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Monday, January 31, 2011

Set Apart

"...set apart for the gospel of God."--Romans 1:1
"Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God."--Romans 1:1.  So begins one of the greatest and most informative books of the New Testament, Paul's letter to the church in Rome.  This verse is part of the customary introduction to letters of the time.  This particular element is an identification of the writer, who in this case is Paul, among other things he was set apart, chosen if you will for the gospel of God.

Set apart for the gospel of God.  When we think of something being set apart, it does not mean set aside. When something is set apart, it means there is some special significance to it. We all have our different areas of expertise.  For some it's encouragement, for others its hospitality, and yet for others its preaching God's Word from the pulpit.  Whatever our gift might be, we are ALL set apart for one thing. The same thing Paul was set apart for, the gospel of God. Tonight, as I THINK SOULS, I realize we and Paul have at least two things in common.  We are bond-servants of Christ and we are set apart for the gospel. I said we all have our gifts. We are to use those gifts not only to help the brethren but also to bring others to Christ. One of my mentors and good friends Wayne Roberts, just before writing this devo told me how encouraging he thought I was. I am grateful for the compliment but he ended his statement with "Keep it up!".  This is what we need to do is to "Keep it up!" Use your gifts to bring others to Christ.

In closing, this passage was the beginning of a letter identifying Paul. As a short practical thing, I encourage you to write a short letter to yourself beginning like this. "(Your Name), a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as a/an (Your gift or gifts), set apart for the gospel of God..." then write down how you think you can use your gift or gifts to bring others to Christ. KEEP IT UP! DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL! GOD BLESS!

The Lord is our Righteousness

"And this is the name by which He will be called, The Lord our righteousness."--Jeremiah 23:6.  This passage is making reference to the righteous Branch the Lord would raise up for David. Namely Christ.

The Lord our righteousness.  To be righteous, among other things means to be in a right relationship with God. The passage, in context, suggests that it is when this "righteous Branch" is raised up that is when we would call our Lord by this name.  The Lord is indeed our righteousness because He has provided the way for us to enter into a right relationship with Him. And that is through His Son, the righteous Branch of David, Jesus Christ.  It is not by our own merit that we are able to enter into His righteousness.   We need to take joy in the fact that we, as fallen people, have a chance to restore our relationship with God.  God has provided the way.  He who is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE.

This is a difficult concept for many to grasp given that we live in a world that suggests there are many ways to God. Jesus says "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me."   Jesus is the one and only shot God has provided for us to enter into His righteousness and who is able to accomplish the ENTIRE will of God thereby destroying the power of sin in our lives.  Only Christ can make us righteous.  No one, no one comes to the Father except through Christ. So, this morning, as you start your week, commit your week and your life to Christ. Whether it's school or work you are working at, keep Colossians 3:23 in mind.  If you are altogether unsure of your eternal salvation click here for additional study material. And may we remember THE LORD IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.  DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! GOD BLESS!

Friday, January 28, 2011

"Why are you persecuting Me?"--Jesus Christ

"Saul, Saul why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads."--Acts 26:14

"...I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads."--Acts 26:14.  This is a familiar passage to many of us.  Saul's (Paul's) description of his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus from Acts 9.  I have touched on the subject once before but tonight, I would like to look at a different aspect of it. Jesus asks Saul first why is Saul persecuting Him and follows it up with the statement "It is hard for you to kick against the goads." What kicking against the goads means is, according to what I learned in an Acts class, is that it seems Saul was reaching a point where he couldn't ignore the evidence that Christianity was real. Due to lack of time, I cannot describe goads (ox goads). But basically what I am saying is Paul may have had a strong feeling that he needed to turn his life over to Christ. Scripture does not tell us whether this is the case.  However, we do know it took a face to face encounter with Christ to shake Saul up enough to get his act together and go on to become one of the greatest gospel preachers this world has ever known.

It is hard for you to kick against the goads.  The theory is Paul was being stubborn. Given that he was the best of the best in Judaism, he was pretty set in his ways.  It seems there was a part of him that knew what was right yet he still chose to go his own way.  Until he was confronted with the question, why are you persecuting Me?  The text does not provide Saul's direct answer to Jesus' question. So I ask why was Saul persecuting Jesus? Maybe this was a rhetorical question, maybe not. But this leads me to ask why do WE sometimes persecute Jesus as Christians? What I mean is why does it happen ever so often that we choose our way over Jesus' way? Isn't that what Saul was doing? Something I don't think we realize is that every time we choose our way over Jesus' way, we are persecuting Jesus.  We reject Him when we go our own way in the same way He was rejected when He walked this earth.  I really don't know where you are at in your own walk with God. Maybe you are a Christian and have been persecuting Christ by going your own way rather than His since obeying the gospel. Or maybe you have persecuted Christ by not obeying His gospel as described in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and Romans 6:1-4 or Acts 2:36-39 just to name a few. As we go in to the weekend, let's look at every situation we come into and ask "What Would Jesus Do?" I know it sounds cliche but maybe it will help us to go HIS way rather than our own. After all, it is hard for you and for me to kick against the goads. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!

We proclaim Him. Why?

"We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ."--Colossians 1:28.  In looking at this verse one would notice a cause and effect.  We proclaim Him. Why? So that we may present every man complete in Christ. I studied the word complete in this verse.  The original Greek word for complete transliterated teleios also means perfect.

"We proclaim Him...so that we may present every man complete (perfect) in Christ."  As I THINK SOULS, this one little verse reminds us of three crucial elements of the evangelistic process and what the result should be as we THINK SOULS and proclaim Him.

First, we proclaim Him by admonishing every man. To admonish means to urge or to warn. We must urge those we share Jesus with to respond to what God has commanded.  We must admonish people to respond to the gospel message. See 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.  We must admonish EVERY MAN, Christian or not.  

Second, we proclaim Him by teaching every man. Teaching is crucial.  One of the things Jesus commands us to do in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20 is to teach others to obey everything He has commanded.  We must teach EVERY MAN, Christian or not.

Third, we must admonish and teach with all wisdom. I wish evangelism was as simple as just going out teaching and admonishing the same way to everyone. But this is not the case, every person is different so we have to take different approaches with different people.  This calls for wisdom and patience.  You change the approach, NOT the message!

The result? Perfection. No, not perfection in that you will never sin again. But if they obey God and make Christ their Lord, we are able to present those we admonish and teach as complete or perfect in Christ. Being in Christ is the ONLY chance we have at perfection. Whether you are a Christian or not, if you want to study a little bit more about eternal salvation based on the Scriptures, click here.  Paul says in verse 29, this is the purpose of his labor. Evangelism needs to be the purpose our labor in Christ. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS! THINK SOULS!        

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Mary

Mary the mother of Jesus from "The Passion of the Christ"
"But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart."--Luke 2:19.  Mary.  To this day, we would call her the most blessed of women.  I cannot even begin to wrap my mind around what Mary must have been feeling and thinking knowing she was to give birth to the Messiah. The name of the song escapes me but there is a song containing the lyrics "This child that you delivered will soon deliver you" and "When you kiss your baby boy, you kiss the face of God." Again this is just a song, not Scripture.  However, they are true statements, Mary nursed and raised the Savior of the world!!! She was essentially raising God! A responsibility that I don't think any of us can fully grasp. Her Son, the Son of God would deliver her, and deliver us from our sins. Mary knew this was the Savior of the world, who is Christ the Lord. She treasured these things and pondered them in her heart.

Tonight I just want you to think about something.  As you go to bed tonight, ask yourself, what was it like for Mary knowing she would have to raise the Savior of the world? The text says she treasured these things and pondered them in her heart.  We only have but small glimpses into Mary's experiences with the boy Jesus, first when He is born and then when He is 12 years old when Jesus stays behind in the temple speaking with the religious authorities of His day.  No doubt, Jesus would be raised as any Jewish boy of His day, learning Joesph's trade, which he was a carpenter, as well as learning the Law and the Prophets. But what was it like for Mary raising and caring for the boy Jesus? This was the Savior and God was pleased with Him! These are the things which she treasured and pondered in her heart.

Do you treasure these things and have you ever pondered them in your heart? Something I encourage you to do is to take out a piece of paper and write down what you think it must have been like for Mary knowing she was responsible for raising the Savior of the world who is Christ the Lord.  DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!

Completion in Christ

"And the Word became flesh...full of grace and truth."--John 1:14
"For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace."--John1:16.  To get the immediate context we must look at John 1:14-16.  We have received a fullness.  In order to have received a fullness, there must have been an emptiness. Verse 17 of this same chapter tells us that the Law was given through Moses but grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.  The Law was all well and good but there was something missing from it.  Grace was missing from the Law.  The old Law had to be followed perfectly.  There was no room for mistakes under the old Law. Galatians 3 tells us that the Law was a tutor to lead us to Christ so that we may be justified by faith. Read Galatians 3:24-27 to get a better idea of what this means.  We have received a fullness and grace upon grace by Christ's coming, death, burial and resurrection.

Fullness and grace.  We have a chance to receive both since Jesus has come.  Let me ask you, are you feeling empty this morning? Feeling like something is missing? May I encourage you to check your relationship with Christ.  The fullness we get from Christ is not a certain emotion we feel.  Granted sometimes emotions are involved but the fullness we get from Christ is a completion. Christ completed the Law and because He has done so, we have grace.  Christ filled the gap that existed between us and God as a result of our sin (See Isaiah 59:2). Christ has come.  We are now capable of receiving grace. Wondering how to receive that grace and become complete?  Check out Romans 6:1-8 and Galatians 3:24-27 that I gave you earlier or you can also click here for additional study material. Have you already received the grace? Remember Romans 6:1-2.  I leave you with this. Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS! THINK SOULS!    

    

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The things which were told them. Now this is awesome! :-)

"...for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
"And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds."--Luke 2:18.  Reading this passage by itself, the question is begged what things were told them?  The things which were told them was what some have deemed the greatest story ever told.  The things which were told them was more than just a story, it is cold hard fact. So what were the things which were told them?  I encourage you to read at least the first couple of chapters of Luke to find out about the things which were told them. In short, the main answer to this question lies only a few verses before. "...for today in the city of David, there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  The them referred to is the shepherds.

The things which were told them. There has been born for YOU a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. The long expected Messiah has come.  He has come and died for our sins and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.  This is the core of the gospel message. While the death and resurrection of Christ are crucial for us, maybe we don't spend enough time giving thanks for the simple fact that He came. That's pretty awesome just by itself.  Everything about Jesus is awesome! When the passage says they wondered that doesn't mean they didn't understand.  It means they marveled, they were excited. At least that's what I gather from Luke 2:18-20 (Scroll over the passage to read for yourself).  The Savior of our sins has come!  Somewhere along the way, many Christians have lost this enthusiasm.  Jesus coming and dying for our sins is the best thing that has ever happened or ever will happen to us! We need to be excited about the fact that Jesus has come! This is just awesome! Why? Because there has been born (and died and resurrected) for YOU (and for me) a Savior, who IS Christ the Lord! Want to hear more of this awesome story? Well, you will just have to read it for yourself. Open your Bible and find out for yourself why Jesus is so awesome! Let's learn more about the things which were told them :-).  DO SOMETHING  ABOUT IT!  PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!  

Father

"...Your Heavenly Father..."--Matthew 6:26
"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?"--Matthew 6:26.  This passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which is about righteousness.  This particular section is dealing with worry.  But this is also one of the countless passages that refers to God as Father. I encourage you to read this passage in context.

Father.  It is one word that is descriptive of one of the most intimate relationships in this world.  All of us have an earthly father.  But have we made God our heavenly Father?  What I am getting at is our relationship with God. I have found that the concept of God being Father is difficult for some to relate to.  Simply because the person's relationship with their earthly father was broken or for whatever reason, that person never even knew their earthly father.  I am blessed to be able to say that I had a good relationship with my earthly father.  Many of you know my earthly father passed away last month. My earthly father, prior to getting sick and passing away had always been there for me.  This was a blessing to be sure.  But something I have never admitted to publicly until now is that because of how dependent I was on my earthly father, I didn't see God as my heavenly Father. He is and was my Lord but I didn't not have the intimate relationship with Him that I had with my dad. It was not until my dad got sick that I really learned to lean on God to provide for me what my dad had always provided. It was then and only then that I started to call our Lord Father.  This is simply the kind of relationship we need to have with God. This is part of what this passage is getting at.  That like an earthly father should, our heavenly Father WILL provide for us.

Reader, I don't know what your relationship is/was like with your earthly father but know that God is the best Father anyone could ask for.  If you are so blessed to have an earthly father like I had, may your heavenly Father be praised.  But if for whatever reason you are/were not so blessed, lean that much closer to your heavenly Father as He will never leave you nor forsake you.  He has provided everything for us including salvation from our sins through His own Son Jesus Christ.  Will you make Him your Father? DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! GOD BLESS!    

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

God's Timing

"When God...was pleased."--Galatians 1:15
"But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased."--Galatians 1:15. Paul here is describing what was going on his life both prior to and after his conversion to Christ.  Before, he was the best of the best when it came to Judaism.  He sincerely believed he was doing God's will by persecuting and destroying the church.  He would soon find out while he was sincere, he was sincerely wrong. His encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus and his baptism changed everything.  But something I just noticed in looking at this verse, his conversion happened "when God...was pleased."  It was God's timing, not Paul's.

God's timing. God's timing is something I have failed time and again to take into consideration when I am out doing His work.  Sometimes I get impatient when I have engaged in evangelism and God does not bring about any immediate change.  I get impatient when I know I have done what God has expected me to do in other areas of my life and He does not bring about any immediate change.  I think we all have fallen into this situation. In my experience, I have run into this mostly in the area of evangelism.  But I think we can apply God's timing to any area of our lives. The point I am trying to make is that God wants us to give Him room to work. Yes, faith without works is dead.  But we must be careful not take that passage and use it as an excuse to do everything ourselves. Ultimately, if we were capable of doing it all ourselves, we wouldn't need Jesus. As I THINK SOULS, I am reminded of Paul's words that one plants the seed, another waters it but it is God who causes the growth.  We have to keep God's timing in mind at all times.  You may share the gospel with someone and they may not immediately convert. God's timing is crucial here. You never know, that person may convert and you may never know about it.  All because you planted a seed. But it was God who caused the growth. It is God's timing, not ours.

Honestly, I don't have a practical way of applying this concept this week except to encourage you to continue doing His work however you practically can. However, if you have read this and you know you need to get right with God, consider God's timing. He does not want you to wait, He wants you to get right with Him now through His Son Jesus Christ. May we always remember it's God's timing, not ours. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!  THINK SOULS!

Have you mentioned this to anyone yet?

"I shall make mention..."--Isaiah 63:7
"I shall make mention of the lovingkindness of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has granted us."--Isaiah 63:7.  This verse stands in stark contrast to the ones that came before it.  In verses 1-6, the Lord speaks of how He brought His wrath and His righteousness to those who had forsaken Him.  The prophet Isaiah makes mention of these things then in verse 7 goes on to remember the mercies God has toward His people.  We are His people.  and if we follow Him and obey His commands, His mercies await us.

So my question today is have you made mention of the lovingkindness and praises of the Lord this week?  This is something that needs to be part of the evangelistic process.  This is something we need to do as we THINK SOULS. The ultimate display of God's lovingkindness was of course shown in giving us His Son so that we might have a chance at eternal life.  Also in the process of making mention of His lovingkindness, we need to to make mention of His praises.  Making mention of His lovingkindness and His praises during our attempts to convert someone I can guarantee will go a long way.  And showing His lovingkindness toward the person we are trying to convert will go that much further.

So, as you go throughout this week, be alert for opportunities to make mention of His lovingkindness and His praises, according to all that He has granted you to at least one person. So again I ask, have you made mention of the lovingkindness and praises of the Lord this week? THINK SOULS! DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Sitting at Jesus' Feet. This is the best part!

Sitting at Jesus' Feet
"But the Lord answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary for Mary has chosen the good part."-Luke 10:41-42.  In context, Martha was getting upset that she was having to serve without her sister Mary. She proceeds to ask Jesus if He cares that her sister has left her alone to do all the prep work.  This is what prompted Jesus' response in the given passage. Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet learning from Him. 

Distractions.  They seem to get us every time don't they?  Martha was definitely being a good hostess wanting to serve our Lord Jesus but it served as a distraction in this case. It is ironic that our very acts of service can distract us from our main focus which is our Lord Jesus Christ.  We need to be careful not to forsake our first love. Mary seemed to have recognized the opportunity she had to learn from Jesus. Think about that for a second. How awesome would it be to have Jesus in your house teaching you and your family one on one?  Martha's desire to serve Him was only natural.  Every Christian's "natural" desire should be to serve Him. However, Jesus also wants us to take time to just sit and learn from Him.  He wants us to take a break if you will, to just sit at His feet and learn from Him.

Once again, just imagine for a moment Jesus knocks at your door and now He is in your house. Our natural reaction would be to serve Him which is good. But maybe tonight we should be more like Mary and choose "the good part." Acts of service to the Lord are necessary and good.  But tonight, let's choose the good part, nay the best part! Before you go to bed tonight or some night this week, take some time to read a chapter out of one of the gospels, sit at Jesus' feet and learn from Him.  If you have a family, do this as a family even if it is just your spouse. If you are single, read and spend some time praying over what you have read DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!

 

God will deliver us from the trapper.


"For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper."-Psalm 91:3
"For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper"--Psalm 91:3.  This Psalm, while the language is heavily poetic and metaphorical, it is talking about the protection we have in God if we trust in Him. There is two ways we can look at the language of this Psalm.  When God delivers from something, that means He has freed us from something.  For example, Christ came that we might be delivered from our sins. Christ set us free from the power our sins have over us.  Of course, the condition is that we trust in Him and obey His gospel and His commands.  To read more about how to do that click the "Are You Sure of Your Eternal Salvation?" link on the sidebar.  Returning to the Psalm though, we know there is a trapper and we know that God delivers us from His trap.  As I said before we can look at it in two different ways.

"...it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper." As long as we are in this world, there will be troubles.  Due to the fallen nature of the world we live in, trouble will find us.  When trouble finds us, the circumstances are typically outside our control.  For example, maybe the trouble that has found you today is job loss due to the economy, or maybe its a moment of change in your life such as a divorce or the death of a loved one.  Those last two, I have one friend who I just found out yesterday is dealing with divorce and another friend who only hours prior to the writing of this devo lost a loved one, please pray for both.  I always think it is interesting how almost every time I hear of a case of trouble finding a person, I stumble on a passage that just seems to fit the situation. I don't know what you are dealing with right now if trouble has somehow found you.  Maybe it's something other than the examples I gave, but if we trust in God, He will comfort us and protect us from "the snare of the trapper." He will not allow us to to stumble but to walk closer to Him if we trust in Him during our time of trouble.  But while trouble sometimes finds us, we sometimes find trouble.

There is a second way we could look at this passage.  Sometimes, as a result of a choice we have made, we get ourselves in to trouble.  It does not necessarily have to be a sin that got us in to said trouble, although it could be, but it could also have been a simple error in judgment on our part.  Maybe you chose the wrong words to use when speaking to someone and they got offended by what you said, I think we have all been in this situation at some point in our lives.  Or maybe it is a sin that got you into trouble. I posted a devo last week regarding King David and what his sin with Bathsheba cost him.  Whether it's a sin or a simple error in judgment or choice of words on your part, remember that if you trust in God, He will deliver you. God will get you through any consequences you might be dealing with as a result of your choice.  If there is something you have done recently that got you into trouble, whether big or small, I encourage you not to live with regret of having done it but simply learn from the experience and with God's help, try not to repeat it.  God will deliver us from the snare of the trapper a.k.a. Satan.

If there is something you need to rectify that you have been praying to God about for a while, maybe you can be the answer to your own prayer. Go and make it right, whether it's with someone you might have offended in some way or if it is something you need to rectify in your own life, go to God and allow Him to deliver you from the trapper. Maybe you are reading this and you haven't gone to God and allowed Him to deliver you from your sins through His Son Jesus Christ and obedience to his gospel which we can read about in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. If this is the case, see the link I mentioned at the beginning of this devo. Whatever situation you might be in, remember trust in God and follow His commands, "For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper." DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, PRAY ABOUT IT, LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!  

Friday, January 21, 2011

God is amazing and He Will Provide...


"Then he became very thirsty, and he called to the LORD and said, “You have given this great deliverance by the hand of Your servant, and now shall I die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?”"--Judges 15:18.--This statement was made by one of the most famous of the judges of Israel, Samson. Samson's relationship with Delilah and how that whole series of events turned out is one of the things he is known for but he was also known for being a victorious warrior against the Philistines.  This statement he made was after one of his many victories.  God had just done something amazing through Samson and what does Samson do? He complains over a little water.  God does provide almost immediately but I can't help but ask why Samson had this attitude after God had just done something great. Then I realize, isn't this how we as Christians react sometimes as well right after God has done something great either for us or through us?

God has done some amazing things hasn't He? Hasn't He? I could name off examples of some of the amazing things God has done for us but God has worked differently in your life than He has in mine. What we have in common though is the most amazing thing He has done for us, and that is He has sent His Son to die and to be raised so that we might be saved from our sins.  God did some amazing things for Samson yet Samson complained about one little thing, water. Water was something necessary to be sure but there was no reason to complain. I think Samson's problem, and the problem that a lot of Christians have today, myself included at times is that we start focusing on what we don't have versus focusing on what we do have.  Samson was one man and he slayed thousands! It is only by the grace of God that you beat those odds. I have said it before but I have had personal experience with God coming through for me against all odds. Yet I have still found myself complaining because all of a sudden I realize I need something and God hasn't given it to me yet.  For instance, right now I am trying to raise some support for an upcoming mission trip. I have a short amount of time to do it.  What I am focused on is the fact that God has provided for me in the past and I need to trust that He will provide for me again.   Samson failed to do this. He got focused on what he was lacking and complained.  Complaining doesn't help. If there is something you know for a fact you need, and I do mean NEED, not want. Big difference between the two.  The first thing we need to do is ASK God, not complain to Him.

Bottom line, God knows what we need before we ask Him.  This weekend I encourage you do something. Take some time out of your schedule to jot down everything God has done for you. We are still in the beginnings of 2011. So take some time and make a list of everything God did for you in 2010. After you do that, make a list of what you think you will NEED, not want in 2011 and pray about those things and trust that God will provide, maybe even in a way we would never have expected.  I think we might surprise ourselves with everything God accomplished in our lives in 2010.  Now here is the catch, and I am going to do my best to do this with you. Hang on to both lists.Keep the 2010 list as a reminder.  Keep the 2011 list to check off what God fulfilled for you and to add items as God does more amazing things in your life this year and I promise you He will!

I pray this practical encouragement helps you in your relationship with God as we make the attempt to get closer to heaven in 2011! Also, never forget to THINK SOULS!--DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!

All Israel shall be saved...Romans 11:26

"and so all Israel shall be saved; just as it is written, the deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob."--Romans 11:26.  Romans.  A letter written to the church in Rome.  If my understanding is correct, this letter was written to the church in Rome around the time Nero was emperor.  Nero is known to have been one of the biggest Roman persecutors of the church at the time.  Paul makes the statement that all Israel shall be saved.  This does not mean literally all Israel.  Earlier in this chapter Paul makes reference to the fact that some "branches were broken off" so that others would be grafted in.  Those "broken branches" fell because of disobedience to God.  Those grafted in makes reference to the Gentiles.  The Bible also speaks elsewhere that those who are in Christ are also the seed of Abraham, they are Israel and share in the inheritance of Abraham.  So all Israel shall be saved. If we are in Christ, we are Israel, and a deliverer will come and all ungodliness will be removed from Jacob. Paul is quoting from Isaiah 59:20.  

All ungodliness will be removed from Jacob.  Jacob's name was changed to Israel.  Ungodliness will be removed.  As Christians, our ungodliness was removed by the blood of Christ.  The removal of this ungodliness required obedience on our part.  An obedience which began by obeying the commands to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to repent of our sins, being baptized into Christ per Acts 2:38 and Romans 6.  Remember how Paul made reference to the fact that those who came before were removed because of their disobedience. The Israelites of old were chosen by God but because of their disobedience many of them lost their inheritance.  In the time of Moses, almost an entire generation died without ever seeing the Promised Land.  Why? It was a lack of faith which results in a lack of obedience.  Obedience needs to come from faith. Whether it's obedience to the gospel with belief, repentance and baptism into Christ or obedience to God after we have become Christians.

As a fallen people, ungodliness is in our nature.  But remember the words of Isaiah, a deliver will come from Zion and all ungodliness will be removed from Israel.  As Christians we are called to live contrary to the ungodly or sinful nature.  This involves a choice. A choice to obey God and remove anything from our lives that is causing us to act in an ungodly manner.  A deliverer will come from Zion and all ungodliness will be removed from Israel. If we fail to obey God in this life, ungodliness will still be removed but it will be removed from Israel altogether. Israel, God's chosen people, will be delivered and go on to their inheritance in heaven but the ungodly will receive what is due them.  I don't really like closing this on a somber note, but we need to examine ourselves.  Is there ungodliness in our lives that is removing us from being in fellowship with God and His chosen people?  Receiving our Promised Land in heaven is contingent upon our obedience to God from faith in Him.  If you are a Christian, I encourage you to take some time to examine yourself and remove anything that might be causing you to act in an ungodly manner.  If you are reading this and are unsure altogether of your eternal salvation, I encourage you to click the link to the side "Are You Sure of Your Eternal Salvation?" which contains a series of studies.  Let us remember that ALL Israel will be saved. Let us remember that a deliverer will come and that He, Jesus Christ has come and He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.  DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!      

Thursday, January 20, 2011

A call for revival...Psalm 119:37.


"Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in your ways."--Psalm 119:37.  This is a psalm relating to the psalmists desire to follow the Lord anew.  It almost seems like he is tired of sin or in this case vanity.  In the preceding verses he asks God to incline his heart to God's testimonies as well as such things as understanding and learning. Throughout this Psalm, it seems the psalmist is making a choice. He is tired of the way he has lived. He wants something better. He is so bogged down by the ways of the world.  He is running back to God.  He wants nothing but God.  He is bogged down to the point that what he really wants is a revival.

Revival. We have all heard this term. Maybe applied to some kind of religious event, someone coming back to life, or something simply gaining new life. Revival is a very broad term to be sure. At the writing of this devotional, I am in need of a physical revival. I have been plowing away at my studies at school here at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver.  Since Sunday, when I haven't been laying in my bed sleeping, all I really have been doing is sitting. Sitting in the pew at worship on Sunday and Wednesday. Sitting in class at school. And after all that, sitting here in my school library doing homework.  Right now, my neck muscles are cramping up because I haven't done any real exercise this week and my body feels worn down.  So I have decided that after this devotional is posted, and I go home, change clothes, and eat dinner, I am going to take a walk to get the stress out, get my energy back up, and get a good nights rest so I can start my day fresh tomorrow. I have made a choice to do something that will revive me physically, but what we all really need is a spiritual revival.

I said I was bogged down because I have allowed my study time to have an impact on my health and my energy.  Nothing wrong with studying. Lord knows I have to do this if I expect to do well in school but it can't be at the expense of my own physical well being. But aren't there distractions that also have an impact on our spiritual well being? Maybe it's school, work, or the daily responsibilities we just can't avoid, or maybe it's a sin. Yes we can't avoid our responsibilities. But we can't allow our responsibilities (or a sin) to become an excuse for ignoring our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ is the whole reason we are even able to take our next breath.  And most importantly, Jesus Christ is the whole reason we even have a chance at spending eternity in heaven with God.  Don't we owe it to Him to set apart some time in our daily lives to spend some time with Him whether it's in His Word or simply in prayer taking whatever is in our heart to His throne of grace? Consider 1 Peter 3:15 (If you drag your mouse over this passage you can read it for yourself).  This passage tells us that in our hearts Christ is to be Lord. That's what Jesus is after is our hearts. If we are Christians, Christ is to be sanctified as Lord in our hearts. Lord and heart, when we claim Jesus as Lord, that means He is above everything else in our lives such as school, work, and our daily responsibilities and our heart is the very core of who we are.  Are you feeling bogged down tonight after this long Thursday, spiritually, physically or both? I have decided to take a walk for my physical well being but I think it will help my spiritual well being also.  That's what I want to encourage you to do tonight. Take a walk. If not tonight, sometime this week. Take a walk.  And when you do, talk to God as you are walking.  Walking will not only benefit you physically but if you talk to God as you are walking, I am willing to guarantee it will benefit you spiritually. So TAKE A WALK! PRAY! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!  

Thus Says the Lord...


"...Thus Says the Lord, I remember concerning you the devotion of your youth."--Jeremiah 2:2.  This is a reflection of God remembering when Israel was devoted to Him in the wilderness.  Starts out almost like someone looking back on a good memory.  Then as we read on the mood quickly changes. God begins to ask  what is it that caused Israel to turn away?  God asks in verse 5 "What injustice did your fathers find in Me, that they went far from Me, and walked after emptiness and became empty?" This is not the first, and most definitely not the last time that God wonders why Israel has turned their back on Him.

So, how have you been treating God lately? More often than not, as Christians move forward in their walk with God, something starts to change. It's almost like we forget why we obeyed the gospel in the first place.  There is a variety of things that can contribute to this change of attitude.  Maybe it's a life changing event such as the loss of a loved one or maybe it's something as simple as someone offending us within the church for whatever reason. Then what starts to happen is that when life happens, many people start to question God.  A fellow Christian who was struggling once said to me "I think God has forgotten about me." I did what I could to encourage this person.  This person is dealing with a lot but I worry when I hear these kind of statements from the brethren because I have seen where they can lead to. It can lead to chasing after other gods such as Israel did and we forget about the devotion of our youth.  It can lead to forsaking our first love and we end up just going through the motions.  Why is it that we obeyed the gospel in the first place? Because, among other things, I think we knew obeying the gospel meant something better and something to look forward to, namely the hope or assurance of an eternity with God in heaven because we have made Christ our Lord and Savior.

This morning, as you start your day,  I want you to reflect back on the day you became a Christian.  Have you gotten closer to God since then? Or are you further from God now then you were then?  God has not forgotten about us. Quite the opposite, He remembers the devotion of our youth. This society we live in has forgotten about God but God has NOT forgotten about us.  So, as we start our morning, let's figure out how we can make an effort to get closer to God today, this week, this month, and this year! Maybe getting closer to God is putting THINK SOULS into action by keeping our eyes open for opportunities to serve others in His church or telling those we run into during our day about Christ.  God remembers the devotion of your youth. Do you? DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!        

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

God is coming back soon. What do we do while we wait? An example from Abraham.

Abraham (Genesis 15)


"Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror and great darkness fell upon him."--Genesis 15:12.  Abram a.k.a Abraham.  One of the great men of faith named in Hebrews 11 which is affectionately known as the hall of fame of faith. Great chapter! Back to Genesis 15.  What is happening here is it is in Genesis 15 where God promises Abraham a son and that his countless descendants would dwell in the Promised Land.  After God makes His promise, he has Abraham bring some animals to seal the covenant.  Abraham follows suit and this brings us to verse 12. Between verse 11 and verse 12, the only thing that happens is that Abraham drives away some birds of prey that were trying to steal what Abraham had brought. God doesn't show up immediately. He shows up in verse 13. On a side note, something we must understand is that we can read verses in a matter of minutes.  However, sometimes in the Bible from one verse or chapter to the next a long period of time has elapsed between events. Based on the fact that Abram (Abraham) went to sleep tells me that a period of time elapsed between verses 11, 12 and 13.  That being said, why does verse 12 use the language that it does? Why does it say terror and great darkness fell over Abram? He was still known as Abram at this point so I will refer to Abraham as Abram in this case.

Terror and great darkness fell upon him. I mentioned a period of time probably elapsed before God showed up. The more that I look at this I begin to understand why the text is phrased the way it is. God asked Abram to do something. Abram did it.  Then if my impression is correct, he had to wait on God.  Based on the language of the text, it's like he was scared when God didn't show up immediately.

Haven't we all had this feeling at some point in our lives? We do everything God asks us to do. Everything is in place.  We even double check our motives for doing what God asks.  Even that checks out. So we start asking, God where are you? You asked me to do something and you haven't shown up. Well, faith definitely plays a role here. And definitely patience as well. Something we fail to understand is that God is outside the realm of time and space. Difficult to understand to be sure since we are so time-oriented. God definitely takes his time sometimes, most of the time actually.  But we need to ask ourselves do we really want God to hurry up and come now? Well for myself as a Christian, the answer is both yes and no.  Yes because frankly, I just can't wait to get to heaven and leave all the pain, sorrow, and troubles behind FOREVER that this life brings. But no because I think we all know that there are still billions of people out there that still need to be offered that chance to make it to heaven.  I think of Paul who desired to go and be with Christ but at the same time thought it better to remain here for the benefit of those he preached to. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that God is NOT slow in keeping His promise but is patient, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.  I really don't know why God didn't come to Abram immediately in Genesis 15. Maybe faith had something to do with it. Abram did as God told him to do and waited for God to do the rest.

This needs to be our attitude. Until the day He returns, we need to keep doing what God has asked us to do.  He WILL show up, He IS coming back.  In the meantime, God is expecting us to do as He has told us while we wait.  That's what He expects of us. If there is something you need to change in your life, God is giving you the chance now.  He expects you to change it now.  If you need to obey the gospel, God is giving you the chance now. He is coming back. But in the meantime, let's do what God is expecting us to do while we wait. THINK SOULS! DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS!    

What is being born again all about?


"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."--John 3:3.  This statement is a familiar one to most Christians.  This statement was made to Nicodemus whom the text describes was a Pharisee, and a ruler of the Jews. It is also within this same chapter that we find one of the most quoted verses of the Bible, John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." but verse 3 says we must be born again.  Nicodemus asked what this meant.  At first glance, Nicodemus' question has an obvious answer for the Christian reading today.  But it really wasn't so obvious because Nicodemus didn't have the advantage of having the New Testament and being able to know what this meant from Scripture.  His question is perfectly legitimate.  It's perfectly legitimate because when talking with Christians and non-Christians alike this idea is still explored, the idea of being born again.  This occasion is no different, if you will go with me, I just want to explore this idea of being born again and what it means to the Christian and he/she who is not a Christian and what it means to both parties.

"...unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  First, looking, at the scripture when Nicodemus' asks what being born again meant Jesus answered: "...unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Hmm...water and Spirit.  Some have taken this to mean that we have our physical birth than somehow by accepting Christ, we have our "spiritual birth."  This cannot be correct because Jesus is speaking of spiritual things while Nicodemus is still thinking on the physical level. So, we must be born of water and Spirit.  This statement is obviously connected to salvation. When thinking of water and Spirit, in the context of salvation, my mind goes to baptism and how according to Acts 2:38-39, with baptism, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  John 3:16 says that if we believe in Jesus, we will have eternal life.  Then Mark 16:15 tells us "He who has believed AND been baptized shall be saved." I am not one for cherry picking verses like this to make my argument as these verses must also be looked at in context but these verses make perfect sense even within their context. Born of water and Spirit=Baptism.  Clearly belief in Christ is also a necessary part of the equation and according to Acts 2:38, Repentance is also necessary.  But where our re-birth happens is in the water.  If Jesus said, I must go to the water so I can see the kingdom of God, you can bet I am going to do it. So what does this mean to the parties I mentioned?

To he who has not made Jesus their Lord the response must be to do as Jesus said.  But what if we have already done this?  What does being born again mean to the Christian?  Well, this can create a whole theological discussion in itself.  But allow me to use the illustration of a baby who is physically born.  After all, this was Nicodemus' thinking in his conversation with Jesus. Being born again is like just that, being born.  A baby is starting life.  He/she is a pure soul because there is no sin in that baby's life. As Christians, through having come into contact with the blood of Christ through baptism, we have been purified.  We can start our life over because our sins have been forgiven. We may stumble along the way like a baby does when he/she is learning to walk. And like babies, we must grow into mature adults in Christ.  However, we must always have the attitude of a child.  What I mean is that your average child is always curious and asking questions in order to learn.  This needs to be our attitude.  We must always be willing to learn.

So what is being born again all about? Being born again is about first of all renewing our souls beginning with a belief in Christ followed by baptism into Christ. Being born again is about renewing our minds.  Being born again is about being transformed into the image of Christ.  Being born again is about Christ's blood continually cleansing us of sin from the point of baptism forward.  Being born again is about changing the way we live our lives on a daily basis and with God's help making a conscious effort to not sin again but knowing His blood covers us when we do.  The list can go on forever.  This morning, let's try to think more about how Jesus would have us do things rather than how we would do things.  "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."--Jesus Christ.  DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Getting to Know Jesus (Luke 24:27)


Jesus with the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)

"Then beginning with Moses and the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures."--Luke 24:27.  On the road to Emmaus.  One of the several post-resurrection appearances of Christ to the disciples we read about in the gospels.  But the interesting thing about this event is that Jesus was not recognized until later that evening at meal time. This is an awesome account to say the least.  One of the aspects of this story is that Jesus Himself helped the disciples understand more about Himself beginning with what they knew, Moses and the Prophets.  This was all they had. Of course at this point none of the New Testament had been written yet. What makes this so awesome is they got to know Jesus by talking to Jesus Himself.  Where we have the advantage is that we do have the New Testament.

Let me ask you a question, what is the best way to get to know someone? Well I think the obvious answer would be, you talk to the person you want to get to know.  Ask them questions, spend some quality time with them.  I mean isn't this what we do even in the church to get to know one another? A visitor comes in the door. Ideally, our desire should be to get to know that person.  But how do we do that unless we go up to that person and talk to them?  I mean really talk to them, not just "Hi my name is so and so, glad you could be here," and then go on your way.  Offer to take that visitor or new member out to lunch or coffee where you can just get acquainted. Once again the best way to get to know a person to take the initiative to take an interest in someone and get acquainted with them. Let them tell you their story.

So you might be asking, what is my point? What does this have to do with what happened on the road to Emmaus? Well Jesus Himself told the disciples His story from the beginning, starting from Moses all the way through the Prophets. We see the disciples, although they did not immediately recognize Him, allowed Jesus to tell them His story. I also mentioned we have an advantage, unlike the apostles and the disciples of old, we have the New Testament.  My encouragement to you tonight is this.  Start getting to know Jesus.  How? I encourage you to make some time this week and sit down and read through one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John), in one sitting if at all possible.  Don't just read it but really study it, highlight key points about who Jesus is.  Through His Word, let Him tell you His story.  If you want some prophecy in the mix, I would strongly recommend Matthew as the purpose of this  particular account is to prove through prophecy to the Jew that Jesus is the Messiah.  But also consider the example I gave in my second paragraph regarding getting to know someone who visits your congregation, whether its a visitor or someone who has recently placed membership, take them out to coffee or lunch after services and get to know that person. Allow them to tell you as much of their story as they care to share. What is the purpose in all of this? The purpose in all of this is ultimately so we can really start getting to know Jesus. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!

A Sabbath rest for the people of God.

"So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God."--Hebrews 4:9.  This chapter in Hebrews speaks of one of the many promises we have from God.  A simple promise really. The simple promise of eternal rest for the believer.  According to this chapter though, entering into this eternal rest is contingent upon our obedience to God.  From this chapter also comes the famous passage found in verse 12; "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."  This is also the chapter that tells us that Christ was "tempted in all things as we are yet without sin." The chapter closes with the fact that because of Christ's conquest of sin, we are able to approach the throne of God. 

Rest.  Something we all need.  We complain that we don't get enough of it because of the crazy busy lifestyles we lead here in America.  School work keeps students up into the late hours of the night and sometimes the early morning hours just so we can make a good grade in the class and/or on the exam the next morning.  Just before writing this devo, one of my fellow preaching students, my good friend and brother Anton came in 2 hours early to school so he could practice the sermon he will be preaching later on this morning during our chapel time hear at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver.  I am sure he could have used some more rest.  Sermon writing is not easy, requires a lot of work and preparation and is a responsibility that is to be taken quite seriously.  People in the secular work force have to work late sometimes as well or even go in on their days off to handle situations that might have come up while they weren't there.  Rest.  Sometimes we even have to sacrifice the rest that we do get.  So the question is why? Who do students toil at their school work sacrificing countless hours of sleep and rest? Why do preaching students and preachers, such as my friend Anton get up a couple of hours earlier to practice a sermon? Why do people in the secular workforce occasionally sacrifice their day off to help their organization meet their goals?  There is one reason why students, preaching students, preachers, and secular employees all have in common when it comes to the rest that they sacrifice.  They all know that there is a reward for their work that at some point down the line they will receive that will finally allow them to rest making the sacrifices all worth the trouble.

I think we would all agree that being a Christian requires sacrifice.  Among other things, being a Christian may require us to sacrifice some rest.   Consider the example of my friend Anton that I gave.  He takes this responsibility of handling and delivering God's word seriously enough that he is willing to sacrifice that 1 or 2 hours of extra rest he could have had.  I also recently learned he was up until 4 am earlier this week helping build another brother up by studying with him.  Why?  Because as Christians, we all know or at least we should know that sacrificing those few hours of rest to do the Lord's work will be rewarded with an eternity of rest when we go from this life to the next.  God commands Christians everywhere to do His work.  Sometimes doing his work means losing a few hours of sleep so that another soul might be saved.  Doing his work might mean giving up a Saturday morning to help out on a church work project with the brethren. The examples are countless. We are promised an eternal rest. But receiving that rest is contingent upon our obedience to God.  Maybe you still need to obey the gospel and believe in the Lord Jesus and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins in order to be counted among the people of God obey the gospel today! Or maybe you are already a Christian and you have just gotten lazy having failed to do the Lord's work as you should be doing.  That can be changed with something as simple as helping teach a Bible class, leading a prayer, serving on the Lord's table at church services or organizing a Bible Study, countless ways to do the Lord's work.  Whether you still need to obey the gospel or you simply need to "get back to work" do as Hebrews 4:7 states "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." Also remember the words of James. Faith without works is dead. And let us also remember that if we work for the Lord in this life "there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.". DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!

Monday, January 17, 2011

What can we learn from King David?



"Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king’s house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing;"--2 Samuel 11:2. David saw a woman bathing. The woman was Bathsheba.  I think most of us know the rest of this story.  David saw she was beautiful.  David falls victim to what some would call the lust of the eyes.  He goes after her despite the fact that she is a married woman. She becomes pregnant with David's child. He has her husband murdered on the front lines in the battle field in an attempt to cover up his sin.  He succeeds in his plans for Uriah.  What he does not succeed at is covering up his sin.  God saw this all unfold from the time David got up from his bed to walk around on the roof which would lead to the downfall of David's otherwise spotless record.

A man after God's own heart. King David. The man who slew Goliath in his youth with a smooth stone. The man who would be Israel's most prominent of kings. The man who would play a crucial role in the coming of Jesus Christ as being the one from whose line the Messiah had to come. David would have quite the resume.  But then when looking at his "resume", we notice this one little black spot.  He took another man's wife, got her pregnant, killed her husband and one price he would pay, is that he would lose his illegitimate child to sickness. David would repent but would still pay heavily for this one sin that he attempted to hide from God.

Why was David a man after God's own heart and why would he be so privileged to play such a crucial role in the coming of the Messiah in spite of his sin?  Because unlike many of the kings before and after him, David went to his death never forsaking the Lord for other gods.  When confronted with his sin, David didn't make excuses, he owned up to his sin and was willing to accept the consequences of his actions no matter how severe.  But in spite of all the trouble his sin would bring, David still praised God. Even after the death of his first child, David praised God.  That part of the story can be found in 2 Samuel 12:15 and following.  Its heartbreaking to say the least.  But his reaction was to worship God.  David screwed up to be sure but he owned up and still worshipped God.  It is sad to see that amidst the victories David would have from this point, there were so many troubles that littered his life including the fact that his own son Absalom would set out to kill David.  But what was David's reaction? He praised God and wrote some of the most heart wrenching Psalms.  Some were psalms of praise to God and others were psalms of lamentation. Absalom dies.  David is once again grief stricken because this is his son.  More rebellion. David still seeks God and writes his last Psalms.  David would anoint one of his other son's Solomon king. Gives him charges.  And David dies with a stranger as his nurse.  But one of the last things David did was build an altar to the Lord.  One choice, one sin caused him the trouble amidst the victory.  Why was David a man after God's own heart? He messed up but David lived his life praising God.  On the mountaintop, David praised God.  In the deepest of pits, David praised God.

So what can we learn from this? Well, based on how the story begins, we notice how easy it is to give in to sin and how when we are confronted with "the lust of the eyes", we MUST turn away. David was walking around on his roof when he saw a beautiful woman.  Makes me think of how often some of our own women within the church dress in such a way that provokes men to the lust of the eyes. Simply illustrating the situation here, not picking on anyone. We can also learn that one sin can lead to a lifetime of consequences even if we do turn from it.  For example, I recently heard a story where a man had smoked for X amount of years.  He gave it up and later in his life developed lung cancer.  He couldn't get over the fact that although he had long since given up smoking, the damage had been done and now he would pay the price. David turned from his sin, but he too would suffer a lifetime of consequences as a result of his sin.  But there is one more thing we can learn from David's sin with Bathsheba. Let us not forget that even in the face of consequences DAVID PRAISED GOD!!! Once again, David owned up to his sin. He repented and his relationship with God only got stronger. I don't know what sin you are struggling with right now.  I hate to admit that some of the choices I made in my teenage years have led to what seems like an everlasting struggle that I do not want to admit to publicly on my blog site but am not ashamed to speak about with my brethren in private as my struggle is a common one among the brethren.  But I know for myself, my struggle was a result of sins I committed early in my life which I have now repented of. But I still praise God, and on occasion I still stumble in that area. However, I still praise God because I am covered by the blood of Jesus Christ by having clothed myself with him through baptism for the remission of my sins per Acts 2:38 and Romans 6.  So if you are a Christian, turn from whatever sin you might be struggling with and praise God even if there are consequences to that sin. If you are not a Christian, turn from that sin, or in the words of Acts 2:38 "Repent and Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins." Wherever we are, let us think of King David, a man after God's own heart.  The more we focus on God and what He expects of us, the less likely we are to sin. Remember King David. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!

Just Do It!


"But when God....was pleased to reveal His Son in me, so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood."--Galatians 1:15-16.  God asked Paul to preach among the Gentiles. Paul says he didn't meet with others, he just went and did it.  It was three years before Paul even met Peter! Prior to his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul was pretty set in his ways and was one of the best of the best at what he did.  But that encounter with Christ most definitely rocked his world.  He realized how wrong he was in his ways in persecuting the church. But Paul also realized it was ultimately by grace that he was saved.  An encounter with Christ changed him in an instant.  After his baptism into Christ, Paul just went and carried the gospel out to his contemporaries and to the Gentiles with no hesitation and without consulting flesh and blood. He just did it.

Just do it.  So you are a new Christian, baptized yesterday after Sunday morning services. It's Monday.  Your life just changed yesterday and in Christ you are a now creature. So the question you are asking is what now? Well as you study His Word, share the gospel you have received with those around you. Friends, family, co-workers, etc.  Admittedly, there are times when we are not going to know how we should approach sharing the gospel with someone or how we should even begin.  But if God asks us to do something and we know how to do it well JUST DO IT! A lot of times, when we know God wants us to do something, we wonder whether or not we should or worse give excuses as to why we don't.  Matthew 28 tells us to go and make disciples baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything that Christ has commanded.  The passage in Matthew 28 tells us how to make disciples. JUST DO IT.  Wondering about the approach? Well 1 Peter 3:15 tells us that when we give people the reason for the hope that we have, we should do so with gentleness and reverence, or respect in some translations.  The command in Matthew 28 has been given to ALL of us. Newly baptized or not, God has given us a job to do and Matthew 28 is just one of them.  So whatever task the Lord brings your way, don't hesitate, JUST DO IT! So needless to say, in closing, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! ALSO PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y''ALL GOD BLESS!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Everything comes back to God's Word. Consider the Evidence.


"Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life."--Romans 6:4.  Romans 6.  One of my favorite chapters of the Bible.  This passage tells us exactly what we must to do be in Christ.  Paul is telling the church in Rome that those who have been baptized are in Christ.  Baptism, according to this verse is absolutely necessary "so that just as Christ was raised from the dead...so we too might walk in newness of life."  A couple points are made here.  


First, it is through baptism that we come into contact with the blood of Christ, we know this by the phrase "baptism into death."  The blood of Christ cleanses us from our sins.  There are other passages which point to this and its a known fact.

Second, we are baptized into His death so that we can also be raised with a new body not only in this life but in the next life as well. But also one thing we must consider from this verse as well is baptism is so that we might walk in newness of life.  Romans 6 will also tell us that we must die to sin. Baptism is a commitment.  Yes, we will still stumble but because we are in Christ, His blood continually cleanses us and we are recipients of God's grace.  Romans 6 opens with the question of whether or not we should go on sinning just because we are the recipients of God's grace.  The answer of course is an emphatic NO! So, you might be asking "I am baptized, It's commitment to die to sin, yet I will still sin?" This is the point, this is why we need Christ.  Sin is a choice. By being baptized, we are making a choice that with God's help, we will do all we can to avoid sinning.  However, when we do sin, Jesus' blood covers us.  It's pretty awesome if you ask me.  Baptism is a commitment to do all we can and make a conscious choice to not sin, but because we are imperfect creatures, we will sin and when we do, we're covered. Isn't that awesome?!?!

You would think Romans 6 settles the argument about whether or not baptism is absolutely necessary but unfortunately it doesn't for a lot of people. If you have been baptized into Christ, I am just preaching to the choir.  But if you haven't consider the verse.  There is no way around the fact that this verse tells us that baptism is absolutely required for redemption of sins and for us to be raised in the same way Christ was raised. We need to remember that on the cross, he bore our sins but because He was not guilty, he was above the penalty and gave us a way to restore our relationship with God and have a chance at heaven.

I am asking you to consider the evidence.  Again, if you have been baptized and know the Scriptures, share this with others.  But if you haven't consider the evidence and I pray you respond to the gospel message which is that Christ died for our sins, was buried and was raised again on the third day according to the Scriptures.  Everything is according to the Scriptures.  What Christ did was according to the Scriptures, what we must do is according to the Scriptures and what will happen if we don't will be according to the Scriptures. Everything, EVERYTHING comes back to God and His Word. Also see Acts 2 and 1 Peter 3:21.  Consider the evidence.  DO something about it. Share it.  Pray about it. Love y'all God bless!

But I am in prayer.

"But I am in prayer"--Psalm 109:4


"But I am in prayer."--Psalm 109:4.  This is a statement David makes in response to the fact that he is surrounded by his enemies.  For his love, evil is returned.  He gives good, they give evil.  David had done nothing wrong but was hated by Saul.  David wasn't perfect yet he was still a man after God's own heart.  Some have asked why.  The question came up recently here at school, and finally I found an answer that satisfied.  He was a man after God's own heart because unlike many of his contemporaries, when confronted with his own sin, had the humility to acknowledge it and repent.  This is just one of many qualities David had. His response to the evil that surrounded him is also indicative of his character. Evil men chased him.  His response? He hit his knees in prayer and responded with love.  What do we do when we feel like the world is crashing down around us and everything and everyone is against us?

But I am in prayer.  Another translation reads "But I give myself unto prayer." How s your prayer life? I find myself asking others this question whether they are going through a difficult time or not.  I can't really put my finger on it but there is something about kneeling before the throne of God in prayer that seems to make everything we are dealing with so much easier.  I have some struggles in my own life, but its almost strange that I don't feel as stressed about those struggles as I used to probably six months ago or even a month ago.  I am finding prayer has helped alleviate the stress of whatever might come my way.  David was on the verge of losing his life.  Doesn't get much more stressful than that.  But he prayed.  His life was spared.  David's life was not easy and full of trouble but there is something to be said about his reliance on God through all of his troubles.  We read the Psalms and David pours his heart out before God but his trust in Him never waivers.  In Psalm 42, David asks "Why are you in despair, my soul? And why so disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him."  David's soul was downtrodden but He praised God anyway.

Reader, I don't know where you are it in your life right now.  You may be on a mountaintop. Praise God.  You may be in a valley. Again praise Him!   Our troubles may be many or few but whatever the case, think of David who even in the face of all his troubles said "for I shall again praise Him." May our attitude always be like that of David's who while evil surrounded him stated "But I am in prayer." Pray about it! Praise Him! Love y'all God bless.

Friday, January 14, 2011

God needs YOU!




"Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”--Isaiah 6:8.  Isaiah heard the call of God.  He responded.  Plain and simple.  Isaiah would give us one of the most well known prophecies concerning Christ found in Isaiah 53, "He was pierced for our transgressions...crushed by our iniquities...by His scourging we are healed." Isaiah responded to the call.  God was asking who He should send, He didn't call Isaiah directly the way He called Moses or Joshua but God asked whom shall I send? And Isaiah, for the lack of a better term, volunteered. It is my opinion that God is asking this same question of US today, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?"

The army needs recruits.  The army is not forcing you to join, it is completely voluntary. The recruitment process is fairly simple but once recruited you will be involved in rigorous training.  Joining this army may mean you have to leave your friends and family behind for the greater good.  Joining this army may mean you have to drop whatever it is you are involved in right now and follow, trust and obey your commander wherever He goes and in whatever He says.  One more thing, if you decide to sign up, make sure you are willing to commit for life.  This army is looking for recruits who will serve their commander for the rest of their lives.  If you are unwilling to accept any of these possibilities, you probably should not join.  Benefits? Several.  Retirement Package? After a lifetime of service, you will be awarded eternal life and a home in heaven with God.

This is not exactly how God approached asking His question in Isaiah 6:8.  It's not exactly how Jesus went about making disciples but isn't this what He asks of us in the Scriptures? Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us? And Jesus' statement in John 21:19 "Follow Me!"  But regarding the above "Army ad" that I created isn't this some of the things Jesus says are required of a disciple?  To follow Him and putting Him first in our daily lives even if it means leaving behind friends and family or the lifestyle we have always known? Things one has to consider when deciding to make Jesus Lord.  God is looking for volunteers for His army.  Isaiah volunteered with no questions asked.  Shouldn't this be our attitude? Being willing to serve the Lord with no questions asked?  The call is still the same.  Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us? As I said above, the recruitment process is fairly simple.  The recruitment process involves belief and faith in Jesus Christ and what He did.  The recruitment process involves repentance of sins and being immersed into Christ for the remission of those sins.  After you have done that, you are now a private in the army of the Lord, a new recruit. But it is then and only then that the training begins.  Your Commander in Chief is Jesus Christ but He has placed other members of His army above you to train you, help you, and guide you during a lifetime of training.  Did I mention training is a lifetime? Even those above you are still training but we were in your position once too, a new recruit in the army of the Lord not knowing how our life would be different or what we would encounter. We still don't really know but our trust is in our commander and chief Jesus Christ and He will lead ALL of us, new or a little older.  If you have not responded to the call, consider the cost, and if you choose to respond to the call, follow the simple recruitment process and you are a member of the Lord's army and on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ our God, you will be welcomed with open arms.  If you already a member of the Lord's army, are you still faithful to our Commander in Chief or have you gone off the road which our Commander has commanded us to walk? Whatever side of the equation you are on, respond to the call.  If you have gone off the path, it's not too late to get back on, the rest of us are here to help.  If you wish to become a new recruit, know you have others waiting to welcome you into the army of the Lord as well as our Commander in Chief Jesus Christ Himself.  I pray you respond as Isaiah did.  DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL GOD BLESS!      

Mighty to Save

"...Mighty to save."--Isaiah 63:1.  From the prophet Isaiah.  One of the "major" prophets, of course meaning he just wrote more.  Admittedly, this particular passage is not a prophecy concerning Christ such as in Isaiah 53 but the point is still the same.  God is "mighty" to save his people.  Before this Isaiah declares the righteousness of God which is one reason God is the only person that can save us.  The to save part is pretty obvious but God is mighty to save.  This passage does not only say he is able to save but it goes deeper than that, He is MIGHTY to save.  Well, if you will go with me, we can explore what it means that the Lord is MIGHTY to save.

Mighty to save.  Last night I talked about another three word phrase, "Lord, save me!" which is a phrase that holds so much power.  But now we see from this passage, although from a different book that God is not only able but MIGHTY to save.  This is another three word phrase that holds so much power.  It's hard for me to really wrap my mind around God's saving power.  When we repent, and are baptized for the remission of sins per Acts 2:38-39, of course all that is physically happening is we are getting wet.  But we chose to obey the gospel by being baptized as an act of obedience from our faith in God to save us from our sins.  There is way way more than just getting wet involved here.  As we go in and out of that water, there is a transformation taking place.  God is "physically" reaching down from heaven and cleansing us of our sins, renewing our minds and souls through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ.  As far as the physically part, I have no scriptural proof of that but Scripture does tell us that is where we meet the blood of Jesus that can cleanse us from our sins, and when we come out of that water, it is like Christ who came out of that tomb very early on that Sunday morning, we come out of the "watery grave" a new creation.  Of course, we still have our physical body's but our soul and our spirit has been changed.  I can't really explain what happens in those moments when you are going in to the water and when you come out.  But I can tell you this, salvation is yours after you have done this and you are now a recipient of God's grace through faith.  The salvation of our souls is something with eternal consequences.  God is MIGHTY to save.  His power to save our souls is beyond anything anyone could ever imagine.  God is more than just able to save, He is MIGHTY to save.

But of course the buck does not stop at baptism.  Baptism is only the beginning.  The Great Commission in Matthew 28 tells us that we must make disciples by baptizing and teaching them to obey.  Baptizing, according to this passage is of course absolutely essential to making disciples but so is teaching.  And with teaching, the implication is there must be learning taking place. Our obedience to the gospel saved us from our sins, but we must continue to learn what it means to follow God.  Following God more often than not will involve lifestyle changes, attitude changes, and even changes in the people we hang out with and the environments we put ourselves in.  These changes won't happen overnight.  I have been a Christian for 11 years and I am still finding areas in my life that need to change in order to please God.  So, if you have not obeyed the gospel by being baptized for the remission of your sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit per Acts 2:28-39, remember the Lord is not only able but MIGHTY to save you but we must make the choice.  But whether you have or have not obeyed the gospel, I encourage you to examine your life this morning and see if there are any areas that you need to change in your life in order to please God, whether its obeying the gospel or taking steps towards becoming a better Christian, examine yourself.  If you are a Christian, one thing you can do is go out and teach a friend or a family member as this pleases God. And may we always remember, the Lord is MIGHTY TO SAVE. Pray about it, DO something about it, Love y'all, God bless!!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Lord, save me!

  
Mark 14:30-31

"But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out 'Lord, save me!'"--Matthew 14:30.  This is another one of my favorite and most thought provoking accounts in the gospels.  When Peter, walked on water, took his eyes off Christ and began to sink.  This section of Scripture has probably preached on at least 1000 times but we always need to be reminded of the lessons we can learn from what happened with Peter when he took his eyes off Jesus.

Lord, save me.  Three little words.  Yet some of the most powerful a person can ever utter.  This is a desperate cry on the part of Peter.  Its a desperate cry on our part when we begin to sink into the depths of the storm tossed seas of this life.  It was a windy stormy night that night. Let me ask you, is it a windy and stormy night in your life right now? Here in Denver, we just got a good few inches of snow.  Enough to make the roads icy and difficult to drive in.  Thanks be to God that while my car slid a couple of times, by His grace I managed to avoid hitting anything.  But I was fortunate compared to how bad the east coast got hit by "old man winter." Maybe your storm is or was just a few inches of snow like here in Denver or maybe it is/was a blizzard such as on the east coast.  Either way it's not fun to be in, especially when you are behind the wheel.  But what got me through these dangerous conditions was trusting in God that nothing would happen to me but being open to the fact that if something did, I would trust Him enough to save me.  I didn't have any accidents but there were the unfortunate ones who did have accidents here in Denver as a result of the weather.

My point is we are going to have stormy times in our life.  Sometimes things will turn out in our favor that the storm will pass quickly.  There will be times when the storm will cause us to skid off the straight and narrow path to which God has called us.  But if we take our eyes off Christ, we won't get through that storm alive.  The passage says Peter saw the wind and became frightened.  He took His eyes off Christ and could have easily died that night.  I wonder if Peter had not uttered those 3 powerful words, would Jesus have saved Him? My guess would be yes but Peter asked, nay pleaded to be saved.  This is what is so awesome about this account is even though Peter took His eyes off Jesus, Jesus was still willing to save him.  But while Jesus saves Peter, he still asks him the question that gives me chills every time, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Many times Christians fear hearing the phrase "Depart from me, for I never knew you." but I also fear the phrase "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" We are told in Hebrews 11 that without faith it is impossible to please God.  Peter sank because his faith failed him.  He took his eyes off Christ.  In life we WILL have times where we will take our eyes off Christ.  But reader, realize that when this happens Christ is willing to save you.  This is not the only mistake Peter made.  And like Peter we will have more times when we stumble and "see the wind" as opposed to seeing Christ.  As you spend some quality time with Christ, look to see him.  If you have not made Jesus your Lord and put him on in baptism for the remission of your sins, do not be afraid to utter those 3 powerful words "Lord, save me!".  But if you are a Christian, this still needs to be our plea.  We have been saved, but when the storms come because they will, may our plea always be "Lord, save me!" Pray about it. Love y'all God bless!