Wait

Acts 1:4

Is it possible to be over zealous in my desire to serve the Lord? Is it possible to get out in front of God and lose the blessings of joy, peace, vision, direction, boldness, and strength? Is it possible that I am to serve God right where I am, in the capacity that I am, with the talents I have, and get my eyes off of other things regardless of how great they may be? The apostles here had a promise that was two-fold. They were going to receive power from God and then they were to go about the whole world preaching the kingdom of God. What if they would have skipped the first part, going strait after the second in great zeal? Could it be that they would have the same results the vagabond Jews had in acts 19:13-16?
It seems sometimes I have those results. Soundly defeated in my efforts to serve the Lord. I believe I am doing it with a pure heart, although there are times that it is about pride. I hate those times. To realize that I've set out to do what I thought was service to God only to discover that it was service to me. I ask and receive not because I ask amiss, to consume it on my own lusts.
Wait, and while I wait serve God. The apostles served with prayer and worship together in the upper room. There was no public ministry at that point. There was only the expectation that God would keep His promise and the excitement, possibly apprehension of what would happen next. God is patient. Lord, I am wrong to seek more than Thou hast given me. Thank you for Your patience, mercy, and grace.

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Tomorrow

Ex. 8:10

Tomorrow. When will I serve the Lord? Tomorrow. I remember a few years ago when I was in elementary school, I believe it was third grade, we walked into class and our teacher wrote on the board, "Free ice cream tomorrow." We were pretty excited. I began looking around the room and thought about the expense of providing free ice cream for the class. I asked if she was buying it, or if the school was supplying the desired desert. She said it wouldn't matter. That question prompted a series of questions from around the room. "Will we get it in class?" "Are you talking about during lunch?" "What do we have to do to get it?" Finally, I figured it out. The message would be on the board from today forward. When we come back into class tomorrow the message will say the same thing, so there will be no ice cream today, it will always be tomorrow.

Today is never the day to start something. It's always tomorrow. Tomorrow I will tell someone of Jesus, tomorrow I will spend more time with my family, tomorrow I will accept the Lord Jesus as my savior, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. Tomorrow I will study my Bible, tomorrow I will pray, tomorrow I will turn from the thing that is keeping me from a closer walk with God. Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow. God says His mercies are new TODAY, not tomorrow. God's grace is for TODAY, not tomorrow. I must step out TODAY while I can. I have no guarantee of tomorrow. I don't even have the whole day. I only have now. I must do what is necessary NOW. No tomorrows.

I put of until tomorrow what should be done now because of slothfulness, fear, greed, and self interest. On occasion I will wrongly prioritize. I would do well to remember that I only have now. If tomorrow is to come, what I do now will determine my tomorrow. My tomorrow could be in heaven and the opportunity to earn rewards ended. Now may be my last opportunity.

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Occupy

Luke 19:12-27

Each of us has varying gifts and varying levels of those gifts. As God created each snowflake different than the other and each fingerprint different from the other so that no two are exactly alike, so to does He bestow upon us different gifts. As the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many are one body: so also is Christ (1Cor. 12:12). None are exactly alike that there may be diversity without division in the body of Christ. We must not look upon the gifts of another and think that God has somehow ill-equipped us for His service. He has, in fact perfectly equipped all for the completion of His service. Read Ex. 4:11; God makes it very clear that He expected Moses to fulfill his purpose with the gifts God had given him. No excuses.

I have been given abilities and instructions. The Lord expects me to occupy until He comes. He has said, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:18). That command was not just to His apostles, but to all disciples of Christ. Fear is not acceptable.

Jesus will return and judge. I don't know that He expects us to double the talents, but He does expect us to occupy. That's all He instructed the servants to do. As they endeavored to be about their master's business, they gained other talents also. So to, as we are obedient to the revelation God gives us in Scripture, He gives us more. The question is not so much whether or how much we gained, but whether or not we occupied. Jesus did not reprimand the wicked and slothful servant for his lack of gain, but for his lack of work. We shall not fear losing the talent, God will see to it that if we work, His intended purpose in that labor will be brought to pass.

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Greater Works

Exo. 3:19-20

How many times have I stepped out on faith and gone against the world expecting God to give me a great victory, only to be soundly defeated? It's embarrassing to hear the world taunt and chant how my God is a fake, the Bible is not true, and my belief is based on nothing but air. I'm surprised and bewildered when it happens, yet God has given me the faith to try again later. Well, it's faith or a bad memory. What would the outcome be if I persevere through the defeat and continue on the path?

This is the trial of our faith that God speaks of through James (Jam. 1:3). The trying of my faith works patience, brings patience, results in patience. Patience? In what? For what? In God's will. In God's way. That I may learn to patiently wait on the Lord, accept His will, and deny my own. I hate to be wrong. It's a pride thing. When the world overpowers me and I'm "proven" wrong a little of my pride is chipped away. Will I allow God to continue to chip away, or will I refuse and fail to continue in the way?

But it's not all about me. It's about God. The trying of my faith works patience and all things work together for my good (Rom. 8:28), but God is also glorified and it is the expectation of seeing God glorified, justified, vindicated that I can endure. I am sure that He will cause every knee to bow and every tongue to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! I am sure that once the world displays all its power and ability, God will easily put it down and the greatness of His power will be known.

The fullness of His power may not be known, but it will be better known than if He defeats a weaker enemy. Pharaoh resisted and brought the power of his kingdom against God. Moses was summarily defeated time after time. God's signs and wonders did not immediately bring the expected end. In the end, the Lord God of Israel was victorious and glorified in Egypt. Patient endurance of each "loss" will allow me to see the power of God magnified.

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Beyond

Gen. 50:20

I don't know what Joseph was thinking when his brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt. I don't know what he was thinking when Potipher had him cast into prison for crimes he did not commit. I do know that he persevered in his faith in God and although it most certainly was difficult for him, he continued to walk in the spirit trusting God to accomplish His purpose for him, whatever it was.

How easy it would have been to become bitter. The people that hurt Joseph did so willingly, purposefully, thoughtfully, with premeditation and malice in their hearts. They were also those who were closest to him, just as Jesus was betrayed by a friend, and with a kiss at that. The godly pattern established is to turn the other cheek as Jesus taught (Matt. 5:38-48). How, in the face of absolute, intentional cruelty toward me from another person can I turn the other cheek and allow that individual the opportunity to hurt me again? Joseph did it by focusing on God's purpose rather than his own. Joseph focused on God's motives and did not concern himself with the motives of others, even when those motives, as in the case of his brothers were clearly seen.

"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" Matt. 5:44. Revenge is a product of anger and hatred. Both of those destroy life including those who harbor the things. The more I can focus on God and look for His purpose to be completed in me regardless of the vehicle He chooses to use, the more I'll be able to (1) thank Him for it, and (2) fulfill the above mentioned verses and be the child of my Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:45). I must realize the truth of Romans 8:28, that God truly does work all things together for my good, just as He worked all things together for Joseph's good and the salvation of the flesh of much people, and just as He worked all things together for Jesus' good and the salvation of the souls of much people. I must see beyond myself.

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What Shall I Give?

Gen. 47:18-25

Egypt is entering into the 7th year of famine. All the money has been spent for food and Pharaoh now has it all. The cattle and possessions that the people had have likewise been traded for sustenance. The people now have nothing but their land and themselves. The cattle, traded a year earlier were of no use to the Egyptians. On the contrary, they would have been an added burden as they did not have grain to feed themselves let alone the cattle. The land is no burden but is useless without the cattle to plow it, seed to plan it, and water to nourish it. All that they had was useless and worth nothing. To give that which was only a burden and unprofitable to life in exchange for sustenance and thereby life was a great deal.

Some would have had considerable amounts of land and cattle, by the way. Not all of Egypt were paupers. Egypt was a powerful country, like America today it was filled with upper - middle class. ALL the people, even the wealthiest were unable to get life from the earth and had to rely on Joseph, a type of Christ for their bread. The apostle Paul was in a similar circumstance. He realized his need for bread as well. As he walked in the spirit by faith, he daily recognized his need for sustenance. He spent what he had to get it. All that the earth, or in this case the world had to offer him; all the treasures of this world he saw in a similar state as the Egyptians saw their cattle, land, and even themselves. Just as they realized their possessions were of no profit to them or the king, so too Paul realized that nothing he had was profitable to eternal life. The religious acts, ceremonies, traditions, commandments, and works he had previously kept were but dung. He suffered the loss of all things that he had previously had in his life for the excellency of a full and rich life in Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:1-9)

For their lives, Joseph required one fifth of the fruits of the Egyptians labor be given to Pharaoh over the course of their lives. They were completely and absolutely the servants of the king. For his life, Paul suffered, that is allowed the loss of all things. He could have clung to them and received the rewards that action would have brought. He gave all, and continued to give all, including the earthly riches that he acquired through the labor of his own hands to the king. What shall I give? The Egyptians jumped at the deal Joseph had put before them. And they said, "Thou has saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants." Gen. 47:25. Is a tenth really sufficient? If the world will give a fifth of their possessions over the rest of their natural life for their life to an earthly king, what should I give to the King of Kings who has ransomed my eternal life? Paul gave all, God says a tenth, but encourages us to give, "Every man as he purposeth in his own heart, so let him give." (2 Cor 9:7). Of what value do I place the Bread of life? It is revealed in my giving, which reveals what I purpose in my heart.

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How Do I Love Thee?

Lk. 7:36-47

"Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." vs. 47.

This is a declaration of what has been forgiven her. The declaration is made simply due to the observation of her love. It is not possible that I love Jesus greatly without the recognition of the degree of the forgiveness He has purchased for me. The greater my recognition of my debt, the greater my love for Him. Love is a work, it is a doing, it is a giving, it is self denying, self sacrificing, and self-less. My service, my work, my sacrifice, my love for Jesus is a direct indication not of my sin, but of the level of depravity He has forgiven me. In my service for Him is the truth of my recognition of my need for Him. How do I love Thee? Let me count the ways.

How do I serve Him? How is my love for Jesus Christ, my Master, my Creator, my Savior, manifest. I am repulsed. I am convicted. He who gave His life that I may go free. Oh God, impress on me the debt I was forgiven, that although impossible to do, I may strive to repay in love, the debt I once owed.

I attend church at every service. I lead the singing. I conduct a Sunday School class. I am the director of the youth department. I take the kids on fund raisers. I take them out on evangelistic work every week. I teach soul-winning classes. I am an unprofitable servant. Although "this woman" faced the ridicule of all, she served Jesus. I do not deny myself as Jesus did Himself. He sweat drops of blood in conforming His human will to His Father's. Oh my God in heaven, strengthen me that I may defeat the flesh.

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Introspect

Lk. 6:43-45

What comes forth from my mouth? Is it even treasure to any? When I speak amongst the world, what do they hear? Is there any treasure for them to grab onto? It may be to them that what comes from my mouth is despised and rejected for it is of God, or it may be to them that it is treasured and gathers the world to me because it is of the world, wicked and evil in the sight of God. How does the world react to my presence? I don't want them to run from me solely because I bring conviction or condemnation. The Holy Spirit which dwells in me will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come. That's not my responsibility. Its not in the scope of my duties nor is it something I am capable doing rightly.

TREASURE!!!!

The love of God is a treasure. The peace of God is a treasure. The freedom of God is a treasure. The power of God is a treasure. The promises of God are treasures. If these things aren't coming forth from my mouth, they aren't in my heart. Condemnation, judgment, anger, provocation, jealousy, selfishness (withholding the Gospel from someone to preserve a reputation or comfort in the world); these things are evil treasures. Oh God, cause the good treasures to come forth.

Lord God, my Father in heaven; thou art holy, Oh thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Let Your praise live in my heart and flow out of my mouth. Oh God, I am a wicked and slothful servant. Cleanse my heart Father, replace that wicked thing with Your treasures, cause me to acknowledge every good thing that is in me in Christ Jesus, who loved me and gave Himself for me, and make the communication of my faith effective. Thou alone art holy. Thou alone deserves the praise of all creation. Thou alone has power and gives it to whom Thou wilt. Oh Lord my God, be glorified in me. Thou that seest in secret and rewardest openly, Oh God reward me openly by being glorified in me. In Christ's name, amen.

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The Acceptable Year

Matt. 4:18-19

Jesus was sent to preach the Gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, preach deliverance to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty those that are bruised. Who was He going to? Them that are whole need not a physician. He went to those in need. That need could be seen in a number of different circumstances. The angry person who speaks ill of most every person and is trapped in continual loneliness, heaviness, and dissatisfaction. The poverty stricken drunk who has neglected to bath in weeks because when he was awake, he was to drunk to care. The adulterer who has lost his second wife and has been disowned by his children. Very often when I look at people I judge them in their current state. I don't look deeper than the symptoms to see what the cause of those symptoms may be.

How quick we are to speak ill of those who are doing only what the world does. We try to bring the gospel to the "morally upright" and turn away from those who are deeply afflicted by their own sin. Those who are in greatest need are those who are greatly trapped and know no way out of their sin. They know it is wrecking their lives, but do not have the power to stop it. The lung cancer patient who to addicted to the nicotine to stop smoking. The obese, slovenly man who knows his inactivity and overeating are costing him a good quality of life and knows the end of his days are close. His recent heart attack is proof of it, but he lacks the power to turn away from his drug of choice. The drug addict who's eyes are wild, his mind enslaved, and while in the pains of withdrawals will put a knife in your back while taking your wallet in order to escape the pain he's in. He wakes up from his black out and hates his life and what he's become. He remembers the wife and children he once had, the home he and his family happily played family games in, and weeps. An instant later, the addiction grips him again, and with regret in his heart, he sets out to satisfy the beast.

The spirit of the Lord has anointed me. That means, along with the commission comes the power. I must not turn away from those in need. The leper was a horrible sight to look upon in the worst stages of the disease. He was dangerous to be around. To him, even to him I am sent. When should I go? Isn't this the acceptable year?

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Known By Doings

Pr. 20:11

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whither it be right. As I sat in a meeting yesterday a comment was made about a man committing adultery with a lady that worked for him. Another individual commented on the heals of that saying something to the effect that such a thing would need to be kept away from me. It was meant in jest and good natured and I was able to laugh along with the poke at my faith. Whether it was a good reaction or not isn't the point.

There was another man there who is also a Christian and is no less ashamed to let people know it than I am, yet the second comment was directed at me. Why? Even a child is known by his doings. Somehow I have gained a reputation for being far separated from the world. At least from openly sinful activity. The other side of that is, perhaps my reputation is one of following the letter of the law without the joy of the Spirit, and therefore my reputation is of one who is miserable in religion. Perhaps the communication of my faith is not one of freedom from bondage, but rather one of misery in bondage. Even a child is known by his doings.

I am convinced that more people would receive the Gospel of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ if they saw the truth in us. The truth shall make you free. I wonder how many slaves, after the civil war, who found true freedom walked around feeling and acting miserable? I wouldn't think there would be many. Then again, Israel rejoiced only for a time as they were going to the promised land, then longed for the bondage and hardship of Egypt. Who would want to follow that miserable crowd? My attitude depends on my focus. Am I miserable in my separation from the world? If my focus is on the world then I will be unhappy. Am I happy in my separation to God? If my focus is on Him then I will rejoice. Even a child is known by his doings. My doings, my attitude, declare who's child I am. Do they see in me restrictions, rules, regulations, and hardships? Does my faith look like a miserable thing to them? Or, do they see freedom, joy, HOPE that my God says resides in me?

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Unbridled Joy

Ps. 18:1-20

WOW! What a great way to start a praise!!! As I read that, I'm sitting in a gorgeous hotel room in Atlanta, GA which I paid $68.00 per night for. It's rated a 3.5 star Sheraton. It's a two room suite with a completely separate living room, bedroom, and bathroom. The only thing that could make this better would be to have my wife with me (sorry kids, you're not invited on this one). Its a blessing of the flesh, I know and certainly temporal, but it's an encouragement at the hand of God.

I've been swamped with extra work preparing for meetings, taking over new territories, and making preparations for the new year. Extra assignments with the ministry and Bible college courses all seem to have piled up extensively this month. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY and God is bringing me through these times of heavy burdens. I WILL LOVE THEE, O LORD, MY STRENGTH!

I've been getting an average of 5 hours of sleep per night. That's all well and good for a short period of time, but extending it over a couple of months begins to take a large toll on my ability to function. Yet God has given me the grace I need to press on. He has continually encouraged me, He has continually allowed me to see Him working, He has often come to me and said, "I am with thee, (Hag. 1:13)" PRAISE GOD!! I WILL LOVE THEE, O LORD, MY STRENGTH!

David's joy in the Lord God who created the heaven and the earth by His great power and stretched out arm is so strong that it can not be contained. Holding back that joy would cause a major blowout in an artery, no doubt. In verses 2, 3 He proclaims his faith in God. In verses 4 and 5 he makes known the state he was in and verse six he states his reaction to it. He then spends the next 14 verses describing in some detail how God came down with power and majesty for the purpose of saving David from his troubles. How great God is and mighty to save! How blessed I am to know Him and to be able to see His working! I WILL LOVE THEE, O LORD, MY STRENGTH!!

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Stay

Gen. 26:1-13

When famine comes what will I do? Where will I go? A famine is the absence of a thing that is needful, or greatly desired. Proverbs 12:13 says that hope deferred makes the heart sick. It is a famine. It is, in essence the withdrawal of God's hand in that area of my life. When the famine comes, to who or what will I turn? Egypt is always a picture of the world. Will I depart from the land of promise to receive that desired thing in Egypt? Abraham did, God said nothing, Jacob remained in the promised land, God said go to Egypt. God has a purpose. Here, God said stay.

This is where God is, this is where His blessings are. Hardship in one land does not mean that God wants me to go somewhere else. When He says stay, here I will bless you, I will be wise to choose to stay with God's blessings rather than seek those of a strange land.

How long will the famine last? Until God's purpose is fulfilled. Isaac was there a long time. No doubt he was tempted on several occasions to go to Egypt. No doubt as he labored, and toiled, and barely scratched out enough to feed those of his household the thought of the land of Egypt with the Nile river running through it and plentiful food was very appealling. He may have had some of his own household ridicule him for staying put, and when pressed for a reason he could only say, "God said." Yet he endured a long time. It may be a long time. It does not mean God isn't hearing my prayers. It does not mean God said no. It means God is molding me, teaching me, preparing me.

At some point after that long time, Isaac sowed in the land and received that same year 100 fold. I'm looking for the hundred fold in soul winning. There may be a drought for a long time. There may be a famine for a long time. What year will God bring forth the 100 fold? I don't know. He may intend to bring it the same year I decide to stop sowing.

Lord God, my Father in heaven, keep my hand on the plow, my head facing forward, my eye toward the goal, and my heart trusting You.

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Hold my Hand

Mark 8:23

Sometimes everything we know changes in a flash and we find ourselves in totally unfamiliar circumstances. Recently my job required me to travel to a new state. Not that the state was new, but it was the first time I've been there. The surroundings were unfamiliar, but I could see. I have a GPS system to guide me to the locations I needed to go to, and a few people who I knew from previous meetings to speak to occassionally so I was not completely alone. The physical changes in our environment bring stress into our lives yet we can generally familiarize ourselves and press on. It's the phsycological and emotional changes that often cause us to realize that we're blind.

When major changes in our life take place, the loss of a career, or the loss of a loved one on whom we depended for example, we often find ourselves in need of direction. We can not see clearly if at all. As we turn to people who can guide us through many of the twists and turns and help us to avoid the downfalls of this strange new and painful world, even they can not see all that is there. The wise guide does what the blind man's friends did. They bring the blind to Jesus.

This man was not satisfied to be lead about by others. He wanted to be able to see. He wanted to be able to observe. He wanted to be able to walk dependant on the gifts God gave him and not some other person. He wanted to be complete, to be whole. The brought him to Jesus.

Sometimes Jesus heals us right where we're at. Sometimes He takes us by the hand and leaves us in our current state. I must keep my hand in His. I must not pull away. I must decide that Jesus is simply going to do for me what every other person has done for me. I must trust Him and know that my prayers will be answered in His time. In the meanwhile, He has my hand. If I pull away, to whom will I go? He alone has the words of life.

Sometimes, for reasons unknown to me God must seperate me from where I am. Sometimes He wants to do His work in secret. Sometimes the healing must be done after He leads me to a secret place. Like a prayer closet, or during a private fast, or as I give beyond my means in secret (Matt 6:1-18; 2Cor 8:3). Sometimes He must take me to a place where it is only He and I so that He can have my undivided attention. Why He would spit on me to heal me is a completely different topic. I must not pull away. I must not quit following Him. No matter how far the journey, no matter how many times a trip and stumble, no matter how many times I stub my toe because He has chosen to lead me rather than heal my blindness, He has my hand. THE GOD OF THIS UNIVERSE WHO METED OUT THE HEAVENS IN THE SPAN OF HIS HAND, (Is. 40:12) holds my hand. Oh, PRAISE GOD, what a compassionate Father He is! Why should I worry?

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Hard Things

Gen. 22:1-18

It must be the hardest thing Abraham did. He did many things that were hard, leaving home in Ur of the Chaldeas was most likely hard. Letting Lot take the best of the land was probably hard. Going to battle against the five kings by himself was no doubt hard. Sending away Ishmael was definitely hard. Now, the hardest thing of all: Killing his only begotten son, the son of his old age, and offering up to God as a sacrifice. I must either love God very little, or love other things very much when in disobedience I cling to things of this world (Matt. 6:24).

God blessed Abraham in blessing, and multiplyed him in multiplying. He was truly doubly blessed. It has been the same with those who've gone after Abraham. "Thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;" I am suffering defeat at the gate my enemies. I am not reaching souls and snatching them from those gates. I think about the false religions and the churches they have built while sending souls to hell. We could use a new church, more space, more modern, less repairs, etc. We aren't possessing the gates of our enemies. In a very literal sense we could experience this blessing.

My seed is not the physical seed, nor was Abrahams. "And in they seed shall all the nations of thearth be blessed." God was speaking of Jesus Christ, that spiritual seed. My seed would also be that spiritual seed. Those who I win to Christ, but what of the things I can not keep am I willing to sacrifice so that I might gain those things that I can not lose? Show me, Oh Lord God my Father in heaven, and cleanse me.

How Much More?

Mark 6:23-26

Herod was about as ungodly a character as you could find. He took his brother's wife from him and married her for himself. Talk about wickedness. He was concerned with no one but himself and his own happiness. A young girl danced before him in such a way that his desire was aroused toward her and he promised to give her anything she asked for up to half of the kingdom he ruled over.

God has made a promise to me. He said that all I need to do is ask and I will receive what I ask for. He also put a condition, or limit upon it. The limit is not in how much I can ask for. How about that, I can ask for as much as I want. I can't imagine God saying that I could ask for anything I want even to half of His kingdom. What's half of infinity? There is no half of God's kingdom for there is no end to it. So I can ask without limits to the amount of the asking. The condition is that I ask in Jesus' name; or according to His will (Jn 16:24; Matt. 21:22). In the name of Jesus means in His stead, as His emissary or ambassador. Therefore, my asking must be that which He Himself tells me to ask. That's excellent news, for God desires to give me good gifts.

Herod was a wicked king and intent and doing his own pleasure. The request of the young girl made him sorry that he had made the oath. Yet he kept it for the sake of the oath and those that were with him. Even this wicked king understood the value of his word especially when there were witnesses. So, the Bible says that, "Nevertheless, for the oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her." I hate rejection.

How much more will God, who cannot lie (Tit. 1:2; Heb. 6:18) keep His promises to us? I think of the promise of the Holy Spirit to those who ask, (Lk. 11:11-13), and the promise to reward openly those who give, pray, and fast in secret (Matt. 6:1-18) as a couple for starters. Just one thing may prevent me from receiving, that is believing that I will receive it. It's an insult to God for me to acknowledge that He said it, but I don't believe Him. I put more confidence in the word of a man than that of God. Forgive me Father, for this sin and cleanse from it as Thou hast promised (1 Jn. 1:9). WOW! God is awesome!

They're Watching

Mark 3:1, 2

Preaching the Gospel means we are narrow minded. The fact that God will judge all and will cast those who are not written in the book of life into the lake of fire means He is not loving and that He is unjust. Can you believe it? A judge that who judges in truth and righteousness is unjust in the eyes of the guilty? It is one way to justify sin. Jesus had been healing many sick and diseased people. The lame were walking, the blind received their sight, the lepers were cleansed, the deaf heard, those possessed of devils were set free, diverse diseases were healed, and the Gospel was being preached to all. Many were coming to Him. So many in fact, that houses were filled with people simply coming to hear Jesus preach the kingdom of God. Not all came to accept, some came to accuse.

Jesus said we are the salt and light of the earth and that we were to let our lights shine so that men would see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16). Certainly THE LIGHT of the world did so, and yet there are accusers. The very people God employed to point His nation to Himself were attempting to keep the attention on themselves and steal the flock. They were seeking the preeminence. As satan said, so do his followers, "I will be like the most high." (Isa. 14:4-14). These are the spirit of the antichrist.

Jesus did not say that ALL men who saw the light would glorify my Father which is in heaven. I don't know who will and who will not. In the meantime, if they persecuted Him, they will also persecute me. If they keep His saying, they will keep mine (Jn 15:20). I must pick up my cross DAILY and follow Him. I must take His yoke upon me and learn of Him. Learning of Him means to know Him and the power of His resurection and the FELLOWSHIP of His sufferings (Phl. 3:10). How badly do I want to fellowship with Christ, my Saviour? Teach me, Oh God. Strengthen me, Oh God. As Thou spoke to those who rebuilt the temple saying, "I am with you," so speak to me and all who will follow You. We need your comfort, your encouragement, your exhortation, Your power. We thank Thee, Oh Lord God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the Spirit of truth that dwelleth in us.

Depression or Hope?

Rom. 8:18

In case anyone was wondering where the most spiritual people on earth are, look no farther than Southern United States. We follow the Biblical example in everything we do, right down to the pattern of our speech. I reckon that some will argue, but that's the way it is. Paul "reckoned" that the sufferings of this world were not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us. And you thought that speech was just some cute southern accent. It wouldn't surprise me if Paul spoke with a drawl!

All kidding aside: What hope we have in death! What a blessedness we have in entering into the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ through the door of death. To those who are saved death is simply a means to and end and a beginning. It is the final step to total victory. We are looking forward, or I ought to be at any rate to the revealing of the glory which is in me. I also look for that time when these present sufferings shall end. Without the hope of the glory of God being revealed in me, the hope of the sufferings of this present time ending are vain. How does the pain of this life motivate me? Do I look only for that to end, or am I looking forward to the revealing of the glory which is in me?

How many people in a state of depression, who have no hope in this life, who have been overtaken by the pressures, hardships, and pain of this present time have longed for their pain to end and taken their own lives only to end up in a place of torment infinitely worse than the place they are now in. The only hope they had is that the sufferings of this present time would end. They had no hope in eternity. Whether a person has hope in death is not the question, its about having the confidence that upon death, my sufferings and torment won't be increased as I burn; without hope of the torture ending, in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone forever.

Paul was a man who knew pain, suffering, and anguish. Whipped 3 times, stoned and left for dead, shipwrecked, forsaken of friends and family, suffering somehow the loss of his wife, often cast in jail and each time without cause; he knew the pain this world brings. If anyone had cause to be depressed it was him. What kept him going? The expectant looking forward to the glory that should be revealed in him. What will keep me going should I enter into such painful conditions?

I must plead with anyone who is reading this and has not the hope of entering into eternal life: accept Jesus Christ as your Savior today. You have sinned against God, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23), and will stand before Him one day in judgment. You will be found guilty of your sin as each one is recorded in a book that will be read on that day. The minimum and maximum penalty for even one sin is the same, death. You're already physically dead at this point, so there must be a second death. It is the continual, eternal burning in the lake of fire. But Jesus Christ has suffered the torment we should all suffer. He was without sin, yet took our penalty on Himself while He died undeservedly on the cross for you and me. He rose again from the dead just three days later and now offers you a gift of eternal life. It's your choice. You can refuse the gift and receive what you've earned, “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 3:23a) and suffer God's wrath, or you can receive the gift, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 3:23b) and be benefited by God's love. “But God commended His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8). If you believe these things in your heart, simply call on God to save you. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rom 10:13). Only Jesus Christ can give you the hope you crave.

Fruit Theif!

Matt. 21:33-41

All the work was finished. The fence was built, the ground was tilled, the winpress was built, the vineyard planted. There was nothing left for the husbandmen to do but dress it and keep it. Water the ground, keep the weeds out, perhaps purge a bad branch here and there, pluck the grapes, and make ready for the master of the vineyard to collect that which was his. They would be rewarded for their labors.

It wasn't enough. They wanted to keep the fruit, every last bit of it. For some reason they thought they should be entitled to the inheritance. God expects to receive fruit from us. There is the fruit of the Spirit that He wants to bring forth from us. Indeed if we're saved, He does. How does He collect that fruit? When we acknowledge it is His. When I receive the praise of men for some good thing that is in me, I have stolen my Master's fruit. If I fail to point the praise to Jesus for blessing someone through me, I am stealing what is rightfully His. When men see my good works and praise me, I rob God if I do not direct the praise to Him. Not only am I robbing God, but those who would praise me as well. I robbing them of the opportunity to get to know God, to be directed to Him, to praise Him, to be accept Him as their Lord and Savior.

There's another fruit that I frequently steal from God. The fruit of MY lips giving thanks to His name (Heb 13:15). What is luck? It is a place for me to hide the fruit of my lips giving thanks to His name. A place to hide His fruit as I endeavor to steal it. Thanking others for their service is important, but what about thanking God for providing that individual, gifting them for that service, bringing them for that service, and putting it into their hearts to complete that service? Paul often thanked God for what one person or another did. He did not thank the person directly, but let the individual know their efforts were appreciated by thanking God for them in their presence. God, help me to not steal Your fruit from You or anyone to whom You should decide to bless with it.

Unfulfilled

Jn. 4:34

I am not filled this morning. I have not received from my Bible reading what I normally do. I am filled with guilt. I am convicted of my slothfulness. I have been a wicked and slothful servant. I know God has a purpose for my life, and I know that I am failing to fulfill that purpose on a consistent basis. I am not following the will of God as I should be. It's not that I never walk in the path that He has set for me, but I certainly did not yesterday, and today I am not filled.

Have you "snacked" all day long on food but never really got full? Have you ever "snacked" all day long and never really found that one food that really "hit the spot"? I am there now. The disciples came to Jesus after He had gotten done witnessing to the woman at the well. Sometime between that and the townspeople coming out to Him, his disciples returned to Him and asked Him to eat. His response, "I have meat to eat ye know not of." Jesus had no desire to eat, He had no need at the moment. When the disciples questioned among themselves from where Jesus had received food to eat, Jesus responded and told them where His meat came from, "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me."

What was it that had satisfied the Master? Doing His Father's will and finishing His work. What was Jesus' purpose on earth? Why did He come? To seek and to save that which has been lost (Lk. 19:10). He was satisfied with that, and He knew more people were about to come to Him and He would have the opportunity to work in that capacity some more. I have done my regular Bible study. I am reading through the Bible twice this year in chronological order. Additionally I plan to read Psalms 4 times and Proverbs 14 times. So far, its been great and I've been fed. Yesterday I did not do the will of my Father in heaven; today I have no satisfying meat. I should be about my Father's business.

Hungry?

Matt 15:27

I remember when I was a child we always had a dog, sometimes several. My mom raised them, trained them, bread them, and showed them. She really did a great job and as I think back on it now her dedication is impressive. I remember the discipline in training those dogs and the restrictions that were put on us in treating them as "pets". We could play with them and have some fun, but they were not to be spoiled and her training undone. Loading them up in the station wagon and heading off on a 3 hour drive to a dog show was always an experience. I wish now that I would've paid more attention when it was my mom's time to show the dogs. I would like to have the memory of seeing her putting to work the fruits of her labor. I would always go off on a safari through the building the show was being held in.

I was often jealous of those dogs. It seemed they were treated better than the kids were. Especially in the morning. No one got anything until the dogs were taken out, fed and watered. No matter what I may want, the dogs must be taken care of first. It wasn't really like that, my mom loved us then, and does now. I was a kid, selfish. One thing my mom and dad never tolerated from our dogs was begging while we ate. They wouldn't let us feed them from the table and only on very rare occasions would they allow us to give them any table scraps when we were cleaning up after a meal. Sometimes they didn't even let them in the dining room. When they did, the dogs learned to lay quietly at the feet of the sloppiest eater. Let anything drop from the table and quicker than a bolt of lightning, one of the dogs had it in their mouth. Their speed still amazes me. So does their willingness to eat food from the worst conditions.

Dogs will lick crumbs off the dirtiest floors. Not that our floors were dirty, they weren't. My mom was a stickler for that also, but I've seen dogs lick up more dirt than food. Pr. 27:7 says that to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet. Am I hungry enough for righteousness that I would endure the bitter for a crumb of the satisfying Bread of Life? This woman was, and she was filled. God promised those that hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness will eat and drink every bitter thing. If I won't, I don't.

Proper Judgment

Matt 12:30-35

Am I with Him? If not, His judgment is that I am against Him. It does not matter to truth whether or not I agree with His judgment. His judgment is true and right. The only difference my agreement with His judgment makes is in how that affects my decisions. If I disagree, I will not seek to do anything about it and the consequences will be heavy. If I agree, then I will seek to come in line with His judgment and be found with Him. Where is He that I may be with Him? He's building His church. He's with His people, He's out gathering together all that the Father giveth Him. Where am I? More importantly, where is my heart? If I am not seeking to be used of Him to build His church, to be gathered together with His people as one of them, if I am not out gathering those whom the Father giveth Him, I am against Him. Where is my heart? Where am I? I must examine myself (2Cor 13:5), whether I be in the faith and make sure my salvation (2Pet 1:10). Am I with Him? Sometimes being with Him means enduring the afflictions of the Gospel. Am I still with Him even then? Am I gathering with Him?

What kind of tree am I? If I am not a good tree, I am a corrupt tree. What kind of fruit comes forth from me? What if I bear no fruit? Jesus answers that question as well. There is no tree, and no person that is not either good or corrupt. The fruitless fig was condemned as a corrupt tree (Matt. 21:18-21). The fruitless person likewise is condemned (Matt 13:3-23).

How do I bring forth fuit? By abiding in Him (John 15:1-8). If I abide in Him, He abides in me, and I then have good things in Christ Jesus in my heart from which my mouth may speak good things. Through this, the good things, the preaching of the Gospel, will I be able to bring forth good fruit and be judged a good tree.

All of Me

Pr. 4:20-23

How can I more completely involve myself in the word of God? How can more completely be separated unto Him and His service? How can walk closer to Him? How can better minister and serve those who the Lord puts in my path? How can ensure that I don't become distracted from The Way? How can I less often be tempted and more readily have the victory over sin? How can I love the Lord my God with all my heart, all my strength, and all my mind? This passage answers those questions. It may not be a complete and total answer, but it certainly points out to me how I may live for Him and be free from the bondage of this world and the god of it.

In order for me to attend to His words I must involve my mind. I must focus mentally on what He is saying to me. God does speak to us through His word. Webster defines attend as fixing the mind upon. I see this as so focused that my mind can not be moved; permanently attached.

I must also incline my ear unto His sayings. To incline is to point in the direction of, separate unto, close out all others and use my ear exclusively to the hearing of the word of God. When sinners entice me, I am not to consent, I am not to give them my ear. Faith comes by hearing, and that by the word of God (Rom. 10:17). How shall I hear except I incline my ear to do so? If I fill it with the worlds garbage, I shall miss God's voice.

God's words are not to depart from my eyes. Right away I know that when God speaks I must write down what He says, but I also know that I must look upon them, burn His words into the image of my mind through my eyes that I may focus upon them even when they are not readily available. It has been discovered that when we look at an image it is "burned" into our minds and we can recall that image just by thinking on it. That's why pornography is addicting. Once you look at the thing, it is burned into your mind. Now, if I don't let God's word depart from my eyes, where is the room for the evil of this world to attract me?

Lastly, I am to keep His words in the midst of my heart. How do I get them from my attentive mind, inclined ears, and focused eyes? Only by meditation and doing. I must think upon God's word constantly. I must seek His word and His will in everything I do; every decision I make. As I understand the way wherein I should walk, and I walk in it, God's word is written in my heart. It is said that love comes from the heart. "I love you with all my heart," is a popular expression and, might I add wrongfully used toward people rather than toward God, but it is only true if love is a verb. In other words, the love for someone is developed from the doing for them. In the case of our relationship with our Creator, we will grow in our love for Him as we perform His word in service to Him. He will give us the rewards of that service and His word written on our heart.

Focused Bible study and prayer involves my mind, my eyes, and my ears. Being a doer of God's word and not a forgetful hearer only involves my heart. Oh God in Heaven; my Creator, my Redeemer, my Life: hear me O God and separate me unto Thee that I may love Thee with all my heart, all my mind, all my strength, and all my soul.

Evil Eye

Pr. 3:7

I am not to walk by sight, but by faith. I see things, interpret them, analyze them, and make decisions as to what I should do as a result of that analysis. Isn't that what I'm supposed to do? God gave me eyes to see, ears to hear, a mind to think and all these abilities. Am I not supposed to use them? Yes, I am. The problem is I'm using them exclusively and not looking to God for His direction. It's not a bad thing to look at the circumstances I am surrounded by at any point in time. The problem comes when I am wise in my own eyes and neglect to seek God's guidance in the way I should go. Ps. 143:8 says, “ Cause me to know Thy lovingkindness in the morning, for in Thee do I trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk , for I lift up my soul unto Thee. ”

My failure to acknowledge God in all my ways (Pr. 3:6) results in my failure to depart from evil. Yeah, though I may seem to do it ignorantly and unintentionally it is still sin; for I know to do good; that is to fear God and seek His ways, but do it not and it is sin unto me (Jas. 4:17). I think of Num. 15:39 “ And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: ” Oh, Lord God my Father in heaven who has said that if I ask I will receive. You have promised, my God, to that You would give good things to those who ask, yeah even the Holy Spirit in fullness You will not with hold from your children. You encourage us to ask for wisdom and promise to give it. I pray Thee, oh Lord my Saviour that You would give my wisdom, even the fear of the Lord that You may be glorified in me. In Jesus' name, and for His glory; amen.

Real Freedom

Fri 02/Jan 09

Real Freedom

Matt. 6:25-34

“Take no thought for your life,” Jesus said. Why? Actually because of what He had previously said in verses 1-24, and more particularly in verse 24. The twenty three preceding verses are summed up in verse 24. If I do any activity for rewards on earth, whether those rewards be praise, power, position, or profits I am serving the master for which I do the activity. If, on the other hand I am doing them as unto the Lord and laying up treasures in heaven, I am serving God, my rightful Master. If I am going to do so, I can take no thought for my life.

Why do I go to work every day? To earn money to pay the bills, feed my family and myself, provide clothes, shelter, transportation, toys, and other things of this world. I find that I “must” work in order to survive. Therefore, I am not serving God in that work. I am serving another master. Sometimes it's the master of food, sometimes the master of clothing, sometimes the master of convenience, sometimes the master of entertainment, and almost always the master of selfishness. These can all be brought into one of three categories, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life. Providing food, shelter, and clothing – the basic necessities of life – is a good thing. Everyone in the world considers it to be a good thing. God himself says that if a man won't provide for his household he's denied the faith and is worse than an infidel (1 Tim. 5:8). I am to provide for my family out of what God gives me. I am not to serve that master. I can not serve these masters and Christ.

The master I serve is revealed in the “why” of the doing it and all too often I serve another master. I don't speak out against sin and for God at work because I don't want to face the consequences. Like the Pharisees before me, I'd rather have the praise of men than the praise of God. I am careful about who I witness to at work because I believe that I may lose my job as a result. I am serving another master. I am nowhere near as ready to preach the Gospel to every creature as I should be because I don't want to be an outcast. I am serving another master. If I am to be free as I desire to be this year, I must start now by taking no thought for even the basic necessities of life.

What then, shall I take thought of? God will make that very clear as I unclutter my mind from serving other masters. Oh, Lord God, help me to be free to serve Thee. Separate me unto You.

My Delight

Thu 01/Jan 09

My Delight

Ps. 1:1-2

What am I going to delight in this year? Many times in the past my delight was in frequently whatever “felt” good at the time. I have delighted in slothfulness, rest, wickedness, friendship, entertainment, prayer, and Bible study to name a few things. Not all of them are considered bad, not all of them are considered good.

I'm sure that if I think about it, there are many other things – such as preaching and teaching the word of God.

The desires of my flesh cry out for immediate satisfaction and to be sure my flesh delights in wickedness. The counsel of the ungodly, the way of the sinners, and the seat of the scornful are all appealing to my flesh. They promise power, fun, position, satisfaction, and fulfillment. They are lies.

The law of the Lord has delight for me. As I choose to abandon the counsel of the ungodly, the way of the sinners, and the seat of the scornful which come at me from all directions, and settle into the law of the Lord, I find incredible joy and delight. People, friends, family, etc can make me feel good, but no one can cause me to rejoice like God can. Not only do I find delight in the law of the Lord, but when I choose that delight, I receive the blessings of the Lord, which make me rich and He adds no sorrow with it (Pr. 10:22). As my theme for this year is “Redeeming the Time in 2009”, it is my goal to choose the law of the Lord for my delight.