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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 21^st 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.