mission work in India. After 10 year the suit began to discolor so she dyed that
suit navy blue and worn it for another 10 years!
In
India, Mrs. Marie was always called “Auntie” by the local people; partly as a
title of respect and partly because her husband, missionary Carlisle Hanna, was
called “Uncle” by the Indian People. The limited financial income of a
missionary and the limited available resources of the poverty stricken area
where she helped minister brought out all the fugal qualities and creative
abilities of Auntie Marie. The people of India still talk about her skill, her
resourcefulness, and, most important of all, her tremendous love and compassion.
Preachers are always looking for “hero” women for today’s mothers to
emulate as we approach Mother’s Day. They will find few greater examples that
Auntie Marie. She buried her first born child in India and now that is where she
is buried. In between she helped her husband establish the greatest mission work
in the history of our denomination and raised three wonderful children who love
God and have a heart for God’s work. We would be blessed this Mother’s Day if
many in our ranks would determine to follow Auntie’s example of Godly living and
Christian love.
Minister Message for Wednesday, May 5, 2010
MOTHER
MISTAKES
Not all mothers are perfect. The first mother (Eve) argued
with the Devil when she should have been working with her husband and the world
continues to pay the price. The mother of Ahaziah, a king in Israel, gave him
wicked advice that led to the destruction of the nation- 2Chron. 22:2-3
Forty and two years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign, and he
reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Athaliah the daughter
of Omri. He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his
counsellor to do wickedly.
Some mothers do not know the father of their child. Some Mothers have done
things in their youth they greatly regret as they grow older. Not all mothers
are Mayberry Moms.
Even morally
acceptable Mothers sometimes limit their social acceptance and dishonor their
personal example by their Attire, their Actions, their Attitude, or their
Exclamations (Words). Just as everyone who carries the name “Christian” does not
always bring honor to that name so everyone who bears the name “mother” does not
always wear an apron and have baked bread waiting for the family every night.
Many Mothers today have to work outside the home where they are subjected to
intense stress, temptations, and pressures. Their children are raised by day
care centers, under budgeted school systems, and afterschool video games and
talk shows. These Mothers do the best they can with the circumstances
surrounding their life but many of them lay awake at night and weep over what is
happening to their children and family.
Determine this Mother’s Day to pray for your mother and to show her you love
her. Life has given her a tough assignment and she may not be perfect but she is
your Mother and she deserves your help and encouragement.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 11, 2010
WEEDS AND
WATER
The Word for Food and the word for Rice in India are the
same word. Rice is an essential part of the diet of the Indian People for
several reasons. It is easily grown in the climate and soil of India so it is
abundantly available. It is easily prepared and goes well with the vegetables
and spices that are also available in the area. And, although it is not the most
nourishing food in the world, it satisfies the hunger cravings of people who
must live on limited resources.
Water is an essential part of producing rice. Not only does water provide
the nutriments needed by the rice but the flooding of the rice fields also kills
the weeds that normally grow in overwhelming numbers along with the rice. These
weeds would choke the rice to death if they were not destroyed.
Jesus told His disciples that he was the bread of life. Like rice to the
Indian People, Bread is an essential part of many people’s diet. In the same
way, a relationship with Jesus is an essential part of a Christian’s growth and
development. “Junk food” may be tastier but it ends up harming the body instead
of providing the ingredients needed to develop strong bodies for the Lord.
Jesus said that a relationship with Him would produce the “water of life”
in our life (John 4:14). If a Christian does not allow this water to cover their
life then the “weeds” of sin begin to grow and will eventually choke the life
out of their life. Some people believe they can keep the “rice” weeded with
their own efforts but a rice farmer can tell you that no matter how hard you
work you cannot keep up with the weeds unless they are covered by the water.
Remember that this week if you are tempted to skip your Bible Study time.
Minister Message for Wednesday, May 12, 2010
FEAR AND
FAITH
Faith is
Expectation that leads to Anticipation because of your confidence in the
Promises and Power of God. Faith is not hoping God might do something; it is
firm belief that He has already accomplished the task or confident expectation
that He will do what He has promised He would do.
The foundation of Faith is the Word of God [So then faith cometh by hearing, and
hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17]. Faith is not “willing” or “wanting”
something to happen so fiercely until you make yourself believe it will happen.
Faith is trusting God to do what He has promised to do. It is not your will
power but God’s “word power” that produces results from Faith.
One of the biggest enemies of Faith is fear. When a sudden storm put their ship
in peril of sinking and the disciples in panic awaken Jesus with a harsh
reprimand (“Do you not care that we are about to perish?”- Mark 4:38) Jesus
immediately calmed the storm and then told His disciples, “Why are ye so
fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Jesus wanted the
disciples to know that fear and faith cannot abide in the same boat.
A man named Jairus came to Jesus and asked Him to heal his daughter. Before they
arrived at the home word came that the daughter was dead. Jesus looked at Jairus
and said, “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36).
Jairus believed the word of God over the
fear in his heart and soon was hugging his living daughter with tears of joy and
jubilation.
When God makes a promise or a pronouncement then
you should never let fear over whelm your faith in God’s Word. Do not be afraid,
God is able and you can trust His Word.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 18, 2010
FAMILY
BUILDING ACTIVITIES
1. Tell your children how you and your spouse met and where you went on dates.
2. Plan, and then take a vacation together.
3. Memorize portions of the Bible together.
4. Each Parent should write a special note to each child every month and put it in a place the child will find it unexpectedly (like in their underwear drawer).
5. Pick a night each week in which no TV in the house will be turned on. Use that time to read a classic book (such as “Heidi”) to the Children or to put together a picture puzzle.
6. Pray as a family FOR each other and WITH each other each day.
7. Eat Supper together as a family at least two nights each week, Designate a different person in the family each week to pick the menu for one of these meals.
8. Say POSITIVE things about your church and its leaders to your family each week.
9. Spend a night looking through old photos and putting them in albums
10. Do something as a family for someone in need.
11. Have a question and answer time as a family at least once per month
12. Call or text your husband, wife, or children sometime just to say “I am thinking of you and hope you are having a good day”.
13. Praise your spouse or children in their presence to someone else.
14. Have a clean out the closets day and then use the money from the family yard sale to do a family voted on activity.
15. Make sure each person in your family knows how to become part of God’s family.
Your family will work if you work with your family. Make it a priority.
Minister Message for Wednesday, May 19, 2010
DEATH’S
APPOINTMENT
Death is
normally not a decision we make but a destination toward which we are headed.
Each of us, as we journey down the Path of Life, has an appointment with Death.
Death will come slowly to some, sickly to some, and suddenly to some but
regardless of the method Death uses to claim us we will all have to keep Death’s
appointment- “It is appointed unto man once to die” (Heb 9:27).
Plan for the time you meet Death’s appointment. Make sure loved ones know
where you want to be buried, how you want to be buried, who you want to help
bury you, and what you want to take place at your memorial service. If you do
not leave instructions then someone will make decisions on the spur of the
moment, under great stress, and the results may not be good (Trust someone who
has been to a lot of funerals!).
Plan for after death with even more diligence than planning for death.
Death for a Christian should not be feared any more that we would fear walking
through a dark shadow- Yea, though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art
with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalms 23:4) Death for a non
believer is too horrible to contemplate.
Since Death is an appointment on everyone’s calendar then everyone should plan
on how they will face this appointment. “Hiding your head in the sand” and
pretending death will never come does not benefit you or the people you love.
The clock is ticking and every second brings you closer to your appointment with
death. When you calendar expires what will happen to you?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 25, 2010
THE PRESENCE
OF THE LORD
The Psalmist declared that it was impossible to find a
place in which God’s Presence did not exist- Whither shall I go from thy spirit?
or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art
there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there (Psalms 139:7-8). In the
universal sense of God being everywhere this is correct but in the personal
sense of maintaining a relationship with God there are many ways that people
find themselves outside of the “presence of the Lord”.
Sin causes people to fear God and hide from His presence - Ge 3:8 And
they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the
day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God
amongst the trees of the garden.
Sin can even lead a person to walk away from the pardon of God- Ge 4:16
And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod,
on the east of Eden.
A Christian, however, realizes that the only source of complete Joy is
being in the presence of the Lord- Ps 16:11 … in thy presence is fulness of joy;
at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. That is why David’s main
prayer when he faced sin in his life was for God to “Cast me not away from thy
presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.” (Ps 51:1).
Eternity away from the presence of God! What an awful thing to
contemplate. Yet that is what the Bible declares for those who reject God’s love
and forgiveness- Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the
presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (2Th 1:9).
Minister Message for Wednesday, May 26, 2010
DECLARATION
Matthew Henry was a Presbyterian Minister who wrote one of
the most popular Bible Commentaries ever published. First written in the early
1700s on a busy Pastor’s schedule, its simply style and moral insight quickly
make it a favorite of the common people. It is still in great use today and has
been an invaluable resource to many in their study of God’s word.
Matthew Henry’s father, Philip, is given credit for the following
declaration- “I take God the Father to be my God. I take God the Son to be my
Savior. I take God the Holy Spirit to be my Sanctifier and Strength. I take the
Word of God to be my rule. I take the people of God to be my people and I do
hereby dedicate and yield my whole self to the Lord. I do this deliberately,
freely, and forever”.
We live in a day and age when “tolerance” makes it imperative that a
person never make a definitive declaration about their Religious Beliefs. They
can sings songs about what kind of burger they like and almost come to blows
about the sports team they support but society now demands that they never
believe anything enough to trust it as an absolute truth.
In this kind of atmosphere it is important that the people of God come
back to a solid and unswerving declaration about their belief in God. It is fine
to tolerate different music and worship methods but it is imperative that there
be absolutely no compromise about God and how we come into fellowship with Him.
Someone has wisely said that if you believe nothing for sure then it is for sure
you really believe nothing. Do you believe enough to declare what you believe?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 1, 2010
RECIPROCAL
RETURN
Three times in Scripture Jesus tells us that if we do
something then it will be “measured back to us”. This Reciprocal Return is a
very important principle in life.
When we JUDGE others we can expect to be judged-
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall
be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
(Matthew 7:2). Expect others to use the same judgment standards to judge you
that you use to judge them.
When we GIVE as we should we can expect to receive in return-
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and
shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the
same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke
6:38). Throwing your resources away leaves you broke. Generously giving your
resources as God directs will enable God to bless them back to you.
When we really HEAR the truth then that truth will transform us-
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye
mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
(Mark 4:24). In the Amplified Bible this verse is translated- “And He said to
them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you
give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that
comes back to you, and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.” Those who
“have ears to hear” the truth will find the “Truth will set them free”.
With what measure you mete (give), it will be measured to you again. A
life changing principle.
Minister Message for Wednesday, June 2, 2010
SHARPEN BLADES
Looking over my freshly cut lawn I noticed that in several
places the grass looked bruised on the top. I knew immediately that this meant
the blades on my lawn mower were becoming dull so I took them off and had them
sharpened. What a difference! The mower struggled much less in dense grass and
the cut grass looked even and beautiful. A sharpened blade made a lot of
difference.
If you are bruising people instead of blessing them as you interact with
them; or if you are struggling with the tough areas of your relationships, then
you might need to look at “sharpening your blades”. You will be amazed at how
much better life will be.
Take time to talk WITH your friends and family instead of talking AT
them. The Bible declares that “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the
countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). It is often very revealing how self
centered we have become or how “grumpy” we are acting when we engage in a little
friendly conversation or family dialogue.
Another way to “sharpen your blades” is to determine to spend time in
God’s Word each day- “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper
than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and
spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The word of God will bring comfort to our
hearts but it will also pierce the self shield we try to hide behind and help us
to face areas in our life we desperately need to deal with.
As you go through life today are you bruising or blessing? Might need to
get your blades sharp.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 8, 2010
TEACHER TRUTH
Many Churches are using every teacher they can “scrounge
up” right now to work in VBS or to substitute for Sunday School Teachers on
vacations. With that in mind I thought I would share a Teacher Truth to help
these “subs”.
Always
make the main thing the main thing. A basic Bible Truth- Believe and you are not
condemned. Believe not and you are already condemned (John 3:18). The ultimate
goal of every teacher of the gospel is to change their student’s heart by
bringing them to Faith in Christ.
Use your testimony frequently. Evangelism is simply one beggar telling another
beggar where he found bread. Paul’s primary method of teaching Salvation was to
give his testimony about his encounter with God and Peter wrote that we were to
- Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason
of the hope that is in you 1 Pet 3:15.
Use the Truth skillfully. Faith comes when God’s Word is correctly presented.
Paul told Timothy he was to study to demonstrate his skill in rightly discerning
the meaning of God’s Word (II Tim 2:15). Study is hard work and it takes time
but in the teaching of every class someone must suffer. If the teacher does not
suffer in the preparation of the lesson then the pupils will suffer in the
presentation of the lesson.
Depend on God completely. Prayer is a vital part of preparing to teach. To try
to do the work of God without the power of God is like trying to empty the ocean
with a pitchfork. You will work hard but accomplish little.
Jesus was a Teacher. Let His example lead you to do a great work for God with
the souls that are entrusted to you.
Minister Message for Wednesday, June 9, 2010
PENDULUM
PRINCIPLES
For a long time
I had it on my desk but church children kept coming into my office and playing
with it until finally it ended up broken. It was a simple little contraption
with 5 metal balls hanging by strings attached to a metal frame. When you lifted
the end ball and let it drop it would swing down and strike the next ball in
line. Energy was then transferred through the balls to the ball on the other end
which would then swing into the air. When that ball came back down then the
process was repeated in the opposite direction. Back and forth the balls would
swing simply because one ball was put into motion.
I liked to use this 5 ball pendulum as an example when I talked to people
about the results of their actions. It would help them to see how their wrong
actions could impact people in ways they seldom anticipated. The Bible declares
that “The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and
transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the
fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation” (Numbers 14:18).
The consequences of sin can be transferred through several generations before it
breaks forth into the open but when it does you realize you did not “get by with
it” after all.
Thankfully, this principle also works for good in your life- “Give, and
it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and
running over, shall men give into your bosom” (Luke 6:38). No good deed ever
goes unrewarded.
Your actions impact others. Will your deeds today transfer good or evil
into their life?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 15, 2010
FATHER
PRINCIPLES
As we celebrate
Father’s Day this Sunday and bring honor to those who give their time and energy
to leading their family I thought it would be good to review some basic father
leadership principles. I will begin with some negative principles and end with
some positive applications.
It is hard to convince your children that attendance at church is really
important when you spend most of your time on Summer Sundays at the lake or
beach (Everyone is encouraged to take a vacation but vacation should not last
all summer long!).
It is hard to convince your children that the ministry of the church
deserves priority in their life when you allow them to put practicing or playing
ball ahead of church attendance.
It is hard to convince your children to respect the leaders of the church
when you constantly criticize the actions and guidance of those who give their
time and energy to do the work of God at the house of God.
It is easy to talk to your family about God when they see you walking and
talking with God each day. It is easy to get your children to trust God with
their life when they hear daily prayers to God for provision and then celebrate
with the rest of the family when God provides the items or finances that were
the object of prayer.
A dog can produce puppies that turn over trash cans, bark at everything
they see, and senselessly die on the highway chasing cars. A father is
privileged to be entrusted with children who can become great warriors and
workers for God. Dogs do what comes naturally. Dads know their need of the
supernatural. Dogs die without hope. Dads expect to celebrate eternity with
their family. Do not be a dog, be a dad.
Minister Message for Wednesday, June 16, 2010
PARENT
PRINCIPLES
Sometimes Fathers must feel like the man who said, “I would
ask my boss to pay me what I am worth but I could not live on that small of a
salary!” Mothers are showered with love and adoration on Mother’s Day while Dads
are told on Father’s Day to work harder and be better! I do not want to add to
that trend so I am going to give three Parent Principles that apply to both Mom
and Dad.
First, know who rules your life. Look at who is sitting on the throne of
your heart because that will determine your actions, your attitude, and your
eternity. Make sure the King of kings is ruler of your life.
Second, recognize who guides your going. The devil does not mind a person
professing Christianity as long as they do not practice their profession. When
you live in a Kingdom you give allegiance to the King, you adhere to the Laws of
the kingdom, you have access to the benefits of the kingdom, and you are assured
of the protection of the kingdom. Are your decisions and activities based on
Kingdom principles?
Finally, be real in your religion. Do not be “righteous just for
rewards”. You know what I am talking about; “Lord, if you will heal my child
then I will read my Bible each day” or “If you will give me this job I am
seeking then I will come to church each week”. You can fool some people but your
family knows when you are simply playing a game.
Have no reservation about your reservation. Do not make God sick with
lukewarm living. Be genuine in your godliness. Three principles that will help
Moms and Dads.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 22, 2010
MINUTES
1) Make your Minutes meaningful- Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. (Ecclesiastes 11:9). One day you will be required by God to give account of what you have done with your life. If you have wasted your time, your talents, and your treasures then you will miss the joy that life is supposed to bring and you will be ashamed when you face God.
2) Make memories of your minutes- (Psa 90:12) So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Do not allow the rut and routine of life to sap your strength and steal your joy. Take time to listen to birds sing, children laugh, and God whisper. Ten years from now your wife will not care that you made it home ten seconds early by driving like a maniac through traffic; but she will remember that you took time to pick a flower and bring it to her.
3) Remember that every minute you are closer to eternity- (1 John 2:17) the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Take a minute to read God=s Word; it is an eternal book. Take a minute to talk with God. He cares what is happening to you now and He is trying to build an eternal relationship.
Make your minutes matter, Make your minutes into memories, and make your minutes meaningful for eternity. Then life will be good and you will be glad.
Minister Message for Wednesday, June 23, 2010
NO EXCUSES
As soon as someone gets caught doing something wrong they
begin to make excuses. Here are four common excuses that will not excuse you.
1) God does not understand the pull of my temptation- (Heb 2:18) For in that he
himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are
tempted. (Heb 4:15‑16)
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without
sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain
mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
2) My temptation is different from what anyone else must face- (1 Cor 10:13)
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:...
3) My temptation is stronger than I am-
(1 Cor 10:13) ...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.
4)
My temptation is because God made me this way- (James 1:13‑14) Let no man say
when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil,
neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of
his own lust, and enticed
The
Devil CAN NOT make you do it and God WILL NOT make you do it. That leaves the
finger pointing directly at YOU. You are going to be tempted. But you CAN endure
the temptation and come out victorious. Or you can give in to sin, blame someone
else; and still end up suffering the consequences.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 29, 2010
THE SATAN
SYNDROME
The term syndrome is used to refer to a set of
detectable characteristics that lead to a conclusion. Surprisingly, there are
sometimes “detectable characteristics” of Satan’s personality in otherwise good
people that lead me to conclude that they may have the “Satan Syndrome”.
Satanic characteristics are clearly seen in the following scripture- “How art
thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to
the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I
will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will
sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will
ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isa
14:12-14). Note these same characteristics in some people’s thought patterns.
Some people doubt God because He
does not cure all sickness or solve all problems and it is obvious to them that
this is the proper way for a good God to govern. Basically, they are saying they
know better how to run the universe than God! Can you hear Satan saying, “I will
ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above God”?
Other people are not satisfied unless they have enough riches and resources
until they can be the “god” of their own life. They do not want to trust God and
live by faith. They think they must be “master (god) of their own fate” (“I will
be like the most high”).
I am not
saying these people act like the devil with horribly wrong actions. I am simply
declaring that they are showing the same thought patterns that led to Satan’s
rebellion and fall; which makes the “Satan Syndrome” something to be taken
seriously.
Minister Message for Wednesday, June 30, 2010
JOHN 316 LOVE
What is love? Is it a couple in a rumbled bed? Is it a
salutation over the phone, “love you, bye”?
Is it a marriage commitment that disappears when one person stops liking
the attitude or actions of the other person? Few seem to know what Love is but
everyone from presidents to paupers desire Love.
Love is described in John three sixteen in such a marvelous way until
this verse has become a favorite of children and adults alike. This is what it
says, For God so loved the world, that he
gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). This is what it means.
Love is not just a feeling you enjoy, it is a life defining
characteristic. Mankind had no merit or worth that God needed but Love was such
a part of God until the man who said “God so loved” later said that
God is love (1 John 4:8).
Love transcends all natural barriers- “God so loved the world”. Love is
not limited to people who look like, talk like, or act like you do. Love moves
others into your circle of concern.
Love is sacrificial in nature- “God so loved until He gave”. Love moves us to
give up, give in, or give away in order to benefit the ones we love.
Love does not require works we cannot perform or money we do not have.
Love makes it easy for those who are
loved to receive love - “That whosoever believes”.
Love brings us out of rejection into relationship - “Should not perish, but have
eternal life”.
Love says, “Trust me and I will change your life”. May you recognize and receive
this great Love of God today.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 6, 2010
NO KING
In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25).
A basic principle that needs to be learned by families,
churches, and countries is this: “When no one is in charge then everyone will
seek to be in charge and the results will be chaos”.
(See above verse).
God is a god of order. The Bible declares in Genesis 1:2 that when the world was
without form and void (“without form and void” are both words describing
unorganized chaos) that God created order and system. God likes His world to be
in order.
Paul told the Corinthian
Church that confusion about worship in the church was clearly not of God- “God
is not the author of confusion” (I Cor 14:33). God likes His Church to be in
order.
James stated to believers
that conflict and confusion in their personal relationship was an evil thing -
“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
(James 3:16). God likes people’s relationships to be in order.
When Jesus found it necessary to feed 5000 men with a little boy’s lunch His
first instruction was for the disciples to organize the crowd into groups of
fifty in order to make it easy to serve each person and to ensure that everyone
had an equal opportunity to receive food (Luke 19:13-17).
God likes His work done in an orderly
fashion.
Over and over I have
seen families and churches dissolve into chaos because parents or pastors
refused to make the hard choices demanded of a leader. And if there is a
leadership vacuum then someone will appoint themselves king who should not be
king.
Minister Message for Wednesday, July 7, 2010
IS GOD IN
YOUR RELIGION?
Many people seem to embrace religion without embracing God.
It does not make a person a Christian because they feel an overwhelming need to
be forgiven, or because they want to escape the wrath of God, or because they
desire a better place to live when they exit this world. I imagine that even the
demons would desire these things if they could obtain them without the need of
renouncing self and bowing in submission unto God.
To most people Christianity is testifying to a “belief” that Jesus Christ
died for their sins which resulted in the opportunity for them to become a child
of God by their “faith” in this event. Like the demons James talks about (James
2:19), the “faith” of these people does not produce allegiance and obedience to
God. They are pacified with the declaration that their sins are forgiven and
they are on their way to heaven but they develop no real desire for fellowship
with God. They are willing to “pay their dues” each Sunday Morning by attending
a church service but they had better be released from that “torture” by noon so
they can beat the crowd to the restaurant and get back home in time for the
afternoon’s sporting event or the preacher will face condemnation as they go out
the door and he will be “roasted” at dinner.
All this time God is waiting for someone to become aware that the sermon
and the songs were all supposed to bring people to Him. How His heart must ache
as He sits lonely again in the sanctuary hoping someone will notice Him. But
everyone is so busy worshiping “faith” until they have no time for the God who
is the author and finisher of that Faith.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, Tuesday, July 13, 2010
ANGEL MESSAGE
If God sent an angel to speak to the Church you attend this
Sunday what do you think would be in the message? The Angel Message to four of
the seven churches that received the last written communication from God was to
“Repent” (Messages to the Seven Churches in Revelation two and three).
When Jesus began His preaching ministry He did not begin by a great
display of miracles. His opening salvo of sermons was, “Repent, for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand” (Matt 4:17).
Repent means to “Turn from your self guided ways and begin again to
follow God’s plan for your life”. Normally, Repentance begins with a renewed
knowledge that we have committed wrong actions or developed wrong attitudes.
This knowledge condemns our heart because we realize our actions and attitudes
have hurt God and those within our circle of influence. Not wanting to continue
to do wrong we “turn away” from our wrong actions and seek to do right things.
God called the Revelation Churches to repent of Leaving their first love
{Ephesus- 2:4-5}; Compromising Religious
Principles and moral purity {Pergamos- 2:14-16}; Halfhearted works for God
{Sardis- 3:1-3}; and Lukewarm living resulting from over confidence in riches
{Laodicea- 3:16-19}. These are not
normally the subjects that Pastors “rail against” in their Sunday Morning
Sermons. Which could be the reason so many people leave Church with the same
spiritual enthusiasm they had when they arrived!
If an Angel visited your church
this Sunday would he see the same zeal in Love for God and Living for God that
was once a part of Church worship?
Or would he stand at the end of the service and say, “God’s message to you today
is to Repent”?
Minister Message for Wednesday, July 14, 2010
HEARING WITH
THE HEART
“When we hear God’s Call and respond appropriately, there will be no limit to what God can and will do through His people” (Henry Blackaby).
Over and over when Jesus told important information to the crowds that
followed Him He would end with the statement, “He that has ears to hear, let him
hear”. Jesus wanted people to know that this information needed to be heeded as
well as heard.
When I was a Pastor I would listen in utter amazement as people would
come to me after a church service and say something like this, “Preacher, when
are you going to schedule a revival at the Church? We have not had one in a
while and I think it is time we put one on the schedule”. The amazement was the
fact that the upcoming Revival (scheduled to begin the next Sunday) had been
announced in the Bulletin, from the pulpit, and on the announcement slide
presentation for the three weeks prior to this Sunday and had been really pushed
in all of these outlets on this particular Sunday! And these people had been at
all of these services!
Maybe the reason so many churches are powerless in their ministry and
ineffective in changing their community is because they hear the Word of God
each week but never really hear the Word of God! They see the preacher moving
his lips but they do not hear the words coming out of his mouth so they drift
through another week doing the “best they can” when God wants them to do
something divinely empowered that would change their world.
When we hear God’s voice in our heart there is no limit to what God can
and will do in our life. Try really listening this week.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 20, 2010
PAUL’S
MENTORS
I have been extremely blessed to be associated with many positive people
who have helped shape my character and my conduct. I have rubbed shoulders with
leaders in my denomination and with many home and foreign missionaries. In my
formative years I received encouragement to write from the Poet Laureate of
South Carolina and developed a Biblical Life Principle from a second grade
school teacher. The Lord knew I needed a lot of help and He has sent some of the
best people in the world into my life to guide and develop me!
Remembering the mentors in my life led me to look for mentors of great
men of the Bible. One of the greatest personalities in the Bible is the Apostle
Paul so I began to look for people who helped shape his life and make him into
such a great worker for God. Three people of influence are immediately evident
in Paul’s life.
I believe that Stephen, the Deacon whom Paul helped to execute, had a
tremendous impact on Paul’s life. As Paul listened to Stephen preach and then
die with forgiveness and faith on his lips, I believe Paul was profoundly
influenced.
Ananias, the Disciple who came to
Paul and led him to faith in Christ helped shape Paul’s theology and character.
Ananias was willing to help someone shunned by others to see Christ and that
became the theme of Paul’s ministry.
Barnabas, the Dedicated follower of Christ, came to Paul at several
critical times in his life and used his influence to introduce Paul to the right
people and to point Paul in the right direction. Without the help of Barnabas
Paul’s ministry would have been much different.
Take time today to thank God for the positive people He has brought into
your life. You owe them more of a debt than you may realize.
Minister Message for Wednesday, July 21, 2010
EPAPHRODITUS
“Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus,
my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and
he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of
heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was
sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me
also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more
carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the
less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold
such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not
regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.” (Philippians
2:25-30)
Coming into a
relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ is a life changing
experience. Take the case of Epaphroditus found in the book of Philippians. He
came from a pagan background (His name means “devoted to Aphrodite”, the pagan
god of sex) and his mentor (Paul) was presently living in a jail cell in Rome.
He had every reason to be less than the best but notice how Paul described him.
He was a “brother” (part of
the family of God because of faith in Christ), a “companion in labor” (co-worker
in the ministry), a “fellow soldier” (active in the fight against evil), a
“messenger” (trusted with a very important communication task), who “ministered
to Paul’s wants” (Willing to serve those in need). He also had great compassion
(“longed after you”) and a worthy reputation.
May the Lord give us communities filled with Christians like
Epaphroditus!
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, July 27, 2010
CELEBRATE
TODAY
“Do all the good
you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people
you can, as long as ever you can.” (John Wesley)
“As yesterday is history, and tomorrow may never come, I have resolved
that from this day on, I will do all the business I can honestly, have all the
fun I can reasonably, do all the good I can willingly, and save my digestion by
thinking pleasantly” (Robert Louis Stevenson)
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow:
for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the
day is the evil thereof”. (Jesus Christ- Matthew 6:33-34).
Are you tired of reaching the end of each day feeling joyless and
listless? Do you look in the mirror while you are brushing your teeth at night
and say, “Surely, life was meant to be better than this”? Does life seem like a
slippery slope of despair instead of a joyous journey of discovery? Here are a
couple of suggestions to ensure a better day.
Stop looking at the agony of your day and begin looking at the author of
your day- This is the day which the LORD
hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24). There is no
circumstance or situation in your day that God is not aware of and has made
adequate preparation for you to handle. You can be a “whiner” or you can be a
Winner today; your choice.
Begin looking at the opportunities instead of the obstacles in your day.
You walk with a great God who is able to do great things in your life. Expect
the extraordinary and rejoice in the miraculous; and have a great day today.
Minister Message for Wednesday, July 28, 2010
TOMATO
SANDWICH
After my nephew
came to live with my wife and I he came home one night and asked what we had
eaten for supper. I told him my wife and I had eaten lunch that day so we had
just eaten a tomato sandwich for supper.
“Tomato sandwich”, he said. “That is just a vegetable wrapped in bread!”
“True” I told him, “but when you put mayo, salt, and pepper on it then it
becomes a gourmet delight!”
Fast forward a couple of months. I had just picked up my wife from
staying with her sick father. When we arrived home I asked my nephew if he had
eaten any supper yet and he replied, “Yes. I was not very hungry so I just ate a
couple of tomato sandwiches!”
With due respect to my friends from up north; I often ask when someone
begins to question why a person does certain things, “Why do Yankees talk like
Yankees?” The answer, of course, is because they spend so much time with other
people who do not speak the language of the South.
The first two verses of the first Psalm declare, “Blessed is the man that
walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners,
nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the
LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
Eventually, a person will begin to take the characteristics of the people he
spends time with. When you sing the world’s songs, watch the world’s shows, and
talk the world’s slang, you will eventually begin to think the way the world
thinks.
By the way,
did I tell you my wife and I sometimes eat tomato sandwiches?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, August 3, 2010
EAGLE EXAMPLE
The Bible uses Eagles as two extremely different examples.
The Eagle is first used as an example of reaching your maximum potential-
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up
with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and
not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
Secondly, Jesus uses the eagle as a buzzard gathered around a corpse
waiting for it to become stinking decaying flesh-
For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
(Matthew 24:28)
One Eagle was majestic and magnificent as it soared through the sky
toward heights of glory. In fact, the prophet Ezekiel and the apostle John both
used the Eagle as one of the four symbols of the “beast” representing the 4
characteristics of God- And before the
throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the
throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and
behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf,
and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying
eagle. (Revelation 4:6-7). The other Eagle was despised as a symbol of death
and decay. What a contrast!
God has given each of us the opportunity to be an “Eagle”. God has
declared that by being born again through faith in Christ we can become a child
of God and develop the best qualities of the Eagle. On the other side of the
“eagle coin” we can reject God’s offer and find ourselves hanging with the crowd
that flies in circles seeking decay and rot. What kind of Eagle will you be
today?
Minister Message for Wednesday, August 4, 2010
HOW TO SHARE
A DREAM
I am surprised at the number of Churches who seem to think
the reason for their existence is to “meet, greet, eat, and get through with the
sermon as quickly as possible”. Everyone pretty well expects that each Sunday
the same crowd will show up to sit in the same pews where the same songs and
sermons will produce the same results week after week. I just do not believe
that this is what Jesus suffered and died for!
Pastors need to remember the old adage about growth, “Have a dream, tell
the dream, and then do the dream”.
Without a guiding dream, a church or an individual will simply drift from one
week to the other with no destination in mind and no victories to celebrate. I
know it takes courage to share a dream but remember that sometimes silence is
golden; but sometimes it is just yellow.
When Moses needed to move the children of Israel from Egypt he used
several principles in sharing his dream. He reminded the people about the pain
and problems they faced if they remained in Egypt. Then he told them he wanted
to take them to a land flowing with milk and honey where they could enjoy
freedom and growth.
Then he invited them to join him in this journey. Finally he let them
know he would be with them to help them overcome any problems they encountered
as they moved forward in the fulfillment of the dream.
Christianity is about setting captives free and helping them get to the
Promised Land. It is about seeing God feed you and watching God fight for you as
you journey. Share that dream and watch your church bloom with vitality this
Sunday.